Zack Hoyt

The lake is close to conservation pool so water releases have slowed down. The bad part of that is the Table Rock pool is high and wading is very difficult. The usual suspects are working for fly fishermen. Midges in olive and gray are the best along with small olive or black woolly buggers. San Juan worms in worm brown or red have been catching fish also.

By DAVID HOLSTED davidh@harrisondaily.com DIAMOND CITY — For the past couple of years, people in Diamond City have watched as flooding on Bull Shoals Lake has threatened their businesses and community. On July 5, the Diamond City Community Center was flooded — with questions and complaints. Representatives from the Little Rock District Army Corps of Engineers, as well as U.S. Congressman John Boozman, were in town to conduct a public meeting about the White River system and how it affects those who live and work alongside Bull Shoals Lake. Many of the frustrations vented by the 50 or so in attendance centered around the perceived notion that Table Rock Lake received favored treatment from the Corps when it came to flood control. “Almighty God’s hand is on Table Rock Lake,” said a disgruntled audience member. “It never loses its park. We just took it all (spring flooding). We shut down for Memorial Day and Table Rock Lake is doing fine. We feel like second class citizens to Table Rock Lake, because they don’t lose their campgrounds.” Henry Himstedt, chief of hydraulics and technical services for the Corps, gave a quick “Water Management 101” for the audience, explaining the White River system and its series of dams, which consist of Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals and Norfork. He described it as a “complex balancing system.” Himstedt went on to say that, as approved by Congress in the 1930s, Newport, further down in the delta region, is the regulating station for the White River. Bull Shoals and Norfork are regulated by the conditions found at Newport. When asked why the Corps doesn’t lower Bull Shoals Lake during the winter in anticipation of spring rains, Himstedt explained that there is never a guarantee that spring rains will come. The Corps knows, he said, that the area will get about 46 inches of rain a year, but in 2008, the year of the big flood, a third of that total fell in a six-week period. However, in January of 2008, all the lakes on the system were down and officials thought the area was going into a drought, according to Himstedt. He went on to say that Corps officials use 60 years of hydrologic records in determining how best to manage the lakes. The flood storage capacity of Bull Shoals Lake is greater than that of Beaver Lake and Table Rock Lake combined. Deputy district engineer Randy Hathaway said the lakes were originally designed for flood control and hydroelectric power. Recreation, which is the livelihood of so many, was not intended. “We didn’t design this town around recreation, but it’s here,” said Adrian DeSilva, owner of Diamond City Lakeside Resort. “Our little town is dwindling.” Regarding the claim that Table Rock Lake escaped the 2008 flood unscathed, Hathaway said, “I assure you that Table Rock did sustain damage.” In fact, he went on to say, 50 percent of Table Rock’s facilities were damaged in the flood. Still, many were not convinced that Bull Shoals got a fair shake. To Himstedt’s explanation that the Corps balanced the water levels of the lakes, someone said, “I tracked it last year. Table Rock was not impacted. We didn’t get our park back until almost November.” Hathaway told the audience that the White River system is operated according to a plan, which was last updated in 1998. Later, after the meeting, Jim Sandberg, the operations manager for Table Rock Lake, was speaking with Shawn Egan, the government affairs chairman of the Norfork Lake Chamber of Commerce. Sandberg explained that the plan was made by a committee of citizens that live along the system. “I happen to know that Branson Landing was well represented on that committee,” Egan said. During the meeting, Egan disputed what was being said. “When you’re dumping water out of Table Rock to keep it at zero (flooding) and we’re flooded,” he said, “your operation is wrong.” Egan’s statement drew applause. He then addressed Boozman. “Congressman, this is b.s.,” Egan said. “This is the typical bureaucratic red tape.” Boozman admonished Egan, saying that participants could disagree, but they would also be respectful. “When I said b.s.,” Egan said, “I meant ‘bureaucratic shuffle.’” Egan later asked what incentive the Corps of Engineers had to work with Diamond City. Citing a meeting his organization had with the Corps several months ago, Egan said the Corps had no intention of working with them on a local level. He was told that if an issue affected only Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes, that was a regional issue. The Corps would deal only with issues of national importance, Egan said. Regarding the Lead Hill Camp Ground at Diamond City, which is maintained by the Corps of Engineers, Egan asked Boozman why the state couldn’t take it over. According to Boozman, money concerns prohibited that solution. “The state of Arkansas can’t take care of what it’s got,” Boozman replied. Egan continued. “You say the state of Arkansas couldn’t do a better job than the Corps of Engineers?” he asked. “I don’t think so,” Boozman said. Hathaway said the Corps of Engineers has offered its parks to states, but only one, South Dakota, has accepted the offer. Boozman was very much in favor of public/private cooperation in running the parks. Hathaway also informed the audience of increased minimum flows being planned for Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is working with the Corps. The AGFC has studied the impact that raised water level will have on Norfork and has provided more than $400,000 to modify or replace lakeside facilities. An agreement will be signed in Mountain Home next week. Hathaway said the lake level will be raised about 1.75 feet. The plan won’t go into effect until September, after the tourist season, Hathaway said, and will end by March. A similar study will be done on Bull Shoals Lake by the AGFC, but Hathaway didn’t expect any increase in minimum flow for three or more years. Egan did not fault any of the Corps representatives present at the meeting. He considered them good soldiers, just carrying out orders. He said the Corps in 2004 did not want to implement any minimum flow increases, but were told to do so by Congress. Boozman and the Corps representatives were told that any rise in the lake level without raising the facilities at the park would kill Diamond City. Hathaway informed the audience that currently the Corps is limited in the land it owns around the lake. Boozman encouraged Diamond City residents to work with Arkansas governor Mike Beebe, the state’s two senators and its representatives in coming up with a solution. Hathaway thought the meeting was a productive one. He appreciated the chance to inform Diamond City residents on what the Corps was doing, and in turn, to hear some of their complaints and questions. He said he had gotten a number of ideas which he will take back with him. “What I’m hearing is that you don’t like the White River management plan,” Hathaway said at the end of the meeting. http://harrisondaily.com/news/article_c4869466-896d-11df-b11c-001cc4c002e0.html

