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White River - February 23rd, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
40 °
FISHING: Great
Life has certainly been busy in our little corner of the world as of late; it seems as though the majority of people in this country start looking for relief from their cabin fever in late February and early March. The fly shop has been peppered with inquiries, guide bookings and requests for information. It is nice to see that the interest in fly fishing that really exploded in the early 2000’s is coming back strong. There really are few other activities that provide so much enjoyment at a relatively low cost. The fly fishing industry is focused on creating high-quality equipment at affordable prices, so there has never been a ‘cheaper’ time to get involved in the sport.
Lake levels continue to drop slowly, despite near-constant generation at Bull shoals and Norfork Dams. We have had some rain of late, but nothing to cause flooding and major runoff. Because it looks like the weather will be dry for awhile, we will most likely start seeing wading opportunities open up this week. Norfork has started shutting down around noon just recently, and the water is staying low for most of the afternoon, so wading is already becoming a possibility. This trend on the Norfork just started, but as long as lake levels stay near power pool, there should be plenty of low water fun in store. I do not want to jump the gun, but maybe…just maybe, we are on the cusp of a dramatic shift in water conditions. There are scores of anglers chomping at the bit to get out there and wade, but there is no sense in me stressing out about something so out of my control like water flows. Regardless of what happens over the next month, I have to be ready to produce fish on all water conditions. Still, I wouldn’t mind some slow-paced, low water fishing about now – my motor needs a break.
I’ve been out on the water several times over the last week, and the fishing is really good on the upper White right now. The shad are not coming through, which is most likely a reflection of the warmer weather that we saw from the 18th to the 21st of February. The weather has cooled off significantly, so I seriously doubt that the shad kill is over – if that was the case, this would have been one of the shortest shad kills ever to occur. White streamers are still working at times, especially if the flow surges upward. The consistent shad pattern bite is on hold temporarily, but ‘standard’ high-water flies like San Juan Worms, Miracle Flies and eggs are really producing. I’ve also tried a bead head soft hackle as a dropper, and that pattern is also picking up plenty of chunky trout.
Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions about the upcoming fishing. March is typically an amazing month, whether the water is high or low. When the lakes are holding at or near power pool levels, releases become even more unpredictable, so be ready to jump from spot to spot based on current conditions if you come to the area for a trip. There should be some wading available on both rivers over the next couple of weeks, but Norfork will offer up longer periods of low water than the White will. The new brown trout regulations put into place just over a year ago are starting to show their merit on both rivers, so there are scores of browns in the 17 to 22-inch range ready to be caught. Our fisheries are by no means perfect, but at times like these, when decent conditions and hot fishing converge, there may be a no more fun place to fly fish in the country. Most folks are still looking at two or three more months before trout fishing is even a possibility, so we are truly lucky to experience incredible action all year long.
Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
www.blueribbonflyfish.com
blueribbonflyfish@hotmail.com
870.425.0447
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White River - February 1st, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
39 °
FISHING: Great
February 1st Fly Fishing Report from Bull Shoals Dam.
February 1st, 2010: This is a date that all local Ozarks anglers know well, as it is a big day on our tailwaters. For those who are not in the “know”, the first of February marks the official opening of the one-mile catch and release area immediately below Bull Shoals Dam on the White River – the special regulations start 100-yards below the dam and extend to the upstream boundary of Bull Shoals State Park. Beginning November 1st, this section of river is closed to the fishing public in an effort to protect the legendary brown trout that spawn on the river’s upper reaches. This year’s opening day at Bull Shoals Dam fell on a Monday, and there was still plenty of snow left on the ground from the 12-inches that fell during the last week of January. I decided to get a crew together and take this opportunity to investigate the status of this immensely popular fly fishing zone. Jeremy Hunt, a fellow Blue Ribbon Fly Shop guide, and Darren, an HD-video and photography guru, joined me (Larry) for a day on the White.
