John Berry Fishing Report 1/27/2011

[John Berry]

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/29/2011

During the past week, we have had a minor snow event, frigid temperatures and milder winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell six tenths of a foot to rest at six and seven tenths feet below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty seven and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one and one tenth of a foot to rest at eight and five tenths feet below power pool or twenty four and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at nine and eight tenths feet below power pool or nineteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we had an erratic schedule with a substantial period of heavy water in the morning and again in the afternoon with lower water in between and some brief periods of wadable water. Norfork Lake fell eight tenths of a foot to rest at nine and five tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet or thirty seven and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had a similar pattern with less generation and more wadable water. All of the lakes on the White River System are lower than we have seen them for several years and we should receive more wadable water. The heavy generation we had for the past few weeks was due to the increased power demands brought on by the frigid temperatures.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam will close from November 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011 to accommodate the brown trout spawn. The State Park from the bottom of the Catch and Release section down to the wing wall will be seasonal Catch and Release for the same period. This section will reopen on February 1, 2011. These trout have not been fished over for three months; they have finished their spawn and should be ready to feed. There are spawning beds in various locations. Please try to avoid these areas. On high water, do not drag chains through them. On low water, carefully wade around them.

The fishing has been good for those anglers willing to brave the elements. The hot spot has been the section from Wildcat down to Cotter. There are large numbers of good fish including some nice browns. The key to success has been to effectively fish the constantly changing water levels. It was necessary to constantly adjust the strike indicators and split shot to keep the fly on the bottom. There are reports that the bite was better on falling water. Hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. Nymphs like sowbugs, scuds, zebra midges and Norfork beadheads suspended below them also accounted for some good fish.

Despite the cold weather, the lake temperatures are still too high for a shad kill. In addition, the lake levels are much lower than the last few years at this time, which could affect generation levels. Our best bet for a shad kill will be mid to late February.

On the higher flows, the most consistent technique to catch the big browns has been to bang the bank and any heavy cover with large streamers. The hot flies have been zoo cougars, circus peanuts and sex dungeons cast on two hundred fifty grain lines or heavier. Be sure and pinch down the barbs on these big flies. If you duff a cast and have to remove one of them from yourself, it could be painful.To toss this rig all day is heavy work and you will need a stiff eight weight rod and heavy tippet, at least 3X.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water temperature is low and the small mouths are not 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.

The Norfork has continued to fish well this week. There have been few anglers. We have had wadable water here every day but the weather has kept most anglers at home sitting by the fire. There have been some spectacular midge hatches. Try black zebra midges in size twenty or olive Norfork bead heads the same size. Dan’s turkey tail emerger has been the hot fly and several anglers have had substantial success with size twenty parachute Adams. Thanks to a new emergency exit it is now much safer to fish below the Ackerman access. Remember, this exit is located on private land and is for egress only. On high water, try brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise and hot pink) or egg patterns (orange and peach).

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. Be sure to handle the fish carefully and return them to the water as quickly as possible. If you take a photograph, leave the fish in the water in the net until you are set up and ready. Carefully revive any fish that has put up a long struggle. Cradle the trout in your hands point them up stream and gently move the back and forth to force water through their gills. It is best to do this in quiet water so they can get their bearings before they have to fight heavy current.

The water level on the Spring River is very low and clear. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been downstream from the dam Three access. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs.

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.