|
Wichita, Kansas
Home
Page
About
Us
Tour of Store
Online
Sales
Baits
Lures
Tackle
Lure Making
Fly Fishing
Info Center
Check Out
What's New
With Zeiner's
Merchandise
Specials
Fishing Reports
Fishing News
Contact
Us
Have You Read
Have
You Tried
Back To
|
|
Fly Fishing Reports
Jan-Mar 2007 |
March 28, 2007 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
White River Levels: According
to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the White
River stages are:
8.29 feet at Georgetown (flood stage 21 feet)
21.13 feet at Augusta (flood stage 26 feet)
8.51 feet at Newport (flood stage 26 feet)
8.34 feet at Batesville (flood stage 15 feet)
4.51 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage 19 feet)
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Little Red River: Lindsey's
Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is low and there has been
little generation. Trout fishing has been great on chartreuse
PowerBait, marshmallow/wax worm combinations and Buoyant spoons.
Fly-anglers are doing well on olive or brown micro jigs and black
zebra midges.
Jed Hollan at The Little Red
Fly Shop in Heber Springs said Greers Ferry Lake is down to top
power pool and the generators have stopped operating around the
clock. The low water is cold and clear, and the fishing is great!
We are now back to weather determining water releases instead
of lake level driven releases. It seems that, after several weeks
of water releases, the fish are biting most everything. Tan or
dark gray sow bugs are working well along with red asses, gold
ribbed hare's ears, red zebra midges, March brown nymphs and
brown wooly buggers. There are many small brown trout in the
river (about 1-2 inches long) as a result of last year's spawn.
Many of our customers have been reporting that they are catching
a lot of six inch long brown trout. A few may indeed be browns
but the majority is brook trout. Arkansas Game & Fish had
16,400 brook trout left over from a stocking project on another
river. They put 8,200 of them in the Little Red at Ramsey Access
and an equal number at Dripping Springs access in Pangburn. These
brookies (Arctic Char) have since migrated 19 miles up the river
to Winkley Shoal (Swinging Bridge) on their way to the colder
water at Kennedy Park.
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Wilderness Trail (870-445-2703) said fishing has
been good on Berkley Power Eggs in yellow, pink and bubblegum
along with Power Wigglers in pink. With generation the Buoyant
Spoons, Colorado spoons and Little Cleos are the baits of choice.
The fly-fishermen have done well with little generation on olive
woolly buggers, San Juan worms in bright colors, and sow bugs.
Norfork Tailwater: Gene's Trout
Dock (870-499-5381) said water releases have been between one
or two generators. The early morning hours have proven very good
for low water, and fly-fishing has been great. Olive and black
woolly buggers and sow bugs have dominated the eating pattern.
Fishing was tough when the turbines ran last week. Be patient
and get your fly or bait down far enough for the trout. Don't
add more weight to your line, just slow your boat's drift. Frozen
shad, nightcrawlers, corn, red wigglers, Power Eggs and salmon
eggs are always a good choice to use for bait.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
reports the lake's elevation at 1,120.48 feet MSL.
Beaver Tailwater:McLellan's
Fly Shop said generation has decreased this week, especially
during the weekend. Watch for little or no generation, producing
some excellent wade-fishing opportunities. Fishing high water
out of a boat can be productive using San Juan worms, egg patterns,
and shad patterns like the Arkansas beadhead. During low water,
midge patterns are always important on Beaver Tailwater. Patterns
like the jujubee, the poison tung, and the zebra midge have been
fooling lots of trout this week, and especially on breezy days.
Griffith's gnats and other midge dry fly patterns have been hooking
plenty of trout as well.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina
(870-670-4496) said the water is clear and at normal levels.
Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are excellent
on minnows and jigs fished in 8 to 10 feet of water. Bass are
biting well on crankbaits and soft-plastic worms. Catfishing
is good on chicken livers and nightcrawlers.
March 22, 2007 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver
Dam Store crew! - BEAVER TAILWATER: Its been spring time
fishing at its best on the tailwater, with period of frantic
activitivy, growling thunder, wind, fat fish, slow patches and
cold fronts. You have to come prepared for every eventuality.
The more you have in your gearbag in terms of imagination, tactics
patience and fly patterns to get fish consistently. The ebb and
flow during the day can be remarkable. We have had some very
good trips during the week. The Jones boys, Ian 15 and Morgan,
12, slayed them Sunday, outfishing a lot of older, and wiser
fly fishers. This pair had earnt a smile from the fishing gods
after enduring some of the worst spring weather last year, and
showing lots of perseverance in tough fishing.
Interestingly part of the reason they may have been doing well
was their shorter casts were targetting fish crusing the close
edges which longer casting adults were casting over and probably
spooking.
Trout fly recommendation focus on Bryce's Midge in Green (18s
and 20s), definately use your 6x tippet. Green-Yellow Hot Wire
Princes, Copper Johns, and Olive Hare's Ears are also working
well. Brighter days choose the Blue Dun Cadion Midge, Tungsten
Rainbow Warriors, Poison Tungs and everyday Black/Silver Zebra
Midges. You can also fish our Anything Butt Pupa and Soft Hackle
sowbugs for good results.
Drifted Woolly and Crystal Buggers in Olive White and Brown has
been killer technique, when the midge hatches slow. Baby Buggers
in olive and black are also working well
Our favorite McLellan's Hunchback Scud in Tan, Copper and Olive
is working very nicely in the lower half of the Trophy Zone don't
leave home without them. Offset the point a touch during the
afternoons for better hookups. The fish have definately been
quick to drop flies, so quick hands help.
Later in the afternoon, from around 3pm, the fishing has really
been heating up after a midday lull. The fish start hitting harder
and more often so don't go home early.
WELL, Spring Crazyness is upon
us. We have great trout fishing here, and below Bull Shoals to
fish (the caddis are ON). Hillbilly Coho (white bass) are slamming
flies and bending rods on the Upper White, and its Mayfly Time
on Roaring River.
Its almost a relief that we
don't have the whites and walleye in the tailwater in number
or this report might have to have a little hiatus. But the white
are coming.
FLYFISH FOR FAITH HOWIE
Here is a great opportunity to fly fish Beaver Tailwater, have
some fun and help a brave four-year-old local girl fight leukemia.
The Faith Howie Benefit Tournament, will be held on the tailwater
on Saturday, April 21. We'd encourage all of the Dam Store family
to get behind this event, being run by one of our regulars Toby
Vaughan. If you have ever visited internet bulletin boards you
probaly have seen Toby posting as "Antron Midge"
The cost of the tournament is $100 for a 4-person team or $25
per person. ALL of the money raised with go to the Faith Howie
Fund. Toby already has some 10 teams registered for the event,
_ and don't worry if you can't get a full 4 person team together.
Toby will put together teams on the morning. The assembly place
is the Beaver Dam Store, and we'd suggest everyone arrive early
(ready to go by 7.30am) for the 8am start.
Toby has also collected a bunch of donation items including rods,
flies, artwork and more. So bring your checkbook or cash. Remeber
it all goes to helping a great little girl
Toby told us that Faith, just 4-years-old was diagnosed with
leukemia in mid-February. To help offset the family's medical
bills and other costs he decided to approach his fly fishing
friends with a catch and release, teams fly fishing event, a
fun event with a real purpose.
""First of all thanks to all for the thoughts, prayers
and well wishes, the Howie family appreciates it more than you
know. To update everyone, little Faith is doing great with her
treatments! The doctors are really pleased with her early progress.
The cost of the tournament is 100 dollars per 4 person team,
or 25 dollars per person. There will be trophies awarded
to the winning team, BUT 100% of every penny we raise is going
to the family.
There will be an auction table
as well with various items such as rods,flies ect ect. We will
fish whatever the water conditions or weather. (unless lighting).
We are also collecting items to auction and all donations will
be accepted.
