Visitor Questions

[Salmo Trutta]

I am from South Central Pennsylvania and will be visiting the Cotter area March 27 through April 3. My previous experience in the area includes many mornings on the special reg. area of Taneycomo while on family vacations in Branson and one day below the dam at Bull Shoals. I have been reading this board for several weeks and have learned a lot. Many of the questions that I had have been answered by the collective wisdom of this group in the posts that I have read.

One of my unanswered questions has to do with the effect of generation on insect hatches. If, say a caddis hatch, is in progress when the water starts rising, does that usually end the hatch, or do the caddis continue to emerge? If the hatch continues, will the trout continue to rise as the water comes up, switch to emerging pupa, or stop feeding?

[John Berry]

Salmo Trutta

I do not think there is one easy answer. I would have to say that it would depend on the level of generation. At low levels I don't think that there would be much interference. But if a full eight hit I believe that it would affect the water temperature and therefore affect the emergence. The trout feeding would also depend on the level of the water coming through.

[Salmo Trutta]

John,

Thank you for the reply. I imagine at 8 units, it is "game over" for the wading angler anyway. At what levels of generation is wading still possible at some or most locations? Also, do caddis and mayflies emerge all the way up to the dam, or is it only midges near the dam.

[JimmyT]

ST.

Not a problem on dropping water for sure and on a unit or two for caddis. In fact yesterday we fished caddis dry with emerger dropper on a dropping two units. I have seen sulphers come off the water on 6 units at wildcat shoals and near the banks and in eddy water down stream from this shoal on my runs back up from cotter over the years. I don't ever remember seeing caddis come off the water with more than two units but have seen them bounce and drop eggs in the water on most levels of water.

You definatly can fish the hatch on a couple of units which can reach about 4,400 CFS depending on which two units are actually turned and wether or not they are on full bore.

We should start seeing sulphers about the time you show up on the upper end above cotter and mabey a little sooner above the norfork....Much more diversity in Mayflies further down stream...Especially where the buffalo river empties into the white.

Hope that helps.

Jimmy T.

[Salmo Trutta]

Jimmy T,

Yes, very helpful, thank you.

As you can probably tell, I have a strong preference for dry flies. I will probably be prepared for anything that may be on the surface, including shad.

As far as underwater flies go, my arsenal is usually minimal. What underwater flies can I not afford to be without for the White River?

[JimmyT]

Not a problem Salmo,

Midges for sure (Zebra and Blood), A scud type pattern, soft hackles, SJ Worms and Planaruim, Caddis pupae and larvae as well as PTs.

Not much caddis by the dam. But some. The occasional Sulper which mostly blow over from the lake. On windy days your drys will work pretty well by the dam. A generic Bi-Visible type fly is a good one up there.

Good luck

jimmy t.

[Salmo Trutta]

Thank you Jimmy T,

Looks like I will spend some time at the vice before the trip.

Now for the difficult questions. What is a good place to have breakfast before a day on the river? and What are some favorite places for dinner?

[John Berry]

May I suggest that since you are visiting Cotter, my home town, that you give the White Sands a try. It is the only restaurant in town and does a great breakfast. Be sure and try their grilled Salmon and home made pies for supper.

[JimmyT]

AHHH!!!! The White Sands has THE BEST GRAVY I've ever eaten in my entire life.... and don't forget the bisquits. Service is good, Coffee is good, Food is good and the prices are stupid CHEAP.... Leave a big tip when your done and you'll catch a ton of fish....

the 178 Club in Bull Shoals for an evening dinner would be in order and get reservations with the waiter Names TED... KT's BBQ in Gassville has developed quite a good rep and AL B's in Laveview is Exquisite if you like Yankee style BBQ...

Where ya gonna stay??

Jimmy T.

[Salmo Trutta]

John and Jimmy,

Thank you for the advice. I am staying at the White Sands Motel, so the White Sands Restaurant is certainly convenient. I'm glad to hear that it is also highly recommended.

Two weeks to go! Since my retirement, I fly fish about 110 days a year, and have been fly fishing for over 50 years, but nothing is as exciting to me as exploring new water. Thank you for your assistance.