Fishing Report 11-14-11

Buffalo River – River levels –
Ponca – 1.77 feet and 22 cfs, very low
Pruitt – 3.92 feet and 33 cfs, very low
Tyler Bend – 4.03 feet and 308 cfs, moderate
Buffalo Point – 3.13 feet and 331 cfs, low
The entire river is very low and wading or dragging a canoe is the only way to fish except in the Buffalo Point area and below. Water temperatures this last week are ranging from 53-61 degrees. Smaller fish have been the rule. The river flows are very low, about half of the average flow, and care should be taken to not spook fish. Spin fisherman are doing good bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon red and green pumpkinseed. For fly fisherman, try Crazy Dads, Rabbit tail Sliders, Woolly Buggers and Clouser Minnows on both floating and sink-tip lines.

King’s River – The river gauge near Grandview is reading 3.60 ft. and 360 cfs. Water temperatures are hitting near 60 in the afternoon. Best fishing times are later as the water heats up. Fishing is good for fly fishers using Clousers, Sparkle Grubs, Rubber leg Woolly Buggers and various poppers and sliders like Sneaky Pete and Rabbit tail Sliders in black, yellow and white. Spin fisherman are catching fish with tubes, lizards and baby brush hawgs. With the water temperatures falling, make sure you are fishing deep and slow.

Crooked Creek – The gauge at Kelly’s Slab is reading 9.68 ft and 5.8 cfs. The creek is low for floating but possible in some areas. Wade fishing is excellent. Spin fishing with soft plastics and 1/16 oz jigs will consistently catch good numbers of fish. Bottom bouncing soft plastics such as 4″ lizards, 3″ tubes and 3″ & 4″ brush hawgs in watermelon, watermelon/red and green pumpkin colors are working best. For fly fishers use, clousers, zonkers, crazy dads and sculpin patterns.

White River –
Beaver Tailwater – The lake level is 1118.2 ft., 2.2 ft. below power pool. Generation has been starting around 1:00pm with flows to 4000 cfs. Most of the time water releases are in the afternoon, but with colder mornings, you should be prepared for morning releases. Check scheduled before heading out. Water was off for most of the past weekend. The water is off color due to Beaver Lake turning over. Indicator nymphing is the most consistent method for catching fish now. Wade fishing is good for numbers using BH Peasant Tails, BH Simple Sow and scuds, sizes 14-16. Small streamers including wooly buggers, fifty-sixers and sparrows sizes 10-12 are working also. Cover a lot of water and fan cast areas to find aggressive fish. Brown trout are stacking up for the fall spawn so bigger trout are more available now. Be careful to not walk in the spawning beds.

Norfork Tailwater – The lake level is 548.7 ft, 3.3 ft. below power pool. Generation has been pulsing spikes to about 1000 cfs to help the low DO problem. Low DO levels can hamper fishing with lethargic fish. There have been periods of low water has been available most days for wade fishing.  Windy days can help and concentrating on riffle/run areas can improve your catch ratio. Always land and release fish quickly so they can live to fight another day. Try streamers early, then various nymphs under an indicator later throughout the day. Black and rusty brown zebra midges and tan caddis (hare ‘n copper), sizes 16-20 are working well.

Bull Shoals Tailwater – The lake level is 652.3 ft., 1.7 ft. below power pool. Water releases are all over the place with releases ramping up to 14,000 cfs, but usually 4000-6000 cfs during the afternoon. Micro caddis are heavy on the water most afternoons so nymphing with size 18-20 tan caddis larva/pupae patterns are working well. Brown trout are in various levels of spawning, so be aware of reds while fishing. Nymphing with scuds, sow bugs, caddis, pheasant tails, zebra midges, San Juan worm and egg patterns are all working at various times. Streamers are also worth trying for aggressive, territorial fish.

Fishing Report 11-07-11

Buffalo River – River levels –

Ponca – 1.46 feet and 5.03 cfs, very low

Pruitt – 3.57 feet and 14 cfs, very low

Tyler Bend – 3.56 feet and 53 cfs, low

Buffalo Point – 2.32 feet and 86 cfs, low

The entire river is very low and wading or dragging a canoe is the only way to fish except in the Buffalo Point area and below. Water temperatures this last week are ranging from 52-60 degrees. Smaller fish have been the rule. The river flows are very low, about half of the average flow, and care should be taken to not spook fish. Spin fisherman are doing good bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon red and green pumpkinseed. For fly fisherman, try Crazy Dads, Rabbit tail Sliders, Woolly Buggers and Clouser Minnows on both floating and sink-tip lines.

 

King’s River – The river gauge near Grandview is reading 2.69 ft. and 77 cfs. Water temperatures are hitting near 60 in the afternoon. Best fishing times are later as the water heats up. Fishing is good for fly fishers using Clousers, Sparkle Grubs, Rubber leg Woolly Buggers and various poppers and sliders like Sneaky Pete and Rabbit tail Sliders in black, yellow and white. Spin fisherman are catching fish with tubes, lizards and baby brush hawgs. With the water temperatures falling, make sure you are fishing deep and slow.

