Flood Gates Open, Boat Fishing?

[steven tolly]

Is there any fishing on the upper Taney when the flood gates are open? We are headed down Sunday for 5 days. We are all bringing our boats, I was hoping to do some wading but we are open to anything. hopefull they will not be open, but just wondering what we do in case they are open.

Also I have heard when the gates are open the bass move up there is that something anyone has scene before?

[steven tolly]

Does the opening of the gates immediatly mean flooding or can the river take so many days of it before the places along the river start to flood?

[Whatnex1]

I agree with the question I'll be down saturday.

[Feathers and Fins]

Ive caught bass after the gates were open. caught a few flat heads also. Phill or Duane would know better but im betting one if not both are busy fishing it right now lol.

[rainbow]

Are the gates open already?

[Wayne SW/MO]

Does the opening of the gates immediatly mean flooding or can the river take so many days of it before the places along the river start to flood?

Flooding isn't from the gates opening, but from them opening too far. The lake will have to get much higher before they open the gates. The rain so far has been heavy in the Arkansas watershed rather then the White, so far anyway.

You'll just have to play it by ear, but with boats you should able to fish.

[Gatorjet]

It all depends on how much they open the gates. My son and I did real good a few years ago when the gates were partially opened. Drifting scud flys on drift rigs, and also white jigs bounced on the bottom.

With the possibility of the generators running full on, it might be a great time to try the swim bait method Bill posted a couple weeks ago. http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/index.php?showtopic=32213

[Bill Babler]

The lake is still only 915 and a half so the gates are not open. Bass do not move up when the gates open, they come over the top thru the gates from Table Rock. That is why there is usually a panfish explosion for a few weeks after the gates open. Usually some Spoonbill, walleye, smallmouth, kentucky, bluegill, and some white bass. Usually does not take long for folks to catch them out. Lenord is usually after them.

Yes depending on how much water they are running the fishing can still be quite good with the gates open.

Something in our favor this year is the Missouri and the Mississippi are not high due to snow melt. Pretty much a warm winter everywhere and I don't believe there is going to be a problem. Lots of protection along the entire White River Chain.

Come go fishin.

[Bill Babler]

Current Table Rock Lake Level is 915.4 and the James I am told is going to crest later tonight. Don't see any problem except some colored up water in the Jamens, Kings, and Long Creek. Reported at 6:40 PM

They are currently running 4 units on Taney and 2 on Beaver. Taney was reported as muddy today, but with 4 running all night, I think it will be good at the dam tomorrow. MIght be on white.

Hope it stops, I have two trips on Taney tomorrow.

[Phil Lilley]

Guys.... this is a spring rain. Nothing more. Everyone is gun shy because of 2008 and last year.

They won't open the gates until Table Rock goes above 920 and it's no where close. And that's not a given.

And if they do open the gates, it won't be at the level as last year.

Personally, from a fishermen's point of view, I wish they would open them a bit for a while. I love fishing the upper end when it's running. Shad coming over the top and our trout feeding like crazy. Draws up bigger trout including browns. Gives them a good growth boost because of the shad coming over the top from Table Rock. Water temp is perfect at the top of TR too.

It's a win-win as far as I see it. Now wading... it limits where you can wade but you can catch fish. Remember the walleye?? Trout too.

We haven't gotten a fraction of the rain we were supposed to get. Not to say we still may but... no need to worry about it. Can't change anything by fretting.