John Berry

I caught the Norfork down yesterday and decided to give it a try. I took my yellow lab, Ellie, and my neighbor Jeff. The Catch and Release section was not crowded and we had a great time. The hot fly was a hot pink San Juan worm. The river was really changed by the recent high water. I noticed a new gravel bar and better yet a new scoured out depression that held a lot of nice trout. Ellie assisted me with every fish. Life is good!

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/01/2010 During the past week, we have had a couple of minor snow events and much colder conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose three tenths of a foot to rest at twelve and seven tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty eight and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake dropped one tenth of a foot to rest at two and at seven tenths of a foot below power pool or eighteen and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose four tenths of a foot to rest at seven and two tenths feet above power pool or two and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had much lighter generation which included some wadable water on several days. Norfork Lake rose one and three tenths feet to rest at seven and eight tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork we have had much lighter generation and some wadable water. While the rains we received here had very little effect on lake levels, the rains were much heavier in other parts of the state and resulted in significant flooding down stream. As a result, the heavy draw down of the lakes in the White River System was curtailed. As soon as the flooding clears down stream, we will see a return to the aggressive draw down. At this time, I cannot predict when the lakes will return to power pool. There will be significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple fly streamers. The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period. The section from the Narrows to Wildcat Shoals has fished well. The hot flies were various midge patterns (black zebra midges and Norfork bead heads), scuds and sow bugs. On higher flows, use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). The best fishing was when there was on wadable water and the lower flows. Rim Shoals has been the hot spot for the last week. There has been some limited wadable water that has fished well, particularly the Redbud Shoals area. Hot flies were black zebra midges, olive scuds and Y2Ks. Drift fishing on lower flows with midge patterns and San Juan worms has also been very effective. On higher flows, use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (peach and orange). Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared up a bit. The water temperatures are a bit low for the smallmouth. The lower flows and wadable water on the Norfork River have fished very well. Anglers fishing there have noted some significant changes to the river bed caused by the recent heavy flows. The hot flies for the lower flows have been red and hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms. There have been some midges hatching in the afternoon. The best technique for this hatch has been to fish Dan’s turkey tail emerger on a long tippet (five feet) with a classic quarter and down tight line. Be sure and strip the fly down into the film as soon as it hits the water. Other effective flies have been black zebra midges, pheasant tail nymphs and egg patterns. On higher flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. The cold weather has kept a lot of families from fishing here. Do not let the weather keep you from fishing here. Bundle up the youngsters and go there to take advantage of the absolute best place to take kids fishing that I know of. Take frequent warm up breaks and don’t forget a thermos bottle full of hot cocoa. The Spring River has been fishing well. The flows are up a bit and the water is stained. The hot flies have been Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

