http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/ This is a discussion forum for FFF Southern Council members powered by vBulletin. To find out about vBulletin, go to http://www.vbulletin.com/ . en Thu, 17 May 2012 20:10:06 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/images/misc/rss.png http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/ http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/showthread.php?574-John-berry-fishing-report-5-17-2012&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 11:04:37 GMT JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/17/2012 During the past week, we have had no rain events, warmer temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at... JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/17/2012
During the past week, we have had no rain events, warmer temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose five tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at one foot below power pool or seventeen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at one and three tenths of a foot below power pool or ten and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had little generation with significant wadable water. Norfork Lake rose three tenths of a foot to rest at power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had reliable wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are at or below flood pool. We should receive more wadable water this week.


On the White, we have had significant periods of wadable water all week. The wade fishing was spectacular. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns and green butts. Other productive flies were partridge and orange soft hackles and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. We have had some lower flows that have been nearly perfect for drift fishing. Nymphs suspended below a strike indicator have been quite effective. The most productive flies have been caddis pupa (green or tan), copper Johns, prince nymphs, San Juan worms (hot fluorescent pink or cerise) and zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead in size 16). My favorite combination has been a cerise San Juan worm with a zebra midge dropper.


The hot spot has been Wildcat Shoals. Though the caddis are generally on the wane, many anglers have reported success banging the bank with size fourteen elk hair caddis. The trick has been to get very close to the bank and achieve a perfect drag free drift. Another hot spot has been Buffalo Shoals.

Be on the lookout for the Sulphurs, our upcoming major mayfly hatch of the year. These are yellow orange mayflies in size fourteen. Before the hatch use mayfly nymphs like gold ribbed hares ears, pheasant tails and copper Johns. During the emergence, switch over to partridge and orange or partridge and yellow soft hackles. Once the trout begin keying in on the adults, switch to the sulphur parachutes. Be sure and achieve a perfect drag free drift.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and gin clear. Both are navigable but you may have to drag your boat in some spots. Several anglers (including me) have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. The Buffalo has been fishing particularly well. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.

There has been reliable wadable water on the Norfork every day. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Here again banging the bank with large articulated streamers can produce some large trout. When the flood gates were open, warm water fish escaped from the lake into the river. This is a great opportunity to catch stripers, walleye, gar and other species on the river. You are encouraged to remove them, as they are all predators with a taste for trout. The ramp at Quarry Park has been repaired and is open for business.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage it. Spring break is over and it is much less crowded during the week. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. There is precious little room to cast and the most productive technique has been to high stick nymphs. Carry the largest net you can get your hands on as some of these fish are huge.

The water level on the Spring River is lower and clear. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season has not started yet and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks.

Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.

Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home.

John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over thirty years. ]]> Lake/river conditions John Berry http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/showthread.php?574-John-berry-fishing-report-5-17-2012 http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/showthread.php?573-John-berry-fishing-report-5-10-2012&goto=newpost Thu, 10 May 2012 11:13:47 GMT JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/10/2012 During the past week, we have had no rain events, warmer then cooler temperatures and windy conditions. The lake... JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/10/2012
During the past week, we have had no rain events, warmer then cooler temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell two tenths of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot below power pool or sixteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at one and one tenth of a foot below power pool or ten and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had generally lower generation with significant wadable water. Norfork Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had reliable wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are below flood pool. We should receive more wadable water this week.


On the White, we have had some substantial periods of wadable water during the week. The wade fishing was spectacular. The hot flies were zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead) and green butts. Other productive flies were partridge and orange soft hackles and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. During the rest of the week, we have generally lower flows that have been nearly perfect for drift fishing. Nymphs suspended below a strike indicator have been quite effective. The most productive flies have been caddis pupa (green or tan), copper Johns, prince nymphs, San Juan worms (hot fluorescent pink or cerise) and zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead in size 16). My favorite combination has been a cerise San Juan worm with a zebra midge dropper.


The hot spot has been Roundhouse Shoals. Though the caddis are generally on the wane, many anglers have reported success banging the bank with size fourteen elk hair caddis. The trick has been to get very close to the bank and achieve a perfect drag free drift. Another hot spot has been Buffalo Shoals.

Be on the lookout for the Sulphurs, our upcoming major mayfly hatch of the year. These are yellow orange mayflies in size fourteen. Before the hatch use mayfly nymphs like gold ribbed hares ears, pheasant tails and copper Johns. During the emergence, switch over to partridge and orange or partridge and yellow soft hackles. Once the trout begin keying in on the adults, switch to the sulphur parachutes. Be sure and achieve a perfect drag free drift.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water temperature and water levels are perfect for fishing Smallmouth. Several anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.

There has been reliable wadable water on the Norfork every day. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Here again banging the bank with large articulated streamers can produce some large trout. When the flood gates were open, warm water fish escaped from the lake into the river. This is a great opportunity to catch stripers, walleye, gar and other species on the river. You are encouraged to remove them, as they are all predators with a taste for trout. The ramp at Quarry Park is closed for repairs.

Dry Run Creek has been hot. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage it. Spring break is over and it is much less crowded during the week. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Take time to visit the adjacent Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your shoes before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic disease.

The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season has not started yet and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks.

Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.

Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home.