Together we can make a difference in this young lady's life.
I am asking all teams to be present at 7:30 am to pay entry as
well as a quick explanation of rules. There will also be a table
for auction items, so if you are looking for a good rod, or some
flies this might be for you!
When you pay your team/individual entry, I am asking you make
the payment to the Faith Howie Fund.
If you have any questions feel free to call me anytime (479-524-2412)
or email me at tobydee@cox.net.
If you would like to send a donation send it to
Toby Vaughan
2598 Summit Drive
Siloam Springs AR 72761
please mark the package "Faith's Fund" so that
I will put all together. Thanks again for all of your support
RULES: The cost of the tournament
is 100 dollars per 4 person team, or 25 dollars per person.
The rules are pretty simple, each member can measure 1 fish,
and the first fish caught by the team must measured.
The other 3 members may continue to catch and release fish until
they choose to measure a fish.
All trout must released unharmed
to the stream. Single Barbless hooks must be used as well.
The anglers may switch flies as often as they like, but once
they "board" their fish they are cannot measure any
other fish _ but are welcome to keep fishing for fun.
MAYFLY TIME
MAYFLY magic is back on on Roaring River. If ytou remeber a few
week's back we previewd our selection of Spring Sulphur and PMD
patterns, well come in pick them up and hit Roaring River midweek.
This is the best mayfly action in the area. Steve slipped up
the road midweek for a little reconnaisance and found two former
clients Harold and Eva Beck sitting in his favorite stretch _
with neither a fish to their credit.
A quick change of flies, from the usual tailwater fare over to
mayfly bugs, and both were soon tight to fish on dry flies. Eva
of course scored the best fish a brown of almost 17". The
sillyness continued for probably 3 hours and the fish were still
rising when we left.
The hatch wasn't all that thick, with few visible bigs in the
air but there was plenty of fish feeding on emergers in the drift.
Each day it should get better.
Of course the downside of Roaring River is the lack of ettiquette,
even from people you would expect better from. The trio had two
fairly experienced fly fishers come in and try to shift them
off the spot, after they started catching fish, but casting over
their position from upstream. All we can suggest is be patient
and sit out the idiots.
If you want to experience the best of this hatch, and the Pale
Evening Duns and tricos to come, drop by and talk to Steve.
WHITE BASS FEVER
WE are still getting great reports on "Hillbilly Coho"
and hybrid runs in the Upper White. Take floating lines, plenty
of Olive, Chartruese and Tutti Frutti Clousers and Jiggies to
the Twin Bridges Area off 45 east of Fayetteville.
Look for the holding water, eddies, slack water behind deadfalls
and the heads and tailouts of pools above and below shoals. A
moderately fast retrieve is generally best. So far it seems as
if the Whites on the Tailwater are still downstream in the Holiday
Island area, and we are awaiting their arrival in the next week
or two.
EVENTS
APRIL 9: Steve will be speaking about fly fishing Beaver Tailwater
at the Fort Smith Fly Fisher's Club monthly meeting in Fort Smith.
6.30pm. Creekmore Park Community Building.
APRIL 21: Faith Howie Benefit Tournament, Beaver Tailwater. 8am-3pm
APRIL 12: Tulsa Fly Fisher's Monthly meeting. Steve will be speaking
on Beaver Tailwater at 7pm, Martin East Regional Library, 2601
S. Garnet . More details on the club click here <http://http//members.cox.net/tffstreamline/>
MAY 4-5: Smallmouth Rendezvous in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. A really
fun event, lots of tying and lots of casting, plus you can go
play in the Illinois river for smallies and more. More details
click here <http://www.okieflyfishers.org/smallmouth.html>
.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa, Steve, and Bryce.
March 14, 2007 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Arkansas River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
as of Wednesday the Arkansas River stages are:
4.75 feet at Dardanelle (flood
stage 32 feet)
9.61 feet at Morrilton (flood stage 30 feet)
7.21 feet at Little Rock (flood stage 23 feet)
31.35 feet at Pine Bluff (flood stage 42 feet)
26.11 feet at Pendleton (flood stage 31 feet)
White River Levels: According
to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the White
River stages are:
8.11 feet at Georgetown (flood
stage 21 feet)
19.36 feet at Augusta (flood stage 26 feet)
6.60 feet at Newport (flood stage 26 feet)
7.17 feet at Batesville (flood stage 15 feet)
4.09 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage 19 feet)
Statewide Family and Community
Fishing Report: Trout have been biting very well on chartreuse
or pink PowerBait tipped with a wax worm. A few catfish have
been taken recently on chicken liver, and several crappie have
been caught on minnows in late afternoon. Regular catfish stockings
will begin in April. For more information on stockings, call
toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Little Red River: Lindsey's
Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is running off and on with
only one generator online at a time. Trout are biting excellently
on wax worms, PowerBait and panfish worms. Almost everyone fishing
is catching their limit.
Jed Hollan at The Little Red
Fly Shop in Heber Springs said Greers Ferry is back to Zone 2,
which means they will generate the equivalent of two generators
for 12 hours every day until the lake level is at top power pool.
The good news is that they will be shutting down periodically
which will provide windows of opportunity for wade fishermen.
The algae problem may have been temporarily relieved by all the
water releases. Flies that have been working include dark gray
beadhead sow bugs (no.14-16), red asses (no. 16), woolly buggers
(olive, no. 10-12), San Juan worms (no. 16-18) and midges (red
or olive, no. 16-22).
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Wilderness Trail
(870-445-2703) said fishing has been good on Berkley Power Eggs
in yellow, pink and bubblegum along with Power Wigglers in chartreuse
or pink. During generation, Buoyant Spoons, Colorado spoons and
Little Cleos are the baits of choice. Fly-fishermen have done
well with little generation on olive woolly buggers, San Juan
worms in bright colors, and "unreal" eggs in peach
or white. Browns are being caught on Countdowns, Rogues and nightcrawlers.
Norfork Tailwater: Gene's Trout
Dock (870-499-5381) said the water is clear and running off and
on. Brown trout are biting well on no. 7 silver Countdown Minnows
and corn.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Tailwater: McLellan's
Fly Shop said generation has decreased this week, especially
during the weekend. Watch for little or no generation, producing
some excellent wade-fishing opportunities. Fishing high water
out of a boat can be productive using San Juan worms, egg patterns,
and shad patterns like the Arkansas beadhead. During low water,
midge patterns are always important on Beaver Tailwater. Patterns
like the jujubee, the poison tung, and the zebra midge have been
fooling lots of trout this week, and especially on breezy days.
Griffith's gnats and other midge dry fly patterns have been hooking
plenty of trout as well.
March 18, 2007 - White River Tailwater - Fished the White River this past couple of days
(March 16-18) with success typically dominated by power generation
patterns. I caught almost all of my trout (mostly rainbows but
one real nice brown) on a green beadhead sparkle emergent caddis,
at one point I caught a fish on nearly every cast. Get up early
and beat the generators for the best fishing.
Steve Schaff
March 14, 2007 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Arkansas River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
as of Wednesday the Arkansas River stages are:
6.23 feet at Dardanelle (flood stage 32 feet)
10.83 feet at Morrilton (flood stage 30 feet)
7.56 feet at Little Rock (flood stage 23 feet)
31.59 feet at Pine Bluff (flood stage 42 feet)
26.19 feet at Pendleton (flood stage 31 feet)
White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, as of Wednesday the White River stages are:
12.45 feet at Georgetown (flood stage 21 feet)
22.46 feet at Augusta (flood stage 26 feet)
9.83 feet at Newport (flood stage 26 feet)
7.99 feet at Batesville (flood stage 15 feet)
4.11 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage 19 feet)
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report:
This is the final week for Program trout stockings. More than
60,000 trout have been stocked statewide, and the fishing will
continue to be good for at least the next month. Catfish and
large hybrid stripers have been biting very well on chicken liver
and nightcrawlers. Bream are beginning to bite on redworms. Catfish
stockings will begin in April. For more information on trout
stockings, call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water
is at normal level for this time of year and one generator is
running for a few hours in the afternoon. Trout fishing is good
on wax worms with marshmallows or chartreuse Power Eggs.