 

Crooked Creek – The gauge at Kelly’s Slab is reading 9.38 ft and 4.3 cfs. The creek is low for floating but possible in some areas. Wade fishing is excellent. Spin fishing with soft plastics and 1/16 oz jigs will consistently catch good numbers of fish. Bottom bouncing soft plastics such as 4″ lizards, 3″ tubes and 3″ & 4″ brush hawgs in watermelon, watermelon/red and green pumpkin colors are working best. For fly fishers use, clousers, zonkers, crazy dads and sculpins.

 

White River –

Beaver Tailwater – The lake level is 1116.4 ft., 4.0 ft. below power pool. Generation has been starting around 1:00pm with flows to 4000 cfs. Most of the time water releases are in the afternoon, but with colder mornings, you should be prepared for morning releases. Right now there is no consistent pattern. Check scheduled before heading out. Water was off for most of the past weekend. The water is off color due to Beaver Lake turning over. Indicator nymphing is the most consistent method for catching fish now. Wade fishing is good for numbers using BH Peasant Tails, BH Simple Sow and scuds, sizes 14-16. Small streamers including wooly buggers, fifty-sixers and sparrows sizes 10-12 are working also. Cover a lot of water and fan cast areas to find aggressive fish. Brown trout are stacking up for the fall spawn so bigger trout are more available now. Be careful to not walk in the spawning beds.

 

Norfork Tailwater – The lake level is 549.1 ft, 2.9 ft. below power pool. Generation has been beginning mid-day for about 6-7 hours at 4500 cfs with pulsing spikes to about 1000 cfs to help the low DO problem. Low DO levels can hamper fishing with lethargic fish. There have been periods of low water has been available most days for wade fishing.  Windy days can help and concentrating on riffle/run areas can improve your catch ratio. Always land and release fish quickly so they can live to fight another day. Try streamers early, then various nymphs under an indicator later throughout the day. Black and rusty brown zebra midges and tan caddis (hare ‘n copper), sizes 16-20 are working well.

 

Bull Shoals Tailwater – The lake level is 650.9 ft., 3.1 ft. below power pool. Water releases are all over the place with releases ramping up to 10,000 cfs during the day. Sunday was off all day. Micro caddis are heavy on the water most afternoons so nymphing with size 18-20 tan caddis larva/pupae patterns are working well. Brown trout are in various levels of spawning, so be aware of reds while fishing. Nymphing with scuds, sow bugs, caddis, pheasant tails, zebra midges, worm and egg patterns are all working at various times. Streamers are also worth trying for aggressive, territorial fish.

fishing reports 09-12-11

Fishing Report 09-12-11

 

Buffalo River – River levels –

Ponca – 1.31 feet and 1.9 cfs, very low

            Pruitt – 3.12 feet and 2.2 cfs, very low

            Tyler Bend – 3.47 feet and 40 cfs, very low

            Buffalo Point – 2.23 feet and 69 cfs, low

The entire river is very low and wading or dragging a canoe is the only way to fish except in the Buffalo Point area and below. Water temperatures are ranging from 68-79 degrees. Smaller fish have been the rule. The river flows are very low and care should be taken to not spook fish. Spin fisherman are doing good bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon red and green pumpkinseed. For fly fisherman, try Crazy Dads, Rabbit tail Sliders, Woolly Buggers and Clouser Minnows on both floating and sink-tip lines.    

 

King’s River – The river gauge nearGrandview is reading 2.31 ft. and 28 cfs. Water temperatures are hitting in the upper 70s in the afternoon. If you are using a boat, be prepared to walk quite a bit. Best fishing times are very early and very late. Fishing is good for fly fishers using Clousers, Sparkle Grubs, Rubber leg Woolly Buggers and various poppers and sliders like Sneaky Pete and Rabbit tail Sliders in black, yellow and white. Size 4 & 6 hopper patterns are another good pattern to have in your arsenal. Spin fisherman are catching fish with tubes, lizards and baby brush hawgs as well as small crawdad crankbaits and top waters like Tiny Torpedos and Rebel Pop-R’s. Don’t forget to try a Buzz Bait or spinner bait.

 

Crooked Creek – The gauge at Kelly’s Slab is reading 9.3 ft. and 4.3 cfs. The creek is really low for floating but fishing is excellent for wading. Spin fishing with soft plastics and 1/16 oz jigs will consistently catch good numbers of fish. Top water lures are working well also and some days will catch just as many as bottom bouncing plastics. 4″ lizards, 3″ tubes and 3″ & 4″ brush hawgs in watermelon, watermelon/red and green pumpkin colors along with tiny torpedos and small buzz baits for topwater. For fly fishers use, clousers, zonkers, crazy dads, near nuff sculpins, poppers, sliders and hopper patterns.

