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White River - April 22nd, 2011
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
69 °
FISHING: Good
Mid April Fly Fishing Report
Spring rains have been on the light side thus far, so fishing and wading conditions have remained stellar
It wouldn't be spring in the Ozarks without a few significant rain events, but luckily, the White River Basin has avoided the brunt of the severe weather making news recently, and the amount of precipitation we've received has been on the relatively light side. As of this writing, both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes are hovering right around power pool, and there are still plenty of wading opportunities available on both rivers. Because the power demand season of summer is only a few months away, look for flows to be minimal to light, as long as the reservoirs do not get over three to five feet above power pool. The Corp of Engineers will typically hold back a few feet of water in the spring to avoid draining the lakes way down during the summer. Still, there are quite a few dynamics at play on these rivers, so flow regimes are likely to become somewhat more unpredictable since the Corp has a little bit of water to 'play with' now.
The caddis hatch is in full swing on the White River, and both the dry fly and emerger fishing has been much better we've experienced over the last three years when both rivers were running hard and heavy in April. Hopefully, we are on the cusp of a 'normal water' cycle which will be good for the tailwaters and the fishing. When water releases are on the light side below Bull Shoals Dam (in the zero to three unit range), exploiting that caddis hatch has not been difficult because the trout are definitely keyed in on this abundant food source. A caddis pupa (sizes #14 to #18) fished beneath an indicator has been extremely productive, and the action when using this technique has been intense throughout the day. Not only are we catching lots of fish on caddis nymphs, we are also hooking into quite a few trophy trout, as well. The riffles and runs, like always, are producing fish, but since these areas receive the majority of pressure, it pays to find slow stretches of deep water that are holding trout. These areas are on fire, and it's literally one bite after another if a slight wind chop graces the surface of the water.
Dry fly fishing has also started to produce well, and it seems like on most days there are two significant hatch periods; mid morning and from mid afternoon until dusk. The middle and lower sections of the White are currently the best spots for top water action, and our guides and their clients are doing exceptionally well between Cotter and Roundhouse Shoals. Although this section of the river is just over a mile long, the large amount of springs in that area has a serious impact on the caddis emergence. Sunny, blue bird days have been the best, and like with the nymph fishing, a bit of breeze seems to really turn the fishing on in the slower areas above and below the shoals. This is probably because a bit of wind and the subsequent chop it produces on the water causes a number of adult caddis to get stuck in the surface film where they are easy pickings for the trout. For this reason, the fish in this area are really looking up to feed. Plus, Roundhouse Shoals has always been known as a great spot to fish the spring caddis hatch, and this year is no different. A dry-dropper rig is a good way to go first thing in the morning or when the surface activity is just starting to pick up, but once a full-scale hatch commences, it is easier and more fun just to fish with a single dry fly - there is no reason to waste precious time when the trout are gorging on top picking through the inevitable tangles that occur when using two flies. Tandem rigs are a really great tool, but the White and Norfork have so many fish, just using one fly (whether it be a nymph or dry) works just fine if the majority of fish are feeding on a single food source. (Forrest Smith's client and a smallmouth grin.)
In addition to having a blast using caddis dries and nymphs when the conditions are right, we have also started focusing on low-water streamer fishing. Many anglers think that the only time to use streamers, especially when targeting big fish, is when the water is way up, but this is simply not the case. Yes, using streamers when flows are minimal involves adjusting your flies and your gear, and we have had the most success using five- and six-weight rods rigged with clear, weight-forward floating lines. The biggest difference between fishing with streamers during low water as opposed to high water involves where you want to place your pattern. When the water is up, fishermen typically make cast after cast towards the shore and bank structure, and basically, that type of fishing is about hoping for a few good bites all day. During dead-low conditions, most of the fish move off of the banks because the water is shallow and they are susceptible to predators. Instead, the bigger trout will seek out deeper lies and structure such as mid-stream boulders, boat docks, submerged trees, wing dams and manmade walls, and drop offs. It's common to catch lots of fish using streamers when the rivers are low, so this utilizing such techniques does not mean that you have to sacrifice action.
Fly selection is also quite different when fishing with streamers during low water as opposed to high water. Sure, you can use heavy rigs and 6-inch patterns like articulated streamers if you are just going after one big strike, but the amount of water that one would be able to effectively fish is quite limited. We have been using much smaller offerings in the size #4 to the size #10 range; the bigger patterns (size #4's) are producing well if the water is falling out, but tiny streamers are pulling some great trout once the river drops down all the way. It's important to experiment with the flies you use when low-water streamer fishing. This is because the fish have quite a bit of time to inspect your pattern, and if something doesn't look quite right, they may follow it for some distance before shying away. Flies with flash can be great one day and non-productive the next, and if you are getting quite a few looks, follows and short-strikes, try to find a similar pattern that has a subtle difference (like no flash, different size, etc.).
When fishing with nymphs becomes monotonous, or is just not as productive as it should be, don't hesitate to throw a small streamer. Flies as simple as Wooly Buggers will do the trick most of the time, and you can use unweighted, lead-wrapped and bead heads depending on the type of the water you are fishing. This is the time of year when minnows in the rivers start to become really active, and the crayfish are waking up from their winter hibernation period, so it really shouldn't come as a big surprise that the trout in the White and Norfork are seeking out these hearty meals. The use of a boat will help when it comes to covering lots of water, but it's also common to do quite well throwing small streamers when wading. The best aspect of fishing from a boat is that anglers have the exciting opportunity to see the majority of their bites.