Jed Hollan at The Little Red Fly Shop in Heber Springs
said Greers Ferry is back to Zone 2, which means they will generate
the equivalent of two generators for 12 hours every day until
the lake level is at top power pool. The good news is that they
will be shutting down periodically which will provide windows
of opportunity for wade fishermen. The algae problem may have
been temporarily relieved by all the water releases. Flies that
have been working include dark gray beadhead sow bugs (no.14-16),
red asses (no. 16), woolly buggers (olive, no. 10-12), San Juan
worms (no. 16-18) and midges (red or olive, no. 16-22).
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Gaston's White River Resort said high water and
shad are coming through, the gates, and many brown trout in the
2- to 4-lb. class have been caught. Most browns are being caught
on no. 9 and 7 Countdown Rapalas, 1/8-ounce white jigs, silver
Rogues and spoons. Water generation has been running around the
clock, with six units running full time. Power Eggs in yellow
and white with Glo-worms are still catching plenty of rainbows.
Gold Cleo spoons and Buoyant Spoons will catch rainbows, too.
Fly-fishing on high water is best with red San Juan worms, white
woolly buggers, white shad flies and egg patterns in yellow,
peach and red.
Wilderness Trail (870-445-2703) said fishing the White River
has been good on Berkley Power Eggs in yellow and white along
with Power Wigglers in chartreuse or white. With generation,
Buoyant Spoons, Colorado spoons and Little Cleos are the baits
of choice. Fly-anglers have done well with little generation
on olive woolly buggers, San Juan worms in bright colors, and
"unreal" eggs in peach or white. Brown trout are being
caught on Countdowns, Rogues and nightcrawlers.
Norfork Tailwater: Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381)
said the water is clear and running off and on. Brown trout are
biting well on no. 7 silver Countdown Minnows and corn.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Tailwater: McLellan's Fly Shop said generation has decreased
somewhat this week. Watch for little or no generation this weekend,
producing some excellent wade-fishing opportunities. Fishing
high water out of a boat can be productive using San Juan Worms,
egg patterns, as well as shad patterns like the Arkansas Beadhead
this time of year. During low water, midge patterns are always
important on Beaver tailwater. Patterns like the jujubee, the
poison tung, and the zebra midge have been fooling many trout
this week, especially on breezy days.
March 9, 2007 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver
Dam Store crew! -
GREAT to get back home and enjoy some time on the tailwater.
Travel is great and all of us at the store have a lot of fun
on the winter show circuit. meeting old friends, making some
new ones and for Bryce and Steve introducing the art of the long
wand to a wider audience.
But there's no place like your
home river, and the boys enjoyed playing on the tailwater this
week. Spring is in the air, the generation shuts down between
8pm-10pm so keep the number in your cell phone 417 336 5083 to
fine tune when you hit the river. There is sooo much fishing
coming its exciting. If we stock and think about it _ man it
just gives you shivers. We have had some reports of White Bass
and Walleye in the Upper White already, and they are coming this
way too, the caddis hatch is firing on the White below Bull Shoals,
and then there is the Beaver Lake stripers and hybrids. Plus
we are looking at chasing some of these elusive big Beaver rainbows
and browns in a very new way _ stay tuned for that!
In this week's report we give
you run down on some great new fly patterns to add to your boxes,
fill you in on some upcoming events and of course the fly fishing
report.
FISHING REPORT
We are currently getting late morning (10-12) shut down of generation,
and the water is falling out fairly slowly, given the height
of Table Rock Lake. The fishing is fairly slow as the water drops
too, as it takes a while for the fish to move out of their highwater
hidey holes and back into their normal feeding lanes. Work the
backwaters and eddies with drifted buggers in black, olive or
white on the falling water for some action. These patterns were
also working well during low water stripped with a quick short
jerky retrieve
.
Midges and scuds are the hot ticket right now in low water. Bryce's
Green Cadion Midge (16 or 18) are working very well as the midge
hatch thickens. The Cadion blue dun is also worth carrying, as
are smaller flyes like the Tungsten Rainbow Warrior, Tungsten
WD40 in Olive.
McLellan's Hunchback Scuds in tan and Olive are hot, if your
outside the Trophy Zone fish them with a sowbug or midge pattern.
CADDIS, AND SULPHURS
SPRING is in the air and its time for a couple of our regiuon's
most spectacular hatches. And not we aren't talking about teensy
weensy little midges either _ that that is pretty good too.
The Bull Shoals section of the White hosts a huge green caddis
hatch at this time of year and over the past week has been kicking
into gear. The scary things is neither Bryce nor Steve has hit
it at its peak _ yet, And they have still had great fishing.
These are big 16-14 caddis, and its one of the "underground"
events that isn't to be missed.
The caddis start coming off downstream and follow the warming
water upstream _ you can track its progress on the White River
bulletin board <http://p222.ezboard.com/White-River/fflyfishingarkansasandmissourifrm8>
on John Wilson's Fly Fishing Arkansas and Missouri Forum. The
latest we heard was downstream of Cotter.
Now we love mayfly fishing, its traditions the etherial beauty
of these slender elegant bugs, and the trout are pretty keen
on them as well. Our best mayfly hatch is another spring favorite,
the Sulphurs (if your Western Minded) or Pale Morning or Pale
Evening Duns if you have East Coast tendencies. Either way these
yellow-tinted Ephemeralla can provide our best mayfly action
of the year. Close to home they best on Roaring River (though
have have seen some on Beaver as well) and the Norfolk and the
Bull Shoals sections of the White also can feature great emergences.
Think long fine leaders, accurate casting and big fish eating
emergers and dries with delicious abandon. We brought in a bunch
of new patterns into the store based on our experiences and recommendations
from some of our best buddies for both hatches
CADDIS
Matthew's X-Caddis Olive: Great low riding pattern with the visibility
of a dry and the shuck of a trapped emerger. Our version's are
prettier than the pic at left, and you'll be very keen to give
them a swim. Craig Matthews run the Blue Ribbon Fly Shop in West
Yellowstone and his flies just work.
LATFONTAINE'S SPARKLE PUPA: The all-time great emerger pattern
from the master observer of trout food, the late Gary LaFontaine.
Fish this, when the trout are swirling and bulging, like you
would a soft hackle, swinging on the current past their noses.
Not so traditional but you'll be surprised how many times it
will get taken on the surface too. Carry lots.
GLOW BUBBLE CADDIS: This is one sexy little bug. Weight, sparkle,
halo effect of the Sparkle Pupa. This is going to be good. Don't
be afraid to fish it summer through fall, down on the bottom.
BARR'S GRAPHIC CADDIS: Great fly from one of the trout catchin'-est
dentists to ever throw a whip finish. John Barr=Copper John.
Need we say more. John fished this fly himself on the White system
and from reports slayed them. This is a fly to have.
MATTHEW'S IRIS CADDIS: In caddis emerger's scruffy is good. Caddis
don't have the elegance of an emerging mayfly but that's doesn't
both the trout. Another killer pattern from the vice of Western
guru Craig Matthews. Its meant to be fished dry as an emerger,
but I wouldn't be embarrassed to dunk it either as a shallow
running nymph.
KEN'S JELLY CORD CADDIS: Gummy worms for trout. Its got weight,
color and feel. Besides all your fishing buddies will think you
are way cool with a couple of these in your box. Fish this all
year round on Norfolk and Bull.
