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Additional White River Area Information
Davy Wotton's Web Site | White River Home Page | White River Lodging Directory
Davy Wotton's
White River & North Fork River Fly Fishing Report
Updated about once per month, or as conditions change.
There are plenty of trout like this fine 5lb Brown out there.
Current Report: August 26, 2008
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Hello Fly Fishers!
Not a great deal has changed since my July report other than the lake levels are well down
below flood pool at this time. August typically will see high water due to power demand.
The COE predictions are that we will see lower water flows sometime toward the mid of
October and maybe into November, all be it the Norfork river may well see lower flows
before that time.
Either way the high water flows have been great for the fish, both for survival and
average overall growth rates.
We see at this time a high percentage of Browns in the 16 to 22 ins range and many over
that. Bows also have done real well with many fish way over the average 12 to 14ins, many
now in the 18 to 20 ins range.
This next year we will also see a regulation change that limits to one fish per day over
24 ins for Brown trout. The AGFC realizes that the White river system produces many trophy
Browns and can become if not already truly a world class Brown trout fishery. I for one am
happy to see this new regulation.
So how has the fishing been recently. Accepted that for the best part you would need to go
afloat to fish the water as wade fishing has been limited only for the Norfork river for
limited periods of time.
Over all if you know how to deal with the high water flows fishing has been as good as you
can get it.
Early August began with temps in the 90s and hot humid days, as l write we are seeing way
lower temps with rain showers now and again. Fishing early morning late afternoon has been
overall the most productive times to catch.
Browns are now starting to move upstream and are beginning to show the changes of color as
they typically do in readiness for the spawn periods during November. You may also locate
at this time numbers of fish located in given zones, and may well catch a number of fish
in close proximity in those zones.
I guess one of the questions l am frequently asked is how to locate fish in this high
water situation. Pretty much the use of a boat will be mandatory.
I have to say that in the first place intimate knowledge of the river and its submerged
structure is a very big plus here. Trout dislike having to fight heavy fast flowing water
and will look for slower water zones and underwater structure that will allow for them to
maintain a position with out having to fight it.
They may well also seek what we term as resting lies, and then move from those when they
look for food.
Some of the pointers l can give you are this.
Look for shallow water zones away from the main force of the current. I like to look for
water depth that when the sun is high allows for me to see the river bed. Look for shallow
water zones over flooded grass, here you will find many fish looking for worms.
If you know the exact locations of the gravel bars in midstream locations, almost always
you will find fish here as well as the downstream side of those submerged gravel bars and
drop offs. Many of the mid stream islands such as those at Rim Shoals will hold many fish
close in and at the tail end of those islands.
Any zone that you see moss beds will hold fish also.
It goes without saying that when fly fishing you have to get the fly down to the fish, and
that may mean when using indicator rigs as much as 10 ft or more from the indicator to the
added weight and then a further 12ins or more to the fly.
Added weight is often the key here also, and that may mean as little as 1 BB to two AAA,
depending on water depth and speed. There is no constant set up for all depths and speeds
of water, it is a question of chop and change given the zone you are fishing.
Unlike topwater techniques the trout as a rule are not so fussy regarding flies of choice.
Dynamite and San Juan worms in colors of red, tan, brown, orange and pink. Sowbugs and
scuds in sizes 12 and 14. Caddis larva will catch fish on any day so far as dead drift
techniques.
Fishing streamers can also be productive given you use the right fly line, which may be a
dry line for fishing into and over shallow water zones, sink tips to types 5 to 7 full
sink lines. Wooly buggers, cone head muddlers, crayfish and sculpin patterns will do the
business most days.
Big Browns like big flies, have no worries to use flies that are in the 3 to 6ins size
range.
Due to the high water which has maintained cold water through the system, coupled with
high atmospheric temps, often as not the river has been clouded in heavy fog late evening
and into dark, which to a very large extent has limited night time fishing. In fact unless
you know the river real well it would not be recommended to entertain a late night fishing
excursion on the rivers.
Overall the prediction for fishing will remain the same until we see lower water flows.
When we do the wade fishing will be awesome as fish numbers are very high at this time due
to way less numbers being harvested and way less fishing pressure.
On the 20th of September the Norfork National fish Hatchery will host a open house day,
sponsored by the Friends of the Norfork National fish Hatchery.
This will be a event that hosts many activities of educational interest. Introducing the
USFW Biologists in training program for the kids, free casting lessons, fly tying, casting
demonstrations, wild life and fishing activates including a kiddies fishing pool. AGFC,
taxidermy, wild life photography, guided hatchery tours.
There will also be free refreshments provided by the FNNFH.
We look forward to see you there.
In the mean time, Tight lines and be safe out there on the water.
Davy
American International Schools of Fly FishingAbout Davy Wotton
Davy has been making his living as a full time fly fisher in one capacity or another for
over 30 years. He has written many articles for all of the fly fishing magazines, created
several unique flies and fly tying materials which he developed into a full scale
manufacturing operation in his native country of Wales, and is a much-sought speaker
around America at fly fishing functions and shows. Over the years Davy has fished in over
40 countries around the world but his choice for base of operation is right here on the
White River. Davy operates his American International Schools of Fly Fishing in Flippin,
Arkansas.
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