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White River - September 1st, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
90 °
FISHING: Excellent
It seems like every year we get a little break from the heat towards the beginning of September, and that is exactly what we are in the midst of at the moment. Early morning wading has been very pleasant and when the water does come on, it's not quite as difficult to stay cool throughout the afternoon. Temperatures across the region will begin to moderate over the next few weeks, and with all of the lakes in the White River System below power pool, September should be an excellent month for getting on some really big fish on both the White and the Norfork. Hopper fishing should remain fantastic through the entire month when light amounts of water are running on either river.
The Norfork has been somewhat devoid of crowds as of late, even though the water is staying 'off' until one to three PM most days. Perhaps the incredible fishing on the White has something to do with this, but it is important to remember that the Norfork can fish really well in September when the water is low or running at less than 50% of capacity. Sometime in October through early December, this dynamic will flip-flop, and at that point, the best fishing will be when the river is flowing or during dropping water. This is all a result of low-oxygen levels that have been a part of autumn on the 'Fork for a long time. The new minimum flow that will be going into effect in the next couple years should alleviate most of the oxygen-related issues over there, and the fishing will become much more consistent in the fall.
Low oxygen has been noticeable on the Norfork with respect to productivity of late, but this is primarily due to the fish getting used to such conditions, as it does take some time for trout to acclimate to any type of changes in their environment. Fishing will really start to improve each day and it should be 'on fire' by the middle of the month. Until then, the White is offering up some great water for drifting and wading. Hoppers are still working very well when conditions are right, and the general rule of thumb at the moment is to use "half-sizes" (#8 to #12) when the water is in the zero to one-unit range; going up in size as depth and flow volume increases. Blue Ribbon Fly Shop is stocked full of many different sizes and styles of hopper flies - the patterns we are currently carrying are considered the best of vendors such as Umpqua, Montana Fly and Idlewilde.
Midges are also working well on dead-low water and when releases are light. Red Psycho Midges, Red Asses, Ruby Firebugs and Zebra Midges are currently the flies of choice, especially if the fishing is a little slow. Once the bite picks up, ginger sow bugs and gray scuds are doing the trick. As always, San Juan Worms and big nymphs are the way to go if fishing high water. Our new series of tungsten beaded Wooly Buggers tied with Palmered Chenille are also a hot item for fishing dark pools and pocket-water during periods of little to no power generation. It's not very common for nymphs, streamers and big dry flies to all be producing nice fish simultaneously, but when this scenario does occur, the fishing is hard to beat.
Our guide bookings are filling up fast for October and November, so please do not hesitate to give us a call if you are at all interested in booking a trip for the time of year when scores of big browns come out of the woodwork on both rivers. With the abundance of good fish in the System, we are anticipating one of the best fall seasons we have seen in quite some time. As long as the region doesn't experience excessive rains anytime soon, conditions are going to be perfect for waders and boat anglers alike. The October scenery can be brilliant, and there are a multitude of other reasons as to why the fall is the most popular season for fly fishermen in the Ozarks.
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White River - August 16th, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
90 °
FISHING: Excellent
Is this the best summer ever on the White and Norfork?
Even veteran anglers are having a hard time remembering better hot weather fly fishing for nice trout
The weather is hot but the fishing is hotter, and White River anglers of all skill levels and experience are enjoying some of the best summer fly fishing in recent (or distant) memory. For the last three years, water releases on both the White and Norfork have been all day everyday with very few breaks. Although this scenario wreaked havoc with fishermen intent on wading, such conditions are ideal for rapid trout growth, and we are now reaping the benefit of those incessant flows. The first part of this year offered up a few breaks in this pattern, but when all the lakes in the White River System reached normal levels early this summer, flows were reduced during most nights with the bulk of heavy water restricted to the heat of the afternoon. The trout on both the White and Norfork are now in a very comfortable feeding pattern, but in all honesty, no one could have imagined that the action would actually get better almost daily, with very few (if any) "slow days". We are now approaching the driest part of the year, so wading and drifting conditions should continue to improve, especially when the weather starts to cool down in the region to the south and west of the Ozarks. Of course, heavy rains are a possibility any month in a wet region like ours, but the short and long term forecast for fishing is definitely encouraging.
Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes are both at power pool, and the general generation patterns are like they have been for awhile, with the really high water not starting up until after lunch at both dams. The Norfork is usually dead low in the morning, but be aware of rapidly water when it does come up; most days, two 'full' units are coming on line simultaneously. Just making a "few more casts" is risky if you notice the water rising, and the safest wading strategy is to work towards your access point as temperatures start to get hot. The White has been a little more inconsistent with respect to low water - some nights they shut Bull Shoals Dam down between 10pm and midnight and it stays 'off' until 10 or 11am the next morning; at other times flows are in the one to two-unit range during that same period. Either way, there is good wading to be found virtually all day by hopping down river. This is a 'normal' summer flow pattern for the White, but there has been little normal about the last three years. It is nice to have such friendly water for a change, and with school back in session most places around the country, the traffic of the high tourist season is starting to dissipate; thus making solitude a distinct possibility.
Hopper fishing is still insane pretty much every afternoon up and down the river. For 20-inch plus rainbows and browns, the dam is a hopper paradise, especially when flows are light in the morning. This is not to say our clients are not hooking trophy fish in other areas, but what's nice is that a lot of folks forget about the dam area this time of year, so we pretty much have the place to ourselves for the first half of the day. When the water rises, it's still possible to get into some good fish on eight units, but a better option is to take the hoppers downstream and fish low or reduced flows in the afternoon. It has been pretty uncomfortable after 1pm in the heat - still, the water is cool, so it's possible to stay refreshed by wet wading or soaking your forehead with a damp cloth every few minutes.
The rainbows are in really good shape and very hungry. Most of the fish we land are chunky (14" to 18" beauties are everywhere) - when hooked, these trout are going nuts, and their summer colors are vibrant. Nymphing remains a productive technique, as always, but the top-water bonanza must be seen to be believed. This big fly surface bite is normally best in September through early to mid October, so there are going to be plenty of opportunities to get in on the terrestrial action for the next two months. The fall is our busiest guide season, but a lot of folks don't think about September as being prime. In actuality, September is one of the best months on both rivers, and we still have some guide openings for late summer and early fall. Please give us a call for more information and look to the Blue Ribbon Fly Shop Web site for a comprehensive and frequently updated fishing report. We are extremely excited about the rest of this month, and really, the rest of the year. But for now, those who can, should come on down and get 'em while they're hot.
Book your fall guide trip soon @ blueribbonflyfish@hotmail.com or 870.425.0447
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White River - August 2nd, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
90 °
FISHING: Excellent
Steady generation patterns and active fish are the recipe for HOT August Fishing
Rain has been scarce over the last two weeks, so both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes are starting to drop due to afternoon power generation coupled with evaporation. The heat and humidity are intense most days, but we have been staying delightfully cool on the water; whether we are wading or drifting on heavy flows from the boat. Release patterns have been somewhat predictable of late on both the White and Norfork. Look for low water near the dams most mornings, and flows will intensify as the heat of the day builds. If you are intent on wading, it is possible to follow "low tide" downstream on the White almost all day by heading down river once the water comes up at the spot you are fishing. With both lakes almost down at power pool levels, it is likely that this pattern will continue indefinitely.
During low water, tungsten beaded midges are the go-to patterns when it is slick and cool in the mornings. Once the fog layer burns off, almost any kind of nymph dead-drifted below an indicator will do the trick. Bead head patterns seem to work better on the White than they do on the Norfork most days, and we have been tearing up some nice fish below Bull Shoals Dam on bead head hare's ears (olive and natural), Prince Nymphs, Xelon Sow Bugs, bead head sow bugs (copper), and tiger midges. It takes a little more of a subtle approach on the Norfork than it does on the White, but midges are good early in the morning over there, followed by (non-beaded) scuds, sow bugs and Pheasant Tails as the day starts to warm up.
