John Berry

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 9/23/2010 During the past week, we have had no measurable rain and moderate temperatures. The skies have been generally sunny with little wind. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell two 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. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at one and five tenths of a foot above power pool or thirteen and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at three and six tenths of a foot below power pool or thirteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation over night and in the morning with heavier generation in the afternoon (during peak power demand) with a few periods of no generation. This made for limited wading and some great drift fishing conditions. Norfork Lake rose three tenths 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 significant periods of no generation daily which has created some reliable wading. All of the lakes on the White River System are near or below power pool and we should have wadable water. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The dissolved oxygen levels on the White and Norfork Rivers have dropped below the State standard of six parts per million. This problem will be more prevalent near either dam. Please be careful when fighting and releasing fish to avoid stressing them in these areas. Carefully revive and release all trout caught. On the White, the browns are beginning to pod up from below Rim Shoals to the dam in preparation for their run to the spawning beds in November. Now is a good time to key in on a trophy trout. Approach them with stealth and try a big streamer like a sculpin or zoo cougar. Watch your presentation and try not to spook them. Though they are still working, grasshoppers seem to be on the wane this past week. The cooler temperatures, particularly in the morning, seem to have slowed them down. If you catch a sunny, windy afternoon give them a try. Increase their productivity by suspending a dropper. Try a zebra midge or copper John. The lower flows we have received early in the day have been perfect for fishing nymphs. Small zebra midges, black or red with silver wire and silver bead in size sixteen or fourteen have been the go to flies. Fish them with a bit of lead eighteen inches above the fly and a strike indicator set at the depth of the water. When the flows increase go to a hot fluorescent pink worm with a zebra midge dropper. On the higher flows we have been receiving later in the day, the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The best colors for the San Juan worms have been red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise. The best colors for the eggs have been orange and peach. The Catch and release section below Bull Shoals Dam remains the hot spot. The most effective technique has been to swing soft hackles on low water. The best patterns have been partridge and orange or small hares ear soft hackles. There has also been success reported with Chernobyl ants near the dam. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. The Norfork has been fishing particularly well. The crowds have diminished a bit and the fish are a bit larger and more plentiful. The most productive nymphs have been zebra midges and Norfork bead heads. Black has been the hot color. There has also been some pretty spectacular hopper action. The best hopper patterns have been western foam in tan with rubber legs. Try a sowbug dropper in the upper river and a midge dropper in the lower river. Others have reported success by fishing deeper holes with olive woolly buggers. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. With a lot of fly fishers coming into town for the conclave, Dry Run can get a bit crowded. You should try to go early or late. Remember you cannot fish there after sun down. Do not forget to carry a big net and your camera. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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.

Sounds like an excellent day. have you tried any Chernobyl ants?

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 9/16/2010 During the past week, we have had several rain events and moderate temperatures. The skies have been generally sunny. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and five tenths of a foot to rest at five tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose nine tenths of a foot to rest at one and four tenths of a foot above power pool or thirteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose four tenths to rest at three and five tenths of a foot below power pool or thirteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation over night and in the morning with heavier generation in the afternoon (during peak power demand) with some significant periods of no generation. This made for very limited wading and some great drift fishing conditions. Norfork Lake rose eight 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 significant periods of no generation daily which has created some reliable wading. All of the lakes on the White River System are near or below power pool and we should have more wadable water. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The dissolved oxygen levels on the White and Norfork Rivers have dropped below the State standard of six parts per million. This problem will be more prevalent near either dam. Please be careful when fighting and releasing fish to avoid stressing them in these areas. Carefully revive and release all trout caught. Though they are still working, grasshoppers seem to be on the wane this past week. The cooler temperatures, particularly in the morning, seem to have slowed them down. If you catch a sunny, windy afternoon give them a try. Increase their productivity by suspending a dropper. Try a zebra midge or copperJohn. After a rain like we received this week, try a brightly colored San Juan worm. Rains wash worms into the river and the trout key in on these tasty morsels. The most effective colors have been cerise and hot fluorescent pink. Add plenty of weight to make sure you get them down. The lower flows we have received early in the day have been perfect for fishing nymphs. Small zebra midges, black or red with silver wire and silver bead in size sixteen or fourteen have been the go to flies. Fish them with a bit of lead eighteen inches above the fly and a strike indicator set at the depth of the water. When the flows increase go to a hot fluorescent pink worm with a zebra midge dropper. On the higher flows we have been receiving later in the day, the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The best colors for the San Juan worms have been red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise. The best colors for the eggs have been orange and peach. The Catch and release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been a hot spot. The most effective technique has been to swing soft hackles on low water. The best patterns have been partridge and orange or small hares ear soft hackles. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and lightly stained. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. The Norfork has been fishing particularly well. The crowds have diminished a bit and the fish are a bit larger and more plentiful. The most productive nymphs have been zebra midges and Norfork bead heads. Black has been the hot color. There has also been some pretty spectacular hopper action. The best hopper patterns have been western foam in tan with rubber legs. Try a sowbug dropper in the upper river and a midge dropper in the lower river. Others have reported success by fishing deeper holes with olive woolly buggers. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. Have your youngster fish a short line and set the hook quickly. Do not rush the fight. A lot of fish are lost by trying to land them too quickly. Carry a big net. Use heavy tippet (at least 4X). Do not avoid moving around. There are good fish everywhere. The water level on the Spring River is high and stained. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 9/09/2010 During the past week, we have had some rain (thanks to hurricane Hermine) and a bit cooler temperatures. The skies have been generally sunny and we have had several days with strong winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one tenth of a foot to rest at one foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty two feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one and five 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 remained steady at four and three tenths of a foot below power pool or thirteen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation over night and in the morning with heavier generation in the afternoon (during peak power demand) with some significant periods of no generation. This made for very limited wading and some great drift fishing conditions. Norfork Lake remained steady at one and five tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty nine and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had significant periods of no generation daily which has created some reliable wading. All of the lakes on the White River System are below power pool and we should have more wadable water. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The dissolved oxygen levels on the White and Norfork Rivers have dropped below the State standard of six parts per million. This problem will be more prevalent near either dam. Please be careful when fighting and releasing fish to avoid stressing them in these areas. Carefully revive and release all trout caught. Though they are still working, grasshoppers seem to be on the wane this past week. The cooler temperatures, particularly in the morning, seem to have slowed them down. If you catch a sunny, windy afternoon give them a try. After a heavy rain like we received this week, try a brightly colored San Juan worm. Rains wash worms into the river and the trout key in on these tasty morsels. The most effective colors have been cerise and hot fluorescent pink. Add plenty of weight to make sure you get them down. The lower flows we have received early in the day have been perfect for fishing nymphs. Small zebra midges, black or red with silver wire and silver bead in size sixteen or fourteen have been the go to flies. Fish them with a bit of lead eighteen inches above the fly and a strike indicator set at the depth of the water. When the flows increase go to a hot fluorescent pink worm with a zebra midge dropper. On the higher flows we have been receiving later in the day, the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The best colors for the San Juan worms have been red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise. The best colors for the eggs have been orange and peach. Rim Shoals has been a hot spot. We have been getting a caddis hatch in the afternoon. The insects are tan and size sixteen or eighteen. The most effective technique has been to swing soft hackles. The best patterns have been partridge and orange or hare’s ear soft hackles. Fishing the deeper holes with olive or brown woolly buggers has also been effective. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. The Norfork has been fishing particularly well. The crowds have diminished a bit and the fish are a bit larger. The most productive nymphs have been zebra midges and Norfork bead heads. Black has been the hot color. There has also been some pretty spectacular hopper action. The best hopper patterns have been western foam in tan with rubber legs. Try a sowbug dropper in the upper river and a midge dropper in the lower river. Others have reported success by fishing deeper holes with olive woolly buggers. On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork later in the afternoon, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. The most effective technique is to high stick nymphs. There is very little room to cast. Carry the biggest net you can find. I use a large rubber bagged boat net. Do not forget the camera. This is where dreams are made. The water level on the Spring River is high and stained. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is on the wane (the canoe season normally ends on Labor Day). Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 9/02/2010 During the past week, we have had a moderate rain event and a bit cooler temperatures. The skies have been sunny and there has been little wind. The best time to fish has been early morning. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four tenths of a foot to rest at one and one tenth of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty two and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths of a foot below power pool or seventeen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at four and three tenths of a foot below power pool or thirteen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light generation over night and in the morning with very heavy generation in the afternoon (during peak power demand) with some brief periods of no generation. This made for very limited wading and some great drift fishing conditions. Norfork Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at one and five tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty nine and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had significant periods of no generation daily which has created some reliable wading. All of the lakes on the White River System are below power pool and we should have more wadable water. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The dissolved oxygen levels on the White and Norfork Rivers have dropped below the State standard of six parts per million. This problem will be more prevalent near either dam. Please be careful when fighting and releasing fish to avoid stressing them in these areas. Carefully revive and release all trout caught. Fishing on the White has been universally good from Bull Shoals Dam to Buffalo Shoals. The hot technique has been to fish hoppers. Try foam hoppers or Dave’s hoppers. Rubber legs are a plus. Use a stout six weight rod with a seven and a half foot 3X leader. Cast the fly to the bank or work structure. For added action tie a dropper around the bend of the hook with 5X tippet. A black zebra midge or a sow bug would be a good choice. Hang on, the takes can be vicious. The lower flows we have received early in the day have been perfect for fishing nymphs. Small zebra midges, black or red with silver wire and silver bead in size sixteen or fourteen have been the go to flies. Fish them with a bit of lead eighteen inches above the fly and a strike indicator set at the depth of the water. When the flows increase go to a hot fluorescent pink worm with a zebra midge dropper. On the higher flows we have been receiving later in the day, the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The best colors for the San Juan worms have been red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise. The best colors for the eggs have been orange and peach. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and lightly stained. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. The Norfork has been fishing particularly well. The crowds have diminished a bit and the fish are a bit larger. The most productive nymphs have been zebra midges and Norfork bead heads. Black has been the hot color. There has also been some pretty spectacular hopper action. The best hopper patterns have been western foam in tan with rubber legs. Try a sowbug dropper in the upper river and a midge dropper in the lower river. Others have reported success by fishing deeper holes with olive woolly buggers. On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork later in the afternoon, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. With school starting again, the crowds are somewhat diminished particularly during the week. While you are there take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery, it is fascinating. The water level on the Spring River is low and lightly stained. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you should fish during the week. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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.

Wildcat Shoals to Cotter or Cotter to Rim Shoals are both nice floats. Check with Gary at Rim Shoals Trout Dock for a shuttle.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 8/26/2010 During the past week, we have had no discernable rain and a bit cooler temperatures. The skies have been sunny and there has been little wind. The best time to fish has been early morning. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell eight tenths 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. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at one and two tenths of a foot below power pool or seventeen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at three and nine tenths of a foot below power pool or thirteen and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had little or no generation over night and in the morning with very heavy generation in the afternoon (during peak power demand). This made for some excellent wading and some great drift fishing conditions. Norfork Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at one and one tenth of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty nine and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had periods of no generation daily which has created some fairly reliable wading. The lakes are below power pool and we have wadable water. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The dissolved oxygen level on the White and Norfork Rivers have dropped below the State standard of six parts per million. This problem will be more prevalent near either dam. Please be careful when fighting and releasing fish to avoid stressing them. Fishing on the White has been universally good from Bull Shoals Dam to Buffalo Shoals. The hot technique has been to fish hoppers. Try foam hoppers or Dave’s hoppers. Rubber legs are a plus. Use a stout six weight rod with a seven and a half foot 3X leader. Cast the fly to the bank or work structure. For added action tie a dropper around the bend of the hook with 5X tippet. A black zebra midge or a sow bug would be a good choice. Hang on, the takes can be vicious. The lower flows we have received early in the day have been perfect for fishing nymphs. Small zebra midges, black or red with silver wire and silver bead in size sixteen or fourteen have been the go to flies. Fish them with a bit of lead eighteen inches above the fly and a strike indicator set at the depth of the water. Strikes can be subtle. When in doubt, set the hook! On the higher flows we have been receiving later in the day, the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The best colors for the San Juan worms have been red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise. The best colors for the eggs have been orange and peach. You must add a substantial amount of weight to the leader to get the fly down and use a large strike indicator to float the rig. Concentrate on working near banks, structure and submerged weed beds. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are very low and gin clear. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. On the Norfork, the key to success has been to fish soft hackles and emergers during the midge hatches. The fish have been quite selective and keying in on tiny midges. The hot fly has been Dan’s turkey tail emerger (size 22). The most productive nymphs have been zebra midges and Norfork bead heads. Black has been the hot color. There has also been some pretty spectacular hopper action. On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork later in the afternoon, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. With school starting again, the crowds are somewhat diminished particularly during the week. If your favorite spot is taken, don’t worry. There are fish everywhere. Remember that this is strictly Catch and Release. Be sure and pinch down all barbs and no bait is allowed. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you should fish during the week. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 8/21/2010 During the past week, we have had no discernable rain and a bit cooler temperatures (it was still in the nineties). The skies have been sunny and there has been little wind. With the hot temperatures we have been receiving, the best time to fish has been early morning. Wet wading has been the way to go and do not forget to drink plenty of water. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell nine tenths of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot below power pool or sixteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at three and three tenths of a foot below power pool or twelve and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had little or no generation over night and in the morning with very heavy generation in the afternoon (during peak power demand). This made for some excellent wading and some great drift fishing conditions. Norfork Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at five tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had periods of no generation daily which has created some fairly reliable wading. The lakes are all at or below power pool and we have wadable water. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. Fishing on the White has been universally good from Bull Shoals dam to Rim Shoals. The hot technique has been to fish hoppers. Try foam hoppers or Dave’s hoppers. Rubber legs are a plus. Use a stout six weight rod with a seven and a half foot 3X leader. Cast the fly to the bank or work structure. For added action tie a dropper around the bend of the hook with 5X tippet. A black zebra midge or a sow bug would be a good choice. Hang on, the takes can be vicious. The lower flows we have received early in the day have been perfect for fishing nymphs. Small zebra midges, black or red with silver wire and silver bead in size sixteen or fourteen have been the go to flies. Fish them with a bit of lead eighteen inches above the fly and a strike indicator set at the depth of the water. Strikes can be subtle. When in doubt, set the hook! On the higher flows we have been receiving later in the day, the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The best colors for the San Juan worms have been red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise. The best colors for the eggs have been orange and peach. You must add a substantial amount of weight to the leader to get the fly down and use a large strike indicator to float the rig. Concentrate on working near banks, structure and submerged weed beds. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are very low and gin clear. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. On the Norfork, the key to success has been to fish soft hackles and emergers during the midge hatches. The fish have been quite selective and keying in on tiny midges. The hot fly has been Dan’s turkey tail emerger (size 22). The most productive nymphs have been zebra midges and Norfork bead heads. Black has been the hot color. There has also been some pretty spectacular hopper action. On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork later in the afternoon, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. With school starting again, the crowds are somewhat diminished particularly during the week. In addition to children under sixteen years of age, handicapped adults are allowed to fish here. You must have a handicap fishing license. A handicap hang tag is not enough. Adult handicapped anglers are restricted to the boardwalks. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you should fish during the week. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 8/14/2010 During the past week, we have had a minor rain event, ever hotter temperatures (to include heat advisories) and high humidity. The skies have been sunny and there has been little wind. With the brutally hot temperatures we have been receiving, the best time to fish has been early morning. Wet wading has been the way to go and do not forget to take plenty of water with you. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at five tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell eight tenths of a foot to rest at two and six tenths of a foot below power pool or twelve and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had little or no generation over night and in the morning with very heavy generation in the afternoon (during peak power demand). This made for some excellent wading and some great drift fishing conditions. Norfork Lake fell five 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 periods of no generation daily which has created some fairly reliable wading. The lakes are all at or near power pool and we should receive more wadable water. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The lower flows we have received early in the day have been perfect for fishing nymphs. Small zebra midges, black or red with silver wire and silver bead in size sixteen or fourteen have been the go to flies. Fish them with a bit of lead eighteen inches above the fly and a strike indicator set at the depth of the water. Strikes can be subtle. When in doubt, set the hook! On the higher flows we have been receiving later in the day, the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The best colors for the San Juan worms have been red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise. The best colors for the eggs have been orange and peach. You must add a substantial amount of weight to the leader to get the fly down and use a large strike indicator to float the rig. Concentrate on working near banks, structure and submerged weed beds. Wildcat Shoals has been particularly hot. The periods of no generation have been very productive. The hot flies have been zebra midges either red with silver wire and silver bead or black with silver wire and silver bead. The best sizes have been sixteen. Other productive flies have been olive woolly buggers and partridge and orange soft hackles. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. On the Norfork, the key to success has been to fish soft hackles and emergers during the midge hatches. The fish have been quite selective and keying in on tiny midges. The hot fly has been Dan’s turkey tail emerger (size 22). The most productive nymphs have been zebra midges and Norfork bead heads. Black has been the hot color. There has also been some pretty spectacular hopper action. On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork later in the afternoon, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and cerise San Juan worms. This has been a great place to beat the heat. The creek is located in a deep valley with extensive tree cover and cold water. Fish the White or Norfork River in the morning and then take your youngster to Dry Run Creek in the afternoon, when things begin to heat up. Remember to treat the fish with care. Always wet your hands before handling fish and release them quickly. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you should fish during the week. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 8/07/2010 During the past week, we have had no rain, even hotter temperatures (to include heat advisories) and high humidity. The skies have been sunny and there has been little wind. With the brutally hot temperatures we have been receiving, the best time to fish has been early morning. Wet wading has been the way to go and do not forget to take plenty of water with you. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell eight tenths of a foot to rest at one foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at nine tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths 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 light or no generation over night and in the morning with heavy generation in the afternoon (during peak power demand). This made for some excellent wading and some great drift fishing conditions. Norfork Lake fell one 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 some periods of no generation daily which has created some fairly reliable wading. The lakes are all at or near power pool and we should receive more wadable water. