John Berry

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 3/28/2013 During the past week, we have had a snow event (a few inches that did not last long), colder temperatures and very heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals rose one and one tenth feet to rest at one and nine tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty two and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose one foot to rest at two and two tenths feet below power pool and eighteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose six tenths of a foot to rest at five and eight tenths feet below power pool or fifteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had little generation with significant periods of wadable water. Norfork Lake rose eight tenths of a foot to rest at two and two tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or twenty eight and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water most days. Though the lakes in the White River system are inching up towards the top of power pool, they are still below flood pool and we should continue to receive more wadable water. This week we saw our most prolific hatch of the year, the Rhyacophilia caddis. This is a size fourteen bright green aquatic insect. Before the hatch, concentrate on fishing caddis pupae patterns in green (size fourteen). My favorite is the fluttering caddis. When you observe fish feeding near the surface but see no insects, the trout are keying in on the emergers. The best fly for this phase is my green butt (size fifteen). Then, when you observe insects on the surface of the water and trout keying in on them, you switch over to the adult insect fly. My hands down choice is the elk hair caddis in green (size fourteen). On the White, we have had more wadable water. The hot spot has been the section from White Hole down to Cotter. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. The hot flies were prince nymphs, zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are navigable. With our cool weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork most days. The action has picked up somewhat and it has been a bit less crowded with more wadable water on the White. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on a crane fly hatch that is best imitated with a light Cahill dry fly in size fourteen. There has also been a sparse hatch of very small mayflies; reliable hatches of midges (try a size 22 parachute Adams for both) and some smaller caddis (size 16). Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well, the crowds associated with spring breaks has thinned a bit and now is a good time to fish there. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Use at least 4X tippet to increase your chances of landing these big fish. Carefully handle and release all trout. Handle all fish carefully and release them as quickly as possible. Take the biggest net that you can lay your hands on. Some of these fish are huge. The water level on the Spring River is a fishable. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 3/21/2013 During the past week, we have had a minor rain event (I am awaiting a snow event as I write this), colder temperatures and heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals rose one foot to rest at three feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty four feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose nine tenths feet to rest at three an two tenths feet below power pool and nineteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at six and four tenths feet below power pool or fifteen tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with more wadable water. Norfork Lake rose nine tenths of a foot to rest at three feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or twenty nine and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water almost every day. Though the lakes in the White River system are inching up towards the top of power pool they are still below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. This week we saw our most prolific hatch of the year, the Rhyacophilia caddis. This is a size fourteen bright green aquatic insect. Before the hatch, concentrate on fishing caddis pupae patterns in green (size fourteen). My favorite is the fluttering caddis. When you observe fish feeding near the surface but see no insects, the trout are keying in on the emergers. The best fly for this phase is my green butt (size fifteen). Then, when you observe insects on the surface of the water and trout keying in on them, you switch over to the adult insect fly. My hands down choice is the elk hair caddis in green (size fourteen). On the White, we have had more wadable water. The hot spot has been the section from White Hole down to Cotter. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are navigable. With our cool weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork most days. The action has picked up somewhat and it has been a bit less crowded with more wadable water on the White. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on a crane fly hatch that is best imitated with a light Cahill dry fly in size fourteen. There has also been a sparse hatch of very small mayflies and there are reliable hatches of midges (try a size 22 parachute Adams for both). Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well, despite being very crowded with spring breakers. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Use at least 4X tippet to increase your chances of landing these big fish. Carefully handle and release all trout. Handle all fish carefully and release them as quickly as possible. Take the biggest net that you can lay your hands on. Some of these fish are huge. The water level on the Spring River is a fishable. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 3/07/2013 During the past week, we have had a minor rain event (barely measurable), warmer temperatures and heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals remained steady at five feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty six feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose a foot to rest at six feet below power pool and twenty two feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at eight and three tenths feet below power pool or seventeen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake rose one and six tenths of a foot to rest at five and two tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty one and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The next week or so should signal the start of our most prolific hatch of the year, the Rhyacophilia caddis. This is a size fourteen bright green aquatic insect. Before the hatch, concentrate on fishing caddis pupae patterns in green (size fourteen). My favorite is the fluttering caddis. When you observe fish feeding near the surface but see no insects, the trout are keying in on the emergers. The best fly for this phase is my green butt (size fifteen). Then, when you observe insects on the surface of the water and trout keying in on them, you switch over to the adult insect fly. My hands down choice is the elk hair caddis in green (size fourteen). On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. It has been very crowded. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are navigable. With our cool weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork most days. The action has picked up somewhat and it has been a bit less crowded with more wadable water on the White. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small caddis hatches that are best imitated with a size 16 elk hair caddis. There has also been a sparse hatch of very small mayflies and there are reliable hatches of midges (try a size 22 parachute Adams for both). Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Use at least 4X tippet to increase your chances of landing these big fish. Carefully handle and release all trout. Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. Handle all fish carefully and release them as quickly as possible. Take a few minutes to tour the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. The water level on the Spring River is quite wadable. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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. Be sure and sign up for my beginners fly fishing course that begins next week. Don’t forget to attend the Sowbug Roundup which begins on Thursday at the Fairgrounds. 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 2/28/2013 During the past week, we have had a significant rain event, cold temperatures and heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals rose one and four tenths of a foot to rest at five feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty six feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at seven feet below power pool and twenty three feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose seven tenths of a foot to rest at eight and eight tenths feet below power pool or eighteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake rose two and seven tenths of a foot to rest at six and eight tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty three feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool, the rains we have received have had little effect on lake levels and we should receive more wadable water. There were some shad coming through the generators at Bull Shoals Dam briefly that made for some excellent fishing. When you see the seagulls keying in on the shad coming though the generators, you need to switch over to shad patterns. White marabou jigs, with a bit of crystal flash, have been the key to success. These incidents have been erratic and unpredictable. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. It has been very crowded. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hares ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange and Dans turkey tail emerger. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained after the recent rain. The White River below the confluence of the Buffalo River and Crooked Creek is stained. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork every day. The action has picked up somewhat and it has been a bit less crowded with more wadable water on the White. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dans turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small caddis hatches that are best imitated with a size 16 elk hair caddis. There has also been a sparse hatch of very small mayflies and there are reliable hatches of midges (try a size 22 parachute Adams for both). Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Use at least 4X tippet to increase your chances of landing these big fish. Carefully handle and release all trout. Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. Bundle your youngster up so they can cope with the cold weather. Take frequent breaks and drink some hot cocoa. Handle all fish carefully and release them as quickly as possible. The water level on the Spring River is a bit higher and stained from the recent rains. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

During the past week, we have had rain and ice events, colder temperatures and heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals fell one tenth of a foot to rest at six and four tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty seven and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at seven and five tenths feet below power pool and twenty three and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose four tenths of a foot to rest at nine and five tenths feet below power pool or nineteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake rose eight tenths of a foot to rest at nine and five tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty five and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool, the rains we have received have had little effect on lake levels and we should receive more wadable water. There were some shad coming through the generators at Bull Shoals Dam briefly that made for some excellent fishing. When you see the seagulls keying in on the shad coming though the generators, you need to switch over to shad patterns. White marabou jigs, with a bit of crystal flash, have been the key to success. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. It has been very crowded. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are a bit more navigable after the recent rains. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork most days. The action has picked up somewhat and it has been a bit less crowded with more wadable water on the White. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small caddis hatches that are best imitated with a size 16 elk hair caddis. There has also been a sparse hatch of very small mayflies (try a size 22 parachute Adams). Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Carefully handle and release all trout. Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. Bundle your youngster up so they can cope with the cold weather. Take frequent breaks and drink some hot cocoa. Handle all fish carefully and release them as quickly as possible. While you are there take a few minutes to tour the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. The water level on the Spring River is a bit higher and stained from the recent rains. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 2/14/2013 During the past week, we have had a few minor rain events, warmer temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals rose three tenths of a foot to rest at six and three tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty seven and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose two and five tenths feet to rest at seven and three tenths feet below power pool and twenty three and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake remained rose three tenths of a foot to rest at nine and nine tenths feet below power pool or nineteen and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake rose one and two tenths of a foot to rest at ten and three tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty six and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water most days. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool, the rains we have received have had little effect on lake levels and we should receive more wadable water. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. It has been very crowded. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hares ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange and Dans turkey tail emerger. With the milder weather we begin to think about a shad kill being less likely. At this time, there are low lake levels, light generation patterns but much warmer temperatures on the White and Norfork Rivers. The colder temperatures, lower lake levels and generation patterns are not conducive to a shad kill. The recent rain is not enough to produce the higher generation levels for a good shad kill. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are a bit more navigable after the recent rains. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork most days. The action has slowed somewhat and it has been a bit less crowded with more wadable water on the White. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dans turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small caddis hatches that are best imitated with a size 16 elk hair caddis. There has also been a sparse hatch of very small mayflies (try a size 22 parachute Adams). Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. Handle all fish carefully and release them as quickly as possible. While you are there take a few minutes to tour the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. The water level on the Spring River is a bit higher and stained from the recent rains. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 2/07/2013 During the past week, we have had a minor rain event, warmer temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals rose six tenths of a foot to rest at six and six tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty seven and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake remained steady at nine and eight tenths feet below power pool and twenty five and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake remained steady at ten and two tenths feet below power pool or nineteen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake rose one and four tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and five tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty seven and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water most days. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park was seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. Opening day, February 1, is here. The thought of fishing over spawned out brown trout that have not fed or seen a fly for three months is on the minds of many anglers. It is usually very crowded for several days. The hot flies are egg patterns. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. It has been very crowded. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hares ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange and Dans turkey tail emerger. With the milder weather we begin to think about a shad kill being less likely. At this time, there are low lake levels, light generation patterns but much warmer temperatures on the White and Norfork Rivers. The colder temperatures, lower lake levels and generation patterns are not conducive to a shad kill. The recent rain is not enough to produce the higher generation levels for a good shad kill. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are a bit more navigable after the recent rains. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork most days. The action has slowed somewhat and it has been a bit less crowded with opening day on the White. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dans turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. There has also been a sparse hatch of caddis size 16. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. Handle all fish carefully and release them as quickly as possible. The water level on the Spring River is a bit higher and stained from the recent rains. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/31/2013 During the past week, we have had a significant rain event (two inches in Cotter) warm then colder temperatures and extremely heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals rose eight tenths of a foot to rest at seven and two feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty eight and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at nine and eight tenths feet below power pool and twenty five and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell rose one and nine tenths feet to rest at ten and two tenths feet below power pool or nineteen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake rose six tenths of a foot to rest at twelve and nine tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty nine and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water most days. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park was seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. Opening day, February 1, is here. The thought of fishing over spawned out brown trout that have not fed or seen a fly for three months is on the minds of many anglers. It is usually very crowded for several days. The hot flies are egg patterns. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been the State Park with the lower section being the hot spot. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hares ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange and Dans turkey tail emerger. With the colder weather we begin to think about a shad kill. At this time, there are low lake levels, light generation patterns but much colder temperatures on the White and Norfork Rivers. While the colder temperatures are conducive to a shad kill, the lower lake levels and generation patterns are not. The recent rain is not enough to produce the higher generation levels for a good shad kill. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are a bit more navigable after the recent rains. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork most days. The action has slowed somewhat and with the colder temperatures it has been a bit less crowded. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dans turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. There has also been a sparse hatch of caddis size 16. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. Dress your youngster carefully and keep them warm. Handle all fish carefully and release them as quickly as possible. The water level on the Spring River is a bit higher and stained from the recent rains. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

They are scheduled to run water be very careful. They are to have lower flows around noon. I like the middle section accessed from the ramp on the Baxter county side. But many fish the upper section and access it from the golf course.