We got off to a late start due to series of mundane circumstances that should be addressed, but we won’t go into that now. Having arrived at the dam first – the other guys were on their way to meet me –I took the chance to drive around the near vicinity looking for picture-taking opportunities. With snow still heavily blanketing the ground, there was plenty of great photo fodder. Surprisingly, there were very few vehicles using the ramp on the Marion County side, even though this launch was free of ice and snow. The Baxter County boat ramp is in the shade almost all day, so it is hardly useable due to being covered up and frozen. Only a few anglers lined the banks trying to wade the heavy flows, and even fewer boats were out drifting the seven-unit flow, which was quick and heavy. While we were rigging up, one of the spin fisherman we could see landed a nice walleye. These predators are still prevalent in this upper stretch of river after a bunch of them came over Bull Shoals Dam when the flood gates were opened in 2008.
It was 10:30 when we finally launched the boat, and we had a game plan in place. The first goal was to locate, turn or potentially land a big brown with a streamer pattern on a nine-weight rod and a 450-grain full-sinking line. Due to the fact that a shad kill could start up at any moment – and there was a good chance the fish had seen shad already – the obvious first color of streamer to try was going to be white. There has been a positive, new regulation change which allows two barbless hooks to be used in catch and release areas – this means that we now have the opportunity to fish with droppers and articulated streamers that incorporate a trailing hook. We pounded the banks for several hours and shot footage on the Marion County side of the river from the dam down to the state park. A few pesky rainbows wanted to play, but ultimately they would just get in the way. Getting the fly to sink fast enough became an issue, so we added a 1/4ounce tungsten cones to our tippet for more weight. This rig would hit the water like a ton of bricks, and at one point, Jeremy got smacked on the arm. Ouch. I’m not sure if hurts more or less when you do it to yourself. This was a perfect time to use the line, "I feel for you but can't quite reach you!”. After about two hours of working hard at throwing streamers, we were not able to land any sizable browns, but we did have a few big fish chase our flies, and we saw some really big fish at the State Park point.
Around noon, the water began to fall out very quickly. Some of regulars on the river do not like falling water in the least, as the bite slows when the fish must work to situate themselves in deeper, safer lies. I have experienced great fishing when they cut way back on the water while I was in the dam area, and this was indeed the case on this day once we rigged up with nymph rigs. Bite after bite after bite ensued, and we were able to record some very productive video footage - it is currently being edited, but check www.blueribbonflyfish.com soon for the link. Seriously, this fishing was unbelievable. The water wasn’t just dropping - it was drastically dropping. I figure the depth dropped by at least six-feet from the time we started fishing and when we left around 3:30pm. The rainbows were plentiful, to say the least, and the largest one came in at 18-inches. This fish was remarkably colorful. Even the increased boat traffic had little effect on the bite, as we were doubling (and even tripling) up all afternoon. No large browns were to be landed, as I believe the majority of the big guys are further down river. Still, the mission of this day was to conduct research and development on the catch and release zone below the dam, and what we found was a fishery that is loaded with healthy and vibrant rainbows. It is going to be a great year up there, and the fish we catch in the Bull Shoals Dam area seem to get bigger as we progress into March and April.
I’m guessing that a lot of you are interested in learning about the exact fly that we used to hammer triple-digit numbers of fish up by the dam. With trepidation, I will say that we fished a pattern we like to call the “Miracle Fly”. It is an adaptation of an egg pattern, and it absolutely slams fish throughout the year. The Miracle Fly is not for those who prefer subtle presentations, but this pattern will catch one fish after another, even at times when no other flies seem to be working. This fly has little bit of history in the Ozarks, so we decided to come up with an article that explains more about what the Miracle Fly is and the best ways to fish it.
Click here to read this groundbreaking content that details a coveted guide fly pattern and fishing technique.
