John Berry Fishing Report 2/11/2010

[John Berry]

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 2/11/2010

During the past week, we have had brutally cold temperatures and yet more snow. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and eight tenths of a foot to rest at two and five tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty eight and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at one and four tenths of a foot above power pool or fourteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose four tenths of a foot to arrive at one and two tenths of a foot above power pool or eight and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had fairly erratic levels of generation. Norfork Lake rose one foot to rest at one and six tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty six and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had several windows of no generation at night with one substantial window of wadable water during the day. Despite a lot of precipitation, the lake levels have only risen slightly. We have had more precipitation down stream. We could see lower levels in the next week or two, depending on further wet weather.

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 has been the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. There have been some shad coming through. Brutally cold temperatures and high levels of generation are the perfect conditions for creating a shad kill. This generally occurs when the water temperature on the lake is forty two degrees. Threadfin shad are drawn through the dam turbines and create a feeding frenzy in the river below. Be on the lookout for gulls feeding on the shad below the dam. The most effective flies will be white shad patterns. Be sure and have both floating and sinking versions. The hot fly during the past week has been a white marabou jig.

Fishing on the White in general has been excellent. Another productive section has been from White Hole to Wildcat Shoals. Use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Other effective patterns have been scuds, sowbugs, copper johns and various midge patterns.

Some anglers have reported success from fishing streamers. Concentrate on banging the bank or any heavy structure where fish can escape the current. Your best bet would be to use large articulated streamers like the zoo cougar or leg spreader 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.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running fairly clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

The Norfork has received some low water. On the low flows the hot flies were the sowbug and the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead. Dan’s turkey tail emerger has also been productive on lower water. 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. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. We have had some warm afternoons that have been perfect for fishing the creek. The recently completed bank stabilization work has made it much easier for youngsters to access. While you are there be sure and take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering the hatchery to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases.

The Spring River has been fishing well. The water level is still a bit high and off color. This makes for challenging wading. 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 Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy.

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.