John Berry Fishing Report 6/24/2010

[John Berry]

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 6/24/2010

During the past week, we have had no measurable rain, moderate winds and brutally hot temperatures (in excess of 100 degrees). The Corps of Engineers has continued their aggressive draw down of the lakes. In addition, the heat wave has created a call for more generation during peak demand times to supply the power for increased air conditioner usage. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three and three tenths feet to rest at four and eight tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty six and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at four and two tenths of a foot above power pool or five and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had round the clock generation with no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell two feet to rest at four and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty three and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had round the clock generation with a couple of brief periods of no generation (at night). Based on the speed that they are drawing down the lakes, I estimate that it will take two weeks to complete.

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.

On the higher flows, we have been receiving; the key to success has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (peach and orange). You will need long tippet leader combinations (up to twelve feet) and plenty of lead (AAA split shot). One of the most successful tactics has been to fish droppers. Rig a San Juan worm or egg as you normally would. Then tie a twenty inch 5X tippet to the bend of the hook (use an improved clinch knot) on the worm and tie a small nymph (try a copper John) on the tag end. Fish as you normally would. Most fish will be caught on the nymph.

Another effective technique for high water is to bang the bank with large streamers (try zoo cougars or large sculpin patterns). You will need to use fast sinking sink-tips (250 to 300 grains). To handle this line you will need at least an eight weight fly rod. The trick is to cast to the bank or other structure and strip the line in as you drift. Vary the strip to see what speed the trout will respond to. This is tough work and will weary the arm quickly. Keep one rod rigged for nymphing and switch off from time to time.

The sulphurs are still out but with the high flows there have been few fish keying in on them. Look for side channels or quieter flows near the bank.

If you want to wade on high flows (up to 17,000 CFS) you can obtain the services of the water taxi at Rim Shoals Trout Dock. For a nominal fee they will ferry you to wadable water and pick you up when you are ready to return.

We have a significant alga bloom on the White and Norfork. When the water rises, a significant amount of it is washed downstream. This dirties the water and makes for difficult fishing as you must constantly clean the alga from your hook. It has significantly cleared out on the Norfork but remains a problem on the White. The upper river below Bull Shoals Dam is clear. It is considered a temporary problem and should clear out soon.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and stained. The water is at a comfortable temperature and the small mouths are becoming active. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.

On the higher flows we have been receiving on the Norfork, cerise San Juan worms and peach eggs have been the hot flies. Try a dropper here. Use a sow bug near the dam and a copper John on the lower river.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The most productive flies are sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. With summer here expect more families to be fishing here. This is the perfect place to beat the heat. The tight little valley that the creek is in is heavily shaded and is always several degrees cooler than the surrounding area. Take a picnic lunch and make a day of it. Remember that the stream is strictly Catch and release and no bait is allowed. Only barbless single hooks are allowed.

The water level on the Spring River is lower and clear. The aluminum hatch (canoe day trippers) is in full swing. Many boaters on the river have little experience and can be a nuisance or worse a safety hazard. To avoid them, you can fish at the Lassiter Access. This is upstream of the put in point for most of the canoe outfitters. 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 olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs.

It is hot enough to wet wade on Dry Run Creek and the Spring River. Wear your wading boots and neoprene booties to protect your feet and provide traction on the rock bottom. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Carry plenty of water and hydrate often.

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.