Looking For Clear Lakes And Rivers For Underwater Photography

[fishpix]

I'm an professional underwater photographer specializing in images of freshwater fish (all species-game and non game). I'm going to be in Arkansas and Missouri later this month to do some underwater fish photography. I'm looking for suggestions on exceptionally CLEAR lakes, (large and small) rivers and streams with good populations and a good variety of fish. For great underwater photography, the water clarity MUST be absolutely exceptional. I'm already familiar with the famous lakes and rivers like Bull Schoals, Table Rock, Taneycome, Norfolk, Beaver, White River, Little Red River, etc. that have a reputation for clear water. I'm looking for perhaps lesser known waters (at least to me) that would also be good. I'm interested in photographing all species of fish but have a special need for catfish-channels or flatheads.

I'm really looking for any and all suggestions from folks who know this area. Any help you might provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Gavin]

The Black River in SE Missouri is exceptionally clear...but alot depends on rain.

[Al Agnew]

Yep, the Black will be about as good as it gets. If we don't get any good rains, though, by mid-October a lot of rivers will be exceptionally clear. Huzzah, Courtois, and Jacks Fork are possibilities. But if there isn't any rain and a lot of cool weather, Current River might turn out to be your best bet. The reason for this is that I think that by mid-October, you'll see more fish and more variety in a larger stream like the Current than in smaller rivers. But it depends a lot on how much clarity you need. The Current could have as much as ten feet of clarity, while the Black will have more than that.