Arkansas' Rising Hopes

Arkansas' Rising HopesUnderstanding the hot bite that occurs when the water comes up on the White and Norfork 

Most White River and Norfork Tailwater fly anglers enjoy the abundance of good fly fishing water that is available when the rivers are low. Almost every slow pool and soft riffle holds a nice fish or two, and the layout allows for ample room to spread out. The tranquility of a low water period can end abruptly when the wheels start turning at one of the dams. Although most fly fishermen look at rising water as marking the end of the day, savvy anglers will take advantage of this change in dynamics. Rising water conditions always result in a hot bite and by understanding the appropriate techniques and strategies to utilize, it is possible to stay on the fish for several hours (or more) after the water comes up.

Time is of the essence

When the dams start generating electricity, the fish will move to areas where they have the chance to get relief from the heavy current. This action usually occurs immediately after the fish notice a change in water pressures and after they get comfortable with the new conditions, the trout will often feed very aggressively on subsurface morsels of food that get stirred up in the increasing flow. It seems like the hot rising water bite varies in length, and much of this has to do with how quickly the water comes up. On Norfork, it is very common for the water to rise to full power crest within 30 minutes of the generators coming online. This makes getting in on the best fishing very difficult on the upper stretches; unless the anglers have a motorized boat on the water and ready to go before the horn that signals the start power generation sounds.

The best scenario for fishing the rise for an extended period of time is when the water comes up slowly, and this is most likely to occur on the White River below Bull Shoals Dam. A deliberate rise will also help the water remain somewhat clear, whereas the rivers can turn to chocolate milk when the water comes in fast. No matter where you are fishing, taking full advantage of the rising water bite involves getting a boat ready expediently. If one is intent on wading, there are a few places to get in on the action near both dams, but be aware that a safe spot can turn treacherous at the drop of a hat. Because this bite can be so fleeting, many fishermen miss out.

The best way to fly fish the rise 

The trick to getting the most out of the rising water bite involves getting a boat on the water quickly while paying close attention to fish behavior. Fly selection is simple with respect to this situation - scuds, sow bugs and San Juan Worms will all work equally well in most cases. The dam areas can be a very good place to begin fishing, but the bite can end before it even gets started. Often, the action will be intense for two or three drifts and then the bite will die off significantly. If the fish seem to shut down after the water clears, a proven strategy involves moving down river in an effort to keep fishing the water level where the trout have been the most aggressive. There are stories of guys following a hot rising water bite from Bull Shoals Dam down to Cotter - that is 14 miles of crazy fishing. Keep in mind that the further away from the dam that you are on the White, the more trashy the water will get on the rise. There are some days where the river is unfishable because of a heavy influx of water at spots like Rim Shoals and Buffalo City. Every rise seems to have a different effect on water quality and the overall fishing.

Fly fishing the rise on the Norfork is a little different than on the White. Flows increases come on very quickly, so the best approach is an efficient approach. The bite at the dam area can last for 5 minutes to 45 minutes after the initial rise, but the short length of the river makes it impractical to follow the rise downstream. A more productive strategy is to fish the dam for the first hour of high water and then jump down to the middle sections to hit the heavy rise in that section. After the bite dies, "normal" high water fishing resumes and it is time to go to work.

Because the only safe way to fish the rise is to repeatedly work over productive water from a boat, those new to the White River and Norfork Tailwater should hire a guide if they want to get in on this hot action. A motorized vessel is needed and the local knowledge of the river that a guide exhibits will keep anglers on top of feeding fish for as long as possible.  Rising water always creates a frenzy of activity, and many big fish throw caution to the wind by eating anything and everything that they see. Fly fishermen rarely seek out situations where they will encounter a rising waterway, but fishing increasing water flows on the White and the Norfork is a unique situation. This rising water scenario offers up the opportunity to hammer big trout, one after another, and the short rise period often proves to be the most productive part of the day. Getting in on this type of bite is one of the most intense moments in fly fishing because it is so rare to be at the right place at exactly the right time. Because the water rises virtually every day on the White and Norfork, there are consistent opportunities to get in on one of fly fishing's most rewarding experiences. Visit www.blueribbonflyfish.com or send us a note to blueribbonflyfish@hotmail.com with any questions or to book a guide trip with one of our innovative guides.