Bull Shoals C&R reopens

[netboy]

The C&R area below the dam opened back up for fishing last Thursday. I didn't go Thursday as I assumed there would be quite a crowd. I did make it up there Friday, Sunday and again this morning (2-7). I talked to a friend that fished on Thursday and he said it was a real zoo with lots of boats and waders. He also said the Game Wardens were out in force checking to see that everyone was playing by the rules. Apparently, a few were not and got ticketed. Seems the most common infraction up there is not using barbless hooks.

The fishing was good the days I went and there was minimum flow starting mid-morning and lasting through the afternoon. Today they ran about 1 1/2 units starting around 9:00. As always, the fish you catch up there are bigger than those you catch downriver. I lost what looked to be a 23-24" brown this morning due to a pulled hook after a 5 minute fight. Best flies have been soft hackles and egg patterns.

Here's a couple from this morning, nothing huge but fun size to catch ...