Arkansas Fishing Report from Anglers

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February 4, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 2/06/2010

During the past week, we have had brutally cold temperatures and the remnants of a major snowfall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell six tenths of a foot to rest at seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose three tenths of a foot to rest at nine tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two and three tenths of a foot to arrive at eight tenths of a foot above power pool or eight and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had fairly steady levels of generation around the clock. Norfork Lake fell one and four tenths feet to rest at six tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had steady generation with one brief window of wadable water at night. The Corps of Engineers has maintained its aggressive drawdown of the lakes in the White River System. All of the lakes in the White River system are currently less than a foot from power pool. We can expect some lower flows and the possibility of wadable water. As I write this, we have more precipitation coming and it is impossible to predict how this will affect lake levels.

There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers . Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam, which was closed from November 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010 for the brown trout spawn, has now reopened. Due to bitterly cold weather conditions and high water, there were not as many anglers on hand for opening day as usual. The fishing went well. The catch was mostly rainbows. There has been some success on shad patterns but most of the trout were caught with brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns.

Fishing on the White in general has been excellent. The hot section has been Rim Shoals. On the steady flows, we have been receiving; use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Other effective patterns have been scuds, sowbugs, copper johns and various midge patterns.

Some anglers have reported success from fishing streamers. Concentrate on banging the bank or any heavy structure where fish can escape the current. Your best bet would be to use large articulated streamers like the zoo cougar or leg spreader on heavy (300 grain or heavier) sink tips. You will need at least an eight weight rod to cast this rig. Use a short piece of heavy mono (three feet of 2X fluorocarbon tippet) in lieu of a conventional leader to help get the fly down. This strategy targets big fish, but is a lot of work. I like to carry two rods, one that is rigged for streamers and one that is rigged for nymphs.

When we have high flows like this, trout will seek the comfort provided by feeder creeks to escape the heavy currents. Look in the lower stretches of Jenkins Creek or Crooked Creek to locate trout.

Brutally cold temperatures and high levels of generation are the perfect conditions for creating a shad kill. This generally occurs when the water temperature on the lake is forty two degrees. Threadfin shad are drawn through the dam turbines and create a feeding frenzy in the river below. Be on the lookout for gulls feeding on the shad below the dam. The most effective flies will be white shad patterns. Be sure and have both floating and sinking versions.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

The Norfork has received steady generation. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. Work is underway on the boardwalk along the creek that is being constructed by the Friends of the National Fish Hatchery. This will enhance access, particularly for the handicapped anglers. Stop by and take a look. It is pretty terrific. My wife, Lori, and I recently visited and walked the creek. We were impressed with the bank stabilization, which was done in a way that creates a lot of new spots to fish that do not require the youngsters to wear waders.

The Spring River has been fishing well. The water level is still a bit high and off color. This makes for challenging wading. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy.

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. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.

Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home.

John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas and has fished our local streams for over twenty five years.

February 1, 2010 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned due to below normal elevation with current and discharge. 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Stumps are exposed along Little River! Exercise common sense and much caution during navigation!

As of Monday 01 February, Largemouth Bass good to fair, with lake level condition near normal with increased rain and incoming fresh water. The rise over the past week began pushing fish into creeks, and mouth junctions with Little River. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, heavy thumping spinnerbaits, tubes and jigs have been the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks. Best bite is occurring during mid day heating. Carolina Rigs are continuing to improve. A few more Crappie and Bass fishermen were out this past week with the unseasonably mild, day-time temperatures.

As of Monday, 01 February, the lake level rose again, and is now 0.25 feet below normal pool, with reduced current in Little River. Drawdown still in process, and returning back to 4' drawdown pool. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 46ºF early, to 50ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 01 February is 258.96 feet and falling. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. USACE made a gate change at the dam recently, and as of Monday 01 February, 13 tainer gates are open at 3 feet, and 2 sluice gates are open at 6 feet for a total discharge of 8,255 CFS (cubic feet/second). Clarity is heavy stain to muddy, conditions. This week's lake level of 0.25 feet below normal lake pool has risen over the past week with the thunderstorms contributing to much inflow of additional water.

To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office.

To receive updates, call the Corps’ toll-free information line at 888-697-9830.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past week has seen bass slightly improved in feeding activity with unseasonably warm day time highs, in spite of the muddy water. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is just slightly below pool elevation, the bass are concentrating at creek mouth junctions, creek channels, and primary points with stumps exposed, associated with sweeping bends of Little River.

