John Berry

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/03/2012 During the past week, we have had two minor rain events, warmer temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam remained steady at four tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot below power pool or sixteen and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot below power pool or ten and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had generally lower generation. There has been significant wadable water. Norfork Lake remained steady at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and one tenth 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 below flood pool. We should receive more wadable water this week. On the White, we have had some substantial periods of wadable water over the weekend. The wade fishing was spectacular. The hot flies were caddis pupa and my green butts. Other productive flies were partridge and orange soft hackles and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. During the rest of the week, we have generally lower flows that have been nearly perfect for drift fishing. Nymphs suspended below a strike indicator have been quite effective. The most productive flies have been caddis pupa (green or tan), copper Johns, prince nymphs, San Juan worms (hot fluorescent pink or cerise) and zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead in size 16). My favorite combination has been a cerise San Juan worm with a caddis pupa dropper. The windy conditions have made casting and boat handling more difficult. The hot spot has been wildcat Shoals, which has received some caddis hatches in the afternoon. Though the caddis are generally on the wane, many anglers have reported success banging the bank with size fourteen elk hair caddis. The trick has been to get very close to the bank and achieve a perfect drag free drift. When there are no adults coming off, try a caddis pupa or prince nymph under an indicator. Another hot spot has been Rim Shoals. We have received some limited periods of higher water (9,000 to 12,000 cubic feet per second) which have been conducive to fishing large articulated streamers. The trick is to bang the bank with these large flies on a sink tip line (250 grains or heavier). Flies for this technique have been zoo cougars, sex dungeons and butt monkeys. You will need a heavy rod (an eight weight or heavier) to cast this rig. This is hard work but can produce some large trout. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water temperature is at the level for the Smallmouth to be active. Some anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. 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. 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. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Here again banging the bank with large articulated streamers can produce some large trout. When the flood gates were open, warm water fish escaped from the lake into the river. This is a great opportunity to catch stripers, walleye, gar and other species on the river. You are encouraged to remove them, as they are all predators with a taste for trout. The ramp at Quarry Park is closed for repairs. Dry Run Creek has been red hot. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage it. Spring break is over and it is much less crowded during the week. 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. Take time to visit the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your shoes before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic disease. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season has not started yet and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown 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 4/26/2012 During the past week, we have had no measurable rain, warm temperatures and windy conditions (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell eight tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at power pool or sixteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell nine tenths of a foot to rest at five tenths of a foot below power pool or ten and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had generally lower generation. There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell one foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had reliable wadable water most days. All of the lakes in the White River system are currently below flood pool. We should receive wadable water this week. On the White, we have generally lower flows that have been nearly perfect for drift fishing. Nymphs suspended below a strike indicator have been quite effective. The most productive flies have been caddis pupa (green or tan), copper Johns, prince nymphs and San Juan worms (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). My favorite combination has been a cerise San Juan worm with a caddis pupa dropper. The windy conditions have made casting and boat handling more difficult. The hot spot has been Wildcat Shoals, which has received some spectacular caddis hatches in the afternoon. Many anglers have reported success banging the bank with size fourteen elk hair caddis. The trick has been to get very close to the bank and achieve a perfect drag free drift. When there are no adults coming off, try a caddis pupa or prince nymph under an indicator. Another hot spot has been Rim Shoals. For a nominal fee Rim Shoals Trout Dock will ferry you to wadable water and pick you up when you wish to leave or when the water rises. We have received some limited periods of higher water (9,000 to 12,000 cubic feet per second) which have been conducive to fishing large articulated streamers. The trick is to bang the bank with these large flies on a sink tip line (250 grains or heavier). Flies for this technique have been zoo cougars, sex dungeons and butt monkeys. You will need a heavy rod (an eight weight or heavier) to cast this rig. This is hard work but can produce some large trout. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water temperature is at the level for the Smallmouth to be active. Some anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. 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. 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. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Here again banging the bank with large articulated streamers can produce some large trout. When the flood gates were open, warm water fish escaped from the lake into the river. This is a great opportunity to catch stripers, walleye, gar and other species on the river. You are encouraged to remove them, as they are all predators with a taste for trout. Dry Run Creek has been productive. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage it. Spring break is over and it is much less crowded during the week. 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. Be careful to carefully revive and gently release all fish. Take your camera to capture the photo of a lifetime. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season has not started yet and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown 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 a significant rain event, warm temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three and one tenth feet to rest at four tenths of a foot above power pool or nine and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had lower generation. There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell three and eight tenths feet to rest at nine tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation with additional flows entering the river through the flood gates earlier in the week and the elimination of the flows from the flood gates later in the week. There has been little wadable water. The Corps of Engineers has been aggressively drawn down the lakes to prepare for spring rains and they are now all within inches of power pool. We should receive wadable water this week. On the higher flows that we received this week, the key to success has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns below an indicator. You should use a leader/tippet combination of twelve feet or longer and heavy weight (AAA split shot or heavier). To increase the takes, suspend a dropper fly beneath the lead fly. Productive choices would be copper Johns, sowbugs and fluttering caddis nymphs. Concentrate on fishing the bank, submerged islands and weed beds. Another productive technique for this high level of generation is to bang the bank with large articulated streamers on a fast sinking sink tip fly line (250 grains or heavier). In order to cast these flies on these lines, you will need at least an eight weight fly rod. Suggested flies are butt monkeys, sex dungeons and zoo cougars. This technique is heavy work and not for the casual fly fisher. It will not produce large numbers of trout but can generate some big fish. The hot spot has been Wildcat Shoals, which has received some spectacular caddis hatches in the afternoon. Many anglers have reported success banging the bank with size fourteen elk hair caddis. The trick has been to get very close to the bank and achieve a perfect drag free drift. When there are no adults coming off, try a caddis larva or prince nymph under an indicator. Another hot spot has been Rim Shoals. For a nominal fee Rim Shoals Trout Dock will ferry you to wadable water and pick you up when you wish to leave or when the water rises. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water temperature is at the level for the Smallmouth to be active. Some anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. 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 generation continuously on the Norfork. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Here again banging the bank with large articulated streamers can produce some large trout. When the flood gates were open, warm water fish escaped from the lake into the river. This is a great opportunity to catch stripers, walleye, gar and other species on the river. You are encouraged to remove them, as they are predators with a taste for trout. Dry Run Creek has been productive. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage it. Spring break is over and it is much less crowded during the week. There is an opportunity for a bit of solitude at times. 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. Be careful to carefully revive and gently release all fish. This is a precious resource. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season has not started yet and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown 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. The North Arkansas Fly Fishers will have a fly fishing class at the Van Matre Senior Center beginning Monday, April 23. The class is free to members. Non members can join the North Arkansas Fly Fishers at the first class and participate for $15.00. Contact club president, Mike Tipton, at (870) 404-8845 for further information. 