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September 26, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 9/25/2008

We have had a week without rain and the lakes in the White River system have experienced a slight decline. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and two tenths feet to rest at thirty one and nine tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is nine and one tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell three and six tenths of a foot to rest at four and nine tenths feet above power pool or eleven and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at nine and one tenth feet above power pool or five tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White is for heavy generation around the clock. Norfork Lake has fallen three tenths of a foot to rest at fifteen and five tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twelve and five tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run one or two generators part of the day and to turn it off at night. There have been some excellent wading conditions on the Norfork during the last week. Boating conditions on the White have been uniformly good.

The boat ramp at Quarry Park on the upper Norfork River is closed while a contractor removes the old pedestrian bridge across the mouth of Dry Run Creek. While anglers are allowed to walk in to the area to fish, there is no boat launching allowed from the ramp until the demolition is completed. The ramp is scheduled to be back in operation on September 29, 2008. In the mean time, the only ramp available in the area is at the confluence of the White and Norfork Rivers . Any one wanting to fish the upper river will be required to run up stream.

The upper river below Bull Shoals Dam has been producing well. With the higher flows we have had this week; anglers have had to return to their conventional high water techniques. The top technique for this level of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms under a strike indicator. Hot colors have been red, cerise and hot pink. Other effective flies have been black zebra midges in size fourteen and egg patterns in peach and pink. I generally use 4X tippet and set the strike indicator at one and one half times the depth of the water. Use plenty of weight and I would also recommend the use of fluorocarbon tippet. It has a higher specific gravity than water and sinks. In addition, it has greater resistance to abrasion.

Once again, the section from Wildcat Shoals to the Narrows was another hot spot. In addition to fishing San Juan worms and nymphs, anglers have reported success fishing large streamers on sink tip or full sinking lines. The top flies have been kiwi muddlers, Jim Mengle's Ozark sculpin and large woolly buggers (size 6 and 4). Be sure and use really heavy tippets, at least 3X or even 2X. Here again fluorocarbon tippet would be the logical choice.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared and the water levels are nearing a comfortable level for wading. Crooked Creek in particular has fished well during the last week. Hot flies have been Clouser minnows and crayfish patterns. Successful anglers have been fishing early in the morning.

The fishing on the Norfork has remained steady this past week. The low flows in the morning have enticed quite a few anglers and most have not been disappointed. The section at Quarry Park just below Norfork Dam has fished particularly well. Small black zebra midges size eighteen, scuds in size eighteen, olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, and Dan's turkey tail emergers have been the go to flies. I do not know how long the low water in the morning will be around, but my suggestion is to take advantage of it while you can.

Dry Run Creek is clear and very wadable. Effective flies have been sow bugs, worm brown San Juan worms and olive woolly buggers. With the pleasant weather we have had lately, now is a good time to get in some quality fishing with your children or grand children before the weather turns cold. Be sure to carry a camera and the biggest net you can find. The fish here are huge.

September 26, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop - NORFORK: The Norfork has provided a lot of fun for wading fly fishers the past week, but get there early. The fog makes the drive slower, and the setting a little more eerie but the fish don't care. Some days the fishing has been silly. Last week the Journal snuck in for a quick morning's fishing with a new fly we have been testing. Add some split shot and fishing the fast water it was almost embarassing, the fish were so co-operative. I guess it makes up for the tough days on the Princess.

I was actually so certain it wasn't the fly causing the ruckus I handed it to a mate, John Wilson, for a more independant test. Don't worry you will see it soon, but I would have no shame (and perhaps better results) fishing a gray Davy's Sowbug, or McLellan's Woven V-Rib Sowbug.

Of course if you are a midge fly fisher, I wouldn't go past some Camel Midges in size 18. Copper.The fly even prompted a qery as to which fly the Journal was using, from one of our regular's Mark, though we offered one, a highly inflated rate we couldn't get him to replace one of his own beautifully tied midges on the tippet. Copper beads, dark bodies (black, camel or chocolate) and copper, black or other darker ribs are worth having.

Just remember that the water is going to come up on you eventually _ and we wouldn't be suprised if the Corp opens up generation a little more though they are making more progress against the flood waters than on the White. In fact we thought the honeymoon may have been over on Tuesday when the generation started at 9.30 _ but then it may also have been the bad karma which had been working at me all week. Generation started at midday today.

Keep your cell phone handy and dial it regularly, on guide trips I call on the half hour, to make sure you have time to get out.

WHITE RIVER: It appears the trout are starting to settle somewhat after the bursts of hurricaine induced low water, then back to 15.000+ cfs. Longer leaders, more weight and some sowbugs on the point can really make a difference.

Water levels are fluctuating during the day. As Davy says persevere through the slower spells, and you will get back into the fish. Davy's Sowbugs, Rainy's Sowbugs and McLellan's Woven V-Rib Sowbugs are essentials in your box.

September 25, 2008 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

White River Levels are available at
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml

CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Little Red River:Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said generation has slowed a bit from recent months. Trout fishing is good on wax worms with marshmallows and chartreuse Power Eggs.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Powerhouse is releasing water beginning at 10 a.m. with one generator. At noon, a second generator is being ramped up, and both are being shut down at 10 p.m. The temperature of the water passing through the turbines is averaging 54 degrees with dissolved oxygen levels averaging 4.0 mg/l. The oxygen level is low because of the consistent water releases. The longer the water stays in the lake, the more dissolved oxygen it accumulates from aquatic plants. Wade fishing opportunities abound because of the flow schedule. You can wade in at JFK Park near the dam around 6:30 a.m. and fish until the horn sounds at 10 a.m.; then go to Cow Shoal for another hour or two of fishing. When the rising water arrives at Cow, proceed downstream to Winkley Shoal for an additional 2 to 3 hours of wading bliss, confident in the knowledge that, when higher water arrives, there is always Libby Shoal even further downstream awaiting you. Of course, you could simply start at Libby Shoal and fish from dawn until 3-4 p.m. Drift fishermen can launch their boats at Lobo Landing and go either upstream or down with little fear of big rocks impeding their progress. Our guide trips are starting at Lobo Landing or Dripping Springs. Fishing has been "crazy good," producing well over 100 fish per guide boat per day. Every fly tied to the tippet seems to get the trout's attention. Even red butt soft hackle emergers dead drifted under an indicator, a fly normally reserved for the riffles, is catching trout from a boat. If there is a problem fly fishing the Little Red right now, it's the leaves coating the surface of the river. The leaves can disrupt an otherwise perfect presentation. One solution to this problem is to fish streamers. We are finally starting to see normal aquatic insect hatches along the river. BWOs (blue winged olive mayflies), sulphurs and brown drakes (more mayflies) are "coming off" mid to late afternoon. Midges continue to hatch every day as well. The most effective dry flies are Adams (#16-#18), BWO (#18; baetis), sulphur (#16-#18) and midge (#22; cream or black). Effective sub-surface attractors include sowbug (#14; UV tan, UV gray, olive or peacock), red butt soft hackle emerger (#14-#18), pheasant tail (#16), gold ribbled hare's ear (#14-#16), copper john (#16; red or green), zebra midge (#16-#22; red or black), San Juan worm (#14-#16; red, wine or worm brown) and woolly bugger (#8-#12; olive or brown).

NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Sportsman's White River Resort said water conditions are normal with three to six generators running. Trout fishing has still been good on pink worms, Power Bait, Rogues, Rapalas and shad-colored Krocodile spoons. When the water is low, San Juan worms, woolly buggers and sow bugs are working great.

Mountain River Fly Shop said the generation schedule has finally dropped a bit. Some fantastic fishing reports are coming in from Wildcat Shoals to below Bull Shoals Dam, including a 34-inch Brown. Rainbows in the catch-and-release area below the dam are excellent right now, and the brown trout spawn is right around the corner. The next month is going to be fun.

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said there were fairly low levels of generation. The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a perpetual hot spot for months and the past week has not been different. On high water the hot flies remain brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The most productive colors have been red, cerise, hot pink and fire orange. On lower water try black zebra midges, scuds and sow bugs. Soft hackles like green butts should also be effective. Remember to down size to 6X tippet for the lower flows. The Narrows has remained hot during the past week. On high water, the key to success has been to fish a brightly colored San Juan worm with a nymph on a dropper. The most popular nymphs have been zebra midges, trout crack, sow bugs, scuds, and bead head hares ears. On lower water try the same nymphs in size 18. Olive woolly buggers have been killer in slightly deeper water. Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch-and-Release section.

Norfork Tailwater: Mountain River Fly Shop said there are still some wading opportunities available in the mornings. Tailwater soft-hackle flies in green, yellow and red/yellow have been working well. Zebra midges, tungsten WD-40s, sowbugs and woolly buggers have also produced well.
John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the generation pattern has been to run one generator during the day and to turn it off at night. The Norfork is fishing good on the low water. The hot spot has been Quarry Park just below the dam. Hot flies have been sowbugs, San Juan worms and zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead and brown with copper wire and copper beads) all in smaller sizes (18-20). On higher flows, the same midges in size 14 have been effective in this area.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Catherine: Rainbow trout stocking will begin in November and this always greatly benefits the fishing.

September 25, 2008 - Courtesty of State of Missouri

TROUT PARKS:

Bennett Spring State Park:

54 degrees, stream has dropped to about 5 inches above normal and clearing gradually; still mossy green color; flow is strong: successful lures and baits include: jigs (black and yellow); mini-jigs (bedspread and John Deere); glo balls (original tri-color and white); also successful are Rooster Tails, red brassies, rainbow Power Baits and pink and white plastic worms. October fishing hours will be: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/25/2008)

Maramec Spring Park:

58 degrees, normal, water is clearing; fishing is good; bright colors good; white and yellow baits and lures, green plastic legged jigs and worms working well. (Report made on 9/25/2008)

Montauk State Park:

58 degrees, falling, water has cleared significantly; fishing is good; use light line no heavier than 2 pound test for best results; in the fly zone: small dry flies, mini jigs and glo balls have been producing good numbers of fish; check at the lodge for the best colors and sizes; in the bait area: plastic eggs, worms and Power Baits in various colors have been working well; try drifting baits beneath a bobber with or without a sinker. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064440&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/25/2008)

Roaring River State Park:

58 degrees, river flow is dingy and high, with no more rain in the forecast the water should gradually become more clear; plastic eggs, worms and marabou jigs are working well in zone 1; use more weight with swift water; check local fly shops for flies that are working well; current or detailed information call 417-847-2430. For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/25/2008)

September 20, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop - It's nice to have fishing buddies who are thoughtful enough to send you pics of the fish they are catching while you are miles away from some great low water fishing. Mark Lavelle, one of our resident funnymen sent over this pic with the notation that he should have taken more care to clean his camera lens (well it was shorter and decidedly less polite) but we cleaned it up some.

Yeh we missed the low water fishing, what with pre-Denver packing and then trying to escape Ike's clutches,but we really hope you were here. Some hot dry fly action on the White and Norfork.

WHITE RIVER: Wish we has been here. Ike may have dropped trees, dumped a bunch of rain and made things unpleasant in this neck of the woods, but the low water Ike left fished very well.

