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Additional White River Area Information
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Davy Wotton's
White River & North Fork River Fly Fishing Report
Updated about once per month, or as conditions change.
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December, 2004
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Hello Fly Fishers!
For most of November the fishing for the best past was very
good, some days slow other not.
Toward the end of the month generation flows increased and higher water flows have
remained for the best part since that time.
Along with that some heavy rain fall which of course adds to the conditions of both water
levels and trash in the system, most of that should clear out in the next few days
provided we do not get more rain.
As normal much of the invertebrate food sources will become dormant over the winter period
and as the water temps in the river drop so the fish will be become less energetic, not to
say of course you cannot have a great days fishing.
When l checked the temperature of the water at the Bull Shoals end last week it was still
coming through from the dam around 56F, which is to say the least warm, but ideal for fish
so far as a comfort zone and feeding activity.
In my last report l mentioned the huge hatches of BWO seen in the Rim Shoals trophy zone,
above and below it. That has still be evident on some days, if the climatic conditions are
right for a hatch. Some days you will see fish on the surface feeding on others not.
If they are then BWO soft hackle patterns and small BWO dry fly will catch you fish if you
get the fly in the fishes zone without drag.
Best bet if you are in a boat is to anchor in the zone you see fish feeding and then work
at those fish. You will be able to control drift better this way and not spook the fish,
which the drifting boat will likely do. It is also very difficult if you are not skilled
to be able to maintain good surface drift control, when fishing very small flies this way.
This also apples if you encounter surface feeding to midge, which has also been the case
these past weeks.
When high water flows are running the only way you will stand a chance to catch is to get
your fly well down to the fishes eye level, look for slower back water seems, around good
structure that breaks the main force of the flow. You may even find a number of fish
amongst the flooded grass on slower shore line zones, Cutthroats very much like that.
It is not a great deal of fun to add a ton of weight to the leader but it may be your only
choice if you are dead drifting with indicators. Do not be adverse to fishing with big
flies this way either, you may find a bead head wooly dead drift will catch. Also L/S 10
and 8 versions of the Prince nymph and so on.
The lakes are also at this time worth a visit, in the past week or so we have fished both
Bull and Norfork catching some trophy size Bluegills and Crappie. Look for structure and
fish those zones, jigs and small streamers will work well here with both dry and
intermediate fly lines fish can be from 4 to 15 ft depth. If you find a fish or two then
stick around in that area as there will likely be a good few more. They may well go up and
down so far as feeding wise.
If they shut down then look for other zones, and go back at a later time.
We have also whilst fishing the lakes caught a number of good Bass, you never know.
The Norfork river is producing some class Bows, but you may well find the fish up and down
so far as feeding activity is concerned. High flows at this time of course rule wade
fishing out.
You should see midge feeding activity on low water, here, 5/6 x tippet ,fishing small
midge patterns are the order of the day, but you may also find during this time that a
dead drift sow bug or scud rig will work better. Some anglers have done well with egg
patterns and San Juan worms. If the fish are feeding and show no interest in what you are
offering then change the fly and take note how you are making the presentation, that is
often the main reason why you are not getting takes, too much drag or you are retarding in
some way the natural drift downstream of the fly.
Check back on my November report for additional fishing information for the Norfork river.
OK, guys, cold nights as of now, with warmer conditions as the day goes on. You would be
wise to check generations before you take off for the river. As of this time much below
Buffalo river is not at all good due to run off. The upper section of the White from the
State park down is fishing most days well, if water levels are not too high, same also for
the area around the White hole down stream to Wildcat shoals .
For this year, have a great Christmas holiday, wish for new fly fishing gear and look
forward to 2005 to use it.
Drop me a line if l can help you regarding the fishing and best way to go.Tight lines for now, Davy Wotton.
Good fishing for the month and see you on the river,
Tight lines for now,
Davy Wotton
About 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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