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December 30, 2005 - Beaver
- G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam
Store crew! email
- Well 2005 is almost done, and what a year its been for us and
everyone else. Lots of changes around the store in the past year,
most notably the retirement of Charlotte and the new ownership.
And plenty of exciting times ahead. We have also been through
the development of a new management plan for the Tailwater, which
of course brings new rules from January 1.
These changes are also accompanied by a major reduction in stocking
numbers, to try and balance the food resource with the fish population.
Yes fishing Beaver is going to be different and for the better.
But the long-term need is still for a hatchery on Beaver. We
have been promised it for 30 years, we have the land available
and the water supply, all that is needed now is the funding.
Speaking for most anglers we don't believe where the money comes
from is important, Federal, State, local or even private resources.
But we want that money provided now. We, all of us who fish this
tailwater, have waited long enough.
* FISHING REPORT
Beaver Tailwater: Fishing is
getting better once the day warms a little. Before the midge
hatch try Zebra midges (black, brown or red); Razorback Midges;
Charlotte's Redneck Midge and other midge pupa imitations. During
the hatches (mid-morning to early afternoon) particularly on
cloudy days try Parachute Adams (20-22), Adams (20); Midge Adams,
Cream Midges, or our newly unpacked Adult Midge Light, Snowshoe
Midge Emerger, or Parasol Midge Emerger.
We have Wapsi's Razor Foam Midge tying kits ($8 each) to whip
up some of Pat Neuman's great little fly. Tie it as a pupa or
an adult. Its simple fast and effective. If you don't fancy dry
fly precision try swinging a soft hackle, Olive Submarine, Dark
Olive Dun and Peacock and Patridge and in deeper or swifter sections
try the new Fulton's Tungsten Wired Red Ass.
Subsurface sowbugs remain the fly of choice through much of the
upper section of the tailwater. Try our gray sowbugs 12-18 or
the sweet McLellan's Woven V-Rib sowbug.
Olive Woolly Buggers, and Egg patterns are performing well particularly
in peach colors, Umpqua's superb low water Flashtail mini eggs,
and the bead head Veiled Eggs for faster runs. We have also been
able to finally get in some teeny size 18 Flashtail Eggs which
should be gobbled up.
As the cold weather increases watch for more early morning water
releases, particularly on weekdays. Generation has been starting
in the evening on dusk. Call 417 336 5083 for a real time recorded
message (after the Table Rock report) on water releases.
Norfork Tailwater/Bull Shoals: Low, low water over the Christmas
break meant plenty of fishing and catching.Similar conditions
can probably be expected this weekend. Olive midges, gray sowbugs,
olive/brown scuds all were working well on Norfork on Tuesday
when Steve guided three generations of the Lenard family. (We
will save the tale of Dry Run Creek for when the photos arrive).
Lots of midging fish from McLellan's downstream, great time to
try soft hackles or dries, mentioned above. Sunny days try the
Pearl submarine in particular. Overcast days have seen nice blue
wing olive hatches on both the White and Norfolk. Small pheasant
tails, or the many micro mayfly variants can be effect in the
early stages of the hatch.
Egg patterns have been very effective, particuarly around Wildcat
Shoal and Rim Shoal has also been fishing well
NEW FISHING REGULATIONS _ JANUARY 1
It seems a long time since March
when we first started telling you about the proposals for Beaver
Tailwater to get its own management plan, and better yet drafted
with input from those fishing the river. Well finally, on January
1 the new regulations underpinning the plan will come into effect.
If you're a catch and release fly fisher currently you probably
won't notice much difference at all. The main changes only really
affect those taking trout or bait fishers. But everyone should
support the goals of the new plan _ top produce better sized
rainbows and more trophy browns.
To that end stocking levels have basically been halved and a
slot limit introduced to allow fish to grow, relatively unmolested
from 13" to 16", replacing the existing minimum size
limits.
Bait fishers will have to use barbless hooks on the whole river,
from the Dam to Houseman Access. The current Catch and Release
Area has become a "no bait zone" which will carry pretty
much the same rules as the former catch and release area, including
single barless articials and no chumming. The final management
plan, which will run for 5 years, will not be finalised until
early next year.
The regulation changes are:
*
13" to 16" slot limit for all trout All trout between
13" and 16" must be released immediately..
*
Daily creel limit remains 5 trout but only one trout may be over
16".
*
Single barbless hook restriction on bait fishing to reduce hooking
mortality of released trout, hooking point barb must be mashed
down or removed. Bait holder barbs on hook shank are allowed.
*
From Beaver Dam to Houseman Access, possession of trout within
the slot limit (between 13" and 16") will not be allowed.
*
The current Catch and Release Area has been converted to a no-bait
zone where only single barbless artificial lured may be used
but the same slot limit harvest rules apply. Chumming is not
allowed in this area.
*
A Trout permit is required to fish Beaver Dam to Houseman Access,
or to retain trout from any state waters.
*
Other statewide trout regulations are unchanged and still in
place. See the Trout Fishing Guidebook or Fishing Guidebook for
those regulations.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa Steve, Shirley, Tom and Kevin
December 23, 2005 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email
- Phone 479-253-6154 - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store
crew! - FISHING REPORT
Beaver Tailwater: Fishing is
getting better once the day warms a little. Before the midge
hatch try Zebra midges (black, brown or red); Razorback Midges;
Charlotte's Redneck Midge and other midge pupa imitations. During
the hatches (mid-morning to early afternoon) particularly on
cloudy days try Parachute Adams (20-22), Adams (20); Midge Adams,
Cream Midges, or our newly unpacked Adult Midge Light, Snowshoe
Midge Emerger, or Parasol Midge Emerger.
We have Wapsi's Razor Foam Midge tying kits ($8 each) to whip
up some of Pat Neuman's great little fly. Tie it as a pupa or
an adult. Its simple fast and effective. If you don't fancy dry
fly precision try swinging a soft hackle, Olive Submarine, Dark
Olive Dun and Peacock and Patridge and in deeper or swifter sections
try the new Fulton's Tungsten Wired Red Ass.
Subsurface sowbugs remain the fly of choice through much of the
upper section of the tailwater. Try our gray sowbugs 12-18 or
the sweet McLellan's Woven V-Rib sowbug.
Olive Woolly Buggers, and Egg patterns are performing well particularly
in peach colors, Umpqua's superb low water Flashtail mini eggs,
and the bead head Veiled Eggs for faster runs. We have also been
able to finally get in some teeny size 18 Flashtail Eggs which
should be gobbled up.
As the cold weather increases watch for more early morning water
releases, particularly on weekdays. Generation has been starting
in the evening on dusk . Call 417 336 5083 for a real time recorded
message (after the Table Rock report) on water releases.
NEW FISHING REGULATIONS _ JANUARY
1
It seems a long time since March
when we first started telling you about the proposals for Beaver
Tailwater to get its own management plan, and better yet drafted
with input from those fishing the river. Well finally, on January
1 the new regulations underpinning the plan will come into effect.
If you're a catch and release fly fisher currently you probably
won't notice much difference at all. The main changes only really
affect those taking trout or bait fishers. But everyone should
support the goals of the new plan _ top produce better sized
rainbows and more trophy browns.
To that end stocking levels have basically been halved and a
slot limit introduced to allow fish to grow, relatively unmolested
from 13" to 16", replacing the existing minim um size
limits.