Heard lots of good things about dry flies, Ants in various sizes and patterns, Stimulators and Rainys Grand Hoppers all did well. Other fly fishers we heard from was the sowbugs, like Davy's Sowbug, Clint's Sowbug, and Mclellan's Woven V-Rib Sowbugs.

As the water has come higher later in the week worms have come back to the for like Davy's Dynamite Worms and Rainys Tungsten San Juan's. We have also heard that larger streamers are pulling fish off the banks.

NORFORK: Still some wading water available in the AM, how much longer this will last is another question. Get in while you can. Tailwater Soft Hackles both in Green and Yellow and Red/Yellow have been working very well.

Look at Zebra Midges, Tungsten WD40s, Davys Sowbug, McLellan's Woven V-Rib Sowbug and woolly buggers.

September 20, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 9/20/2008

Ike blew into town on the heels of Gustav and left even more rain. All of the lakes on the White River system rose significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose four and four tenths feet to rest at thirty and seven tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is ten and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose four and six tenths of a foot to rest at eight and five tenths feet above power pool or seven and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose two feet to rest at nine feet above power pool or six tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White early in the week was for no or little generation. Later in the week, there were significant levels of generation around the clock. Norfork Lake has risen one and one tenth of a foot to rest at fifteen and eight tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twelve and two tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run one or two generators part of the day and to turn it off at night. There have been some excellent wading conditions on the White and Norfork during the last week.

In the past two weeks, we have had two hurricanes, Gustav and Ike, pass through the area. Each one has dumped substantial amounts of rain. In the short run, it has produced some incredible wading and fishing when the Corps of Engineers curtailed generation for a significant period of time in order to minimize flooding down stream. In the long run, this has not only curtailed the drawing down of the lakes but has also substantially raised the lake levels on all of the dams on the White River . Under the current scenario, I do not foresee the lakes being drawn down to power pool this year. We are going to be fishing from a boat for a long time.

The upper river below Bull Shoals Dam was red hot. When we first received the heavy rains associated with Ike there was a significant amount of run off entering the river which contained a lot of silt that severely stained the river making it unfishable except for this area. There are no tributaries entering the river here and the water coming through the dam is clear. On the lower water, smaller nymphs like zebra midges, sowbugs, and scuds have been the go to flies. Green butt soft hackles were also effective.

Once again, the section from Wildcat Shoals to the Narrows was another hot spot. The low water produced near perfect fishing conditions and resulted in some spectacular fishing on nymphs like the black zebra midge size eighteen and olive scud size sixteen. Soft hackles like the partridge and orange, green butt and the hare's ear soft hackle have been killer in the broken water below the shoals. In deeper water, olive woolly buggers have been very effective.

Once the water cleared, Rim Shoals really turned on. There were numerous reports of hundred fish days and trophy catches in this section. The hot flies here were black zebra midges size fourteen, olive scuds size sixteen and Y2Ks. In the deeper runs olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash were killer.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River were running high and muddy rendering them unfishable. The White River below the confluence of these two streams was high and muddy also.

The fishing on the Norfork was nothing short of spectacular. The low flows were the catalyst needed to turn this stream on. The entire river from Quarry Park to its confluence with the white River was red hot. Small black zebra midges size eighteen, scuds in size eighteen, olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, and Dan's turkey tail emergers were the go to flies. There have been few anglers on the river but those that went experienced some of the best fishing in the area for a long time.

Dry Run Creek continued to fish well. During the heavy rain it got a bit high and off color. It is now gin clear and very wadable. After a good rain, the best fly to try is the San Juan worm. I like worm brown and red. Other effective flies are sow bugs and olive woolly buggers. While there are places where you can cast from the bank, you can fish more and better water if your child has a pair of waders. Always carry a camera. This is where memories are made.

September 19, 2008 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

White River Levels are available at
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said trout fishing is still good on wax worms with marshmallows, chartreuse Power Eggs, olive or brown marabou jigs and Buoyant Spoons.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Powerhouse has been releasing water more often than not during the previous week. Twelve-hour releases (3,000 day-second-feet) are scheduled to begin on Thursday and will continue until our lake level is back down to 461 feet above mean sea level. The lake water is averaging 53 degrees. Aquatic insect hatches continue to be sparse with midges being the most prolific. The dry flies of choice include the Adams (#16-#18), crackleback (#12-#14), royal coachman (#16) and midge (#22; cream or black). Sub-surface offerings should include sowbug (#14; UV tan, UV gray, olive or peacock), San Juan worm (#14-#16; red, wine or worm brown), zebra midge (#16-#22; red or black), pheasant tail (#16), copper john (#14-#16) or wooly bugger (#10-#12; green, brown or black).

NORTH ARKANSAS

White River: Sportsman's White River Resort said water conditions are normal with 1 to 2 generators running in the afternoon. Trout fishing has been fair on Power Bait and light lures.

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the generation pattern early in the week was for no or little generation. Later in the week, there were fairly low levels of generation. The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a perpetual hot spot for months and the past week has not been different. On high water the hot flies remain brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The most productive colors have been red, cerise, hot pink and fire orange. On lower water try black zebra midges, scuds and sow bugs. Soft hackles like green butts should also be effective. Remember to down size to 6X tippet for the lower flows. The Narrows has remained hot during the past week. On high water, the key to success has been to fish a brightly colored San Juan worm with a nymph on a dropper. The most popular nymphs have been zebra midges, trout crack, sow bugs, scuds, and bead head hares ears. On lower water try the same nymphs in size 18. Olive woolly buggers have been killer in slightly deeper water. Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch-and-Release section. I have done well with brightly colored San Juan worms, the hot colors have been cerise, hot pink and red. I have noted several anglers take advantage of Gary Flipin's water taxi to deliver them to the bottom of the second island for some wade fishing and pick them up later. Check by Rim Shoals Trout Dock to take advantage of the service.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Beaver Tailwater: Ken Richards at justfishinguides.com said with last week's rain, Beaver Tailwater is backed up to the dam. Wading opportunities are very limited. The hot flies are still patterns in gray and black. Large darker zebra midges, scuds, pheasant tails and hare's ears are working in all areas. The best areas have been near the dam and the Parker area. Several fish in the 18-20 inch range have been caught. Some fish also have been caught on micro jigs in pink and in gray.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Spring River: Mark's Fly shop said recent rains have muddied up the water a little bit, but it's clearing up quickly. The dominant fly for the last week has been a plain black wooly bugger and egg patterns. Some really nice fish have been caught lately. Bait fishermen have been reporting great success with cut bait and fluorescent pink and orange Rooster Tails.

September 19, 2008 - Courtesty of State of Missouri

TROUT PARKS:

Bennett Spring State Park:

54 degrees, high, muddy; due to recent rains water has risen about 12 inches above normal and is very off colored; flow is strong: successful lures and baits include: dry flies (#12 crackleback and # 18 griffiths gnat); jigs (black and yellow); mini-jigs (bedspread and John Deere); glo balls (original tri-color and white); also successful are Rooster Tails, red brassies, orange and pink Power Baits and orange and white plastic worms. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/18/2008)

Maramec Spring Park:

58 degrees, rising, water is a little high and murky; bright colors good; white and yellow baits and lures, green plastic legged jigs and worms working well. (Report made on 9/18/2008)

Montauk State Park:

58 degrees, stream is slightly above normal and a little off color; fishing is good; use light line no heavier than 2 pound test for best results; in the fly zone: small dry flies, mini jigs and glo balls have been producing good numbers of fish; check at the lodge for the best colors and sizes; in the bait area: plastic eggs, worms and Power Baits in various colors have been working well; try drifting baits beneath a bobber with or without a sinker. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064440&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/18/2008)

Roaring River State Park:

58 degrees, the river flow is high and dingy, with no more rain in the forecast the water should gradually become more clear; plastic eggs, worms and marabou jigs are working well in zone 1; use more weight with swift water; check local fly shops for flies that are working well. For current or detailed information call 417-847-2430. For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/18/2008)

September 12, 2008 - Courtesty of State of Missouri

TROUT PARKS:

Bennett Spring State Park:

54 degrees, normal, dingy; due to recent rains water has risen about 5 inches above normal and is slightly discolored; fishing is still very good; successful lures and baits include: dry flies (#12 crackleback and # 18 griffiths gnat); jigs (black and yellow); mini-jigs (bedspread and John Deere); glo balls (original tri-color and white); also successful are Rooster Tails, red brassies, orange and pink Power Baits and orange and white plastic worms. Weed cutting is planned for Wednesday September 17 9am to 3pm and possibly on September 18 if needed. September fishing hours are: 7:30am to 7:15pm. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/11/2008)

Maramec Spring Park:

58 degrees, rising, water is a little high and murky; bright colors good; white and yellow baits and lures, green plastic legged jigs and worms working well. Girl's Gone Fishing! Saturday, September 13, rain or shine. (Report made on 9/10/2008)

Montauk State Park:

58 degrees, normal, clear; fishing is good; use light line no heavier than 2 pound test for best results; in the fly zone: small dry flies, mini jigs and glo balls have been producing good numbers of fish; check at the lodge for the best colors and sizes; in the bait area: plastic eggs, worms and Power Baits in various colors have been working well; try drifting baits beneath a bobber with or without a sinker. Trout park fishing hours for the month of September are 7:30am to 7:15pm. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064440&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/11/2008)

Roaring River State Park:

58 degrees, high, dingy; recent rains have brought the river slightly out of its banks, this situation will be short lived and the stream will be more normal by the weekend; plastic eggs, worms and marabou jigs are working well in zone 1; check local fly shops for flies that are working well. For current or detailed information call 417-847-2430. For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/11/2008)

September 10, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop - How's hundred fish days, a 34Åç brown and a bunch of 20Åç+ fish sound. That's low water on the White and Norfork, more moderate flows returning this weekend?

WHITE RIVER: The White has been nothing short of sensational the past week. It goes to show the high water we have had all year has been tremendous for the fish. The trout are muscled up, hefty and pull like steam trains. But we can probably expect a gradual return to high water fishing over the next few days, and then we are in Ike's hands.

Dries really have been the ticket early, try larger foam ants, Parachute Adams or Parachute Ants 10- 16, presented to fish working the edges, and over grassbeds, even in a few inches of water. The 18Åç brown above, was in some really skinny water.

Scuds, sowbugs and midges have been the mainstay for most fly fishers. Black and copper Zebras or black and silver Whitetail and Super Midges have been very good. McLellan's Woven V-Rib sowbug has claimed its share of fish and of course you can throw buggers. Try swinging them across riffles as the Journal did for an hour or so Monday afternoon, after missing a bunch of fish on a swung soft hackle.

As the water comes back try larger midges over the grassbeds, the midges have been prolific at time, and then in higher flows sowbugs, scuds and San Juans.

NORFORK: The windows of wadeable water on Norfork too are narrowing after a fun week. The fishing on Norfork was excellent as well though we didn't hear of many fish bigger than 20Åç _ just one 24Åç rainbow (and just writing that makes us think how good we have it here). But there were 100+ fish days for several Norfork afficionados.

Zebra Midges in black/copper and olive seemed to be the fly of choice. We also heard of some good dry fly fishing with larger hoppers and attractors like Chernobyls fished tight to the banks.