Although we have been catching lots of nice fish while wading during low water, the action on big fish has been intense once the water comes up. Big nymphs and San Juan Worms continue to produce during high-water conditions. We have also been experiencing explosive surface takes on hoppers and ants fished along current breaks and in soft spots near the bank. One amazing afternoon just recently epitomizes how eager big trout can be when it comes to feeding off the surface. We landed half a dozen cutthroats between 18-inches and 20-inches, along with a handful of respectable browns in just a few hours. This was a day that our lucky clients will not soon forget, and one of this year's most pleasant surprises has been all of the big and beautiful cutthroats we have been landing. Terrestrial fishing will continue to improve well into the fall, and it's remarkable that the high-water surface bite is so prolific already.
The early evening high water fishing is starting to materialize, and we are picking up some really nice browns and rainbows on black or black/orange articulated streamers fished towards bank structure. Feel free to drop us a line if you want to learn more about this exciting style of trophy trout fishing. This August is shaping up to be amazing, whether you prefer to wade, drift from a boat or do both.
Guide trips for this fall are booking fast, so try and act quickly if you are interested in fishing with a Blue Ribbon Fly Shop expert in September, October or November. An Ozark fly fishing adventure is the perfect way to spend time with family creating traditions, and corporate groups are also eagerly accommodated. Give us a call to learn more about multi-boat trips and we will help you set up a day of non-stop action on the White River or Norfork Tailwater.
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White River - July 21st, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
95 °
FISHING: Great
Fishing Report 7-21-10
Fishing continues to be amazing despite heavy rains. This is the second July in a row where unusual heavy rain events have swept across the region. Lake levels came up several feet, but considering that some pretty large areas saw over 8-inches, it could have been worse. Because of the thick foliage that is present during the summer, much of the runoff is absorbed before it ever reaches the water. If nothing else, it was nice to cool down for a few days.
The recent rains have caused a shift in generation patterns on both the White and Norfork. Normally, flow regimes this time of year are relatively predictable, but ever since last week's influx of water into the system, releases have been inconsistent. There has been some low water available - especially in the mornings, but every day has been different. No matter what happens early, expect heavy water when temperatures get hot across the region in the afternoon.
Regardless of what kind of conditions we have encountered, the fishing has been spectacular. Midges and nymphs have been killers during low-water mornings. As the afternoon progresses, there have been steady hatches of sulphurs and caddis up and down the White. On certain days, it's possible to find low water into the evening, and these times are magical if you are a dry fly enthusiast. High-water fishing has also been very good, with San Juan Worms and big nymphs doing the trick on some bigger fish. Hoppers fished in seams and along slack-water banks are attracting the attention of some nice browns, as well - the takes have been breathtaking.
There has been a little something for all types of anglers over the first part of this month, and this has been the best July in many years. We look for the action to continue for at least a couple more weeks, so this is a great time to come check out these blossoming fisheries. Please drop us a line if you need more detailed information, and we are always here to help fly fishermen make the most of their time on the White and Norfork. The power generation aspect of these rivers is a little tricky to understand at first, but rarely is the fishing overly difficult. Whether you like to wade or prefer to cover lots of water drift fishing, Blue Ribbon Fly Shop will do all we can to point you in the right direction.
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White River - July 1st, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
88 °
FISHING: Excellent
Fly Fishing Report- July 1st, 2010
In order to survive as a White River Basin fly fishing guide, one must have the patience of a Saint, a keen eye for observation and they must have the uncanny ability to make the best out of a [seemingly] poor situation. All three of these attributes have been utilized by Blue Ribbon Fly Shop guides over the last two weeks with much success. We knew the water would be high until the lakes get down to power pool (which should happen in a little over a week), but what was unexpected were the hoards of sulphurs hatching-away, even with 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) cranking out of Bull Shoals Dam on the White.