Bait fishers will have to use barbless hooks on the whole river,
from the Dam to Houseman Access. The current Catch and Release
Area has become a "no bait zone" which will carry pretty
much the same rules as the former catch and release area, including
single barless articials and no chumming. The final management
plan, which will run for 5 years, will not be finalised until
early next year.
The regulation changes are:
o
13" to 16" slot limit for all trout All trout between
13" and 16" must be released immediately..
o
Daily creel limit remains 5 trout but only one trout may be over
16".
o
Single barbless hook restriction on bait fishing to reduce hooking
mortality of released trout, hooking point barb must be mashed
down or removed. Bait holder barbs on hook shank are allowed.
o
From Beaver Dam to Houseman Access, possession of trout within
the slot limit (between 13" and 16") will not be allowed.
o
The current Catch and Release Area has been converted to a no-bait
zone where only single barbless artificial lured may be used
but the same slot limit harvest rules apply. Chumming is not
allowed in this area.
o
A Trout permit is required to fish Beaver Dam to Houseman Access,
or to retain trout from any state waters.
o
Other statewide trout regulations are unchanged and still in
place. See the Trout Fishing Guidebook or Fishing Guidebook for
those regulations.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa Steve, Shirley, Tom and Kevin.
December 16, 2005 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email
- Phone 479-253-6154 - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store
crew! - Christmas is approaching fast _ scary fast. Then its
going to be New Year (our resolution is more fishing) and 2006,
new fishing regulations. Should be a fun time on the tailwater.
We are really hoping that the new regulations can help boost
the average fish size and get them up to Arkansas' proportions.
We will give you the full rundown on all the changes next week.
Fishing has been pretty good on the tailwater, plus you know
you aren't going to see crowds. Between the Christmas rush and
colder weather fly fishers have been few and far between. But
the hardy are catching fish. Wrap yourself up, fish as long as
you can stand it and drop into the Dam store for a hot coffee,
snack and a bit of a yarn It'll do you good to get away from
the traffic jams, screaming children and parents wired up on
adrenaline and credit card overload at this time of the year.
FISHING REPORT
Beaver Tailwater: Sowbugs remain
the fly of choice through much of the upper section of the tailwater.
Though the midge hatches remain thick, sowbugs are thicker than
fleas on a brown dog. Try our gray sowbugs 12-18 or the sweet
McLellan's Woven V-Rib sowbug.
Zebra midges (black, brown or red); Razorback Midges; Charlotte's
Redneck Midge and other patterns have been working well. If you
wnat to try dries then our Cream midges, Adams Midges or our
newly unpacked Adult Midge Light would be the fly of choice currently.
Keep an eye on the natural's color, for the black midges try
Befus' Adult Midge is another great pattern, or the Snowshow
Midge Emerger, or Parasol Midge Emerger both new into stock.
If you don't fancy dry fly precision try swinging a soft hackle,
Olive Submarine, Dark Olive Dun and Peacock and Patridge and
in deeper or swifter sections try the new Fulton's Tungsten Wired
Red Ass.
Olive Woolly Buggers, and Egg patterns are performing well particularly
in peach colors, Umpqua's superb low water Flashtail mini eggs,
and the bead head Veiled Eggs for faster runs. We have also been
able to finally get in some teeny size 18 Flashtail Eggs which
should be gobbled up.
As the cold weather increases watch for more early morning water
releases, particularly on weekdays. Generation has been starting
in the evening on dusk . Call 417 336 5083 for a real time recorded
message (after the Table Rock report) on water releases.
TIP OF THE WEEK
We all know the story about
worn tapered leaders. You have changed flies long, enough, probably
cut out a few tangles, lost a bit more to a streamside tree until
finally you have something about 0x on the pointy end. Its too
thick to tie to your normal 6x Beaver tippet. Don't throw these
sections away. Loop them up and keep in a ziplock bag (twist
the butt loop through around the rest of the leader as they come
out of the packet to keep them tidy. Then next time you need
a leader for streamers, largemouth or white bass, you have ready
made short leaders. Add a foot or two of 3x or 4x and you are
good to go.
Tight Lines from the Beaver
Dam Store staff,
Lisa Steve, Shirley, Tom and Kevin
December 14, 2005 - Beaver Tailwaters - McLellan's Fly Shop said there has been very little
generation over the last few days. If generators come online
at all, it's usually been between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., providing
plenty of wading opportunities. Scuds and sow bugs as well as
midge pupa patterns have been very productive; however, egg patterns
are still hooking several fish as many trout continue their spawning
activities. Some of our favorite egg patterns are the Flashtail
Mini Egg, the Unreal Egg, and the Micro Egg. For the health of
the fishery, remember to leave actively spawning fish alone.
December 9, 2005 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email
- Phone 479-253-6154 - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store
crew! - Ok, this week it feels like December! The Aussie's huddled
by a heater under a blanket and muttering something about it
being 85 degrees and duns hatching back home. Well it has been
colder than a well-digger's wotzit over the past few days but
when the going gets tough the tough go fishin.
One of our customers from Little Rock, Larry was hardy enough
to brave the weather on Friday, and caught a bunch of rainbows
on a sowbug from the Canebreak section of the catch and release
area. He hads picked up one of last three Hodgman microfibre
breathable coats on sale and was raving about how well it worked.
Together with the Wind River gloves, and a Temple Fork fleece
ball cap he said he hadn't felt the weather at all. Big wraps
since the temperatures were cool enough to have the guides on
his rod icing up. Thankfully the Arctic Edge will be off this
weekend with Sunday expected to nudge the 50s again so come out
and enjoy the river.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Probably the smartest move you
can make in preparation for winter fishing in Arkansas is pack
a second bag, with spare clothes. Yes we know it is just something
else to remember but they don't have to be your Sunday best.
Stick spare socks, underwear, shirt, old track pants, a pullover
and a towel into an old gymbag and leave it in your fishing vehicle
or with your fishing gear, so it doesn't get forgotten. You can
get hypothermic pretty quick with the sort of air temperature
and windchill we have currently if you take a spill on the river.
FISHING REPORT
Beaver Tailwater: Midges hatches
have been thick for the past two weeks, particularly on overcast
days. Definately time to break out a 3wt and go hunting with
emergers or dries on 7x. Long fine leaders are the choice, but
thankfully the midges are an 20 and not a size 46. Cream midges
or our newly unpacked Adult Midge Light would be the fly of choice
currently. But keep checkling the naturals as this can change.
Befus' Adult Midge is another great pattern or you might try
the Snowshow Midge Emerger, or Parasol Midge Emerger both new
into stock. These patterns are finally emergers you can see.
If you don't fancy dry fly precision try swinging a soft hackle,
Olive Submarine, Dark Olive Dun and Peacock and Patridge and
in deeper or swifter sections try the new Fulton's Tungsten Wired
Red Ass.
Olive Woolly Buggers, zebra midges (black, brown or red); Razorback
Midges; Charlotte's Redneck Midge and other patterns have been
working well. Egg patterns are performing well particularly in
peach colors, Umpqua's superb low water Flashtail mini eggs,
and the bead head Veiled Eggs for faster runs. We have also been
able to finally get in some teeny size 18 Flashtail Eggs which
should be gobbled up.
There are also bunches of sowbugs, from tiny 18s all the way
up to behemoth 12s in the upper part of the tailwater.
