Fly Fishing Reports for Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri

November 5, 2009 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

Central Arkansas Little Red River:

Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is clear and the current is running high. Drift fishing from a boat is the best bet. Countdown Rapalas, Smithwick Rogues, Power Worms and Glow Worms are working well on rainbow trout.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said in spite of all the high water, drift-fishing guide trips are producing good results. Fishing from a boat can be both productive and relaxing. Having a guide along to maintain safety and do all the work is a stellar idea. San Juan worms and jigs have attracted the most trout. Your offering should be presented on the streambed by using enough split shot or sink putty to get it down all the way. Larger than average strike indicators will be required to float this heavy set-up. Indicators in the grape to ping-pong ball size are recommended. Aquatic insect hatches are continuing with midges and blue wings being the thickest. There are a few caddis and PMD mayflies coming off, as usual, during the most pleasant time of the day. I expect to see March brown mayflies joining the bug armada in the near future. The best dry flies to use include the Adams (size 18), pale morning dun mayfly (sizes 16-18), BWO (size 18-20), midge (sizes 22-32; cream or black) or elk hair caddis (sizes 16-20; tan). Fishing below the surface? Try a sow bug (sizes 14-16; tan, UV tan, smoky olive or peacock), zebra midge (sizes 16-22; red, black or copper), red butt soft hackle (sizes 14-18), San Juan worm (sizes 14; red, fl. cerise, hot pink or worm brown), egg pattern (sizes14; roe, salmon, watermelon or bubble gum) or woolly bugger (sizes 8-12; olive, brown or black).

North Arkansas White River: Mountain River Fly Shop had no report. John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said generation has been light but steady around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Fishing in the catch-and-release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been excellent. With the low level flows we had this week; it was difficult to navigate around the new habitat. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). White marabou jigs accounted for some good fish. This section will be closed Nov. 12-Jan 31 for the brown trout spawn. The section from the bottom of this closed area downstream to the wing wall at the state park is will be seasonal catch-and-release during the same time period. The stretch from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has fished well. The moderate flows have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. There has also been a bit of grasshopper action, especially on windy days. Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go-to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. In the afternoon we have been getting some good baetis (small mayfly) hatches. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said two generators are running and the current is high. Trout fishing is fair on trout worms and Power Bait. All the trout being caught are rainbows. Very few large brown trout are being caught.

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the water has been very stained but plenty of fish taken on Power Bait below the catch-and-release area. Just bounce it on the bottom and make sure you have enough weight to get it all the way down. Any bright color will work in the stained water.

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 is still 4 feet above normal but beginning to clear. As you get down to Norfork and Reds Landing, the water is clear enough to fish either Power Bait or Rapalas. The fish being caught are a little larger than usual and there has been plenty of action. Norfork Tailwater: Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the tailwater is very muddy because of Otter Creek flooding during the last rain. There won’t be much good fishing until the stained water is flushed out. John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said there have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation in the afternoon. This has created some great wading conditions daily. The Norfork River has received quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White. The lower flows fished well with midge patterns. The hot flies were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows hot pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective flies. There are some spawning rainbows in the catch-and-release section. Please watch your step and avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel. Dry Run Creek has fished well. Some big browns have begun moving into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sow bug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange). Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said some low water is available in the morning through early afternoon. Indicator nymphing and swinging soft hackles are providing the most consistent action. Scuds, sow bugs, small pheasant tails and zebra midges are working well. Many fish are surfacing for midges in the mornings and evenings. There are many sculpin in the water, so don't discount woolly buggers or woolly worms.

Northwest Arkansas Beaver Tailwaters: Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said the flow is still high with few wading opportunities due to the level of Table Rock Lake. There is some wading available by the dam and the first campground. Nymphing with strike indicators is providing the most consistent action. Zebra midges, small red San Juan worms, beadhead simple sow bugs, pheasant tails and olive or grey scuds are good bets..

