Trout Fishing Report-White River-Arkansas....From Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

December 15, 2011  Edition                                                Back to Fishing Reports Index 

Fishing Highlight of the Week: Trout have been stocked in Family and Community Fishing ponds across the state for winter. To celebrate the holiday season, the AGFC will be hosting youth trout fishing derbies this Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at MacArthur Park Pond in Little Rock and Craighead Forest Youth and Seniors Fishing Pond in Jonesboro. Bring the kids 12 and younger out to catch some trout, win prizes and have a great day with the family.

White River

 

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said the water is clear and at normal level with five generators running. Trout are excellent on just about any live or prepared bait. Jigs and Rapalas are also working very well on the rainbow trout.  

 

Randy Oliver at www.randyoliverguide.com (901-832-1903) had no report. 

 

Guide Davy Wotton had no report.

 

Jim Brentlinger at Linger’s Guide Service and Fishing Lodge(870-499-5185) said fishing has been great. Water levels have remained constant, with plenty of water to get up and down the river. Rapalas (black/gold/white or spring perch colors) work well on higher water. As it drops, go to the Zig Jig (ginger, ginger/orange or olive/ginger). The long term weather forecast is very good so get that motor started and enjoy the White River.

 

Buffalo River

 

Just Fishing Guides said the river levels are – Ponca – 2.30 feet and 97 cfs; Pruitt – 4.57 feet and 102 cfs; Tyler Bend – 5.69 feet and 1160 cfs; Buffalo Point – 4.37 feet and 1120 cfs. Water temperatures range from 45-49 degrees. Water temperatures are right at the point where fishing gets tough for smallmouth. Make sure you are fishing the deep holes and shallower waters on warm sunny days.

 

Crooked Creek

 

Just Fishing Guides said the gauge at Kelly’s Slab is reading 10.76 ft and 60 cfs. This is 1.5 feet below the low-water bridge. Water temperatures have been averaging 47 degrees. Water temperatures are right at the point where fishing gets tough for smallmouth. Make sure you are fishing the deep holes and shallower waters on warm sunny days.

 

Bull Shoals Lake

 

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 653.86  feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 654 MSL).

 

Mike Worley’s Guide Service said water surface temperature is in the low- to mid-50s. Many areas are very foggy with the cold air, so be careful when boating. Jigging spoons are still catching a mixed bag of black and white bass and a few crappie in 30 to 50 feet of water. Walleyes have been moving shallow and can be caught on suspending stick baits on points and in coves. Crappie are suspended over brush piles and around standing timber along bluff banks. Smallmouth and spotted bass are in shallow water and are biting very well on crawfish-colored jigs and crankbaits.

 

Bull Shoals Tailwater

 

Just Fishing Guides said generation has been around the clock, varying between two to six units (5,000-20,000 cfs). Nymphing and streamers are two of the more productive presentations. Seasonal flies include scuds, sow bugs, blue wing olives, micro caddis, midges, worm, egg and sculpin patterns.

 

Lake Norfork

 

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 551.95  feet MSL (Normal conservation pool: Sept.-April - 552 MSL, April-Sept. - 554 MSL).

 

Blackburn Resort had no report.

 

STR Outfitters had no report.

 

Hummingbird Hideaway Resort had no report.

 

Guide Steve Olomon had no report.

 

Randy Oliver at www.randyoliverguide.com (901-832-1903) had no report.

 

Norfork Tailwater

 

Randy Oliver at www.randyoliverguide.com (901-832-1903) had no report.

 

Just Fishing Guides said generation has been usually twice per day with flows to 8,000 cfs. There have been periods of low water each day for wade fishers. Tan scuds have been hot lately. Small streamers without bead or cone heads producing a slower fall are working well also. Sow bugs, midges, worm and egg patterns should be in your arsenal as well.