As the cold weather increases watch for more early morning water
releases, particularly on weekdays. Generation has been starting
in the evening on dusk . Call 417 336 5083 for a real time recorded
message (after the Table Rock report) on water releases.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa Steve and Kevin
December 8, 2005 - Beaver - Beaver
Tailwaters: McLellan's Fly Shop said there has been very little
generation over the past few weeks. If generators come online
at all, it's usually between 3 and 5 p.m., providing plenty of
wade-fishing opportunities. Of course, scuds and sow bugs as
well as midge pupa patterns have been very productive; however,
egg patterns are starting to hook several fish as more and more
trout start their pre-spawn activities. Some of our favorite
egg patterns are the Flashtail Mini Egg, the Unreal Egg, and
the Micro Egg. For the health of the fishery, remember to leave
actively spawning fish alone, and avoid wading through their
spawning redds (clean, oval depressions in the gravel).
December 2, 2005 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email
- Phone 479-253-6154 - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store
crew! - Can you believe its December? Seems like only yesterday
we were welcoming in 2005, with a very full Beaver Lake and a
whole bunch of generation. Now Beaver is way, way, way down and
it's getting hard to recall what the tailwater looks like with
a couple of units running. Even with cold temperatures this morning,
when normally the power station would be cranking out electricity,
nothing was running.
So rug up nice and warm, climb into your waders and go fish.
The trout are hungry.
FISHING REPORT
Beaver Tailwater: We say it
often enough but get your butt out of bed for the best fishing.
Morning midge hatches have been good, but you will need your
winter woollies. We gave up bothering to strip line, swinging
soft hackle this week, relying instead on judicious twitches
of the rod tip to enhance the fly's action _ hey we had got sick
of trying to clean the ice out of the guides. Steve left the
Stanley's Ice Off in the store and has been paying ever since.
The midges were turning on just before 7am, and Pheasant Tail
soft hackles, Fulton's Tungsten Wired Red Ass, the Olive Submarine,
Dark Olive Dun and Peacock and Patridge patterns were all working
well.
Olive Woolly Buggers, zebra midges (black, brown or red); Razorback
Midges; Charlotte's Redneck Midge and other patterns have been
working extremely well. Egg patterns are performing well particularly
in peach colors, Umpqua's superb low water Flashtail mini eggs,
and the bead head Veiled Eggs for faster runs. There are also
bunches of sowbugs, from tiny 18s all the way up to behemoth
12s in the upper part of the tailwater.
As the cold weather increases watch for more early morning water
releases, particularly on weekdays. Generation has been starting
in the evening on dusk . Call 417 336 5083 for a real time recorded
message (after the Table Rock report) on water releases.
This week, we check out our neighbor and sister company, the
Spider Creek Resort, a great system for carrying your rods safe
and sound, the fishing report.
*
SPIDER CREEK RESORT _ OPEN ALL WINTER
Your favorite flyshop, the Beaver
Dam Store, is now part of family with the Spider Creek Resort,
the finest accomodation on the tailwater. Many of our customers
are regulars at the Resort, enjoying the comfortable cabins overlooking
one of the prettiest sections of the river. The jacuzzis are
a sweet way to end another great day's wading on the river.
This year for the first time Spider Creek Resort will be open
all winter. Bring your partner, they will appreciate the warmth
and comfort of the cabins, or grab a group of fishing buddies
and share a larger cabin for a winter getaway from city stresses.
Spider Creek also offers canoe, kayak and jon boat rentals for
those wanting to explore the river or fish high water periods.
Its just a short stroll to the Dam Store for all your fly fishing
essentials.
And its an even shorter stroll to the Spider Creek hole on the
tailwater, one of the prime big fish holding sections of the
river.
*
NORFORK TAILWATER DRIFT BOAT TRIPS
House guide Steve Dally has
been chafing at the bit to get up and running drift boat trips
on Arkansas' famed Norfolk Tailwater. This short but sweet tailwater
is noted for huge fish, some nice mayfly hatches and as simply
great fly fishing water. But while low water wading is superb,
there is plenty of great spots relatively untouched by wade fishers.
It can be a bit nerve-wracking going too far when you can't hear
the generation warning siren. So a drift boat can get you into
places away from the crowds and offer the opportunities to keep
fishing during generation periods. The stream fishing on overcast
days in winter can be superb. In many ways Beaver could become
a second Norfork if the long promised hatchery comes to fruition.
We are now ready to take bookings for driftboat trips on the
Norfork. These are full-day trips only, including lunch, for
one or two people for $300. Our 15' Clackacraft tunnel hull drift
boat, the Ferrari of drift boats, only hold 2 clients but call
us about larger parties and we can arrange additional drift boats
to suit your needs. Steve has been devising some mean, hot lunch
to stave off the winter chill and keep you in peak fishing form..
Steve fished the Norfork this week for good result, on midges
and scud patterns. Generation this week has largely been morning
and evening flows, and though the water is colored, the trout
are feeding strongly. A bunch of 17" browns and some very
feisty cutthroat also came to hand.
Give us a call about a trip!
TEENY WEENY INDICATORS - Part II
Ok last week we told you about
the many uses of the Lighning Strike Dots mini stick on indicators.
Just to prove we don't think of everything, our Sage guru Cary
Marcus wandering in on one of his suprise visits on Monday and
was perusing our offerings and lobbed this idea at us. If your
drifting small midge pupa grab two of the dots and stick them
together, either side of your leader. Hey presto an extremely
low profile mini indicator.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa Steve and Kevin.
December
1, 2005 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table
Rock Guide Service
- Lake Taneycomo
Trout Trout fishing is very good in the trophy area and also
below Fall Creek dock. In the trophy area from Fall Creek to
the damn, the trout size seems to be improving with the cooler
weather. I'm catching some nice rainbows and a few browns on
a small Rapala in the morning and also swimming a white 1/16
ounce jig. The trout in the trophy area will also take pink or
green micro jigs under a float and a zebra midge has also been
very good. Below the trophy are from Fall Creek down, the trout
are biting very good on night crawlers or power baits. In the
early morning you can catch them swimming a 1/16 ounce jig or
little Cleo spoon.
November 25, 2005 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email
- Phone 479-253-6154 - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store
crew! -
Happy Holidays from the Beaver Dam Store crew!
Well we hope your full of turkey and pie and all that good stuff.
And a trip to the tailwater is a great way to use of some of
yesterday's consumption. The fishing has been spectacular with
many big fish being taken in the last month and not all of them
have been kept. Cooler weather and hunting season has kept the
hordes off the river so its a great time to fish.
Keep an eye on the generation charts, as the cooler weather comes
in. We have had a little early morning generation on particularly
cold days but this weekend should be ok.
TEENY WEENY INDICATORS
There aren't too many Beaver regulars who haven't been tempted
to curse long and loud on winter mornings at the cruel combination
of single fly regulations and thock pernickety midge feeders.
Your good judgement prevailed obviously but small midge pupa
and emerging midge feeders can be a pretty galling combination
under catch and release regs in Arkansas. Out West we would probably
all be running an 18 dry fly, ahead of WD40s, Fowlers Biot Midge,
Jujubees or similar, as a indicator. Most of the normal ball
or Palsa Indicators are just too big.
Then the folks at Wapsi came to the rescue with their new Lightning
Strike Indicator Dots. You get a bunch of these little stick
on foam circles for $3.99, in 2 sizes _ very small and teeny
weeny. Just the ticket for attaching to your leader ahead of
small midge emergers and pupa. You can also add them to the back
of those hard to see low-floating beetle, hopper or ant patterns
for summer dry fly fishing.