SULPHURS/PMDs
LAWSON'S NO HACKLE PMD: Buy 'em, don't tie them. Tough to tie
and fragile. But this is the go to fly when the fish are big
and tough, and have all the time in the world to inspect the
fly. Steve fell for this fly on the PhD trout of the Henry's
Fork and Silver Creek. Its perfect for the skinny Water at McLellans
and some of our favorite glides on Roaring River.
LAWSON'S CRIPPLED DUN PMD: One of the best Cripple's on the market.
It looks like a flat water pattern (and works well) but the deer
hair wing will keep it up and visible on even splashy ripples.
This could be our first choice for searching up some fish. Use
floatant only on the post
LAWSON'S THORAX PMD: There is a good reason we have 3 of Mike
Lawson's flies in this list. Mike own's Henry's Fork Angler in
Last Chance, Idaho on the banks of the West's finest dry fly
water _ the Henry's Fork of the Snake. Its slow water, braided
currents, lots of bugs and lots of weed. The fish are smart and
20" is just a good fish. His flies are borne of necessity
and get plenty of scrutiny. The throax flies are a very good
alround mayfly.
Early in the hatch simple nymphs work well. Pheasant tails, with
or without beads and flashbacks are fine. Run them as a dropper
below these patterns. Or once we get Steve strapped down to the
tying desk, his tungsten thorax bead mutation of Skip Morris'
excellent Skip Nymph should be back in our Dam Store Premium
Fly Box . We say mutation as according to the Aussie he was trying
to remember how to tie a Skip Nymph but had lost all his samples
down the throats of Norfolk and Roaring River trout.
EVENTS
MARCH 15-17: NAFF Sowbug Roundup, Mountain Home. Lots of fly
tying demonstrations, programs and more. For more details click
here <http://www.northarkansasflyfisher.org/Sowbug2.html>
.
APRIL 9: Steve will be speaking about fly fishing Beaver Tailwater
at the Fort Smith Fly Fisher's Club monthly meeting in Fort Smith.
6.30pm. Creekmore Park Community Building.
APRIL 12: Tulsa Fly Fisher's Monthly meeting. Steve will be speaking
on Beaver Tailwater at 7pm, Martin East Regional Library, 2601
S. Garnet . More details on the club click here <http://http://members.cox.net/tffstreamline/>
MAY 4-5: Smallmouth Rendezvous in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. A really
fun event, lots of tying and lots of casting, plus you can go
play in the Illinois river for smallies and more. More details
click here <http://www.okieflyfishers.org/smallmouth.html>
.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa, Steve, and Bryce
March 7, 2007 - Lake Taneycomo - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service -
Lake Level: 915.0
Normal Pool: 915.0
Temp: 43-48
Lake Taneycomo Trout I'm catching some nice rainbows and a few
browns on a small Rapala in the morning and also swimming a white
1/16 ounce jig. The trout in the trophy area will also take pink
or green micro jigs under a float and a zebra midge has also
been very good. Below the trophy are from Fall Creek down, the
trout are biting very good on night crawlers or power baits.
In the early morning you can catch them swimming a 1/16 ounce
jig or little Cleo spoon, in line spinners are also good in the
mornings.
Bill Beck
March 7, 2007 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
as of Wednesday the White River stages are:
18.63 feet at Georgetown (flood stage 21 feet)
28.61 feet at Augusta (flood stage 26 feet)
14.91 feet at Newport (flood stage 26 feet)
8.18 feet at Batesville (flood stage 15 feet)
3.62 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage 19 feet)
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report:
Anglers are catching trout in the ponds on green and white PowerBait,
yellow corn and Roostertails. Corn, trout magnets, silver spoons
and Cooper super dupers are working well in Rock Creek.
Catfish, bream and hybrid striped bass are also being caught
in the ponds with the rising warmer temperatures. For more information
on trout stockings, call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water
has been high, running for 24 hours a day to get the lake level
down. The best fishing has been on Rapalas, Rogues, Shad Raps
and large shad-colored streamers.
Jed Hollan at The Little Red Fly Shop in Heber Springs said Greers
Ferry is back to Zone 2, which means they will generate the equivalent
of two generators for 12 hours every day until the lake level
is at top power pool. The good news is that they will be shutting
down periodically which will provide windows of opportunity for
wade fishermen. The algae problem may have been temporarily relieved
by all the water releases. Flies that have been working include
dark gray beadhead sow bugs (no.14-16), red asses (no. 16), woolly
buggers (olive, no. 10-12), San Juan worms (no. 16-18) and midges
(red or olive, no. 16-22).
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Gaston's White River Resort said browns are being
caught in the 2 to 4 pound class and larger. Ten pound browns
have been somewhat common. This is the first shad "run"
the area has had in four or five years. Most browns are being
caught on #9 and #7 Countdown Rapalas, 1/8 ounce white jigs,
Silver Rogues and spoons. Water generation has been running around
the clock, with 6 to 7 units running fulltime. Power Eggs in
yellow and white with Glo-worms are still catching plenty of
rainbows. The gold Cleo Spoons and Buoyant Spoons will catch
rainbows as well. Fly fishing on this high water will probably
be best with red San Juan Worms, white wooly buggers, white shad
flies and Egg Patterns in yellow, peach and red. The rainbows
are hitting white/chartreuse and yellow Power Bait. Other baits
that are working on the rainbows are white worms, gold Cleos
and Buoyant Spoons. Fly fisherman are using egg patterns, wooly
buggers, and red San Juan Worms can help weigh down a stringer.
Wilderness Trail (870-445-2703) said fishing the White River
has been good on Berkley Power Eggs in yellow and white along
with Power Wigglers in chartreuse or white. With generation,
Buoyant spoons, Colorado spoons and Little Cleos are the baits
of choice. Fly-anglers have done well with little generation
on olive woolly buggers, San Juan worms in bright colors, white
doll flies (jigs) and "unreal" eggs in peach or white
Brown trout are being caught on Countdowns, Rogues and nightcrawlers.
Norfork Tailwater: Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381)
said water releases at Norfork Dam have been up and down. Two
turbines at the Norfork Dam have been generating inconsistent
patterns. Trout tend to sit back and wait for even flows. Be
patient and work the riffles, banks, tree limbs and shallows.
Get your lure down to the tips of the moss by slowing your boat
down.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Tailwater: McLellan's Fly Shop said generation has decreased
somewhat this week, producing some excellent wade-fishing opportunities.
Fishing high water out of a boat can be productive using San
Juan worms, egg patterns and shad patterns such as the Arkansas
Beadhead this time of year. During low water, midge patterns
are always important on Beaver Tailwater. Patterns like the jujube
midge, the poison tung, and the zebra midge have been fooling
many trout this week, especially on breezy days. Griffith's gnats
and other midge dry fly patterns have been hooking plenty of
trout as well.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Little Missouri River: Jeff Guerin
of Little Missouri Flyfishing says the Flat has seen some action
using a Long Creek fly as fish were finding the odd March Brown
popping out. The water has been pretty chilly and the bugs just
aren't that active yet. At Hind's Bluff try drifting a B&B
Little Mo Wooly into the deep moving water in the lower half
of the pool.
March 1, 2007 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
as of Wednesday the White River stages are:
20.23 feet at Georgetown (flood
stage 21 feet)
31.07 feet at Augusta (flood
stage 26 feet)
19.65 feet at Newport (flood
stage 26 feet)
9.97 feet at Batesville (flood
stage 15 feet)
8.54 feet at Calico Rock (flood
stage 19 feet)
Statewide Family and Community
Fishing Report: Anglers are catching
trout in the ponds on Power Bait, corn and red Rooster Tails.
Trout magnets, silver spoons and small nymph patterns are working
well in Rock Creek. Bream and a few catfish have been biting
with the warmer weather. For more information on trout stockings,
call toll-free (866) 540-FISH (3474). CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort <http://mailsage.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=10YMzLMSFd>
(501-302-3139) said the water is clear and at normal level. Trout
are biting well on wax worms and marshmallows, corn and Power
Eggs. Marabou jigs, Little Cleos and Rooster Tails have been
working as well.