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 4/12/2012 During the past week, we have had no measurable rain, warm temperatures and less windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three and nine tenths of a foot to rest at seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot above power pool or fifteen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one and five tenths feet to rest at three and five feet above power pool or six and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had very heavy generation (at or near maximum generation) early in the week and lower generation later in the week. There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell four and six tenths feet to rest at four and seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty three and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation with additional flows entering the river through the flood gates. This week the total flows were around 9,000 cubic feet per second (maximum flows are around 7,200 CFS). There has been no wadable water. The Corps of Engineers has been aggressively drawing down the lakes to prepare for spring rains and we should receive wadable water soon. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. On the much higher flows that we received this week, the key to success has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns below an indicator. You should use a leader/tippet combination of twelve feet or longer and heavy weight (AAA split shot or heavier). To increase the takes, suspend a dropper fly beneath the lead fly. Productive choices would be copper Johns, sowbugs and fluttering caddis nymphs. Concentrate on fishing the bank, submerged islands and weed beds. There have been reports of shad coming through during the heavy generation and some anglers have reported success fishing shad patterns. Another productive technique for this high level of generation is to bang the bank with large articulated streamers on a fast sinking sink tip fly line (250 grains or heavier). In order to cast these flies on these lines, you will need at least an eight weight fly rod. Suggested flies are butt monkeys, sex dungeons and zoo cougars. This technique is heavy work and not for the casual fly fisher. It will not produce large numbers of trout but can generate some big fish. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water temperature is at the level for the Smallmouth to be active. Some anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. 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 generation continuously on the Norfork. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Here again banging the bank with large articulated streamers can produce some large trout. With the flood gates open, warm water species are escaping from the lake into the river. Dry Run Creek has been productive. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage it. Spring break is over and it is much less crowded during the week. There is an opportunity for a bit of solitude at times. 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. Be sure and bring your camera in order to catch the one of the significant memories of a life time. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season has not started yet and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Bayou Access. The hot flies have been brown 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 4/05/2012 During the past week, we have had no measurable rain, warm temperatures and less windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three and three tenths of a foot to rest at four and six tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty six and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell two and three tenths of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake remained steady at five feet above power pool or four and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had very heavy generation (at or near maximum generation). There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell one and nine tenths of a foot to rest at nine and three tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or eighteen and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had moderate generation with additional flows entering the river through the flood gates. Early in the week the total flows were at or near maximum and later in the week were greater, around 9,000 cubic feet per second (maximum flows are around 7,200 CFS). There has been no wadable water. The Corps of Engineers is aggressively drawing down the lakes to prepare for normal spring rains and we should expect them to reach power pool in a matter of days. There should be wadable water then. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. On the much higher flows that we received this week, the key to success has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns below an indicator. You should use a leader/tippet combination of twelve feet or longer and heavy weight (AAA split shot or heavier). To increase the takes, suspend a dropper fly beneath the lead fly. Productive choices would be copper Johns, sowbugs and fluttering caddis nymphs. Concentrate on fishing the bank, submerged islands and weed beds. There have been reports of shad coming through during the heavy generation and some anglers have reported success fishing shad patterns. Another productive technique for this high level of generation is to bang the bank with large articulated streamers on a fast sinking sink tip fly line (250 grains or heavier). In order to cast these flies on these lines, you will need at least an eight weight fly rod. Suggested flies are butt monkeys, sex dungeons and zoo cougars. This technique is heavy work and not for the casual fly fisher. It will not produce large numbers of trout but can generate some big fish. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and clearing. The water temperature is at the level for the Smallmouth to be active. Some anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows. 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 generation continuously on the Norfork. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Here again banging the bank with large articulated streamers can produce some large trout. With the flood gates open, warm water species are escaping from the lake into the river. Dry Run Creek has been productive. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage it. Spring break is over and it is much less crowded during the week. There is an opportunity for a bit of solitude at times. 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. While you are there take a few minutes to visit the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. It has not been included in the federal budget for next year. It is crucial to our economy and fishery that it stays in operation. Contact your Senator or Congressman and let them know that you want it to be fully funded. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season has not started yet and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Bayou Access. The hot flies have been brown 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 3/29/2012 During the past week, we have had no rain, warm temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose three and four tenths of a foot to rest at seven and nine tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty three and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at two and nine tenths of a foot above power pool or thirteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose three and two tenths of a foot to rest at five feet above power pool or four and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation early in the week when there was flooding downstream and much heavier generation later in the week once the flooding had cleared. There was no wadable water. Norfork Lake rose seven and five tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and two tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or sixteen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had light generation during the week and no wadable water. The runoff from the significant rain event of the prior week continued to raise the lake levels on all lakes on the White River system. We should have high water conditions for the foreseeable future. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. Early in the week, the water flows on the White River have been low and constant. While this water level has not been conducive for streamer fishing, the water levels have been near perfect for drifting small nymphs. With the lighter flows, we have been able to use less weight on the leader and we have been required to use lighter tippets (5X or even 6X). Productive patterns have been zebra midges (red and black with silver wire and silver bead), sowbugs, copper Johns and egg patterns. The caddis hatch is getting more active. It is our most reliable and prolific hatch of the year. It starts as a solid size fourteen green caddis. Before the hatch, fish green nymph patterns like the fluttering caddis. When you begin seeing top water action but no insects, you should switch over to my green butt soft hackle. When the fish begin keying in on hatching adults, you should change over to green elk hair caddis. The hot spot has been the section of the river from Wildcat Shoals down to Cotter. The caddis have been reliably hatching in the early afternoon. It has been more effective to fish nymphs like the fluttering caddis or emergers like the caddis pupa emerger. My green butt soft hackle has been quite effective. On the much higher flows that we received later in the week, the key to success has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns below an indicator. You should use a leader/tippet combination of twelve feet or longer and heavy weight (AAA split shot or heavier). To increase the takes, suspend a dropper fly beneath the lead fly. Productive choices would be copper Johns, sowbugs and fluttering caddis nymphs. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and clearing. The water temperature is at the temperature for the Smallmouth to be 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. The White River below Crooked Creek and the Buffalo is very muddy. Move upstream to find clear water. There has been generation continuously on the Norfork. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Dry Run Creek has been productive. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage of their spring break. There is plenty of water to fish and there are trout everywhere. 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. Be sure and take your camera to capture the photograph of a lifetime. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown 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.