Blue Ribbon Fly Shop & Professional Guide Service
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White River - January 15th, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
48 °
FISHING: Excellent
Due to an unusually frigid beginning of the year, fishing pressure on both the White and Norfork Rivers has been non-existent due to the uncomfortable conditions that have persisted for so long. Another reason that angler numbers are down relates to the fact that both Bull Shoals and the Norfork Dams are generating near full capacity, and as a result, wading opportunities are few and far between. Unless, of course, you enjoy the privilege of having access to private sections of the river where anglers can safely cast to concentrations of nice trout. There are places where it is possible to effectively wade during high water periods. While we wait on low water, the steady flows have made for consistently stellar boat fishing due to the influx of concentrated dissolved oxygen and the abundant food sources. The trout are feeding steadily all day long. Nymph fishing from a boat requires making constant adjustments to the faster flows. Utilizing proficient mending techniques, setting your rig depth properly and choosing a sensitive, but buoyant strike indicator will all contribute to a productive day on the water. High water drift fishing is quite a deadly method in fast-moving currents, and fly fishing during these conditions offers a very good chance of hooking into a large trout.
Tandem/two-fly rigs are now legal in the catch and release areas (effective January 1st, 2010) and we have been catching lots of good fish with a pink or cerise San Juan worm dropped below another attractor fly like a bright egg pattern. Hiring a guide is highly recommended because it is difficult to navigate the boat safely and locate fish while actively engaged in fishing – a guide will make for a safer and more meaningful experience. Lake levels are close to reaching power pool which may cause the Corp of Engineers to decrease power generation. After the lakes drop to lower levels, releases are primarily contingent on the prevailing electrical demand patterns. This means we will see periods of lower water once the lakes stabilize at or below power pool. Ultimately, this latest high water spell has greatly enhanced trout growth rates and this is quite evident in the fight and healthy appearance of the trout as they continue to gorge on all of the available food sources. Over the past week alone, we were fortunate enough to land countless rosy-cheeked rainbows, several brilliantly colored cutthroats and some gorgeous browns displaying vibrant hues of fire orange and gold. The brown trout we caught were all between 14 to 22-inches.
We are eagerly awaiting the start of the shad kill. It could happen any day, so long as we don’t experience an extended period of much warmer temperatures. Keep an eye on this page for updated shad kill reports. There most likely will be a significant shad kill this year. Once the surface temperatures of a White River Basin lake drop to 42-degrees, it means that the entire upper section of the reservoir is cold - this is the catalyst for the shad kill phenomenon. Shad are temperate fish, so it makes sense that when the lower depths of the lake are warmer than the surface of the lake, the shad will swim deep in order to survive. During the process, these forage fish get drawn to the dam, and when the current pulling towards the powerhouse increases, millions of these lethargic shad will get sucked into the river. This is why heavy generation is also necessary to take full advantage of this bite. Often, the best shad kill fishing will occur early on cold mornings when the water rises at the dams due to people using electricity for heat across the region.
Hopefully, all of the necessary ingredients for a prolonged shad kill will come together in a way that aligns with the February 1st opening of the catch and release area below Bull Shoals Dam. This is where many monster trout lie in wait for a good meal after three months of not being bothered by persistent anglers. We are in the midst of one of the best seasons for catching trophy fish on the White and the Norfork. Experienced Ozark anglers know what the end of a long high water period means: great fishing with many big trout around and the prospects for a shad kill make the upcoming month all the more exciting.
It looks like the Corp is not going to lower Beaver Lake until January 19th which means that it could be awhile before the water stabilizes below Bull Shoals Dam on the White. The entire White River System is built around following specific flood control plans. Beaver Lake is always the last reservoir to be drained. Hopefully, the region will not see any major rain events for awhile. There is no doubt that high water is good for the fisheries, but enough is enough. It is about time that everyone gets the opportunity to take advantage of the tremendous growth rates that have been realized over the last three high-water years. The best overall fly fishing seems to occur at times when we see a nice mix of low water to moderate flows, but the key to White River Basin fly fishing success is to adapt to the conditions at hand.
