John Berry Fishing Report 12/25/2009

[John Berry]

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/25/2009

During the past week, we have had a major rain event and a bit warmer conditions. The lake levels on the White River system are still falling like a rock. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four and three tenths feet to rest at twelve and four tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty eight and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake dropped five tenths of a foot to rest at two and at six tenths of a foot below power pool or eighteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at six and eight tenths feet above power pool or two and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had heavy generation around the clock with additional water coming from several flood gates. There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell two and five tenths feet to rest at six and five tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty one and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation around the clock. There is no wading on the Norfork at this level but is now considered safer for boating now that additional flows from flood gates have ceased. The extra water flows through the flood gates on the White River are meant to enhance the dissolved oxygen content of the White in addition to drawing down the Lake as quickly as possible. With this aggressive draw down, I predict that Bull Shoals will be at power pool in three weeks and Norfork will be at power pool in two weeks, if there are no major rain events between now and then.

There will be 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 fly streamers.

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. 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.

With the heavy generation and open flood gates on the White River, they are running the rough equivalent of nine generators. This is a huge amount of water and I do not recommend fishing it unless you are in a boat with an experienced river guide. If you must go out there, make sure that one person in the boat is committed to controlling the boat and is not fishing. Do not anchor in the current or use a drag chain under any circumstance.

When we have water levels this high, you should concentrate on fishing the banks and weed beds. Use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Use a fourteen foot leader/tippet combination with a minimum of 4X tippet. There should be plenty of weight to get the fly down to the bottom. I use AAA splitshot eighteen inches above the fly. A large strike indicator will be required to keep this afloat. This rig will be difficult to cast. Open up your loop and give your back cast plenty of time to straighten out behind you.

Another effective strategy is to fish streamers. Concentrate on banging the bank or any heavy structure where fish might escape the current. Your best bet would be to use large articulated streamers like the zoo cougar on heavy (300 grain or heavier) sink tips. You will need at least an eight weight rod to cast this rig. Use a short piece of heavy mono (three feet of 2X fluorocarbon tippet) in lieu of a conventional leader to help get the fly down. This strategy targets big fish, but is a lot of work. I like to carry two rods, one that is rigged for streamers and one that is rigged for nymphs. That way you can quickly vary your strategy.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have muddied up a bit. The water below Crooked Creek is stained. The water temperatures are a bit low for the smallmouth.

Flood gate releases have ceased on the Norfork and it is fishing well. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. Concentrate on fishing near the banks and over weed beds. I consider the Norfork more treacherous for boating than the White. I recommend that you fish it with an experienced river guide. Do not attempt to anchor in the current. It is illegal to use a drag chain on the Norfork.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The high flows on the Norfork have had no effect on the fishing here. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. While you are there take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering in order to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases. A great Christmas present for your youngster would be a trip to Dry Run Creek.

The Spring River has been fishing well. The flows are up a bit and the water is stained. The hot flies have been Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick.

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.