Last week we have had near constant rain events and all of the lakes in the White River system have risen significantly and all are above power pool. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose three and six tenths feet to rest at eight and two tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty two and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has risen two and five tenths feet to rest at three and five tenths feet above power pool or twelve and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose five and eight tenths of a foot to rest at six and eight tenths of a foot above power pool or two and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White was for round the clock generation of moderate flows. This has created some excellent conditions for drift fishing.  Norfork Lake has risen two and two tenths of a foot to rest at four and seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty three and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Generation on the Norfork has been very limited, which has created some excellent wading. The Corps of Engineers has been holding back water to relieve flooding down stream. When that flooding abates, we can expect some much higher levels of generation.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers. Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been a bit spotty this past week. One day has been excellent and the next is very slow. With the lower flows we have been getting, anglers reported success on midge patterns. The most effective were zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads and red with silver wire and silver beads. The best sizes were sixteens and fourteens. Other hot patterns have been pheasant tails and egg patterns. This is a popular fishing spot for locals and visitors alike. As a result this area gets a significant amount of fishing pressure. It is imperative that boating courtesy be observed.

Wildcat Shoals has been another hotspot. Anglers have reported great success on the lower flows. The hot flies have been soft hackles. Try green butts, partridge and orange soft hackles and partridge and green soft hackles. An olive woolly bugger on a sink tip has also been quite effective. This section has not received as much pressure as others and is a great place to seek a bit of solitude.

Rim Shoals has fished well this past week. There are still some caddis coming off and there is some top water activity near the banks. This requires an accurate cast and a good drift. Several anglers have had great success with green caddis larva ticked along the bottom under an indicator. Other successful flies have been pheasant tail nymphs and zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads. Some anglers have reported success stripping olive woolly buggers against the bank. With the lower flows we have been receiving, there are several good spots to wade. To access them, take advantage of the water taxi service at Rim Shoals Trout Dock. They will take you there and pick you up for a nominal fee.

The seemingly never ending rains have left Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River high and muddy. It will take a while for it to clear. The White River below these streams has been severely stained.

The fishing on the Norfork River remains slow. There has been little generation on it recently and it has been pounded with near constant pressure. This river receives more fishing pressure per river mile than any other stream in Arkansas. If you want to achieve success under these conditions, you must realize that this is a very technical fishery. The trout have seen it all. Your fly selection must be right on. In general, the insects are smaller here. Your presentation must be flawless. You need to concentrate on a perfect drag free drift. Smaller tippets (6X or smaller) are required. If you are fishing Quarry Park the hot fly has been the sowbug. On the lower river, zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver bead (size 18) and red micro worms (size 18) have been the go to flies. There are still a few caddis out. Here again the presentation of your elk hair caddis must be flawless.

Dry Run Creek continues to fish well. There is little room to cast here so you should keep your line short. The hot fly is the sowbug and the San Juan worm in red. Though there are several spots to fish from the bank, your youngster can fish more productive water if they are wearing waders. Always carry a camera and a big net. Please be careful when landing and releasing the fish. Always wet your hands before handling fish and return them to the water as quickly as possible.

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.