The best bass bite over the past few weeks continues to be a reaction bite on crankbaits, Rouges and suspending hard jerk baits, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits. Slow moving, large 3/4-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 15-17" class bass, but the key word remains VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel mouths intersecting with Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19". Since the lake level has risen slightly to just below normal level, bass are again relating to the creek junctions, creek mouths, creek channels, and points along the river. Crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass, and are improved over the past week with the lake level rise.

The best Rat-L-Trap or crankbait colors over the past week with the muddy conditions, are red coach dog, red chrome, Millwood Magic, brown craw/orange belly, or white and citrus shad.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits (chartreuse / white or spot remover colors) are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy thumping and slow rolling #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. "Dead Sticking" soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, and slow moving suspending Rouges and hard jerk baits, continue working randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, continue working, where the vegetations are growing in close proximity.

Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in white shad pattern in the clearest water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly craw were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water.

Magnum gitzits & flipping tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Flipping Tubes continue working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits were pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, black/blue tail, or black neon, during the past week. **TIP: Load your tube or gitzits with loud rattles in this off colored to muddy water!!

Flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water at creek mouths and deeper sections of creek channel swings, are the best bets with tubes or jigs. The jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past 2 weeks continue to be Texas Craw, black/blue, or pumpkinseed/chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-4 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are scattered and slow... Not many White Bass fishermen out.

Crappie: are beginning to improve, but the muddy current in Little River has them deep and out of the main river channel. The upriver, oxbow bite along Little River away from current, for Crappie, is the best location over planted brush, for the past couple weeks. A few more Crappie fishermen were out over the past week, we noticed with the improved weather conditions. Crappie were suspending in planted brush 12-16' deep and best on live shiners. A few prespawn Crappie were caught on Blakemore Roadrunners around base of cypress trees in 8-12 feet.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the current in Little River. Blues and Channel cats are biting good with the increased current along Little River and best on cut shad, Charlie and home-made dough balls, by either tight-lining, trot-lines, along the increased current in Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 9-12' depths.

January 31 -Norfork - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service.

http://www.fishingwithsteve.com/

1/31/10 The water temperature in the low to mid 40's and the lake level is 553.1. Bass are hitting suspended jerkbaits and crankbaits along the bluffs. Try throwing a grub or a jig and work it down the bluff also. Try a jigging spoon working it down the wall of the bluff or if you see fish on your depth finder drop the spoon and jig it up and down. Remember, in this cold weather if you venture out alone tell someone what part of the lake you will be fishing and what time you expect to be back.

Good Fishing!!!!!!

January 30 -Norfork - by Tim Partin 101 Grocery and Bait.

http://www.101groceryandbait.com

01/25/10 Striped Bass fishing has been good these past few days using live bait with no weight. We caught some nice 15lb stripers, some largemouth bass and a nice small mouth. There was a nice 29lb striper caught on live bait using a small split shot this week also. The water level is around 554’MSL and the surface temp. ranges from 46-48 degrees. Bass fishing has been good for some. Crappie fishing has varied from day to day. Walleye fishing has been rewarding for some. There has been a little action from the white bass using jigging spoons and some catfish have been caught using live bait and jigging spoons. Fishing Norfork Lake this year is going to be outstanding. Have Fun Go Fishin.

January 28, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/28/2010

During the past week, we have had colder temperatures, quite a bit of precipitation and very high winds that included lake wind advisories. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose six tenths of a foot to rest at one and three tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty nine and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose two and eight tenths feet foot to rest at six tenths feet above power pool or fifteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two and seven tenths of a foot to arrive at three and one tenth feet above power pool or six and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had steady levels of generation around the clock. Norfork Lake rose one and seven tenths feet to rest at two feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty six feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had steady generation and no wadable water. The Corps of Engineers has maintained its aggressive drawdown of the lakes in the White River System. As I write this, we have more precipitation coming and it is impossible to predict when the lake levels will return to power pool at this time.

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period. It will open on Monday!

Fishing on the White has been excellent. The hot section has been from White Hole to Wildcat Shoals. On steady flows, we have been receiving; use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Other effective patterns have been scuds, sowbugs, copper johns and various midge patterns. You will need a long leader/tippet combination with a lot of lead (at least an AAA split shot placed eighteen inches from the fly). Use at least 4X tippet and a large strike indicator to float this rig. It will be difficult to cast so open up the loop to prevent tangles.