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The lower flows we have received early in the day have been perfect for fishing grasshoppers. These are large wind resistant flies and require shorter leaders (nine feet or less), heavy tippets (at least 4X) and a substantial rod (a six or a seven weight). Work the bank and heavy structure. Cast the fly so that it splashes down and give it a twitch from time to time to imitate a struggling insect. Work the banks and pay particular attention to structure. This is where the bigger fish will be located. This technique can generate some vicious strikes. Add a dropper fly to the bend of the hook on the grasshopper and increase your hookups. A red zebra midge would be a good choice. On the higher flows we have been receiving later in the day, the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The best colors for the San Juan worms have been red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise. The best colors for the eggs have been orange and peach. You must add a substantial amount of weight to the leader to get the fly down and use a large strike indicator to float the rig. Concentrate on working near banks, structure and submerged weed beds. The section from White Hole down to Cotter has been red hot. The periods of no generation have been particularly productive. The hot flies have been zebra midges either red with silver wire and silver bead or black with silver wire and silver bead. The best sizes have been sixteen and eighteen. Other productive flies have been olive woolly buggers and copper Johns. The alga problem that we had earlier in the year is completely cleared on the White and Norfork. The water has been gin clear and lighter tippets have been the norm. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. On the Norfork, the key to success has been to fish soft hackles and emergers during the midge hatches. The fish have been quite selective and keying in on tiny midges. The hot fly has been Dan’s turkey tail emerger (size 22). The most productive nymphs have been zebra midges and Norfork bead heads. Black has been the hot color. There has also been some pretty spectacular hopper action. Try a size ten Dave’s hopper or Rainey’s hopper in tan. On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork later in the afternoon, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. This has been a great place to beat the heat. The creek is located in a deep valley with extensive tree cover and cold water. Fish the White or Norfork River in the morning and then take your youngster to Dry Run Creek in the afternoon when things begin to heat up. Take a picnic lunch with you. There are a few picnic tables on the creek, which make it a great place to enjoy the cool temperatures and spectacular scenery. The water level on the Spring River is low and clear. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you should fish during the week. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 7/31/2010 During the past week, we have had no rain and continued hot temperatures and high humidity. With the brutally hot temperatures we have been receiving, the best time to fish has been early morning. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one and four tenths of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty nine and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at one and six tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and for tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell nine 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 steady generation with heavy generation in the afternoon (during peak power demand) with a bit of wadable water thrown in. This made foe some excellent wading and some great drift fishing conditions. Norfork Lake fell one and five tenths of a foot to rest at one and seven tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty six and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had some periods of no generation daily which has created some fairly reliable wading. The lakes are near power pool and we should receive more wadable water. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The lower flows we have received early in the day have been perfect for fishing grasshoppers. These are large wind resistant flies and require shorter leaders (nine feet or less), heavy tippets (at least 4X) and a substantial rod (a six or a seven weight). Work the bank and heavy structure. Cast the fly so that it splashes down and give it a twitch from time to time to imitate a struggling insect. Work the banks and pay particular attention to structure. This is where the bigger fish will be located. This technique can generate some vicious strikes. Add a dropper fly to the bend of the hook on the grasshopper and increase your hookups. A couple of good flies for this would be a small copper John or a black zebra midge. On the higher flows we have been receiving later in the day, the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The best colors for the San Juan worms have been red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise. The best colors for the eggs have been orange and peach. You must add a substantial amount of weight to the leader to get the fly down and use a large strike indicator to float the rig. Concentrate on working near banks, structure and submerged weed beds. The section from Rim Shoals down to Buffalo Shoals has been particularly good. The hot flies here were tan grasshoppers. Other productive patterns were zebra midges in red with silver wire and silver bead and disco midges. Olive woolly buggers, pheasant tails and copper Johns also accounted for a lot of fish. The alga problem that we had earlier in the year is completely cleared on the White and Norfork. .Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and clear. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. On the Norfork, the key to success has been to fish soft hackles and emergers during the midge hatches. The fish have been quite selective and keying in on tiny midges. The hot fly has been Dan’s turkey tail emerger (size 22). There has also been some pretty spectacular hopper action. Try a size ten Dave’s hopper or Rainey’s hopper in tan. On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork later in the afternoon, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. This has been a great place to beat the heat. The creek is located in a deep valley with extensive tree cover and cold water. Fish the White or Norfork River in the morning and then take your youngster to Dry Run Creek in the afternoon when things begin to heat up. Use at least 4X tippet and carry the biggest net that you can lay your hands on. The fish here are huge. Do not forget the camera. The water level on the Spring River is low and much clearer. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you should fish during the week. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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.

Go to Rim Shoals Trout Dock. They run a shuttle to wadable water in the Rim Shoals area.

I ran two differant paragraphs from a recent column and it said that my style was like Stephan King.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 7/22/2010 During the past week, we have had no rain and hotter temperatures. With the brutally hot temperatures we have been receiving, the best time to fish has been early morning. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at three and two tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty seven and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at two feet above power pool or fourteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at five tenths of a foot above power pool or nine and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had round the clock generation with heavy generation in the afternoon (during peak power demand). There has been little wading but some great drift fishing conditions. Norfork Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at three and two tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty five and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had some periods of no generation daily which has created some limited wading. The lakes are near power pool and we should receive more wadable water soon. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The lower flows we have received early in the day have been perfect for fishing grasshoppers. These are large wind resistant flies and require shorter leaders (nine feet or less), heavy tippets (at least 4X) and a substantial rod (at least a six weight). Work the bank and heavy structure. Cast the fly so that it splashes down and give it a twitch from time to time to imitate a struggling insect. Work the banks and pay particular attention to structure. This is where the bigger fish will be located. This technique can generate some vicious strikes. Add a dropper fly to the bend of the hook on the grasshopper and increase your hookups. A couple of good flies for this would be a small copper John or a black zebra midge. On the higher flows we have been receiving later in the day, the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The best colors for the San Juan worms have been red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise. The best colors for the eggs have been orange and peach. You must add a substantial amount of weight to the leader to get the fly down and use a large strike indicator to float the rig. Concentrate on working near banks, structure and submerged weed beds. Rim Shoals has been a hot spot. The hot flies here were tan grasshoppers. Other productive patterns were zebra midges in black with silver bead and silver wire, brown with copper wire and copper bead, red with silver wire and silver bead and disco midges. Olive woolly buggers, pheasant tails and copper Johns also accounted for a lot of fish. .Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are higher and stained. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. On the Norfork, the key to success has been to fish soft hackles and emergers during the midge hatches. The fish have been quite selective and keying in on tiny midges. The hot fly has been Dan’s turkey tail emerger (size 22). On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork later in the afternoon, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. Be sure and take a camera. It is important to carry one that has a flash. With the heavy tree cover on the creek there are some times when there is insufficient light to take a good photograph. Remember that the creek is Catch and Release. No bait is allowed and all hooks must be barbless. The water level on the Spring River is high and it is heavily stained. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you should fish during the week. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 7/15/2010 During the past week, we have had a major rain event and warmer temperatures. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and two tenths feet to rest at three and nine tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty seven and one tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at two and one tenth feet above power pool or thirteen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to rest seven tenths of a foot above power pool or eight and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had significant periods of no generation every day with short periods of moderate to heavy generation in the afternoon. This has created perfect wading conditions. Norfork Lake rose one and four tenths of a foot to rest at three and six tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty four and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had significant periods of no generation daily which has created some great wading. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The heavy rain we had this past week (six inches over two days in my rain gauge) has had little effect on lake levels. The heavy foliage cover helped prevent a lot of the run off. The White and Norfork were severely stained for a while and fished poorly during that period. We had some heavy generation over the week end but then had some long periods of no generation followed by moderate generation in the afternoon. This has created some spectacular wading conditions. The key to success following heavy rains, like we have experienced, is to fish San Juan worms. A lot of worms are flushed into the river during the rain and the trout key in on these tasty morsels. In heavily stained water use brightly colored worms (hot fluorescent pink and cerise). When the water clears a bit try red or worm brown San Juan worms. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals dam has been red hot and has produced numbers of good fish. The hot flies have been various midge patterns. This is a great place to fish when the river is muddy as the water coming through the dam is always clear. Another hot spot has been Rim Shoals. There were few sulphurs coming off and the fish did not seem to be keying in on them like they have been (a few fish have been caught on copper Johns). The hot flies here were midges. The most productive patterns were zebra midges in black with silver bead and silver wire, brown with copper wire and copper bead, red with silver wire and silver bead and disco midges. Olive woolly buggers and sowbugs also accounted for a lot of fish. With low wadable water and warm summer temperatures, it is time to start fishing grasshoppers. These are large wind resistant flies and require shorter leaders (nine feet or less), heavy tippets (at least 4X) and a substantial rod (at least a six weight). Work the bank and heavy structure. Cast the fly so that it splashes down and give it a twitch from time to time to imitate a struggling insect. This technique can generate some vicious strikes. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are higher and stained. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. With the lower flows we have received on the Norfork, the key to success has been to fish soft hackles and emergers during the midge hatches. The fish have been quite selective and keying in on tiny midges. The hot fly has been Dan’s turkey tail emerger (size 22). On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork later in the afternoon, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Try a dropper here. Use a sow bug near the dam and a copper John on the lower river. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. Use at least 4X tippet and carry the biggest net that you can lay your hands on. This is a great place to beat the heat. This tight little valley is always a few degrees cooler. Take a picnic basket. This is also a great place to have lunch. The water level on the Spring River is high and it is heavily stained. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you should fish during the week. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 7/08/2010 During the past week, we have had rain, moderate winds and warm temperatures. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose three tenths feet to rest at two and seven tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty eight and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at two and two tenths feet above power pool or thirteen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at one and four tenths of a foot above power pool or eight and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had significant periods of no generation every day with short periods of moderate to heavy generation in the afternoon. This has created perfect wading conditions. Norfork Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at two and two tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty five and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had significant periods of no generation daily which has created some great wading. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The low water we received this past week produced some absolutely spectacular fishing. There were reports of exceptional fishing from every section of the rivers. Though on the wane, the sulphurs are still coming off. Before the hatch, fish copper Johns or pheasant tail nymphs (size fourteen or sixteen) under an indicator. When you trout begin feeding on the top, but you see no insects switch over to partridge and orange or partridge and yellow soft hackles. When you observe fish keying in on adult insets, switch over to sulphur parachutes. Hot spots for this hatch have been the section from White Hole down to Cotter, with Wildcat Shoals the epicenter. Another hot spot has been Rim Shoals. There were few sulphurs coming off and the fish did not seem to be keying in on them like they were upstream. The hot flies here were midges. The most productive patterns were zebra midges in black with silver bead and silver wire, brown with copper wire and copper bead, red with silver wire and silver bead and disco midges. Olive woolly buggers and sowbugs also accounted for a lot of fish. With low wadable water and warm summer temperatures, it is time to start fishing grasshoppers. These are large wind resistant flies and require shorter leaders (nine feet or less), heavy tippets (at least 4X) and a substantial rod (at least a six weight). Work the bank and heavy structure. Cast the fly so that it splashes down and give it a twitch from time to time to imitate a struggling insect. This technique can generate some vicious strikes. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are higher and stained. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. With the lower flows we have received on the Norfork, the key to success has been to fish soft hackles and emergers during the midge hatches. The hot fly has been Dan’s turkey tail emerger. On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork later in the afternoon, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Try a dropper here. Use a sow bug near the dam and a copper John on the lower river. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. Use at least 4X tippet and carry the biggest net that you can lay your hands on. While you are there take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. Please remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clear. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you should fish during the week. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 7/01/2010 During the past week, we have had some light rain, moderate winds and much milder temperatures. The Corps of Engineers has continued their aggressive draw down of the lakes. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell two and four tenths feet to rest at two and four tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty eight and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at two feet above power pool or fourteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two and six tenths of a foot to rest at one and six tenths of a foot above power pool or eight feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had heavy generation with some significant periods of no generation. Norfork Lake fell one and seven tenths feet to rest at two and six tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty five and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation with several periods of no generation. It appears like we will receive some lower flows and wadable water over the Fourth of July holiday. The lakes are all near power pool and we should receive lower flows after the holiday. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. On the higher flows, we have been receiving; the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (peach and orange). You will need long tippet leader combinations (up to twelve feet) and plenty of lead (AAA split shot). One of the most successful tactics has been to fish droppers. Rig a San Juan worm or egg as you normally would. Then tie a twenty inch 5X tippet to the bend of the hook (use an improved clinch knot) on the worm and tie a small nymph (try a copper John) on the tag end. Fish as you normally would. Most fish will be caught on the nymph. The sulphurs are still coming off. Before the hatch, fish copper Johns or pheasant tail nymphs (size fourteen or sixteen) under an indicator. When you trout begin feeding on the top, but you see no insects switch over to partridge and orange or partridge and yellow soft hackles. When you observe fish keying in on adult insets, switch over to sulphur parachutes. Hot spots for this hatch have been Roundhouse Shoals and Wildcat Shoals. We have a significant alga bloom on the White and Norfork. When the water rises, a significant amount of it is washed downstream. This dirties the water and makes for difficult fishing as you must constantly clean the alga from your hook. It has significantly cleared out on the Norfork but remains a problem on the White. The upper river below Bull Shoals Dam is clear. It has started to clear on the White and is greatly diminished. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and lightly stained. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are active. Try Clouser minnows or 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. With the lower flows we have received early in the day, the key to success has been to fish soft hackles and emergers during the midge hatches. The hot fly has been Dan’s turkey tail emerger. On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Try a dropper here. Use a sow bug near the dam and a copper John on the lower river. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. Expect this place to be crowded over the Fourth of July holiday. You can fish early or late to avoid the crowds. There are fish everywhere. Use at least 4X tippet and carry the biggest net that you can lay your hands on. The fish are huge and most are lost at the net. Don’t forget to take a camera to record the memories. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clear. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you can fish at the Lassiter Access. This is upstream of the put in point for most of the canoe outfitters. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 6/24/2010 During the past week, we have had no measurable rain, moderate winds and brutally hot temperatures (in excess of 100 degrees). The Corps of Engineers has continued their aggressive draw down of the lakes. In addition, the heat wave has created a call for more generation during peak demand times to supply the power for increased air conditioner usage. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three and three tenths feet to rest at four and eight tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty six and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at four and two tenths of a foot above power pool or five and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had round the clock generation with no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell two feet to rest at four and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty three and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had round the clock generation with a couple of brief periods of no generation (at night). Based on the speed that they are drawing down the lakes, I estimate that it will take two weeks to complete. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. On the higher flows, we have been receiving; the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (peach and orange). You will need long tippet leader combinations (up to twelve feet) and plenty of lead (AAA split shot). One of the most successful tactics has been to fish droppers. Rig a San Juan worm or egg as you normally would. Then tie a twenty inch 5X tippet to the bend of the hook (use an improved clinch knot) on the worm and tie a small nymph (try a copper John) on the tag end. Fish as you normally would. Most fish will be caught on the nymph. Another effective technique for high water is to bang the bank with large streamers (try zoo cougars or large sculpin patterns). You will need to use fast sinking sink-tips (250 to 300 grains). To handle this line you will need at least an eight weight fly rod. The trick is to cast to the bank or other structure and strip the line in as you drift. Vary the strip to see what speed the trout will respond to. This is tough work and will weary the arm quickly. Keep one rod rigged for nymphing and switch off from time to time. The sulphurs are still out but with the high flows there have been few fish keying in on them. Look for side channels or quieter flows near the bank. If you want to wade on high flows (up to 17,000 CFS) you can obtain the services of the 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 return. We have a significant alga bloom on the White and Norfork. When the water rises, a significant amount of it is washed downstream. This dirties the water and makes for difficult fishing as you must constantly clean the alga from your hook. It has significantly cleared out on the Norfork but remains a problem on the White. The upper river below Bull Shoals Dam is clear. It is considered a temporary problem and should clear out soon. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and stained. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are becoming 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. On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Try a dropper here. Use a sow bug near the dam and a copper John on the lower river. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. With summer here expect more families to be fishing here. This is the perfect place to beat the heat. The tight little valley that the creek is in is heavily shaded and is always several degrees cooler than the surrounding area. Take a picnic lunch and make a day of it. Remember that the stream is strictly Catch and release and no bait is allowed. Only barbless single hooks are allowed. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clear. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you can fish at the Lassiter Access. This is upstream of the put in point for most of the canoe outfitters. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. It is hot enough to wet wade on Dry Run Creek and the Spring River. Wear your wading boots and neoprene booties to protect your feet and provide traction on the rock bottom. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Carry plenty of water and hydrate often. 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 6/19/2010 During the past week, we have had no measurable rain, moderate winds and warmer temperatures. The Corps of Engineers has been aggressively drawing down the lakes. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three feet to rest at eight and one tenth feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty two and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at two feet above power pool or fourteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at four and seven tenths of a foot above power pool or four and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had round the clock generation with precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake fell one and two tenths feet to rest at six and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty one and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had limited generation with a few periods of no generation (mostly at night) that allowed for very limited wading. Based on the speed that they are drawing down the lakes, I estimate that it will take three weeks to complete. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. On the higher flows, we have been receiving; the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (peach and orange). You will need long tippet leader combinations (up to twelve feet) and plenty of lead (AAA split shot). One of the most successful tactics has been to fish droppers. Rig a San Juan worm or egg as you normally would. Then tie a twenty inch 5X tippet to the bend of the hook (use an improved clinch knot) on the worm and tie a small nymph (try a copper John) on the tag end. Fish as you normally would. Most fish will be caught on the nymph. Another effective technique for high water is to bang the bank with large streamers (try zoo cougars or large sculpin patterns). You will need to use fast sinking sink-tips (250 to 300 grains). To handle this line you will need at least an eight weight fly rod. The trick is to cast to the bank or other structure and strip the line in as you drift. Vary the strip to see what speed the trout will respond to. This is tough work and will weary the arm quickly. Keep one rod rigged for nymphing and switch off from time to time. The sulphurs are now in full swing. This is our major mayfly hatch of the year. They are yellow to orange mayflies that are size fourteen when the hatch begins and will get progressively smaller as the hatch continues, generally ending at size eighteen. The best way to fish this hatch is to fish copper John or pheasant tail nymphs before the hatch starts. When the fish begin feeding on emerging sulphurs, switch over to partridge and yellow or partridge and orange soft hackles. When you observe trout taking adult insects, change over to sulphur parachutes. The key to success is a perfect drag free drift. Rim Shoals has been a hot spot. The hot fly here has been copper Johns and prince nymphs. If you want to wade on high flows (up to 17,000 CFS) you can obtain the services of the 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 return. We have a significant alga bloom on the White and Norfork. When the water rises, a significant amount of it is washed down stream. This dirties the water and makes for difficult fishing as you must constantly clean the alga from your hook. It has significantly cleared out on the Norfork but remains a problem on the White. The upper river below Bull Shoals Dam is clear. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and lightly stained. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are becoming 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. On the Norfork, we received wadable water earlier in the week and there have been some nice midge hatches. The hot flies have been parachute Adams (size 20 -24), black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Try a dropper here. Use a sow bug near the dam and a copper John on the lower river. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. With summer here expect more families to be fishing here. It can get crowded, particularly on the weekends. You can fish early or late to avoid the crowds. While you are there, take a few minutes to tour the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Please remove your waders to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clear. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you can fish at the Lassiter Access. This is upstream of the put in point for most of the canoe outfitters. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 6/10/2010 During the past week, we have had no measurable rain, moderate winds and warmer temperatures. Flooding receded downstream and the Corps of Engineers has begun drawing down the lakes. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell two and one tenth feet to rest at eleven and one tenth feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty nine and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at one and nine tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at five and one tenth of a foot above power pool or four and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had round the clock generation with one brief period of low water to accommodate the ladies from Casting for Recovery last Sunday. Norfork Lake fell one and one tenth of a foot to rest at seven and five tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had limited generation with a few periods of no generation (mostly at night) that allowed for limited wading. Now that an aggressive draw down of the lakes has begun, I estimate that it will take at least a month to complete. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. On the higher flows, we have been receiving; the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (peach and orange). You will need long tippet leader combinations (up to twelve feet) and plenty of lead (AAA split shot). One of the most successful tactics has been to fish droppers. Rig a San Juan worm or egg as you normally would. Then tie a twenty inch 5X tippet to the bend of the hook (use an improved clinch knot) on the worm and tie a small nymph (try a copper John) on the tag end. Fish as you normally would. Most fish will be caught on the nymph. The caddis hatch is essentially over. The sulphurs are now in full swing. This is our major mayfly hatch of the year. They are yellow to orange mayflies that are size fourteen when the hatch begins and will get progressively smaller as the hatch continues, generally ending at size eighteen. The best way to fish this hatch is to fish copper John or pheasant tail nymphs before the hatch starts. When the fish begin feeding on emerging sulphurs, switch over to partridge and yellow or partridge and orange soft hackles. When you observe trout taking adult insects, change over to sulphur parachutes. The key to success is a perfect drag free drift. Most of the best top water action has been on the upper river from White Hole down to Rim Shoals. The hot spots have been the Narrows, Wildcat Shoals and Roundhouse Shoals in Cotter. Rim Shoals has been another hot spot. The hot fly here has been copper Johns and prince nymphs. If you want to wade on high flows (up to 17,000 CFS) you can obtain the services of the 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 return. We have a significant alga bloom on the White and Norfork. When the water rises, a significant amount of it is washed down stream. This dirties the water and makes for difficult fishing as you must constantly clean the alga from your hook. It has significantly cleared out on the Norfork but remains a problem on the White. The upper river below Bull Shoals Dam is clear. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and clearer. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are becoming 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. On the Norfork, we received wadable water earlier in the week and there have been some nice midge hatches. The hot flies have been elk hair caddis, parachute Adams (size 20 -24), green butts, bead head green butts and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Try a dropper here. Use a sow bug near the dam and a copper John on the lower river. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. With summer here expect more families to be fishing here. It can get crowded, particularly on the weekends. You can fish early or late to avoid the crowds. There are fish everywhere. Spread out and try new spots. The most successful technique is to fish a nymph under an indicator with a short line. There is very little room to cast here. The water level on the Spring River is lower and clear. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance. To avoid them, you can fish at the Lassiter Access. This is upstream of the put in point for most of the canoe outfitters. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. 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 5/27/2010 During the past week, we have had even more rain, which has continued to raise lake levels. The Corps of Engineers continued their reduced levels of generation to prevent flooding down stream. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose four and nine tenths feet to rest at twelve and three tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty eight and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at two and eight tenths of a foot above power pool or thirteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose one and eight tenths feet to rest at five and six tenths of a foot above power pool or four feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had several substantial periods of no generation, which created some excellent wading conditions. Norfork Lake rose two and six tenths of a foot to rest at eight and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nineteen and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had limited generation with several significant periods of no generation that allowed for some excellent wading. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The caddis hatches have been greatly reduced. There are, however, some sulphurs appearing. This is our major mayfly hatch of the year. They are yellow to orange mayflies that are size fourteen when the hatch begins and will get progressively smaller as the hatch continues, generally ending at size eighteen. The best way to fish this hatch is to fish copper John or pheasant tail nymphs before the hatch starts. When the fish begin feeding on emerging sulphurs switch over to partridge and yellow soft hackles. When you observe trout taking adult insects, change over to sulphur parachutes. The key to success is a perfect drag free drift. Most of the best top water action has been on the upper river from White Hole down to Rim Shoals. The hot spots have been Wildcat Shoals and Roundhouse Shoals in Cotter. Rim Shoals has been another hot spot. The hot fly here has been the prince nymph and JB’s bead head green butt. If you want to wade on high flows you can obtain the services of the 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 return. We have a significant alga bloom on the White and Norfork. When the water rises a significant amount of it is washed down stream. This dirties the water and makes for difficult fishing as you must constantly clean the alga from your hook. It has significantly cleared out on the Norfork but remains a problem on the White. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are both high and muddy. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are becoming 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. On the Norfork, we have received reliable wadable water almost every day and there have been some nice midge hatches. Fishing conditions during the week have been excellent. The hot flies have been elk hair parachute Adams (size 20 -24), green butts, bead head green butts and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. Many families are taking advantage of all of the recent streamside improvements. In addition to bank stabilization and trout habitat, there are now some conveniently placed picnic tables that take advantage of some spectacular scenery and make for an awesome place to have a streamside lunch. The water level on the Spring River is high and stained. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. The hot spot has been Dam Three access. 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.

These are a strain of hybrid trout stocked by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission last year when they needed some extra trout because of a short fall in production at the state hatchery due to the flood on the the Spring River. They were obtained from a commercial hatchery in Missouri.

