Greg's Fishing Report
August 14, 2008
Both Bull
Shoals Lake and Lake Norfork are well above top
power pool, which all but guarantees a steady high flow
in both the White River and Norfork River.
Bull Shoals Lake
is at 685.78 and slowly falling. White River below Bull
Shoals Dam is running a pretty consistent 17,000cfs, with an
occasional drop to 14,000cfs and an occasional spike to
20,000cfs.
Lake Norfork is
at 570.56 and very slowly falling. At this time the
Norfork River is running between 3,000cfs and 5,000cfs.
The big differences in this system are:
The visibility in
Norfork Lake is really good, especially in the main lake.
The wading opportunities in the Norfork River are seemingly
gone, especially in the next couple of weeks with local rain
possibilities.
All lake levels and generations will change.
White River
The big attraction this year
for the rivers would definitely be the White River below
Bull Shoals dam. The fishing has been incredible to say the
least with a number of extra large Browns and Rainbows being
caught on the high water of the ”08” season.
It is becoming routine to catch a number of fish from 16 to
23 inches on both the fly rod and spinning rods, especially
if you are lucky enough to fish during a low pressure
system, on a rise from 14,000cfs to 20,000cfs or in the fog.
Of course, this size of fish requires a little extra skill
to land. Many of the extra large fish are lost on the hook
set or at the boat when they come in green and save the
fight for at the net. In my experience any of the regular
techniques will work if fished in the appropriate spots. You
wouldn’t fish a spinner in 20 feet of water and you wouldn’t
drag a ¼ oz bell sinker in 3 feet of water. Versatility is
the key and I will change often to suit the particular place
I want to fish whether it is fly fishing or spin fishing on
the lakes or rivers.
With the additional weight needed to get into the fishing
zone on this high water getting snagged up is a constant
problem, it is a common practice to just break off instead
of going back to at least try to get your rig back. This
practice is environmentally unsound at best, leaving line,
lead and baited hooks for the unfortunate fish or animal to
become entwined in and suffer a miserable, prolonged death.
With the increased usage of our waters and woods there is no
room for SLOB sportsman. We all need to step up to the plate
and eliminate this careless attitude to our outdoors. And
for God's sake, don’t pass it on to the next generation!
Norfork Lake has been my favorite for the 08 season and
Stripers are the target. Since early spring these tenacious
fish have been a lot of fun for anglers who are looking to
feel the big pull. Lately the top water bite has
slowed but not completely died with a short burst early or
late in the day. Then we are going deep with spoons, jigs,
and bait. August is the time of year for night fishing for
most any species in both lakes, whether it is black lights
for bass or floating lights for all species the after dark
bite is where it’s at, this is also the most comfortable
time to beat the heat, and take that well deserved break
from the sun. Bull Shoals is probably the best Smallmouth
lake I have ever fished and when fishing this lake these
days that is the fish to target, most everything is starting
to suspend at the thermo cline anywhere around 23 and 35
feet in both lakes. Water temps are in the mid 80’s at the
surface on the average in both lakes and when I have the
choice I would pick Norfork Lake at this time.
Both
the Buffalo River and Crooked creek are very low at this
time and wade fishing would be your best bet, try fishing
cut banks , deep pools and the ends of riffles. I have seen
some really nice catfish come out of the Buffalo this year
and remember only one Smallmouth over 18 inches can be kept
from Clabber Creek to the confluence at the White.
The fall fishing season is just around the corner, this is
not only one of the best times of the year for fishing,
especially fly fishing on the river or catching lake fish
that are putting on the pounds for winter but the fall
colors and falling temps really stir the soul, so book now
and get the dates and guides you want.