Northeast Arkansas Spring River: Mark Crawford at Spring River Fly Shop said the water is back to normal level but is still cloudy. The forecast for this week has no rain, so this weekend should be great for fishing. Monday, Mark had excellent action on a fly pattern called Grandma's Brownie. He used slow, evenly spaced strips of the line during his retrieve. Stop by Spring River Fly Shop to learn about the pattern and the technique.

October 28, 2009 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

White River Levels are available at:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml

Central Arkansas

Little Red River:

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said in spite of all the high water, our drift-fishing guide trips are producing good results. Fishing from a boat can be both productive and relaxing. Having a guide along to maintain safety and do all the work is a stellar idea. San Juan worms and jigs have attracted the most trout. Your offering should be presented on the streambed by using enough split shot or sink putty to get it down all the way. Larger than average strike indicators will be required to float this heavy set-up. Indicators in the grape to ping-pong ball size are recommended. Aquatic insect hatches are continuing with midges and blue wings being the thickest. There are a few caddis and PMD mayflies coming off, as usual, during the most pleasant time of the day. I expect to see March brown mayflies joining the bug armada in the near future. The best dry flies to use include the Adams (size 18), pale morning dun mayfly (sizes 16-18), BWO (size 18-20), midge (sizes 22-32; cream or black) or elk hair caddis (sizes 16-20; tan). Fishing below the surface? Try a sow bug (sizes 14-16; tan, UV tan, smoky olive or peacock), zebra midge (sizes 16-22; red, black or copper), red butt soft hackle (sizes 14-18), San Juan worm (sizes 14; red, fl. cerise, hot pink or worm brown), egg pattern (sizes14; roe, salmon, watermelon or bubble gum) or woolly bugger (sizes 8-12; olive, brown or black).

North Arkansas

White River:

Mountain River Fly Shop had no report.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said generation has been light but steady around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Fishing in the catch-and-release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been excellent. With the low level flows we had this week; it was difficult to navigate around the new habitat. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). White marabou jigs accounted for some good fish. This section will be closed Nov. 12-Jan 31 for the brown trout spawn. The section from the bottom of this closed area downstream to the wing wall at the state park is will be seasonal catch-and-release during the same time period. The stretch from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has fished well. The moderate flows have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. There has also been a bit of grasshopper action, especially on windy days. Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go-to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. In the afternoon we have been getting some good baetis (small mayfly) hatches. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said two generators are running around the clock. Fishing is good for rainbow trout on Power Bait and trout worms. Brown trout fishing is slow.

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said Rim Shoals to Crooked Creek has been outstanding. The water is clear and the White River Zig Jig has been great. Ginger or Ginger/Orange have been the colors to use. From Crooked Creek to Buffalo City, the fishing has been slow because of muddy water.

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

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the water is just now beginning to clear but is still somewhat stained compared to normal. Black/gold Rapalas are working well, but anglers must cover a lot of water to catch their limits.

Crooked Creek:

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service said Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running high and muddy.

Bull Shoals Lake:

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 670.54 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool – 654 MSL).

Lake Norfork:

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 563.54 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool: Sept.-April – 552 MSL, April-Sept. – 554 MSL).

101 Grocery and Bait said the surface water temperature is in the low 70s. Bass fishing has been good in the mornings using top-water baits, especially buzzbaits and spooks. Crappie fishing has been fair around brush piles in 20-30 feet of water using minnows. Sunfish are doing well on worms and crickets. Catfishing has been fair on trotlines. White bass fishing has been good with some top-water action and some a little deeper using a variety of baits from Beetle Spins and in-line spinners to Rat-L-Traps. Walleye fishing has been fair using worms on a crawler harness bounced on the bottom in 18-25 feet. Striper fishing has been fair using live bait. With the rain and cool temperatures, a lot of the fish are moving into and around coves that have creeks and streams flowing into them.

Norfork Tailwater:

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the tailwater has been muddy from the White River and Otter Creek.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said there have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation in the afternoon. This has created some great wading conditions daily.