Since we are entering a time of change due to the fact that both lakes are right at power pool, those committed to wading may have to be a little more patient than in March when it comes to finding a spot to fish. Please feel free to stop by the shop if you have any questions, and if the water is running on both rivers (but flows are relatively light), there are a few good spots that we can show you where it is safe to walk in to. Wading on high water is not always encouraged, but as long as you are prudent and primarily fish near the bank, it can be done without too much risk. During low water over the next few weeks, expect the dry fly action to steadily improve. We should start seeing some sulphurs on the White, and the hatches on the Norfork will just start coming into their own; over there, sulphurs, caddis and crane flies tend to show up around the same time, and the month of May is dry fly bliss on the 'Fork if the water is low. Even though flow schedules may start to deviate from what was common over the last few months, the fishing will continue to excel, and really, the bite will typically not slow down much until early July when water releases become primarily based on power demand (and it doesn't take long for the fish to adjust to that change). There is a ton of great fishing to be had between now and then, and the spring temperatures in the Ozarks are absolutely perfect with respect to staying comfortable on the rivers all day.
May guide trips are booking quickly. There are still a few remaining weekdays but limited weekend openings. Plan your next guide trip soon by sending an inquiry to blueribbonflyfish@hotmail.com or call us @ 870.425.0447.
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White River - April 2nd, 2011
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
69 °
FISHING: Great
Rarely are water conditions on the White River and Norfork Tailwater such that there are flows that will make everyone happy, but such is the case right now on both rivers. Although the region has seen some steady and moderate rain events of late, both lakes are still below power pool, so the Corp of Engineers is basing their release patterns based on power demand and they also seem to simply be moving water around. On the White, flows have ranged from high (up to six units worth of water) to dead low, and this has kept the fish fresh, active and strong. Norfork was low for the majority of March, and that river was in need of a flushing because the fishing was starting to get stale. Currently, releases in the one-unit range are occurring most mornings and evenings over there, and this has really rejuvenated the entire river - especially the lower end that was in need of some good water.
March came in like a lamb and out like a lion, and a string of cool, cloudy and rainy days made the fishing a bit unpredictable. The caddis are starting to pop on sunny days, and the fish are taking notice, but if the clouds come in or the wind started kicking, the surface activity has been shutting off like someone turned a switch. Fortunately, there are quite a few sunny days in the extended forecast, and this should mean that we will see our first steady dry fly action on the White, especially on days when the water is low and temperatures are warm. It is still a little early for the caddis to start really hatching on the Norfork, but if April is dry, by the third week of the month, it should also be a 'bug factory', with caddis, craneflies, sulfurs (PMDs) and midges hatching, sometimes all at the same time. One thing that gets overlooked quite a bit on both rivers is that these are relatively 'new' fisheries from a coldwater perspective, and the aquatic life is constantly defining itself. Every low-water year, it seems that anglers report seeing new species of mayflies and other insects, so it is wise to be prepared with a variety of patterns in an array of different sizes and colors. The bugs mentioned above are pretty much staples, but never rule anything out - if you think you are seeing some Hendricksons or other types of mayflies, you probably are, and the massive flooding in 2008 was a good thing from a hatch perspective because it gave the rivers a good 'cleaning'. Free-flowing rivers flood pretty much every year, and this process adds diversity to the overall aquatic biomass. Since our flows are radically different from one year to the next, and heavy flooding is quite rare, the White and Norfork are constantly changing. In ten to twenty years, it's possible that the insect life will be far more diverse than it is now. It is really quite interesting to be able to witness the evolution of our fisheries, and it also keeps fly fishermen on their toes.
Until the dry fly fishing really starts to get rolling, be prepared to fish a variety of nymph patterns - water levels will usually dictate what flies are going to produce the best. We have been doing well on patterns in sizes #14 to #22, depending on flow rates and where we are fishing. Caddis pupa imitations like Minch's Hare and Copper along with standards like bead head caddis have been hammering fish of late on the White. Also, our new tungsten beaded Prince Nymph and standard versions of this same fly are producing quite regularly. Small streamers like 56'ers (green and orange variations) as well as cone head olive Wooly Buggers are turning some nice fish, especially during periods when flows are moderate. The fly shop is also fully stocked with many varieties of soft hackle patterns, and using these flies is a good way to scratch your dry fly 'itch' during times when the caddis are not hatching but the nymph forms of this insect are active. Basically, the way to fish a soft hackle during such conditions is to tie a single pattern to the end of a 5x or 6x leader that has about three feet of tippet attached. Look for slow-moving areas where fish are feeding just below the surface and then make a long cast, allowing the fly to 'swing' into the feeding lanes while stripping your line and softly at various speeds. Often, you will get the pleasure of actually seeing the fish rise to eat your offering, and using a soft hackle presentation is always a good way to catch lots of fish right before a major hatch is about to crank up.
On the Norfork, small midges, scuds and sow bugs have been the ticket, and in general, the fish are pickier over there than they are on the White, especially on calm days. This is because the 'Fork gets the brunt of the wading pressure, and the bigger fish have seen it all. Now that higher flows are starting to get a little steadier on the Norfork, you will need to be extra aware that the water could come up at any time. One unit running on this narrow tailwater is quite a bit of flow that can result in a one to three-foot rise. If you do get stuck on the wrong size of the river or a long way from your vehicle, accept the fact that you may have a good walk ahead of you - never try and cross this river if the water is running even just a little bit. Most of the time, a boat (or car) will come along and give you a lift back to your access. In general, you don't want to venture very far downstream of where you are parked, and walking more than a quarter mile upstream is asking for trouble. Feel free to stop into the shop and we will show you how to safely approach this tailwater safely by making sure you know the major landmarks not to wade past.
We are now adding a new feature to the first of the month newsletter which is intended to provide synapses of what to expect for that particular month based on the fishing, water conditions and weather of years past. Hopefully, this will make it easier to decide what month is best for the type of fishing you like to do, but please keep in mind that this section is just a general summary; things can (and will) change, but it still will provide a good overall idea. Please let us know what you think, and as always, we hope to see you all on the river or in the fly shop this spring.
For daily river updates, visit the Event section on the right-hand side of the home page @ www.blueribbonflyfish.com. Guide trip inquiries may be directed to blueribbonflyfish@hotmail.com or by calling the shop @ 870.425.0447.