This is shaping up to be a stellar year for river fishing all around. I dig the boat....awful partial to the traditional look myself.

In the years of gong to Branson(grew up in Harrison), I have only seen two shows. Played arcade, mini golf, and Imax alot.

Good thoughts ABill. On crappie, I have always underestood they reproduce more plentiful than alot of the bass, trout, etc. Hence the regs being the way they are.

Best of luck to you and the others Zack. It is tough competition, but we will be proud no matter the outcome.

I agree and welcome to the forum and the area. Discussion can go back and forth. I view guides like a waiter.....I have had horrible ones, and I have had great ones. The horrible ones make me want to reward to great ones. Professionalism cannot be bought, but it can be rewarded. You have guides and you have boat drivers. It's what happens between catching fish that determines how you feel after the trip. How you feel after the trip determines which of the previous two you paid for.

Welcome from NW Arkansas. There are a few really great fly fishing clubs over your way, not to mention the Smallmouth Rendezvous. Ask any questions you have, lots of helpful people here.

Per the newspaper and COE, drawdown is to start today. This means 24/7 generation until the lake is down around power pool. Fishing is still very possible, you must change up your tactics a bit though.

Hey Daryl. You can catch some hybrids, but the summer is not the time when they are up near the dam. Early Spring or late Fall is a better time. You can get into some white bass and striper up above the dam pretty easily if you have a boat. Walleye can be found in the Tailwaters, but getting them to bite is a bit of a chore. Trout are going to be your best bet down there. Sz 18-22 zebra midges, smaller wolley buggers, hopper patterns along the forrested banks, etc. For Spin fishing I like a smaller Rebel Craw or 1/8oz spoon. Alot of guys use micro jigs under a casting bubble as well. Hope this helps a little and good luck.

I would take a SM over a trout any day of the week. As a rule, 90% of the time I am fishing for SM I am fishing off the bottom. It seems in my experience I get alot more action that way. I will not discount the popping bugs and terrestrial action though. Nothing like seeing a fish busting the water to take your fly. Congrats!!

Thanks Wily. Cyclone I am familiar with. Been years since I have done that float though. May have to make a summer outting up that way and do some hiking.

