Blue Ribbon Fly Shop Early June Report

Phil Lilley · June 7, 2011

Fly Fishing Report for Early June

The rivers are in great shape as the flood releases subside, and the surface fishing for browns has been unbelievably good

There has been much written over the last month both in print (primarily by people who were speculating and not wetting a line) and on the Web regarding how the fishing on the White River and Norfork Tailwater are going to suffer indefinitely because of all the water coming through the spillway gates at the dams, and there has also been some mention of the fact that water temperatures were approaching lethal levels for productive trout fishing on the Norfork because both generators were being repaired, which meant that all the water in the river was coming from the top of the lake. It's easy to believe this type of hype and drama, especially considering that neither fishery had ever been subjected to the conditions that prevailed over most of May, but no one ever knows how the fish are going to react to radical changes unless they actually get out there and go fishing. Well, the guides at Blue Ribbon Fly Shop took out scores of clients throughout the last month on both the White and Norfork, and what they found was truly remarkable and somewhat unexpected...in a good way.

<img src="http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/images/2011/white_river_blue_ribbon_6-11d.jpg" width="250" height="188" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="right">To get an idea of what we were dealing with, it's important to understand exactly what was happening at the dams. Bull Shoals ran six units for the first week or so of May until the reservoir could no longer hold all the runoff and inflow from the Table Rock and Beaver Tailwaters. At that point, the gates were opened, and flows held at unprecedented levels (@ 60,000 cubic feet per second, or the equivalent of sixteen to twenty generators) until just a few days ago when flows were reduced significantly. As touched on in the first paragraph, both of the powerhouses at Bull Shoals and Norfork are doing extensive repairs on the wicket gates; these are the fan-like structures on the units that utilize hydraulics to control how much water flows into the power-producing part of each generator and then on into the river. When major hardware is in need of fixing, it takes the Corp of Engineers quite a while to retrofit each part because every aspect of the generator must be custom manufactured due to the fact that the specifications are different at each dam's powerhouse. Norfork only has two units, so when the rain started falling like arrows in April, the dam was forced to open all twelve floodgates a foot and a half, which brought the river up to levels just over what they would be with both generators running. This is where all the concern came from with respect to water temperatures, as the surface of Norfork Lake started warming up because air temperatures rose quickly in mid May. As of this writing, one of the units is fixed at Norfork Dam with six gates still open, and this should make the great fishing of May even better in June.

<img src="http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/images/2011/white_river_blue_ribbon_6-11f.jpg" width="250" height="188" hspace="6" vspace="6" align="right">Now that the logistical information is out of the way, it's time to talk about the amazing angling experiences that we had on both rivers. The 'Thirteen-Year' cicadas that everyone has been talking about finally started hatching along the banks of the lakes and rivers. We didn't see a lot of these critters on the riverbanks (but we did see some and so did the fish), but these big bugs must have been coming through the floodgates by the million. Every big trout on both rivers was looking up, and if you could find a slower seam and hold your boat there, it was one bite after another on a myriad of large dry flies. Our guides primarily focused on the Norfork because there was less current to deal with over there, and the warm water really turned on the browns, a species that does better from a feeding and survival perspective during warm water conditions than the brook trout and rainbows. We also caught some gorgeous cutthroats, and it was unusually rare to even catch a 'bow. It's hard to stress how critical it is hold the boat in the right spots for as long as possible when fishing dries on high water, but when you found the fish, eighteen to twenty-inch trout were common, and everything we landed was fat due to the ongoing feeding frenzy. The entire tailwater fished well, and the cicadas are still thick. For those of you who had an early-season trip planned t<img src="http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/images/2011/white_river_blue_ribbon_6-11n.jpg" width="250" height="188" hspace="6" vspace="6" align="right">o fish the stonefly hatch on the Madison River in Montana, only to have your plans ruined due to the very high runoff in the Rocky Mountain Region, this fishing in the Ozarks is even better, and it's probable that the surface action will continue through the summer and into the fall, as our trout have exceptional memories (no joking). It is such a thrill to catch so many nice fish on top when the water is high, and you never really know what size of trout that you may hook into- a thirty-inch brown or 22-inch cutthroat is not out of the question on any given cast. Sometimes, the worst case scenario seems to turn into a hey-day, and this is exactly what has been happening on both rivers for the last three (plus) weeks.

There has also been some productive fishing on the White, as well, and with almost 60,000 cubic feet per second running, the eddies and slack-water resembled ponds. These areas are absolutely loaded with fish of all sizes that are seeking out current breaks in order to escape the heavy flows in the main channel, but it can be difficult to sneak up on these hoards of fish without spooking the entire pod. A paddle can work, but it is difficult to put a Jon boat exactly where it needs to be with just one 'stick', especially if the wind is blowing. Rarely is the fly fishing on the White or Norfork easy for those who are unfamiliar with these rivers and this is even truer during heavy flow periods. Utilizing a guide who is on the water virtually every day is worth it, if you want to be in the right place at the right time and make the most out of your trip; spending a day or two frustrated because of the fickle nature of the river's flows teaches an angler nothing, and any respectable guide in this area knows plenty of tricks for getting into the proper position to catch as many fish as possible... and they should also place an emphasis on teaching their clients how to become better fishermen for the times when they are out on their own. There is no doubt that the constantly changing conditions force those who frequently fish the Ozark tailwaters to learn fast and get better every day, and if you can get a decent grasp on how to become steadily productive on the White or Norfork during high and low water flows, there will be very few other rivers in the country that you will not be able to figure out relatively expediently. The gates are starting to close up on the White, so expect the river to clear up and regular high-water to resume. This record flood will end up being a great thing for both rivers, but it was difficult to look at it from that perspective when in the midst of a one- and a half-month period where almost twenty inches of rain fell. The lakes are still high, but as long as we don't see another string of one deluge after another, water conditions will be stable through the summer months - fishing gets exceptionally good and somewhat predictable when flows don't waver for extended periods of time, and high water is better for the fisheries and for catching large trout.