There is no absolute number. It is highly individualized. Forty seven megawatts equal one full generator. I can fish up to fifteen or twenty at some spots.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 3/22/2012 During the past week, we have had a significant rain event, warm temperatures and very windy conditions (to include lake wind advisories most days). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose four and five tenths of a foot to rest at four and five tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty six and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose two and six tenths feet to rest at two and seven tenths of a foot above power pool or thirteen and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose one and eight tenths of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths of a foot power pool or seven and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation during the week with wadable water over the weekend. Norfork Lake rose three and six tenths of a foot to rest at three and seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty four and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had generation during the week and some wadable water over the week end. The significant rain event of this week raised the lake level on all lakes on the White River system. We should receive some low water as the flood conditions downstream clear out. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. The water flows on the White River this week have been low and constant. While this water level has not been conducive for streamer fishing, the water levels have been near perfect for drifting small nymphs. With the lighter flows, we have been able to use less weight on the leader and we have been required to use lighter tippets (5X or even 6X). Productive patterns have been zebra midges (red and black with silver wire and silver bead), sowbugs, copper Johns and egg patterns. The caddis hatch is getting more active. It is our most reliable and prolific hatch of the year. It starts as a solid size fourteen green caddis. Before the hatch, fish green nymph patterns like the fluttering caddis. When you begin seeing top water action but no insects, you should switch over to my green butt soft hackle. When the fish begin keying in on hatching adults, you should change over to green elk hair caddis. The hot spot has been the section of the river from Cotter down to Rim Shoals. The caddis have been reliably hatching in the early afternoon. The conditions have been so windy during the past week that it has been extremely difficult to fish dry flies. It has been more effective to fish nymphs like the fluttering caddis or emergers like the caddis pupa emerger. My green butt soft hackle has been quite effective. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and very off color. The water temperature is near the temperature for the Smallmouth to be 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. The White River below Crooked Creek and the Buffalo is very muddy. Move upstream to find clear water. There has been generation most days on the Norfork. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). When we did get a bit of wadable water, the hot flies have been small red zebra midges, olive scuds, sowbugs and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Dry Run Creek has been productive. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage of their spring break. There is plenty of water to fish and there are trout everywhere. 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. The water level on the Spring River is high and off color. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown 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 3/15/2012 During the past week, we have had another rain event, unseasonably warm temperatures and very windy conditions (to include lake wind advisories most days). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose seven tenths of a foot to rest at power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot above power pool or fifteen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at power pool or nine and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation during the week with wadable water over the weekend. Norfork Lake rose three tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had generation during the week and some wadable water over the week end. All of the lakes in the White River System are at or below power pool and we should see wadable water on both rivers in the coming week. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. The water flows on the White River this week have been low and constant. While this water level has not been conducive for streamer fishing, the water levels have been near perfect for drifting small nymphs. With the lighter flows, we have been able to use less weight on the leader and we have been required to use lighter tippets (5X or even 6X). Productive patterns have been zebra midges (red and black with silver wire and silver bead), sowbugs, copper Johns and egg patterns. The caddis hatch is getting more active. It is our most reliable and prolific hatch of the year. It starts as a solid size fourteen green caddis. Before the hatch, fish green nymph patterns like the fluttering caddis. When you begin seeing top water action but no insects, you should switch over to my green butt soft hackle. When the fish begin keying in on hatching adults, you should change over to green elk hair caddis. The hot spot has been the section of the river from Cotter down to Rim Shoals. The caddis have been reliably hatching in the early afternoon. The conditions have been so windy during the past week that it has been extremely difficult to fish dry flies. It has been more effective to fish nymphs like the fluttering caddis or emergers like the caddis pupa emerger. My green butt soft hackle has also been quite effective. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are a bit high and off color. The water temperature is near the temperature for the Smallmouth to be 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 generation most days on the Norfork. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). When we did get a bit of wadable water, the hot flies have been small red zebra midges, olive scuds, sowbugs and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Dry Run Creek has been productive. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers. There is plenty of water to fish and there are trout everywhere. 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. While you are there visit the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is important to note that the Hatchery has been removed from the Federal budget. This hatchery is very important for the sustainability of our fisheries. Contact your senator or congressman and let them know how you feel. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown 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. Next week, on March 22, 23, and 24, the North Arkansas Fly Fishers will hold the fifteenth annual Sowbug Roundup at the Baxter County Fairgrounds in Mountain Home Arkansas. This is the premier fly tying event in the area (stop by my booth and I will tie you a fly). Make plans to attend now! 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 3/08/2012 During the past week, we have had a major rain event, unseasonably warm temperatures and very windy conditions (to include lake wind advisories every day). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one tenth of a foot to rest at seven tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at power pool or sixteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot below power pool or nine and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had lighter generation with wadable water over the weekend. Norfork Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had less generation and more wadable water. All of the lakes in the White River System are at or below power pool and we should see wadable water on both rivers in the coming week. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. The water flows on the White River this week have been low and constant. While this water level has not been conducive for streamer fishing, the water levels have been near perfect for drifting small nymphs. With the lighter flows, we have been able to use less weight on the leader and we have been required to use lighter tippets (5X or even 6X). Productive patterns have been zebra midges (red and black with silver wire and silver bead), sowbugs, copper Johns and egg patterns. The big story for the past week has been the arrival of our big spring caddis hatch. It is our most reliable and prolific hatch of the year. It starts as a solid size fourteen green caddis. Before the hatch, fish green nymph patterns like the fluttering caddis. When you begin seeing top water action but no insects, you should switch over to my green butt soft hackle. When the fish begin keying in on hatching adults, you should change over to green elk hair caddis. The hot spot has been the section of the river from White Hole down to Cotter. The caddis have been reliably hatching in the early afternoon. The conditions have been so windy during the past week that it has been extremely difficult to fish dry flies. It has been more effective to fish nymphs like the fluttering caddis or emergers like the caddis pupa emerger. My green butt soft hackle has also been quite effective. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and clearer. The water temperature is near the temperature for the Smallmouth to be 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 and it has been a bit crowded. You should fish during the week, if possible, to avoid the crowds. The hot flies have been small red zebra midges, olive scuds, sowbugs and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Dry Run Creek has been productive. 