John Berry Fishing Report 6/16/2011

[John Berry]

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 6/16/2011

During the past week, we have had a couple of minor rain events, hot temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four tenths of a foot to rest at thirty seven and five tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is three and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at eleven feet above power pool or five feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at eight and two tenths feet above power pool or one and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, all of the flood gates have been closed and we have gone to a summer schedule with lighter generation at night and heavier generation during peak power demand. There were significant periods of wadable water over the past weekend. Norfork Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at twenty four and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or three and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork the flood gated been closed and they are also adopting a summer generation schedule. There has been some limited wadable water at night.

When the flood gates were open on the White and Norfork, there were numerous warm water species that entered the river. Some are predators (walleye and stripers) and should be removed. If you catch one or more, you can harvest them as long as you comply with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations.

The best place to fish was the upper river from the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam down to White Hole. The key to fishing the high flows has been to fish long leader/tippet combinations (twelve feet or longer), very heavy weight (two or more AAA split shot) and a large strike indicator set at the top of the leader. The go to flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns in pink or orange. On lower flows, many anglers did well with small midges and light tippets. The hot flies were zebra midges and Dan’s turkey tail emerger.

Another hot spot was Rim Shoals. It has been receiving some productive flows in the morning and on low water fished particularly well. On higher flows the hot flies were brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. On lower flows, traditional nymphs like copper Johns, sowbugs and midge patterns all did well. There were some respectable caddis hatches. Partridge and orange soft hackles have been the go to fly during this hatch.

The thirteen year Cicadas are hatching. These insects hatch every thirteen years. They are large dark insects that make a loud chirping sound. Many of these insects make their way into the river where they are large tempting morsels for trout to feed on. This provides for some fabulous dry fly fishing. There are good Cicada patterns at the local fly shops or you can use a black Chernobyl ant. Use a stout rod and a heavy leader to turn over the large flies. Work the bank and be prepared for a vicious take.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are much lower and clear. The water temperature is right on and the small mouths action has been red hot! Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. 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 action has picked up a bit on the Norfork. With the generators back on line, the water temperature has dropped back to levels comfortable for trout. The ramp at Quarry Park was severely damaged when the flood gates were opened significantly to relieve the dam and is not usable. With the White fishing well, the Norfork received much less pressure this past week. On high water, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Some anglers have reported success banging the bank with thirteen year cicada patterns. Others have had success fishing sulphur dry fly patterns. Try size fourteen sulphur parachutes.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). The creek is located in a tight valley and is normally much cooler than the surrounding area. This is a great place to beat the heat. With school out for the summer, it is receiving a bit more pressure. Remember that there are trout everywhere.

The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearer. This is a great place to wade fish. There are many canoeists there this time of year, particularly on the weekends. If you wish to escape them, fish the upper section near the Lassiter Access. If you do fish there, 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 the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks.

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.