Some anglers have reported success from fishing streamers. Concentrate on banging the bank or any heavy structure where fish might escape the current. Your best bet would be to use large articulated streamers like the zoo cougar or leg spreader on heavy (300 grain or heavier) sink tips. You will need at least an eight weight rod to cast this rig. Use a short piece of heavy mono (three feet of 2X fluorocarbon tippet) in lieu of a conventional leader to help get the fly down. This strategy targets big fish, but is a lot of work. I like to carry two rods, one that is rigged for streamers and one that is rigged for nymphs.

When we have high flows like this, trout will seek the comfort provided by feeder creeks to escape the heavy currents. Look in the lower stretches of Jenkins Creek or Crooked Creek to locate trout.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

The Norfork has received steady generation. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. Work is underway on the boardwalk along the creek that is being constructed by the Friends of the National Fish Hatchery. This will enhance access, particularly for the handicapped anglers. Stop by and take a look. It is pretty terrific. While you are there take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering to prevent the transfer of aquatic diseases.

The Spring River has been fishing well. The water level is high and off color. This makes for challenging wading. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy.

January 25, 2010 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned due to below normal elevation with increased current and discharge. Return to 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Stumps are exposed along Little River! Exercise common sense and much caution during navigation!

As of Monday 25 January, Largemouth Bass good to fair, with below normal lake level condition; and water clarity's heavy stain to muddy, conditions. Surface water temps are currently in the mid 40's to low 50's. Repeated cold fronts have scattered the Bass and Crappie and pushed into deeper water within the last several weeks. Largemouth Bass are beginning to return to more normal patterns, since that the lake has returned to normal and below, with increase in current of Little River. This week's lake level of 1.05 feet below normal lake pool has risen over the past week with the thunderstorms contributing to much inflow of additional water. This rise over the past week began pushing fish into creeks, and mouth junctions with Little River. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, heavy thumping spinnerbaits, tubes and jigs have been the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks. Best bite is occurring during mid day heating. Carolina Rigs are continuing to improve. A few more Crappie and Bass fishermen were out this past week with the unseasonably mild, day-time temperatures.

As of Monday, 25 January, the lake level rose, and is now 1.05 feet below normal pool, with drastically increased current in Little River. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, for the increase and inflow of fresh water, and is now in process of returning back to 4' drawdown pool. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 47ºF early, to 52ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 25 January is 258.15 feet and falling. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet.

A drawdown of four feet on Millwood Lake, began July 13, 2009 until Feb. 9, 2010 to control unwanted aquatic vegetation and make scheduled repairs, according to the Corps of Engineers. The lake will be allowed to refill 2 feet above normal pool elevation to 261.2 feet, in February 2010, the 2-foot rise will last one month, and then the lake will be returned to normal pool. Stumps will be exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation. Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past week has seen bass become more typical of winter patterns, but slightly improved with unseasonably warm day time highs, in spite of the muddy water. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is returning to drawdown pool elevation, the bass are again concentrating at creek mouth junctions, primary and secondary points with stumps exposed, associated with sweeping bends of Little River.

The best bass bite over the past couple weeks continues to be a reaction bite on crankbaits, Rouges and suspending hard jerk baits, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits. Slow moving, large 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 15-17" class bass, but the trick continues to be VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel mouths intersecting with Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19". Since the lake level has risen slightly to just below normal level, bass are again relating to the creek junctions, creek mouths, creek channels, and points along the river. The increase in current began late last week, due to recent record rainfall, and the increased current will take at least another week to 2 wks, to return to a normal routine, winter drawdown bite. Crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass, and are improved over the past week with the lake level rise.

The best Rat-L-Trap or crankbait colors over the past week with the muddy conditions, are red coach dog, red chrome, Millwood Magic, brown craw/orange belly, or chartreuse shad.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits (chartreuse and white or spot remover colors) are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy thumping and slow rolling #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. "Dead Sticking" soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, and slow moving suspending Rouges and hard jerk baits, continue working randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, continue working, where the vegetations are growing in close proximity.

White Bass: White bass are scattered and slow... Not many White Bass fishermen out.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the increased current in Little River. Blues and Channel cats are biting good with the increased current along Little River and best on cut shad, Charlie and home-made dough balls, by either tight-lining, trot-lines, along the increased current in Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 9-12' depths.