We hope you join us soon to experience the best of Arkansas’ Tailwater fly fishing jewels. Blue Ribbon Guide Service is here to help you make the most out of an Ozark fly fishing adventure. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Larry
www.blueribbonflyfish.com
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White River - January 1st, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
39 °
FISHING: Excellent
No other Ozark tailwater event gets local and visiting anglers more excited than the annual shad kill. This is when the dynamics of the water in the lakes causes millions of threadfin and gizzard shad (these are a forage fish that are usually silver or white) to congregate by the dam’s stock pens on the lake side. The stock pens are the tubes that take water to the generators. The shad end up at these depths because that is where the warmest water in the lake is (@50 degrees). When power is generated, tons of the shad get sucked through the turbines and they end up in the river. The harrowing ride and change in pressure usually leaves the shad crippled, and as they float along the surface they are easy prey for the river’s trout. In order for a shad kill to occur, the winter must have some cold periods, and there must be enough water in the lakes to allow for power generation. Growth rates of the trout are amazing during these times and it is also a great opportunity to catch a huge fish. When a food source becomes readily available, our trout will ‘key-in’, and they soon learn to feed very opportunistically. During the shad kill, the fishing is usually excellent throughout the White as many of the river’s elusive browns begin feeding aggressively. Norfork can also be exciting during the shad kill, and it is fun because you don’t know what species the next fish may be. On some days you catch mainly brook trout, cutthroats, and browns on the Norfork which is a rare treat.
Because a shad kill only occurs during high water periods, the most effective way to fish at these times is from a boat at first light. Much of the action occurs at or near the surface, and it can get pretty intense during the right conditions. If you are interested, please be sure to call early because we are usually booked if the shad kill is ‘on’. Although shad kills have began as early as October and have lasted through May, usually the best months for taking advantage of this phenomenon are January, February, March, and April. March is usually the peak because early spring rains can supply the fuel for extended high water periods. Even after the shad stop coming through the generators, many big fish still recognize this food source and shad imitations will work during certain conditions throughout the summer. If this intense high water trophy fishing seems right up your alley, make sure you bring several back up rods (in case you snap one on a brown as long as your leg), a couple extra flies, and plenty of Tylenol for sore muscles. Then give us a call for the latest conditions. If you hit it right, the shad kill can provide memories for a lifetime.
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White River - December 6th, 2009
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
44 °
FISHING: Great
Report from 12-05-09
Make no mistake about it; the fishing in Northern Arkansas is considered some of the most productive in the country for a good reason. This area offers a wide-range of opportunities to catch and release variety of fish species in the local lakes, rivers, and streams. Plus, these prolific fisheries are all within a short drive of one another. The relatively mild climate of the Ozark region has its advantages, as anglers have the opportunity to enjoy amazing recreation when it is far too cold for these type of activities in other areas that are further north. Although most anglers associate the Mountain Home area with the legendary trout fishing on the White River and Norfork Tailwater, almost all of the tributaries will hold trout this time of year. For those time-honored, traditional anglers that appreciate the challenge of stealth, approach, presentation, and perhaps a hike, there is Crooked Creek and Sylamore Creek which offer small-water fishing opportunities that most do not realize exist. In addition, the Spring River and the North Fork of the White River are within an hour's drive and the low water of this time of year makes them prime spots to sight-fish to large browns and rainbows. December is a great month to get off the beaten-path and try some different areas – be sure no to miss out!
Currently, the trout in the White River and Norfork Tailwater are gorging themselves in a feeding frenzy due to the full-bore releases at Bull Shoals and Norfork Dams. The maximum-release regime commenced on December first and the water will probably remain high for the next month or so. It is typical for the trout to feed consistently and aggressively when massive amounts of water are released after extended periods of lower water. The higher water levels not only flush the banks which are loaded with nutrient-rich food sources like worms and insects, but the grass beds that would typically be exposed under lower water conditions become flooded and offer good habitat where the fish can feed unabashed. Ultimately, the conditions are perfect for expedient trout growth and fishermen who are willing to drift-fish often reap the rewards. During extended periods of high water, especially during the cooler months, fishing pressure is drastically reduced creating a perfect opportunity for anglers who like to pursue our larger fish in near solitude. The plentiful food sources available when the water is up results in high concentrations of fat and healthy trout.
