John Berry fishing report 7/26/2007

[John Berry]

JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 7/26/2007

The lake level at Bull Shoals has fallen approximately six tenths of a foot to rest at one foot above pool of 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen three tenths of a foot to one and three tenths feet above pool and Beaver Lake has fallen eight tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot below pool. The Norfork has fallen a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot above pool of 552.00 feet. In the past week, Bull Shoals has had some significant periods of no generation. The pattern has been to turn off generation or run low levels of water most of the day and the spike it with up to seven generators in the afternoon. There has been quite a bit of wadable water. Boating, in general has been good. On the Norfork, there has been little or no generation in the morning while they have been running a full two generators in the afternoon and early evening. This has provided some excellent wading opportunities early in the day. As the lakes continue to fall, we should see more low water and some excellent wading opportunities

Overall, the fishing has been good. In the Catch and Release section at the base of Bull Shoals Dam fishing has been good with low levels of generation on small midge larva patterns, the zebra midge in particular. At no generation, the fishing has been a bit slower. Try the zebra midges and soft hackles, a partridge and orange or a green butt, for this water level. On high water in the afternoon, go to a brightly colored San Juan worm and plenty of lead. The hot colors have been hot pink, fire orange and bright red.

The section from Wild Cat Shoals to Cotter has been hot. This stretch has been fishing well with a variety of patterns. The grasshopper fishing has been excellent. When fishing hoppers, go to at least 4X tippet and a five weight rod or larger to cast these flies. You want the flies to hit the water’s surface with a plop. Give them a bit of action to imitate a struggling insect and look out for a vicious take. It is still early in the hopper season so you should use smaller flies (size ten or twelve), for best results. I am particularly fond of the western foam hoppers because they float like corks and do not require dressing.

Rim Shoals has also been fishing particularly well. There were several days when the water was low and the wade fishing was spectacular. There has been a blue wing olive hatch in the afternoon. It has been a bit sparse and sporadic and there have not been many trout keying in on them. The best fishing has been on pheasant tail nymphs size eighteen and copper johns size eighteen before and during the hatch. At lot of the action has been at the end of the drift when the nymph begins to swing up imitating the emerging nymph. Grasshoppers have been supplying some exciting top water action. The same flies have done well at lower levels of generation. The higher water has been hitting here at night.

Despite the excellent wading conditions on the Norfork, particularly in the morning, the fishing has been a bit slow. I believe the Norfork Overlook Estates debacle earlier in the year has had a negative impact on fishing this year. The key to having any success is to come very early and concentrate on very small midge patterns. I would suggest zebra midges and Norfork bead heads in black. Later in the day, I would give grasshoppers a try. There has also been some nice trout caught on small midge emergers like Dan’s turkey tail emerger. There have been several anglers fishing at night but no reports of any big fish being caught.

Dry Run Creek remains the top place to take kids fishing in the area. This creek has a huge population of trophy fish and is the home of the current state record rainbow trout. If you are headed that way, take plenty of sow bugs, San Juan worms, and Y2Ks. Concentrate on high sticking nymphs in heavy water and use at least 5X tippet or larger. Take the biggest net you can put your hands on. Most of these monsters are lost at the net. Be sure and remember the camera. The memories will last a life time.

Remember to practice water safety and always check conditions before leaving home.

[Robert R.]

Thanks for another wonderful report. Sounds like there will be some wadable water at some point during the day and that is all a guy can ask for.

I'll be loading up and heading that way sometime tommorrow. Will probably stop on the Little Red around lunch time and then head to the White sometime around dark.

Could'nt find any lodging so I will be sleeping in my truck somewhere. If any of you guys see a white Ford F-150 extended cab with Wildlife Mississippi logos on the door, I'll be somewhere close by so introduce yourself. I'll have plenty of cold drinks If I'm in my truck asleep - WAKE ME UP - I should be fishin.

Take care all. Hope I have something to report next Monday.

[John Berry]

Good luck. You should be able to find some place to fish between the two rivers. I will be sure and wake you up if I find you sleeping at an access.

[Greg]

Thanks for the report John. It's encouraging too regarding wadable water. My wife and I are headed down there a week from tomorrow for 3 days. We'll be at both the White and norfork or whichever is not generating.

Greg

[John Berry]

I would expect some wadable water. Be sure and bring some hoppers. The grasshopper fishing has been fantastic. I took about fifteen on the top in one afternoon a couple of days ago.

[Greg]

Thanks again John. I appreciate you taking the time to help us novices out.

Greg

[Danoinark]

John, would you suggest a specific foam hopper pattern, or will most any work in various colors? And what sizes?

Dano

[John Berry]

Dano,

The Rainey's foam hopper pattern is pretty popular here but I fish several and do not really have a favorite. The best size now is fairly small. I was fishing a ten yesterday and that was working well. As the summer goes on the hoppers get larger. I carry twelves, tens, eights and larger. I try and match the hoppers I find on the bank as I walk in. I also fish Dave's hoppers if I think the trout are being selective. I carry tan, yellow and olive but I pay a lot more attention to size. The hopper fishing has been really hot! I am personally not fishing much else.

[Danoinark]

John

The only time I had fished a Dave's hopper was on Crooked Creek for smallies once. It seems it takes alot of floatant to keep those things up. I may have not been fishing them correctly though. I do like foam and like you say you couldn't sink them with a torpedo.

Dano

[John Berry]

Dano,

The Dave's hopper is more realistic and just looks right. It does take a bit of floatant. I like it for the Norfork where the water is a bit slower and the fish are a bit pickier.