Current Lake Conditions

[Ham]

Hey Mark ,

I took the easy way out yesterday> i stayed closer to home and went out on the White River. It was kinda slow. I only caught 81, but I did have some BIG trout. No Brown trout, but some brown fish.

When I got hot, I pulled the boat over on a sand bar and swam around a bit. It was less expensive and less work.

The good news is that the lake appears to have creasted on this deal. The bad news is that it will only fall a few inches a day and we are multiple feet away from a lot of the ramps being workable. I'm sorry I cant tell you first hand the Tucker Hollow is a go.

I am off 6/17, but it sounds like that might be too late to help you.

[Fish24/7]

bet that river water feels great!!

i did some creek wading the other day, felt good

677.31, unless it rains again

10 day forecast looks as if it might

[Diamond City Fisher]

The Corp has opened the high water launch ramp in Diamond City. They are no signs directing you to the ramp, but it is on the left just before entering the Corp park and campground. The ramp in the campground is closed due to high water....however, the ramp to the right of the campground can be used by launching from the road, but there is limited parking

[Fish24/7]

677.47

going up

WT 80's

this high water has been a blessing for the fishing communities.

the tributaries were/are running enough water for the whites and walleye to have a good spawn.

had an AWESOME black bass hatch this year too that will help ensure good fishing for the future.

this 5lber was on guard duty that day

guess they closed lakeview swim beach last week because of high water and e coli

http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsReleases/tabid/7165/Article/600185/corps-closes-lakeview-swim-beach-on-bull-shoals-lake-until-further-notice.aspx

[HardHead]

I am coming down Wed with my wife, son and another family of 4. Staying at biltmore resort in isabella. We came down last year in late march for the 1st time. We stayed with Ginny at ridge wood, caught a bunch of black bass from the resort to up past the theodosia bridge. Fishing was great, lake was gorgeous, people were friendly, and crowds were sparse, so we were really looking forward to this trip. Obviously, I am not all that familiar with bull shoals - we usually fish table rock. After seeing many of the pics and posts here, I'm really debating trailering the boat down from St. Louis.

I guess my question is, what do you gents think? Table rocks north waters are fast, trash filled, and dangerous looking. Unfishable in my opinion. Is it the same around theodosia? How much better is it in the arky side?

My thinking is we would leave the boat and bass gear at home if bull shoals is too dangerous - rent a river runner and trout fish the white. Bought a new boat last October, so I want to hit the lake if it's at all feasible though. Appreciate any advice!

[Ham]

Witht he lake rising there is a greater chance for debris in the water and the further up lake or up a creek are you are the more likely that you could hit something BUT I do not think the chances of hitting some debris are high enough that I would leave the boat at home. In general, I think the debris problems way up river on TR are much greater than the debris problems in the lower part of Bull Shoals.

The ability to launch a boat into the lake is hampered by the water level, but i bet if there is a will there is a way.

You can still rent a trout boat and fish for trout some of the time. launch. Norfork is only 10 foot high right now. It's pretty close and you could always fish there

[Fish24/7]

679.88

HardHead, the lake is rising pretty fast, the fishing will be better on the White for sure.

The reports I'm getting are not even worth mentioning besides some topwater before dark

Not a lot of people around , so crowds are deff. not a prob.

Stay clear of Theodosia to avoid the debris. It's not horrible , but there is quite a bit. There's 50' trees floating around in some places up there. The Theodosia park is about unusable, will probably be closed by Monday if not already.

From Biltmore cove and to the south you should be alright. Arkansas side should be fine also.

have not seen any brown water anywhere lately.

If i have enough time before work I'm going to spring creek to check out the launching situation there.

they have been launching a few boats off the street next to theodoisa marina, but if they have to move docks that might not be an option

[Fish24/7]

Spring Ck.

looks good

I'd like to say thank you to the courtesy dock hand.

parking is limited

Theodosia

the grassy area is about gone , not much parking

just above the bridge there's another small area to launch ,but few parking spots

Quite a bit of debris in the water in places.

park closed

[Ham]

Tghanks You Very much for scouting that out! a picture is worth a 1000 words.

[HardHead]

Thanks to both of you for the scouting report. Really appreciate the info/insight 24/7 and ham bring to the board. I know to be alert bc of the conditions, but sounds/looks like there's still fishing to be done in bull shoals. I'm thinking I will just fish south of the resort and take my time. If the bite ain't good or I don't feel comfortable with the water, we will load up the families and hopefully hammer some trout.

Ham - I've seen you use post about using the ned on trout. Looking fwd to trying that out myself. Any color recommendations?