TIP OF THE WEEK
With cold weather coming _ sometime soon, we have a great suggestion
to keep your tootsies warmer on the tailwater. Don't wear your
wading socks on the drive up. Car heaters will cause your feet
to sweat a little and damp socks in waders means cold feet. Instead
change into your wading socks when your getting ready. Your feet
wilkl thank you for your consideration.
FISHING
Beaver Tailwater: Low water opens up plenty of wading, and with
little generation now is the time to roam stretches away from
the Catch and Release section or immediately below the Dam. Discover
how pretty and how much of the tailwater there is away from the
crowds. The best fishing has been in the mornings, though it
picks up again towards dark.
Olive Woolly Buggers, zebra midges (black, brown or red); Razorback
Midges; Charlotte's Redneck Midge and other patterns have been
working extremely well. Egg patterns are performing well, Umpqua's
superb low water Flashtail mini eggs, and the bead head Veiled
Eggs for faster runs. Soft hackles are working well for fish
feeding on emergers. Check out our first shoipment of Dale Fulton's
Tungsten Wired Red Ass for fishing deep, faster runs. McLellan's
Hunchback scuds and Woven V-Rib Sowbugs are also reliable bets.
As the cold weather increases watch for more early morning water
releases, particularly on weekdays. Call 417 336 5083 for a real
time recorded message (after the Table Rock report) on water
releases.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa Steve and Kevin.
November
17, 2005 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table
Rock Guide Service
- Lake Taneycomo Trout
Trout fishing is very good in the trophy area and also below
Fall Creek dock. In the trophy area from Fall Creek to
the damn, the trout size seems to be improving with the cooler
weather. I'm catching some nice rainbows and a few browns
on a small Rapala in the morning and also swimming a white 1/16
ounce jig. The trout in the trophy area will also take
pink or green micro jigs under a float and a zebra midge has
also been very good. Below the trophy are from Fall Creek
down, the trout are biting very good on night crawlers or power
baits. In the early morning you can catch them swimming
a 1/16 ounce jig or little Cleo spoon.
Bill Beck
October 27, 2005 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email
- Phone 479-253-6154 - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store
crew! -
FISHING
Beaver Tailwater: For all those
fly fishers who spout off that Beaver fish are small, drop into
the store and check out the 17 pound, 34 inch brown taken last
week. Sadly the fish was not caught and released, but it does
go to show what sort of trout do exist here. That giant trout
was taken on a Rapala 9 brown trout pattern. Fly fishers can
get the same effect casting big brown over cream/yellow streamers.
It is possible. Several one fly entrants also spoke about being
broken off by fish in the 20"-plus class, and there were
several other spotted in the river in the days leading up to
the tournament. There were also plenty of fish in the 17-18"
range taken in the lead-up. Just because you haven't caught them
yet doesn't mean they aren't here.
Egg patterns have been extremely popular, with good reason, bot
just for the Parker Bend riffle. They will get eaten anywhere.
Midges also have been scoring well. Red shades have been doing
very well including Red Zebra Midges and Razorback Midges. You
should alos be trying our latest midge fly Bryce's TDM (That
Damn Midge). Its lethal across the entire White River systemand
we will give you more details on this locally developed tailwater
special next week.
Grey sowbugs have been also doing very well, Y2Ks, woolly buggers
and scuds.
One Fly 2005 has come and
gone and our thanks to everyone who turned out on what was quite
a damp morning. But for those who got out of bed and hung around
it was a great day. Kevin's and Buddy's efforts for lunch were
a real highlight, putting even bigger smiles on a few chilled
faces.
Andy Nichols did it again, becoming the first three time One
Fly winner, and is now someone with a very nice collection of
Sage Rods and Ross Reels. His move to Fort Smith might see him
haunting the tailwater a bit more often, between One Fly events.
If you spot his smiling face, be sure to pick his brain. As well
as being a nice fellow to yarn with he is more than willing to
share his knowledge.
Fort Smith fly fisher Andy Nichols became the first three time
winner of the Beaver Dam Store One Fly on Sunday.
All three of Nichols' wins_ 2002, 2004, 2005 _ have come with
his own egg patterns, but it was no easy task. Nichols had to
wait until the last hour of the event to finally hook, land and
release the 17.5 inch brown.
After earlier losing an even larger fish Nichols ended up drifting
the egg on a 9' 6x flourocarbon leader without an indicator.
Nichols went home with the new Sage VT2 590-4 fly rod, valued
at $400 and donated by Sage, a Ross Rhythym Reel valued at $200
donated by the Dam Store, and a $61 555 Dynatip line, donated
by Cortland.
Second place went to 2000 One Fly winner Randy Woodward with
a 15 inch fish takne on a Woolly Bugger.
Many One Fly entrants, hunting one big fish found the going slow,
perhaps due to the number of fly fishers who prefished the event
with great results _ we had reports of at least half a dozen
fish which could have well and truly won the event in the previous
three days. However there were plenty of fly fishers catching
plenty of fish in the 11-13 inch range and wearing big smiles
doing so.
Springdale's Patrick Lanford is a regular on the tailwater, his
wife Robin less so and know we know why. Robin stitched up all
the guys fishing the Canebreak hole (I'm guessing on one of Patrick's
scuds) with a dozen or so fish up and over 13" in the first
couple of hours of the morning. Apparently this is not an uncommon
occurrence if Robin is along. Carol Dickie is another local fly
fisher, who put in her time on the tailwater, with great results,
and for most of the morning was leading the event.
For many other fly fishers the partner system for the One Fly
is a great way to get an introduction to fly fishing, to the
tailwater, new spots on the river or new techniques. Cheri McDonald,
moved to the area recently with her husband Bill, and both joined
the One Fly crew as part of their fly fishing education. Right
on start time Cheri felt a migraine coming on and sadly withdrew
her name from the draw. But being a trooper she volunteered to
partner late arriving, but very experienced fly fisher John Greer
from Little Rock. The migraine didn't stand a chance and when
last spotted she was puffing one of John's cigars, wearing a
big grin and loving her first One Fly.
We also have to pay tribute to our pair of wizards of the grill
Buddy and Kevin. Buddy's barbecued pork was pretty DAM good and
the waft of smoke across the car park put everyone in the right
mood. Louisiana Kev's might have a third career as a chef ahead,
if we can ever get fly rods out of his hands, and his "Grillades"
was pretty dam special, with the right amount of spice to chase
away wading chills, despite his disclaimer that "down home
we call this Possum".
We also want to thank Becky Chase and Patty Horner, both of whom
would have loved to have been fishing the event, but instead
volunteered to help out getting things ready. The event wouldn't
have run as smoothly without their help.
Finally a word of thanks for the doorprize sponsors. The One
Fly isn't really about winning losing or the biggest fish, though
its part of the fun, but more about being part of a celebration
of fly fishing and why we are so passionate about it.
But its the generosity of those sponsors who allow us to send
everyone home with something for being part of the event. So
our thanks to Spider Creek Resort, Roadside Rustics, All About
You Spa, Port Orleans Restaurant, Cedar Creek Jerky, Community
Coffee, Films R Us; Wapsi Fly Tying, Cortland, Fisherman's Eyewear
and anyone else Ive forgotten.
ONE FLY 2006 DATE
In the interest of sounding organised, we are announcing the
date for One Fly 2006 _ Sunday, October 29. Now you don't
have any excuse not to attend.
