With the recent shad kills in both Bull Shoals and Norfork
Lake, both the White and the Norfork Rivers are giving up fair numbers of fish. Most being taken sub surface on small white
shad patterns fished 2 to 4 feet down, depending on the water levels. Dry fly shad patterns are also catching a few
fish, so make sure to have a few of those in your box as well. There have been a few reports of a caddis
hatch, and some of the locals are all abuzz with anticipation of an exceptional
hatch this spring.
Water levels in both lakes is at or below power pool, and
the 4 day outlook for generation shows very little change in water levels, this
should allow for some wade-able waters this week.
The outlook for the Norfork is generation during the morning
hours then remaining off until six or seven.
Bull Shoals is running small amounts all day long, providing some wading
opportunities, but be very careful though, as they are moving it up and down some
throughout the day
I’m getting reports
of White Bass and crappie being caught
on Bear Creek on Bull Shoals Lake, however, I have not had the opportunity to
verify that first hand. I did make a run
up Shoal Creek (mid lake) and found the water temperature to be around 55 in
the very shallow and most northern part of the lake. Main lake temperature is still 45 to 47 in
most parts of the lake, but should be warming up with the warm weather in the forecast
for the next few days.
Hopefully, if the warm weather patterns continue, the lake
should warm, and the fish should start to move in earnest???? I’ll keep ya posted on that.