The Norfork River has received quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White. The lower flows fished well with midge patterns. The hot flies were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows hot pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective flies. There are some spawning rainbows in the catch-and-release section. Please watch your step and avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel. Dry Run Creek has fished well. Some big browns have begun moving into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sow bug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange).

Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said some low water is available in the morning through early afternoon. Indicator nymphing and swinging soft hackles are providing the most consistent action. Scuds, sow bugs, small pheasant tails and zebra midges are working well. Many fish are surfacing for midges in the mornings and evenings. There are many sculpin in the water, so don't discount woolly buggers or woolly worms.

Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Tailwaters:

Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said the flow is still high with few wading opportunities due to the level of Table Rock Lake. There is some wading available by the dam and the first campground. Nymphing with strike indicators is providing the most consistent action. Zebra midges, small red San Juan worms, beadhead simple sow bugs, pheasant tails and olive or grey scuds are good bets.

Kings River:

Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said the river level is a little high for fly-fishing and the water is starting to cool. Spin fishing with soft plastics on the bottom is the best bet now. Remember to slow your presentation as the water cools.

Northeast Arkansas

Spring River:

Mark Crawford at Spring River Fly Shop said recent rain has made the Spring River become muddy at times and the water levels have gone up. This has made fishing difficult in the last few weeks but it has also gave the fish a chance to increase in numbers in the river due to lack of fishing pressure. The water clarity is still poor. The anglers that are going out are having great success on woolly buggers.

October 22, 2009 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Fishing Tip: One of the best times to trout fish is right around the corner. Brown trout spawn during fall, and this can be one of the best times to catch a giant. At the same time, lakes throughout Arkansas will turn over, and the trout tailwater will be full of dead and dying shad that have been pulled through the dams. Egg patterns during the spawn, followed by minnow imitators during the turnover will keep trout anglers busy through winter.

October 15, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/17/2009

During the past week, we have had seemingly never ending rain and much cooler temperatures. The lake levels on the White River system have all risen significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose seven and eight tenths of a foot to rest at nine and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty one and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose five and five tenths of a foot to rest at seven feet above power pool or nine feet below the top of flood pool. The flood gates are open at Table Rock and they are aggressively drawing it down and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising quickly. Beaver Lake rose five and seven tenths of a foot to rest at five and seven tenths of a foot above power pool or three and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose four and six tenths of a foot to rest at seven and five tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation in the afternoon. This has created some great wading conditions daily.

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 was excellent. With the low level flows we had this week; 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. When we had muddy conditions down stream following the heavy rains, this was the only clear water around and it received some significant pressure. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). White marabou jigs accounted for some good fish. There was also some nice top water action with Chernobyl ants.

The stretch from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. There has also been a bit of grasshopper action, especially on windy days.

Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise Sa Juan worms. Other flies, specifically black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads and small pheasant tails accounted for some good fish. The water has been stained and 5X tippet has been the tippet of choice. 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 running high and muddy. The White River below them is very off color and not fishing well.

The Norfork River has received quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White. The lower flows fished well with midge patterns. The hot flies were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On the higher flows hot pink fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.

Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange). Be sure and bring a large net and a camera. While you are there be sure take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery with your child. It is interesting and informative. Be sure and remove your waders before entering the hatchery grounds to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases from other streams.

Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers 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.

October 7, 2009 - Courtesty of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission -

Central Arkansas

Little Red River:

Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the generators are all but stopped and the water level is low. Trout fishing is good on marabou jigs, spoons, corn, wax worms and Power Bait. A pink or orange Trout Magnet is also working extremely well when drifted under a bobber.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry powerhouse gave clear, low water through the weekend. Rain on Sunday and Tuesday raised the lake a little further and larger water releases should be anticipated. Prior to this weekend, water releases were occurring every day for two weeks lasting about 18 hours per day in an effort to lower the lake almost 2 1/2 feet. The average temperature of the water surging through our turbines is 55 degrees with an average level of dissolved oxygen in the 5.2 ppm range. Aquatic insect hatches remain prolific with midges, blue-winged olive mayflies, caddis flies and sulphurs in the mix. Productive dry flies include midge (sizes 22-32; cream or black), BWO (sizes 18-20), elk hair caddis (sizes 16-20; tan) and Adams (sizes 18-20). Effective sub-surface flies include sow bug (size 14; tan, UV tan, smoky olive or peacock), chronic (size 14), zebra midge (sizes 16-22; red, black or copper), San Juan worm (size 14; red, hot pink, fl. cerise or worm brown), red butt soft hackle (sizes 14-18) or woolly bugger (sizes 8-12; olive, brown or black).