Mark Hollan at The Little Red
Fly Shop <http://mailsage.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=10YIzLMOFZ>
in Heber Springs said the brown trout spawn is over, but egg
patterns are still working well. Other flies that are proving
productive include the Red Ass (#16), tan bead head Sowbug (#14-#16),
Zebra Midge (red or olive #16), San Juan Worm (#14-#18 especially
when the water is high - more on that in a moment) and olive
or brown woolly buggers (#8-#12). Dry patterns are Adams (#16),
BWO (#16) and Midges (#22-#24).
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Gaston's White River Resort <http://mailsage.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=4pMzH7OEZ>
said high water and shad are coming through making it an excellent
time for trophy fishing. Many browns being caught in the 2 to
4 pound class and larger. Ten pound browns have been somewhat
common. This is the first shad "run" the area has had
in four or five years. Most browns are being caught on #9 and
#7 Countdown Rapalas, 1/8 ounce white jigs, Silver Rogues and
spoons. Water generation has been running around the clock, with
6 to 7 units running fulltime. Power Eggs in yellow and white
with Glo-worms are still catching plenty of rainbows. The gold
Cleo Spoons and Buoyant Spoons will catch rainbows as well. Fly
fishing on this high water will probably be best with red San
Juan Worms, white wooly buggers, white shad flies and Egg Patterns
in yellow, peach and red. The rainbows are hitting white/chartreuse
and yellow Power Bait. Other baits that are working on the rainbows
are white worms, gold Cleos and Buoyant Spoons. Fly fisherman
are using egg patterns, wooly buggers, and red San Juan Worms
can help weigh down a stringer.
Wilderness Trail <http://mailsage.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=4pMzH7OEd>
(870-445-2703) said fishing the White River has been good on
Berkley Power Eggs in yellow and white along with white marabou
jigs with or without a chrome dome head. With generation the
Buoyant Spoons, Colorado spoons and Little Cleo's are the baits
of choice. The fly fishermen have done well with little generation
on olive Woolly Buggers, San Juan worms in bright colors, white
doll flies (jigs) and "unreal" eggs in peach or white.
The browns are being caught on Countdowns, Rogues and nightcrawlers.
Norfork Tailwater: Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381) said the water
is clear and there has been two generator running. Trout fishing
has been good with corn, frozen shad and red worms.
Cranfield Junction Bait and
Tackle (870-492-5141) said the water is clear. Crappie fishing
is fair on minnows and jigs in 25 to 40 feet of water around
brush piles. Bass are good on crank baits in 10 to 60 feet of
water. Striper fishing is fair with jerk baits in the main part
of the lake and in the lake arms. Trout are biting fair on live
shades of jerk baits.
McLellan's Fly Shop <http://mailsage.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=10YMjHNOEd>
said water releases have been pretty heavy. Fly fishing the high
water from a boat has been very productive. Just remember to
use larger strike indicators, flies and split shot as well as
longer leaders and heavier tippet. Best flies have been: McLellan's
Hunchback Scud Tan Rainbow and Copper (14-16), Flashback Scud
Tan, Olive and Gray (12-16), McLellan's Woven Sow Bug (14-16),
Mercury Brassie (18-20), Sidewinder Midge (20-26), Mercury Blood
Midge (20-22), Zebra Jujubee Midge (20-22), Poison Tung Black
(20), Mercury Black Beauty (20-22), Gray Mercury Midge (20-22),
Flashtail Mini Egg (16-18), Unreal Egg (16), Shiela Sculpin (4),
Exasperator Sculpin (2), Ziwi (4), San Juan Worm, Arkansas Beadhead
(8), McLellan's DOA Shad.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Tailwater: McLellan's Fly Shop <http://mailsage.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=10YMjHNOEd>
said generation has decreased somewhat this week. Especially
during the weekend, watch for little or no generation, producing
some excellent wade-fishing opportunities. Fishing high water
out of a boat can be productive using San Juan worms, egg patterns,
as well as shad patterns like the Arkansas Beadhead this time
of year. During low water, midge patterns are always important
on Beaver Tailwater, but especially during the winter months.
Patterns like the Jujubee, the Poison Tung and the Zebra Midge
have been fooling lots of trout this week and especially on breezy
days, Griffith's Gnats and other midge dry fly patterns have
been hooking plenty of trout as well. Best flies have been: McLellan's
Hunchback Scud Gray and Olive (14-16), McLellan's Woven Sow Bug
(14-16),Zebra Midge in Black/Copper and Olive (16-20), Mercury
Brassie (18-20), Poison Tung in Gray/Blue and Black (20), Mercury
Blood Midge (20-22), Zebra Jujubee Midge (20-22), Mercury Black
Beauty (20-22), Gray Mercury Midge (20-22), Cream Midge Adult
(22-24), Flashtail Mini Egg (16-18), Unreal Egg (16), San Juan
Worm, Arkansas Beadhead (8).
February 16, 2007 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver
Dam Store crew! -
FISHING REPORT
Streamers, streamers and more streamers are the way to go. A
sink tip leaders wouldn't hurt as well.
Big woolly buggers in olive and black, Zoo Cougars, Orange Blossom
Specials, Sculpins and shad patterns thrown to the banks and
stripped out are the way to go. Overcast days are preferred.
Drifting will be very tough, with the river 10' higher than normal
low water conditions. If you can find some quieter eddies egg
patterns and san juan worms would be best.
If we get a return to low water conditions this week look for
midday midge hatches. Zebra Midges, Cadion Midges, Tungsten Rainbow
Warriors, Tungsten WD40s will draw plenty of takes before, during
and after the hatch itself.
We had been expecting some low
water conditions this weekend. But if you happened to be in the
area Monday and Tuesday you'll know why we are still generation.
The rain sure came down. Best expectation is for the lake to
be out of the flood stage by the middle of next week, so perhaps
next weekend we will get a chance to fish low water again.
January 31, 2007 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Arkansas River Levels: According
to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the Arkansas
River stages are:
9.72 feet at Dardanelle (flood stage 32 feet)
14.89 feet at Morrilton (flood stage 30 feet)
7.86 feet at Little Rock (flood stage 23 feet)
32.22 feet at Pine Bluff (flood stage 42 feet)
27.27 feet at Pendleton (flood stage 31 feet)
White River Levels: According
to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the White
River stages are:
23.12 feet at Georgetown (flood stage 21 feet)
32.69 feet at Augusta (flood stage 26 feet)
24.03 feet at Newport (flood stage 26 feet)
9.93 feet at Batesville (flood stage 15 feet)
8.60 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage 19 feet)
Statewide Family and Community
Fishing Report: We're midway through the winter trout-stocking
season. More than 35,000 trout have been stocked statewide so
far, and the fishing just keeps getting better. It's definitely
not too late to get outside with family and friends and enjoy
some winter trout fishing in a Program pond near you. Trout are
biting very well on PowerBait and mini-marshmallows in Program
ponds. Water levels are excellent in Rock Creek, and fish are
biting on PowerBait, Roostertails, and nymph patterns. For more
information on trout stockings, call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH
(3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Little Red River: Lindsey's
Resort (501-302-3139) said the generators are running from daylight
to dark, so wading is at a standstill. Drift fishing with wax
worms or PowerBait is working well. Minnow-imitating crankbaits
are working well near the banks on some large brown trout.
Mark Hollan at The Little Red
Fly Shop in Heber Springs said the brown trout spawn is over
but egg patterns are still working well. Other flies that are
proving productive include the Red Ass (size 16), tan bead head
sow bug (sizes 14 to 16), Zebra Midge (red or olive, size 16),
San Juan worm (size 14 to 18) and olive or brown woolly buggers
(sizes 8 to 12). There is a wade fishing opportunity at Winkley
and Libby Shoal every morning from dawn to about 9 a.m.