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. While you are there visit 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 lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. There is still time to send in your entry to the Baxter Bulletin Fly Tying Contest. All entries must be sent to me, John Berry at 408 Combs Ave. Cotter, Arkansas 72626. They must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2012. 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 3/01/2012 During the past week, we have had a minor rain event, unseasonably warm temperatures and windy conditions (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three tenths of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool or sixteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake remained steady at power pool or nine and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had lighter generation with no wadable water. Norfork Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had less generation and more wadable water. All of the lakes in the White River System are at or below power pool and we should see wadable water on both rivers in the coming week. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. The water flows this week have been lower and more constant. While this water level has not been conducive for streamer fishing or for fishing shad patterns, the water levels have been near perfect for drifting small nymphs. With the lighter flows, we have been able to use less weight on the leader and we have been required to use lighter tippets (5X or even 6X). Productive patterns have been zebra midges (red and black with silver wire and silver bead), sowbugs, copper Johns and egg patterns. Rim Shoals was the hotspot. The most productive flies have been Y2Ks, sowbugs and zebra midges. If you must wade, there is a water taxi at Rim Shoals Trout Dock. For a nominal fee, they will ferry you to wadable water and pick you up when you are ready to leave. You should also be on the lookout for our spring caddis hatch. It occurs in March and April. It is our most reliable and prolific hatch of the year. It starts as a solid size fourteen green caddis. Before the hatch, fish green nymph patterns like the fluttering caddis. When you begin seeing top water action but no insects, you should switch over to my green butt soft hackle. When the fish begin keying in on hatching adults, you should change over to green elk hair caddis. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and clearer. The water temperature is still too cool for the Smallmouth to be 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 and it has been a bit crowded. You should fish during the week, if possible, to avoid the crowds. The hot flies have been small red zebra midges, olive scuds, sowbugs and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Dry Run Creek has been productive. 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. While you are there visit the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is interesting and is a key ingredient to our fishery. It is important to note that the hatchery has lost its funding in the latest budget. Please contact you congressman and let him know that the hatchery is important to our economy. There have been some large rainbows caught recently on the Spring River. The water level on the river is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Lassiter’s Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. There is still time to send in your entry to the Baxter Bulletin Fly Tying Contest. All entries must be sent to me, John Berry at 408 Combs Ave. Cotter, Arkansas 72626 and postmarked no later than March 15, 2012. 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 2/23/2012 During the past week, we have had a minor rain event, unseasonably warm temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four tenths of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake remained steady at power pool or sixteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake remained steady at power pool or nine and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had lighter generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and one tenth of a foot below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had more generation and less wadable water. All of the lakes in the White River System are at or below power pool and we should see wadable water on both rivers in the coming week. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. The hot spot was the Catch and Release Section below Bull Shoals Dam. While we have had a mild winter and the weather has theoretically not been cold enough to produce a full blown shad kill, there have been quite a few shad coming through Bull Shoals Dam. In fact, this is the best shad kill we have had in a couple of years. Watch out for gull activity below the powerhouse to indicate when the shad are coming through. The best technique is to fish white marabou jigs below an indicator. Sometimes a white floating shad pattern can trigger top water action. These are big bites and they can attract some large hungry trout. Rim Shoals was another hotspot. The shad came through so heavily at Bull Shoals that they made their way as far down stream as Rim Shoals (twenty four miles). The trout were keying on them and the flows have been perfect. The hot fly was a white marabou jig with a bit of flash. We did get a bit of wadable water on the White but it was brief. The hot spot was the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. The action was hot on black zebra midges with silver wire and a silver bead. My green butt soft hackle also accounted for a lot of good fish. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and clearer. The water temperature is too cool for the Smallmouth to be 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 and it has been a bit crowded. You should fish during the week, if possible, to avoid the crowds. The hot flies have been small red zebra midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Dry Run Creek has been productive. 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. At the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery, they have added diffusers to increase the oxygen in the hatchery (funded by the Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery). The outflow from the hatchery flows into Dry Run Creek. The addition of the diffusers in the Hatchery will benefit the oxygen level in the creek and improve fishing there. There have been some large rainbows caught recently on the Spring River. The water level on the river is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Lassiter’s Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. White River Trout Unlimited has scheduled a Cabin Fever Fund-Raiser for Saturday, February 25th here in Mountain Home. This party will be a great way to celebrate impending spring weather and raise money for the chapter’s many projects! Visit their website for more details. www.whiterivertu.com. 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 2/16/2012 During the past week, we have had a minor snow and a minor rain event, cooler temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot over power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at power pool or sixteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at power pool or nine and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had lighter generation with no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had lighter generation with wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River System are at or near power pool and we should see wadable water on both rivers in the coming week. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. The hot spot was the Catch and Release Section below Bull Shoals Dam. While we have had a mild winter and the weather has not been cold enough to produce a full blown shad kill, there have been quite a few shad coming through Bull Shoals Dam. This is the best shad kill we have had in a couple of years. Watch out for gull activity below the powerhouse to indicate when the shad are coming through. The best technique is to fish white marabou jigs below an indicator but sometimes a white floating shad pattern can trigger top water action. These are big bites and they can attract some large hungry trout. There were several days where we had periods of generation in excess of 15,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the White. The best technique for this type of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). The trick is to get the flies down. To sink these flies you must use big split shot (AAA or larger) and long leader/tippet combinations (ten to twelve feet or longer). To help detect takes, use a brightly colored strike indicator near the top of the leader. One way to increase strikes is to use a small nymph as a dropper below the worm or egg. Effective flies for droppers have been sowbugs, Y2Ks, red zebra midges or copper Johns. Another technique that has been particularly effective on the higher water has been to bang the bank with big streamers. Effective patterns have been Zoo Cougars, Sex Dungeons and Butt Monkeys. The key to success has been to use a heavy sink tip (250 grain or heavier). To deliver these heavy flies on heavy sink tip lines, you must use at least an eight weight rod. This is hard work but can produce some excellent trout. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained after our rain. The water temperature is too cool for the Smallmouth to be 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 reliable wadable water on the Norfork and it has been a bit crowded. You should fish during the week, if possible, to avoid the crowds. The hot flies have been small red zebra midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Dry Run Creek has been productive. 