Fly Fishing Reports July-September 2009

Fly Fishing Tips - Colorado Fishing Report

September 23, 2009 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is clear and high from the rain. Generators didn’t turn on until Monday. Trout fishing is good on spinners and white glow worms.  

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said generation at the Greers Ferry powerhouse began running one or two generators at midnight on the 20th concluding the evening of the 21st. Releases occurred again the morning of the 22nd continuing for 14 hours. Smaller afternoon releases should once again become the norm provided we don't get more rain. The average dissolved oxygen in the water coming through the turbines is 7.0 ppm with an average temperature of 54 degrees. Aquatic insect hatches have changed somewhat in the past week or so and angler catch rates are going up! Not only are we seeing the usual midge and blue-winged olive mayfly hatches, but also small hatches of caddis flies, pale morning dun mayflies and sulphur mayflies in the mix. Good dry flies to try include the Adams (size 18-20), midge (size 22-32; black or cream), crackleback (size 14), hopper pattern (size 10), PMD (size 16-18), BWO (size 18-24), and sulphur (size 16). Productive sub-surface flies include sow bug (size 14-16; tan, smoky olive and UV tan), zebra midge (size 16-22; red, black or copper), copper john (size 14; red), chronic (size 14), San Juan worm (size 14; red, fluorescent cerise, hot pink or worm brown), red butt soft hackle (size 14-18) or woolly bugger (size 8-12; olive, brown or black). 

Julie Raines at His Place Resort said the generation patterns, although fluctuating, have been low to medium-low for the last week, in the range of 1-2 generators, with small spikes up to 3 generators. From Wildcat Shoals to Cotter, a somewhat wider portion of the river, we’ve had fair to good wading access most days. That is also enough water to navigate by boat, although some shoals might require short portages. Fishing has been very good. For bait fishermen, soft-shelled crawdads, sculpin, shrimp, nightcrawlers and redworms have given the best results; it hasn’t really changed much from last week. Hot pink Nitro worms are still working really well, as is chartreuse Power Bait.

For those who like to fish artificials, smaller Buoyant Spoons and Size 3 and 5 Rapala Countdowns in Silver/Black and Gold/Black have been the top producers, although this week several folks have reported that the Rainbow Rapalas are doing well for them. For fly-fishing, the olive woolly bugger has also been a go-to fly. A few guests also reported that brown woolly buggers were working for them. Pink San Juan worms, beadhead midges and various Copper John-style patterns have also been effective. For up-to-the-minute flow information and explanations, visit http://www.hisplaceresort.net/River-flow.htm.  

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service had no report this week. 

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said there has been little to no generation lately. The area received 8 to 10 inches of rain during he last wave of storms. Trout fishing is poor because the water is so dingy. Logs and debris are all in the river. Some fish have been caught on drifted Power Bait and live sculpins.     

White River (From Buffalo City to Red’s Landing):

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the Buffalo River came up between 10 and 15 feet over the last few days. The water is very muddy and fishing is limited to small stretches that may produce a few fish on Power Bait. Make sure you get the bait to the bottom if you want to catch fish.

Crooked Creek: 

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service had no report this week.

Norfork Tailwater: 

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said there is a large amount of muddy water which has backed up from the confluence with the White. It clears between River Ridge Resort and Bill Ackerman Access, but the water is very low. White River Zig Jigs have been producing a few fish but the bites are few and far between.Mountain River Fly Shop  said all the focus has been on the White River, but we have heard some decent reports from the North Fork, including a bunch of nice rainbows falling to streamers during weekend flow. On the lower water, soft hackles are doing very well.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service had no report.  