September 10, 2008 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

White River Levels are available at
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said trout fishing is still good on wax worms with marshmallows, chartreuse Power Eggs, olive or brown marabou jigs and Buoyant Spoons.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Powerhouse released water from midnight on September 4 until the following midnight. This 24 hour release was required after tropical storm Gustav dropped 6 inches of rain in the watershed the previous day. The temperature of the water passing through the turbines averages 53.4 degrees with a dissolved oxygen content averaging 6.3 mg/l. Midges have been seen flying around the river, but precious few other aquatic insects are "coming off." This time last year, we had PMDs (pale morning dun mayflies), BWOs (blue-winged olive mayflies) and sulphurs (another mayfly) hatching every day. We also had fewer heavy rain events along with small and dependable water releases. We could still see BWOs and caddis flies before the end of the month. The dry flies that are catching trout include the Adams (#18-#16), royal coachman (#16), hopper patterns (#8-#12), cracklebacks (#12-#14) and midges (#22; cream or black). The most productive flies, however, have proven to be the sowbug (#14; UV tan, UV gray, peacock or olive), zebra midge (#16-#22; red or black), copper john (#14-#16; red, copper or green), pheasant tail (#16), gold-ribbed hare's ear (#14), San Juan worm (#14-#18; red or worm brown) and wooly bugger (#10-#12; olive, brown or black).

NORTH ARKANSAS

White River: Sportsman's White River Resort had no report because of weather.

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a perpetual hot spot for months and the past week has not been different. On high water the hot flies remain brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The most productive colors have been red, cerise, hot pink and fire orange. On lower water try black zebra midges, scuds and sow bugs. Soft hackles like green butts should also be effective. Remember to down size to 6X tippet for the lower flows. The Narrows has remained hot during the past week. On high water, the key to success has been to fish a brightly colored San Juan worm with a nymph on a dropper. The most popular nymphs have been zebra midges, trout crack, sow bugs, scuds, and bead head hares ears. On lower water try the same nymphs in size 18. Olive woolly buggers have been killer in slightly deeper water. Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch-and-Release section. I have done well with brightly colored San Juan worms, the hot colors have been cerise, hot pink and red. I have noted several anglers take advantage of Gary Flipin's water taxi to deliver them to the bottom of the second island for some wade fishing and pick them up later. Check by Rim Shoals Trout Dock to take advantage of the service.

Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said the water is murky and low. A few crappie have been caught on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits and top-water lures.
Norfork Tailwater: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the Norfork is fishing a bit better this week, particularly on the low water. The hot spot has been Quarry Park just below the dam. Hot flies have been sowbugs, San Juan worms and zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead and brown with copper wire and copper beads) all in smaller sizes (18-20). On higher flows, the same midges in size 14 have been effective in this area.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, reports that Entergy has been running full load generation at Carpenter Dam and has kept the flood gates open to rid our area lakes of the 12 inches of rain that Garland County received last week. The tailwaters of Carpenter Dam have been very dangerous and impossible to fish effectively the last few days. Very little fishing has taken place and most anglers are advised to wait until flood conditions subside.

September 5, 2008 - Courtesty of State of Missouri

TROUT PARKS:

Bennett Spring State Park:

54 degrees, normal, clear; successful lures and baits include: dry flies (#12 crackleback and #20 pale evening dun); jigs (black and yellow); mini-jigs (peacock with yellow eye and John Deere); glo balls (original tri-color and white); also successful are Rooster Tails, red brassies, yellow Power Baits and white and pink plastic worms. Weed cutting is planned for Wednesday September 17 to 3pm and possibly on September 18 if needed. September fishing hours are: 7:30am to 7:15pm. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/4/2008)

Maramec Spring Park:

58 degrees, rising, clear; white and yellow baits and lures, green plastic legged jigs and worms working well. (Report made on 9/4/2008)

Montauk State Park:

59 degrees, rising, dingy; the river is rising due to the recent rains we have received, fishing is still good; use light line no heavier than 4 pound test for best results; plastic eggs, worms and Power Baits in various colors have been working well in the bait area; try drifting baits beneath bobber with or without a sinker; in the fly zone: small dry flies, mini jigs and glo balls have been producing good numbers of fish; check at the lodge for the best colors and sizes. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064440&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/4/2008)

Roaring River State Park:

58 degrees, high, dingy; while recent rains have brought the river slightly out of its banks, this situation will be short lived and the stream will be more normal by the week-end; plastic eggs, worms and marabou jigs are working well in zone 1; check local fly shops for flies that are working well. For current or detailed information call 417-847-2430. For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 9/4/2008)

September 5, 2008 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

White River Levels are available at
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is clear with little or no generation. Trout fishing is very good on wax worms with marshmallows and black or olive marabou jigs.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said as of Monday, the Greers Ferry Powerhouse is releasing water every afternoon between 3 p.m. and 5p.m. The volume varies from a fraction of one generator to two full generators. The duration of releases is about four hours per day. Boating the river is safer now and wade fishing is possible everywhere. In many cases, full-day guided trips are catching and releasing more than 100 trout per trip. Aquatic insect hatches remain sparse with midges leading the way. The dry flies that are working include the Adams (#18), royal coachman (#16), hopper patterns (#12) and crackleback (#12). If you are fishing below the surface, try a sowbug (#14-#16; olive, UV tan, UV gray or peacock), zebra midge (#16-22; red, black or chartreuse), San Juan worm (#14), pheasant tail (#16), copper john (#14-#16; red or copper) and wooly buggers (#8-#12; olive, brown or black). When fishing woolly buggers, think "panic retrieve."

NORTH ARKANSAS

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said in spite of a major rain event, the reservoir levels on the White River continue to fall slowly. The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the state park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a perpetual hot spot for months. Some anglers, while reporting great fishing, say that the constant fishing pressure has made the fish more selective. The hot flies remain brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The most productive colors have been red, cerise, hot pink and fire orange. The section from the Narrows down to Wildcat Shoals has remained hot during the past week particularly the section around the Narrows. The key to success has been to fish a brightly colored San Juan worm with a nymph on a dropper. The most popular nymphs have been zebra midges, trout crack, sowbugs, scuds, and bead head hare's ears. Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch-and-Release section. In addition to the brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns, the hot technique has been to bang the bank with big streamers on sink tip or full sinking lines. Effective streamers have been kiwi muddlers, Jim Mengle's Ozark Sculpin, wool head sculpins and woolly buggers.

Mountain River Fly Shop said the White River is fishing outstandingly with many 15- to 20-inch fish. Many brown trout are beginning to color up for the spawn and should begin moving upstream soon. San Juan worms, dynamite worms, sowbugs and hare's ear patterns are working well.

Norfork Tailwater: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said The Norfork has had lower flows this week also. They were too high to wade and too low for easy navigation. The Norfork is more difficult, in general, to navigate than the White. Great care should be taken when running up or down stream. There are several spots that can be treacherous.
Mountain River Fly Shop said generation continues around the clock on Norfork, but only one unit is running, leaving a few windows for experienced canoeists to access islands and gravel points to get some wading in. We would still be trying San Juan Worms, eggs patterns plus larger midges, scuds and sowbugs. Hopefully with the lake dropping we may see lower water soon.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Beaver Tailwater: Ken Richards at justfishinguides.com said many wading opportunities are opening up with the water levels dropping. Be careful of wading as there are many new holes in the gravel from the high water releases. Also if you are wading, have an escape route when the water is released since the water level is deeper than normal. The hot flies have been small olive woolly buggers, mono midges, gray midge pupae and gray bead head scuds. The nymphs are being fished under an indicator closer to the bottom as the water is clearing and getting lower. Zebra midges in size 18, scuds size 14, Copper Johns size 16, and woolly buggers in size 14-16 are working for fly fishermen. Spin fishermen are not having much luck with lures in the artificials only section. Bites are few and far between. The fish do not seem to be very aggressive. On the other parts of the river, bait fishermen have been doing well with Power Bait.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, reports that before the heavy rains set in Entergy ran the turbines for 12-hour periods. This is a normal summertime pattern and provides Hot Springs with electricity as the need arises. August through November are very slow months for trout fishing at Carpenter Dam. Many of the fish have been caught or eaten by this time. Some trout are still being caught, but as reported, the numbers are low and inconsistent. Restocking begins again in late November. Striper and hybrid activity has been fair with most of the good fishing happening in the early morning hours just after the turbines are started. This sudden movement of water causes the threadfin shad to move away from the banks and out into open water where they are easy prey. Topwater action can be fierce at times but does not continue for long periods. Fishermen need to be in position when feeding is taking place and capitalize on the small window of opportunity. Many of these stripers are in the 20-pound range and can be caught on white 14-ounce jigs and 6 to 8-inch soft plastics fished weightless. Live bait rigs have caught the most fish. Brood and gizzard shad work better than goldfish or bream at Carpenter Dam. Some quality hybrids have been taken on 1/8-ounce jigs in shad or white colors. These fish tend to stay on the outside of the feeding striper schools where competition for food is lower.

August 28, 2008 - Courtesty of State of Missouri

TROUT PARKS:

Bennett Spring State Park:

54 degrees, normal, clear; successful lures and baits include: dry flies (#12 crackleback and #20 pale evening dun); jigs (black and yellow); mini-jigs (peacock with yellow eye and John Deere); glo balls (original tri-color and white); also successful are Rooster Tails, red brassies, yellow Power Baits and white and pink plastic worms. Weed cutting is planned for Tuesday September 16 we should start around 9am and be done around 3pm. August fishing hours 7:00am to 8:00pm, September fishing hours are: 7:30am to 7:15pm. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/28/2008)

Maramec Spring Park:

58 degrees, falling, clear; fishing has been good; fish early in the day for best results; late evening has been good as well; white and yellow baits and lures are working well; green rubber legged jigs are working well; trout also doing well on worms. (Report made on 8/27/2008)

Montauk State Park:

59 degrees, normal, clear; fishing is good; the river is clear with good flow; use light line no heavier than 2 pound test for best results; plastic eggs, worms and Power Baits in various colors have been working well in the bait area; try drifting baits beneath bobber with or without a sinker; in the fly zone: small dry flies, mini jigs and glo balls have been producing good numbers of fish; check at the lodge for the best colors and sizes. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064440&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/28/2008)

Roaring River State Park:

58 degrees, falling, clear; 2 to 3 pound test line is recommended; plastic eggs, worms and marabou jigs are working well in zone 1; check local fly shops for flies that are working well. For current or detailed information call 417-847-2430. For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/28/2008)

August 28, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 8/28/2008

In spite of a minor rain event, the reservoir levels on the White River continue to fall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell two feet to rest at twenty seven and two tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirteen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at six and five tenths feet above power pool or three and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White has been to run all eight generators around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. While these flows made for excellent boating, there have been few safe wading opportunities on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen eight tenths of a foot to rest at fifteen and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or eleven and nine tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run one generator around the clock. There have been no wading opportunities and limited boating opportunities.

The water flows on the White and Norfork have both been significantly reduced during the past few days. It has been several months since the floods we had this spring, and we have not made significant progress in lower the lake levels at Bull Shoals and Norfork Dams. It seems like we could make more progress if we ran more water as we were a few weeks ago. If we are going to run lower water levels, why not turn off the dams for a few hours? When you do run water, do so at a higher level. Coordinate generation on the two dams so that the same amount of water is sent down stream. By doing this we could have some wadable water. Throw us a bone guys!

