White River

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said the river is clear and high with eight generators running. Trout are excellent, although it’s difficult fishing for beginners. Experienced anglers are doing well with drift baits, Rogues and Rapalas.

Jim Brentlinger at Linger’s Guide Service and Fishing Lodge(870-499-5185) said generation is still heavy on the White River from Buffalo City to Red’s Landing. That will continue until April 14 when some type of “normal” generation schedule begins. The water is very heavy and very fast. Be very careful when boating. Don’t make quick turns and stay away from the bank so you don’t get hung up in new trees in the water. Rapalas and Rogues will produce fish but you have to be patient. PowerBaits on the bottom will work.

Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the river is clear and high. Crappie are fair with minnows under bobbers, in brush piles and in the creeks. Bass are fair in the creeks with crankbaits, plastic worms and Gitzits.

Buffalo River

Just Fishing Guides said as of Tuesday, Ponca was very low at 2.1 feet, Pruitt was very low at 4.2 feet, Tyler Bend was moderate at 5 feet and Buffalo Point was moderate at 4 feet. Water levels are just right and clear. Water temperature is averaging 65 degrees, good for smallmouth bass. Water levels are lower and very clear. Make sure you are fishing the deep holes on warm, sunny days. Some good fish have been caught. With the warmer temperatures continuing, fishing is really picking up. Fish slow and deep with soft plastics or crawdad pattern flies.

Crooked Creek

Just Fishing Guides said gauge at Kelley’s Slab was reading 11.22 feet and 324 cfs Tuesday. This is about half a foot under the low-water bridge at Kelley’s Access. Water temperature has been averaging 64 degrees.

Bull Shoals Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 654.96 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 654 msl).

Mike Worley’s Guide Service said the water level is dropping fast with eight units running 24/7 at the dam. Water temperature is in mid-60s. The water is muddy on the upper end of the lake but much clearer from Point 11 to the dam. The bite has picked up in the clearer water with walleye, bass, catfish and large bluegills biting on night crawlers fished in 10-20 feet on bottom bouncers or split-shot rigs during daylight. Stickbaits are catching walleye and bass in the evenings and at night. White bass are schooling and blowing up in the larger bays and creek arms, mostly in the evenings. Bass can be caught on top-water baits in the morning and on Carolina-rigged lizards and other soft plastics in bedding areas.

Bull Shoals Tailwater

Just Fishing Guides said flows are continuous at 20,000-25,000 cfs as the Corps of Engineers evacuates the lake. Try bright bigger nymphs and attractors like San Juan worms and eggs, or try throwing big streamers with a sink-tip. Don’t forget to add extra weight to get your nymphs down.