How far downstream is Tilden? I have walked in at powell a few times, but it was winter and I was exploring. My grandparents are about 2mi south of there so I may cruise up that way to fish and make the obligatory stop to see them.........and of course get a free dinner.

Welcome to OA. I fish Beaver often and you are spot on. Midges and sowbugs. They have only been generating late in the afternoons for a while now, so barring a huge storm system, it should be in good shape.

Glad you got to swing by. Kevin was on his way over this afternoon. I wont be over till tomorrow morning. This is the first year we have done the Troutfest. Hopefully it will be a yearly deal. Swing by tomorrow if you get a chance.

Bobber works for Buffalo River Canoes(www.floatthebuffalo.com). Might drop him a pm and ask about them doing a shuttle.

Drag chains are the main reason the moss beds and grass have disappeared. You really think the high flows are uprooting grass that has a root system of close to a foot depth? Gotmuddy - I would agree. Whats scarier is most resorts rent boats with the drag chains equipped.

From the 2010 trout regulation guide book NORTH FORK RIVER (map on facing page) • Norfork Tailwater, from 100 yards below Norfork Dam to White River: Anglers may use no more than one fishing rod or pole and must attend it at all times. No other devices shall be used to catch fish. A trout permit is required. Chains or other objects capable of destroying aquatic vegetation may not be dragged. • Norfork Catch-and-Release Area from downstream end of Long Hole to Bill Ackerman/River Ridge Walk-in Access, as indicated by signs: Catch-and-release area. Trout must be released immediately. Only artificial lures or flies may be used (natural or scented baits are not allowed). All hooking points must be barbless. Chumming is not allowed. • Bill Ackerman/River Ridge Park Access: Handicapped-accessible fishing pier is available.

According to the MDC, it is an un-ethical action. Minimize your impact on the environment: Don't litter! Bait containers, cigarette butts and fishing line harm wildlife and degrade the outdoor experience. Use only designated trails and parking areas. Don't shuffle your feet in the water to stimulate fish to feed. http://www.mdc.mo.gov/fish/sport/trout/ethics.htm

Crappie are good. Fish along the edge of the vegetation. They are holding in the weeds and popping out after baits. Catfish are good in the deeper sections. Will try to get a more up to date report from a buddy.

Sounds very similiar tot he UK style of bait fishing. Fairly advanced setups(compared ot a worm and a hook), but very deadly. Makes our baitfishing over here look archaic.

Come on out and see us this weekend on the Beaver Tailwaters. We will be having a One Fly Contest and also a raffle/silent&live auction. Hotdogs will be provided. Our prize items are looking good. They include a Dave Whitlock print, Scott S4 6wt rod, Fishpond Bootbag, Sharkskin and Rio lines, various fly collections, C&F Gear, three hackles from Conrach Hackles, a few beginner tying kits, and the list goes on. Signup for the One Fly will be at the Beaver Dam Store at 6am-6:45am. 7am starts the One Fly Contest. 11am we will all meet at the first parking lot below the dam to tally the results of the One Fly and have some hotdogs. Live auction, silent auction, and raffle to follow. All monies collected will go to help fund our Reel REcovery Retreats here in Arkansas. Feel free to shoot any questions my way and we hope to see everyone out there. www.beaverdamday.com

Come on out and see us this weekend on the Beaver Taiwlaters. WE will be having a One Fly Contest and also a raffle/silent&live auction. Hotdogs will be provided. Our prize items are looking good. They include a Dave Whitlock print, Scott S4 6wt rod, Fishpond Bootbag, Sharkskin and Rio lines, various fly collections, C&F Gear, three hackles from Conrach Hackles, a few beginner tying kits, and the list goes on. Signup for the One Fly will be at the Beaver Dam Store at 6am-6:45am. 7am starts the One Fly Contest. 11am we will all meet at the first parking lot below the dam to tally the results of the One Fly and have some hotdogs. Live auction, silent auction, and raffle to follow. All monies collected will go to help fund our Reel REcovery Retreats here in Arkansas. Feel free to shoot any questions my way and we hope to see everyone out there.

Welcome from NW Arkansas!!

Welcome Scott. There are a few drift boaters here on the site. I believe there is a wooden drift boat rendezvous on the White below Bull Shoals in Sept....I will see if I can dig up the info.