 

War Eagle River – Near Hindsville – The river level is 1.0 feet and 15 cfs. The river is low but floatable. Wade fishing is the best option. Late or early are the best times for fishing.

 
White River –

Beaver Tailwater – The lake level is 1121.3 ft., 0.9 ft. above power pool. Generation has been starting around 2:00 pm and running for an hour or two at 2,000-8,000 cfs. Wade fishing is available from the dam to Parker Bend. The better fishing is from just above Cane Break to Parker Bottom. The river bottom has changed with some new holes, so be careful. A variety of presentations are working throughout the day. Try small streamers and soft hackles early, then nymphing during the heat of the day. Suggested patterns include; .56ers, sparrows, wooly buggers, partridge & peacock soft hackle, scud, sow bug, pheasant tail, hare’s ear, zebra midge(olive, gray, cream), brassie (natural & red).

Norfork Tailwater – The lake level is 556.3 ft, 4.3 ft. above power pool. Generation has been continuous and running steady at 4400 cfs. Scuds, sow bugs, zebra midges, San Juan worms, eggs, hoppers, ants, beetles and streamers should be in your arsenal now.

Bull Shoals Tailwater- The lake level is 662.5 ft., 8.5 ft. above power pool. Water releases are continuous at 16,500 cfs. Drift fishing has been very good with sink-tips and medium size streamers with good numbers of rainbows and browns. Hopper patterns are doing very well also and of course nymphing with scud, sow bug, caddis and worm patterns. Minnow crank baits in black/gold and black/blue are working along with brown trout colored jointed minnows. In-line spinners like Rooster tails and Mepp’s are also picking up fish.

Small White River brown

Fishing Report 08-22-11

 

Buffalo River – River levels –

Ponca – 1.46 feet and 5.3 cfs

            Pruitt – 3.50 feet and 11 cfs

            Tyler Bend – 4.71 feet and 515 cfs

            Buffalo Point – 2.53 feet and 139 cfs

The entire river is very low and wading or dragging a canoe is the only way to fish except in the Tyler Bend area and later in the week as the water reaches the Buffalo Point area. Water temperatures are ranging from 78-88 degrees. Smaller fish have been the rule. The river flows are very low and care should be taken to not spook fish. Spin fisherman are doing good bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon red and green pumpkinseed. For fly fisherman, try Crazy Dads, Rabbit tail Sliders, Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnow and Shenks White Streamer on both floating and sink-tip lines.    

 

King’s River -GrandviewBridge – The river gauge nearGrandview is reading 2.71 ft. and 81 cfs. Water temperatures are hitting in the upper 80s in the afternoon. Best fishing times are very early and very late. Fishing is good for fly fishers using Clousers, Sparkle Grubs, Rubber leg Woolly Buggers and various poppers and sliders like Sneaky Pete and Rabbit tail Sliders in black, yellow and white. Size 4 & 6 hopper patterns are another good pattern to have in your arsenal. Spin fisherman are catching fish with tubes, lizards and baby brush hawgs as well as small crawdad crankbaits and top waters like Tiny Torpedos and Rebel Pop-R’s. Don’t forget to try a Buzz Bait or spinner bait.

 

Crooked Creek – Kelly’s Access – The gauge at Kelly’s Slab is reading 9.61 ft. and 4.3 cfs. This is very low water and poor floating conditions. Wade fishing is good for fly fishers using Clousers, Near Nuff Sculpins, Zonkers, Sneaky Petes and size 4-6 hopper patterns. Spin fisherman are doing good using tubes, lizards and baby brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkinseed. Crawdad crankbaits and Tiny Torpedos are also working well. Try fishing away from the heat of the day. Best bets are early morning and early evening just before dark.

 

War Eagle River – Near Hindsville – The river level is 1.49 feet and 101 cfs. The river is low but floatable. Wade fishing is the best option. Late or early are the best times for fishing.

 
White River –

Beaver Tailwater – The lake level is 1123.35 ft., 2.95 ft. above power pool. Generation has been starting about 2:00pm and running for 6 hours at 7,000-8,000 cfs. Wade fishing is available from the dam to Parker Bend. The better fishing is from just above Cane Break to Parker Bottom. The river bottom has changed with some new holes, so be careful. Humpback scuds in tan or gray, BH Simple Sow, Hare ‘n Copper in a light hare’s ear color and zebra midges in olive, grey and tan, all fished below an indicator from 4-5 feet deep are catching fish to 17 inches.

Norfork Tailwater – The lake level is 562.8 ft, 10.8 ft. above power pool. Generation has been off overnight until about 8 am and running 6000 cfs for 12 hours. Wade fishers can squeeze in a couple of hours in the morning. Drift fishing for the rest of the day. Scuds, sow bugs, zebra midges, San Juan worms, eggs, hoppers, ants, beetles and streamers should be in your arsenal now.