John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over thirty years. ]]> Lake/river conditions John Berry http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/showthread.php?573-John-berry-fishing-report-5-10-2012 http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/showthread.php?572-John-Berry-fishing-report-4-26-2012&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:21:37 GMT JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 4/26/2012 During the past week, we have had no measurable rain, warm temperatures and windy conditions (to include lake... JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 4/26/2012
During the past week, we have had no measurable rain, warm temperatures and windy conditions (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell eight tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at power pool or sixteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell nine tenths of a foot to rest at five tenths of a foot below power pool or ten and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had generally lower generation. There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell one foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had reliable wadable water most days. All of the lakes in the White River system are currently below flood pool. We should receive wadable water this week.


On the White, we have generally lower flows that have been nearly perfect for drift fishing. Nymphs suspended below a strike indicator have been quite effective. The most productive flies have been caddis pupa (green or tan), copper Johns, prince nymphs and San Juan worms (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). My favorite combination has been a cerise San Juan worm with a caddis pupa dropper. The windy conditions have made casting and boat handling more difficult.


The hot spot has been Wildcat Shoals, which has received some spectacular caddis hatches in the afternoon. Many anglers have reported success banging the bank with size fourteen elk hair caddis. The trick has been to get very close to the bank and achieve a perfect drag free drift. When there are no adults coming off, try a caddis pupa or prince nymph under an indicator. Another hot spot has been Rim Shoals. For a nominal fee Rim Shoals Trout Dock will ferry you to wadable water and pick you up when you wish to leave or when the water rises.

We have received some limited periods of higher water (9,000 to 12,000 cubic feet per second) which have been conducive to fishing large articulated streamers. The trick is to bang the bank with these large flies on a sink tip line (250 grains or heavier). Flies for this technique have been zoo cougars, sex dungeons and butt monkeys. You will need a heavy rod (an eight weight or heavier) to cast this rig. This is hard work but can produce some large trout.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water temperature is at the level for the Smallmouth to be active. Some anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.

There has been reliable wadable water on the Norfork almost every day. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger or soft hackles like my green butt or the partridge and orange. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Here again banging the bank with large articulated streamers can produce some large trout. When the flood gates were open, warm water fish escaped from the lake into the river. This is a great opportunity to catch stripers, walleye, gar and other species on the river. You are encouraged to remove them, as they are all predators with a taste for trout.

Dry Run Creek has been productive. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage it. Spring break is over and it is much less crowded during the week. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Be careful to carefully revive and gently release all fish. Take your camera to capture the photo of a lifetime.

The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season has not started yet and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks.

Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.

Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home.

John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over thirty years. ]]> Lake/river conditions John Berry http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/showthread.php?572-John-Berry-fishing-report-4-26-2012 http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/showthread.php?571-John-berry-fishing-report-4-19-2012&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:07:52 GMT During the past week, we have had a significant rain event, warm temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three... During the past week, we have had a significant rain event, warm temperatures and windy conditions. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell three tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three and one tenth feet to rest at four tenths of a foot above power pool or nine and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had lower generation. There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell three and eight tenths feet to rest at nine tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation with additional flows entering the river through the flood gates earlier in the week and the elimination of the flows from the flood gates later in the week. There has been little wadable water. The Corps of Engineers has been aggressively drawn down the lakes to prepare for spring rains and they are now all within inches of power pool. We should receive wadable water this week.


On the higher flows that we received this week, the key to success has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns below an indicator. You should use a leader/tippet combination of twelve feet or longer and heavy weight (AAA split shot or heavier). To increase the takes, suspend a dropper fly beneath the lead fly. Productive choices would be copper Johns, sowbugs and fluttering caddis nymphs. Concentrate on fishing the bank, submerged islands and weed beds.

Another productive technique for this high level of generation is to bang the bank with large articulated streamers on a fast sinking sink tip fly line (250 grains or heavier). In order to cast these flies on these lines, you will need at least an eight weight fly rod. Suggested flies are butt monkeys, sex dungeons and zoo cougars. This technique is heavy work and not for the casual fly fisher. It will not produce large numbers of trout but can generate some big fish.

The hot spot has been Wildcat Shoals, which has received some spectacular caddis hatches in the afternoon. Many anglers have reported success banging the bank with size fourteen elk hair caddis. The trick has been to get very close to the bank and achieve a perfect drag free drift. When there are no adults coming off, try a caddis larva or prince nymph under an indicator. Another hot spot has been Rim Shoals. For a nominal fee Rim Shoals Trout Dock will ferry you to wadable water and pick you up when you wish to leave or when the water rises.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are low and clear. The water temperature is at the level for the Smallmouth to be active. Some anglers have reported success with Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.

There has been generation continuously on the Norfork. On higher flows, the best technique has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (pink and orange). Here again banging the bank with large articulated streamers can produce some large trout. When the flood gates were open, warm water fish escaped from the lake into the river. This is a great opportunity to catch stripers, walleye, gar and other species on the river. You are encouraged to remove them, as they are predators with a taste for trout.

Dry Run Creek has been productive. The weather has been mild and it has drawn lots of young anglers taking advantage it. Spring break is over and it is much less crowded during the week. There is an opportunity for a bit of solitude at times. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Be careful to carefully revive and gently release all fish. This is a precious resource.

The water level on the Spring River is lower and clearing. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season has not started yet and we have much less traffic on stream. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot spot has been the Dam Three Access. The hot flies have been brown woolly buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks.

Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.

The North Arkansas Fly Fishers will have a fly fishing class at the Van Matre Senior Center beginning Monday, April 23. The class is free to members. Non members can join the North Arkansas Fly Fishers at the first class and participate for $15.00. Contact club president, Mike Tipton, at (870) 404-8845 for further information.

Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home.

John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over thirty years. ]]> Lake/river conditions John Berry http://forums.southerncouncilfff.org/showthread.php?571-John-berry-fishing-report-4-19-2012