Trout Fishing Report-White River-Arkansas

From Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

January 2, 2009 Edition                                        

White River:
Mountain River Fly Shop said they expect generation to slow and quit over the holidays, though this can be altered by temperature and precipitation. However, the weather forecast is looking warm, with a threat of some rain. Bring a jacket, but the fishing should be good. Sowbugs have been killer on the river, try trailing them behind a gold Anvil egg in the fast water and a gold Unreal Egg in the slower sections. Try Davy’s Sowbugs, McLellan’s Woven V-Rib Sowbugs, and Clint’s Sowbugs. Scuds have also been doing well, the new McLellan’s Hunchback UV’s are a hot item. Midges remain consistent though we have been surprised at the lack of midges coming off over the past week, at least on the days we have been on the water. Zebras, Davys Whitetails, Camel Midges have all been good.
Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 653.74 feet MSL.
Lake Norfork: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 552.04 feet MSL.
101 Grocery and Bait said the water temperature is in the 50-degree range. Bluegill and crappie fishing has been good. Heavy water generation during the last week has dropped the water 4 feet. This has helped move the crappie and bluegill to the brush piles. White bass fishing has been good using jigging spoons. Striper fishing is slow, but some are being caught on shiners. Smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing are fair. Kentucky bass are biting well. Catfishing is fair.
Norfork Tailwater: Mountain River Fly Shop said they expect generation to slow and quit over the holidays, though this can be altered by temperature and precipitation. However, the weather forecast is looking warm, with a threat of some rain. Bring a jacket, but the fishing should be good. Sowbugs have been killer on the river, try trailing them behind a gold Anvil egg in the fast water and a gold Unreal Egg in the slower sections. Try Davy’s Sowbugs, McLellan’s Woven V-Rib Sowbugs, and Clint’s Sowbugs. Scuds have also been doing well, the new McLellan’s Hunchback UV’s are a hot item. Midges remain consistent though we have been surprised at the lack of midges coming off over the past week, at least on the days we have been on the water. Zebras, Davys Whitetails, Camel Midges have all been good.