White River

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said the water is clear and low. Trout fishing is excellent, especially with PowerBait pink Trout Worms. For wading and boating, lures and spinners are working. Try small spinners, Little Cleos and buoyant spoons, as well as small Rapalas and jig. For fly anglers, try Zebra Midges, Copper Johns, sowbugs and grasshoppers.

Jim Brentlinger at Linger’had this report for Buffalo City to Red’s Landing: The river has been as low as most have ever seen it. That presents some challenges but also offers opportunities. Be innovative; make one-way trips and shuttle your vehicle accordingly. Take your time and fish the obvious holes that are created by the drastically low water. The fish will congregate in these holes and success will be yours. Light jigs, PowerBaits and your favorite spinner will work very well. Hire a guide who is familiar with the situation and enjoy the outcome.

Buffalo River

Just Fishing Guides said as of Wednesday, the river was low and getting lower. Ponca was very low at 1.5 feet, Pruitt was very low at 3.4 feet, Tyler Bend was low at 3.5 feet and Buffalo Point was low at 2.8 feet. Water temperature was averaging in the upper 70s. The river level is extremely low for floating; the water is clear. Floating is still decent below Buffalo Point; not too much dragging.

Crooked Creek

Just Fishing Guides said the gauge at Kelley’s Slab was reading 10 feet Wednesday, a good level for wade fishing..

Bull Shoals Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 653.9 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 654 msl).

Mike Worley’s Guide Service said the water temperature is 80 degrees. Walleye are 20-35 feet deep and biting well on jigging spoons, crankbaits and night crawlers fished on bottom bouncers. Bass are biting on night crawlers, crayfish, crankbaits and Carolina-rigged plastics like lizards and centipedes. There is also an early morning deep-water trolling bite in the 25- to 35-foot range out over 90-110 feet of water for walleyes on stick baits trolled on lead-core line. Bluegills are biting on crickets and worms in shallow water in coves and pockets.

Bull Shoals Tailwater

Just Fishing Guides said all the tailwaters are fishing well. Plenty of low water has wade fishers rejoicing. Midges, scuds, sow bugs, mayflies and caddis feeding fish are all being encountered in different areas and different times over the course of a day. Throw in hoppers, beetles and ant patterns and the variety of fishing will keep all fly-fishers on their toes! Observation is the key. .