September 17, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 9/17/2009

During the past week, we have had unseasonably cool temperatures and a significant rain event, which was a slow soaker and had little effect on lake levels. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell five tenths of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose four tenths of a foot to rest at five tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake remained steady at nine tenths of a foot below power pool or ten and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool.  Over the weekend, we had some nice twelve hour windows of no generation then during the past week we have had very light generation around the clock. This created some very limited wading. On some days, drift fishing was very limited. Norfork Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at one and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty six and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There has been little generation on the Norfork with plenty of wading available. All of the lakes in the White River system are at or near power pool. If cool temperatures and little or no rainfall continue, I predict wadable water in the near future.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been hit or miss this last week. Some days were slow and some were spectacular. With the low level flows, it was difficult to navigate around all the new habitat structures recently installed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Corps of Engineers. Midge patterns have been the ticket. The hot flies have been the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead and Dan’s turkey tail emerger.

Wildcat Shoals has been quite productive. While the black zebra midges have been the go to nymph, the hot flies have been the partridge and orange soft hackle and the green butt. Dan’s turkey tail emerger and the olive woolly bugger were also effective. This is a broad shallow shoal that can provide limited wading on low levels of generation. Be very careful, as there is a lot of bedrock in this area, which can be treacherous to wade. Studded boots are highly recommended. On sunny windy days the grasshopper has been particularly effective. Use nine foot 4X leaders and carefully work the banks. Drop the fly on the water with a plop and give the fly a twitch from time to time, to initiate a vicious strike. The best patterns have been Dave’s hoppers and Rainey’s hoppers.

Rim Shoals has been spotty this past week. Some days have been spectacular and some have been slow. In general, the mornings have fished better than the afternoons. The water was gin clear and 6X tippet or smaller was the key to success. The hot flies has been the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead in size sixteen, prince nymphs in size sixteen and beadhead sowbugs size fourteen. Other flies, specifically hot pink fluorescent San Juan worms and olive woolly buggers accounted for some large fish. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are a bit high and off color. The cooler temperatures have moderated the water temperature. The hot flies have been Clouser minnows and crayfish patterns.

The Norfork River has been a bit slow this past week. With little if any wadable water on the White, on most days, this was the only show in town. On low water, small midge patterns have been the ticket. Try black zebra midges, Norfork beadheads in black or olive and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Soft hackles like the green butt and the partridge and orange have been effective. Grasshoppers and olive woolly buggers have also been producing. The upper river at Quarry Park has fished a bit better. It should be noted that, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is to resurface the parking lot at the ramp at Quarry Park beginning on September 24, and ending on October 9. The ramp will be closed during this process and the area will effectively be closed to fishing. This will leave the Ackerman Access as the only access open on the Norfork River . I cannot believe that they are doing this during conclave.

Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange). The habitat improvement project for Dry Run Creek has begun. If you go down there, you will see trucks or cranes operating in the stream. The fish are still there but it is important to avoid the areas under construction. This project will enhance angling opportunities for the handicapped and improve the creeks fish handling capacity. Kudos to Dave Whitlock for a great design job on this project.

September 10 - Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

TROUT PARKS

Bennett Spring State Park: 54 degrees, normal, clear; successful lures and baits include: jigs (black/yellow, ginger); mini-jigs (white floss and John Deere);dry flies(#12 Cracklebacks and #18 renegade); glo balls (original 3 color combo and "Jimi Hendrix"); also successful are kapok flies, assorted colored brassies, wooly spinners,  salmon-peach Power Baits and trout nip. Weed cutting is planned for Tuesday September, 22.  It will start around 9am and end around 3pm.
For more info call 417-532-4418. 
For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060  (Report made on 9/8/2009)

Maramec Spring Park: 58 degrees, spring branch is at normal flow; water is clear; use bright colored baits in white, rainbow, orange and chartreuse; nightcrawlers and jigs also working well. Girl's Gone Fishing will be held September 12, for more information visit www.mdc.mo.gov/2921. (Report made on 9/9/2009)