ONE FLY 2006 RULE CHANGES
If you are a Dam Store regular, you might have realised we like
to keep things entertaining around here. Hey, you need a sense
of humor just to walk through the door _ try working here. So
we have been kicking around the idea of a few rule changes for
One Fly 2006.
We will definately be adopting a rolling system of banning winning
flies for two years from 2005. That means Egg patterns will be
out for 2006; 2007; but will be allowed back in in 2008. The
2007 winning fly will be out for 2007 and 2008 and so on. We
figure this is going to introduce more interest than the automatic
selection of a woolly bugger or an egg fly. It might also encourage
people to look at new flies and techniques.
Secondly we are seriously considering banning the 50y stretch
of tailout above the Parker Bend riffle for the event. I should
point out that this is not the Andy Nichols rule _ there were
others fishing the same stretch of water and are every year.
But this is probably the most accessible and reliable spawning
bed for the browns on the river. There is certainly a school
of thought that Fish and Game should close this section of river
for the spawn, in order to protect these fish _ as happens at
Bull Shoals. In a contest sense it seems that the probabilities
of the winning fish coming from that section of river is too
high , a "ducks in a barrel" kind of effect _ whether
or not its Andy swinging the rod. And we can protect those fish
on the redds from our influence as well. I'd appreciate any comments
for and against this measure _ including whether or not we should
get AGFC to protect the area for a longer period. Drop me an
email with your thoughts_ Steve.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa Steve and Kevin.
October 27, 2005 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email
- Phone 479-253-6154 - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store
crew!
One Fly Fever is upon us
and there have been some very good reports this week. Steve has
been on the water with clients a fair bit this week and while
they didn't score any One Fly winners _ though there was a great
one that got away story on a hot 17-inch rainbow _ several good
fish were spotted.
Be sure to layer-up warmly, the morning have been very cool,
but Sunday is expected to be bright and sunny _ testing conditions
for trophy trout hunting.
FISHING
Beaver Tailwater: Fishing has been
very good all week. A number of fly fishers have been reporting
sightings of large fish in the tailwater, both browns and rainbows.
Red Zebra Midges and Razorback Midges have been very productive
this week. We have also had plenty of demand for orange/chartreuese
Y2K Bugs. Two local flyfishers reported 15 trout in an hour late
last week on this pattern.
The popularity of orange based flies in recent weeks delivered
up our new FT Woolly Bugger _ a light Olive BDS Bugger with orange
olive tail. Worth trying for the One Fly. We have been having
a good run on egg patterns try Umpqua's superb low water Flashtail
mini eggs, and the bead head Veiled Eggs for faster runs. Soft
hackles are working well for fish feeding on emergers.
McLellan's Hunchback scuds and Woven V-Rib Sowbugs are also reliable
bets.
Roaring River: We have been hearing lots of good reports
of dry fly action on terrestrials from the Trout Park. Get away
from the crowds, fish midweek and be prepared for furious action
on Humpies, beetles, hoppers and Cracklebacks.
Hope to see you nice and early on Sunday
ONE FLY ON SUNDAY
The 9th annual Beaver Dam Store One Fly is almost here. There
are some seriously big fishing moving upstream, the fall colors
are here and we are spotting some familiar faces doing plenty
of pre-event fishing.
If you are yet to register for the One Fly, we have been taking
registrations via telephone _ have your credit card details handy,
in a bid to cut back on the usual last minute queues. If you
plan on registering on Sunday please come early (6am) _ the coffee
will be hot and fresh.
Unfortunately a last minute family emergency will keep One Fly
supporter and Sage rep Cary Marcus from attending this year's
event. This will mean the Sage Casting Analyzer will not be available,
something we know plenty of you were looking forward to playing
with. But as we all understand family comes first. I know you
will all be wishing Cary and his family your best.
The annual Sage Casting Clinic will go ahead from 1-3pm, under
Steve's guidance. He will have a bunch of Sage rods for you to
cast on the River and is promising to shake a few myths about
rod selection and a few casting tips along the way.
Lunch is sounding fantastic, with some home-smoked barbecue and
Louisiana Kev's Cajun specialities, there are some amazing door
prizes, including a two-night stay at Spider Creek Resort <http://spidercreek.com/>
, and a whole bunch of fun to be had.
The One Fly Rules:
Only One fly may be used during the contest. Lose the
fly to a tree or a trout and your contest fishing is done.
Flies only - Longest trout wins Catch and Release all fish.
Micro-jigs are not flies.
Participants will fish in pairs in order to verify fish length
measurements
Partners will be drawn 30 minutes before start time.
You must be present at drawing to enter. (Be here 6-6.30 am)
Arkansas Fishing license and trout permit required.
Earliest entry decides tie _ coin toss for second tie.
You and partner must return to store by 12-noon or forfeit first
prize
Come along and help us continue the One Fly tradition!
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa Steve and Kevin.
crew!
The nights are turning cool, and the trees starting to adopt
their fall colors, yet the days have been superb. It probably
wouldn't hurt to have a few more overcast days, but winter will
come soon enough. This is a great time to come and fish Beaver
and the fishing can be spectacular. Best times currently are
revolving around generation, which is injecting much-needed oxygen
into into the system.
Keep an eye on the generation charts, the warm weather has been
seeing generation start mid-afternoon into the evening, and try
to fish after the highest flow (warmest) days.
FISHING
Beaver Tailwater: Low water opens up plenty of wading, and with
late generation now is the time to roam stretches away from the
Catch and Release section or immediately below the Dam. Discover
how pretty and how much of the tailwater there is away from the
crowds. The best fishing comes after generation releases, to
reoxygenate the water. Riffles and runs are holding fish for
the same reasons. The flatter pools have been up and down.
Olive Woolly Buggers, zebra midges (black, brown or red); Razorback
Midges; Charlotte's Redneck Midge and other patterns have been
working extremely well. Egg patterns are starting to perform
well and check out our new Chewy Eggs, Umpqua's superb low water
Flashtail mini eggs, and the bead head Veiled Eggs for faster
runs. Soft hackles are working well for fish feeding on emergers.
Mclellan's Hunchback scuds and Woven V-Rib Sowbugs are also reliable
bets.
Roaring River: We have been hearing lots of good reports of dry
fly action on terrestrials from the Trout Park. Get away from
the crowds, fish midweek and be prepared for furious action on
Humpies, beetles, hoppers and Cracklebacks.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa Steve and Kevin.
October 14, 2005 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email
- Phone 479-253-6154 - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store
crew! Well, the BDS report is back from limbo, after some big
changes around the place. As you are all probably away Charlotte
finally handed on the reins at the store, and headed into retirement
with a big grin on her face. Yes, Charlotte will be staying in
the area but your probably more likely to see her on the tailwater,
or lake, sitting on her Hobie Mirage kayak than behind the counter.
Oklahoma businessman and lawyer Peter Godfrey, better known in
these parts as the owner of Spider Creek Resort, purchased the
store, bringing together the best accomodation and best fly and
tackle business on the tailwater.
A familiar face returns to the Dam store as manager. Lisa Mullins,
is well-known to many regulars as a former store employee, fishing
guide and long-time resident is now running operations. Tasmanian
Steve Dally continues running the fly shop and the guiding and
instruction. Drop in and say hi!