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. While you are there take a tour of the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. Remember that it is very important to the vibrancy of our trout fishery. It is currently in peril of losing its funding. Contact you congressman and senator and demand that it be funded. There have been numerous reports of large rainbows being caught on the Spring River. The water level on the river is high and stained. This is a great place to wade fish. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. White River Trout Unlimited has scheduled a Cabin Fever Fund-Raiser for Saturday, February 25th here in Mountain Home. This party will be a great way to celebrate impending spring weather and raise money for the chapter’s many projects! Visit their website for more details. www.whiterivertu.com. 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 2/11/2012 During the past week, we have had a significant rain event, mild temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose two tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot over power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose six tenths of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot above power pool or nine and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had heavy generation with no wadable water. Norfork Lake rose seven tenths of a foot to rest at seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation at the beginning of the week with no wadable water and lighter generation with wadable water later in the week. All of the lakes in the White River System are at or near power pool and we should see wadable water on both rivers in the coming weeks. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. There were several days where we had periods of generation in excess of 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the White. The best technique for this type of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). The trick is to get the flies down. To sink these flies you must use big split shot (AAA or larger) and long leader/tippet combinations (ten to twelve feet or longer). To help detect takes, use a brightly colored strike indicator near the top of the leader. One way to increase strikes is to use a small nymph as a dropper below the worm or egg. Effective flies for droppers have been sowbugs, Y2Ks, red zebra midges or copper Johns. Another technique that has been particularly effective on the higher water has been to bang the bank with big streamers. Effective patterns have been Zoo Cougars, Sex Dungeons and Butt Monkeys. The key to success has been to use a heavy sink tip (250 grain or heavier). To deliver these heavy flies on heavy sink tip lines, you must use at least an eight weight rod. This is hard work but can produce some excellent trout. The hot spot was the Catch and Release Section below Bull Shoals Dam. The hot flies were egg patterns in peach or orange. While it has not been cold enough to produce a full blown shad kill, there have been some shad coming through Bull Shoals Dam. Watch out for gull activity below the powerhouse to indicate when the shad are coming through. The best technique is to fish white marabou jigs below an indicator but sometimes a white floating shad pattern can trigger top water action. These are big bites and they can attract some large hungry trout. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained after our rain. The water temperature is near the point where the Smallmouth will become 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. The heavy generation at the beginning of the week on the Norfork has limited wade fishing. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). There have also been some shad coming through. Look for gull activity and try white marabou jigs when you see shad coming through. Later in the week, when we had some wadable water, the hot flies were olive scuds, zebra midges and green butt soft hackles. Dry Run Creek has been productive. 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. There has been little pressure for the past couple of months. Now is the perfect time to visit. There have been numerous reports of large rainbows being caught on the Spring River. The water level on the river is high and stained. This is a great place to wade fish. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. White River Trout Unlimited has scheduled a Cabin Fever Fund-Raiser for Saturday, February 25th here in Mountain Home. This party will be a great way to celebrate impending spring weather and raise money for the chapter’s many projects! Visit their website for more details. www.whiterivertu.com. 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 2/02/2012 During the past week, we have had no precipitation, mild temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose two tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot over power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose four tenths of a foot to rest at power pool or sixteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose one tenths of a foot to rest at power pool or nine and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had heavy generation with no wadable water. Norfork Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation at the beginning of the week with no wadable water and lighter generation with wadable water later in the week. All of the lakes in the White River System are at or near power pool and we should see wadable water on both rivers in the coming weeks. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was closed to fishing from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. It was opened to fishing on February 1, 2012. When you are fishing there you should avoid the use of drag chains to prevent damage to trout redds and the brown trout eggs in them. On low water, you should wade carefully to avoid them. They will appear as clean depressions in the gravel bottom. There were several days where we had periods of generation in excess of 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the White. The best technique for this type of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). The trick is to get the flies down. To sink these flies you must use big split shot (AAA or larger) and long leader/tippet combinations (ten to twelve feet). To help detect takes use a brightly colored strike indicator near the top of the leader. One way to increase strikes is to use a small nymph as a dropper below the worm or egg. Effective flies for droppers have been sowbugs, Y2Ks, red zebra midges or copper Johns. Another technique that has been particularly effective on the higher water has been to bang the bank with big streamers. Effective patterns have been Zoo Cougars, Sex Dungeons and Butt Monkeys. The key to success has been to use a heavy sink tip (250 grain or heavier). To deliver these heavy flies on heavy sink tip lines, you must use at least an eight weight rod. This is hard work but can produce some excellent trout. The hot spot was the Catch and Release Section below Bull Shoals Dam on opening day. The brown trout bite was heavy with many nice fish caught. It was very crowded with over twenty boats in the area. The hot flies were egg patterns in peach or orange. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained after our rain. The water temperature is near the point where the Smallmouth will become 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. The heavy generation on the Norfork has limited wade fishing. On lower flows the hot fly has been olive scuds. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Dry Run Creek has been productive. 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. When fishing there, try to keep casting to a minimum, due to the heavy tree cover. The most effective technique is to high stick nymphs. While you are there, take the time to visit the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. There have been numerous reports of large rainbows being caught on the Spring River. The water level on the river is high and stained. This is a great place to wade fish. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. White River Trout Unlimited has scheduled a Cabin Fever Fund-Raiser for Saturday, February 25th here in Mountain Home. This party will be a great way to celebrate impending spring weather and raise money for the chapter’s many projects! Visit their website for more details. www.whiterivertu.com. 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 1/26/2012 During the past week, we have had a significant rain event cool temperatures and windy conditions (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose six tenths of a foot to rest at power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot below power pool or sixteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose three tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool or nine and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had erratic generation during the week with significant wadable water over the weekend. Norfork Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had light generation with wadable water every day. We should see continue to see wadable water on both rivers in the coming weeks. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 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 brown trout Catch and Release for the same period. It should be noted that opening day is next Wednesday. Trout do not feed when they are spawning and these have not been fished over in three months. It can get a bit crowded on opening day, so be careful out there. There were several days where we had periods of generation in excess of 15,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the White. The best technique for this type of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). The trick is to get the flies down. To sink these flies you must use big split shot (AAA or larger) and long leader/tippet combinations (ten to twelve feet). To help detect takes use a brightly colored strike indicator near the top of the leader. One way to increase strikes is to use a small nymph as a dropper below the worm or egg. Effective flies for droppers have been sowbugs, Y2Ks, zebra midges or copper Johns. Another technique that has been particularly effective on the higher water has been to bang the bank with big streamers. Effective patterns have been Zoo Cougars, Sex Dungeons and Butt Monkeys. The key to success has been to use a heavy sink tip (250 grain or heavier). To deliver these heavy flies on heavy sink tip lines, you must use at least an eight weight rod. This is hard work but can produce some excellent trout. Last weekend we had substantial periods of wadable water on the White River. The fishing was good at popular spots like Wildcat Shoals and Roundhouse Shoals. The hot flies were red zebra midges (size sixteen), copper Johns, Y2Ks and San Juan worms (red). There were some midges hatching and Dan’s turkey tail emerger was the hot fly. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained after our heavy rain. The water temperature is near the point where the Smallmouth will become 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. The Norfork has fished well but has been crowded. If you can, fish during the week to avoid the crowds. On lower water the hot flies have been olive scuds (size 18), Dan’s turkey tail emerger and zebra midges (black and red). There was a good blue wing olive hatch on some afternoons. The key to success was a parachute Adams in size 22 and a perfect drag free drift. Soft hackles like the partridge and orange or the green butt have accounted for a lot of fish. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Dry Run Creek has been productive. 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. Now is a great time to visit. The crowds of summer are gone and there is a chance for a bit of solitude on stream. There have been numerous reports of huge rainbows being caught on the Spring River. The water level on the river is high and stained. This is a great place to wade fish. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. White River Trout Unlimited has scheduled a Cabin Fever Fund-Raiser for Saturday, February 25th here in Mountain Home. This party will be a great way to celebrate impending spring weather and raise money for the chapter’s many projects! Visit their website for more details. www.whiterivertu.com. 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 1/19/2012 During the past week, we have had colder temperatures and windy conditions (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell five tenths of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot below power pool or sixteen and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot below power pool or ten feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had erratic generation during the week with significant wadable water over the three day weekend. Norfork Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had light generation with wadable water every day. We should see more wadable water on both rivers in the coming weeks. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 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 brown trout Catch and Release for the same period There were several days where we had generation in excess of 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the White. The best technique for this type of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). The trick is to get the flies down. To sink these flies you must use big split shot (AAA or larger) and long leader/tippet combinations (ten to twelve feet). To help detect takes use a brightly colored strike indicator near the top of the leader. One way to increase strikes is to use a small nymph as a dropper below the worm or egg. Effective flies for droppers have been sowbugs, Y2Ks, zebra midges or copper Johns. Another technique that has been particularly effective on the higher water has been to bang the bank with big streamers. Effective patterns have been Zoo Cougars, Sex Dungeons and Butt Monkeys. The key to success has been to use a heavy sink tip (250 grain or heavier). To deliver these heavy flies on heavy sink tip lines, you must use at least an eight weight rod. This is hard work but can produce some excellent trout. Last weekend we had substantial periods of wadable water on the White River. The fishing was good at popular spots like Wildcat shoals and Rim Shoals. The hot flies were red zebra midges (size sixteen), copper Johns and San Juan worms (red). There were some midges hatching and Dan’s turkey tail emerger was the hot fly. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water temperature is near the point where the Smallmouth will become 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. The Norfork has fished well but has been crowded. If you can, fish during the week to avoid the crowds. On lower water the hot flies have been olive scuds (size 18), Dan’s turkey tail emerger and zebra midges (black and red). There was a good blue wing olive hatch on some afternoons. The key to success was a parachute Adams in size 22 and a perfect drag free drift. Soft hackles like the partridge and orange or the green butt have accounted for a lot of fish. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Dry Run Creek has been productive. 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. While you are there take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating and educational. Be sure and remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. There have been numerous reports of huge rainbows being caught on the Spring River. The water level on the river is low and lightly stained. This is a great place to wade fish. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. White River Trout Unlimited has scheduled a Cabin Fever Fund-Raiser for Saturday, February 25th here in Mountain Home. This party will be a great way to celebrate impending spring weather and raise money for the chapter’s many projects! Visit their website for more details. www.whiterivertu.com. 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 1/11/2012 During the past week, we have had rain, warm then colder temperatures and windy conditions (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one tenth of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake remained steady at two tenths of a foot below power pool or sixteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot below power pool or nine and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had erratic generation with wadable water most days. Norfork Lake rose six tenths of a foot to rest at power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had light generation with wadable water every day. We should see more wadable water on both rivers. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 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 brown trout Catch and Release for the same period There were several days where we had generation in excess of 10,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the White. The best technique for this type of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). The trick is to get the flies down. To sink these flies you must use big split shot (AAA or larger) and long leader/tippet combinations (ten to twelve feet). To help detect takes use a brightly colored strike indicator near the top of the leader. One way to increase strikes is to use a small nymph as a dropper below the worm or egg. Effective flies for droppers have been sowbugs, Y2Ks, zebra midges or copper Johns. Another technique that has been particularly effective on the higher water has been to bang the bank with big streamers. Effective patterns have been Zoo Cougars, Sex Dungeons and Butt Monkeys. The key to success has been to use a heavy sink tip (250 grain or heavier). To deliver these heavy flies on heavy sink tip lines, you must use at least an eight weight rod. This is hard work but can produce some excellent trout. The best place to fish was the section from Wildcat down Rim Shoals. On the lower flows we have been receiving, the hot flies were soft hackles like the partridge and orange and the green butt. Y2Ks and beadhead hare’s ears were also responsible for some nice fish. Wildcat Shoals has been particularly hot. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows. The water temperature is near the point where the Smallmouth will become 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. The Norfork has fished well but has been crowded. If you can, fish during the week to avoid the crowds. On lower water the hot flies have been olive scuds (size 18), Dan’s turkey tail emerger and zebra midges (black and red). Soft hackles like the partridge and orange or the green butt have accounted for a lot of fish. The new trout habitat project in the Catch and Release section has had a positive effect on the fishing there. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Dry Run Creek has been productive. 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. There have been some new habitat improvements on the creek across the road from the Hatchery funded in part by the TU settlement from the Norfork Overlook Estates lawsuit. It looks good and should fish well. There have been numerous reports of huge rainbows being caught on the Spring River. The water level on the river is a bit high and stained. This is a great place to wade fish. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. White River Trout Unlimited has scheduled a Cabin Fever Fund-Raiser for Saturday, February 25th here in Mountain Home. This party will be a great way to celebrate impending spring weather and raise money for the chapter’s many projects! Visit their website for more details. www.whiterivertu.com. 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.

