Winter Holds Great Angling Prospects
Last updated Thursday, December 27, 2007 9:46 PM CST in Outdoors
By Scott Branyan
COMMENTARY
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There have been some windows of very excellent fishing conditions on the tailwaters these last days of 2007.
Changing weather and generation patterns offer a variety of conditions. If you are not one to get out in the coldest of winter conditions, just wait a few days for a break between wintry systems. Chances are good you can find mild weather and sunshine and perhaps some low water before the next assault of cold.
Wade fishermen, as always, have to pick their low-water window on the tailwaters, but recent low water opportunities have been found below Beaver and Norfork dams, especially on the weekends.
Bull Shoals powerhouse has been running around the clock at low levels for a few days every now and then. Generation has been up to four units at times, but one to two generators are more typical.
If rain diminishes and there is a warm spell, look for some low-water opportunities at that time.
Lake levels have been rising steadily from the recent rain. Greers Ferry reservoir rose nearly three feet the week before Christmas. Generation had started running around the clock Christmas weekend. More than likely, however, we will still see lots of low water opportunities before our heavy rains come later this spring.
Midge fishing rules on the tailwaters in the winter months during low water. Dry fly midge fishing can be very good. The trout are constantly on the lookout for the small fare.
Small Griffith’s Gnats and CDC midge emergers are generally very effective at fooling fish. Midges hatch throughout the day but especially around noon and early afternoon.
Twin Tailwaters
On Bull Shoals and Norfork tailwater you may be fortunate enough to encounter a Tiny Blue Winged Olive hatch over the next couple of months. These are usually found in a size 24 with very light, or sometimes darker, olive bodies and dun wings.
The naturals have two tails as opposed to the three-tailed, dark-bodied trico mayflies which are sometimes seen on the springs creeks in the early fall.
Tiny Blue Quill dries or WD-40 nymphs will be an appropriate imitation for these little hatches.
Otherwise, the general nymphs in sizes 12-18 work very well through the winter months. Prince Nymphs and Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymphs are still great patterns for winter and early spring. Copper Johns, flashback and larger Brassie type patterns are also good.
I will typically carry some larger scud patterns in a size 12. I’ve found these can be exceptionally effective rolling them off the shallow riffles at the heads of pools.
This is also the time of year I hit the Missouri spring creeks on occasion. With vegetation having died back and there being less of a chance of running into a copperhead or cottonmouth, it’s an ideal time to explore these small streams and get away from the crowds.
Anglers are better geared and are more apt to be out through the winter months now. It is important to remember to practice safe wading and boating. Be prepared with a change of clothing in case you take an unexpected swim.
Boaters should wear life jackets especially if you boat alone, in isolated areas, or during high water. They also help to keep you warm.
I hope you have a safe and Happy New Year’s day and great angling in 2008.
Scott Branyan is a fly fishing guide on the White River tailwater trout streams. Contact him at scott@flyflinger.com
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