White River : McLellan's Fly
Shop said generation has been heavy. When wade fishing has been
possible, areas like Rim, Roundhouse and Wildcat Shoals have
been very productive with egg patterns, tan and olive McLellan's
Hunchback Scuds and Woven Sow Bugs. Fishing high water out of
a boat has also been very productive using large scuds, eggs
and San Juan worms.
Norfork Tailwater: Gene's Trout
Dock (870-499-5381) said the generators are running 24 hours
a day to bring down the water level. Trout fishing is good in
the current on Rapala Countdowns in rainbow trout or silver colors.
1/32-oz. micro jigs in brown and white are working drifted in
the current.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Tailwater: McLellan's
Fly Shop said with BeaverLake filling, generation has increased
on the Beaver Tailwater the last few days. Midge patterns are
always important on Beaver Tailwater, but especially during winter.
Patterns like the Jujubee, the Poison Tung, and the Zebra Midge
have been fooling lots of trout this week, and especially on
breezy days, Griffith's Gnats and other
January 27, 2007 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver
Dam Store crew! - NO MATTER if you're fly casting, fishing
or anything in life, good timing will make a big difference.
Right now if your a weekend fly fisher it seems you are in for
dirty weather. Tomorrow shouldn't be as cold as previous weekends
but the forecast is for a little rain and maybe even some snow.
One of these weeks we will be happy not to have to include a
link to the NOAA weather site right here.
Now if you are lucky enough
to get to fish midweek then you have been getting some pretty
decent days and if your timing is good on the generation pattern
you will have been catching a swag of fish. Steve has also reported
some very good results on dries as the winter midday midge hatch
finally seems to be settling into some consistency.
FISHING REPORT
IF YOU only like fishing on warm sunny days tomorrow is going
to suck. If you like catching lots of fish in dirty weather you
might want to consider hitting the tailwater. 80 degree days
might be our favorite tailwater conditions for a lazy outing
but we can't deny that dirty days are often best. Of late it
seems we have been getting some nice conditions and nice catching
midweek.
Steve's been salivating all winter awaiting a repeat of last
year's superb dry fly midging action, but the consistency hadn't
returned _ until the past week. This 10am-2pm hatch is the best
we have and brings a lot of action to the surface. Handily this
happens to be in low water conditions under the current generation
pattern. This is one to hit now, as generations patterns can
change from week to week.
Steve had been dying to try out the new Morgan's Para-Midge,
thinking it was big improvement over its successful but sometimes
hard to see predecessor the Morgan Midge. Well Wenesday afternoon
he fished it till the hackle came free from successive fish,
pulled off the hackle itself and kept catching fish. This fly
rocks, its easy to see keeps floating and gets eaten. Don't use
floatant on this pattern however it will matt the CDC wing and
reduce its effectiveness, use Frogs Fanny, Dr Shake or similar
powders.
Small midge nymph patterns like Zebra's Cadion Midges, Tungsten
Rainbow Warriors, Tungsten WD40s are also drawing plenty of takes
before, during and after the hatch itself.
Carry the midges tomorrow, the
dark conditions could produce a bottler hatch, but also try pink
attractor patterns, like eggs or Y2Ks. Woolly Buggers are always
good to have in olive, black and brown, both bead and non bead
versions. But its well worth carrying some white Crystal Buggers,
a shad kill might not be too far off.
January 24, 2007 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
White River Levels:
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday
the White River stages are:
23.12 feet at Georgetown
(flood stage 21 feet)
32.69 feet at Augusta
(flood stage 26 feet)
24.03 feet at Newport
(flood stage 26 feet)
9.93 feet at Batesville (flood stage 15 feet)
8.60 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage 19 feet)
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report:
We're midway through the winter trout-stocking season. More than
35,000 trout have been stocked statewide so far, and the fishing
just keeps getting better. It's definitely not too late to get
outside with family and friends and enjoy some winter trout fishing
in a Program pond near you. Trout are biting very well on PowerBait
and mini-marshmallows in Program ponds. Water levels are excellent
in Rock Creek, and fish are biting on PowerBait, Roostertails,
and nymph patterns. For more information on trout stockings,
call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
:
Little Red River:
Lindsey's
Resort (501-302-3139) said the generation is still
heavy throughout the day. The best success has been drift-fishing
Power Eggs or a wax worm/marshmallow combination. Crankbaits
fished across the current are also working well.
Mark
Hollan at The
Little Red Fly Shop in Heber Springs said the spawn
is ending. Water releases at the power house have increased due
to colder weather and higher lake levels. Wading opportunities
have been slim. Water clarity is quite good due to this increased
power house activity. Aquatic insect hatches are, typically,
less dramatic as in previous months. Very small blue-winged olive
mayflies in sizes 18-22 are being seen. Midges (18-24) are hatching
somewhere along the river every day. Sub-surface patterns that
are working right now include tan Sow bugs (14-18), San Juan
Worms (14-18), Woolly Buggers (olive) in sizes 8 to 12 and egg
patterns (bubblegum or yellow) in sizes 14 to 12. Flies for nymphing
include the Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns
and Zebra Midges.
NORTH
ARKANSAS :
White River:
Gaston's
White River Resort said trout fishing is decent. The
best bet is on redworms, wax worms, nightcrawlers and Berkley
PowerBait. The best artificials were gold/red Buoyant Spoons,
gold or gold/red Little Cleos and floating Rapalas. Generation
is keeping the wading to minimum.
Norfork Tailwater:
Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381) said two generators are running
all day lately. Trout fishing is good on brown/white 1/32-ounce
jigs. Sculpin patterns are working well on large brown trout.
Anglers have to add more weight to their flies and jigs to get
them down in the fast current.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Tailwater:
McLellan's
Fly Shop said with BeaverLake
filling, generation has increased on Beaver Tailwaters over the
past few days. Midge patterns are always important on Beaver
Tailwater, but especially during winter. Patterns like the Jujubee,
the Poison Tung, and the Zebra Midge have been fooling lots of
trout this week, and on breezy days, Griffith's
Gnats and other midge dry fly patterns have been hooking plenty
of trout.
SOUTHWEST
ARKANSAS
Little Missouri River
: Jeff
Guerin of Little
Missouri Flyfishing said water levels have kept the
fishing to a minimum, but when the water calms down, there should
be a lot of fish with a lot of fight in them. The AGFC recently
released brown trout to the river as part of the experimental
catch-and-release program.
January 20, 2007 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver
Dam Store crew! - TWO weekends and two winter storms.
Well we hate to say it but you should have been here yesterday.
Nice and warm 40F after the chill earlier in the week. For the
next week or so its going tobe a case of keep an eye on the weather
and the generation patterns. We might be being optimistic but
you should be able to get some middle of the day low water. If
your travelling this way please keep an eye on the weather road
condition and drive safe if your planning a fishing trip this
weekend. In case you didn't book mark this site last week here
is how we keep track of winter storm warnings through the NOAA
weather site
FISHING REPORT
If you have nothing else a pale pink egg or Y2K is going
to be a pretty good choice in the upper river. Bryce on Thursday
and Steve's clients on Friday stuck a bunch of fish with these
flies. The drift had to be good and you had to pay attention
to the indicator but you could score a lot of good fish. They
were reporting a lot of fish in and around the slot limit.
Steve also reported seeing a lot of midge's coming off around
midday, with some teeny white midges and some larger gray models.
Soft hackles or Para Adams, CDC Adult Midge Emergers should all
pull fish in these conditions. Steve would be able to tell you
as he was moving his clients to dries when they started generating.
Stay tuned to the report if this hatch gets to be as consistent
as last winter would could be in for some great dry fly action.