January 25 -Norfork - Blackburns resort Fishing Report has taken on a new consultant. Harvey Hall from Hard Times Crappie Guide Service joins Bink's Guide service who does not guide for crappie but catches several big ones, in an effort to give you the best Norfork Lake Fishing Report Possible. These two along with "Scuba Steve" are among the best fishermen on Norfork Lake. We all three go nearly every day and catch fish. We do not show pictures of small fish.

Norfork Lake is at 552.8 and is rising due to last night's rain and slower generation. They seem to generate less and less as we approach the 552 power pool. Water temperature was 48 degrees today and the water is not clearing as usual. Some people are reporting mainlake clear water but that is not true. My spoon disappears at about 7-ft. At my dock the depth is about 21 feet and very stained. Others are reporting live shiners are the best but I disagree. In the past three days I have caught two very large stripers and a 15-lb. one all on Bink's Spoons. Binks reports some very large bass casting the same spoon near brush. I am not doing this but am not fishing for bass. The fish are all in their winter locations but not necessarily acting like normal. Half-way back in creeks in holes, steep banks and deep channel swings are holding some very large fish. I saw some distressed shad earlier this week but do not anticipate a serious shad kill. This will make for much food available and will not make fishing easy. Anything easy is not worth doing.

Harvey reports some very large and healthy crappie in the back of Pigeon Creek. He caught one that was at least 3-in. thick and 15- 1/2 inches long. Some are in 18-21 ft. over brush at the mouth of Briar and some in 22-24 ft. about 9ft. down on a slip float which is not normal for Jan. Not big numbers but some very nice fish. It seems the big ones are mostly all together. He is going to take me fishing and give me a lesson. Some schools of crappie are smaller with some large fish. This is good news.

I have not caught a keeper walleye in two weeks and cannot help you with this. They should be moving up river but nothing is as normal. We do not report what we think just what we see by being out every day.

Getting all of my boats ready for you by fishing every one of them and using everything. Hope to hear from you. Remember if you are not staying at Blackburns you are paying too much for both cottages and boats just because you want to.

Scuba Steve

January 22, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/22/2010

During the past week, we have had much milder temperatures and some rain. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four and three tenths of a foot to rest at seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at two and eight tenths feet below power pool or eighteen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one and one tenth of a foot to arrive at five and eight tenths feet above power pool or three and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had much lower levels of generation around the clock. Norfork Lake fell two feet to rest at three tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have much lower levels of generation and some wadable water. It is essentially at power pool. The Corps of Engineers has maintained its aggressive drawdown of the lakes in the White River System. With both Bull Shoals and Table Rock at or below power pool it has now begun to draw down Beaver Lake . At this time, I predict that all lakes on the White river system will be at or below power pool in one week, assuming no further rain events.

Fishing on the White has been excellent. On the lower flows (about half of last week’s flows) we have been receiving; use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Other effective patterns have been scuds, sowbugs, copper johns and various midge patterns. You will need a long leader/tippet combination with a lot of lead (at least an AAA split shot placed eighteen inches from the fly). Use at least 4X tippet and a large strike indicator to float this rig. It will be difficult to cast so open up the loop to prevent tangles.

When we have high flows like this, trout will seek the comfort provided by feeder creeks to escape the heavy currents. Look in the lower stretches of Jenkins Creek or Crooked Creek to locate trout.

While the temperatures we have had lately have been mild, winter is not over yet. Brutally cold temperatures and high levels of generation are the perfect conditions for creating a shad kill. This generally occurs when the water temperature on the lake is forty two degrees. Threadfin shad are drawn through the dam turbines and create a feeding frenzy in the river below. Be on the lookout for gulls feeding on the shad below the dam. The most effective flies will be white shad patterns. Be sure and have both floating and sinking versions.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

With the Norfork back at power pool, we have received much lower flows and a bit of wadable water. On low flows the hot flies were olive scuds, partridge and orange soft hackles and red San Juan worms. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. Work has begun on the boardwalk along the creek that is being constructed by the Friends of the National Fish Hatchery. This will enhance access, particularly for the handicapped anglers. Stop by and take a look. It is pretty terrific.

The Spring River has been fishing well. The water level is perfect for wading and the water has cleared substantially. The hot flies have been Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick.

January 19, 2010 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -The Overall Picture:

As of Tuesday 19 January, Largemouth Bass are random and fair, due to excessive water pool fluctuations above and below normal level; and worsened water clarity conditions. Surface water temps are currently in the low to mid 40's. Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks. Largemouth Bass were scattered, but now are beginning to return to more normal patterns, since that the lake has returned to normal and below, with increase in current of Little River. This week's lake level of 2.64 feet below normal lake pool has began concentrating them again at creek mouth junctions with Little River. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, heavy thumping spinnerbaits, tubes and jigs have been the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks. Best bite is occurring during mid day heating. Carolina Rigs are continuing to improve. Not many fishermen out over the last week with repeated cold fronts and rain.