The good news is that you will not sweat pulling a size eight woolly bugger out of a chin. Been there done that.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/25/2009 During the past week, we have had a major rain event and a bit warmer conditions. The lake levels on the White River system are still falling like a rock. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four and three tenths feet to rest at twelve and four tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty eight and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake dropped five tenths of a foot to rest at two and at six tenths of a foot below power pool or eighteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at six and eight tenths feet above power pool or two and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had heavy generation around the clock with additional water coming from several flood gates. There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell two and five tenths feet to rest at six and five tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty one and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation around the clock. There is no wading on the Norfork at this level but is now considered safer for boating now that additional flows from flood gates have ceased. The extra water flows through the flood gates on the White River are meant to enhance the dissolved oxygen content of the White in addition to drawing down the Lake as quickly as possible. With this aggressive draw down, I predict that Bull Shoals will be at power pool in three weeks and Norfork will be at power pool in two weeks, if there are no major rain events between now and then. There will be significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple fly streamers. The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period. With the heavy generation and open flood gates on the White River, they are running the rough equivalent of nine generators. This is a huge amount of water and I do not recommend fishing it unless you are in a boat with an experienced river guide. If you must go out there, make sure that one person in the boat is committed to controlling the boat and is not fishing. Do not anchor in the current or use a drag chain under any circumstance. When we have water levels this high, you should concentrate on fishing the banks and weed beds. Use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Use a fourteen foot leader/tippet combination with a minimum of 4X tippet. There should be plenty of weight to get the fly down to the bottom. I use AAA splitshot eighteen inches above the fly. A large strike indicator will be required to keep this afloat. This rig will be difficult to cast. Open up your loop and give your back cast plenty of time to straighten out behind you. Another effective strategy is to fish streamers. Concentrate on banging the bank or any heavy structure where fish might escape the current. Your best bet would be to use large articulated streamers like the zoo cougar on heavy (300 grain or heavier) sink tips. You will need at least an eight weight rod to cast this rig. Use a short piece of heavy mono (three feet of 2X fluorocarbon tippet) in lieu of a conventional leader to help get the fly down. This strategy targets big fish, but is a lot of work. I like to carry two rods, one that is rigged for streamers and one that is rigged for nymphs. That way you can quickly vary your strategy. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have muddied up a bit. The water below Crooked Creek is stained. The water temperatures are a bit low for the smallmouth. Flood gate releases have ceased on the Norfork and it is fishing well. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. Concentrate on fishing near the banks and over weed beds. I consider the Norfork more treacherous for boating than the White. I recommend that you fish it with an experienced river guide. Do not attempt to anchor in the current. It is illegal to use a drag chain on the Norfork. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The high flows on the Norfork have had no effect on the fishing here. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. While you are there take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering in order to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. A great Christmas present for your youngster would be a trip to Dry Run Creek. The Spring River has been fishing well. The flows are up a bit and the water is stained. The hot flies have been Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/17/2009 During the past week, we have had no rain event but much colder conditions. The lake levels on the White River system are still falling like a rock. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four and seven tenths feet to rest at sixteen and seven tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty four and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake dropped eight tenths of a foot to rest at two and at one tenth of a foot below power pool or eighteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at seven feet above power pool or two and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had heavy generation around the clock with additional water coming from several flood gates. There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell four and nine tenths feet to rest at nine feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nineteen feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation around the clock. There is no wading on the Norfork at this level but is now considered safer for boating now that additional flows from flood gates have ceased. The extra water flows through the flood gates on the White River are be meant to enhance the dissolved oxygen content of the White in addition to drawing down the Lake as quickly as possible. With this aggressive draw down, I predict that Bull Shoals will be at power pool in four weeks and Norfork will be at power pool in three weeks, if there are no major rain events between now and then. Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers. Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout. The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period. With the heavy generation and open flood gates on the White River, they are running the rough equivalent of nine generators. This is a huge amount of water and I do not recommend fishing it unless you are in a boat with an experienced river guide. If you must go out there, make sure that one person in the boat is committed to controlling the boat and it not fishing. Do not anchor in the current or use a drag chain under any circumstance. When we have water levels this high, you should concentrate on fishing the banks and weed beds. Use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Use a fourteen foot leader/tippet combination with a minimum of 4X tippet. There should be plenty of weight to get the fly down to the bottom. I use AAA splitshot eighteen inches above the fly. A large strike indicator will be required to keep this afloat. This rig will be difficult to cast. Open up your loop and give your back cast plenty of time to straighten out behind you. Another effective strategy is to fish streamers. Concentrate on banging the bank or any heavy structure where fish might escape the current. Your best bet would be to use large articulated streamers like the zoo cougar on heavy (300 grain or heavier) sink tips. You will need at least an eight weight rod to cast this rig. Use a short piece of heavy mono (three feet of 2X fluorocarbon tippet) in lieu of a conventional leader to help get the fly down. This strategy targets big fish, but is a lot of work. I like to carry two rods, one that is rigged for streamers and one that is rigged for nymphs. That way you can quickly vary your strategy. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has also cleared. The water temperatures are a bit low for the smallmouth. Flood gate releases have ceased on the Norfork and it is fishing well. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. Concentrate on fishing near the banks and over weed beds. I consider the Norfork more treacherous for boating than the White. I recommend that you fish it with an experienced river guide. Do not attempt to anchor in the current. It is illegal to use a drag chain on the Norfork. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The high flows on the Norfork have had little effect on the fishing here. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. There is precious little room to cast here. The most effective technique is to high stick nymphs under a strike indicator. A great Christmas present for a child would be a trip here and a photo of them landing a huge trout. The Spring River has been fishing well. The flows are around 450 CFS which has been perfect for wading. The water is lightly stained. The hot flies Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers and cerise San Juan worms. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/10/2009 During the past week, we have a rain event, much colder conditions and some pretty heavy winds, including lake wind advisories. The lake levels on the White River system are falling like a rock. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four feet to rest at twenty one and four tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is nineteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake dropped one and two tenths feet to rest at one and at three tenths of a foot below power pool or seventeen and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at seven and five tenths feet above power pool or two and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had heavy generation around the clock with additional water coming from several flood gates. There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell four and nine tenths feet to rest at thirteen feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or fifteen feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation around the clock. In addition, the Corps of Engineers opened the flood gates in order to draw down Norfork Lake more quickly. The flows through the flood gates are approximately 3,500 cubic feet per second or the rough equivalent of one additional generator. There is no wading on the Norfork at this level and it is also considered too treacherous for boating. The extra water flows through the flood gates on both rivers are be meant to enhance the dissolved oxygen content of the White and Norfork Rivers in addition to drawing down the Lakes as quickly as possible. With this aggressive draw down, the lakes on the White River system should be a power pool by mid January, if there are no major rain events between now and then. Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers. Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout. The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period. With the heavy generation and open flood gates on the White River, they are running the rough equivalent of nine generators. This is a huge amount of water and I do not recommend fishing it unless you are in a boat with an experienced river guide. If you must go out there, make sure that one person in the boat is committed to controlling the boat and it not fishing. Do not anchor in the current or use a drag chain under any circumstance. When we have water levels this high, you should concentrate on fishing the banks and weed beds. Use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Use a fourteen foot leader/tippet combination with a minimum of 4X tippet. There should be plenty of weight to get the fly down to the bottom. I use AAA splitshot eighteen inches above the fly. A large strike indicator will be required to keep this afloat. This rig will be difficult to cast. Open up your loop and give your back cast plenty of time to straighten out behind you. Another effective strategy is to fish streamers. Concentrate on banging the bank or any heavy structure where fish might escape the current. Your best bet would be to use large articulated streamers like the zoo cougar on heavy (300 grain or heavier) sink tips. You will need at least an eight weight rod to cast this rig. Use a short piece of heavy mono (three feet of 2X fluorocarbon tippet) in lieu of a conventional leader to help get the fly down. This strategy targets big fish, but is a lot of work. I like to carry two rods, one that is rigged for streamers and one that is rigged for nymphs. That way you can quickly vary your strategy. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has also cleared. The water temperatures are a bit low for the smallmouth. Monitor the water levels on the Norfork and do not attempt boating on it until the Corps of Engineers closes the flood gates and limits flows to generation from the dam. The boat ramp at Quarry Park is flooded and closed to all traffic. The high water levels washed away all of the recently installed landscaping. Hopefully there will be no further damage to the recently resurfaced ramp parking lot. Dry Run Creek has been virtually abandoned with the cold temperatures. The few souls that have braved the elements have been rewarded with some nice fish. The hot fly is the sowbug as always. Other productive flies have been the San Juan worm in red or worm brown and the Y2K. Make sure that the kids stay warm and dry. Take frequent breaks to warm up. Don’t forget the thermos of hot cocoa. While conditions in the local area are tough, there are some great places to wade and fish nearby. Consider a day trip to the Spring River. It is an hour and a half from my home in Cotter and it is fishing well. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