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/20/2010 During the past week, we have had seemingly unending rain, thunderstorms and strong winds (to include lake wind advisories). The rain has caused a significant rise in lake levels. The Corps of Engineers continued their reduced levels of generation to prevent flooding down stream. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose four feet to rest at seven and four tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty three and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one and nine tenths of a foot to rest at three and five tenths of a foot above power pool or twelve and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose three and two tenths feet to rest at three and eight tenths of a foot above power pool or five feet and eight tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had several substantial periods of no generation, which created some excellent wading conditions. Norfork Lake rose one and seven tenths of a foot to rest at five and seven tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty two and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had limited generation with several significant periods of no generation that allowed for some excellent wading. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. While the caddis hatches continued this week, they are not as heavy or spectacular as they were last week. Two major insects were coming off, the grannom and rhyacophilia caddis. The grannom are the smaller of the two (size sixteen) and had a darker wing and tan body. The rhyacophilia were larger (size fourteen) with a lighter wing and green body. The best tactic has been to fish caddis pupa (green or tan) in size fourteen or sixteen under an indicator when there is no top water activity. Bead head green butts and red fox squirrel nymphs have also produced fish. When the trout began keying in on the emergers you switch to soft hackles. Effective flies for this stage have been green butts (my favorite), partridge and green or partridge and orange soft hackles and hares ear soft hackles. When you observe trout taking adult insects, switch to fishing dry flies. The go to fly is the elk hair caddis in size fourteen or sixteen. If there is some confusion as to which dry fly to fish under multiple hatch conditions, try fishing multiple flies. Tie a twenty four section to the bend of the hook of one fly and the eye of the other. This also makes it easier to spot the fly on the water with so many insects around. Most of the best top water action has been on the upper river from White Hole down to Rim Shoals. The hot spots have been Wildcat Shoals and Roundhouse Shoals in Cotter. Rim Shoals has been another hot spot. The hot fly here has been the prince nymph. If you want to wade on high flows you can obtain the services of the 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 return. We have a significant algae bloom on the White and Norfork. When the water rises a significant amount of it is washed down stream. This dirties the water and makes for difficult fishing as you must constantly clean the algae from your hook. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are both high and muddy. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are becoming 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. On the Norfork, we have received reliable wadable water almost every day and there have been some nice caddis and midge hatches. Fishing conditions during the week have been excellent. The hot flies have been elk hair caddis, parachute Adams (size 20 -24), green butts, bead head green butts and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. The most effective way to fish it is to high stick nymphs. There is very little room to cast. Use heavy tippet (at least 4X). Carry a camera and the biggest net that you can lay your hands on. Most fish are lost at the net. The water level on the Spring River is high and stained. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. The hot spot has been Dam Three access. 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 5/06/2010 During the past week, we have had a precipitation event and strong winds (to include lake wind advisories). The rain had little if any effect on lake levels. The Corps of Engineers significantly reduced generation to prevent flooding down stream. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam eased up six tenths of a foot to rest at three and eight tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty seven and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell two 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 two tenths of a foot to rest at three and four tenths of a foot above power pool or six feet and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had several substantial periods of no generation, which created some excellent wading conditions. Norfork Lake rose six tenths of a foot to rest at three and nine tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty four and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had limited generation with a several significant periods of no generation that allowed for some excellent wading. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. There were some spectacular hatches every day this past week. Two major insects were coming off, the grannom and rhyacophilia caddis. At times the hatches were so heavy it looked like it was snowing. The grannom are the smaller of the two (size sixteen) and had a darker wing and tan body. The rhyacophilia were larger (size fourteen) with a lighter wing and green body. The best tactic has been to fish caddis pupa (green or tan) in size fourteen or sixteen under an indicator when there is no top water activity. Green copper Johns and red fox squirrel nymphs have also produced fish. When the trout began keying in on the emergers you switch to soft hackles. Effective flies for this stage have been green butts (my favorite), partridge and green or partridge and orange soft hackles and hares ear soft hackles. When you observe trout taking adult insects, switch to fishing dry flies. The go to fly is the elk hair caddis in size fourteen or sixteen. If there is some confusion as to which dry fly to fish under multiple hatch conditions, try fishing multiple flies. Tie a twenty four section to the bend of the hook of one fly and the eye of the other. This also makes it easier to spot the fly on the water with so many insects around. Most of the best top water action has been on the upper river from White Hole down to Rim Shoals. The hot spots have been Wildcat Shoals and the Rim Shoals Catch and Release area. If you want to wade on high flows you can obtain the services of the 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 return. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are both dropping and are beginning to clear. The warm temperatures are beginning to heat them up and the small mouth will become more active when the water temperature reaches fifty five degrees. On the Norfork, we have received reliable wadable water almost every day and there have been some nice caddis and midge hatches. Fishing conditions during the week have been excellent. There have been some sulphurs observed but they have been sporadic and the fish have not paid much attention to them. The hot flies have been elk hair caddis, parachute Adams (size 20 -24), green butts and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. There is very limited casting room and the best technique is to high stick nymphs under an indicator. Use heavy tippet (at least 4X) and carry a large net. Do not forget your camera. It would be a shame for your youngster to catch the fish of a life time and not have a picture of it. The water level on the Spring River is still a bit high and stained. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. The hot spot has been Bayou access. 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 4/29/2010 During the past week, we have had a precipitation event and much stronger winds (to include lake wind advisories). The rain had little if any effect on lake levels. The Corps of Engineers cut back on generation to prevent flooding down stream. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam remained steady at three and two tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty seven and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, 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 three and six tenths of a foot above power pool or six feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had much lower levels of generation and several periods of no generation, which created some wadable water. Norfork Lake rose three tenths of a foot to rest at three and three tenths feet 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 moderate generation with a several significant periods of no generation that allowed for some excellent wading. There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers. Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam, which was closed from November 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010 for the brown trout spawn, has now reopened. Remember that there are numerous spawning beds (redds) containing freshly laid and fertilized eggs. Please avoid dragging chains through these areas. The redds will appear as clean depressions in the gravel. The hot spot was the Catch and Release section at Bull Shoals Dam. On the lower flows the hot flies were midge patterns, black or red zebra midges with silver wire or silver bead and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Small green copper Johns and caddis larva were also productive. On the higher flows, the key to success was to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (peach and orange). On water this high, you must use long leader/tippet combinations and a bit of lead. You must tick the bottom. Another hot spot has been The Rim Shoals Catch and Release area. On the lower flows we have received this week there was quite a bit of success with prince nymphs and green copper Johns fished under an indicator. The caddis are still coming off and several anglers were able to catch some good top water action on slow runs near the bank that were wadable in the reduced flows. There was also some nice top water action at Jenkin’s Creek. If you want to wade on the high flows you can obtain the services of the 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 return. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are both dropping and are beginning to clear. The warm temperatures are beginning to heat them up and the small mouth will become more active when the water temperature reaches fifty five degrees. We have received reliable wadable water every day and this has drawn quite a bit of pressure to the Norfork particularly on the weekends. Fishing conditions during the week have been excellent. We have had some nice caddis and midge hatches that anglers have fished with quite a bit of success. There have been some sulphurs observed but they have been sporadic and the fish have not paid much attention to them. The hot flies have been elk hair caddis, parachute Adams (size 20 -24), green butts and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. On the upper river, try a sowbug dropper and on the lower river try a caddis pupa or a copper John. Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. There is very limited casting room and the best technique is to high stick nymphs under an indicator. Use heavy tippet (at least 4X) and carry a large net. Most fish are lost at the net. Please be careful when handling trout. Always wet your hands when doing so and leave them in the net submerged in the water until you are ready to take your photo. Minimize their time out of the water. Carefully revive them by gently moving them back and forth in the water to run oxygen through their gills. The water level on the Spring River is still a bit stained. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. The hot spot has been Bayou access. 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.