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White River - March 16th, 2011
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
59 °
FISHING: Great
There has been quite a mix of flows on the White River for the first part of March - the river has been off for days at a time, sometimes a few units just surge in the mornings and at other times, the water has been at the one to three-unit levels for the majority of the day. There hasn't been much rhyme or reason for this mode of operation except that the water is primarily off on the weekends and seems to run heaviest at the beginning of the week. Bull Shoals Lake is still below power pool, but by just four feet now, and since it is barely spring, the Corp of Engineers have been starting to release water more aggressively. Still, with the reservoir low, look for the water to be off over the next few days for the Sow Bug Roundup. This event gets going on Thursday (the 17th through the 20th of March).
Pretty much the entire White is on fire if you do catch the water low, and there have been days when we've been catching as many fish as we possibly could on nymphs. Smaller flies like midges dropped from bead head patterns have been producing from the dam down to Wildcat Shoals. Flies such as Garret's Purple Death, ribbed midges, red psycho midges and purple Zebra Midges in sizes #18 to #20 are working well below BH Hare's Ears, Copper Johns and bh pheasant tails (sizes #14 and #16). These combos are the perfect way to imitate the scuds, sow bugs, and small midges that are the main food sources of the upper river. As you move down towards Cotter and Rim Shoals, the water has a chance to warm, so there are quite a few bigger bugs in the water. When we've been down in that section of river, we drop a bigger midge or a sow bug from a bead head caddis pupa; at times, the caddis is the most productive fly, even as "the point". When drift fishing, San Juan Worms, bigger caddis pupas and pretty much any bead head in a size #10 through #14 will do the trick. The fish are not very selective right now, and this trend should continue, unless we start seeing significantly higher water.
The Norfork is really fishing well as the trout get used to a primarily low water flow pattern - as of this writing, the water has been low over there for at least five consecutive days, and look for this trend to continue through the weekend. We have been having some success on the river's bigger fish down in the catch and release area using Purple Sparkle Wooly Buggers and Rainbow Flash Buggers, especially in the slow pools if there is some wind chop on the water. The riffles from the dam to the confluence are all producing some very healthy browns, cutthroats and rainbows, and standard weighted nymphs like scuds, sow bugs and Zebra/ribbed midges - as usual - are catching fish. Don't underestimate the effect of a green soft hackle during periods of surface activity.
There may never be a better time in 2011 to come fish either the White or Norfork if you want to see how it is when both rivers are fishing really well - basically, because of the low water and warming weather, it doesn't get much better than this, especially as far as hammering numbers of fish is concerned. As long as there are some wading opportunities on either river, unbelievable fishing will continue over the next month and into April. Dry fly action is still a few weeks away, and the craziness of the weather in March is not exactly conducive to major hatch activity. If you are in town for the Sow Bug Roundup, please stop by our booth or come to the shop - we are here to answer all your questions and make fishing the White River and Norfork Tailwater as good an experience as it can possibly can.
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White River - March 1st, 2011
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
60 °
FISHING: Good
Lake levels remain low as we head into one of the year's most productive months for big browns
February was an up and down month with respect to flows, wind and fishing conditions on the White River and Norfork Tailwater, but overall, most anglers who ventured out on the water had excellent experiences with respect to catching lots of good fish. There were several snow events followed by periods of cold temperatures and heavy generation over first few weeks of the month, but after that, low-water conditions became more and more prevalent. Those high-water days at the beginning of February may have been it for shad kill fishing in 2011, but if you do find yourself near Bull Shoals Dam at a time when flows are at or above the three-unit level, it is still worth trying various white streamer patterns either stripped on sinking lines or dead-drifted below a strike-indicator and a split-shot.
Sunny days have offered up the most consistent fishing, and if the water is low, drifting weighted nymphs beneath small indicators has been hard to beat. Cloudy and blustery days have been quite a bit tougher, especially if fishing from a boat with the water running. Visible patterns like San Juan Worms and large bead head nymphs (sizes #12 down to #8) have been the ticket if you are stuck fishing these conditions, and keep in mind that while the overall bite may be slow on cloudy and windy days, this is the type of weather that gets many of the river's biggest browns feeding heavily, so patience can pay off by sticking to the deepest water you can find and keeping a fly near the bottom. Sunny conditions -windy or calm - have been comfortable from a weather perspective, and the bite has been 'on'. If the water is low, a nice bit of wind chop on the surface can make for banner days, especially in the slow pool sections, but if the surface is glassy in these areas, try to find riffles and runs to fish until later in the day when both the browns and rainbows are typically very active.
As long as the lakes remain low and we continue to experience consecutive days of low-water conditions, dry fly fishing should be out of this world as we move into April, May and June. There are already loads of caddis shucks on the water, but not too many bugs are actually starting to hatch. This particular emergence has been off with respect to timing over the last few years during the brief and rare low-water periods in between the steady high water releases that were the norm, but when flows are consistently light, the fishing becomes a whole different ballgame. Smaller caddis (size #18's to #22's) should start coming off by the end of March, and look for these insects to get bigger and bigger as spring progresses. Dropping a Zebra or other simple styles of midge below a caddis pupa has been the most productive nymph rig of late, and it is not uncommon to see trout with caddis coming out of their throats; so they are definitely taking advantage of this abundant food source and gorging themselves. Scuds and sow bugs are also working very well in shades of gray, tan, brown and olive, and if you have been reading our reports or newsletters for any amount of time at all, it should be clear that these crustaceans and isopods are the primary subsurface food source on both the White and Norfork. This is why it is imperative to stock up on a wide selection of patterns that imitate these critters before hitting the water.
Most of our recent trips have been on the White between Bull Shoals Dam and Cotter, but the fishing has been reportedly good all the way from Bull Shoals Dam down to the White's confluence with the Norfork. This gives anglers plenty of room to spread out, so very seldom do the rivers seem crowded, even on busy weekends. We primarily use a boat to escape the masses, and it's clear that the public access points are by far receiving the most fishing pressure. Although getting a vessel down both rivers when the dams are shut off takes some know-how and a bit of work, it is worth the effort. Our fish are not immune to pressure, and the shot of hooking into a trophy trout is exponentially higher in sections where very few people can get to on foot.