Jeremy, I fished the Norfork a couple of weeks ago on low water but did not see any big browns. Ham, I will fish the Norfork at maximum generation (6,300 CFS). Right now they have the flood gates open on both rivers. I would wait until they close them.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/03/2009 During the past week, we have a minor rain event and seasonably colder conditions. The lake levels on the White River system have finally begun to fall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one and four tenths of a foot to rest at twenty five and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is fifteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake remained steady at one tenth of a foot below power pool or sixteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at seven and eight tenths feet above power pool or one and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock until Tuesday when the generation was ramped up significantly. Since then there has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell two and one tenth of a foot to rest at sixteen and eight tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or ten and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day until Tuesday. Generation was ramped up to maximum generation. In addition, the Corps of Engineers opened the flood gates in order to draw down Norfork Lake more quickly. The flows through the flood gates are approximately 3,500 cubic feet per second or the rough equivalent of one additional generator. There is no wading on the Norfork at this level and it is also considered too treacherous for boating. With this aggressive draw down, the lakes on the White River system should be a power pool by mid January if there are no major rain events between now and then. Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers. Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout. The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently stocked about one thousand “golden trout” from Bull Shoals Dam down to Buffalo City. These are not a separate species but a color variation in rainbow trout. They were purchased from a commercial hatchery in Missouri to make up for a short fall in stocking this year. These fish are edible and the regulations for harvesting rainbow trout apply to them. They are bright yellow with a faint pink stripe and a snow white belly. They are very easy to see in the river. If you are fishing on the White River, carefully monitor the water level and avoid boating on it if the Corps of Engineers opens the flood gates at Bull Shoals Dam. When we have water levels this high, you should concentrate on fishing the banks and weed beds. Use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Use a fourteen foot leader/tippet combination with a minimum of 4X tippet. There should be plenty of weight to get the fly down to the bottom. I use AAA splitshot. A large strike indicator will be required to keep this afloat. This rig will be difficult to cast. Open up your loop and give your back cast plenty of time to straighten out behind you. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has also cleared. Monitor the water levels on the Norfork and do not attempt boating on it until the Corps of Engineers closes the flood gates and limits flows to generation from the dam. The boat ramp at Quarry Park is flooded and closed to all traffic. The high water levels washed away all of the recently installed landscaping. Hopefully there will be no further damage to the recently resurfaced ramp parking lot. With all of the high water everywhere, the only place that is wadable (assuming you are handicapped or under sixteen years of age) is Dry Run Creek. Handicapped adults are limited to fishing the handicapped ramp. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and Y2Ks have also been productive. Now is a great time to visit the adjacent National Fish Hatchery and take a tour. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