To catch the sulphurs just right, anglers are best served using a drift boat, but that's not to say it can't be done from a motorized jon boat. Sneaking up on spooky fish in slack water is of the highest priority. When the water gets really high as it has through June, the slack water along the banks extends out quite a bit in many spots, so it is easy to row the vessel back upstream and slowly drift back through active fish. As of today, Bull Shoals Lake is less than 3' from power pool and generation ceased from midnight until late afternoon. July should provide some of the best dry fly action these tailwaters have seen in years!
Currently the hatch seems to get rolling around 2pm and it peaks at around 5pm. On our day off, we drifted from Bull Shoals State Park to Wildcat Shoals and saw pod after pod of fish feeding on sulphurs in all the likely looking spots. At one point during the feeding frenzy it was not uncommon to have two fish at once on the tandem dry fly rigs- there is no denying that these fish are incredibly indifferent to what patterns are being used. If it floats and has a yellowish/pale color, it is likely to produce a rise on virtually every cast when the hatch is 'on'. Sulphurs hatch all summer long on the White River and Norfork Tailwater, and it is simply amazing how few guides (and other fly fishermen) are taking advantage of this bite and focus on bobber rigs directly below the dam.
Of course as guides, we must produce fish before the hatches start, and the "standard" nymph techniques are working very well in the mornings. Also, trout are starting to take notice of ants, beetles, and hoppers along banks lined with any type of foliage. Slow water has also been productive with this technique. It's a little early in the season for this type of terrestrial action, but considering the hot and dry weather of late, it is easy to see why these critters are making their way to water already - the action on this bite will only increase as we get further into summer. For now, any big hopper with a Copper John dropper will do the trick.
If the described prolific nymph, dry fly and terrestrial fishing isn't enough to get folks excited, there is also a special streamer bite that starts around 7pm and goes on until the evening fog makes boating unsafe. We are having the most success pounding banks that have just gone shady with the dropping sun. This just goes to show how a change in light conditions - either at dusk or dawn - can trigger a feeding response. Streamers in yellow, copper and white have been the best; olive imitations have not fared as well in these conditions lately.
Blue Ribbon Fly Shop is always prepared to put their clients on the best bites, and we like to think our creativity and eagerness to try new techniques sets us apart from some of the other services out there. Our guides always take meticulous care when studying the water and current conditions. This commitment definitely increases the odds of being at the right place at the right time.
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White River - June 16th, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
90 °
FISHING: Great
Fishing Report 6-16-10
The heat of summer has crept upon us, and now we are in the midst of a classic Midwest heat wave - since it's only mid-way through June, hopefully this is not indicative of steady hot weather for the rest of the summer. Actually, early heat waves do not necessarily mean that the entire summer will follow suit. Last year was a perfect example, as June was hot, but the rest of the summer was abnormally wet and cool.
We are starting our fishing days early in the morning, and we usually finish late into the afternoon after a brief respite to avoid the peak heat hours of mid-afternoon. The fishing later in the day has been very productive, and this trend of "hot" afternoons is a common summer theme - especially on the Norfork. Although a catastrophic flash flood in west/central Arkansas has grabbed national news headlines as of late, northern Arkansas has not seen much rain over the last few weeks. Considering how humid our climate is in the Ozarks, a few weeks without rain (coupled with heat) can make it feel really dry.
Both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes continue to drop daily, primarily as a result of moderate to heavy generation most days. The arid weather also helps the lakes recede because quite a bit of water evaporates from the surface when it's dry and hot. Both reservoirs are less than eight-feet above power pool and their levels are falling at a rate of approximately 6-inches per day. Barring any heavy rains and subsequent runoff over the next few weeks, low-water opportunities should start popping up around the Fourth of July. If this scenario plays out, July will be an awesome month for waders and drift anglers. Of course, we can't count on anything for certain, so the best strategy is to employ the most productive and safe methods for the day at hand. If you are planning on fishing the White or Norfork in the next two weeks, feel free to give us a call or email - conditions are a bit tricky right now, but as always, there are some possibilities for those willing to get creative.