Bull Shoals Tailwater – The lake level is 673.5 ft., 19.5 ft. above power pool. Water releases are continuous at 13,000 cfs with releases ramping up to 18,500 cfs for about 10-12 hours. Drift fishing is very good now. Nymphing, terrestrials and streamers should all be utilized. San Juan worms, eggs, scuds, sow bugs, BH Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Hare n’ Copper, hoppers, ants, beetles, Zoo Cougars, Wooly Buggers and large articulated streamers are suggested patterns to use. Minnow crank baits in black/gold and black/blue are working along with brown trout colored jointed minnows. In-line spinners like Rooster tails and Mepp’s are also picking up fish.

Fishing Report 08-15-11

 

Buffalo River – River levels –

Ponca – 1.72 feet and 18 cfs

            Pruitt – 3.82 feet and 40 cfs

            Tyler Bend – 3.61 feet and 27 cfs

            Buffalo Point – 2.32 feet and 91 cfs

The entire river is very low and wading or dragging a canoe is the only way to fish. Water temperatures are ranging from 78-88 degrees. Smaller fish have been the rule. The river flows are very low and care should be taken to not spook fish. Spin fisherman are doing fair bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkin. For fly fisherman, try Crazy Dads, Rabbit tail Sliders, Near Nuff Sculpin, Clouser Minnow and Shenks White Streamer on both floating and sink-tip lines.    

 

King’s River-Grandview Bridge – The river gauge near Grandview is reading 3.46 ft. and 298 cfs. Water temperatures are hitting in the upper 80s in the afternoon. Best fishing times are very early and very late. Recent rains are making the river rise and as soon as the water clears, fishing should pick up. Water levels are near mid-June levels and fishing was great. Fishing is good for fly fishers using Clousers, Sparkle Grubs, Rubber leg Woolly Buggers and various poppers and sliders like Sneaky Pete and Rabbit tail Sliders in black, yellow and white. Size 4 & 6 hopper patterns are another good pattern to have in your arsenal. Spin fisherman are catching fish with tubes, lizards and baby brush hawgs as well as small crawdad crankbaits and top waters like Tiny Torpedos and Rebel Pop-R’s.

Upset Bobcat on the King's

 

Crooked Creek – Kelly’s Access – The gauge at Kelly’s Slab is reading 9.54 ft. and 4.3 cfs. This is very low water and poor floating conditions. Wade fishing is good for fly fishers using Clousers, Near Nuff Sculpins, Zonkers, Sneaky Petes and size 4-6 hopper patterns. Spin fisherman are doing fair using tubes, lizards and baby brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkin. Crawdad crankbaits and Tiny Torpedos are also working well. Try fishing away from the heat of the day. Best bets are early morning and early evening just before dark.

 

War Eagle River – Near Hindsville – The river level is 2.34 feet and 99 cfs. The river is low but floatable. Wade fishing is the best option. Late or early are the best times for fishing.
White River –

Beaver Tailwater- The lake level is 1123.85 ft., 3.4 ft. above power pool. Generation has been starting between 12:00pm & 2:00pm and running for 6-8 hours at 5,000-6,000 cfs. Some wade fishing is available from the dam to Parker Bend. The better fishing is from just above Cane Break to Parker Bottom. Humpback scuds in tan or gray, BH Simple Sow, Hare ‘n Copper in a light hare’s ear color and zebra midges in olive, grey and tan, all fished below an indicator from 4-5 feet deep are catching fish to 17 inches.

Jorge with a Beaver Rainbow.

Norfork Tailwater – The lake level is 564.2 ft, 12.2 ft. above power pool. Generation has been off from 12am-10 am and running 6000 cfs for 12 hours. Wade fishers can squeeze in a couple of hours in the morning. Drift fishing for the rest of the day. Scuds, sow bugs, zebra midges, San Juan worms, eggs, hoppers, ants, beetles and streamers should be in your arsenal now.

Bull Shoals Tailwater – The lake level is 677 ft., 23 ft. above power pool. Water releases are continuous at 10,000 cfs with releases ramping up to 20,000 cfs for about 10-12 hours. Drift fishing is very good now. Nymphing, terrestrials and streamers should all be utilized. San Juan worms, eggs, scuds, sow bugs, BH Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Hare n’ Copper, hoppers, ants, beetles, Zoo Cougars, Wooly Buggers and large articulated streamers are suggested patterns to use.