<img src="http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/images/2011/white_river_blue_ribbon_6-11i.jpg" width="250" height="188" hspace="6" vspace="6" align="right">On a different note, we're pleased to offer a clients another way to fish these rivers as Larry just acquired a new drift boat by <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=poq6jhcab&et=1105684046493&s=1720&e=0013vud43brLPoLqYZOYYseKpf8RSN_MHlM7n3sUZPywRZwjGQukWiv2CXBeTf_GpQZXdstWgbDNgWZyGJ3f3d1mhKJ6NObapPJgCTeR9CjUL95DtiHi00cTg==">Adipose boat works</a> out of Helena, MT. Similar to resident guide Forrest Smith's drift boat, this skiff is unlike any "typical" drift boat on the market which is lower than the "wind catching" LPs or high rocker boats. A stealthy and efficient rig for all types of water. Of course, guys have been using many different styles of drifters for almost twenty years on the White and Norfork, but this vessel by Adipose is truly a fishing machine like no other. The seats and safety bars are fully adjustable, so each angler gets the opportunity to have their fishing station customized for comfort, safety and ease of fishing. All the bells and whistles on this drift boat make is a blast to fish out of it, but its best attributes are not going to be overtly visible to the eyes of the average fly fisherman. What makes the Adipose stand out is how easy it is to control during all water conditions, and the "man on the sticks" has no problem with indefinitely holding the boat in the right spot, whether fishing with dries, streamers or nymphs. Also, it makes it much easier to sneak up on fish in slow or shallow water, and this craft opens up the river to many new and unpressured areas during all water conditions. Anyone can claim hot laps in a motorized jon boat dragging San Juan worms is "productive", <img src="http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/images/2011/white_river_blue_ribbon_6-11b.jpg" width="250" height="188" hspace="6" vspace="6" align="right">but we can prove it's not the only way to capitalize on these fluctuating rivers.

Repeat client and good friend Steve C. from LA and his son Jacob joined me in the Adipose for her maiden voyage down the Norfork followed by a visit to Dry Run Creek. Don't believe streamer fishing is unproductive on sunny days. It's all about fly selection.</td>

Blue Ribbon Fly Shop has the most versatile guide team in the Ozarks, and now we have another deadly tool in our arsenal with respect to being able to adapt to whatever the Corp of Engineers throws at us. From all the floodgates open to dead-low water, Blue Ribbon is ready to put our clients on fish based on what type of vessel is going to be the most productive and also based on what our clients desires may be. Fishing the White and Norfork is all about being prepared, and we are the only shop in Arkansas that 'weathered' the storm over the last month and a half by having superb days on the water while almost everyone else was wondering what to do. We pride ourselves on thinking outside the box, so when you either fish with us or utilize our shop for flies or information, you can be assured that you will be privy to being able to pick the brains of guys who have a passionate, laid back and patient approach to the sport of fly fishing. Never hesitate to stop by or give us a call/email if you are interested in how the fishing with HUGE dry flies is progressing, if you just want to fish out of the new drift boat or if you are just interested in checking in on what the flows and fishing are doing during these extremely dynamic times on the rivers.

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1500 miles later and the gift of Trout Slayer and Moose Drool beer from the guys at Adipose stayed ice cold in the YETI.</td>

My son and best friend, Tripp, was stoked to sport his new Adipose hat. Rowing is something we'll be working on soon. </td>

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Many thanks to the guys @ Adipose boat works!

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Fly Shop, Dry Run Creek, and big bugs

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Plenty of great new cicada patterns in the bins from multiple sources makes for the best cicada selections around. Be sure to stop in the shop before you hit the river or DRC.</td>

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Henry's Walking & Wading Report

This is the season of the smallmouth that ferocious, circus performing, I'm not afraid of the Devil himself, fighting game fish that can wear you down before you know what hit you. They may force you to bring out the big guns, a 10" smallie will give you a better fight than most 16" brown trout. Of course if you get hold of a 16" or 18" smallmouth get ready for the thrill of a lifetime.

<img src="http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/images/2011/white_river_blue_ribbon_6-11o.jpg" width="250" height="167" hspace="6" vspace="6" align="right">When the water became a little to high, fast and wild to wade safely, you turn and search for a alternate and what better fish to choose than the smallmouth bass, which abounds here in their native Ozarks. Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River, not too mention several other streams within 20 minutes of here are smallmouth havens. You hear all the time that trout live in beautiful places, here in the Ozarks the smallmouth does also, they don't have to take a backseat to any one.

Another nice thing about smallmouth is that a great many of your flies you use for trout work for smallies. Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, Red Squirrel Nymph with rubber legs, Sheep Minnow, all killers on smallmouth. A 5 - 6 wt, 7.6 - 9 foot rod with 4X tippet and your ready to enjoy one of life's most lively fishing adventure.

If your staying away because of high water and you don't like to fish out of a boat, then your missing what may be a lifetime experience not to be enjoyed by all. The smallmouth is equally as much fun and a much better fighter than any other fish a lot anglers believe.

As of yesterday some of the generators have been fixed and flood gates are beginning to close ...... you can see the water dropping on the Bull Shoals Tailwaters, this is good news, however for those who have climbed into boats, they are catching more and larger fish than ever before.

Looking forward to seeing you on the river, in the creek or on the lake.

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Blue Ribbon Fly Shop Early June Report

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