From Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

White River

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said water is high and pretty clear. Trout fishing is excellent and 2 to 4 generators are running. Big brown trout are taking white jigs and stick baits. Average-sized trout are biting 3-inch pink trout worms, Power Bait, green/brown and red/white rooster tails, gold Little Cleos and watermelon Buoyant Spoons.

Jim Brentlinger at Linger’s Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the Buffalo River is just a few feet high and clearing to a nice green color. Therefore, the White River is clearing as well. Fishing has been good the last few days with very little traffic on the water. Use Power Bait on the bottom and Countdown Rapalas in black/gold. Line size is not crucial because of reduced visibility.

Buffalo River

Just Fishing Guides said the upper river will be good for fly-fishing and the lower river with spinning or bait-casting tackle. Water flows are good for leisurely fishing from Ponca to Pruitt. Flows from Tyler Bend to the White River are a bit fast for fly-fishing. The usual flies are working in the upper river and soft plastics are best in the mid to lower river. Heavier weights will be needed to get the baits to the bottom.

Crooked Creek

Just Fishing Guides said Kelly’s Access is about 1 foot over the low-water bridge. The upper creek has better fly-fishing with lower flow (from Pyatt to George’s Creek). Crawdad patterns fished along the bottom and minnow flies fished in the water column are working. Try drifting big nymphs also. Below Kelly’s, spinning tackle is working better. Soft plastics such as Brush Hogs, Gitzits and lizards in brown and green shades are best.

Bull Shoals Lake

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 693.25 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool – 654 MSL).

Mike Worley’s Guide Service said water is high and continuing to rise. Boat launching is a challenge, but fish are biting. Walleye and bass can be found on main lake points and in the backs of coves and creeks. Try swimming grubs over the brush and bottom bouncers. Spinner rigs are catching walleyes trolling 10 to 20 feet down over the brush. Walleyes are also biting crankbaits trolled over deep water 35 to 40 feet down at the mouths of creeks on the main channel. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits are working for bass on windy days.

Bull Shoals Tailwater

Just Fishing Guides said the lake is 3.18 feet from the top of the flood pool of 695 feet. Generation has been averaging 2 to 4 units. Drift fishing from a boat has been very good. A variety of nymphs and streamers are working as well as some dry-fly action with caddis coming off occasionally. Suggested patterns include; BH Z-Wing Caddis(olive and tan), BH Prince Nymph, Hot Wire Prince(olive/yellow), X Caddis, Copper John, BH Pheasant Tail, Swimming Scud(olive, tan and gray), BH Simple Sow, Zoo Cougar, Woolly Bugger and Lead Eyed Gonga.