Sub-surface midging will remain reliable, if your not getting
his during topwater actions then try running the fly 6"-12"
inderneath the smallest indicator you can get away with. Try
our Anything But Pupa, our new size 18 Cadion Midges in green,
red and blue dun. Try smaller sizes at this time of year, 18s
and 20s can do extremely well, we love our small Tungsten WD40s
small zebras and Poison Tungs.
Woolly Buggers are always good to have in olive, black and brown,
both bead and non bead versions. But its well worth carrying
some white Crystal Buggers. This cold snap could spark a shad
kill, and some great fishing not only for trout.
KNOTTY ISSUES
THIS time of year, it can be a little patchy getting in all the
flyfishing you need. High water, bad weather can cut into your
valuable fishing time. There are a bunch of ways to try and ease
the fly fishing jones, tying flies is one, reorganising and cleaning
your gear is another, and pondering those issues we didn;t have
time to tackle during the peak fishing periods, like knots. If
there is one rule about knots is that a weak knot tied well is
stronger than good knot tied badly.
And like everything else there is one way to make sure you knot
tying is as good as it could be and that is pleenty of practice
_ and we don't mean just on the stream as well. Nothing beats
sitting at home in a well lit area _ without the distractions
of feeding fish _ the instructions in front of you and tying
a bunch. Once you have the basics down, you can even start watching
the TV as your manipulations with the line start to become second
nature.
We respect and like our Welsh colleague Davy Wooten who guides
on Bull and Norfolk, a great deal. He really does have a global
reputation. He can cast like no-ones business as well and his
Wet Fly Ways DVD, filmed on Norfolk, has been very well received.
In fact his skills and talents go way beyond the small White
River community, his fly fishing professional experience is unsurpassed
in this area. And the reason we mention this his knot is pretty
dam good as well.
The Davy Knot, which you can check out courtesy of Field
and Stream Magazine is remarkable easy to tie, is small so
its good for midges and tests close to 100% if you tie it well.
Give it a shot.
MONO V FLOURO
ONE question we get a lot from newcomers to the White River
system and its challenging nymphing is what's the difference
between normal nylon (monofilament) and flourocarbon. Well, a
whole bunch and not just the price.
Mono is your everyday regular fishing nylon you have been familiar
with since you were a kid. Different brands have different strengths
per thickness, and differ in suppleness, abrasion resistance
and so on. Flourocarbon came into the fly fishing world around
a decade ago, billed as the tippet fish can't see because its
refractive index is close to that of water. Along the way one
other quality, a faster sink rate, than mono was discovered.
This first generation "flouro" was generally weaker
than mono for a given thickness, and it knotted pretty badly.
This is the "cheap" flouro you see around the place.
Its fine for saltwater or bass heavy tippet situations.
Science tackled the problems
with the original flouro with the second generation "super"
flourocarbon, which got a special coating to make it stronger
than mono _ and improve its knotting capabilities. This is the
stuff that is $13-$14 a spool.
So is it worth it? We think so, and Bryce and Steve go through
3-4 guide spools a year. Both the Rio Flouroflex Plus and Umpqua
Super Flouro break higher than 6x mono tippet from the same companies
_ which is why we don't add 6x tippet to a 6x mono leader out
of the packet. The boys are convinced it improves their catch
rates, whether its flourocarbons "invisibility" or
its sink rate, they don't care other than it works. We have the
Rio in 110y Guide spools for $31.95, a saving of $15 over the
small spools.
However we will say we don't see the need for tapered flouro
leaders. The guys use straight relatively short lengths of heavy
flouro when streamer or bass fishing. Mono they reserve for dry
fly fishing, panfish forays or tying flies _ though Steve ran
out on the river a few weeks back and still did well. But how
well could he have done with the good stuff on the leader.
January 17, 2007 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
White River Levels:
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday
the White River stages are:
19.10 feet at Georgetown
(flood stage 21 feet)
28.96 feet at Augusta
(flood stage 26 feet)
14.96 feet at Newport
(flood stage 26 feet)
9.47 feet at Batesville (flood stage 15 feet)
5.80 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage 19 feet)
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report:
Trout anglers are having very good success in program ponds on
yellow Power Eggs tipped with a wax worm, white Roostertails
and olive Trout Magnets. Fishing in Rock Creek has been excellent
despite the rain and higher water levels. Pink PowerBait, mini
marshmallows and small spoons are working well. Several trout
in the 2- to 5-pound range have been stocked recently at various
locations as well. Hybrid striped bass are still biting on minnows
in Kiwanis and
Macarthur Park
ponds. For more information on trout stockings,
call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
:
Little Red River :
Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is
running around the clock. Floating flies are working decently,
but the best luck has been with Rapalas cast across the current
and live bait drifted from a boat.
Mark Hollan at
The Little Red Fly Shop in Heber Springs said the
brown trout spawn is winding down. Larger and better quality
fish were caught than in recent memory. Water releases at the
Greers Ferry power house have increased with cold weather and
higher lake levels. Generation has been occurring daily with
two units started in the mornings and ending around midday to
late afternoon. Wading opportunities have been slim. Sub-surface
patterns working right now include tan sow bugs (sizes 14-18),
San Juan
worms (sizes 14-18), olive woolly buggers (sizes
8-12) and egg patterns (sizes 14-12).
Saline
River Access in
Benton :
Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is high
and muddy. Not many anglers are visiting the river with the swift
current and low water clarity.
NORTH ARKANSAS
:
White River:
Gaston's White River Resort said the holidays and
mild weather have put power demand at a minimum, so the water
conditions have been low with one generator turned on for an
hour or two. Trout fishing has been excellent, with a lot of
trout being caught on redworms, wax worms, nightcrawlers and
Berkley PowerBait. The best artificials have been gold/red Buoyant
Spoons, gold or gold/red Little Cleos and floating Rapalas. Fly
fishing has been excellent with the low water. Olive woolly buggers,
sow bugs and tan scuds are all doing well. If a little water
is running, a red
San Juan worm is working great.
Norfork Tailwater:
Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381) said the water is crystal clear
and running all day. Trout are biting well on corn and worms
fished on a slip-sinker rig and Rapala Floating Minnows fished
across the current.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Tailwater:
McLellan's Fly Shop said with
Beaver
Lake filling up, generation has
increased on Beaver tailwater during the last few days. Midge
patterns are always important on Beaver tailwater, but especially
during winter. Flies such as jujubee midges, the poison tung,
and zebra midges have been fooling many trout, especially on
breezy days. Griffith
's gnats and other midge dry-fly patterns
have been hooking plenty of trout as well.
NORTHEAST
ARKANSAS
Spring
River : Trey
Anderson with the Arkansas Game and
Fish Commission reports that trout fishing is good using artificial
baits. Bass and walleye fishing is fair.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Little Missouri
River :
Jeff Guerin of Little
Missouri Flyfishing said the water levels and current have
been high from the recent rains. Plenty of fish are stacked up
along the shoals, but the wind and current are making them hard
to spot. Scuds and Bead belly fly patterns have worked the best.
January 12, 2007 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver
Dam Store crew! - WELCOME back for the BDS Report in
2007. And what do we have to greet you with but a bad weather
warning. Please keep an eye on the weather road condition and
drive safe if your planning a fishing trip this weekend. We have
been keeping an eye on the winter storm warnings through the
NOAA
weather site
Now if you're in Kansas City
this weekend go along to the Sportsman's Show at Bartle Hall
and catch up with Liza and Bryce who are representing both the
store and the Spider Creek Resort this weekend.
The fishing of course has been
very good late in the week between generation periods. This weekend's
weather and how much water hits Beaver Lake will determine the
generation schedule next week.
FISHING REPORT
DAY LONG power generation last weekend and early this week was
a shock to us all, unused to such phenomenom. But itsa a sign
of the times with the lake level being kept below the flood pool.