The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a perpetual hot spot for months and the past week has not been different. Some anglers, while reporting great fishing, say that the constant fishing pressure has made the fish more selective. The hot flies remain brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. If you are not doing well with one color, do not hesitate to change to a different color or pattern. The most productive colors have been red, cerise, hot pink and fire orange.

The section from the Narrows down to Wildcat Shoals has remained hot during the past week particularly the section around the Narrows . The key to success has been to fish a brightly colored San Juan worm with a nymph on a dropper. The most popular nymphs have been zebra midges, trout crack, sowbugs, scuds, and bead head hares ears.

Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch and Release section. In addition to the brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns, the hot technique has been to bang the bank with big streamers on sink tip or full sinking lines. Effective streamers have been kiwi muddlers, Jim Mengle's Ozark Sculpin, wool head sculpins and woolly buggers. Vary your retrieve to determine the most productive speed. With the lower flows we have had this week; several anglers took advantage of Gary Flipin's water taxi. For a nominal fee Gary will ferry you to the bottom of the second island and pick you up when you are ready to go.

The Norfork has had lower flows this week also. They were too high to wade and too low for easy navigation. The Norfork is more difficult, in general, to navigate than the White. Great care should be taken when running up or down stream. There are several spots that can be treacherous.

Dry Run Creek has received little pressure in the past week. School is back in session and no one is there during the week. The weekends are seeing a bit more traffic. The hot fly is a gray sowbug size fourteen. There is a sizable population of them on the creek. Other productive flies are small San Juan worms in worm brown and olive woolly buggers. While guiding some youngsters on the creek a couple of weeks ago, I ran into Dave and Emily Whitlock. They were working on the plans to enhance fishing there. This is a project of the Friends of the Norfork Fish Hatchery and will make a great fishery even better.

August 28, 2008 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

White River Levels are available at
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is clear with little or no generation. Trout fishing is very good on wax worms with marshmallows and black or olive marabou jigs.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Powerhouse is running one generator for about an hour beginning at 4 p.m. The temperature of the water passing through the turbines is 55 degrees with dissolved oxygen content averaging 6.5 mg/l. These are good numbers. All the shoals are wadeable every day. Aquatic insect hatches remain sparse with midges being the primary player. Dry flies that are catching fish include the adams (#16-18), crackleback (#12), hopper patterns (#12) and royal coachman (#16). Good sub-surface patterns include sowbug (#14-16; tan, UV tan or olive), zebra midge (#16-22; red, chartreuse or black), San Juan worm (#12-14; red or fl. cerise), pheasant tail (#16). copper john (#14-16; red or green) and woolly bugger (#8-12; olive, brown or black). The Little Red River cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, the 6th of September. If you are interested in helping clean up our world class trophy trout stream, please come to the Little Red Fly Shop around 8 a.m. that morning to get your trash bag and river area assignment. Bring your trash back to the shop at noon and the local chapter of Trout Unlimited will provide a free meal.

Ken Richards at justfishinguides.com said the water is still murky from the lake releases. Fly-fishing is good in shallow, fast water and near the dam. Woolly buggers, midges and sowbugs are working. Spin fishermen are having luck with yellow Power Eggs. Crankbaits with a lot of vibration such as Rebel Wee Craws are picking up fish in the dirtier water.

NORTH ARKANSAS

White River: Sportsman's White River Resort said water conditions are normal. Trout fishing is good on wax worms, Power Bait, Little Cleos, Rattlin' Rouges and Rapalas. Bank fishing is good on grasshoppers.

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said in spite of a major rain event, the reservoir levels on the White River continue to fall slowly. The pattern on the White has been to run all eight generators around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. While these flows make for excellent boating, there have been few safe wading opportunities. The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a perpetual hot spot for months. The better fishing is in the morning when the water flows are generally a bit lower. The hot tactic for this area has been to bang the banks with streamers fished with sink tip or full sinking lines. Some guides recommend a fast retrieve while others suggest a slow one. The best bet is to vary your retrieve until you figure out what the trout want. Sculpin and baitfish patterns are the ticket for this technique. Fishing brightly colored San Juan worms under a strike indicator has also accounted for a lot of good fish. The section from the Narrows down to Wildcat Shoals has been red hot during the past week. Anglers have reported success on a variety of nymphs. The key to success has been to fish a brightly colored San Juan worm with a nymph on a dropper. The color of choice for the worm has been hot pink. The most popular nymphs have been zebra midges, trout crack, sowbugs, scuds, and bead head hares ears. Remember if you move into a Catch and Release section it is illegal to fish droppers there. Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch and Release section. The hot technique for this section has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms on long leaders (twelve to fifteen feet) with a large strike indicator and a lot of lead. The top producing colors have been red, cerise and hot pink.

Mountain River Fly Shop said there are many nice browns and some fat rainbows in the 16- to 19-inch class up and down the White. These fish have been very catchable. You will connect to some of the better fish if you work at it too, but it can be a little tough at time differentiating between the big browns and a stump on the bottom. Depth and weight is key, balancing the two to get your fly close to the bottom but not being dragged along it where it can't be found. Don't just tie on a San Juan Worm or Dynamite Worm and stick with the one color all day. Changing conditions can mean the color of choice fluctuating throughout the day, and as the water level changes. Essential are red, brown (including shades like tan in the Dynamite Worm) pink, cerise, orange and maroon. Try two flies outside the trophy zones. Eggs have been a popular choice in front of a worm, but a bright worm can be an attractor in its own right with a more neutral fly following, like a Clint's Sunday Special, scud or Sowbug. Streamers are still doing well, but darker days, courtesy of this unseasonable August rain, have been best.

Norfork Tailwater: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said Norfork Lake has fallen one and four tenths of a foot to rest at sixteen and one tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or eleven and nine tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run two generators with occasional brief periods of no generation at night. This made for some limited wading conditions at night. The Norfork is still not fishing as well as the White. There have been some night fishing wading opportunities in the last week. Be very careful and be ready to react to rising water. On high water the best strategy has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. Dry Run Creek has looked abandoned. Kids are back in school and there is very little traffic there particularly during the week. Poaching continues to be a problem with adults frequently seen fishing there. If you see any illegal activity, call the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's poaching hotline 1 800-482-9262. If your cell phone cannot get a signal down on the creek, the adjacent Federal trout hatchery will gladly let you use their land line.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Beaver Tailwater: Ken Richards at justfishinguides.com said fly-fishermen have been doing very well on the water lately. Trout are biting well on small olive woolly buggers, gray scuds and midge patterns. The best midge patterns have been zebra midges in olive, gray and red/gray. The water is falling fairly quickly, offering many places to wade and fish.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

.Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, reports that before the heavy rains set in Entergy ran the turbines for 12-hour periods. This is a normal summertime pattern and provides Hot Springs with electricity as the need arises. August through November are very slow months for trout fishing at Carpenter Dam. Many of the fish have been caught or eaten by this time. Some trout are still being caught, but as reported, the numbers are low and inconsistent. Restocking begins again in late November. Striper and hybrid activity has been fair with most of the good fishing happening in the early morning hours just after the turbines are started. This sudden movement of water causes the threadfin shad to move away from the banks and out into open water where they are easy prey. Topwater action can be fierce at times but does not continue for long periods. Fishermen need to be in position when feeding is taking place and capitalize on the small window of opportunity. Many of these stripers are in the 20-pound range and can be caught on white 14-ounce jigs and 6 to 8-inch soft plastics fished weightless. Live bait rigs have caught the most fish. Brood and gizzard shad work better than goldfish or bream at Carpenter Dam. Some quality hybrids have been taken on 1/8-ounce jigs in shad or white colors. These fish tend to stay on the outside of the feeding striper schools where competition for food is lower.

August 22, 2008 - Courtesty of State of Missouri

Trout Parks:

Bennett Spring State Park:

54 degrees, clear; water level near normal; successful lures and baits include: dry flies (#18 renegade); jigs (black and yellow); mini-jigs (peacock with yellow eye); glo balls (baby pink); also successful are kapok flies and yellow Power Baits. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/21/2008)

Maramec Spring Park:

Montauk State Park:

59 degrees, normal, clear; fishing is good; the recent rain has not affected river conditions, the river remains clear with good flow; use light line no heavier than 4 pound test for best results; plastic eggs, worms and Power Baits in various colors have been working well in the bait area; try drifting baits beneath bobber with or without a sinker; in the fly zone: small dry flies, mini jigs and glo balls have been producing good numbers of fish; check at the lodge for the best colors and sizes. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064440&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/21/2008)

Roaring River State Park:

58 degrees, normal, clear; 2 to 3 pound test line is recommended; plastic eggs, worms and marabou jigs are working well in zone 1; check local fly shops for flies that are working well. For current or detailed information call 417-847-2430. For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/21/2008)

August 21, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop -

WHITE RIVER: There are a bunch of nice browns, and some fat rainbows in the 16-19Åç class up and down the White. These fish have been very catchable. They aren't White River monsters, but are carrying plenty of heft, pull some string and fight tough to the boat.

You will connect to some of the better fish if you work at it too, but it can be a little tough at time differentiating between the big browns and a stump on the bottom.

Depth and weight is key, balancing the two to get your fly close to the bottom but not being dragged along it where it can't be found and not sailing along midwater. We can give you some guidance in the store, but when the water is fluctuating like the graph below shows, success is a matter or trial and error and adjustments.

Don't just tie on a San Juan Worm or Dynamite Worm and stick with the one color all day. Changing conditions can mean the color of choice fluctuating throughout the day, and as the water level changes.

Essential are red, brown (including shades like tan in the Dynamite Worm) pink, cerise, orange and maroon. I'm running a little longer tippet in recent weeks to make sure the fly is up off the bottom. Try two flies outside the trophy zones.

Eggas have been a popular choice in front of a worm, but a bright worm can be an attractor in its own right with a more neutral fly following, like a Clint's Sunday Special, or more imitative scud or sowbug patterns.

Streamers are still doing well, but darker days, courtesy of this unseasonal August rain, have been best.

Try Whitlock's Near Nuff Sculpin, Kiwi Muddler's Bunny Leeches, John Barr's Slumpbuster and Meat Whistle, and Autumn Splendor's. Big olive, black and brown buggers are also worth trying.

NORFORK: Hard time getting reports off Norfork, but it certainly means there hasn't been too much traffic on the Princess. But with the high waters, eggs and worms are a good combination.

August 21, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 8/21/2008

In spite of a major rain event, the reservoir levels on the White River continue to fall, albeit slowly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one and eight tenths of a foot to rest at twenty nine and two tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is eleven and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at two and five tenths feet above power pool or thirteen and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at six and eight tenths feet above power pool or two and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White has been to run all eight generators around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. While these flows made for excellent boating, there have been few safe wading opportunities on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen one and four tenths of a foot to rest at sixteen and one tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or eleven and nine tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run two generators with occasional brief periods of no generation at night. This made for some limited wading conditions at night.

We have had some unseasonably cool temperatures this past week. On several occasions the cool temperatures have combined with high humidity to produce a dense fog on the river. In certain instances it lasted most of the day and severely limited visibility. If you encounter conditions like these, be sure and slow down and keep a look out for other boaters and navigational hazards.