 

fishing report 7-4-11

BuffaloRiver– River levels –

Ponca – 1.40 feet and 7.8 cfs

            Pruitt – 3.39 feet and 28 cfs

            Tyler Bend – 3.73 feet and 47 cfs

            Buffalo Point – 2.64 feet and 100 cfs

The upper river through mid river is very low and wading is the only way to fish. The river flows are very low and care should be taken to not spook fish. Spin fisherman are doing well bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkin. For fly fisherman, try Crazy Dads, Near Nuff Crawdad, Near Nuff Sculpin, Clouser Minnow and Shenks White Streamer on both floating and sink-tip lines.   

King’s River -GrandviewBridge– The gauge near Berryville is reading 2.96 ft. and 134 cfs. Floating is becoming more difficult without dragging through the shallow shoals. Flyfishing is fair using Clousers (tan/white and olive/white), Near Nuff Sculpins in shades of olive, Shenks Streamer and Home Invaders in white and topwater poppers and diver/sliders in white and chartreuse. Water temperatures are in the 80-90 degree range. This is putting off the big fish, but continuous action on smaller fish make for a good day. Recent trips with clients have produced lots of smallmouth and spotted bass up to 19″ and 3lbs. Minnow pattterns continue to dominate for fly fishermen. Top water action has picked up recently using size six Boogle Bugs & Sneaky Petes in chartreuse, black, white and frog colors. Spin fisherman are doing well with a variety of presentations. Bottom bouncing soft plastics is the most reliable using 4″ lizards, 3″ tubes, 3 & 4″ brush hawgs in watermelon & green pumpkin variations. Jerk baits and top water baits are also working well. Flukes in baby bass and white colors and Tiny Torpedos in silver/white and green/black colors are good choices now. Also try buzz baits in white to trigger a top water bite.

Crooked Creek – Kelly’s Access – The gauge at Kelly’s Slab is 10.08 ft. and 25 cfs. This level is very low for floating. Fishing is excellent for numbers and size for smallmouth. Fly fisherman are doing well with a variety of minnow patterns. Clousers(standard & fur strip) in shades of olive and tan, zonkers in white & olive, Near Nuff Sculpins & Meat Whistles in olive and Shenks Streamer in white are all producing. Try your favorite top water poppers & sliders in shades of chartreuse, white, black and frog colors. Spin fisherman are doing well with soft plastics, jerk baits and top water baits. Try fishing away from the heat of the day. Best bets are early morning and early evening before dark.

WarEagleRiver– Near Hindsville – The river level is 1.36 feet and 12 cfs. The river is very low. Wade fishing is the best option.

 
White River –

Beaver Tailwater – The lake level is 1127.36 ft., 2.64 ft below top of flood pool. Generation is running mainly late afternoon with flows of up to 6000 cfs for a couple of hours. The tailwater is still too high at 922 feet for wading. Fishing from a boat utilizing high water nymphing tactics is producing decent numbers of trout. San Juan Worms, egg patterns, BH Hares Ear, BH Pheasant Tail and scud patterns in olive, gray and tan are some suggested flies. Adjust your depth until you start getting strikes. Fishing streamers on sink-tips and full sinking lines are also working. Some days are better than others. Zonkers, Wooly Buggers and Slump Busters in olive, black and white are good patterns to use.

Norfork Tailwater – The lake level is 573.08 ft. Generation has been mainly in the afternoon, averaging about 3000cfs with highs of 5500 cfs. Wading has been possible in the early morning. Drift fishing is very good using high water nymph tactics. San Juan Worms, egg patterns, Hare & Copper, BH Pheasant Tails and scud patterns in olive, gray & tan are reliable choices. Streamers fished with sink-tips and full sinking lines are another method which can put you on a trophy fish. Try large articulated patterns in olive, black, tan and white.

Bull Shoals Tailwater – The lake level is 688.57 ft. Generation has been around the clock with flows between 6000cfs to 20,000cfs. Currently the flows are averaging 14,000cfs or the equivalent of approximately 4 units. Drift fishing is very good using egg and worm patterns. Some days stripping streamers can put you on some quality fish. Work your flies around woody debris and rocks Regular nymph patterns have been good in the grass beds and rocky shoals. Best flies are copper johns, hare’s ears, pheasant tails and scuds/sowbugs. Some sulphur mayflies have been coming off but they are sporadic.

fishing report 6-13-11

Buffalo River – Spin fisherman are doing well bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkin. For fly fisherman, try Crazy Dads, Near Nuff Crawdad, Near Nuff Sculpin, Clouser Minnow and Shenks White Streamer on both floating and sink-tip lines.   