A new development this year is that the Corp of Engineers have decided to experiment with spillway/floodgate releases in an effort to lower the lakes quickly while increasing oxygen levels in the rivers. Early December is typically the time of year in which oxygen levels drop to alarmingly low levels. These levels are worst during periods of heavy power generation, so the Corp of Engineers hopes that the turbulence created by letting water through the gates will keep the trout in good shape until the lakes “turn over” and oxygen levels return to normal. According the oxygen gauges, this effort is working and the fish are really fighting hard. The downside to this scenario is that the rivers are running very fast and this is a short-term solution only available when abnormally high lake levels exist. Keep an eye on this page as we will post several updates on how the spillway release is affecting fishing.
The floodgates will only remain open for another week or so and at that point, they will close them and continue generating electricity around the clock until the lakes drop to seasonal levels. This could take another month, but the fishing out of a boat will be excellent. Look for a shad kill to start by early January and please read our website page that describes this event which brings the biggest trout on the rivers out of the woodwork. San Juan worms, egg patterns and streamers will be the ticket until the shad kill starts up – then it will be all about large, white shad imitations. Give us a call if you have any questions and be sure to book your guide trip early if you want to get in on the unique trophy opportunity that fishing the shad kill presents. Once the word gets out, things will get very busy around here.
If heavy rains hold off for the next few months, low water fishing could be incredible by the beginning of February. The first week after the water slows down is always amazing for catching both numbers of fish and trophy fish. We will be updating the reports page regularly, so keep an eye on it so that you can take advantage of the change in conditions. At Blue Ribbon Fly Shop, our guides know how to fish productively on all water – high or low – so we tend to not worry about what is coming. If the water remains high throughout the rest of the winter, fishing will become very steady and many huge fish will be caught. For those the like to wade, as mentioned above, the smaller creeks and tributaries will offer chances to fly fish in a more traditional fashion. Winter truly offers the opportunity to fly fish a variety of different ways.
Be sure to give us a call if you have any questions about the fishing or anything else and we are really looking forward to another great fishing year in 2010!
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White River - October 30th, 2009
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
58 °
FISHING: Excellent
No sooner did it appear that the October rains had past, the state of Arkansas took a real beating over the past 24 hours with torrential rains that moved in from the Southeast causing massive flooding throughout the state. Big rains this late in the year are traditionally uncommon but stranger things have happened over the course of the past three years so we've learned to expect the unexpected. This morning I guided two clients below Bull Shoals Dam when all of sudden at 10 am the three wheels that were turning came to an abrupt halt in an apparent effort by the COE to relieve pressure down river. As a result, the immediate section below the dam will remain somewhat clear and wadable for the immediate future but unless generation resumes soon, it may take a few days for the lower White to clear up... especially below Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River. Of course there's always a sunny side to what may sometimes appear to be bad news as such. This development just may result in vast wading opportunities on the White and Norfork Rivers for the month of November and perhaps beyond. Meanwhile the lakes are still well above power pool and ultimately the COE will have to release significant flows to relieve pressure but until the flooding dissipates, generation will certainly be scaled down or even shut down for the immediate future. While most observant fly anglers are tuned in to the weather channel in anticipation of chasing trophy browns on low water during this unique time of year, this may ironically be the perfect time to schedule a trip to the Ozarks. That being said, the 10-day forecast into November "appears" promising and hopefully void of rain but stranger things have happened. Both Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes are well above power pool and although generation over the past two weeks has been relatively calm, the pressure from the S. MO lakes is ultimately headed to Bull Shoals. The million dollar question based on these recent events is at what point will the COE decide to release heavy water from BSD. The fishing has been spectacular during the month of October with 2,000-4,000 CFS from the boat when fluctuation is minimal. It's safe to say that generation pattern will gradually increase between now and December contingent upon the pace of water recession down river. Once this takes place, wadability on the White may be severely limited. The C&R area below Bull Shoals Dam will be off limits to anglers from November 1-February 1 in hopes of a successful spawn. The lower sections of the White are fishing well from 3-Chutes down to Rim Shoals. Big browns are being sighted daily forming pods as they begin the march up river. The Norfork River is fishing quite well lately which is a much need change for the better. The generation schedule has steadily increased over the past two weeks in which there may be 2-3 hours of generation from approximately 6-9 am followed by a shut down then generation resumes at approximately 6 pm. However, the generation pattern on this river system may reflect what is occurring on the White. The parking lot construction below the dam at Quarry Park is complete and access is allowed. Always exercise caution while wading the Norfork. Although a horn may sound only once, be prepared for fast rising water and exit immediately. That "one last cast" can be the difference of making it out safely or seeing the river in a whole new way.