As of Tuesday, 19 January, the lake level is 2.64 feet below normal pool, has drastically increased current in Little River. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, for the increase and inflow of fresh water, and is now in process of returning back to 4' drawdown pool. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 41ºF early, to 45ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday, 19 January is 256.56 feet and falling. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet.

Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. As of Tuesday, 19 January, the lake level continues falling, and currently is 2.64 feet below normal lake pool with stumps exposed & drastically increased current in Little River.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past week has seen bass become more typical of winter patterns, but slow with repeated cold fronts, increased current, and incoming muddy water. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is returning to drawdown pool elevation, the bass are again concentrating at creek mouth junctions, primary and secondary points with stumps exposed, associated with sweeping bends of Little River.

The best bass bite over the past couple weeks continues to be on crankbaits, dead-sticking a Senko, and trick worms on a light wire hook for suspended bass, Rouges and suspending hard jerk baits, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits. Slow moving, large 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were still working to locate 15-17" class bass, but the trick is SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel dumps into Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19" prior to the increase of current in Little River to almost 20,000 CFS. Since the lake level has returned to slightly below normal, bass are again relating to the creek junctions, dumps, and points along the river. The increase in current began late last week, due to recent record rainfall, and the increased current will take a week to ten days to return to a normal routine, winter bite. Crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass, but remain fair over the past week.

The best Rat-L-Trap or crankbait colors over the past week with the muddy conditions, are red coach dog, firetiger, brown craw/orange belly, or chartreuse shad.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits in chartreuse and white, or spot remover are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy thumping and slow rolling #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, any remaining lily pad stems, and pondweed, were working, where they are growing in close proximity.

Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in the clearest water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly craw were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water.

Magnum gitzit tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Fatbutt Tubes are working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week now that drawdown pool is returning. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits were pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, black/blue tail, or black neon, during the past week. **TIP: Load your tube or magnum gitzits with loud rattles in this off colored to muddy water!!

White Bass: White bass are scattered and slow... Not many White Bass fishermen out.

Crappie: are all but shut down during the muddy current in Little River. Not many Crappie fishermen out over the past week.

January 17 -Norfork - by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service.

http://www.fishingwithsteve.com/

1/17 The lake level is 552.9 and the water temperature is in the mid 40's. The lake will be at normal pool in a couple days as long as they keep running both generators. Bass are hitting suspended jerkbaits,crankbaits and jigs. Try a swim bait too. You have to work the baits slow. When you mark baitfish on your depth finder drop a jigging spoon. Try casting a jigging spoon to the bank and work it back to the boat by letting the spoon hit bottom and then jerk it up and let it fall back to the bottom. Good Fishing!!!!!!!!

January 16 -Norfork - by Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters.

http://www.stroutfitters.com/

1/15/10 Fishing most of the day with most of the bites were between 11:30 am & 3 pm. The stripers were holding right above the shad in 100' of water, the bait was 60' deep. We were using shad & shiners. We fished Henderson Point and the main channel in front of Henderson marina.

January 15 -Norfork - by Tim Partin 101 Grocery and Bait.

http://www.101groceryandbait.com

01/13/10 Happy New Year to everyone. Those that put old man winter in his place and go for it have been doing good catching some nice 13-15 inch crappie 3-4 pound bass 10-15 pound stripers and some nice catfish and of course walleyes in the 20-25 inch range. Live bait and jigging spoons are doing good catching fish. The water level is around 554 msl and the surface water temp is in the mid 30 degrees depending on the area of the lake you are in. Lake Norfork will once again be “The Place To Fish and have Fun in 2010” for some of the best crappie, striped bass, large and small mouth bass, spotted (Kentucky) bass, sunfish, catfish and walleye fishing around. 2010 will be another fantastic year of fishing. Lake Norfork has once again had another great spawn this past year. The water level has done wonders for the fish population in 2009. The small fish have had some great shelter for hiding in for the past 2 years in a row. With that said, I would suggest if you plan on being in on some fun Lake Norfork fishing this spring, I would begin making reservations now for my cabin and guide. March is less than 2 months away, if you would like more information just give us a call toll free at 1-866-746-5596 or click here fishnorfork.com Your going to need a bigger net. Have Fun Go Fishin.