During the past few days of guided trips, our clients have done well on a wide assortment of flies like Henry's RS Zebra Midge (brown and black variations), Psycho Midges (red), bead head hare's ears in "natural" ("natural", for those of you that don't tie flies, is actually a color in the fly fishing world, and it is usually a light to dark shade of gray) and olive Zebra Midges. With so many patterns producing, it's safe to say that a myriad of different flies will work at any given time. When the fishing is this good, anglers should focus on making sure that their presentations are dead on before getting overly worried about the pattern they are using; White River Basin Trout are used to many different types of flows, so they make a point of feeding on nymphs that are drifting at the same speed as the current. Make sure that you have plenty of slack in your line when dead-drifting (but not so much that you can't set the hook effectively), as this will allow your fly to sink quickly and look as natural as possible.
The Norfork is also fishing very well according to the reports we are receiving at the shop. Currently, the fish are partial to tiny nymphs (size #20 and smaller). Midges are the way to go (black, olive, gray), especially in moving water, but a variety of subsurface flies will work in the slow stretches when fished just off the bottom. Even though the 'Fork is a fly fisherman's dream with respect to its perfect size, beautiful layout and large variety of water types, it can be tough when the water stays low for multiple days in a row. Windy and sunny days will typically offer up the most active fish, but as was stressed above, cloudy days are when more big ones are looking to feed.
Even though both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes have been low for quite some time, don't get lulled into thinking that the water will stay perfect for wading indefinitely. There have been several occasions over the last six years when reservoir levels were identical to what they are now in early March when a couple of big storms quickly pushed the lakes back above power pool. This means that it is a good idea to take advantage of the wonderful conditions that we are currently experiencing while also understanding that the Ozarks are located in a moist region, so large influxes of moisture can show up at any moment. Always have a back-up plan when coming to the area to wade fish, and it's critical to be prepared for anything. The staff at Blue Ribbon Fly Shop is always here to help you get the most out of your White River and Norfork Tailwater fly fishing experience, and we welcome you to stop in or call us if you have any questions whatsoever. As it looks at the time of this writing, it will take a ton of rain for the Norfork to get up above power pool, but with Bull Shoals Lake only seven feet low, a couple of strong "gulley washers" is all that it will take to change the dynamics on that river drastically. An angler never knows what to expect when they go fly fishing on any river, and this is especially true in the Ozarks. Also, February is most always an above average month for productive fishing, but if the water is primarily low, March is even better; especially since so many big brows start to feed with reckless abandonment to regain any weight they may have lost during the spawn.
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White River - February 1st, 2011
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
42 °
FISHING: Great
Low water and wading opportunities are becoming prevalent, and the fishing is really starting to heat up during all water conditions
As the cold, dark days of January fade into history, and the milder and more forgiving month of February ushers in, heavy water generation patterns have moderated significantly. This has made for some excellent wading conditions, and we expect more of the same over the next 28 days. Bull Shoals Lake is now seven feet below power pool and the adjacent Norfork reservoir has reached ten feet below this 'magic mark'. Over the last few weeks of January, there have been several long periods of extended dead-low water on both the White River and Norfork Tailwater. This has been one of the few early winters in at least five years where low and moderate water flows have been prevalent, and we have been enjoying many wonderful wading opportunities accompanied by fantastic and relaxing fishing. But change with respect to weather and flows is what Ozark Tailwater water dynamics are all about, and an impending snow and ice storm is expected to hit the region in early February. This event will unlikely cause much of a rise in lake levels, but the colder air temperatures may result in a light generation pattern for the early part of the month. Fly fishing in the snow is a rare and unique opportunity on the White and Norfork, and since our fish tend to feed aggressively during nasty weather, this type of forecast is actually exciting to those that enjoy 'roughing it' in exchange for the increased chance of hooking into a trophy trout that winter storms often provide.
During the limited times when flows were higher over the past few weeks, the opportunity to catch some big browns has presented itself, and taking advantage of this type of potential action is something we couldn't pass up. Overcast days typically produced the steadiest bite, but we have also been landing lots of sizable browns on days with bluebird skies. The most effective technique for targeting the scores of nice browns on the White and Norfork during higher flows has been to use a variety of streamer patterns, and the most consistent color choices have been dark-hued flies in black and olive. Occasionally, yellow and white have been producing, as well, but these are not our primary go-to colors right now. We are hoping white shad patterns will become the hot flies over the next couple of weeks, though - this will definitely be the case if even just a few shad start coming through the dams.
High-water nymphing with San Juan worms, egg patterns and even large bead head pheasant tails and Copper Johns (sizes #6 through #12) has also been producing quality trout when the streamer bite wanes, and it is always interesting how worm patterns seem to shine during the dead of winter. White River Basin trout love worms, and although these flies may seem overly simplistic to some anglers, if you want to effectively imitate all of the food sources that our trout key-in on, it is critical the be well-stocked with San Juans in a variety of sizes and colors. Red variations are the most steady producers, but worm brown, bubble-gum pink and even purple will work exceedingly well on any given day. It's important to try several different colors and sizes before giving up on worm patterns because more than with any other flies that are staples for Ozark fly fishing, the shade and length/thickness of worms that the trout prefer is always continually changing.
During dead-low water, nymph fishing with Zebra-style and V-Rib bead head midges and micro eggs has been the way to go, and like always, weighted scuds and sow bugs will catch nice trout every day of the year either fished by themselves in the slow pools or above a dropper in the faster riffles and runs. A Blue Winged Olive hatch can produce some exciting dry fly action for those with exceptional vision, and these tiny mayflies often come off in force on cloudy days when the water if off. We do well using patterns tied with a visible white wing, but it can be difficult to tell if the fish is slurping your fly or a nearby natural. BWOs are one of the most challenging hatches in the world of fly fishing, but these small insects have a way of bringing huge trout to the surface to feed, so they are worthy of consideration during the fly-selection process.