FISHING
Beaver Tailwater: Low lake levels in Table Rock mean skinny water
_ less of the wet stuff between the fish. And there have been
some very big browns and rainbows caught, released and sighted
in the past weeks. Steve and an extremely experienced fly fishing
client, who has fly fished all over the globe, pursued a huge
brown, of at least 30 inches for 3 hours without luick last week.
"That's the biggest trout I have seen anywhere,'' was the
client's awestruck comment. A 24-inch brown and another of 20-inches
have come to flies in the past 10 days _ neither fisher had a
camera or we'd be showing you.
Olive Woolly Buggers, zebra midges (black or red); Razorback
Midges; Charlotte's Redneck Midge and other patterns have been
working extremely well. Egg patterns are starting to perform
well and check out our new Chewy Eggs, Umpqua's superb low water
Flashtail mini eggs, and the bead head Veiled Eggs for faster
runs
Roaring River: We have been hearing lots of good reports of dry
fly action on terrestrials from the Trout Park. Get away from
the crowds, fish midweek and be prepared for furious action on
Humpies, beetles, hoppers and Cracklebacks.
Taneycomo: Steve had added Taneycomo to the roster of guide waters
and has been having plenty of fun fishing low water during the
morning. Small scuds and midges are the best bet, along with
small indicators, light tippets and a light hand on the rod.
There has also been some interesting happenings at first light
with big fish hitting large dry flies _ this can be spectacular!
If you have access to a boat, there has been some great terrestrial
fishing along the edges in high water. Let us know if your interested
in trips here and waters further afield. Expect us to be adding
more waters and experiences to our trip roster over coming months.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa Steve and Kevin.
July 29, 2005 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email
- Phone 479-253-6154 - Nice to get a break from the heat this
week and the fishing has been good. We had a bunch of happy fishers
in the store this week. Afternoon generation patterns are continuing
nicely meaning you can get a decent few hours on the water, particularly
for early risers.
Old school fly patterns, like hares ears and pheasant tails continue
to do well here, proving a good fly never going out of date with
trout, just with fishers. The midge hatches have been strong
particularly early with fish taking both emergers and adults
reliably despite the tiny size of the naturals. Try small olive
Elk Hair Caddis patterns, Biot Midges, and our Midge dry patterns
in olive, cream and black.
Swinging soft hackles is another great way to take these midge
feeders, and a whole lot of fun as well. If your gunning for
trophies try a sink tip or intermediate sinking line and a sculpin
pattern in olive. There are a bunch of sculpins in the river
at the moment and big fish find a healthy morsel like these hard
to refuse.
Scuds, both the McLellan's Hunchback and the Kaufman's have been
performing particularly well in olive shades. Beadhead Olive
Woolly Buggers and Crystal Buggers continue to catch fish, either
drifted or stripped.
If you want to try dry flies go to 7x tippet and try Olive Midges
(22-24), Olive Elk Hair Caddis (18-20) Blue Dun or Cream Midges
(24-18), and the Midge Biot. Present the fly dead drift and fly
first on long fine leaders particularly on early mornings. Trim
the bottom hackle collar level with the shank if your not getting
true risers.
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Charlotte, Steve, Shirley, Bob and Jake.
July 21,
2005 - Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email - Phone 479-253-6154 - Thankfully the fishing
has been pretty dam decent here, or the rest of us might be flying
to Canada this week.
Light Rods
Hot, bright mornings are a great time to bring out the light
trout rods out of the cupboard. If you haven't experienced fishing
4wts and under, particularly the short sticks, are really missing
out on a whole lot of fun. Tossing terrestrials, adult midges
or swinging soft hackles on these rods are a joy. Casting is
smoother, quieter and more delicate. This can bring back some
fun to your fly fishing after months of watching indicators deep
nymphing.
Rod actions are slower, and require a little more feel than longer,
more powerful sticks. Relax and fish at a smoother pace, you
don't always need to cast over the horizon. Short rods are best
at 45' and under. If you can't reach a fish with a cast stalk
into range. Smaller rods love light reels and consider adding
a DT line for more delicate presentation. This is a great way
to fish terrestrials on either Beaver or Roaring River. They
can be a whole lot of fun for panfish and even smallmouth
PS: A 9' or 8'6" 4weight is a great Beaver nymphing rod
as well. Come in and test drive any of our rods.
FISHING
Beaver Tailwater: Summer conditions continue to prevail. Clear
low water _ very low on the stretch between Parker Bend and Bertrand
Ramp _ clear blue skies and spooky trout mean summer is here.
Where else can you have a head in 90 degree temperatures and
feet at 50F. Early morning remains a good time to fish, with
ebbs and lulls in feeding during the day. Getting away from the
crowded areas around the boatramps is also worthwhile
Olive Wooly Buggers, McLellan's Hunchback Olive scuds, and Woven
V-Rib sowbugs continue to work extremely well.
Soft hackles, like a Red Ass, have been a little patchy but definitely
worth trying if fish are up feeding on midge emergers.
Beetles, ants, crickets and hoppers should all start to become
great middle of the day, dry fly patterns in coming weeks, breaking
the monotony of staring at indicators. Dave's Hopper in Olive
has been scoring some trout, the Yellow version is Steve's favorite,
while Charlotte opts for a Joe's Hopper and the Club Sandwich
is a great hopper pattern for floating a dropper nymph.
We have just received a stock of great Parachute Ants, a good
allrounder dry here on the tailwater which Steve has option tossed
at midge feeders of an evening on falling water with great success.
Downstream "fly first" drifts are the order of the
day, and long fine leaders. Longer leaders can also help your
nymphing or even streamer fishing at fly line shy trout.
Rubber legged Copper Johns, silver and zebra Copper Johns have
all been productive. And the usual fare of Y2Ks, Zebra Midges
and woolly buggers (try the copper brown for variety) have also
been scoring fish
Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Charlotte, Steve, Shirley, Bob and Jake.
JULY 1, 2005
- Beaver - MISSOURI TROUT PARKS:
Bennett Spring
State Park:
55 degrees, normal, clear; fishing is good to very good with
best times early in the morning and late in the evening; fish
are being finicky and biting light; the moss in the stream was
cut on Tuesday the 28th, so the stream is in very good shape.
(Report made on 6/30/2005)
Maramec Spring
Park:
58 degrees, normal, dingy; the spring branch is in excellent
condition due to the freshly cut aquatic vegetation and normal
flow; expect early morning success and a drop off around mid
day due to sunny conditions; scented baits and lighter line will
prove valuable during heavy sun; weather fronts moving in and
out of the area may pose better opportunities throughout the
day; exceptional stringers of fish are being taken on a daily
basis. (Report made on 6/29/2005)
Montauk State
Park:
60 degrees, low, clear; trout fishing is good on all baits; aquatic
vegetation was removed in the spring branch and above the dam
on June 16th. (Report made on 6/29/2005)
Roaring River
State Park:
58 degrees, low, stream is a little cloudy; for more detailed
information call 417-847-2430. (Report made on 6/30/2005)
May 12, 2005
- Beaver - G'day
y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! email - Phone 479-253-6154
Holy Slamming
White Bass, Batman. If you haven't ever had the chance to catch
white bass on topwater flies, you have to get here in the next
week. Steve's had some serious white bass fever since Saturday
morning, when on his second cast with a very speculative fly
choice, the pattern was smashed by a 4-pound female _ a Silver
Crease fly size 4.
Wednesday morning
White Bass cove was alive with fish hammering bait, there's a
good chance of some bigger stripers or at least hefty hybrids.