Who knows. The way they have been running water has been erratic lately, to say the least. Either way it is a great time to fish the Catch and Release section.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/24/2013 During the past week, we have had colder temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals fell three tenths of a foot to rest at eight feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty nine feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at ten and three tenths feet below power pool and twenty six and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell rose eight tenths of a foot to rest at twelve and one tenth feet below power pool or twenty one and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at thirteen and five tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty nine and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water most days. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. Opening day, February 1, is just a few days away. The thought of fishing over spawned out brown trout that have not fed or seen a fly for three months is on the minds of many anglers. It is usually very crowded for several days. The hot flies are egg patterns. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been the State Park with the lower section being the hot spot. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hares ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange and Dans turkey tail emerger. With the colder weather we begin to think about a shad kill. At this time, there are low lake levels, light generation patterns but much colder temperatures on the White and Norfork Rivers. While the colder temperatures are conducive to a shad kill, the lower lake levels and generation patterns are not. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork most days. The action has slowed somewhat and with the colder temperatures it has been a bit less crowded. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dans turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. Dress your youngster carefully and keep them warm. Take frequent breaks and bring a thermos of warm cocoa with you. Handle all fish carefully and release them as quickly as possible. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/17/2013 During the past week, we have had a significant rain followed by a light snow, colder temperatures and moderate winds. There was little effect on lake levels. The lake level at Bull Shoals rose three tenths of a foot to rest at seven and seven tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty eight and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at ten feet below power pool and twenty six feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one and one tenth of a foot to rest at twelve and nine tenths feet below power pool or twenty two and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with more wadable water. Norfork Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at thirteen and three tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty nine and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water most days. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. Opening day, February 1, is just a few days away. The thought of fishing over spawned out brown trout that have not fed or seen a fly for three months is on the minds of many anglers. It is usually very crowded for several days. The hot flies are egg patterns. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been from the State Park down to White Hole with the lower State Park being the hot spot. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were ruby midges, zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hares ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. With the colder weather we begin to think about a shad kill. At this time, there are low lake levels, light generation patterns but much colder temperatures on the White and Norfork Rivers. While the colder temperatures are conducive to a shad kill, the lower lake levels and generation patterns are not. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork most days. The action has slowed somewhat and with the colder temperatures it has been a bit less crowded. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dans turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. Dress your youngster carefully and keep them warm. Take frequent breaks and bring a thermos of warm cocoa with you. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/10/2013 During the past week, we have had a few minor rain events, cold then warmer temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals rose five tenths of a foot to rest at eight feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty nine feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose three tenths of a foot to rest at ten and one tenth feet below power pool and twenty six and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and eight tenths feet below power pool or twenty one and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with more wadable water. Norfork Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at thirteen and one tenth feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty nine and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water most days. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been from the State Park down to White Hole with Cane Island being the hot spot. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were ruby midges, zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hares ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. With the colder weather we begin to think about a shad kill. At this time, there are low lake levels, light generation patterns and mild temperatures on the White and Norfork Rivers. This is not considered to be conducive for a substantial shad kill. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been wadable water on the Norfork most days. The action has slowed somewhat. It has been a bit less crowded. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dans turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. While you are there take a few minutes to visit the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure to remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/3/2013 During the past week, we have had a couple of rain events, cold temperatures and heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals fell five tenths of a foot to rest at eight and five tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty nine and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose one tenths of a foot to rest at nine and eight tenths feet below power pool and twenty five and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and four tenths feet below power pool or twenty one and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with more wadable water. Norfork Lake rose one and one tenth of a foot to rest at thirteen and three tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty nine and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. On the White, we have had much less wadable water. The most productive water has been from the State Park down to Cain Island with the State Park being the hot spot. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hares ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. With the colder weather we begin to think about a shad kill. At this time, there are low lake levels and light generation patterns on the White and Norfork Rivers. This is not considered to be conducive for a substantial shad kill. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been some wadable water on the Norfork most days and the action has slowed somewhat. It has been a bit less crowded due to the holidays and the cold weather. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dans turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. With the colder temperatures, Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. If you take your youngster, dress them well and take a thermos of cocoa. Take frequent breaks and keep them warm. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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. Dont forget to sign up for my fly tying class at Arkansas State University Mountain Home beginning January 10, 2013. 