White River

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said the river is unusually cloudy because of the rain. The water is high, with generators running from 2 a.m. until 6 p.m. some days. Trout are biting very well on Power Bait drifted in the current.

Berry Brothers Guide Service (870-453-2424) said there has been marginally wadable water since last week’s rains. The lower flows on the White River last weekend were around 700 CFS (cubic feet per second) which is about one fifth of a full generator and lower than the flows of previous weeks. Some sections have been quite productive under these flows. The hot spot has been Round House Shoals. The best time to fish is early morning or late in the afternoon. The hot flies were prince nymphs, zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold ribbed hare’s ears and sowbugs. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended 18 inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). On the higher flows some anglers have been fishing large streamers later in the day. This requires heavy sink tip lines, heavy rods and advanced casting skills. The hot flies have been large articulated streamers in various colors. Hopper season is in full swing. Use a stiff, 6-weight rod and 7 11/2-foot 4X leader. My favorite hopper patterns are the western style foam hoppers with rubber legs and a bright quick sight patch on the back. Dave’s hoppers are also a good choice but be sure to dress them with plenty of fly floatant to ensure that they ride high.

Buffalo River

Berry Brothers Guide Service said Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are navigable and both are receiving a lot of pressure. With summer here, the smallmouths are active. The most effective fly has been a tan and brown Clouser minnow. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. They are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.

Crooked Creek

Berry Brothers Guide Service said Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are navigable and both are receiving a lot of pressure. With summer here, the smallmouths are active. The most effective fly has been a tan and brown Clouser minnow. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. They are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.

Bull Shoals Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 666.73 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 654 msl).

Mike Worley’s Guide Service said the lake level is at 659.7 feet with water temperatures ranging 83-85 degrees. Walleye are biting crawler rigs in 25 to 35 feet of water and also trolling crankbaits on lead core line. Crawfish-type soft plastics like jigs and tube baits and live crayfish fished on points, drop offs and brush piles are catching spotted and smallmouth bass. Topwater lures are working well early in the mornings and evenings. Bass are biting at night on plastic worms and jigs in 10-30 feet of water.