During the heavy rain we received during the past week, the river got muddy from run-off coming in from side creeks and other tributaries. This adversely impacted fishing and washed a lot of trash that on occasion created navigation hazards. When this occurs, the best strategy is to move upstream until you encounter clear water. Sometimes this will necessitate going all the way to the dam.

The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a perpetual hot spot for months. The better fishing is in the morning when the water flows are generally a bit lower. The hot tactic for this area has been to bang the banks with streamers fished with sink tip or full sinking lines. Some guides recommend a fast retrieve while others suggest a slow one. The best bet is to vary your retrieve until you figure out what the trout want. Sculpin and baitfish patterns are the ticket for this technique. Fishing brightly colored San Juan worms under a strike indicator has also accounted for a lot of good fish.

The section from the Narrows down to Wildcat Shoals has been red hot during the past week. Anglers have reported success on a variety of nymphs. The key to success has been to fish a brightly colored San Juan worm with a nymph on a dropper. The color of choice for the worm has been hot pink. The most popular nymphs have been zebra midges, trout crack, sowbugs, scuds, and bead head hares ears. Remember if you move into a Catch and Release section it is illegal to fish droppers there.

The Norfork is still not fishing as well as the White has recently. There has just been too much boat traffic. There has been some night fishing wading opportunities this past week. Be very careful and be ready to react to rising water. On high water the best strategy has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns.

Dry Run Creek has looked abandoned. Kids are back in school and there is very little traffic there particularly during the week. Poaching continues to be a problem with adults frequently seen fishing there. If you see any illegal activity, call the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's poaching hotline 1 800-482-9262. If your cell phone cannot get a signal down on the creek (I know mine cannot), go over to the adjacent Federal trout hatchery and they will gladly let you use their land line.

August 14, 2008 - Oklahoma - Courtesy of state of Oklahoma

Northeast - Lower Illinois: August 11. Elevation normal, water 58 and clear. Trout excellent on flies, spinnerbaits and power baits at 2-5 ft. all along river. Remember to check generation times. Report submitted by D. Tracy, Town of Gore.

Pawhuska Lake: Trout reports available Nov. 1 thru March 31.

Southeast - Lower Mountain Fork River: July 28. Trout slowing with warm temperatures with some being caught on various soft hackles (pheasant tail), Red fox squirrel, caddis fly nymphs, Hex patterns (late in the evening), crackle backs and zebra midge. Report submitted by Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

August 14, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 8/14/2008

We have had a week with a substantial rain event and much cooler temperatures. The reservoir levels on the White River continue to fall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one and seven tenths of a foot to rest at thirty one feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is ten feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one and eight tenths of a foot to rest at three and two tenths feet above power pool or twelve and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake remained steady at seven and three tenths feet above power pool or two and three tenths feet 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 few safe wading opportunities on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen one and eight tenths of a foot to rest at seventeen and five tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or ten and one half of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run two generators with occasional brief periods of no generation at night. This made for some limited wading conditions at night.

The cooler temperatures have certainly made for some pleasant fishing conditions and a welcome change from the horrendous heat of the previous week.

Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch and Release section. The hot technique for this section has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms on long leaders (twelve to fifteen feet) with a large strike indicator and a lot of lead. This is a tricky rig to cast. Make sure that you have removed all slack from the line before you begin your cast and open up your loop to keep the line from becoming tangled. Keep your back cast high to avoid hitting your self in the head. With the amounts of lead being used this could really hurt (this is the voice of experience). The top producing colors have been red, cerise and hot pink.

The Buffalo Shoals section has been yet another hot spot. There is a lot of incredible structure in this area and it holds a lot of fish. The top producing flies have been sowbugs, scuds and brightly colored San Juan worms.

The Norfork is not fishing as well as it has recently. It is experiencing increased boat traffic. They are still catching warm water species there. In fact, there was a very large Striped Bass caught near the mouth of Dry Run Creek today. It is important that when these warm water species are caught that they be removed. These fish are predators and could have a negative impact on the fishing on the Norfork.

This past week has been a great week to take a youngster to Dry Run Creek. There were fewer people fishing there and the temperatures were much milder. When you do take a child there, remember that they get to fish not you. They need to cast, hook and fight the fish. You need to limit your participation to coaching, netting and taking photographs. Of course it is alright to rig the rod and untangle knots. Just make sure that you are not the one fishing. The hot flies this past week have been San Juan worms (red and brown), sowbugs and olive woolly buggers. Be sure to take the biggest net that you can find and make sure to bring the camera. Remember that the creek is over grown with large trees and you frequently will need a flash with your camera because of the low light conditions. This is a very special place.

August 14, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop -

Try some big streamers, or big San Juan's on the White.

WHITE RIVER: After all our tips this week what else would you expect us to suggest for some entertainment on the White but pull out the heavy rods, and the big flies. Deep drifted San Juan Worms or Dynamite Worms probably is the way to clean up on the White at the moment, working the grass beds and the islands.

But if like us you want a change then read through our streamer tips and get a bud to drive the boat. Pick up Whitlock's Near Nuff Sculpin, Kiwi Muddler's Bunny Leeches, John Barr's Slumpbuster and Meat Whistle, and Autumn Splendor's. Big olive, black and brown buggers are also worth trying.

We are still waiting the hopper fishing to light up. But we are starting to see risers in side channels and some lookers at least. It worn't be long

August 14, 2008 - Courtesty of State of Missouri

Trout Parks:

Bennett Spring State Park:

Maramec Spring Park:

58 degrees, falling, clear; fishing has been good; fish early in the day for best results; late evening has been good as well; white and yellow baits and lures are working well; green rubber legged jigs are working well; trout worms doing well. Aquatic weeds will be cut August 18 to 21. (Report made on 8/13/2008)

Montauk State Park:

59 degrees, normal, clear; fishing is good; use light line no heavier than 2 pound test for best results; fishing has been good using various wet flies; inline spinnerbaits, crayfish and creature lures are also producing nice fish; marabou jigs in gray, white, black and black/yellow are good choices; bait fishermen have been doing well using worms, various garlic scented doughbaits, corn and marshmallows; try drift fishing baits beneath a bobber with and without a sinker. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064440&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/14/2008)

Roaring River State Park:

58 degrees, normal, clear; 2-3 pound test line is recommended; plastic eggs, worms and marabou jigs are working well in zone 1; check local fly shops for flies that are working well. The "Back to School Kids' Fishing Day" will be held on Aug. 16. Lots of trout stocked all day, classes, prizes, and contests. Everything is free for the kids and their families. For current or detailed information call 417-847-2430. For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/13/2008)

August 13, 2008 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

White River Levels are available at:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is clear and low with one generator running. Trout fishing is good on Power Bait and wax worms with marshmallow combinations. Fly fishing has been very good on San Juan worms.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Powerhouse is releasing water in the middle of the afternoon for 1 to 4 hours. The volume of water being released is varies from 1,500 to 3500 cubic feet of water per second. Guides call this protocol "fish water," since it serves primarily to enrich the river with a shot of oxygen and cold water. Boating is safer and wading is wonderful. You can contact the power house and listen to a recording about water releases by calling (501) 362-5150. The average temperature of the water passing through the turbines is 53 degrees. Continued reports of incredible trout fishing keep filtering into the shop daily. Aquatic insect hatches continue to be sparse with midges being the most prolific. Hopper season is upon us and I recommend that you give it a whirl. Foam grasshopper flies float well and require no floatant. If you cast your hopper pattern near streamside vegetation or under low-hanging limbs, you will probably discover that there is a trout already there waiting for it. Productive sub-surface offerings include the lowly yet abundant sowbug (#14-#18; UV tan, olive or UV gray), zebra midge (#16-#22; red, black or copper), San Juan worm (#12-#16; red, cerise or orange), pheasant tail (#16), hare's ear (#14), copper john (#14-#16) and woolly bugger (#8-#12; olive, brown or black).

NORTH ARKANSAS

White River: Sportsman's White River Resort said water conditions are normal with eight generators running. Trout have been fair on lures and plastic pink or red trout worms.

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a real hot spot. The better fishing is in the morning when it is much cooler the water flows are generally a bit lower than in the afternoon. Most are caught on midge or worm patterns fished under an indicator with a lot of weight to get it down to the bottom. Hot flies have been black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead, San Juan worms in bright colors (cerise, hot pink and red). Many anglers were reporting success fishing sowbugs. There have been several reports of larger fish being caught on streamers. Cast to the bank and vary your retrieve to figure out whether they want it fast or slow. The hot new pattern has been Jim Mengle's Ozark Sculpin on a sink tip or full sinking line to get it down to the bottom. The section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter is producing well. There is still quite a bit of pressure here. The hot flies are trout crack, sow bugs, zebra midges and brightly colored San Juan worms. Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals catch and release section. It has received a bit more pressure lately, but it is not crowded except at lunch when a lot of guides pull in.

Mountain River Fly Shop said some anglers reported good action from Wildcat to Ranchette on heavily-weighted olive, black or "Bow River" buggers on a floating line. Streamers are also producing well, even in the middle of the day. You might not catch as many as on the drifted eggs and worms but it's a lot of fun. Work your flies close to the banks, over grassbeds and drop-offs. The section from Cotter to Wildcat has been fishing very well with eggs and worms. Run a red, orange or flame egg in front of a San Juan worm or dynamite worm. Sowbugs have been working well in the dam area as well.

Norfork Tailwater: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the Norfork is not fishing as well as it has recently. There has been a lot of boat traffic, especially considering the width of the Norfork as compared to the White. Dry Run Creek Youth Area is still producing some really big fish. This has been the most comfortable place to fish in the twin Lakes area. The narrow valley and heavy tree cover help keep the temperatures on the creek several degrees cooler than any where else around. Wet wading in the creek has been the ticket to beating the heat. The hot flies have been sowbugs and San Juan worms.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Beaver Tailwater: Ken Richards at Just Fishin' Guides said the water level is finally getting down to where wading is possible near the dam. Fly fishing has been very good with gray scuds fished under an indicator from 2-5 feet deep. Curved shank hooks are working better than straight shank hook patterns. Midges are working but not as well. Beadhead zebra midges in black/silver, gray/blue and red/gold are best. Many trout within the slot are being caught along with multiple species of warmwater fish.

Kings River: Ken Richards at Just Fishin' Guides said the recent rain has brought the levels back up to good floating. Muddy water right after the rain calls for dark baits and flies with a larger profile to move some water. Floating and fishing should continue to be good with the forecast. Buzz baits, chuggers and torpedoes are working well, as are crease minnows, streamers, large hair poppers and crawdads for fly-fishermen.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Spring River: Mark's Fly Shop said fishing has been enjoyable with the cooler weather. Water levels have been low and clear. Smallmouth fishing is heating up with the end of summer near. Slow popper presentations have been the best on the smallies. Trout are still holding below the shoals with the biggest being in the deepest parts of the river.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

August 7, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop -

Streamers and worms on the White, while we wait for the 'hoppers. Norfork generation still high.

