Blue Ribbon Fly Shop Mid-June Fishing Report

[Blue Ribbon Fly Shop]

Fishing Report 6-16-10

The heat of summer has crept upon us, and now we are in the midst of a classic Midwest heat wave - since it's only mid-way through June, hopefully this is not indicative of steady hot weather for the rest of the summer. Actually, early heat waves do not necessarily mean that the entire summer will follow suit. Last year was a perfect example, as June was hot, but the rest of the summer was abnormally wet and cool.

We are starting our fishing days early in the morning, and we usually finish late into the afternoon after a brief respite to avoid the peak heat hours of mid-afternoon. The fishing later in the day has been very productive, and this trend of "hot" afternoons is a common summer theme - especially on the Norfork. Although a catastrophic flash flood in west/central Arkansas has grabbed national news headlines as of late, northern Arkansas has not seen much rain over the last few weeks. Considering how humid our climate is in the Ozarks, a few weeks without rain (coupled with heat) can make it feel really dry.

Both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes continue to drop daily, primarily as a result of moderate to heavy generation most days. The arid weather also helps the lakes recede because quite a bit of water evaporates from the surface when it's dry and hot. Both reservoirs are less than eight-feet above power pool and their levels are falling at a rate of approximately 6-inches per day. Barring any heavy rains and subsequent runoff over the next few weeks, low-water opportunities should start popping up around the Fourth of July. If this scenario plays out, July will be an awesome month for waders and drift anglers. Of course, we can't count on anything for certain, so the best strategy is to employ the most productive and safe methods for the day at hand. If you are planning on fishing the White or Norfork in the next two weeks, feel free to give us a call or email - conditions are a bit tricky right now, but as always, there are some possibilities for those willing to get creative.

Algae issues persist downriver from Bull Shoals Dam on the White, but this "scourge" should begin to dissipate as the summer heat intensifies. Even though the influx of algae may make fishing difficult at times, this problem pales in comparison to the trouble we've experienced due to didymo recently. Algae is usually much healthier than didymo for the river's habitat, and if you would rather not deal with any of it, fish the Norfork. For some reason, that river rarely gets choked with moss, algae or didymo, so there is [almost] always debris-free water available over there.

The usual suspects of nymphs like Bead Head Sowbugs, red Zebra Midges, red Copper Johns, Xelon Sowbugs, Ultra Violet Midges and other local patterns are pulling most of the fish right now. Terrestrials are starting to illicit some aggressive responses when fished along brushy, slack-water banks. Ants, beetles and hoppers are the flies to have for this exciting top-water action, and when this fun bite is combined with the sporadic sulfur hatch, it's not hard to keep busy on the surface for hours on end. Most fly anglers overlook these exceptionally enjoyable opportunities because they are hesitant to use a boat to get into position. A guide can show you the ropes, and the knowledge gained in one day with a professional may just translate into years of "fishing with an edge".

Late June is a transition time, but the fishing and conditions are remarkably steady this year. We are extremely excited about how the summer will pan out if the action is already so steady during a time of year when things typically slow down slightly.

www.blueribbonflyfish.com

[eric1978]

That report with impeccable grammar? I'm sold. When I finally make it down to the White, I'm heading straight to your shop. Keep 'em coming!

[Terry Beeson]

Larry calls his old high school English teacher to help him...

When you make it down, be sure to check out the coffee shop attached to the fly shop. Good Po' Boy yesterday, Larry!!!

[Blue Ribbon Fly Shop]

Larry calls his old high school English teacher to help him...

When you make it down, be sure to check out the coffee shop attached to the fly shop. Good Po' Boy yesterday, Larry!!!

Thanks Terry. But all the credit is owed to my lovely wife who has taken notes from my late mother when it comes to Cajun recipes. My personal favorite... shrimp lima beans... get out of town with that! Aiieee!