January 14, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/16/2010

During the past week, we have had brutally cold conditions and high winds, which have evolved into much milder weather. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four and eight tenths of a foot to rest at five feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty six feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell nine tenths of a foot to rest at three feet below power pool or nineteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to arrive at six and nine tenths feet above power pool or two and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had high levels of generation around the clock and no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell three and three tenths feet to rest at two and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty five and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had round the clock near maximum generation and no wadable water. The Corps of Engineers has maintained its aggressive drawdown of the lakes in the White River System. At this time, I predict that Norfork Lake will return to power pool in one week and Bull Shoals in two weeks.

With the brutally cold conditions we have had, boat launch ramps can ice over. Exercise extreme care when launching your boat and avoid icy ramps all together.

There will be significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers . Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers.

The White has received very stead flows of approximately 22,600 cubic feet per second or the equivalent of seven full generators. The lack of fluctuation has allowed for reliable fishing.

On the higher flows we have been receiving, use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Other effective patterns have been scuds, sowbugs, copper johns and various midge patterns. You will need a fourteen foot leader combination with a lot of lead (at least an AAA split shot placed eighteen inches from the fly). Use at least 4X tippet and a large strike indicator to float this rig. It will be difficult to cast so open up the loop to prevent tangles.

Another effective strategy is to fish streamers. Concentrate on banging the bank or any heavy structure where fish might escape the current. Your best bet would be to use large articulated streamers like the zoo cougar on heavy (300 grain or heavier) sink tips. You will need at least an eight weight rod to cast this rig. Use a short piece of heavy mono (three feet of 2X fluorocarbon tippet) in lieu of a conventional leader to help get the fly down. This strategy targets big fish, but is a lot of work. I like to carry two rods, one that is rigged for streamers and one that is rigged for nymphs.

When we have high flows like this, trout will seek the comfort provided by feeder creeks to escape the heavy currents. Look in the lower stretches of Jenkins Creek or Crooked Creek to locate trout.

The brutally cold temperatures and high levels of generation we have been experiencing are the perfect conditions for creating a shad kill. This generally occurs when the water temperature on the lake is forty two degrees. Threadfin shad are drawn through the dam turbines and create a feeding frenzy in the river below. Be on the lookout for gulls feeding on the shad below the dam. The most effective flies will be white shad patterns. Be sure and have both floating and sinking versions.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

The flows on the Norfork have held steady at approximately 6,600 cubic feet per second or the equivalent of two full generators. On the high flows we are receiving, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. The weather has improved a bit and now is the perfect time to take your youngster to Dry Run. Be sure and take the biggest net you can lay your hands on and don’t forget the camera. Carefully revive all trout and return them to the creek as quickly as possibly.

January 14 -Norfork - by Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters.

http://www.stroutfitters.com/

12/31/09 We just finished our cast & blast. We fished the Bidwell beach area & Lakehouse the first day. The stripers are holding in the shad or right above them. Set your baits at 35 to 40' and just follow the shad and channel. The fish are feeding and you may go a long ways then hit an active school. The second trip we fishing the Henderson point and Bidwell beach area doing the same thing. We hooked 12 stripers overall and landed 7. We harvested 14 pheasants and 3 quail on our hunt.

January 12 -Norfork - Bink and I just got back from Collinsville, Illinois last night . Met several old friends and made some new ones at the show. Weather was very cold. We went fishing today and had a great day. Air temperature was 48 degrees this afternoon and the surface temperature on Norfork Lake is 41. There will be some shad showing signs of stress at 40. When this happens the winter bite will be on. There are some small white bass in Blackburn's cove and some crappie on crappie rock but more under Blackburns Dock. I put my underwater camera down and fish were everywhere.

The lake level is 556 and should be about 548 this time of year. They are lowering the level about 5-in./day and the lake in general is in very good shape. It has not cleared yet due to the rapid level drop but that will not bother fishing. The water is in the buckbrush and the crappie are moving shallower already.

It is about time to get out your jig and minnow along with the Bink's Spoon. I switch back and forth. More reaction bites with the spoon. I am on the bass and crappie and will test the grub tomorrow. Get a report everyday on Scuba Steve's Blog on www.blackburnsresort.com. If you are not staying at Blackburns you are paying too much. See you in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the show at 4PM Friday the 15th of January. We will give you a first hand report.