    River levels –

Ponca – 1.63 feet and 21 cfs

            Pruitt – 3.81 feet and 65 cfs

            Tyler Bend – 4.47 feet and 290 cfs

            Buffalo Point – 3.46 feet and 366 cfs

Doubled Up

 

King’s River -GrandviewBridge– The gauge near Berryville is reading 3.67ft. and 392cfs. Float fishing is better from 62 Bridge downstream. Recent trips with clients have produced lots of smallmouth and spotted bass up to 19″ and 3lbs. Minnow pattterns continue to dominate for fly fishermen. Clousers(standard & fur strip) in olive and tan color variations, Near Nuff Sculpins & Meat Whistles in olive and Shenks Streamer in white are all working well. Topwater action has picked up recently using size six Boogle Bugs & Sneaky Petes in chartreuse, black, white and frog colors. Spin fisherman are doing well with a variety of presentations. Bottom bouncing soft plastics is the most reliable using 4″ lizards, 3″ tubes, 3 & 4″ brush hawgs in watermelon & green pumpkin variations. Jerk baits and topwater baits are also working well. Flukes in baby bass and white colors and Tiny Torpedos in silver/white and green/black colors are good choices now.

Spotted Bass on the King's

 

Crooked Creek – Kelly’s Access – The gauge at Kellys Slab is 11.02ft. and 72cfs. This is a little low for good floating. Fishing is excellent for numbers and size for smallmouth. Fly fisherman are doing well with a variety of minnow patterns. Clousers(standard & fur strip) in shades of olive and tan, zonkers in white & olive, Near Nuff Sculpins & Meat Whistles in olive and Shenks Streamer in white are all producing. Try your favorite topwater poppers & sliders in shades of chartreuse, white, black and frog colors. Spin fisherman are doing well with soft plastics, jerkbaits and topwater baits.

King's River smallie

 

WarEagleRiver– Near Hindsville – The river level is 1.84 feet and 81 cfs.

 
White River –

Beaver Tailwater – The lake level is 1128.72ft., 1.28ft below flood pool. Generation is running from 3-7pm most days. During periods of no generation, fishing from a boat utilizing high water nymphing tactics is producing decent numbers of trout. San Juan Worms, egg patterns, BH Hares Ear, BH Pheasant Tail and scud patterns in olive, gray and tan are some suggested flies. Adjust your depth until you start getting strikes. Fishing streamers on sink-tips and full sinking lines are also working. Some days better than others. Zonkers, Wooly Buggers and Slump Busters in olive, black and white are good patterns to use.

Norfork Tailwater – The lake level is 576.56ft., 3.44ft. below power pool. Generation has around the clock, averaging about 2600cfs. Drift fishing is very good using high water nymph tactics. San Juan Worms, egg patterns, Hare & Copper, BH Pheasant Tails and scud patterns in olive, gray & tan are reliable choices. Streamers fished with sink-tips and full sinking lines are another method which can put you on a trophy fish. Try large articulated patterns in olive, black, tan and white..

Bull Shoals Tailwater – The lake level is 691.68ft., 3.32ft. below flood pool. Some periods of no generation at night is allowing some wade fishing downstream until generation starts in the morning.Sulphur mayflies are hatching late morning into early afternoon. Cicada patterns having been producing fish downstream from Rim Shoals to mouth of Crooked Creek. During periods of generation drift fishing using high water nymphing tactics and streamers fished with a fast sink-tip or full sinking line is producing fish also.

White River brown

Fishing Report 6-7-11

Buffalo River – Spin fisherman are doing well bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkin. For fly fisherman, try Crazy Dads, Near Nuff Crawdad, Near Nuff Sculpin, Clouser Minnow and Shenks White Streamer on both floating and sink-tip lines.   

    River levels –

Ponca – 1.88 feet and 47 cfs

            Pruitt – 4.16 feet and 113 cfs

            Tyler Bend – 4.87 feet and 487 cfs

            Buffalo Point – 3.78 feet and 527 cfs

 

King’s River -GrandviewBridge– The river level is 4.42 feet and 855 cfs. The river has receded quickly back to very good levels for fishing. Fly fishermen are doing well with Clousers in shades of olive and tan, olive sculpin and crawdad patterns and white streamers on floating and sink-tip lines. Spin fisherman are doing well bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkinseed. White/silver jerk baits, hard and soft plastic, are also working well. Fished the Farm to Hwy. 62 Bridge stretch on Thursday and Friday and the Trigger Gap to Hwy. 62 Bridge on Saturday and Sunday and did very well. We boated over 200 smallmouth bass in 4 days.

 

Crooked Creek – Kelly’s Access – 11.61 feet and 107 cfs. This is just over 0.75 feet below the low water bridge. Both wade and float fishing are really good now. Fly fisherman are doing well on Clousers, Shenks White Streamer, Murdich Minnow, Near Nuff Sculpin, Near Nuff Crawdad and Crazy Dads on floating and sink-tip lines in shades of olive, tan and white. Spin fisherman are doing well fishing soft plastics on the bottom. 4″ lizards, 3″ tube/gitzits and 3&4″ brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkin colors. Also, hard and soft plastic jerkbaits and crawdad colored crankbaits are producing good numbers of fish.

 

WarEagleRiver– Near Hindsville – The river level is 2.24 feet and 182 cfs.