With rain being anticipated over this weekend, we can probably
expect more heavy generation next week, though if the rainfall
turns out to be less than expected you might find some middle
of the day respite. The last few days of the week saw low water
windows between 10am and 4pm-ish and some very good fishing.
The wind was a pain but if your could stomach that the fish were
HUNGRY.
A winter flybox is a pretty easy selection. Start with a bunch
of Y2Ks, weighted eggs and unweighted eggs in orange, yellow
and pale pink. These colors are consistent producers, throughout
the White River system and would be a good searching fly choice
currently.
Scuds you can't leave at home so, and our favorite's are the
McLellan's Hunchback Scud in tan, olive and rainbow tan. Try
then on the tailwater in that order, 16s are often a better bet
in winter. We also like the Trout Crack and Rainys Micro Scud
as trailers, behind the Hunchback 14s, outside Catch and Release
water.
Midges are a Beaver standard and we are still getting good results,
both here and at Roaring River, off our Cadion Midge in blue
dun, red and green. Change colors before switching patterns.
We also love our newly named but long fished tungsten "Anything
Butt" larvae at this time of year for here, Norfolk and
Bull Shoals. Try smaller sizes at this time of year, 18s and
20s can do extremely well, we love our small Tungsten WD40s small
zebras and Poison Tungs.
Woolly Buggers are always good to have in olive, black and brown,
both bead and non bead versions. But its well worth carrying
some white Crystal Buggers. This cold snap could spark a shad
kill, and some great fishing not only for trout.
January 11, 2007 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
as of Wednesday the White River stages are:
19.10 feet at Georgetown (flood
stage 21 feet)
28.96 feet at Augusta (flood
stage 26 feet)
14.96 feet at Newport (flood
stage 26 feet)
9.47 feet at Batesville (flood
stage 15 feet)
5.80 feet at Calico Rock (flood
stage 19 feet)
Statewide Family and Community
Fishing Report: Trout anglers
are having very good success in program ponds on yellow Power
Eggs tipped with a wax worm, white Roostertails and olive Trout
Magnets. Fishing in Rock Creek has been excellent despite the
rain and higher water levels. Pink PowerBait, mini marshmallows
and small spoons are working well. Several trout in the 2- to
5-pound range have been stocked recently at various locations
as well. Hybrid striped bass are still biting on minnows in Kiwanis
and Macarthur Park ponds. For more information on trout stockings,
call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS:
Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort <http://mailsage.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=10WU~TqSjl>
(501-302-3139) said the water is running around the clock. Floating
flies are working decently, but the best luck has been with Rapalas
cast across the current and live bait drifted from a boat.
Mark Hollan at The Little Red
Fly Shop in Heber Springs said the brown trout spawn is winding
down. Larger and better quality fish were caught than in recent
memory. Water releases at the Greers Ferry power house have increased
with cold weather and higher lake levels. Generation has been
occurring daily with two units started in the mornings and ending
around midday to late afternoon. Wading opportunities have been
slim. Sub-surface patterns working right now include tan sow
bugs (sizes 14-18), San Juan worms (sizes 14-18), olive woolly
buggers (sizes 8-12) and egg patterns (sizes 14-12).
NORTH ARKANSAS:
White River: Gaston's White River Resort said the holidays
and mild weather have put power demand at a minimum, so the water
conditions have been low with one generator turned on for an
hour or two. Trout fishing has been excellent, with a lot of
trout being caught on redworms, wax worms, nightcrawlers and
Berkley PowerBait. The best artificials have been gold/red Buoyant
Spoons, gold or gold/red Little Cleos and floating Rapalas. Fly
fishing has been excellent with the low water. Olive woolly buggers,
sow bugs and tan scuds are all doing well. If a little water
is running, a red San Juan worm is working great.
Norfork Tailwater: Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381) said the water
is crystal clear and running all day. Trout are biting well on
corn and worms fished on a slip-sinker rig and Rapala Floating
Minnows fished across the current.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Tailwater: McLellan's Fly Shop <http://mailsage.aristotle.net/click.aspx?lid=10WUlPrOil>
said with Beaver Lake filling up, generation has increased on
Beaver tailwater during the last few days. Midge patterns are
always important on Beaver tailwater, but especially during winter.
Flies such as jujubee midges, the poison tung, and zebra midges
have been fooling many trout, especially on breezy days. Griffith's
gnats and other midge dry-fly patterns have been hooking plenty
of trout as well.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Spring River: Trey Anderson with
the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reports that trout fishing
is good using artificial baits. Bass and walleye fishing is fair.
January 10, 2007 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service -
Lake Taneycomo Trout I'm catching some nice rainbows and a few
browns on a small Rapala in the morning and also swimming a white
1/16 ounce jig. The trout in the trophy area will also take pink
or green micro jigs under a float and a zebra midge has also
been very good. Below the trophy are from Fall Creek down, the
trout are biting very good on night crawlers or power baits.
In the early morning you can catch them swimming a 1/16 ounce
jig or little Cleo spoon, in line spinners are also good in the
mornings.
Bill Beck
January 4, 2007 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
White River Levels:
According to the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the White River
stages are:
17.55 feet at Georgetown
(flood stage 21 feet)
29.41
feet at Augusta (flood stage 26 feet)
18.08
feet at Newport (flood stage 26 feet)
9.50
feet at Batesville (flood stage 15 feet)
5.55 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage
19 feet)
Statewide
Family and Community Fishing Report: Trout
are biting very well on PowerBait tipped with a wax worm and
marshmallows in the ponds. Roostertails, small Rapalas, and olive
Trout Magnets are working well in Rock Creek at BoylePark.
Fly anglers are catching trout on egg patterns, nymphs and black
woolly buggers. With the warm weather, catfish have been biting
in some of the ponds on chicken livers. For more information
on trout stockings, call toll-free (866) 540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS:
Little Red
River:Lindsey's
Resort (501-302-3139) said the water has been high
in the mornings with most generation in the a.m. hours. Trout
fishing has been good in the high water on live and prepared
bait such as wax worms and PowerBait. During generation, Buoyant
Spoons, Little Cleos and Countdown Rapalas are working well.
NORTH ARKANSAS:
White River:Gaston's White River Resort
said the holidays and mild weather have put power demand at a
minimum, so the water conditions have been low with one generator
turned on for an hour or two. Trout fishing has been excellent,
with a lot of trout being caught on red worms, wax worms, nightcrawlers
and Berkley PowerBait. The best artificials have been gold/red
Buoyant Spoons, gold or gold/red Little Cleos and floating Rapalas.
Fly fishing has been excellent with the low water. Olive woolly
buggers, sow bugs and tan scuds are all doing well. If a little
water is running, a red San
Juan worm is working great.
Wilderness Trail
(870-445-2703) said fishing the White River
has been good on Berkley Power Eggs in yellow and white along
with artificial or live wax worms. Fly anglers have done well
with little generation on olive woolly buggers, zebra midges
and unreal eggs in peach or white Brown trout downriver of the
catch-and-release areas are being caught on Rapala Countdowns,
Rogues and nightcrawlers.
NORTHWESTARKANSAS
Beaver Tailwater:McLellan's Fly Shop
said there has been very little generation the last few days,
providing plenty of wade-fishing opportunities. Scuds and sow
bugs as well as midge pupa patterns have been very productive.
Fall and winter are also great times to fish egg patterns as
the brown trout make their annual spawning run. For the health
of the fishery, avoid actively spawning fish and their spawning
redds (clean oval depressions in the gravel).
Back to |
Current
Fly Fishing Reports
| Zeiner's Fly Shop
Fly Fishing Reports 2006
Jan
- Mar | Apr - Jun | Jul - Sept | Oct - Dec
Pre
2006 Fly Fishing Reports
Fishing
News Archives
Back to Fishing News from
Zeiner's Angler Supply | Kansas
Angler Online |
Swim
Tail Lures
|
|
|