Algae issues persist downriver from Bull Shoals Dam on the White, but this "scourge" should begin to dissipate as the summer heat intensifies. Even though the influx of algae may make fishing difficult at times, this problem pales in comparison to the trouble we've experienced due to didymo recently. Algae is usually much healthier than didymo for the river's habitat, and if you would rather not deal with any of it, fish the Norfork. For some reason, that river rarely gets choked with moss, algae or didymo, so there is [almost] always debris-free water available over there.
The usual suspects of nymphs like Bead Head Sowbugs, red Zebra Midges, red Copper Johns, Xelon Sowbugs, Ultra Violet Midges and other local patterns are pulling most of the fish right now. Terrestrials are starting to illicit some aggressive responses when fished along brushy, slack-water banks. Ants, beetles and hoppers are the flies to have for this exciting top-water action, and when this fun bite is combined with the sporadic sulfur hatch, it's not hard to keep busy on the surface for hours on end. Most fly anglers overlook these exceptionally enjoyable opportunities because they are hesitant to use a boat to get into position. A guide can show you the ropes, and the knowledge gained in one day with a professional may just translate into years of "fishing with an edge".
Late June is a transition time, but the fishing and conditions are remarkably steady this year. We are extremely excited about how the summer will pan out if the action is already so steady during a time of year when things typically slow down slightly.
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White River - June 2nd, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
88 °
FISHING: Excellent
Blue Ribbon Fly Shop Fishing Report 6-1-10
Fishing continues to remain excellent, and this is most likely a result of the fact we are in the midst of a very fishable and extended flow regime. There was some extended low water on both the White and Norfork throughout the month of May, and neither river ran "hard and heavy" at all. This could all be changing any day, as the regulating stage at Newport just dropped below 12-feet. The Corp of Engineers uses the Newport gauge to keep track of flooding on the White, and this is the first time in awhile it's been this low. Still, June is a month of both seasonal change and a period of water-control flux, so there may be plenty of lower water available for the month of June... or there may be none. This "always changing" aspect of these fisheries keeps both anglers and the fish on their toes, and it would be wise to come prepared to fish a variety of flow conditions over the next month.
As of this writing, the Norfork has been offering up some good chunks of low water during the day, and when the dam does generate electricity, it is normally does not exceed the one-unit (40 mw) level. Fishing on the upper White at the Narrows, Wildcat Shoals, Cotter and Roundhouse Shoals has been excellent most mornings when the water is lower. Flies of choice for the Blue Ribbon Staff are: xelon sow bugs, bead head sow bugs, zebra midges, Psycho Midges, and soft hackles ; basically, the best bet is to fish deep until the trout move upwards in the water column as a result of a hatch. The dam area at Norfork has been slow as a result of skinny water and above-average fishing pressure, but the middle and lower stretches have been on fire. If you find yourself on the 'Fork during low water, look for areas where few other people (or boats) are fishing - there are trout literally everywhere, and the best feeders are usually the ones who have not been fished to in awhile.
The sulphurs are just starting to hatch [which is a little late this year], and we just hope there is some low water available to fish this hatch on the Norfork. Action should be good during the afternoons on the White in slack-water areas when less than four units are running, but it often takes dead-low water for the dry fly fishing to really get going on the Norfork. June is a tricky month to predict, and this year will be no different because both lakes are still five (or more) feet above pool. Sometimes the Corp will hold impounded water on mild June days in an effort to store the energy for more lucrative "high demand" periods, so do not be surprised if there is some wading water on mild days - expect full releases during any afternoon when local air temperatures exceed 85-degrees.
June is a great month for big browns, and with so many three to eight-pound fish around, it is easy to see why we are excited. As long as you come with an open mind and are able to constructively react to any water flow changes, June can be one of the best months of the year. The fish will be most active after the fog burns off in the mornings, and be sure to avoid getting caught in trashy, rising water on the White. Ozark trout are very active this month because there is simply a ton of food available, so they are always stimulated to feed. The weather should be comfortable and there is no doubt that the fishing will continue to excel on all water levels.
