Trout Fishing Report-White River-Arkansas
From Arkansas Game and Fish CommissionApril 15, 2009 Edition
White River:
John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said the pattern on the White was for heavy generation around the clock. Water levels were particularly high at the beginning of the week and lower towards the end of the week.
Mountain River Fly Shop said the White River is back on strong, with good reports up and down the river. Several caddis species are hatching downstream, and the fish are gorging on them. Generation levels slowed some this week as Bull Shoals Lake fell below power pool level. The flies of choice have been larger midge patterns like Clint’s black tungsten midge, super midges, San Juan worms and sow bugs.
White River (From Buffalo Shoals to Norfork):
Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the last 10 days have been extremely difficult. Eight generators on at Bull Shoals and two on at Norfork dam have added to the difficult fishing. Normally when the bite gets tough you can still go to the bottom with Power Bait and enjoy success.
Crooked Creek:
John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service said fishing on Crooked Creek has improved as water temperatures climbed to 58 degrees. However, recent rain has muddied up the creek and it will take several days to clear.
Bull Shoals Lake:
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 654.46 feet MSL.
Bob Pauletti (870-656-3350) with Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock said fishing has been fair this week with water temperatures in the 50-52 degree range in the backs of creeks and 49-50 degrees on the main lake. Quality largemouth are being caught on steeper banks in the creek arms using stick baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits with a little wind. If it’s calm, slow down with a Carolina or mojo rig with a 4-inch worm, lizard or gitzit. Spotted bass and smallmouth have been active on the same baits; look for these fish further back in the creek arms. Crappies up to 2½ pounds are being brought in to the dock, work live bait or small jigs over brush piles for these fish. White bass are being caught on Road Runners, Beetle Spins, and minnow baits. Look for these fish in the backs of major creek arms. Walleye have been far and few.
Lake Norfork:
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 552.24 feet MSL.
101 Grocery and Bait said the water temperature is in the upper 50s. The water is clear to stained in the upper parts of the lake from the rain. Striper fishing has been fair at night using stick baits. Walleye fishing has been fair at night using stick baits fished along the shore. Crappie fishing has been fair using minnows and tube baits. Bluegills are starting to hit crickets and worms. Bass fishing has been good. White bass fishing has been fair.
Norfork Tailwater:
John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said there was heavy generation on the Norfork early in the week, but several periods of no generation occurred as the week progressed. With current conditions and mild weather we could encounter some wadable water.
Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the fishing is just as slow on the Norfork tailwater as it is on the White River. A Rattling Rogue in Blue/Silver/Orange will produce nice brown trout, but only a few on an all-day trip.