 
White River –

Beaver Tailwater – BeaverLakelevel is 1129.01ft., 0.09ft. from the top of flood pool. Generation is running daily from 2-6pm. The tailwater level is still approximately 10ft. above normal with no generation. Fishing from a boat is the best option. Use high water nymphing techniques with San Juan Worms, scuds, sow bugs, BH Pheasant Tails and egg patterns, adjusting your depth until you get takes. Also, try streamer fishing with sink-tips & full sinking lines using BH Wooly Buggers, Zonkers, Slump Busters and Clousers in shades of olive, black and white.

Norfork Tailwater – The lake level is 577.43ft., 2.57ft. below the top of flood pool. One generator is back on line and with the spillway gates is averaging 6000 cfs. High water nymphing with egg and worm patterns is the most consistent method for producing fish. Drift fishing using high water nymph rigs with San Juan Worms in pink, red and worm brown, Y2Ks and scud patterns in olive, gray and tan, size 12 along with Copper Johns and Hare & Copper, in olive and hares ear, in sizes 12-16 are producing. Some dry fly fishing along banks with overhead cover and slower eddies using various cicada patterns is definitely worth a try. Full sinking and sink-tip lines fishing with various streamer patterns can put a trophy brown or rainbow in the boat. Start with large articulated style flies in various colors and reduce size if your not getting any hits or all you get is follows but no takes.

Bull Shoals Tailwater – The lake level is 692.08 ft., 2.92 ft. below the top of flood pool. The COE has closed all spillway gates and is drawing down the lake with six units of generation averaging 15,890 cfs. Drift fishing from a boat is the only option. High water nymphing using egg and worm patterns is producing good numbers of fish and adjusting your set up to keep your flies near the bottom is key. Streamer fishing can be hot one day and slow the next but is definitely a good option to hook into a trophy fish. Use fast full sinking lines and switch up size and color of your streamers to help get consistent hook ups.

fishing report 5-30-11

Buffalo River – Spin fisherman are doing well bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkin. For fly fisherman, try Crazy Dads, Near Nuff Crawdad, Near Nuff Sculpin, Clouser Minnow and Shenks White Streamer on both floating and sink-tip lines. Best fly fishing is on the upper river and spin fishing rules the lower stretches.

    River levels –

Ponca – 2.58 feet and 212 cfs – 23” of air space

            Pruitt – 5.20 feet and 371 cfs

            Tyler Bend – 6.85 feet and 1960 cfs

            Buffalo Point – 5.45 feet and 1970 cfs

 

King’s River -GrandviewBridge– The river level is 5.57 feet and 2030 cfs. The river has receded quickly back to very good levels for fishing. Fly fishermen are doing well with Clousers in shades of olive and tan, olive sculpin and crawdad patterns and white streamers on floating and sink-tip lines. Spin fisherman are doing well bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkin. White/silver jerk baits, hard and soft plastic, are also working well. Fished the Rockhouse to Trigger Gap stretch on Saturday and did very well fly fishing. Mainly Clouser Minnows were used. Best colors were Electric Chicken, Dusky Shiner and Purple Haze.

Longear and Electic Chicken Clouser

 

Crooked Creek – Kelly’s Access – 12.90 feet and 214 cfs. This is just over 0.5 feet above the low water bridge. This week and as the water continues to drop, fishing will be very good for spin and fly fishers. Both float and wade fishing are very good now. For fly fisherman, try Crazy Dads, Near Nuff Crawdad, Near Nuff Sculpin, Clouser Minnow and Shenks White Streamer on both floating and sink-tip lines. Try shades of olive, tan or white. For spin fishing, bottom bouncing tubes, lizards and brush hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkin colors, crawdad colored crankbaits and silver/white jerk baits are all working well.

 

WarEagleRiver– Near Hindsville – The river level is 3.25 feet and 548 cfs.

 
White River –

Beaver Tailwater – BeaverLakecrested at 1131.59 ft., 1.59 ft. above flood pool on Tuesday/May/24th. Spillway gates were closed on Thursday/May/26th. The current lake level as of this writing is 1129.12 ft. Fishing is pretty much by boat only and the Bertrand ramp is where you have to put in. The upper ramp is still closed. Even with the generators off, the tailwater level is 15 feet above normal. High water nymph rigs using San Juan Worms, Y2Ks and scuds, size 12 will work. Sink-tip and full sinking lines fishing various minnow patterns like Wooly Buggers, Zonkers, Slump Busters and Clousers will catch a variety of fish that have come over the spillway gates.