Don has it right.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/25/2009 During the past week, we have a minor rain event and continued cooler conditions. The lake levels on the White River system continue their rise, at a much slower rate. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose four tenths of a foot to rest at twenty six and eight tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is fourteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool or sixteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at eight and one tenth feet above power pool or one and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at eighteen and nine tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nine and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions. This is the lull before the storm. The lakes have accumulated a significant amount of water. The only thing preventing high levels of generation around the clock is flooding down stream. As soon as it clears, we will see a lot of high water. We expect to start seeing higher flows beginning December 1, 2009. Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers. Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout. The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently stocked about one thousand “golden trout” from Bull Shoals Dam down to Buffalo City. These are not a separate species but a color variation in rainbow trout. They were purchased from a commercial hatchery in Missouri to make up for a short fall in stocking this year. These fish are edible and the regulations for harvesting rainbow trout apply to them. They are bright yellow with a faint pink stripe and a snow white belly. They are very easy to see in the river. The stretch from Bull Shoals State Park down to Wildcat Shoals has fished very well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Two fly rigs (San Juan worm and egg) have done particularly well in this area. Small midge patterns (black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead) and soft hackles have also been effective. Rim Shoals is still fishing well. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. It has fished much better in the morning than the afternoon. If you want to access some wadable water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has cleared up but is still not fishing too well. With the upcoming holiday, fishing pressure has abated some what. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, olive Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows, hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel. Now is the perfect time to fish Dry Run Creek. There are few people in the area over the holiday weekend and there are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and Y2Ks have also been productive. There is precious little room to cast with the tree cover in this tight creek valley. High sticking nymphs is the most effective technique. Carry your camera and the biggest net you can lay your hands on. Most big fish are lost at the net. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

Up stream. We mounted a major campaign to have it extend another 7/10 of a mile down stream but we lost.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission voted to extent the Catch and Release section on the Norfork River from one to two miles effective January 1, 2010.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/19/2009 During the past week, we have several rain events and much cooler conditions. The lake levels on the White River system continue their rise, although at a much slower rate. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and eight tenths feet to rest at twenty six and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is fourteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one and seven tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot above power pool or fifteen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers have aggressively drawn down Table Rock and dumped the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising steadily. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at eight and two tenths feet above power pool or one and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at eighteen and eight tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nine and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions. This is the lull before the storm. The lakes have accumulated a significant amount of water. The only thing preventing high levels of generation around the clock is flooding down stream. As soon as it clears, we will see a lot of high water. We expect to start seeing higher flows beginning December 1, 2009. Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers. Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout. The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently stocked about one thousand “golden trout” from Bull Shoals Dam down to Buffalo City. These are not a separate species but a color variation in rainbow trout. They were purchased from a commercial hatchery in Missouri to make up for a short fall in stocking this year. These fish are edible and the regulations for harvesting rainbow trout apply to them. They are bright yellow with a faint pink stripe and a snow white belly. They are very easy to see in the river. The stretch from Bull Shoals State Park down to White Hole has fished very well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Two fly rigs (San Juan worm and egg) have done particularly well in this area. Small midge patterns (black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead) and soft hackles have also been effective. Rim Shoals is still fishing well. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has cleared up but is still not fishing too well. The Norfork River has continued to receive quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows, hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel. There has been some major work done at Quarry Park. The parking lot at the ramp has been resurfaced. This is a busy ramp and it is great to have it back in service. Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and Y2Ks have also accounted for some large fish. It is important that you allow the children to fish. You cannot cast or fish for them. You are allowed to net the fish and help release them, Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

When my old felt soled boots wore out, I replaced them with top of the line rubber soled Simms boots. I have waded in them and they do about as well as my old felts. In addition, I can add studs. Didymo is real and we have it here on the White and Norfork. I do not want to be the guy that infected some stream in Missouri or else where.