January 12 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at Greers Ferry lake is at 468.12 and cool water temps , it will range from low to mid 40’s, the expected 55 degree rain will help warm it back some .

The white bass and hybrids will continue to eat well if the sun is shinning and the next few days will be good after all this cold weather , the sun and wind together will make for a very good bite through out the mid-day time frame, with the clouds it will be more sporadic, and after the next real cool down it will start all over again , use spoons in 35-55 feet of water where you mark bait fish and always keep an eye out for the birds feeding as well.

No-report on bream, even though some are shallow and will eat crawlers

No report on catfish

The walleye are moving up lake and staging for the spawn , on bridge pilings , points and humps , creek mouths and such, kind of out of the current and will feed some rest and move on as the days get longer and the water warms and the rain run off triggers the spawn that will occur from the second week of February until mid March on the river run fish and then it will be time for the lake fish to spawn on humps points and rocky flats and rip rap banks where the river run fish are feeding from the last of March until the end of May, use big live minnows on jig heads and deep diving crank baits, walley divers , deep diving rebels and rogues , until the water reaches 60 degrees and then use crawlers on jigheads or harness rigs, on the deep diving cranks if you can not get the baits down for enough , use line weights , they work real well.

No-report on crappie

The bass are eating wiggle warts , jerk baits on points and in guts its slow, shallow fish are eating cinkos , jigs and spinner baits, for the deeper bottom fish drag football heads and c-rigged lizards.

Tommy Cauley

January 12, 2010 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Tuesday 12 January, Largemouth Bass are random and fair, due to excessive water pool fluctuations above and below normal level and worsened water clarity conditions. Surface water temps are currently in the low 40's. Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks. Largemouth Bass are scattered, beginning to return to more normal patterns now that the lake has returned to normal and below, with increase in current of Little River. This week's lake level of 2.1 feet below normal lake pool has began concentrating them again at creek mouth junctions with Little River. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, and jigs have been the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks. Best bite is occurring during mid day heating. Carolina Rigs are continuing to improve. Not many fishermen out over the past week with repeated cold fronts and freezing rain and light snow.

Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. As of Tuesday, 12 January, the lake level continues falling, and currently is 2.1 feet below normal lake pool with stumps exposed & drastically increased current in Little River.

As of Tuesday, all ramps are usable due to increase in lake pool. Yarborough and Jack's Isle are open. Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown! Gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramps at Wilton (Hwy 71) and White Cliffs to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers.

As of Tuesday, 12 January, the lake level, which is 2.1 feet below normal pool, has drastically increased current in Little River. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, for the increase and inflow of fresh water, and is now in process of returning back to 4' drawdown pool. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 39ºF early, to 42ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday, 12 January is 257.14 feet and falling. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet.

As of Tuesday, the return to 4' drawdown is in process and discharge of 15,473 CFS with all 13 gates open at 3 feet each, and 2 sluice gates open at 6' each. Main lake visibility and clarity about the same as last week, and is very heavy stain, muddy, and debris scattered with the increased current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Tuesday was 235.57 feet. The oxbow's clarity recently worsened with all the increase of current and fresh incoming water and is approx 10-11" at best. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park are recently completed.

During the 4' drawdown, boaters should exercise extreme caution because submerged stumps and shallow areas have begun to appear. Also, boaters should be cautious when launching because of damage or sediment buildup or drop-offs that may have occurred at the ends of the ramps. Boat ramp closures may occur during the drawdown. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office.

To receive updates, call the Corps’ toll-free information line at 888-697-9830.

The Details:

The best bass bite over the past week has been on crankbaits, dead-sticking a Bass Assassin Shad jerk bait, Senkos, and trick worms on a light wire hook allowing to fall for suspended bass, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits. Large 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were still working to locate 15-17" class bass. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel dumps into Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19" prior to the increase of current in Little River to almost 20,000 CFS. Since the lake level has returned to slightly below normal, bass are again relating to the creek junctions and dumps into the river. The increase in current began late last week, due to recent record rainfall, and the increased current will take a week to ten days to return to a normal routine, winter bite. Crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass, but remain fair over the past week.

The best Rat-L-Trap or crankbait colors over the past week are red coach dog, firetiger, or chartreuse shad.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits in chartreuse and white are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, any remaining lily pad stems, and pondweed, were working, where they are growing in close proximity.

White Bass: White bass are scattered and slow... Not many White Bass fishermen out.

