North Arkansas Fishing Reports 4/12

Crooked Creek -
Water levels are at 13.40 feet. This is just over a foot higher than the low water bridge at Kelly's. This level is high for fly fishing, but spin fishing should be good later in the day. Water temperatures are hitting 63 degrees in the heat of the day. Smallmouth should be working on lures on the bottom. Soft plastics should be the rule.

King's River -
Water level is at 4.21 feet and are very good for floating and fishing. It is a bit high for fly fishing in the middle stretches. Spinning gear should be used with soft plastics the ticket. Water temperatures are hitting the mid 60's late in the day so the best time should be late afternoon.

Buffalo River -
Water temps are in the mid 60's late afternoon. The water level at St. Joe is 6.03 feet. This is high for fly fishing and spin fishing will be using heavier lures on the bottom.

White River near Fayetteville -
White bass are up in the river and spawning. Fish are most active late afternoon as the water temperatures warm up. Lots of smaller males are being caught earlier in the day and the bigger females and some Hybrids are getting active later in the day. Clouser Minnows are the best flies for fly fishermen. Best colors are blue over white and gray over white, but many other colors are working. Sunday fish were caught on 5 different color combos.


Beaver Tailwaters -

Lake level is 1124.27 ft. Most generation is taking place during the day. Some wade fishing is available really early morning and late afternoon into the early evening. Dead drifting nymphs is the most productive presentation. Pheasant Tails, scuds and sow bugs sizes 14 - 18 and zebra midges, size 18 - 20 in grey, olive and black.

Norfork Tailwaters -
Lake level is 555.85 ft. Generation is mostly around the clock with two units. Fishing from a boat is the most productive. Use high water nymphing tactics or try stripping streamers with a sink-tip or full sinking line. Fly selection: Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, BH Caddis (olive and tan), Prince Nymph, San Juan Worm (red, worm brown, pink), scuds and sowbugs in sizes 12 - 16. Wooly Buggers, Zonkers, Butt Monkeys and Zoo Cougars; sizes 2 - 6; colors: olive, yellow, white and rusty brown.

Bull Shoals Tailwaters -

Lake level is 660.58 ft. Generation is around the clock with 4 - 6 units. Drift fishing from a boat is the best option. Use high water nymphing tactics or stripping streamers with a sink-tip or full sinking line. Caddis are still present but the high water is hampering traditional presentations. Fly selection: Prince nymph, Zug Bug, Z-Wing Caddis, BH Caddis (olive, tan), Pheasant Tail, Copper John, San Juan Worm (red, pink, worm brown); sizes 12 - 16. Wooly Bugger, Butt Monkey and Zoo Cougar; sizes 2 - 6.