Blue Ribbon

[Blue Ribbon Fly Shop]

White River - March 22nd, 2010

RECORDED: 50 ° FISHING: Excellent

The pivotal swing into spring is currently taking place here on the White River and Norfork Tailwater. After enduring what seemed to be an endlessly long winter, we’re finally receiving a taste of what warm weather and sunshine feels like again. Over the past three years during March, both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes have almost always been high. Since we are actually at the power pool level (for now) this year, generation schedules have been light over the past two weeks. Anglers have been able to treat their cabin fever by taking advantage of wading conditions and a welcome surge of insect activity along the White and Norfork. Daylight savings came just in time to give us an extra hour to fish the early evening hatches – it has been refreshing to fish with dry flies for extended periods of time. Soft hackles are producing incredibly well in an assortment of colors, while midges in various shades are also working very well. Look for the soft hackle and emerger fishing to improve as the hatches start to evolve –using the proper corresponding nymph or emerger will help produce fish during periods of little surface activity.

This past weekend’s foul weather, which included plenty of rain and snow, was mostly concentrated in parts of southern Missouri. Still, northern Arkansas received its share of winter precipitation. Hopefully, this is the last we’ll see of the white stuff this year, but crazier things have happened. Due to these recent meteorological events, generation may increase slightly over the next few weeks, as the Corp will have to release a bit more water to keep reservoir levels steady. However, there is very little rain is in the immediate forecast, and this dry pattern combined with pleasantly warm temperatures should make for comfortable and productive fishing as we approach April. Expect to see temporary, early-morning releases followed by zero-generation for the better part of the day on both tailwaters. In general, the Norfork will be dead-low more often than the White. Ultimately, we expect wading water to become consistent below Bull Shoals Dam over the next month, but it is always best to plan for “anything and everything” when approaching these unpredictable rivers.

Be sure to check in with your friends at Blue Ribbon for up to the minute reports and conditions, and we are always available to answer any questions you may have. The White and Norfork are in the midst of the hottest bite and best conditions that have been experienced in years, so you can see why we are so excited about the prospect of getting as many people out on the water as possible for this upcoming season. There should be a little bit of something for everyone this spring, and the next three months are going to be hard to beat on these rivers. If you have not experienced the prolific nature of these fisheries yet, come on down and get in on the fun!

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