We have had a substantial rain event and the reservoir levels on the White River have fallen a bit. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose two tenths of a foot to rest at thirty seven and four tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is three and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, TableRockLake fell one and five tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and one tenth of a foot above power pool or four and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. BeaverLake fell six tenths of a foot to settle at eight and two tenths feet above power pool or one and four tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White has been to run all eight generators around the clock with high flows both day and night. While these flows made for excellent boating, there have been no safe wading opportunities on the White. NorforkLake has fallen seven tenths of a foot to rest at twenty three and six tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or four and four tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run one or two generators with substantial periods of no generation at night and occasionally during the morning. This made for some limited wading conditions. On the higher water, boating conditions have been excellent.
Several local guides and other anglers have noticed reduced power from their outboard motors of late. They attribute this to the introduction of gasoline mixed with up to fifteen percent ethanol at some local gas stations. Most outboard engine manufacturers specify no more than ten percent ethanol be used in their engines. Ethanol is a powerful solvent that can damage engine seals and pit critical engine components. To prevent damage to your engine check the ethanol content of the gasoline you are using and do not use any with over ten percent or even better use one hundred percent gasoline. Your gas station should know the exact make up of their fuel. If not, find a new gas station.
Overall, the fishing has been excellent on the White River. It has at times been spectacular, particularly at the Catch and Release section at Bull Shoals Dam and the adjacent state park. The hot flies have been San Juan worms (in tan, orange and red), and brightly colored marabou jigs. Jigs have the added advantage of riding hook point up which makes them virtually weed less.
Another hot spot was Rim Shoals. Here again the most action was encountered using brightly colored San Juan worms and eggs. Those fishing just outside the Catch and Release sections had good results by using black zebra midges and copper johns as droppers.The best fishing has occurred just above the Catch and Release section in the Red Bud area. This hot fly here has been brightly colored marabou jigs.
The Norfork has been spectacular on low water. Anglers reported great success with black zebra nymphs, olive scuds, and black Norfork bead heads all in size eighteen. Other good flies were olive woolly buggers, partridge and orange soft hackles, and worm brown San Juan worms. The top producer was the green butt soft hackle. There have been some sparse sulphur hatches in mid morning and this was the key to success. In the afternoon, on higher water, fishing slows a bit. Use conventional high water techniques and if you are not fishing Catch and Release consider using a dropper tied to the lead flies. Black zebra midges and copper johns are great flies for this purpose.
Dry Run Creek has been a local hot spot. This is a great place for you to while away the summer with your children or grand children. It is also a great place to beat the heat. This tight little creek is always fifteen to twenty degrees cooler. It is like air conditioning. Be sure and use at least 4X tippet because the fish here are huge. Remember to pinch down the barbs. This is Catch and Release water. Always use barbless hooks when fishing with children no matter where you fish.
Crooked Creek has been a bit high and was very stained after the thunder storm earlier this week. As a result, it has not fished well this week. In addition, with the water this off color, canoeing is treacherous as it is more difficult to see under water obstructions.
Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home.
John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.