North Arkansas

White River:

Mountain River Fly Shop said it’s been hard to establish a pattern this week on the generation schedule, given the heavy rain last week. Midges remain very strong, pick your size according to the flow. Davy’s Whitetails are stocked back up courtesy of a care package from Teresa Van Winkle. We have also had very good reports on the Pearl Super Midge and standard black zebras. WD40s have been very good in the lower flows, as have Olive Zebras. Try the Tailwater Sow bug and McLellan’s Woven V-Rib for the lower flows plus the Wotton Sow bugs.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said the rain raised all the levels in the White River system reservoirs. Wildcat Shoals was hit or miss. On low-water days, when the water was relatively clear, 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. It did not fish well on those days when it was severely stained. Rim Shoals was hit-or-miss due to the runoff from the heavy rains. The hot flies have been the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead in size 16, prince nymphs in size 16 and beadhead sow bugs size 14. 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.

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said from two to four generators have been running lately, and the water clarity and level have increased or decreased accordingly. Trout fishing is good on Power Bait.

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 is still about 1.5 feet above normal, but the color is a nice green. Combine the green water from the Buffalo and the clear water being generated at Bull Shoals and you have some great fishing water all the way down the river. Power Baits in green, white or pink are working well. Spin fishermen are doing well with No. 7 or 9 Rapalas in black/gold/white and White River Zig Jigs in Ginger or Ginger/Brown.

Crooked Creek:

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service said Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and off color. Give them a few days to clear. The cooler temperatures have moderated the water temperature. The hot flies have been Clouser minnows and crayfish patterns. The White River below Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River is stained and fishing poorly.

Norfork Tailwater:

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is resurfacing the parking lot at the ramp at Quarry Park from Sept. 24 to Oct. 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.

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said there is not much water being generated and the wade fishing is fairly slow. The area is seeing a lot of pressure from anglers, and that keeps the bites to a minimum. Sow bugs, scuds, San Juan worms will produce, but you must be patient.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said 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. On sunny, windy days the grasshopper has been particularly effective. Use 9-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. 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). Be sure and bring a large net and a camera. 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 creek’s fish-handling capacity.

Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Lake:

Beaver Tailwaters:

Zachary Hoyt at Just Fishing Guides said that with the weather cooling off and very little generation, fishing on the tailwater is in full swing. With increased pressure, fish are a bit spooky. Lower water levels are causing fish to hold in their feeding spots instead of schooling. Copper johns and hare’s ears are producing in the mornings. Adjust you indicator to make sure you are finding the trout’s feeding lane. When the sun is higher in the sky, switch to 6x or 7x tippet and smaller flies. Scuds, sow bugs, and zebra midges are a good bet. Remember these tend to bounce around the bottom, so be sure you have the correct depth. Small crankbaits are a good choice for spin fisherman. Sculpins are a good food source, so try an olive green tube or wiggler. Worms under a bobber are a good choice for a more laid back approach.

Northeast Arkansas

Spring River:

Mark Crawford at Spring River Fly Shop said the water is a little higher than average and has a green tint. Fishing has been great on Brownies, Cotton Candy and Coachman streamers. Blue dun mayflies have been hatching daily in a size 20, but no fish are rising to them.

West-Central Arkansas

Lake Catherine:

Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that Entergy is generating water during most of the daylight hours below Carpenter Dam. Water temperatures are holding in the high 50s as the cooler nights of fall set in. Rainbow trout are few and far between in the tailrace since most fish have been caught, eaten by predators, or moved far downstream.