Unless the prevailing weather pattern does a '180' and the region starts seeing one heavy rain event after another, we are expecting a low-water spring this year. If you are interested in fishing with us during March, April or May, try and make your arrangements as soon as possible. 2011 has been the busiest year for guiding that we have had in quite some time, and if our hectic February schedule is any indication, it may be difficult to find a good guide at the spur of the moment once the weather warms up this spring. Never hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss fishing options and for answers to any of your questions. Our staff takes great pride in offering our clients the most helpful information we possibly can, and we are seriously committed to making sure that everyone who walks through the doors of Blue Ribbon Fly Shop feels comfortable, welcome and at home.
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White River - January 23rd, 2011
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED: 
38 °
FISHING: Excellent
Peaks and valleys. So far this January that's exactly the pattern we've dealt with here on the White and Norfork tailwaters regarding both generation and weather. Fortunately the aggressive brown bite remains consistent regardless of the above mentioned conditions. Heavier releases from the dams have typically been in the early morning hours lasting until noon followed by significantly lesser flows. As a result, drift fishing longer stretches of river can be incredibly productive by staying ahead of the impending drop in flows. The majority of guided trips this month took place in exactly this fashion. A shuttle is arranged to allow a long drift of up to twelve miles to maximize the bite that occurs on rising water.
Streamer fishing for trophy browns remains stellar. So far this month we've had some good sticks in the boat and some not so good sticks but invetiably not a day has gone by without one 20" or more brown trout. Typically the best streamer days have overcast skies or cloudy conditions and lately we've had both during the same day. Suprisingly the light conditions had little effect on the bite. It does however change approach in flies by way of 1) color and 2) size. Being prepared to make these changes, in the correct fashion, can make the difference. Olive and natural colors have been superior colors as of late implemented with articulated flies such as peanut envys, bottom's ups, and sex dungeons. Smaller and single hook flies such as cone headed slump busters have also fared well.
On lower flows, nymphing midge patterns offers a productive way to fish for spookier trout on either tailwater. Typical zebra midges in a variety of colors should be in the aresenal but caddis pupa, green xelon sowbugs, and rubber legged prince nypmhs between #16 - #20 work well.
The catch and release below Bull Shoals Dam opens February 1st which corresponds with the start of our busy winter season. Whether you're interested in fishing our home waters on your own, need a guide, or simply need some advice, please don't hesitate to ask. www.blueribbonflyfish.com
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White River - January 16th, 2011
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
42 °
FISHING: Great
Low-water 'action' fishing and moving-water brown trout fishing has been consistently good
Frank from Chicago fished with resident guide Larry Babin and wasted no time setting the hook on the streamer bite!
The entire staff at Blue Ribbon Fly Shop would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. Winter fly fishing is now in full swing and the action has been steady, even on the coolest of days. We are seeing good numbers of big browns on the upper stretches of the White River, and these fish are not on their spawning beds (redds), either. There are still a few fish on the redds, as well. We encourage all wading anglers to avoid any areas where trout are or have been actively spawning - keep in mind that it can take close to two months for eggs to hatch into fry, so walking through the redds, even long after the spawn is over, can have a detrimental impact on future wild trout populations.
During low water, the trophy fish that are visible have become quite spooky, but they are feeding at certain periods every day. The odds of successfully hooking into a lunker improves significantly if the water is running, and drifting during such conditions allows anglers to cover significantly more water than when wading, which also helps the cause if hooking into something big is the primary objective. Of course, no one can predict what the water is going to do on any given day, so those who know where to fish based on current flows will have the most success.
Water releases have been abnormally inconsistent of late, and much of this has to do with the wild variations in temperatures across the region. There is the possibility of finding low water on any given day (with the weekends offering up the most dead-low water), but there have also been times recently when the water has run all day (primarily on the White), as well. Despite the weird flow regimes, seasonal release trends are typical for this time of year with the heaviest water coming on cold mornings and light to low flows most afternoons. Norfork has offered up dead-low conditions more often than the White has, and the fishing over there has been pretty decent for anglers who focus on the riffles and the deeper holes - fish sizes have ranged from 12 to 16 inches, but very few reports are coming in that mention really big trout being caught on the 'Fork. The White, on the other hand, is chock full of browns over 18 inches.
Nothing but cartilage... streamer fishing fun!
Our hottest technique for catching the bigger White River Browns over the last few weeks has involved using streamers (either single-hook or articulated) that imitate sculpins - the bigger the fly used (such as size #3/0 down to size #2), the bigger the fish you will catch... still, patterns in the size #4 to size #8 range are just right for keeping the action going while still offering up a shot at a pig. Natural and olive have been the most productive colors for us, and cloudy days like we saw a lot of in late December have been the best with respect to finding aggressive browns along the banks during periods of power generation. Currently, we are in the midst of a string of sunny days, so we've had to be versatile by using streamers during low-light or cloudy conditions and then switching to nymphs once the sun really starts hitting the water. Midges have been the fly of choice during light, falling or dead-low water - the shop has been selling a bunch of chironomid "braid midges", which contains an iridescent shine, in black, pearl and especially, red, to the wading crowd. Sow bugs and scuds are also producing well (assorted colors) when the trout get extremely selective during a heavy midge hatch. This happens quite often during the winter. Dry fly enthusiasts in search of a challenge should look for Blue Winged Olives first thing in the morning and on cloudy afternoons - these small mayflies usually bring really big trout to the surface.
Frank poses with a nice brown from Wildcat Shoals.