Suggested flies for the White include the BRFS perfect scud in three colors, Henry's RS zebra midge, red ass, prince nymphs, pheasant tails, White River Special, UV midges in red and primrose/pearl, rusty midges, peach eggs, and bright SJ worms.
Suggested flies for the Norfork include micro SJ worms, red zebra midges, red V-rib midges, BH brassies, black beauties, and Anna Ks. This fly selection for the Norfork should be size #18 or smaller when possible. Of course a size #10 olive wooley is a always a default/go-to fly.
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White River - September 1st, 2009
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
79 °
FISHING: Excellent
September 1, 2009
Wading opportunities on the White River and the Norfork River have been plentiful over the course of the past two weeks due in part to a trout habitat project being conducted by AG&F in conjunction with the COE. Although the project was originally estimated to last up to eight weeks, it is now comple as of this report. Thankfully this does not necessarily mean the end of low, wadable water. In fact, both Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake are near or at power pool level. Hydroelectric demand will dictate releases for the immediate future. Fortunately the Ozarks has experienced a refreshing cool front and even the good folks in Texas are experiencing double digit temperatures which certainly lightens the electric demand. The ten day forecast for the Ozarks includes highs in the late 70s and lows in the 50s making for some gorgeous days on the river.
During the first days of low water one could pretty much throw anything in his/her fly box and get a strike. These fish haven't seen any assortment of flies like this in over a year and a half. The dry fly action is still on fire. Bring you fly box loaded with an assortment of soft hackles, cracklebacks, griffith's gnats, hoppers, ants, and black beetles. And as long as you are not in a C&R zone, take advantage of a dropper such as red Psycho midges, rusty midges, red asses, bh scuds, and green copper johns.
Now is a great time to prepare a fall fly fishing excursion here in the Ozarks. Be prepared for an excellent fall season. If you could'nt fish with us during the past high water months don't miss out on the cooler temps and red hot fishing this fall.
For any further information regarding river conditions, lodging, corporate or group guided trips, contact BRFS @ blueribbonflyfish@hotmail.com or call 870-425-0447.
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White River - August 20th, 2009
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
94 °
FISHING: Excellent
After 18 months of high water we are finally able to proclaim that wadable water has arrived here on the White River and Norfork River. The COE along with Arkansas Game & Fish are implenting a plan to add structure such as boulders and cellulose wads directly below Bull Shoals Dam for trout habitat. The lake is already within inches of power pool, unlike this time last year, and to achieve this habitat project requires the dam be shut down from mid-night through approximately noon. At this point as many as four units are gradually released for the remainder of the evening creating a surge that takes hours to reach many access points down river. Due to this generation schedule it would be advantageous for one to fish the upper section in the early morning hours and proceed much further down river for the afternoon bite. The best part of the recent low water experience during the latter part of Summer and heading into Fall is the many different ways to fish. Although this is typically a nymphing fishery, the hopper season is upon us and usually lasts until mid-October making for some of the most exciting surface action around. In addition to hoppers on the surface don't forget soft hackles (any color will work during these first few weeks of low water), Anna Ks, White River Specials, cracklebacks, chernobal ants, and black beetles are a must have in the dry fly arsenal. Streamers that are on fire lately include Randy's Sculpin, AR beadhead, Hank's Wooley, and 56'ers. If you're fishing a nymph rig you'll be greatly rewarded by fishing Psycho midges in pearl and red, red zebra midges, BH scuds in olive or natural, rusty midges, AP and SS scuds, micro cerise worms, and the dark version of trout crack.
The Norfork is experiencing significantly less pressure as of late since the generation schedule on the White has decreased. The fishing has been most productive mid-river down through to the confluence. The same fly suggestions mentioned for the White also apply to the Norfork but make your selection one size smaller. Expect generation to begin between noon and 2 pm. Rising water occurs quickly here so begin exiting the river when this occurs. A wading staff is highly recommended.
