Due to the high
water we have seen held in the lakes this year, this has resulted in decomposition of
organic matter that has reduced the DO levels in the tail waters. DO is dissolved oxygen,
trout require at least a min of 5 parts per million. We have been seeing DO levels way
below 3 for both rivers, the result of which is fish will as a rule quit feeding. If the
situation of low DO remains for long periods of time, fish will become stressed and
mortality will take place
Low DO levels are nothing new, we normally do see a reduction during the fall and
winter periods as the lake temperatures reduce and the process of water stratification
changes as the surface water temperatures reduce and mix with the colder water below.
This year we are seeing the situation earlier than normal, with water temperatures in
the 60s for the water being released into the tailwaters below.
Due to the lower levels of DO the stocking of fish above Cotter to the Bull shoals
State park and the entire Norfork river has been curtailed until the DO levels are
acceptable. Introduced fish would die if they were stocked at this time.
Do not despair, there are way plenty of fish in the system, that can for the best part
deal with the lower DO levels, as they are to some extent more so adapted to deal with it.
You may find that the fishing is slow, which is to be expected at this time, depending
on the location you choose to fish on any given day.
As of yesterday 10/20 we did see a rise of DO for both river above 5 ppm, which will
certainly improve fish feeding and catch rates for the anglers.
Fishing above Rim to Bull shoals dam at this time are the zones most productive.
Norfork river has been fishing overall well. Below the confluence ,due to White and
Norfork river generations, we are subject to something like 20,000cfs of water at the
confluence, and dirty colored water, which would make fly fishing very tuff unless you
locate fish in the shallow zones around islands and shorelines.
Working the banks with streamers here would also be a good bet.
As l stated in my last report the Browns are well on the move at the upper end of the
White and Norfork rivers. Pretty much l have fished my clients in the Bull Shoals trophy
zone and as far down as Gastons.
for the very reason the odds are they will catch a trophy Brown, the majority of them
have, along with some class Bows.
Streamers, Dynamite worms, sowbugs and prism midges have done the business.
As yet l have seen no sign of shad, all be it we have fished white flies and done real
well at certain times, other times fish have no interest.
I have had very good reports of good fishing at the Spring river. Spring is about a
hour drive from Mtn Home, plenty of options to wade fish this river at the park and below,
and at the hatchery dam section of this river.
Both the Buffalo and Crooked creek have been fishing also very well for Smallmouth.
Remember that the trophy zone at Bull shoals Dam to the State Park dock will close at
the end of the month.
For those of you who wish to get out and see the fall colors, the next 2 to 3 weeks
will see the best of that.
Will we see low water in the near future? Who knows at this time. I would very much
doubt for the White due to water levels at Beaver and Tablerock.
Norfork lake is well down, so we may see lower generations here before too long.
If we see any changes l will add to this report what they are. Other than that, drop me
a line if you need any further advice or information. Enjoy the fall colors, its a great
time to be on the river, whether or not you catch fish or not.
Please feel free to drop me a line for further information and updates to davyfly@ozarkmountains.com
Tight lines all
Davy
American International Schools of Fly Fishing