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White River - May 15th, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
72 °
FISHING: Excellent
Blue Ribbon Fly Shop Fishing Report for 5-14-10
NOW is the time to take advantage of the best fishing we’ve seen in years
The seemingly steady rains that have pounded the Ozark region over the last week have pretty much avoided a “direct hit” on the Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake watersheds. This means that reservoir levels have gone up slightly, but not enough to change the ways the dams are currently operating. Because much of the heavy flooding was far to the south on the White, the Corp is holding water back at Bull Shoals and Norfork Dams in an effort to help farming concerns. No one can accurately predict how long the flows will be held back, so the best way to get in on the great fishing and wonderful conditions is to try and get down here as soon as you can.
Caddis hatches have still been thick on the White, but with so many naturals on the water, it pays to have a couple strategies for fishing the hatch periods. During breaks in the hatch or if the trout turn off the surface bite, caddis pupa, green Copper Johns and midges in gold, brown, tan, copper, green, chartreuse and black remain consistently productive. Blue Ribbon Fly Shop now stocks a bead head hare’s ear pattern tied with a soft hackle collar – this fly is the perfect caddis and sulphur emerger, and has been the fly of choice for fishing during the mornings or when adult insects are sparse.
Surface activity on the Norfork is still sporadic, but that is likely to change any day now. Once we start seeing sulphurs and little yellow craneflies every afternoon, it will be dry fly heaven over there. The river is loaded with beautiful and healthy cutthroats (and brookies, ‘bows and browns), and this species is known for preferring dries. Every year is different, but if water flows remain wader-friendly, the dry fly action on the Norfork is primed to explode. Please call the shop for more details.
Although it will be tough to beat the spectacular fishing of the last few weeks, if the hatches and water flows line up just right, the action could get even more intense from now through Memorial Day Weekend. Even with the prolific caddis and steady sulphur hatches on the White, the rivers are relatively devoid of fly fishermen – especially during the week. We’ve had clients slamming rainbows, cutthroats and browns on the surface for hours on end; and they are doing this in virtual solitude. The fish are beautifully colored and they are fighting like they’ve never been hooked before.
Opportunities for this type of diverse and productive fishing do not come along every day, so be sure to take advantage, if it is at all a possibility. Besides the random spring shower, the weather is extremely comfortable. These are truly magical times on the White and Norfork; please let us show you how to make the most out of your fly fishing trip. It will not be long before the heat of summer settles in, and while fishing will still be great, the chance to fish lower flows during the spring on the White and Norfork is something every true fly angler should experience at least once in their ‘career’.
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White River - May 1st, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
69 °
FISHING: Great
Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
Fishing Report 5-1-10
It's a rarity, but every now and again, a little extra rain can be of benefit to anglers on the White River and Norfork Tailwater. Over the last week, heavy precipitation has inundated the central and southern parts of Arkansas. This means that our lakes have not seen a huge influx of water, but the Corp of Engineers is holding water back at the dams to keep from aggravating the flooding far downstream. The current release schedule is a perfect example of how water is managed for many different purposes in the White River Basin. Being at the right place at the right time is an art on these rivers, and a lot of people end up moving to the area just so they never miss out on those perfect conditions. Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes are slightly high and while the forecast for this weekend calls for rain it is expected to be short lived. Wading has been excellent on Norfork during the middle of the day, and the caddis and sulphurs are starting to pop. This is just the beginning, and any low-water day on the Norfork has the potential to be a dry-fly heyday for the next month and a half. Concentrate dry fly fishing on the middle sections of the Norfork, and if the water shuts off at 10am, the best bite will not usually start until 1pm. Until then, midge fishing near the dam has been excellent.