With all the wild swings we've seen in both the weather and water flows over the past few weeks, be sure to come prepared for pretty much anything and everything in the near future. Right now is a great time for hooking up with aggressively feeding, post-spawn browns, and the action-fishing for rainbows has been very good when the rivers are low. The fact that water has been flowing from either dam at some point pretty much every day -but not all day - is making both the wade and the drift fishermen happy, and it's possible to have a diversified fishing experience where one can learn a lot about the sport of fly fishing. Please feel free to give the fly shop a call (or drop us an email) if you want to discuss the hottest patterns, find out where the big ones are biting or just to chat about the fishing on the White River and the Norfork Tailwater. We would love to hear from each and every one of you anytime.
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White River - December 16th, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
48 °
FISHING: Excellent
Fishing Report
Hot fishing and cooler weather collide for the first time of the season
It has taken awhile, but cold weather has finally arrived across the region. Not only has this drop in temperatures caused what little crowds there were to dissipate, both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes have completely turned over which means that we can look forward to another year of good quality and highly oxygenated water in both rivers. It is amazing how quickly the fishing can turn on after this event, and both the White River and Norfork Tailwater are literally loaded with aggressive, colorful and hard-fighting fish. The brown trout run on the White is also in full swing, but moderate to high water conditions have really only allowed anglers to access the action via a boat; this is no doubt that for the best, as excessive wading pressure in the past during December has caused the spawn to be relatively unsuccessful, and many unscrupulous folks will take advantage of these fish during such a vulnerable period if the water is low. All in all, the period between right now and New Years is the perfect time to sneak away and fly fish two of the most overlooked trout rivers in the country, and if recent trends with respect to flows and precipitation continue, this upcoming winter season is going to be one of the best in quite some time when it comes to catching loads of nice fish in a very solitary setting.
Water releases on both the White and Norfork have been surprisingly inconsistent, but there have been windows of wading water on the 'Fork pretty much every day from mid morning until just before dark. The flow patterns on the White have been trickier to predict, and over the last few weeks, there have been very few opportunities to wade a dead-low river. During the peak power-demand times (early morning and around 'supper time'), flows have been unusually heavy, but we are starting to see steady releases in the one to two-unit range during the middle of the day on the White which makes for great boat fishing and decent wading conditions along the banks. With both reservoirs being five to six feet below power pool, it will be interesting to see how much longer the heavy water persist on both tailwaters - past history has taught us that when the Corp of Engineers lowers the lakes significantly during the fall and winter, they eventually shift into 'water-conservation mode', where flows patterns will shift 180-degrees. This will be great for those who prefer to wade, and it's about time that fishermen get a break from the unrelenting high water that dominated the last four years. The staff at Blue Ribbon Fly Shop predicts that low and light flows will increase in frequency throughout this month, especially considering that precipitation has been virtually non-existent for many weeks, and by the holidays, there will be ample wading opportunities on both the White and Norfork. Until this materializes, it's all a matter of making the most out of the low water on the Norfork, and for those with access to a vessel of some kind, drift fishing has been excellent on the White.
During moderate and the the 'twice a day' high-flow periods on the White and the Norfork, the same 'standby' patterns such as San Juan Worms, egg patterns and large bead head nymphs have been producing exceptionally well. Concentrate drifting efforts along drop-offs and ledges in the faster, riffle-type areas, and when working along slow banks, be sure to position the boat where you can get prolonged drifts in the seam where slack and slow water merge. If you do catch the river running 'light' (in the one to three-generator range), many large fish will move out into the middle of the river and 'set up shop' near large structure like boulders and submerged root wads.
On the Norfork, expect the water to start falling during the middle of the morning, and after you see the first trout rise to a midge in, it's time to change to a 'falling water' setup that typically involves using a relatively large (size #14 and #16) Zebra Midge fished a couple of feet below a strike-indicator in the deep and slow holes. Although this bite only lasts for an hour or two, during that time, expect to slam respectable numbers of chunky rainbows and browns, along with the occasional trophy fish.
Once the generators shut down completely on the Norfork the fishing can be productive during falling water conditions, but once the river drops out completely, don't be surprised if the bite is still good, but perhaps somewhat technical. With the right adaptations, it's still possible to catch good fish all day long, and it is critical to pay close attention to how and where the fish are feeding at all times. A good example of how technical fishing transpires is something like this: of course, black and copper beaded Zebra midges in sizes #18 (or smaller) are steadily effective flies that work almost all the time, but there are periods when the trout want nothing to do with these normally productive patterns. Much of this fickleness has to do with the fact that the fish have become keyed-in on very small midge hatches, so in order to be successful, we have been switching over to diminutive sizes (#24's and 26's) of flies like RS2's, BWO's, Anna K's and other emerger patterns - going to a subtle approach with flies that fish best on or just below the surface has made all the difference in the world, and the top-water action has been exciting, to say the least...the new Airflo Weight Forward floating lines are perfect for the stealthy approach required when fishing tiny flies to picky fish because these lines land on the water like a soft feather.
Although the weather has been chilly of late, don't expect every day during the winter to be cold - it is common for temperatures to reach into the 40's, 50's and even 60's. Because the area will not see much in the way of angling traffic until early February, now through January is a great time to enjoy excellent fishing for the year's biggest trout, and we will keep everyone updated on the status of the shad kill as it progresses. Please feel free to fire any questions you may have our way, and Blue Ribbon Fly Shop is always here to point you in the right direction and answer specific inquiries. We are on the cusp of the best winter fishing to be experienced in a long time due to all the high water over the past four years - this dynamic has allowed scores of browns to grow large sine the implementation of the new minimum-length limit (24-inches) regulations on all of the Ozark coldwater tailwaters. If you have always wanted to get out and hammer some trout while most of the country is stuck inside reading fishing magazines and tying flies, give northern Arkansas a try this winter...you will not be disappointed.
Gift certificates for Blue Ribbon guide trips are going fast. Get yours today and we'll put the certificate in the mail tomorrow. Bookings based upon availability.