Shad patterns Gummy Minnows, Clousers will all take fish, but
topwaters are so much fun. Just be early
FISHING REPORT
Beaver Tailwater:
The best fishing remains early, particularly now with the increasing
temperatures (and air conditioning use) climbing. The generators
have been coming on around 2.30pm this week. Hotter days will
mean earlier generation, cooler days later generation. All in
all your best chance for good uninterrupted fishing means start
early.
Olive Woolly
Buggers and Black Zebra midges remain hot, with Charlotte's Redneck
Midge also a gun pattern. And it doesn't just work here at Beaver.
One of our customers reported taking 30 fish on the Redneck last
weekend at Taneycomo. Red Ass soft hackles and Cracklebacks are
doing well. Griffith's Gnat's Morgan's CDC Midge and Parachute
Adams can draw dry fly takes.
Scuds and sowbugs,
particularly in darker colors continue to do well. These bright
days mean fine tippet and a delicate approach, both wading and
casting.
Beaver Lake:
Crease flies in silver and blue have been drawing spectacular
takes at dawn and dusk along the lake edges from the Dam to White
Bass Cove. Other topwater patterns, like foam or hard body sliders
have been working well. Size 4 would be the best size, but larger
patterns have also been hit and might be a better bet for those
chasing hybrids.
For subsurface
action Whitlock's Sheep Shad, Clouser Minnows, Gummy Minnows,
Cowen's Coyote and Burks' Hot Flash Minnow should be in every
flybox.
SCUDS
When it comes
to trout food anywhere on Arkansas's amazing tailwaters scuds
and sowbugs are high on the menu. Both scuds and sowbugs are
little crustaceans that live down among the stones. Scuds look
like, and are, a freshwater shrimp, which is probably why our
trout are so fond of them. And Beaver is hosting a huge population
currently, probably due to the increased habitat made available
by all the high water over winter. Sowbugs look like a shrimp
that's been steamrollered, with a broad flat back. Most commonly
they are in shades of olive, tan, gray though the scuds do have
an orange phase.
To our mind
the best scud patterns, and the most popular one's in our flybox,
come from Umpqua tiers Randall Kaufmann (Oregon) and Arkansas'
own Mike McLellan. They both work simple as that. But if you
are a fly tier, you are probably always looking to tweak patterns
or dream up a new one. We can recommend a great Internet resource
for trout food pictures, The Troutnut.com which is where we found
this great scud picture at left, among thousands of pictures
of nymphs, duns caddis and so on. But of course there is nothing
like getting down and peering under the stones on your home river,
when it comes to matching the hatch.
When it comes
to tying we have all the tying necessities for making your own
scud or sowbug patterns:
Tiemco Hooks:
Go for the 2487 fine wire scud hook or the heavier 2457. The
standard by which others are judged
Wapsi Sow-Scud Dubbing: Great colors and easy to work with. Or
blend your own flavor.
Lead Tape: The essential ingredient on the McLellan's Hunchback
Scud
Lead and Lead-Free Wire:
Scud-Back: Great for imitating the shell of scuds
Swiss Straw: Another favorite for scud and sowbug shells.
TIP OF THE WEEK
As you're all
probably well aware fly fishing is probably one of the more active
fishing methods. It seems we are always trying, thinking, doing
something different to fool our quarry. But sometimes its actually
more effective to do nothing at all! The "Do Nothing"
retrieve on lakes, in the salt or broader pools, can be pretty
hard to get used to. Even a dead-drift on a river requires some
mending. But the "Do Nothing" retrieve takes a little
more patience, whether you are fishing topwater patterns for
bass or slowly sinking a wet fly.
Both techniques
can be critical at times. Largemouth, and the whites currently,
will often follow a splashy bug almost all the way to your feet.
Just letting the fly sit for 20-30 seconds can draw the strike.
The whites in particular are nosing up to topwaters like a trout
taking a mayfly. A "Do Nothing" retrieve, or long pauses
between strips, on minnow patterns, letting them slowly sink
with a sinking line can also be particular effective for fish
lying deep. This is a great way to fish the Gummy Minnow which
flutters slowly down, sending out big fish attracting flashes
off its sides. Mullet are often regarded as one of the toughest
saltwater fish to fool, but a fuzzy "algae" fly dead
drifted slowly can be very effective and these fish are great
fun on light rods.
Tight Lines
from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Charlotte, Steve,
Shirley and Bob.
April 14,
2003 - Arkansas River - Submitted by Chris Martin -
This is an exciting
time of year on the Arkansas River. In the coming weeks fishing
starts to pick up. The River has risen to about 230 cfs recently
due to a release from Twin Lakes. Initially there was some mud
in the river but it cleared out quickly.
There are several different dynamics at work right now:
Status
of the Blue Wing Olive Mayflies
 -
Blue Wing Olive mayflies continue to hatch in good numbers on
cloudy, cool, and humid days. The less wind, the better. This
hatch is locally intense so if you find yourself among feeding
fish, stay with them. Fish may not be feeding or the bugs hatching
around the corner. You should fish this hatch with a large high
visibility dry fly like a size 14 Parachute Adams as the top
fly. Then hang a beadhead tungsten biot midge, beadhead micro-mayfly,
or small black or green copper john under the Adams. If you see
fish beginning to feed, switch the second fly to an unweighted
emerger such as an RS-2, barr emerger, or Olive Emerger. Once
you see adult insects on the water and/or rising fish, switch
to a smaller parachute adams, gulper special, or other blue wing
olive adult pattern in a size 18-20.
Caddis
Flies and Stone Flies
 - Caddis flies have started hatching in Canon
City. The hatch will move upstream into Bighorn Sheep Canyon
this week.
-
- Stoneflies continue to shed their skins as they grow towards
adult size. During these times, the Golden Stones are bright
colored and vulnerable, often washing loose from their husks
and washing downstream until they can attach themselves to a
rock and crawl back into the substrate. We can't predict if the
stones are going through this phase on any given day. However,
with no other clues to guide you, you should use an epoxy back
stone or other Golden Stone pattern as a search pattern. This
will tell you quickly if the fish are keyed into this activity.
Nymphs
are key this time of year
 When
you are fly fishing this time of year the majority of the fish
you catch will be on nymphs. But picking the right pattern
to use may be confusing. A good tip is to fish with two
flies, thereby doubling your chances. Popular nymphs right now
are the black and olive tungsten biot midge in a 16-18, beadhead
micro-mayfly in 18, and an olive flashback pheasant tail in a
16-18.
After you tie on your first fly, usually the larger one, you
attach an 18- to 36 inch tippet to the bend of the hook using
an improved clinch knot. Then to this tippet you tie the
second fly and you're ready to go!
Fly Fishing
Tip from ArkAnglers!
At this time of year, brown trout fry are emerging from their
nests. They are vulnerable to larger cannibal browns. Stripping
or swinging a wooly bugger or small zonker will often incite
a hit from aggressive browns.
Find out more about Arkanglers Fishing Guide Services:
Water flow
information for 4/14/03:
Arkansas River near Wellsville:
256CFS, Current Shift 0.04
So start your day at 9:00 a.m. and fish until 5:00p.m.
A good days work, don't you think?
And when the day is done come stay with us at the Super
8 Motel in
Buena Vista. Relax in our indoor swimming pool or indoor
jacuzzi hot tub! Sleep on our queen beds and in the morning get
your free "SuperStart" or expanded continental breakfast.