The White is starting to look a lot better with respect to clarity, and recent flows in the two to three-unit levels (3,000cfs to 6000cfs) have been perfect for floating. Caddis emergers are the ticket most mornings, and by afternoon, you will need a mask to keep the bugs out of your mouth. A Green-bellied (or cream) Elk Hair Caddis is the perfect floating choice of pattern, and a small dropper will increase productivity if the trout are not quite keyed-in on the adults yet. The green belly really does make a difference, and this will make a lot of sense if you examine the nymphs and adults currently in the rivers - many early spring caddis have a lot of fluorescent green on their body.
Most of the other standard patterns are working on both rivers, so be sure to stock up on some Cracklebacks, soft hackles, Anna K's, Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns, green firebugs, olive v-rib midges and a good selection of dry flies - the guys at the shop are always happy to point you in the right direction. The weather and fishing rarely gets better than it is now, and this low-water window has been a blast for those who enjoy wading. There is no way to tell how long this trend will last, so try and get in on it while you can. If the rivers are high on the day you hope to dry fly fish, do not fret - caddis action in slack water areas on the White has been "as good as it gets" lately, so there really are a myriad of exciting fly fishing options currently available...just take your pick.
www.blueribbonflyfish.com or blueribbonflyfish@hotmail.com
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White River - April 21st, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
67 °
FISHING: Great
Fishing Report 4-21-10
After the heavy rains of a few weeks ago, both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes are dropping steadily. As of this writing, Bull Shoals is around 4-feet high and Norfork is about 3-feet high. Both dams are releasing about 50% of maximum flows, and this has made for some decent floating conditions on certain parts of the rivers. The only real issues we have faced of late have been trashy water.
Last week, I had a trip up at Bull Shoals, and the fishing was fair. This is because the water is getting extremely junky by the time you get down to Gaston’s Resort (approx 4 miles), so most of the boat pressure is concentrated on the first three miles of the river. This can make for crowded fishing and turbulent water. The saving-grace is that releases have rarely exceeded the five-unit level, so getting a fly in front of fish is not that difficult.
We are all guilty of writing the Norfork off from time to time. No other river seems to be so fickle – this is because fish move freely between the White and the ‘Fork, and this stretch is subject to quite a bit of harvest. Right now, fishing has been excellent on the one unit they are running. Most of the action is concentrated on the upper end because the Norfork is also getting trashy when you get down into the catch and release area if the water is high. Most days, the water is off until mid morning, and then one unit will begin operating. Those who get to the Bill Ackerman access early in the morning can often wade until 10 or 11am, but its boat time after that. The bigger fish are getting aggressive when the water is high, and we’ve been slamming rainbows in the 18-inch range with regularity. Also, the cutthroats are doing very well this year, and fish up to 17-inches have been coming regularly. The Norfork has not fished this well in several years, and we are all very excited about what the rest of the season has in store over there.
Many types of midges are producing on the ‘Fork, but some are more consistent than others - rusty midges, Psycho Midges (primrose & pearl), Prince Nymphs and olive zebra-midges seem to be working best. It is amazing how small midges can produce in high water, but this food source is considered ‘safe’, so when the river is crowded, the bigger fish will seek out small offerings.
Because Norfork Lake is only three feet low, there could be some extended wading water in the next few weeks. The dry fly fishing that we touted on the White and Norfork last month is still a possibility if we don’t see a lot of heavy rain. The peak action on the Norfork is usually from the middle to the end of May, so there is still plenty of time for the conditions to become favorable. Some guys are hammering trout on caddis patterns fished in slack water on the White, so there is more than one way to get a dry fly fix. We will keep everyone updated on the potential hatches, and also be on the lookout for an article about dry fly fishing on the Norfork in the near future.
The trashy water should clear up very soon, and there are still plenty of nice, clear areas to fish. Every day lately has offered up very comfortable fishing conditions, and when the Norfork is on fire, there is hardly a better place to wet a line in the country. We are in the midst of some of the year’s best fishing, so do not hesitate to call if you have questions not addressed in this report. April is such a fun and exciting month to fish the White and Norfork.
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