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White River - December 1st, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
48 °
FISHING: Great
One of the more unique and challenging aspects of the fly fishing scene on the White River and Norfork Tailwater is that anglers are able to fish a wide range of conditions primarily based on lake levels and prevailing weather trends across the region. Observant fishermen who keep up with general water release patterns are able to predict the flows that are likely to be encountered on any given day with some degree of accuracy. Unfortunately, no matter how well someone keeps up with what is going on, the Corp of Engineers has the final 'say' when water management and power generation are concerned, and their authority has been exercised to its fullest over the month of November this year. Considering that the weather has been relatively mild (with temperatures reaching into the upper 50's and lower 60's most days), coupled with the fact that the reservoirs are low and rainfall has been virtually nonexistent, one would expect that there would be plenty of dead-low water with occasional releases to keep the rivers oxygenated or to produce power during the infrequent times when there is a demand for electricity. In years past, it was quite common for low-water to be prevalent when the lakes were this low and temperatures were relatively mild during November, but 2010 has been remarkably different in this respect, so fishermen and guides have had to constantly be on their toes.
The current pattern on the White is for flows to be heaviest (in the two to four-unit range) for first part of the morning and then switch to light and fluctuating releases for the rest of the day. This type of dynamic can be frustrating because of all the ups and downs, but with diligent planning and access to a boat of some kind, it is possible to stay on the fish from dusk to dawn. Anglers need to be ready to switch rigs until they figure out the right flies to use along with the appropriate amount of weight that will keep their patterns down near the bottom where the fish are often feeding. If you are lucky enough to catch the river dead-low, the fishing has been fantastic, but over the last three weeks, Bull Shoals Dam has been running water around the clock every day with just a few exceptions. This pattern could change at any time, and what is most likely occurring is that one (or several) of the power plants that provide energy for the regional grid are shut down for maintenance or operating at a diminished capacity. Since the White River Basin dams provide supplemental power that is extremely 'flexible' in the respect that it only takes minutes for electricity to be generated or reduced, this is a plausible explanation as to why the dams have rarely been shut down of late. It would also shed light on why generation has not been particularly heavy at any one facility, but rather spread out amongst Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock Dams - the Corp usually makes a concerted effort to equally drain all of their impoundments so that each dam's power-producing and flood-control capabilities will be relatively the same in the future.
The Norfork has been operating in a similar manner as the White, with the heaviest releases occurring during the first part of the morning, followed by reduced flows from late morning through the afternoon. This has made it particularly tricky to fish, especially when Norfork Dam is only running at 10% to 20% of capacity for most of the day because the river is very shallow in many places on these levels, which can make it very difficult for inexperienced boaters to get back upstream to the launch once they get downstream of McClellan's Shoal below the Long Hole. Although the current flow regime is not very common to see on the 'Fork, when it does happen, fishing can be a logistical challenge. The best way to approach the situation is to put a vessel in at the dam in the morning and fish the upper stretches until the water starts dropping. Unfortunately the repair project at Quarry Park is unfinished which means the only vessel one might consider would be a kayak or pontoon. This requires a short down hill drag on the grass patch for those willing to put in the extra effort. Once flows are reduced, slowly float down towards the confluence (which is the only other ramp available). As long as there is some water being released, the long, deep holes will fish very well, but if the water shuts off completely - which has been happening on the Norfork more often than it has on the White - anglers must decide whether to motor or drift out while they easily can or to find a good area to wade during the impending low water. Expect to drag the boat through the many shallow shoals until reaching the ramp at the confluence if neither of the generators turns back on. Fishing for a full day on the Norfork right now requires having a game plan and making the right choices, but the effort is well worth it considering that our guides are reporting that the river is loaded with lots of big fish that were not there in October...it is truly feast or famine for the time being.
For those who are patient enough to adapt to the fluctuating flows and change techniques when the water rises and falls, fishing has been excellent on both rivers most days. Our guides have been doing very well using egg patterns as a point fly with a myriad of droppers like Red Asses, xelon sow bugs, "AP" or "SS Scuds" (the Blue Ribbon version of the Trout Crack fly), Firebug Midges, caddis pupa patterns and bead head sow bugs. The majority of trout are taking the droppers with reckless abandonment, but a bright attractor like an egg serves the purpose of getting the attention of faraway fish when the water is up. San Juan Worms are also effective point flies, but they tend to twist up which is why they are not used as frequently as eggs. Many fishermen do not utilize enough weight to keep their flies down in the strike zone when the water is at the two to four-unit level; the trick is to use a bigger split-shot than what would seem necessary and adjust a large strike-indicator (deeper or shallower) depending on the speed and depth of the water being fished. Our guides typically use a BB or 3/0 shot during the higher releases, and they will often size down to just one (or sometimes two) weighted flies when the flows start to diminish. If unweighted patterns are what the fish want, try using different split-shots until finding the right size.
When the water is running really lightly or completely shut 'off', it has been a blast swinging soft hackles and Cracklebacks through the riffles and runs. It is almost like dry fly fishing because you will see the trout rise to hit the fly. If it's bright out and this technique is not producing very well, try lengthening the leader to nine to twelve feet and go down to 5x or 6x tippet - this can make a huge difference when the fish are being finicky. There haven't been any Blue Wing Olives hatching yet to our knowledge, but it's still a little early for their emergence. Pheasant Tails and Prince Nymphs are working well, though, so this could be an indication that these insects are about to make an appearance. BWO's always bring scores of big fish to the surface, and the challenge of fishing this hatch of small mayflies is one of fly fishing's most rewarding experiences.