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/28/2012 During the past week, we have had a dusting of snow (it is already gone), cold temperatures and heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals fell two tenths of a foot to rest at seven and nine tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty eight and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at nine and nine tenths feet below power pool and twenty five and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and four tenths feet below power pool or twenty one feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at twelve and two tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty eight and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. On the White, we have had much less wadable water. The most productive water has been from the State Park down to Cain Island with the State Park being the hot spot. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hares ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. With the colder weather we begin to think about a shad kill. At this time ,there are low lake levels and light generation patterns on the White and Norfork Rivers. This is not considered to be conducive for a substantial shad kill. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been some wadable water on the Norfork every day and the action has slowed somewhat. It has received a lot of fishing pressure. Fish early or during the week to avoid the crowds. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dans turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. With the colder temperatures, Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. If you take your youngster, dress them well and take a thermos of cocoa. Take frequent breaks and keep them warm. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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. Dont forget to sign up for my fly tying class at Arkansas State University Mountain Home beginning January 12, 2013. 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/20/2012 During the past week, we have had a rain event, colder temperatures and heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals fell four tenths of a foot to rest at seven and seven tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty eight and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at nine and three tenths feet below power pool and twenty five and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake remained steady at eleven feet below power pool or twenty and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with significant periods of wadable water. Norfork Lake remained steady at twelve and four tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty eight and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been from the State Park down to Cain Island with the State Park being the hot spot. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been some wadable water on the Norfork every day and the action has slowed somewhat. It has received a lot of fishing pressure. Fish early or during the week to avoid the crowds. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry fly enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. With the colder temperatures, Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. With the Holidays coming up, this is the perfect occasion to spend some quality time with your children or grandchildren on stream. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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. Don’t forget to sign up for my fly tying class at Arkansas State University Mountain Home beginning January 12, 2013. 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 thirty years. John can be reached at (870) 435-2169 or http://www.berrybrothersguides.com.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/13/2012 During the past week, we have had a rain event, colder temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals fell two tenths of a foot to rest at seven and three tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty eight and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at nine and two tenths feet below power pool and twenty five and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at eleven feet below power pool or twenty and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with significant periods of wadable water. Norfork Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at twelve and four tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty eight and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water almost every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The most productive water has been from the State Park down to Cain Island with the State Park being the hot spot. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The trout have also been active on soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been some wadable water on the Norfork every day and the action has slowed somewhat. It has received a lot of fishing pressure. Fish early or during the week to avoid the crowds. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. Some local dry enthusiasts have had great success by keying in on small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. With the colder temperatures, Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. Wait a little later before you begin, to allow the area to warm up a bit. Make sure that your youngster is properly dressed to fish in the cold. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years. John can be reached at (870) 435-2169 or http://www.berrybrothersguides.com.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/06/2012 During the past week, we have had a rain event (less than an inch in Cotter), warmer temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals remained steady at seven and three tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty eight and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at nine and one tenth feet below power pool and twenty five and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake remained steady at ten and seven tenths feet below power pool or twenty and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation with significant periods of wadable water. Norfork Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and nine tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty eight and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water almost every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. On the White, we have had more wadable water. The hot spot has been from the State Park down to White Hole. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have also accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). Despite the frost, grasshoppers are still working. These are terrestrials not aquatic insects. They are blown into the water by wind or fall in near the shore. They are large tempting morsels that can draw big fish. Use a nine foot 4X tippet and cast near the bank. Occasionally twitch the fly to imitate a struggling insect. Dave’s hoppers and large foam western hoppers are effective patterns. Use a small nymph as a dropper (a beadhead pheasant tail or a zebra midge is a good choice) tied to the bend in the hook with eighteen inches of 5X tippet to increase the takes. Make your connections with improved clinch knots. Other terrestrials like beetles and ants have also been effective. The best fishing has been late afternoon. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been some wadable water on the Norfork every day and the action has slowed somewhat. It has received a lot of fishing pressure. Fish early or during the week to avoid the crowds. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. There have been some small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. With the cooler temperatures, Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. While you are there, take a few minutes to tour the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Please remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/29/2012 During the past week, we have had no rain, colder temperatures (to include heavy frost) and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three tenths of a foot to rest at seven and three tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty eight and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell one and five tenths of a foot to rest at eight and eight tenths feet below power pool and twenty four and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at ten and seven tenths feet below power pool or twenty and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had moderate generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and five tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty seven and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water almost every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. On the White, we have had some wadable water (on weekends and over the holidays). The best fishing has been from the State Park down to White Hole. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have also accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). Despite the frost, grasshoppers are still working. These are terrestrials not aquatic insects. They are blown into the water by wind or fall in near the shore. They are large tempting morsels that can draw big fish. Use a nine foot 4X tippet and cast near the bank. Occasionally twitch the fly to imitate a struggling insect. Dave’s hoppers and large foam western hoppers are effective patterns. Use a small nymph as a dropper (a beadhead pheasant tail or a zebra midge is a good choice) tied to the bend in the hook with eighteen inches of 5X tippet to increase the takes. Make your connections with improved clinch knots. Other terrestrials like beetles and ants have also been effective. The best fishing has been late afternoon. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. With our colder weather, the water temperature has dropped and the smallmouth are much less active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been some wadable water on the Norfork almost every day (but less than previous weeks) and the action has slowed somewhat. It has been very crowded. Fish early or during the week to avoid the crowds. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. There have been some small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. With the cooler temperatures, Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Bayou Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/15/2012 During the past week, we have had a rain event, colder temperatures (to include a heavy frost) and heavy winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four tenths of a foot to rest at seven and two tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty eight and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at seven and nine tenths feet below power pool and twenty three and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at ten and five tenths feet below power pool or twenty and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had moderate generation with some wadable water over the weekend. Norfork Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at ten and seven tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty seven feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water almost every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. On the White, we have had some wadable water. The best fishing has been from the State Park down to White Hole. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Egg patterns have also accounted for many trout. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). It is still time to fish grasshoppers. These are terrestrials not aquatic insects. They are blown into the water by wind or fall in near the shore. They are large tempting morsels that can draw big fish. Use a nine foot 4X tippet and cast near the bank. Occasionally twitch the fly to imitate a struggling insect. Dave’s hoppers and large foam western hoppers are effective patterns. Use a small nymph as a dropper (a beadhead pheasant tail or a zebra midge is a good choice) tied to the bend in the hook with eighteen inches of 5X tippet to increase the takes. Make your connections with improved clinch knots. Other terrestrials like beetles and ants have also been effective. The best fishing has been late afternoon. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. The Buffalo has been fishing well. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been some wadable water on the Norfork almost every day (but less than previous weeks) and the action has slowed somewhat. It has been very crowded. Fish early or during the week to avoid the crowds. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. There have been some small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. With the cooler temperatures, Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. There is very limited room to cast. The most effective method is to high stick nymphs. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/08/2012 During the past week, we have had a rain event, very cool temperatures and heavy winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one tenth of a foot to rest at six and eight tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty seven and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at seven and five tenths feet below power pool and twenty three and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at ten and four tenths feet below power pool or twenty feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had moderate generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at ten and four tenths feet below power pool of 553.75 feet or thirty six and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water almost every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool and we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. All brown trout must be immediately released. In addition, night fishing is prohibited in this area during this period. On the White, we have had a bit more wadable water. The best fishing has been from Wildcat Shoals down to Rim Shoals. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). It is still time to fish grasshoppers. These are terrestrials not aquatic insects. They are blown into the water by wind or fall in near the shore. They are large tempting morsels that can draw big fish. Use a nine foot 4X tippet and cast near the bank. Occasionally twitch the fly to imitate a struggling insect. Dave’s hoppers and large foam western hoppers are effective patterns. Use a small nymph as a dropper (a beadhead pheasant tail or a zebra midge is a good choice) tied to the bend in the hook with eighteen inches of 5X tippet to increase the takes. Make your connections with improved clinch knots. Other terrestrials like beetles and ants have also been effective. The best fishing has been late afternoon. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. The Buffalo has been fishing well. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been reliable wadable water on the Norfork almost every day and it has been fishing particularly well. It has also been very crowded. Fish early or during the week to avoid the crowds. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. There have been some small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. With the cooler temperatures, Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/01/2012 During the past week, we have had a rain event, cool temperatures and heavy winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam remained steady at six and seven tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty seven and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at seven and one tenth feet below power pool and twenty three and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at ten and two tenths feet below power pool or nineteen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had moderate generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at eight and one tenth feet below power pool of 552.00 feet or thirty six and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had wadable water almost every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool. With the current mild weather we are experiencing, we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park from the bottom of the Catch and Release section down to the wing wall will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. On the White, we have had little wadable water. The fishing on the upper river, from the Catch and Release section down to Cain Island has slowed. The best fishing has been from Wildcat Shoals down to Cotter. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). It is still time to fish grasshoppers. These are terrestrials not aquatic insects. They are blown into the water by wind or fall in near the shore. They are large tempting morsels that can draw big fish. Use a nine foot 4X tippet and cast near the bank. Occasionally twitch the fly to imitate a struggling insect. Dave’s hoppers and large foam western hoppers are effective patterns. Use a small nymph as a dropper (a beadhead pheasant tail or a zebra midge is a good choice) tied to the bend in the hook with eighteen inches of 5X tippet to increase the takes. Make your connections with improved clinch knots. Other terrestrials like beetles and ants have also been effective. The best fishing has been late afternoon. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. The Buffalo has been fishing well. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been reliable wadable water on the Norfork almost every day and it has been fishing particularly well. It has been very crowded. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. There have been some small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. With the cooler temperatures, Dry Run Creek is much less crowded and now is a great time to fish there. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/25/2012 During the past week, we have had one rain event, warmer then cooler temperatures and heavy winds. Fall is here. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three tenths of a foot to rest at six and seven tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty seven and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at six and eight tenths feet below power pool and twenty one and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one tenths of a foot to rest at nine and nine tenths feet below power pool or nineteen and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had moderate generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at seven and six tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet or thirty five and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had reliable wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool. With the current mild weather we are experiencing, we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close on November 1, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until February 1, 2013. On the White, we have had little wadable water. The fishing on the upper river, from the Catch and Release section down to Cain Island has slowed. The best fishing has been from Wildcat Shoals down to Rim Shoals. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). It is still time to fish grasshoppers. These are terrestrials not aquatic insects. They are blown into the water by wind or fall in near the shore. They are large tempting morsels that can draw big fish. Use a nine foot 4X tippet and cast near the bank. Occasionally twitch the fly to imitate a struggling insect. Dave’s hoppers and large foam western hoppers are effective patterns. Use a small nymph as a dropper (a beadhead pheasant tail or a zebra midge is a good choice) tied to the bend in the hook with eighteen inches of 5X tippet to increase the takes. Make your connections with improved clinch knots. Other terrestrials like beetles and ants have also been effective. The best fishing has been late afternoon. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have are low and barely navigable. You will have to drag your boat through several spots. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. The Buffalo has been fishing well. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been reliable wadable water on the Norfork every day and it has been fishing particularly well. It has been very crowded. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. There have been some small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. While you are there, take a minute to tour the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure to remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.

It is supposed to be off tomorrow!

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/17/2012 During the past week, we have had several rain events (over three inches in Cotter), cool temperatures and heavy winds. Fall is here and all of the lakes are up a bit as a result of recent rains. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one tenth of a foot to rest at six and four tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty seven and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose one and one tenth of a foot to rest at six and six tenths feet below power pool and twenty one and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at nine and eight tenths feet below power pool or nineteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had moderate generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at seven and five tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet or thirty five and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had reliable wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are well below flood pool. With the current mild weather we are experiencing, we should receive more wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close on November 1, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until February 1, 2013. On the White, we have had little wadable water. The fishing on the upper river, from the Catch and Release section down to Cain Island has slowed. The best fishing has been from White Hole down to Rim Shoals. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. Mid day can get slow. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and olive scuds. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). It is still time to fish grasshoppers. These are terrestrials not aquatic insects. They are blown into the water by wind or fall in near the shore. They are large tempting morsels that can draw big fish. Use a nine foot 4X tippet and cast near the bank. Occasionally twitch the fly to imitate a struggling insect. Dave’s hoppers and large foam western hoppers are effective patterns. Use a small nymph as a dropper (a beadhead pheasant tail or a zebra midge is a good choice) tied to the bend in the hook with eighteen inches of 5X tippet to increase the takes. Make your connections with improved clinch knots. Other terrestrials like beetles and ants have also been effective. The best fishing has been late afternoon. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have been refreshed with the recent rains and are now navigable. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. The Buffalo has been fishing well. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly. There has been reliable wadable water on the Norfork every day and it has been fishing particularly well. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. There have been some small mayfly hatches that are best imitated with a size 24 parachute Adams. The fishing is much better in the morning and tapers off in the afternoon. Olive woolly buggers have also accounted for a lot of trout. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Large numbers of brown trout have moved up into the creek to spawn. Carefully handle and release all trout. Take time to properly revive them and wet your hands before handling all trout caught. Use at least 4X tippet and carry the largest net that you can find. The water level on the Spring River is a bit higher and still clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and the few boaters still around should not prove to be a problem. The hot spot is the Dam Three Access. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek 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 thirty years.