Crappie: are all but shut down during the muddy current in Little River. Not many Crappie fishermen out over the past week.

January 5 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is back to falling again, its 470.47 , the tem ranges from 42 up the creeks to 46 in the main lake

The hybrid and white bass can still be caught with spoons in 35-55 feet of water around shad when you find them , just work the spoon real slow they will be right on the bottom and they will just load up on it , instead of just a thump.

No-report on crappie

No report on catfish

No report on bream

Walleye can still be caught with chartreuse spoons fished slow on gravel flats , close to deep water anywhere from 26 feet to 35 feet according to the day whether the sun is shinning or its cloudy.

The bass fishing has picked up with jerk baits and crank baits , use any type of jerk bait and wiggle wart crank baits are working best as well as bombers , try football heads for the bottom hugging fish or spoons as well as c-rigged lizards .

Tommy Cauley

January 4, 2010 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River below normal with increased current and discharge. Return to 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.

As of Monday 04 January, Largemouth Bass are random and scattered, due to excessive water pool fluctuations above and below normal level and worsened water clarity conditions. Surface water temps are currently in the upper 40's and low 50's. Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks. Largemouth Bass are scattered, beginning to return to more normal patterns now that the lake has returned to normal and below, with increase in current of Little River. Last week's level of 2.44 feet above normal conservation pool scattered fish and this week's return to normal and slightly below normal lake pool has began concentrating them again at creek mouth junctions with Little River. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, and jigs have been the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks. Best bite is occurring during mid day heating. Carolina Rigs are continuing to improve. Not many fishermen out over the past week with repeated cold fronts and freezing rain and light snow.

Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. As of Monday, 04 January, the lake level is falling this week, and currently is 0.5 feet below normal lake pool with drastically increased current in Little River.

As of Monday, all ramps are usable due to increase in lake pool. Yarborough and Jack's Isle are open. Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown! Gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramps at Wilton (Hwy 71) and White Cliffs to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers.

As of Monday, 04 January, the lake level, which is 0.5 feet below normal pool, has drastically increased current in Little River. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, for the increase and inflow of fresh water, and has now returned back to below normal conservation pool. The 4 foot draw down still in effect and is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly to drawdown lake from recent increase. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 44ºF early, to 50ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 04 January is 258.23 feet and falling. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet.

As of Monday, the return to 4' drawdown is in process and discharge of 15,473 CFS with all 13 gates open at 3 feet each, and 2 sluice gates open at 6' each. Main lake visibility and clarity about the same as last week, and is very heavy stain, muddy, and debris scattered in the increased current of Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday was 241.14 feet. The oxbow's clarity recently worsened with all the increase of current and fresh incoming water and is approx 10-11" at best. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park are recently completed.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Over the past 2 weeks, bass have become scattered and slow with repeated cold fronts, increased current, and incoming muddy water. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is returning to below normal pool, the bass are again concentrating at creek mouth junctions, with Little River.

The best bass bite over the past 2 weeks has been on crankbaits, smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads, dead-sticking a Bass Assassin Shad jerk bait, Senkos, and trick worms on a light wire hook allowing to fall for suspended bass, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits; but this has tapered off considerably since the cold fronts, rain and snow last week. Large 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were still working to locate 14-18" class bass. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel dumps into Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19" prior to the increase of current in Little River to almost 30,000 CFS. Since the lake level has returned to slightly below normal, bass are again relating to the creek junctions and dumps into the river. The increase in current began late last week, due to recent record rainfall, and the increased current will take a week to ten days to return to a normal routine, winter bite. Crankbaits are still finding a few keeper size bass, but remain far and few between over the past week.

The best Rat-L-Trap and crankbait colors over the past week are firetiger, chartreuse shad, and chromes.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits in chartreuse and white are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, cloudy days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, any remaining lily pad stems, and pondweed were working, where they are growing in close proximity.

Magnum gitzit tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Fatbutt Tubes are working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week now that drawdown pool is returning. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits were black/blue tail, pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, or black neon, during the past week.

Flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water are the best bets with jigs. The jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past 2 weeks continue to be Texas Craw, Black/blue, or Chestnut/Chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-4 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are as scattered as the Largemouths and not many White Bass fishermen out.

Crappie: which had began improving, all but shut down during the muddy current in Little River. Not many Crappie fishermen out over the past week.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are biting very good with the increased current along Little River and best on cut shad, Charlie and home-made dough balls, by either tight-lining, trot-lines, along the increased current in Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 5-9' depths.

tth