WHITE RIVER: Everyone is waiting on the 'hopper "hatch" to see if it will match the dry fly action of last summer, despite the high water conditions. But while we have the odd report of success, from up and down the White, most reports are still unfavorable. The Journal hit grassy banks from White Hole to Cotter, while teaching Bec some Supreme river boat handling in Wednesday's heat. With some wind around it seemed time to try. But assorted hoppers remained unmolested, though we did pick up fish over some shallow grassbeds on the dropper fly, variously a size 14 Cadion Midge and Lightning Bugs. We can be hope, and its nice to be staring at something other than a hung of flourescent foam. Alongside hoppers we would also include some black crickets (size 14 to 10) which are in abundance this year.

This past Sunday we were floating below Rim Shoals, and through the haze of dragonflies (which are everywhere) we did see one very nice trout rising close to the bank, to what we presumed was a hopper, or some other terrestrial. But as we mentioned above streamers performed the best on the day.

In the morning it was a large woolly bugger variant of chocolate brown and yellow of Tom's own devising. In the afternoon and Conehead Kiwi Muddler in Olive was simply hammered even in the bright conditions.

Of course the mainstay food source remains drowned worms. One fish on Wednesday coughed up dozens of smallish worms, after devouring our midge. San Juans and Dynamite Worms, often fished behind an attractor egg pattern remain a first choice option. But sometimes bigger midges will outperform the worm.

NORFORK: Low water periods continue to come between midnight and dawn, as the heat continues. But with lower temperatures today only one unit was generating on the 'Fork. At this sort of level there is some decent wading off gravel bars and the various islands down stream. Unfortunately you need a boat to get to them.

But if you have access to a canoe, a pontoon or a drift boat, this can be a fun day on Norfork.

August 7, 2008 - Courtesty of State of Missouri

TROUT PARKS:

Bennett Spring State Park:

54 degrees, clear; water level near normal; successful lures and baits include: dry flies (#18 renegade); jigs (black and yellow); mini-jigs (peacock with yellow eye); glo balls (baby pink); other successful lures are kapok, yellow Power Baits. August fishing hours are: 7:00am-8:00pm. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/6/2008)

Maramec Spring Park:

Montauk State Park:

58 degrees, rising, clear; fishing is good; the water is very clear; use light line no heavier than 2 pound test for best results; fishing has been good using various wet flies, inline spinnerbaits and crayfish and creature lures; try gray, white, brown, green/yellow, and black/yellow marabou jigs for best results; check at the lodge for up-to-date fishing information and for good fly choices; bait fishermen have been doing well using worms, various garlic scented doughbaits, corn and marshmallows; try Power Baits fished beneath a bobber or drifted without a sinker. Fishing hours for August are 7:00am to 8:00pm. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064440&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/7/2008)

Roaring River State Park:

57 degrees, falling, clear; 2-3 pound test line is recommended; plastic eggs, worms and marabou jigs are working well in zone 1; check local fly shops for flies that are working well. The "Back to School Kids' Fishing Day" will be held on Aug. 16. Lots of trout stocked all day, classes, prizes, and contests. Everything is free for the kids and their families. For current or detailed information call 417-847-2430. For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 8/6/2008)

August 6, 2008 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

White River Levels are available at
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said water conditions are normal with little generation. Trout fishing is still very good, crankbaits seem to be working best.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Powerhouse has been releasing water for hydroelectric power from noon until 9 p.m. every day. This offers wade fishing opportunities most of the day. The water coming through the dam is averaging 54 degrees with dissolved oxygen content averaging 6.5 mg/l. The water is a bit dingy, but the fish don't seem to mind these conditions at all. Fishing has been absolutely excellent. Trout are biting strike indicators, flies, lures and bait. Tales of catching 25 trout in 25 casts are fairly common. Our river water is low and the trout want to play. If you want to fish with dry flies, tie on a hopper pattern. Foam grasshoppers float very high in the surface tension and don't require floatant. Cast under low hanging limbs and close to the bank near streamside vegetation. Floating your hopper over riffles can also work. Other dry flies that are working include an Adams (#16-18), BWO (#18-20) and crackleback (#12). Effective sub-surface offerings include sow bugs (#14-16; UV gray, UV tan or olive), copper johns (#14-16; copper, red or green), pheasant tails (#16), zebra midge (#16-22; red, black or copper), San Juan worm (#12-18; red or fluorescent orange) and wooly buggers (#8-12 olive, brown or black).

NORTH ARKANSAS

White River: Sportsman's White River Resort said water conditions are normal with four generators running. Trout fishing is excellent on spinnerbaits. Fly fishermen are doing well on egg patters, black or green woolly buggers and 3-inch Power Worms.

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said fishing has been excellent. The perpetual hot spot has been the catch-and-release section at Bull Shoals Dam and the adjacent state park. The better fishing is in the morning when the flows are a bit lower. Most fish are caught on midge or worm patterns fished under an indicator with a lot of weight to get it to the bottom. Hot flies have been black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead, San Juan worms in bright colors (cerise, hot pink and red). Many anglers were reporting success fishing sow bugs. The section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter is still hot. This section has received a bit more pressure. Trout have been taken on a variety of flies including scuds, sowbugs and trout crack. Traditional high-water flies like San Juan worms and egg patterns are also effective. Streamer fishing has been particularly good. Try woolly buggers, sculpin patterns and kiwi muddlers on a sink tip or full sinking line for the bigger fish.

Norfork Tailwater:John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the Norfork is receiving quite a bit of pressure from boat traffic. If you go, use conventional high-water techniques. The flies of choice will be San Juan worms in bright colors and various midge patterns. The boat ramp at Quarry Park is open. Dry Run Creek is still producing some really big fish for youngsters. The hot fly this week has been a sowbug in size 14. Concentrate on fast deep water and use at least 4X tippets preferably fluorocarbon which has greater abrasion resistance.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, reports that Entergy is running the turbines in 12-hour shifts, which has kept the tailwaters between 59 and 63 degrees. Rainbow trout are few and far between; however, the fish that are caught measure 15-17 inches. No consistent trout bite can be found at Carpenter Dam. Restocking begins again in late November.

August 6, 2008 - Belaire Lake - Fished Belaire Lake next to the campground in Red Feathers, Colorado on Sunday, July 27 from 2pm - 6pm. Caught 4, 15" rainbow trout. Many strikes. Lots of people at this lake because of the proximity to the campground, many small children, families, and many loud talkers. If you're here to catch fish, have fun with the kids, and admire the beauty, it's a good spot. If you are here for tranquility, go elsewhere.

- rolfecat

August 6, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 8/06/2008

We have had a week with no rain and soaring temperatures. The reservoir levels on the White River continue to fall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one and four tenths of a foot to rest at thirty two and seven tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is eight and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one and eight tenths of a foot to rest at five feet above power pool or eleven feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell five tenths of a foot to settle at seven and three tenths feet above power pool or two and three tenths feet 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 few safe wading opportunities on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen one and three tenths of a foot to rest at nineteen and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or eight and seven tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run two generators with occasional brief periods of no generation at night. This made for some limited wading conditions at night.

The story during the past week has been the heat. With temperatures soaring into the high nineties and hundreds, the best fishing was early in the morning. It was just too hot at mid day to stay out there. There is no shade in a river boat. The late afternoons were bearable and no where near as productive as the mornings. For those willing to bear the heat, the fishing has been excellent, particularly in the mornings.

The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a real hot spot. The better fishing is in the morning when it is much cooler the water flows are generally a bit lower than in the afternoon. Most are caught on midge or worm patterns fished under an indicator with a lot of weight to get it down to the bottom. Hot flies have been black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead, San Juan worms in bright colors (cerise, hot pink and red). Many anglers were reporting success fishing sowbugs.

There have been several reports of larger fish being caught on streamers. Cast to the bank and vary your retrieve to figure out whether they want it fast or slow. Also work weed beds, drop offs and other structure. The hot new pattern has been Jim Mengle's Ozark Sculpin. This is a fly combining a copper cone head nose, deer hair head, pheasant feather body and rabbit strip tail. You need to fish it on a sink tip or full sinking line to get it down to the bottom. Jim gave me one the other day and I cannot wait to try it.

The section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter is producing well. There is still quite a bit of pressure here. The hot flies are trout crack, sow bugs, and zebra midges and of course brightly colored San Juan worms.

Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch and Release section. It has received a bit more pressure lately but it is no where near crowded except at lunch when a lot of guides pull in for lunch. With the shaded picnic tables and porta potties this is a great place to beat the heat for a few minutes.

The Norfork is not fishing as well as it has recently probably from increased boat traffic. Many people think that with only two generators it is easier to fish and navigate than the White River with eight generators. The reverse is true. The Norfork is much narrower and there are some channels around islands that are fairly tricky to negotiate. The White is very broad and there is generally plenty of room to navigate around obstacles and avoid other boaters.

Dry Run Creek is still producing some really big fish. This has been the most comfortable place to fish in the twin Lakes area. The narrow valley and heavy tree cover help keep the temperatures on the creek several degrees cooler than any where else around. Wet wading in the creek has been the ticket to beating the heat. The hot flies have been sowbugs and San Juan worms.

July 31, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 7/31/2008

We have had another week with very little rain and the reservoir levels on the White River have fallen quite a bit for the second week in a row. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one and four tenths of a foot to rest at thirty five and five tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is six and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell two and two tenths of a foot to rest at six and eight tenths feet above power pool or nine and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell five tenths of a foot to settle at seven and eight tenths feet above power pool or one and eight tenths feet 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 few safe wading opportunities on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen one and nine tenths of a foot to rest at twenty and six tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or seven and four tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run two generators with occasional brief periods of no generation at night. This made for some limited wading conditions at night. If you choose to fish at night be very careful and always be on the lookout for rising water. On the higher water, boating conditions have been excellent.

I reported several weeks ago about anglers having trouble with fuels containing ethanol. I noticed that there are now several service stations in the twin lakes area advertising that their fuels do not contain ethanol.

Overall, the fishing has been excellent on the White River . The perpetual hot spot has been the Catch and Release section at Bull Shoals Dam and the adjacent state park. The better fishing is in the morning when the flows are a bit lower than in the afternoon. Most are caught on midge or worm patterns fished under an indicator with a lot of weight to get it down to the bottom. Hot flies have been black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead, San Juan worms in bright colors (cerise, hot pink and red). Many anglers were reporting success fishing sowbugs.

The section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter is still hot. This section has received a bit more pressure of late and some serious poaching has been noted. At least one group was seen harvesting three limits of trout. Please report any illegal activity to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The hot line to report poaching is 1 800 482-5262. Trout have been taken on a variety of flies including scuds, sowbugs and trout crack. The more traditional high water flies like San Juan worms and egg patterns are also effective. The streamer fishing has been particularly good. Try woolly buggers, sculpin patterns and kiwi muddlers on a sink tip or full sinking line for the bigger fish. Cast to the bank and vary your retrieve to figure out whether they want it fast or slow. Also work weed beds, drop offs and other structure.

Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch and Release section. It has received little pressure of late. Hot flies in this area have been olive woolly buggers and sowbugs. San Juan worms are the ticket to float fishing in the area. I have had the most success with cerise and hot pink worms.