Add
a Pencil to Your Vest
(Or TAG-You're It)
by Judy Boston,
MSFF Conservation Director
Feb. 28,
2003 - You have
an opportunity to assist the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
(AGFC) trout biologists gather important data over time concerning
the effectiveness of catch-&-release (C&R) areas on Arkansas
trout waters. Read
Complete Story
Jan. 19,
2003 -Lake Taneycomo - By White River Basin Guide Service
Above Fall
Creek to the Dam
During the week,
they have been generating water in the mornings and turning them
off around noon. It seems to be a day by day thing one day it's
great and the next day it's just OK. We're catching good fish
on a black, olive or tan skud. You can also catch fish on an
orange soft hackle when the sun it out and on 16 or 14 beadhead
natural Hare's Ears.
DEFAULT PATTERNS/Consider
the following:
Shamois leech size 12, or gray/olive scuds, size 14-16. Fish
them either dead drift or under an indicator, just off the bottom.
Below Fall
Creek
Try a 32 oz. white or olive jig in slack water, close to lay-downs.
I'm also catching fish on a Taneycomo drift rig. Use white, orange,
red or yellow Power Bait. Also inflated night crawlers are working
very well.
July 10,
2002 -Lake Taneycomo - By White River Basin Guide Service
Above Fall
Creek to the Dam
The fishing has been phenomenal. I have been catching 40 to 70
trout per day over the past couple of weeks. Most of them are
in the 15-20 inch range, using size 16 tungsten B.H. or a 12
or 14 crackle back - any color will work - or use a red or brown
San Juan worm. I'm also catching good fish on gray or gray/olive
scuds.
DEFAULT PATTERNS/Consider
the following:
Shamois leech size 12, or gray/olive scuds, size 14-16. Fish
them either dead drift or under an indicator, just off the bottom.
Below Fall Creek
Try a 32 oz. white or olive jig in slack water, close to lay-downs.
I'm also catching fish on a Taneycomo drift rig. Use white, orange,
red or yellow Power Bait. Also inflated night crawlers are working
very well.
Good luck!
June
12, 2002 -Lake Taneycomo - By White
River Basin Guide Service
Above Fall Creek
to the Dam
Still running two generators every day over the last couple of
weeks. Try
16 ounce B.H. red midge or a size 12 yellow crackle back. Also
gray and
olive scuds are working well.
DEFAULT PATTERNS/Consider the following:
Shamois leech size 12, or gray/olive scuds, size 14-16. Fish
them either
dead drift or under an indicator, just off the bottom.
Below Fall Creek
Try a 32 oz. white or olive jig in slack water, close to lay-downs.
I,m
also catching fish on a Taneycomo drift rig. Use white, orange,
red or
yellow Power Bait. Also inflated night crawlers are working very
well.
Good luck!
May 12, 2002
- Lake Taneycomo - By White River Basin Guide Service
Above Fall Creek
to the Dam
The trout fishing
on Taneycomo continues to be good. The wading on Taneycomo is
really tough. They have been running 4 generators non-stop over
the past week. A few nice fish are coming from the trophy area
when you can wade, coming off of B.H. midge in a size 16 or hare?s
ear. On bright days, try a caddis green soft hackle.
DEFAULT PATTERNS/Consider
the following:
Shamois leech
size 12, or gray/olive scuds, size 14-16. Fish them either dead
drift or under an indicator, just off the bottom.
Below Fall Creek
The best fishing
seems to be down past Rockaway Beach because of all the water
they?re running. Try a 32 oz. white or olive jig in slack water,
close to lay-downs. I?m also catching fish on a Taneycomo drift
rig. Use white, orange, red or yellow Power Bait. Also inflated
night crawlers are working very well.
Good luck!
April 24,
2002 - Lake Taneycomo - By White River Basin Guide Service
Above Fall Creek to the Dam
The trout fishing
on Taneycomo continues to be good. The wading on Taneycomo is
really tough. They have been running 4 generators non-stop over
the past week. A few nice fish are coming from the trophy area
when you can wade, coming off of B.H. midge in a size 16 or hare's
ear. On bright days, try a caddis green soft hackle.
DEFAULT PATTERNS/Consider the following:
Shamois leech size 12, or gray/olive scuds, size 14-16. Fish
them either dead drift or under an indicator, just off the bottom.
Below Fall Creek
The best fishing seems to be down past Rockaway Beach because
of all the water they're running. Try a 32 oz. white or olive
jig in slack water, close to lay-downs. I'm also catching fish
on a Taneycomo drift rig. Use white, orange, red or yellow Power
Bait. Also inflated night crawlers are working very well.
Good luck!
April 10,
2002 - Lake Taneycomo - By White River Basin Guide Service
Above Fall Creek to the Dam
The trout fishing
on Taneycomo continues to be good. The wading on Taneycomo is
going to be tough over the next few weeks with as many gates
as they have open on Table Rock. Some nice fish are coming from
the trophy area when you can wade, coming off of B.H. midge in
a size 16 or hare's ear. On bright days, try a caddis green soft
hackle.
DEFAULT PATTERNS/Consider
the following:
Shamois leech
size 12, or gray/olive scuds, size 14-16. Fish them either dead
drift or under an indicator, just off the bottom.
Below Fall Creek
Try a 32 oz.
white or olive jig in slack water, close to lay-downs. I'm also
catching fish on a Taneycomo drift rig. Use white, orange, red
or yellow Power Bait. Also inflated night crawlers are working
very well.
Good luck! Jeff
Martin White River Basin Guide Service
March 25,
2002 - Lake Taneycomo - By White River Basin Guide Service
Above Fall Creek to the Dam
The trout fishing
on Taneycomo continues to be good. They are generating a lot
of water most days over the last week they've had 4 gates
open. The fly of choice last week seems to be a size 16 B.H.
Hare's Ear (natural). Also try a black size 16 B.H. midge. Also
try a size 18 parachute Adams or a size 16 dark olive soft hackle.
DEFAULT PATTERNS/Consider the following:
Shamois leech size 12, or gray/olive scuds, size 14-16. Fish
them either dead drift or under an indicator, just off the bottom.
Below Fall Creek
Try a 32 oz. white or olive jig in slack water, close to lay-downs.
I'm also catching fish on a Taneycomo drift rig. Use white, orange,
red or yellow Power Bait. Also inflated night crawlers are working
very well. . The bait of choice seemed to be orange and yellow
Power Bait, fishing below Fall Creek trout dock.
Good luck!
March 16,
2002 -Lake Taneycomo - By White River Basin Guide Service
Above Fall Creek to the
Dam
The trout fishing
on Taneycomo continues to be good. Today I had a floating guide
trip and we caught over 40 fish. The bait of choice seemed to
be orange and yellow Power Bait, fishing below Fall Creek trout
dock. Some nice fishing are coming from the trophy area, coming
off of B.H. midge in a size 16 or hare's ear. If they're generating
water, they're hitting almost anything during the time they're
generating. On bright days, try a caddis green soft hackle.
DEFAULT PATTERNS/Consider the following:
Shamois leech size 12, or gray/olive scuds, size 14-16. Fish
them either dead drift or under an indicator, just off the bottom.
Below Fall Creek
Try a 32 oz. white or olive jig in slack water, close to lay-downs.
I'm also catching fish on a Taneycomo drift rig. Use white, orange,
red or yellow Power Bait. Also inflated night crawlers are working
very well.
Good luck!
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