Give me a call. I would enjoy fishing with you and showing you some nice spots.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/12/2009 During the past week, we have had no rain events and unseasonably mild conditions. The lake levels on the White River system continue their rise although at a much slower rate. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and five tenths feet to rest at twenty four and six tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is sixteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one and one tenth of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers are aggressively drawing down Table Rock and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising steadily. Beaver Lake held steady at eight and five tenths feet above power pool or one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. We did have a brief (two hour) window of no generation one afternoon. Norfork Lake rose six tenths of a foot to rest at eighteen and six tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nine and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions. This is the lull before the storm. The lakes have accumulated a significant amount of water. The only thing preventing high levels of generation around the clock is flooding down stream. As soon as it clears, we will see a lot of high water. Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers. Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout. The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period. The stretch from Cotter to Rim Shoals has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Two fly rigs (San Juan worm and egg) have done particularly well in this area. Small mayfly nymphs like pheasant tails and copper johns and midge patterns (black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead) have also been effective. Rim Shoals has cooled down some but is still fishing well. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee. Some of the more productive water that can be accessed includes the water around Jenkin’s Creek or along the island near the walk-in access. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has cleared up but is still not fishing too well. The Norfork River has continued to receive quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel. There has been some major work done at Quarry Park. The parking lot at the ramp has been resurfaced. This is a busy ramp and it is great to have it back in service. Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and Y2Ks have also accounted for some large fish. While you are there, take a few minutes to tour the adjacent National Fish hatchery. It is fascinating. Please be sure to remove your waders before you enter the hatchery to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

I generally wear a 7 & 3/8 but I have another Stetson that is a 7 & 1/4 that fits well.

Between my wife, Lori, and I, we have a total of five TFOs. I use them as loaners for clients and they are put through some rough treatment. I have had to send several back and the experience was very positive. Rick Pope is one of the best in the industry.

Zack, this is great news. When is this project to take place?

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/05/2009 During the past week, we have had a major rain event and very windy conditions. The lake levels on the White River system have all risen significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose six and four tenths feet to rest at twenty three and one tenth of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is seventeen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one foot to rest at two and nine tenths feet above power pool or thirteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers are aggressively drawing down Table Rock and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising quickly. Beaver Lake rose two feet to rest at eight and five tenths feet above power pool or one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose six and two tenths feet to rest at eighteen feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or ten feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions. This is the lull before the storm. The lakes have accumulated a significant amount of water. The only thing preventing high levels of generation around the clock is flooding down stream. As soon as it clears, we will see a lot of high water. Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers. Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout. The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period. When we receive large rain events, like we have lately, both rivers muddy up and do not fish well. The best strategy is to head up stream until you find clear water. The State Park below Bull Shoals Dam on the White and Quarry Park above Dry Run Creek on the Norfork are often your best bets when the water is unfishable elsewhere. The stretch from Bull Shoals State Park to the Narrows has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Two fly rigs (San Juan worm and egg) have done particularly well in this area. Small mayfly nymphs like pheasant tails and copper johns and midge patterns have also been effective. Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. On windy days try fishing grasshoppers. Use 4X tippet and large flies. Let the fly land with a splash and twitch it occasionally to imitate a struggling grasshopper. The best patterns have been Dave’s hoppers and Rainey’s hoppers. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained. The White River below them is still a bit off color.. The Norfork River has continued to receive quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel. Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. The most effective technique to use on Dry Run creek is to high stick nymphs under an indicator. There is precious little room to cast. Have the youngster you are fishing with set the hook quickly and fight the fish on the reel. Be sure and use at least 4X tippet to have a chance at landing some of the bigger fish. Carry the biggest net you can lay your hands on as most fish are lost at the net. Be patient. It takes a pretty good while to get the bigger trout to the net. Handle the fish carefully and return them to the water as quickly as possible. Don’t forget your camera. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

Brian, glad you had a good time. The fishing has been good. Next time you are in the area stop by for a cold one!

The fishing has been great. I would definately consider coming down while we have these nice flows. Sooner or later the flooding down stream will clear and they will begin generating big time.

Is there any way that I could try that puppy on? I am interested.

I use the medium size because they are much easier to see especially on low light conditions.

I sold my aluminum canoe and bought an Old Town.