The Norfork is receiving quite a bit of pressure from boat traffic. If you go there use conventional high water techniques. The flies of choice will be San Juan worms in bright colors and various midge patterns. The boat ramp at Quarry Park is open for business. This makes shuttling canoes, kayaks and drift boats much easier now.

Dry Run Creek is still producing some really big fish. The hot fly this week has been the sowbug in size fourteen and red San Juan worms fished with a strike indicator. Concentrate on fast deep water and use at least 4X tippets preferably fluorocarbon which has greater abrasion resistance. Most fish are lost at the net. Carry the biggest net you can find and always carry a camera.

Crooked Creek is fishing well. Streamers fished on sink tip lines have been the ticket. Look for rock ledges and other cover. Use heavier leaders and tippet to turn over these larger flies. Early morning and late afternoon are to best times to land a trophy. Keep moving and cover as much water as you can.

July 30, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop -

Streamers have been doing extremely well on the White but you have to be a night owl to wade on Norfork.

WHITE RIVER: All this talk of spaghetti and meatballs fishing gets a little mundane. So our ears perked up at an email from regular customer Jeff Hearn who fished from Wildcat to Ranchette last weekend, especially when he mentioned 27Åç male brown. That wasn't fly caught but was revived and released.

Jeff was fishing heavily-weighted olive, black or "Bow River" buggers on a floating line, and landed about 20 fish, but had many many more fish chasing or short striking the flies. We are lining him up with a fast sinking flyline to try and improve the hit-rate.

W have definately been hearing good things, even during the middle of the day on streamers. You might not catch as many as on the difted eggs and worms but its a lot of fun and the action is visual. Work your flies close to the banks, over grassbeds and drop-offs.

On the other side of the path the section from Cotter to Wildcat has been fishing very well with eggs and worms. Run a red, orange or flame egg in front of a San Juan Worm or Dynamite Worm. Sowbugs have been working well in the Dam area as well.

NORFORK: Night owls might be able to find some low water on Nofork after midnight, but even that was scare over the past week as generation was stepped up to bring down the lake level.

July 30, 2008 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Tuesday the White River stages are:

9.6 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage 19 feet)
10.4 feet at Batesville (flood stage 15 feet)
12.8 feet at Newport (flood stage 26 feet)
25.1 feet at Augusta (flood stage 26 feet)
14.9 feet at Georgetown (flood stage 21 feet)
23.5 feet at Clarendon (flood stage 26 feet)
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report: Channel catfish have been stocked in all program ponds and are biting well on worms, liver, hot dogs, bait shrimp and paste baits. Channel catfish are being caught with more success in early mornings and late evenings because of warmer weather. Bream are still biting well on crickets, wax worms and redworms in shallow water and near brushy cover. For more information on catfish stockings, call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said water conditions are normal with 2 units running around the clock. Trout fishing has been very good drift fishing on the bottom with white or chartreuse Power Eggs, pink Power Worms, red worms and Carolina rigs.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Power House is still generating around the clock with both generators, but there should be a reduction to 12 hour generation schedules if the weather holds. Aquatic insect hatches have been few and far between in the high water. Our daily midge hatches are occurring but blue winged olives and sulphur mayflies are scarce. This time last year, we had low water and tons of bugs. Blue wings, pale morning duns and sulphur mayflies along with midges were abundant. If you try to fly fish in high water, you will need to get your fly down to the streambed with plenty of leader length and weight using a strike indicator large enough to float it all. The best fly has been the San Juan worm in sizes 12-16 in orange, cerise, worm brown or red. Bait and spin casting fishermen are in their element in high water.

NORTH ARKANSAS

White River: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the water flows on the White have been consistently high. 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 weedless. 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 in the Red Bud area. The hot fly there has been brightly colored marabou jigs.

Sportsman's White River Resort said water conditions are normal with 8 generators still running. Trout fishing has been excellent on red or pink 3 inch power worms, buoyant spoons, Little Cleos, woolly buggers and San Juan worms.

Mountain River Fly Shop said generation continues on the White, but it's nice to see some progress being made on drawing down the lake. Guides and their clients are reveling in the conditions. We keep getting reports of "fat and sassy" browns and rainbows being caught, with the average fish size increasing every month. These fish are fighting with some strength after being toned up in the White River treadmill. San Juan's and Dynamite Worms, with or without an attractor egg leading the way, has been the fly of choice. Bigger scuds and sowbugs have had their followers and have caught some nice fish. The Midge bite has been up and down but White Tail Super Midges, Cadion Midges and Clint's Tungsten Black Midge have caught fish. The streamer brigade are doing well, one of our mates Ken Richards telling us on a day out on big black woollies, on a bright sunny day no less, whacking trout through the middle of the river.

Ken Richards with www.justfishinguides.com says the high water has not put off the fishing. Some of the best trout fishing is going on right now. Fly fishing with streamers and sink-tip lines have brought many large browns to hand. Black weighted streamers sizes 4 to 8 of various types; woolly buggers, matukas, leeches, etc. have been working when pounding the banks. Short stout leaders are best. Several browns in the 5 to 6 pound range have been caught from the Dam area down to Buffalo City.

Norfork Tailwater: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said 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 18. 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 a catch-and-release area consider using a dropper tied to the lead flies. 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.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

\Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, reports that the extreme summer heat has limited the anglers at Carpenter Dam. Most of the fishing has taken place in the early morning hours or right before nightfall. Rainbow trout continue to be very slow with some fish being caught on nightcrawlers and Power Bait near the dam. The limited numbers of trout in the tailrace make fishing very difficult and getting consistent bites is out of the question. Restocking will begin again in November.

July 30, 2008 - Courtesty of State of Missouri

TROUT PARKS:

Bennett Spring State Park:

54 degrees, clear; water level near normal; successful lures and baits include: dry flies (# 12 Crackleback and #22 cream midge); jigs (ginger, black and yellow); mini-jigs (peacock with yellow eye); glo balls (original 3-color); also successful are red brassies, orange Power Baits. July fishing hours are: 6:30am-8:30pm. August fishing hours are: 7:00am-8:00pm Weed cutting is planned for July 30, 2008. We plan to start around 9:00am and should be finished by 3:30pm. Thank you for your patience. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 7/31/2008)

Maramec Spring Park:

Montauk State Park:

58 degrees, falling, fishing has been good; the water is very clear; use light line no heavier than 2 pound test for best results; fishing has been good on various wet flies, inline spinnerbaits and crayfish and creature lures; try gray, white, brown, green/yellow, and black/yellow marabou jigs for best results; check at the lodge for up-to-date fishing information and for good fly choices; bait fishermen have been doing well using worms, various doughbaits, corn and marshmallows; try Power Baits fished beneath a bobber or drifted without a sinker. Fishing hours for August are 7:00am to 8:00pm. For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064440&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 7/30/2008)

Roaring River State Park:

57 degrees, normal, clear; 2-3 pound test line is recommended; plastic eggs, worms and marabou jigs are working well in zone 1; check local fly shops for flies that are working well. We plan to cut water weeds in zone 1 late morning starting Aug. 5. There may also be a small amount of cutting late morning on Aug. 6. The "Back to School Kids' Fishing Day" will be held on Aug. 16. Lots of trout stocked all day, classes, prizes, and contests. Everything is free for the kids and their families. For current or detailed information call 417-847-2430. For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 (Report made on 7/30/2008)

July 24, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 7/24/2008

We have had very little rain and the reservoir levels on the White River have fallen quite a bit for a change. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one and four tenths of a foot to rest at thirty five and five tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is five and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell two and two tenths of a foot to rest at nine feet above power pool or seven feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to settle at eight and three tenths feet above power pool or one and three tenths feet 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 few safe wading opportunities on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen nine tenths of a foot to rest at twenty two and five tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or five and five tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run two generators with brief periods of no generation at night. This made for some limited wading conditions at night. If you choose to fish at night be very careful and always be on the lookout for rising water. On the higher water, boating conditions have been excellent.

Overall, the fishing has been excellent on the White River and numerous hot spots were noted. The perpetual hot spot has been the Catch and Release section at Bull Shoals Dam and the adjacent state park. While this area gets quite a bit of fishing pressure, it has consistently been producing some nice fish. The better fishing is in the morning when the flows are a bit lower than in the afternoon. Most are caught on midge or worm patterns fished under an indicator with a lot of weight to get it down to the bottom. Hot flies have been black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead, San Juan worms in bright colors (cerise, hot pink and red), and egg patterns.

The section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has been very productive. This section has received less pressure of late and the fishing is more relaxed than further up stream. Trout have been taken on a variety of flies including scuds, sowbugs and trout crack. The more traditional high water flies like San Juan worms and egg patterns are also effective. This is a great area to do some streamer fishing. Try woolly buggers, sculpin patterns and kiwi muddlers on a sink tip line for the bigger fish. This is a lot of work but the rewards can be great.

Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals Catch and Release section. It too has received little pressure of late. Anglers fishing there have reported some great fishing and some big trout. This is one place where there is some limited wading. Gary Flippin at Rim Shoals trout Dock can take you to the bottom of the second island and pick you up with his water taxi service. Hot flies in this area have been olive woolly buggers and sowbugs. San Juan worms are the ticket to float fishing in the area. I have had the most success with cerise and hot pink worms.

The great low water we have had recently on the Norfork seems to have come to an end. The Norfork is receiving quite a bit of pressure from boat traffic. If you go there use conventional high water techniques. The flies of choice will be San Juan worms in bright colors and various midge patterns.

Dry Run Creek is still producing some really big fish. The hot fly this week has been the sowbug in size fourteen fished with a strike indicator. There have been instances where people have been observed fishing with bait. Bait of any kind is illegal. Help protect this jewel form poaching. Please report any illegal activity to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The hot line to report poaching is 1 800 482-5262

Crooked Creek has cleared and the water levels are great for wading or canoeing. It is fishing well. Streamers fished on sink tip lines have been the ticket. Look for rock ledges and other cover. For a change of pace, you should try fishing hoppers. Dave's hoppers and Rainey's hoppers are great choices. Keep moving and cover a lot of water.

July 23, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop -

The White River continues to fish well on high water, though the hot spots shift from week to week, while the early morning wading windows on Norfork appear to have ended.

WHITE RIVER: Generation continues on the White but its nice to see some progress being made on drawing down the lake. Tuesday night at midnight Bull Shoals fell under 590 ft above sea level for the first time in months. To put it in perspective there is 36Åå to go till we reach the top of power pool, but when you have been within a few feet of the top of the lake, any gap is nice and the trend down continues.

Guides and their clients are revelling in the conditions. We keep getting reports of "fat and sassy" browns and rainbows being caught, with the average fish size increasing every month. And these fish are fighting with some strength, after being toned up in the White River treadmill.

San Juans and Dynamite Worms, with or without an attractor egg leading the way, has been the fly of choice for most. Bigger scuds and sowbugs have had their followers and have caught some nice fish. The Midge bite has been up and down but White Tail Super Midges, Cadion Midges and Clint's Tungsten Black Midge have caught fish.

The streamer brigade are doing well, one of our mates Ken Richards telling us on a day out on big black woollies, on a bright sunny day no less, whacking trout through the middle of the river.

NORFORK: Well if you got in on the Norfork party you had a lot of fun but the party appears to be over in the short term anyway. As of Monday generation has been starting at 6am, which means getting up REALLY early or going boat fishing.