Norfork Tailwater – The lake is still being lowered via the spillway gates with a steady flow of 6000 cfs. This is equivalent to about 1 3/4 units. The Quarry Park boat ramp and parking area have received significant damage from earlier high water releases. Check with COE officials about access at Quarry Park to launch a boat, otherwise, you can put in at the mouth of Norfork with a motorized boat and work your way upstream. Drift fishing using high water nymph rigs with San Juan Worms in pink, red and worm brown, Y2Ks and scud patterns in olive, gray and tan, size 12 along with Copper Johns and Hare & Copper, in olive and hares ear, in sizes 12-16 are producing. Some dry fly fishing along banks with overhead cover and slower eddies using various cicada patterns is definitely worth a try. Full sinking and sink-tip lines fishing with various streamer patterns can put a trophy brown or rainbow in the boat. Start with large articulated style flies in various
 colors and reduce size if your not getting any hits or all you get is follows but no takes.

Bull Shoals Tailwater – The COE is currently running with a combined generation and spillway gates of 58,000 cfs. These are flows of historical levels, not seen since the dam was built. Fishing is definitely not recommended at this time, except with an experienced guide. The COE is predicting these flows through at least Wednesday of this week, maybe longer.

Fishing reports 5-23-11

BuffaloRiver– With three rain events in the last week, the river is high for fishing and very muddy.

    River levels –

Ponca – 7.25 feet and 3050 cfs – 0” of air space, in fact 2 feet over the bridge

            Pruitt – 12.89 feet and 6490 cfs

            Tyler Bend – 14.85 feet and 13,700 cfs

            Buffalo Point – 11.27 feet and 10,000 cfs

King’s River -Grandview Bridge– The river level is 21.89 feet and 24,900 cfs. These levels are high and muddy. Fishing was excellent last week for both spin and fly fishing. Good numbers with some quality size included throughout the day. Bottom bouncing brush hawgs and tubes in watermelon and green pumpkin worked well and hard minnow baits, 2 1/2 to 3 inches long in silver/white colors fished with an erratic twitching retrieve was working well also. For fly fisherman, a white Shenk’s Streamer or white Zonker on a type 3 sink-tip was producing fish up to 16 inches and floating lines with size 2 & 4 Meat Whistles (olive), Clousers (olive/white) and sculpin/chub/darter patterns in olive, size 4, stripped near bottom over good rocky runs was also working very well. Recent heavy rains (6”) Friday, Sunday and Monday, May 20, 22 & 23, with more rain predicted through Wed., May 25, has raised levels dramatically and fishing currently is not an option. As the rain ceases, the river will drop quickly and fishing will continue to improve as summer approaches.

Crooked Creek – Kelly’s Access – 17.86 feet and 8580 cfs. This is just over 5.5 feet above the low water bridge. These river levels mean the creek is high and muddy. Last week fishing was very good for spin and fly fishers. Baby Brush Hawgs, 2 1/2 to 3 inch tubes and 4 inch lizards in watermelon and green pumpkin along with hard minnow baits 2 1/2 to 3 inches long are all working well. Fly fisherman are doing well with sink-tips and minnow patterns like Clousers, Zonkers and Near Nuff Sculpins in shades of olive and white. Again, recent heavy rains with more predicted through Wed., May 25, has raised the level beyond practical fishing levels. As rain ceases and the river returns to normal seasonal levels, fishing will continue to get even better.

WarEagleRiver– Near Hindsville – The river level is 18.65 feet and 17,600 cfs. Very High and Muddy.
White River –

Beaver Tailwater – River levels continue to be very high from past heavy rains and recent heavy rains in the WhiteRiver basin. The upper boat ramp is still closed and the first two campgrounds are closed as well. The Bertrand boat ramp is open and some camping is possible at the Parker Bottoms site. Fishing is still difficult with all the high water and only the lower boat ramp open. Wade fishing is basically not available. The combined powerhouse and spillway gates were increased to 30,000 cfs Monday afternoon, May 23rd.

Norfork Tailwater – The COE continues to lower the lake level with the spillway gates as repairs are still be made to the two generators. Releases were increased to 13,250 cfs Monday afternoon (May 23rd). The parking lot and boat ramp at Quarry Park have received significant damage from all the high flows.

Bull Shoals Dam floodgates

Bull Shoals Tailwater – Generation is mostly around the clock with 6 plus units with brief periods of approximately 2 units. Drift fishing with high water nymph rigs has been producing good numbers of fish. Streamer fishing with sink-tips and full sinking lines and medium to large size patterns can be very good one day and slow the next day. Lots of caddis flies have been seen with fish taking the adults in the slow eddies. There have been several species out in sizes from #14 – #20 and colors from tan to bright green. With recent heavy rains the Corp of Engineers increased combined generation and spillway releases to approximately 26,000 cfs Monday afternoon. This is equivalent to 8 full units as two units are down for repair. Check with all available resources for current conditions before planning a fishing trip below Bull Shoals Dam. Best fishing has been from the Dam down to Rim Shoals. The river below Crooked Creek and BuffaloRiver will be high and muddy from their flows.

White River Brown