Although it has been a strange November due to the ever-changing water conditions, look for flows to stabilize at some point in the near future. The fishing is better than usual for late November because of all the running water, so that is one thing everyone can be thankful for, even though it has made it a little tough on those restricted to walk-in accesses and wading. Early December is normally a good time to fish the White and Norfork, especially when the dams are releasing light amounts of water or when the rivers are dropping. According to the dissolved oxygen readings, it would appear that the lakes are starting to 'turn over', and this process will greatly improve water quality and clarity once the reservoirs complete their 'flip'. If you can stand cool mornings, unpredictable weather and fluctuating water conditions, December should be a great time to come and fish northern Arkansas for trophy trout. Crowds have thinned out, and there have been many days where we have seen almost no other people out on the rivers. The best chance at catching the water dead-low is on the weekends, but good wading conditions have been available every day - it's just a matter of knowing where to look and how to get to the spots. The folks at Blue Ribbon Fly Shop wish everyone a happy holiday season, and we hope that many of you come in to say 'hi' or go on a guided trip in the next month or two. Never hesitate to give us a call or write us an email if you have any specific questions - we will always answer any inquiries with complete frankness.
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White River - November 4th, 2010
supplied by: Blue Ribbon Fly Shop
RECORDED:
67 °
FISHING: Excellent
Excellent fishing is still a possibility every day on both the White River and Norfork Tailwater
October was a stellar month on both rivers because of the breathtaking fall colors that dotted the landscape coupled with refreshingly cool temperatures – and the fishing wasn’t too shabby either. There is nothing quite like the experience of wading or drifting in such a dramatic setting and background, and the chance of hooking into a big brown or rainbow is practically a bonus when compared to the comfortable fishing weather and appealing aesthetics. This can make November an underrated month, which is primarily a result of the perception that October is considered the all-around perfect time to be on these rivers. In all actuality, November usually offers up even better trophy fishing than its predecessor due to the fact that there are so many large trout on the move that intentionally gain weight in preparation for the spawn (the White River) or as a part of the recovery process subsequent to leaving their traditional spawning grounds after “doing the deed” (the Norfork). Plus, there are not nearly as many anglers on the water, and this makes November an absolutely perfect all-around month for fly fishing the Ozarks.
Flows on both rivers have been somewhat erratic of late due to the fact that cooler weather creates an increased demand for electricity, and Corp of Engineers relatively new commitment to keeping the dissolved oxygen in the rivers above non-lethal levels also makes for inconsistent dynamics. This can make wading a bit tricky, but there are still plenty of shallow water spots available virtually every day; especially if you have a vessel that can provide safe access to one of the many islands on either river. Although a boat can help get anglers into many wonderful spots for drift fishing, as well, getting out into the water and treading lightly through the shallows is a superior way to locate and catch trout that are a bit wary from all the pressure they put up with during October. And if you don’t have access to a watercraft, stalking the banks during light to moderate flows is a great way to find slow eddies and seams that hold good numbers of feeding fish. Rainfall has been nonexistent over the last month, so look for flows to moderate throughout November, if the region stays dry – especially on the White where low dissolved oxygen levels are not the huge concern that they are on the Norfork. As we progress into late fall and early winter, releases will be confined to dawn and dusk due to the fact that this is when power demand is greatest, but like always, no one ever knows exactly what to expect on these rivers, so it is always a good idea to be prepared for anything and everything.
The usual fall hatches of micro caddis and blue winged olives are starting to consistently emerge, with the heaviest activity usually occurring within a couple hours before nightfall. Fishing with tiny dry flies is a unique challenge, but it is well worth the effort when anglers join the elite “20/20” club – membership means landing a twenty-inch trout on a size #20 fly (or smaller). Because fish must feed heavily on small insects in order to be efficient, fishermen are often surprised at how many shots at big fish they get during these seemingly insignificant hatches. Nymphs imitating micro caddis and blue winged olives are also effective, especially during the hours right before the hatch kicks into full swing. Midges – both dry and subsurface – are also good choices right now, and it never ceases to amaze our guides and shop customers when it comes to how many huge trout are caught on these tiny flies; especially during the fall. So if you do decide to give November fishing a try on the White and Norfork, don’t forget your two, three or four-weight rods, as these lighter setups make it much easier to subtly present minuscule offerings.
Nymph fishing has also been quite productive recently, with scuds, sow bugs and midges producing the majority of the action when the water is running lightly or is dead low. Weighted flies are working best in the slow stretches of water, and dropper rigs or unweighted patterns fished below a split-shot allow for a very natural-looking presentation in the riffles and runs. Drab colors are always good choices, but it never hurts to switch to brighter flies if the fishing gets slow; orange (dead) scuds and red midges will often produce fish when nothing else seems to be working. Egg patterns in a variety of shades are also pulling many quality trout; light & dark roe, salmon egg, shrimp pink, and Peachy King are the current favorite colors of our guides and visiting fishermen. Remember, it is absolutely critical to keep these flies ‘rolling’ along the bottom for the best results. Those folks who like to exclusively target big trout have been doing very well streamer fishing. Don’t expect a bite on every cast when chucking large flies in the deeper pools and along drop offs, but if you are patient and diligently work every bit of water within reach, it is reasonable to catch multiple browns over 18 inches throughout the course of the day. Night fishing with streamer patterns is also very exciting, especially considering that any given bite could end up being the “fish of a lifetime”.
Many anglers new to fishing the Ozark tailwaters tend to underestimate the months of November, December and January, but there are also people that make the Mountain Home, Arkansas area their winter home just because the colder months are such a good time of year for catching big browns. The rewards of fishing during the late fall and into winter are well worth dealing with the sometimes frosty weather, and on many days, it’s possible to have a whole stretch of river all to yourself. Barring any heavy rain events over the next three months, there will be plenty of low-water opportunities – especially from mid morning until dusk. Once the reservoirs ‘turn over’ a few weeks before Christmas, we will start seeing even longer periods of dead-low water, but until then, continue to expect the unexpected. Late fall and winter are when serious anglers come out of the woodwork and for good reason: the lack of fishing pressure and the abundance of post-spawn browns makes this the perfect time of year for hooking into a behemoth. The White and the Norfork may be the finest year-round trout fisheries in the world, so if you are interested in learning more about the unique cool weather trophy trout opportunities in the Ozarks, be sure to keep up with our bi-monthly newsletters and reports. Also, never hesitate to give us a call or send us an email if you have any questions regarding the fishing to expect during any time of year.
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