Boating Tip: Inflatable life vests are considered a type V floatation device under US Coast Guard regulations. They are comfortable and convenient, but they must be worn at all times while on board to count as a life vest. Anglers and boaters who take their vests off while on the water need a type I, II, or III life vest for each person on board within easy reach. If you have a type V, you must wear it all day or have a backup (Type I, II, or III) available.

White River Levels are available at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml

White River: 

Mountain River Fly Shop had no report this week.

Julie Raines at His Place Resort said the generation patterns, although fluctuating, have been low to medium-low for the last week, in the range of 1-2 generators, with small spikes up to 3 generators. From Wildcat Shoals to Cotter, a somewhat wider portion of the river, we’ve had fair to good wading access most days. That is also enough water to navigate by boat, although some shoals might require short portages. Fishing has been very good. For bait fishermen, soft-shelled crawdads, sculpin, shrimp, nightcrawlers and redworms have given the best results; it hasn’t really changed much from last week. Hot pink Nitro worms are still working really well, as is chartreuse Power Bait.

For those who like to fish artificials, smaller Buoyant Spoons and Size 3 and 5 Rapala Countdowns in Silver/Black and Gold/Black have been the top producers, although this week several folks have reported that the Rainbow Rapalas are doing well for them. For fly-fishing, the olive woolly bugger has also been a go-to fly. A few guests also reported that brown woolly buggers were working for them. Pink San Juan worms, beadhead midges and various Copper John-style patterns have also been effective. For up-to-the-minute flow information and explanations, visit http://www.hisplaceresort.net/River-flow.htm.  

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service had no report this week. 

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said there has been little to no generation lately. The area received 8 to 10 inches of rain during he last wave of storms. Trout fishing is poor because the water is so dingy. Logs and debris are all in the river. Some fish have been caught on drifted Power Bait and live sculpins.     

White River (From Buffalo City to Red’s Landing):

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the Buffalo River came up between 10 and 15 feet over the last few days. The water is very muddy and fishing is limited to small stretches that may produce a few fish on Power Bait. Make sure you get the bait to the bottom if you want to catch fish.

Crooked Creek: 

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service had no report this week.

Bull Shoals Lake:  

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 656.92 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool – 654 MSL).

Lake Norfork:

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 556.66 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool: Sept.-April – 552 MSL, April-Sept. – 554 MSL).

101 Grocery and Bait said the surface water temperature is in the mid- to upper 70s. Crappie fishing has been good in 20-25 feet of water around brush piles using minnows. Bluegill fishing has been good using crickets and worms. Bass fishing has been good in the mornings and evenings. Catfishing has been good, nightcrawlers being the choice bait. Trotlines have been doing well. Striper fishing has been fair. Spooning around the dam area has been a good choice for stripers. Walleye fishing has been good; nightcrawlers seem to be their favorite bait. Over all fishing has been good and as the water cools even more it will get just better. The Stripers and Walleye will begin moving up the lake and they will be everywhere. The white bass are exploding in the Udall area. This is only the beginning of a great fall fishing season.

Norfork Tailwater: 

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said there is a large amount of muddy water which has backed up from the confluence with the White. It clears between River Ridge Resort and Bill Ackerman Access, but the water is very low. White River Zig Jigs have been producing a few fish but the bites are few and far between.Mountain River Fly Shop  said all the focus has been on the White River, but we have heard some decent reports from the North Fork, including a bunch of nice rainbows falling to streamers during weekend flow. On the lower water, soft hackles are doing very well.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service had no report.  

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,120.88 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool – 1,120 MSL).

JT’s Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said fishing for all species has been very good. Bass can be caught on a variety of lures all day. Early and late, try a buzzbait or top-water plug fished around visible cover close to the bank. Later in the day, a spinnerbait worked along the same areas should produce. Crappie have been holding close to brush piles in 15 to 25 feet of water. A minnow or tube jig fished along side the pile should produce some nice slabs. Another option is to work the same lures up standing timber in coves close to the creek channels. Whites continue to work the surface early and late lake wide and can be caught on a variety of shad-imitating lures. Catfishing has been good at night in the Prairie Creek arm and the 12 bridge. Try liver or stink bait.

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is high and clearing. Bream are slow, but a few have been caught on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow, but a few have been caught around 12 feet deep on tube jigs, minnows and trolled Hot-N-Tots. Bass are slow. Catfishing is fair on chicken liver and prepared baits.

Beaver Tailwaters: 

Zachary Hoyt at Just Fishing Guides had no report.  

Kings River:

Zachary Hoyt at Just Fishing Guides had no report.