Arkansas Fishing Report – December 15, 2011

From Arkansas Game and Fish Commission:

White River

Sportsmans White River Resort ( http://www.sportsmans-resort.com/ ) (870-453-2424) said the water is clear and at normal level with five generators running. Trout are excellent on just about any live or prepared bait. Jigs and Rapalas are also working very well on the rainbow trout.

Jim Brentlinger at Lingers Guide Service and Fishing Lodge ( :http://www.lingersguideservice.com/ )(870-499-5185) said fishing has been great. Water levels have remained constant, with plenty of water to get up and down the river. Rapalas (black/gold/white or spring perch colors) work well on higher water. As it drops, go to the Zig Jig (ginger, ginger/orange or olive/ginger). The long term weather forecast is very good so get that motor started and enjoy the White River.

Buffalo River

Just Fishing Guides ( http://www.justfishinguides.com/ ) said the river levels are Ponca 2.30 feet and 97 cfs; Pruitt 4.57 feet and 102 cfs; Tyler Bend 5.69 feet and 1160 cfs; Buffalo Point 4.37 feet and 1120 cfs. Water temperatures range from 45-49 degrees. Water temperatures are right at the point where fishing gets tough for smallmouth. Make sure you are fishing the deep holes and shallower waters on warm sunny days.

Crooked Creek

Just Fishing Guides ( http://www.justfishinguides.com/ ) said the gauge at Kellys Slab is reading 10.76 ft and 60 cfs. This is 1.5 feet below the low-water bridge. Water temperatures have been averaging 47 degrees. Water temperatures are right at the point where fishing gets tough for smallmouth. Make sure you are fishing the deep holes and shallower waters on warm sunny days.

Bull Shoals Lake

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lakes elevation at 653.86 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool – 654 MSL).

Mike Worleys Guide Service (mailto:ar.walleyes@yahoo.com) said water surface temperature is in the low- to mid-50s. Many areas are very foggy with the cold air, so be careful when boating. Jigging spoons are still catching a mixed bag of black and white bass and a few crappie in 30 to 50 feet of water. Walleyes have been moving shallow and can be caught on suspending stick baits on points and in coves. Crappie are suspended over brush piles and around standing timber along bluff banks. Smallmouth and spotted bass are in shallow water and are biting very well on crawfish-colored jigs and crankbaits.

Bull Shoals Tailwater

Just Fishing Guides ( http://www.justfishinguides.com/ ) said generation has been around the clock, varying between two to six units (5,000-20,000 cfs). Nymphing and streamers are two of the more productive presentations. Seasonal flies include scuds, sow bugs, blue wing olives, micro caddis, midges, worm, egg and sculpin patterns.

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