Any specific questions? We'd love to hear from you... blueribbonflyfish@hotmail.com or 870-425-0447.
Blue Ribbon Fly Shop Staff
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White River - August 7th, 2009
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
88 °
FISHING: Excellent
LAKE LEVELS REPORT The Bull Shoals Dam habitat project is delayed until August 17th. Supposedly, at that time, the COE along with a representative from the AG&F will begin working on adding structure piles in strategic locations from the dam to the beginning of the State Park. As a result, the water releases will cease during the night and will resume at approximately noon each day. The project is estimated to last two months but could potentially run longer. Now would be a great time to plan a fly fishing adventure in the Ozarks. The recent generation pattern at BSD consist of light releases beginning at midnight and increases beginning at six am followed by steady increases up to as much as six or more units for the remainder of the day. Therefore, wading is possible in select locations down river but certainly expect a surge later in the morning depending on how far down river you plan to fish. This makes for diverse fishing over the course of the day if you have access to a boat. Our guides are sure capitalizing on these trends which allows clients to fish a full spectrum of techniques i.e. midge patterns in the morning low water, attractor patterns during the rise, and streamers along the banks in the late afternoon. The water becomes increasingly trashy during the latter part of the day but we productively fish through it.The Norfork lake is just three feet over power pool and the generation releases are gradually decreasing as well. Currently there is zero generation from midnight until approximately eleven-two pm when releases begin. The fishing pressure is heavy below the dam during the morning hours so an option is fish the handicap access and walk up to the C&R zone. Be certain to locate an object in the river to gauge rising water. The water rises especially fast when the generation starts at two units as opposed to a gradual increase from one then the second after an hour. Always have an exit strategy. If you haven't seen the massive changes in our fly bins lately, be sure to stop by before you hit the river. There are plenty of new, quality, locally tied flies to choose from.Suggested flies for the White... V-rib midges, AP scuds, SS scuds, BH scuds, Prince Nymphs, Red Ass, UV midges, Hoppers.Suggested flies for the Norfork...
Red or Pearl Psycho midges, Bob Krause's White River Special, and Anna Ks, Griffith's gnats, micro SJ worms, 56ers, and Hank's wooley. Guide trips for the fall are booking very quickly. Take advantage of a half or full day with one of our professional guides during the beginning of your stay in the Ozarks. We'll coach you on how to productively wade fish the rivers for the remainder of your stay. blueribbonflyfish@hotmail.com
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White River - May 26th, 2009
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
74 °
FISHING: Excellent
May 26th 2009
Our resident guide Forrest Smith recently returned from guiding duties in Chile to fish the White during a brief layover before shipping west to guide in Montana. Here is Forrest's latest report...
After several months guiding in Chile, I was eager to give my rowing arms a break from the torrential gradients of the rivers down south, and pitch something thats a little more sublte than a #6 Fat Albert or a half ounce wooly bugger. The White has been no less than very cooperative and receptive to my homecoming.
May provided some great dry action with the tail end of the caddis hatch and the sulphurs. Look for sulphurs on into the first and second week of June. Fish have been very receptive to various suphur comparaduns and cripples. Pheasant tail soft hachles also work well for the emergers. If fish aren't looking up, a bead head pheasant tail will do the trick. Don't be afraid to throw some larger terrestrial patterns this early. I had four trips last week, and hopper fishing was great in the afternoons.
Various other bugs are on the move, or will peak in the next few weeks. Sowbugs and various zebra midges have been working very well at the dam. Streamer action has also been great for those of you who don't want to stare at a strike indicator all day long. the emergent of crawdads on the first few warm days this month really got large browns looking for a bigger meal. various crawfish patterns worked well, but nothing beat the rootbeer colored bugger has worked well, and the tan variety will work well when they go into molt in the near future. Many of the browns have been moving on them in fast shallow water and the dirt banks.
tightlines,
Forrest Smith
Blue Ribbon Fly Shop Guide Service, Mountain Home, AR. www.blueribbonflyfish.com
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