Montauk State Park: 58 degrees, normal, clear; for best results use light line, 2 to 3lb test; in the fly area: very small dry flies are producing good numbers of fish, scuds and mini marabou jigs suspended under a float and Rooster Tails are also doing well; check at the lodge for other good fly choices. In the bait area: Power Bait in white, yellow, green and blue is working well; corn and prepared doughbaits are also producing good numbers of fish. Whistle times for September are 7:30am to 7:15pm.  (Report made on 9/10/2009)

Roaring River State Park: 58 degrees, rising, recent rains have increased flows a little; water is more clear than last week, 2-3 lb. test line is recommended; check at park store or local fly shops for best flies and baits; for current or detailed information on stream conditions call 417-847-2430. Go to the new park store near the bridge on Hwy 112 to purchase tags and permits.  For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
(Report made on 9/10/2009)

August 27 - Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

TROUT PARKS

Bennett Spring State Park: 54 degrees, normal, clear; successful lures and baits include: jigs (black/yellow, ginger); mini-jigs (bedspread and John Deere);dry flies(#12 Cracklebacks and #18 renegade); glo balls (original 3 color combo and "Jimi Hendrix"); also successful are kapok flies, red or pink brassies, wooly spinners,  white Power Baits and trout nip.
For more info call 417-532-4418. 
For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060  (Report made on 8/27/2009)

Maramec Spring Park: 58 degrees, spring branch is at normal flow; water is clear; use bright colored baits in white, rainbow, orange and chartreuse; nightcrawlers and jigs also working well. Girl's Gone Fishing will be held September 12, for more information visit www.mdc.mo.gov/2921. (Report made on 8/27/2009)

Montauk State Park: 59 degrees, normal, clear; use light line, 2 to 3lb test for best results; in the fly area: very small dry flies are producing good numbers of fish, scuds and mini marabou jigs suspended under a float and Rooster Tails are also doing well; check at the lodge for other good fly choices. In the bait area: Power Bait in white, yellow, green and blue is working well; corn and prepared doughbaits are also producing good numbers of fish.  (Report made on 8/27/2009)

Roaring River State Park: 58 degrees, falling, water is low and very clear so 2-3 lb. test line is recommended; check at park store or local fly shops for best flies and baits; for current or detailed information on stream conditions call 417-847-2430.Go to the new park store near bridge on Hwy 112 to purchase tags and permits.  For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
(Report made on 8/27/2009)

August 22, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - We have had a significant rain event. The lakes on the White River system continue their fall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four tenths of a foot to rest at five tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell six tenths feet to rest at one and four tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot below power pool or nine and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White has been for no generation in the morning and occasionally no generation at night. The flows have been heavy in the afternoon during peak power demand. This created some excellent conditions for drift and wade fishing.   Norfork Lake has fallen six tenths of a foot to rest at one foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven feet below the top of flood pool. Generation on the Norfork has declined significantly, which has created some quality wading.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in conjunction with the Corps of Engineers began installing fish habitat designed to provide cover for juvenile trout in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam on August 17, 2009. This work is being done at low water levels and is scheduled to take forty five days to complete. It should provide reliable wadable water on the White River during this time. There is some concern that the habitat will create navigational hazards for river boats at low levels of generation. At this time, we do not know how high the new habitat structures will sit in the water. There was a lot of discussion that this project would be completed quickly, substantially before the allotted time is over. However, a significant amount of the cedar trees being used for bank stabilization were observed being washed down stream when the generation was kicked up to four and a half generators the other day. It appears that they had not been properly anchored. If you are boating and observe any of the habitat materials in the river near you, carefully avoid them to prevent damage to your boat or motor.

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been quite good for the last week. We have had periods of no generation each morning that have fished particularly well. The trick is to avoid the areas where the construction is active. Midge patterns have been the ticket on lower flows. The hot flies have been the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Later in the day, when we get heavier flows, the most effective technique has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot pink and red) and egg patterns (orange) below strike indicators. Use long 4X tippets and large split shot (AAA) to get the flies down to the bottom. Be very careful when drifting in this area. There are some significant obstacles to navigation (the new habitat) that were not here last week.