I wrote this article several years ago. FISHING FROM A RIVERBOAT BY JOHN BERRY Fishing from a riverboat is one of the most effective ways to catch trout and it may be the only game in town on high water. I am constantly amazed at just how easy it is to catch fish this way. The basic concept is to cast your fly out from the boat and let it drift with the boat when a fish hits you set the hook. You can either motor upstream or drift back down to where you started or you drift downstream from point a to point b (this requires that someone shuttle your car and trailer from point a to point . The problem with the concept is that someone has to steer the boat. The river is a very dangerous place and someone has to be constantly monitoring where you are and where you are going. For this reason I really enjoy fishing with my cousin Quinn. He has his own boat and lets me sit in the front and fish without having to run the boat. For me it’s like a busman’s holiday. When the water is low you rig up just like you would if you were wading. I generally fish a nymph, a dry or a nymph on a dropper below a dry. It is important that you cast the fly at least 30 feet from the boat. As you drift down stream you can see fish scattering away from the boat if you fish too close to the boat you will not catch as many fish. On the other hand you should not be casting 70 feet. You would be working too hard. Why not just drift the boat closer. At this water level you would essentially fish the main channel. I generally concentrate on shoals and deep runs. When there is low generation (one to two generators) I use the same rigging as I do for low water. I find the fish in different places. The trout have generally moved to side channels. When you locate fish drift over them repeatedly. At this water level navigation will be easier. My favorite flies for this situation are San Juan Worms on heavy wire hooks. For heavy water the trout are located in weed beds, over submerged islands or close to the bank. I fish large streamers and San Juan Worms tied on 1/32-ounce crappie jigs. In addition to being weed less these things sink like rock. They are so heavy that I have to use huge strike indicators. Note: if you hit yourself in the back of the head with one of these you are going down. With this much water you are not going to have much top water action. Another technique is to troll a large streamer on a full sinking line behind the boat. One other thing to think about is having more than one person casting from a twenty-foot boat. If you are not careful you will spend your time untangling lines instead of fishing. My favorite area is Rim Shoals. It has a good ramp and all the necessary amenities. Good luck!

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/05/2012 During the past week, we have had no rain, cold then warmer temperatures and windy conditions (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell five tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot below power pool or sixteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool or nine and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had heavier generation with little wadable water. Norfork Lake fell nine tenths of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had increased generation with wadable water on most days. There has been substantial generation on the White and Norfork to draw the lakes to levels below power pool. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 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 brown trout Catch and Release for the same period There were several days where we had generation in excess of 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the White. The best technique for this type of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). The trick is to get the flies down. To sink these flies you must use big split shot (AAA or larger) and long leader/tippet combinations (ten to twelve feet). To help detect takes use a brightly colored strike indicator near the top of the leader. One way to increase strikes is to use a small nymph as a dropper below the worm or egg. Effective flies for droppers have been sowbugs, Y2Ks, zebra midges or copper Johns. Another technique that has been particularly effective on the higher water has been to bang the bank with big streamers. Effective patterns have been Zoo Cougars, Sex Dungeons and Butt Monkeys. The key to success has been to use a heavy sink tip (250 grain or heavier). To deliver these heavy flies on heavy sink tip lines, you must use at least an eight weight rod. This is hard work but can produce some excellent trout. The best place to fish was the section from White Hole to down to Cotter. On the higher flows we have been receiving, the hot flies were hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms with copper Johns and black zebra midges in size fourteen or sixteen as droppers. Y2Ks and beadhead hare’s ears were also responsible for some nice fish. Wildcat Shoals has been particularly hot. The hot flies have been San Juan worms with Y2K droppers. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows. The water temperature is near the point where the Smallmouth will become 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. The Norfork has fished well. On lower water the hot flies have been olive scuds (size 18), Dan’s turkey tail emerger, hot fluorescent pink worms and chamois worms. Soft hackles like the partridge and orange or the green butt have accounted for a lot of fish. The new trout habitat project in the Catch and Release section has had a positive effect on the fishing there. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Dry Run Creek has been productive. 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. There are few anglers there at this time of year. It is an excellent time to take your youngster there. Be sure to dress warmly and take occasional breaks to warm up. Take a camera, the fish are huge here. There have been numerous reports of huge rainbows being caught on the Spring River. The water level on the river is a bit high and stained. This is a great place to wade fish. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over thirty years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/29/2011 During the past week, we have had a rain event, cooler temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell six tenths of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell eight tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at power pool or nine and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had erratic generation with little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had increased generation with wadable water. The heavy rain we received this week raised the lake levels a bit. However there has been substantial generation to keep the lake levels remain close to power pool. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 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 brown trout Catch and Release for the same period There were several days where we had generation in excess of 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the White. The best technique for this type of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). The trick is to get the flies down. To sink these flies you must use big split shot (AAA or larger) and long leader/tippet combinations (ten to twelve feet). To help detect takes use a brightly colored strike indicator near the top of the leader. One way to increase strikes is to use a small nymph as a dropper below the worm or egg. Effective flies for droppers have been sowbugs, Y2Ks, zebra midges or copper Johns. Another technique that has been particularly effective on the higher water has been to bang the bank with big streamers. Effective patterns have been Zoo Cougars, Sex Dungeons and Butt Monkeys. The key to success has been to use a heavy sink tip (250 grain or heavier). To deliver these heavy flies on heavy sink tip lines, you must use at least an eight weight rod. This is hard work but can produce some excellent trout. The best place to fish was the section from Wildcat Shoals to down to Cotter. On the higher flows we have been receiving, the hot flies were hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms with copper Johns and black zebra midges in size fourteen or sixteen as droppers. Y2Ks and beadhead hare’s ears were also responsible for some nice fish. Rim Shoals has been particularly hot. The hot flies have been San Juan worms with Y2K droppers. Remember that Rim Shoals Trout Dock runs a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water and pick you up when the water rises or you are finished for a nominal fee. They can ferry you to wadable water as long as the flow at Rim Shoals is below 17,000 cfs. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows. The water temperature is near the point where the Smallmouth will become 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. The Norfork has fished well. On lower water the hot flies have been olive scuds (size 18), Dan’s turkey tail emerger, hot fluorescent pink worms and chamois worms. Soft hackles like the partridge and orange or the green butt have accounted for a lot of fish. The new trout habitat project in the Catch and Release section has had a positive effect on the fishing there. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). 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. The browns are stacked in the creek like a cord of wood. With the cool weather, there have been few anglers on the creek. Now is the time to fish there if you want a bit of solitude. The water level on the Spring River is high and stained. This is a great place to wade fish. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Dam Three Access. 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 are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/22/2011 During the past week, we have had a rain event, slightly warmer temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose six tenths of a foot to rest at nine tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose eight tenths of a foot to rest at a foot above power pool or fifteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot above power pool or nine and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had erratic generation with no wadable water. Norfork Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had little generation with substantial wadable water. The heavy rain we received this week raised the lake levels a bit. However they all remain close to power pool and should provide wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 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 brown trout Catch and Release for the same period. The dissolved oxygen level has risen above the state minimum standard of six parts per million on the White and Norfork Rivers. There were several days where we had generation in excess of 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the White. The best technique for this type of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). The trick is to get the flies down. To sink these flies you must use big split shot (AAA or larger) and long leader/tippet combinations (ten to twelve feet). To help detect takes use a brightly colored strike indicator near the top of the leader. One way to increase strikes is to use a small nymph as a dropper below the worm or egg. Another technique that has been particularly effective on the higher water has been to bang the bank with big streamers. Effective patterns have been Zoo Cougars, Sex Dungeons and Butt Monkeys. The key to success has been to use a heavy sink tip (250 grain or heavier). To deliver these heavy flies on heavy sink tip lines, you must use at least an eight weight rod. This is hard work but can produce some excellent trout. The best place to fish was the section from White Hole down to Wildcat Shoals. On the higher flows we have been receiving, the hot flies were hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms with copper Johns and black zebra midges in size fourteen or sixteen as droppers. Y2Ks and beadhead hare’s ears were also responsible for some nice fish. Rim Shoals has been particularly hot. The hot flies have been San Juan worms with Y2K droppers have been the key to success. Remember that Rim Shoals Trout Dock runs a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee. They can ferry you to wadable water as long as the flow is below 17,000 cfs. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows. The water temperature is near the point where the Smallmouth will become 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. The Norfork has fished well. On lower water the hot flies have been olive scuds (size 18), Dan’s turkey tail emerger, hot fluorescent pink worms and chamois worms. Soft hackles like the partridge and orange or the green butt have accounted for a lot of fish. The new trout habitat project in the Catch and Release section has had a positive effect on the fishing there. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). 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. The browns are stacked in the creek like a cord of wood. Dry Run Creek has received little pressure this week. The best Christmas present that I can think of is to take your youngster fishing there. The water level on the Spring River is high and stained. This is a great place to wade fish. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Dam Three Access. 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 are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

Nice photos. We have some great browns in the slot right now!

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/15/2011 During the past week, we have had a couple of rain events, slightly warmer temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose five tenths of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake remained steady at two tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose four tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot above power pool or nine feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had erratic generation with some wadable water. Norfork Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had little generation with substantial wadable water. The heavy rain we received in November and the past two weeks has raised the lake levels a bit. However they all remain close to power pool and should provide wadable water. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012 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 brown trout Catch and Release for the same period. The dissolved oxygen level has risen above the state minimum standard of six parts per million on the White and Norfork Rivers. The big event this week was the return of high water on the White. There were several days where we had generation in excess of 15,000 cubic feet per second. The best technique for this type of water is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). The trick is to get the flies down. To sink these flies you must use big split shot (AAA or larger) and long leader/tippet combinations (ten to twelve feet). To help detect takes use a brightly colored strike indicator near the top of the leader. One way to increase strikes is to use a small nymph as a dropper below the worm or egg. Another technique that has been particularly effective on the higher water has been to bang the bank with big streamers. Effective patterns have been Zoo Cougars, Sex Dungeons and Butt Monkeys. The key to success has been to use a heavy sink tip (250 grain or heavier). To deliver these heavy flies on heavy sink tip lines, you must use at least an eight weight rod. This is hard work but can produce some excellent trout. The best place to fish was the section from Wildcat Shoals down to Cotter. On the higher flows we have been receiving, the hot flies were pink San Juan worms with copper Johns and black zebra midges in size fourteen or sixteen as droppers. Y2Ks and beadhead hare’s ears were also responsible for some nice fish. Rim Shoals has been particularly hot. The hot flies have been red zebra midges on low water. On higher water, San Juan worms with Y2K droppers have been the key to success. Remember that Rim Shoals Trout Dock runs a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows. The water temperature is dropping and is near the point where the Smallmouth will become 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. The Norfork has fished well. On lower water the hot flies have been red zebra midges (size 18 and smaller), Dan’s turkey tail emerger, hot pink worms and chamois worms. Soft hackles like the partridge and orange or the green butt have accounted for a lot of fish. The new trout habitat project in the Catch and Release section has had a positive effect on the fishing there. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). 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. The browns are stacked in the creek like a cord of wood. Dry Run Creek has received little pressure this week. Now is the time to fish there, if you want to enjoy a bit of solitude on stream. Now is the perfect time to land a big one. The water level on the Spring River is high and stained. This is a great place to wade fish. Canoe season is over and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been Dam Three Access. 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 are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

Phil, It was nice to see you again. I regret not being able to fish with you. Next time for sure.