John Berry Fishing Report 10/23/2008

[John Berry]

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/23/2008

We have had a bit of rain (approximately one half inch) and the lakes in the White River continue their decline. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell two and eight tenths feet to rest at twenty two and one tenth feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is eighteen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell eight 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 four tenths of a foot to rest at seven and five tenths feet above power pool or two and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White is for heavy generation around the clock. Norfork Lake has fallen one and three tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and eight tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or sixteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run one generator around the clock. Boating conditions on the White and Norfork have been uniformly good.

The White River is currently dropping approximately three feet per week and the lake is about twenty two feet above power pool. If the lake were to continue dropping at the same rate it should be at power pool in approximately seven weeks or the middle of December. Conversely the Norfork is currently dropping a bit over a foot a week and the lake is about twelve feet above power pool. If it continues to fall at the same rate it should reach power pool in twelve weeks or late January. These are my estimates and are based on no major rain events occurring during this period.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close to all fishing on November 1, 2008 and will remain closed until February 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.

The fishing on the White River has been a bit slow during the past week. The dissolved oxygen levels in the upper river has dropped to three parts per million (the state standard is six parts per million). This is a caused by a natural phenomenon, the breakdown of organic matter in the lake, and occurs every year. This year we also have slightly higher than normal water temperatures that may be affecting the trout feeding patterns. These conditions have really affected the section from Bull Shoals down to White Hole. This part of the river is a perpetual hot spot but the fishing here has been very poor of late.

The section from Cotter to the bottom of Rim Shoals has fished a bit better than the upper river. This area has a higher dissolved oxygen level than you may encounter up stream below Bull Shoals. Remember that there is some limited safe wading in the vicinity of the second island during high water. Stop by Rim Shoals Trout dock and have them ferry you down there for a nominal fee.

Crooked Creek has fished well during the last week. Hot flies have been Clouser minnows and crayfish patterns. The creek is low and clear. The section from Kelly Slab down to Yellville Park as well as the lower section near the confluence with the White River have been hot spots.

The Norfork has received an inordinate amount of pressure lately. The lower water levels (less than one full generator) has drawn more anglers here than it can support. This problem has been amplified on the weekends. There has been a bit of wading at Quarry Park below the dam along the parking lot for the ramp during the past week but it looks like the Corps of Engineers will be running a bit more water. If you must fish the Norfork, try and do it during the week when there will not be as much crowding. With the lower dissolved oxygen, the upper river has not fished as well as the lower river.

Dry Run Creek is fishing well as always. Young anglers have noted that browns are beginning to move up in the creek. There are plenty of large trout in the creek already. The hot flies as always are sow bugs, San Juan worms and egg patterns (peach would be the best color). Fall is the perfect time to fish the creek as there are more fish there this time of year and the intense fall color makes for some great pictures. Be sure and carry the biggest net you can lay your hands on. Most big fish are lost at the net.

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.