Wildcat Shoals has been another hot spot. While the black zebra midges have been the go to nymph, the hot flies have been the partridge and orange soft hackle and the green butt.

Rim Shoals has been extremely productive this past week. The lower flows, which lasted until late afternoon, have been fishing particularly well and we have had some days with wadable water. The hot fly has been the zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead in size sixteen. The lower flows have also been near perfect for fishing grasshoppers. The trout are certainly looking up and keying in on these large morsels. Try Dave’s hoppers in size 10 or Rainey’s hoppers in size 8. Use a stiff nine foot six weight rod to cast these larger flies. A nine foot leader tippet combination will turn the fly over easily. While the fly is drifting downstream, twitch it occasionally, to trigger a vicious strike.

August 21, 2009 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

Little Red River: 

Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is low and stained. Trout are biting well. Bait fishing with yellow or white Powerbait, wax worms and marshmallows has worked well in the mornings. When the current is flowing, Smithwick Rattling Rogues have worked.   

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said water releases at Greers Ferry continue to be small, daily and after lunch. This protocol makes wade fishing possible at most locations on the Little Red River. Small but frequent aquatic insect hatches are occurring every day along our trophy trout stream. The bulk of the bugs coming off are midges followed by blue-winged olive mayflies. To catch a trout on a dry fly, try an Adams (size 18), BWO (sizes 18-20), midge (sizes 22-32; cream) or crackleback (size 14). Sub-surface flies that are working include the sow bug (sizes 14-16; tan, smoky olive or peacock), zebra midge (sizes 16-22; red, black or copper), red butt soft hackle (sizes 14-18), San Juan worm (size 14; red, fl. cerise or worm brown) and woolly bugger (sizes 8-12; olive, brown or black).

White River: 

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said the pattern on the White was for round-the-clock generation. Flows have been much heavier in the afternoon during peak power demand. This created some excellent conditions for drift fishing and limited wade fishing. However, habitat improvements to the Catch-and-release section below Bull Shoals dam was scheduled to begin August 17 and last for roughly 45 days. This will shut down the flow and create reliable wading conditions downstream. Midge patterns are the ticket on lower flows. The hot fly has been the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead. Later in the day, when we get heavier flows, the most effective technique has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot pink and red) and egg patterns (orange) below strike indicators. Use long 4X tippets and large split shot (AAA) to get the flies down to the bottom. The habitat work is to begin on Monday and I do not know how that will affect fishing in this area. Rim Shoals has been red hot. The hot fly has been the zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead in size 16. The lower flows have also been near perfect for fishing grasshoppers. The trout are certainly looking up and keying in on these large morsels. Try Dave’s hoppers in size 10 or Rainey’s hoppers in size 8. As the flows increase, the action has moved to the lower section, White Shoals. The hot flies have been San Juan worms in cerise and hot pink.

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said the water is low and clear. Two generators were running in the morning and 6 were running in the afternoon. Trout fishing is good on Power Bait and pink worms. Fishing is slow in the afternoons, but great in the mornings.     

White River (From Buffalo City to Norfork):

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the river has been fishing better as the Buffalo River is back to normal levels. Power Baits have been working well along with Rapalas in black/gold/white. If you favor the bank with the Rapala you will pick up an occasional smallmouth all the way to the Norfork tailwater, especially if you fish the right side of the river as you head down stream.      

White River (From Norfork to Calico Rock):

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said fishing has been good as long as you fish primarily in the mornings. After noon the fishing slows and they are not as active. White River Zig Jigs have been doing very good as well as the standby Rapala. When the generation from the Norfork hits the White River at about 1 or 2 p.m., the bite gets worse.    

Crooked Creek: 

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service said Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared some and are fishing well. The hot flies have been Clouser minnows, Barr’s meat whistles and large woolly buggers. If we get much rain, these streams muddy and rise quickly.  