July 17, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 7/17/2008

Despite yet another rain event, the reservoir levels on the White River have fallen a bit. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at thirty six and nine tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is four and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and two tenths of a foot above power pool or four and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to settle at eight and six tenths feet above power pool or one 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 few safe wading opportunities on the White. Norfork Lake has risen one tenth of a foot to rest at twenty three and four tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or four and six tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run two generators with substantial periods of no generation at night and during the morning. This made for some excellent wading conditions. On the higher water, boating conditions have been excellent.

We are now four months past our initial spring floods and we have made little if any progress on reducing the lake levels on the White River . They are basically four feet or less from the top of flood pool on all of the White River Reservoirs. A four inch rain could easily put us back in the flood gates. This has been caused by the heavy rain fall we have received and down stream flooding that prevents the Corps of Engineers from drawing down the reservoirs more aggressively. With the current generation and lake levels, I do not foresee any reliable wading conditions until mid fall.

With an unprecedented high water year, local guides and anglers have honed their high water skills. Not only have they developed new flies for the occasion but have concentrated on classic techniques for success in these conditions and created new ones.

Overall, the fishing has been very good on the White River . The perpetual hot spot has been the Catch and Release section at Bull Shoals Dam and the adjacent state park. While the recording for Bull Shoals Dam will say that they have eight units on, there can be a substantial amount of variation in the water levels. The trick to success is to key onto rising water and to stay with it as long as you can. This may result in a long drift down stream and a run back to your launch point. The most successful technique during the past week has been to drift nymphs over weed beds. The hot flies have been black zebra midges, olive scuds and San Juan worms. The larger fish have been caught on streamers cast against the bank with sink tip lines. Some guides recommend a slow retrieve while others suggest a very fast one. Vary yours to see what works best for you. Good patterns for this technique are sculpins, kiwi muddlers and big woolly buggers.

The Norfork has been fishing well in the morning on low water. The problem is with the constant high generation on the White this is the only place to wade and it can get pretty crowded, particularly on the weekends. The hot spots have been Quarry Park just below Norfork Dam and the Ackerman access. One way to avoid the crowds has been to float down from Quarry Park to McClellan's. It is a rough pull in a river boat or a nice ride in a personal pontoon. Some anglers have been walking up from the Ackerman access. This is a dangerous proposition. I picked up an angler in my river boat who was stranded on a rapidly disappearing island last week. Anglers reported success with black zebra nymphs and olive Norfork bead heads both in size eighteen. Other good flies were olive woolly buggers, green butt soft hackles and Dan's turkey tail emerger. In the afternoon, on higher water, fishing slows quite a bit. Use conventional high water techniques.

Dry Run Creek is still producing some really big fish. This is also a great place to escape the heat. It is always fifteen to twenty degrees cooler than on the river. Remember to have the kids fish short lines. There is precious little casting room with the over hanging trees. The hot fly this week has been the sowbug in size fourteen fished with a strike indicator.

Crooked Creek has cleared a bit and is fishing well. Streamers fished on sink tip lines have been the ticket. Look for rock ledges and other cover. Keep moving and cover a lot of water.

July 16, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop -WHITE RIVER: Fishing continues to be very good on the White, particularly if you can catch rising water and stay with it. The Journal was yarning with Marc Poulos this morning and it rammed home how being in the right place at the right time helps. Marc's clients last week hooked and landed 7 browns the majority over 20" as they stayed on a hot bite all day. It sounds easier than it is with the water level bouncing around. Sometimes it seems like you are waiting all day for the consistent rise.

Definitely helps to have a guide to maximize your fishing experience.

Larger midge patterns are well worth fishing. Fish Davy's Whitetail Super Midge, Clint's Tungsten Black Midge, Mountain River Midges in 14s and even 12s.

Run then in tandem with San Juans, Dynamite Worms or Eggs.

Don't forget bigger Sowbugs and Scud patterns too, ask about our custom ties from Davy and Clint, plus McClellan's Hunchback Scud, and some of the other commercial patterns.

Big streamers continue to work well. Fish them slowly over the brass bedd, drop offs and close to the banks. Again fish them slowly. Tungsten Slumpbusters, Whitlocks Near Nuff Sculpin, Carp Sculpins, and the like. Try them on a type 4 or type 6 sinking line.

NORFORK: Back to low flows in the AM on Norfork and the best fishing is early in the day. Starting to hear some reports of some better fish, including one deep 22" rainbow yesterday to a fly fisher from Alabama, who dropped by the store.

Midges are doing very well. Try your favorite selection of Zebra Midges, including standard black/silver, olive, our Camel Midge, and the Davy Wotton Super Midges. We have also had good reports on Trout Crack, WD40s, Rainbow Warriors and of course smaller San Juans.

Don't forget your scuds and sowbugs.

July 11, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop -

WHITE RIVER: As we mentioned last week midge patterns, in larger sizes are coming into play on the White. Davy Wotton's White Tail's Clint's Black Tungsten Midge and Mountain River Midges have all been scoring fish. For once the Journal was smart enough to follow his own advice in adapting favorite low water midges into high water patterns. A big silver bead, a 12 hook was the start for our Rainbow Warrior on steroids which we put on Robert's rod on Monday for a trial run. Lance Egan's rainbow warrior is a flashy little bright sun day midge. It worked well enough in the big size too when the worm bite slowed.

Worms were good early and later in the day as a pop-up storm rolled in, barely dampening our shirts. Red, pink and brown worms are doing particularly well, we have restocked the Davy Wotton Dynamite Worms are running out last weekend. Also look at scaling up the size of your scud and sowbug patterns, we will be at the vice this weekend.

NORFORK: Low water morning and fat and feisty fish are the order of the day at Norfork. We have been hearing tales all week of fish a cast sessions up and down the river.

Robert, our client we mentioned above managed a 20" fish on Satyurday first cast but the majority of fish are well conditioned trout in the mid-teens.

Olive or brown midges are fishing well in 18s or 20 _ a big change from the monsters being fished on the White and of course its great to get out and wade.

July 10, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 7/10/2008

Though we have had two significant rain events in the last week, the reservoir levels on the White River have fallen a bit. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three tenths of a foot to rest at thirty seven and six tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is three and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell eight tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and seven tenths of a foot above power pool or four and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose eight tenths of a foot to settle at eight and eight tenths feet above power pool or eight 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 few safe wading opportunities on the White. Norfork Lake has risen one tenths of a foot to rest at twenty three and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or four and seven tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run two generators with substantial periods of no generation at night and during the morning. This made for some excellent wading conditions. On the higher water, boating conditions have been excellent.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission boat launching ramp in Quarry Park at the base of Norfork dam has been repaired and is open for business. The adjacent parking lot was destroyed during the flooding this spring. It has been closed since then. This is the only public boat ramp on the Norfork River and its closure required that anyone wanting to use a boat on the Norfork to launch at the ramp at the confluence of the White and Norfork Rivers and then motor up. This makes it much more convenient for those wanting to boat on the upper river. I have noted that a lot of non boating anglers are parking in the boat launch parking lot. These spaces should be reserved for boating anglers, which require much more space to accommodate their trailers. There is plenty of parking available in the park.

Overall, the fishing has been excellent on the White River , particularly in 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. Other hot flies have been midge larva patterns (like black zebra midges) in larger sizes such as fourteens and brightly colored egg patterns. The better fishing is early morning.

Anglers that are bored with fishing San Juan worms are opting to fish large streamers against the bank. This does not produce a lot of fish but it has resulted in some large trout, particularly browns. Other anglers are fishing large dry flies, particularly grass hoppers and ants against the bank. This requires good casting skills but can add a new exciting dimension to fishing high water.

The recent heavy rains have raised the water levels on the Buffalo River and Crooked Creek. This has muddied the river below these tributaries and made these areas much more difficult to fish.

The Norfork has been exceptional in the morning on low water. The hot spots have been Quarry Park just below Norfork Dam and the Ackerman access. Anglers reported great success with black zebra nymphs and olive Norfork bead heads both in size eighteen. Other good flies were olive woolly buggers, partridge and orange soft hackles, Dan's turkey tail emerger and copper johns in size fourteen. In the afternoon, on higher water, fishing slows quite a bit. Use conventional high water techniques and if you are not fishing in the Catch and Release area consider using a dropper tied to the lead fly. Black zebra midges and copper johns are great flies for this purpose. They should be fairly large (size fourteen).

Dry Run Creek has fished well. Summer vacation is in full swing and more families are taking advantage of this unique fishery. If one spot becomes crowded, just move to another one. There are fish all up and down the creek. The most productive fly is still the sowbug in size fourteen. The most productive technique is high sticking. There is very limited room to cast. Be sure and use at least 4X tippet and carry a big net. Mash down those barbs, it is the law!

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River muddied up during the recent rains and are not fishing well.

John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

July 3, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 7/03/2008

We have had yet another significant rain event and overall the reservoir levels on the White River have risen a bit. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose five tenths of a foot to rest at thirty seven and nine tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is three and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one and four tenths of a foot to rest at twelve and five tenths of a foot above power pool or three and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to settle at eight feet above power pool or one and six 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 few safe wading opportunities on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen four tenths of a foot to rest at twenty three and two tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or four and eight 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. It should be noted that three and a half months after the beginning of our spring floods, little progress has been made in reducing the lake levels.

Overall, the fishing has been excellent on the White River , 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. Other hot flies have been midge larva patterns (like black zebra midges) in larger sizes such as fourteens. The better fishing has definitely been in the morning. The bite seems to slow midday and picks up again in late afternoon.

Another hot spot was Rim Shoals. Here again the most action was encountered using brightly colored San Juan worms and eggs. There have been some promising reports of anglers having success wading at the second island below the walk-in access. The have been utilizing Gary Flipin's water taxi. For a nominal fee Gary will ferry you down there in a river boat and pick you up when you are ready to go. For details you should check at Rim Shoals Trout Dock.

The Norfork has been fishing well in the morning 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 Dan's turkey tail emerger. The top producer was the green butt soft hackle. There have been some sparse sulphur and midge hatches in mid morning and this was the key to success. In the afternoon, on higher water, fishing slows quite a bit. Use conventional high water techniques and if you are not fishing in the Catch and Release area consider using a dropper tied to the lead fly. Black zebra midges and copper johns are great flies for this purpose. They should be fairly large (size fourteen).

Dry Run Creek has fished well. I have been pleasantly surprised by quality of fishing of late. I had expected it to be much more crowded during the summer. The top producer is still the sowbug followed closely by the San Juan worm. My favorite San Juan worm is a small one in worm brown. Do not be afraid to try some thing completely different. The other day my client took two nice rainbows on a size eight Chernobyl ant. I was also pleased to see a wildlife enforcement officer. When I talked to him, he said that he tried to tour the creek daily.

Crooked Creek has cleared up and is fishing well. The best way to fish it is by canoe so that you can access spots a bit further from the access that do not receive as much fishing pressure. My favorite section is the float from Kelly Slab to the park in Yellville. There are a lot of nice deep pools and some very interesting structure to work. I find a nine foot six weight with a sink tip line to be the best way to fish it. The top flies have been brown woolly buggers, crawfish, and Clouser minnows.

John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

tth

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