Norfork Tailwater: 

Mountain River Fly Shop said the Norfork tailwater has a good supply of wadable water every day. We have heard good reports from woolly buggers stripped across the current, as well as soft hackles.  

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said the Norfork Tailwater has fished a bit better this week. We have been getting a substantial period of wadable water daily. Generation for the rest of the day was near maximum levels. On low water, small midge patterns have been the ticket. Try black zebra midges, Norfork beadheads in black or olive and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Soft hackles like the green butt and the partridge and orange have also been effective. Grasshoppers have been producing. The upper river at Quarry Park has fished particularly well. On high water, the most effective tactic is to fish brightly colored San Juan worms or egg patterns under an indicator. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly, as always, has been the sow bug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange). The Dry Run Creek enhancement project was dedicated this week. This is a major project designed to enhance the fish holding capacity, increase the access for children and make the creek more accessible for the handicapped. At certain times, the fishing will be adversely affected during this construction.

Kings River:

Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said smallmouth action is very good. Water is extremely low, but if you don't mind hiking or wet wading, there are a lot of fish holding in the deeper holes. This also means very few people on the water, so the fish are not as spooky. Watermelon-colored lizards, tubes or worms will work great. Rig the hook weedless and use a slip weight to get the lure to the bottom. Fish will be holding deep in the holes and along wooded or grassy banks. Bounce the lure along the bottom and be prepared for a few good hookups. For the fly fisherman, late August and early September is prefect for hoppers. A Dave’s hopper in the shadowy areas will produce some great panfish and also a few smallies. Black woolly buggers and crayfish patterns will get the lunkers hiding in the deep water. Sun and wind can take a lot out of your body, so be sure and stay hydrated.  

July 9, 2009 - Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

TROUT PARKS

Bennett Spring State Park: 54 degrees, normal, clear; successful lures and baits include: jigs (black/yellow, ginger); mini-jigs (bedspread and John Deere);dry flies(#12 Cracklebacks and #18 renegade); glo balls (any 3 color combo and white); also successful are kapok flies, hot pink brassies, and black/yellow Rooster Tails,  yellow Power Baits and trout nip. Our next weed cutting is planned for August 11. For more info call 417-532-4418. 
For current streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06923500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060  (Report made on 7/9/2009)

Maramec Spring Park: 58 degrees, spring branch is at normal flow; water is clearing; white colored lures and baits working well; we will be cutting aquatic weeds July 14, 15, and 16 after 9:00 AM. (Report made on 7/9/2009)

Montauk State Park: 60 degrees, falling, clear; in the bait area: corn, doughbaits and Power Baits are producing good numbers of fish. Colors to try include white, yellow, green, cheese and pink. In the fly area: very small dry flies, scuds and mini marabou jigs suspended under a float are producing good numbers of fish. Also heavier weighted, dark colored marabou jigs fished in the swift water are doing well, check at the lodge for other good fly choices.
(Report made on 7/9/2009)

Roaring River State Park: 58 degrees, falling, water is very clear so 2-3 lb. test line is recommended; check at park store or local fly shops for best flies and baits; for current or detailed information on stream conditions call 417-847-2430. The next Kids Fishing event will be August 15.
For current real time streamflow information check the streamflow gauge provided by USGS and DNR: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07050152&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
(Report made on 7/9/2009)

July 11, 2009 - Pagosa Springs Area - Submitted by Scott Taylor of High Country Charters - Finally we can cross the river at Sunset Ranch. Last week the flows were at a wadeable 400 – 500 cfs, now it is at 247. The East Fork is at 270 cfs, and below the dam it has spiked to 839 cfs. The San Juan at the Ranch has been fishing good with a caddis dropper rig. The best dropper has been a size 20 bead head prince. On the East Fork we have been pounding the fish with red Copper John’s and Pickpockets (available at Let it Fly). We have also been doing good with large Para Adams, 16 and 18 caddis, and smaller stimulators.