Saturday, December 22, 2012

The Arkansas River Fishing Report !2/22/2012


Change of Seasons

   After several years of winter whining that the “Bait guys” have taken all the fish, I decided this year to be prepared for the changing of seasons. The last few weeks I have noticed the yearly change to winter conditions beginning to take shape. I’m not really sure if it was the low flows or warm fall but we never really saw the major blanket BWO hatches this year, but the fish seemed to be eating well none the less. The fish seemed to be hanging out in their feeding lanes all fall but never got totally stupid for their favorite snack, the BWO. Now I am starting to see fewer and fewer of the piggies in their feeding lanes. Yesterday was the exception; our guide trip got to the river at around 10:00a.m. and getting into our first hole we could see the fish were feeding hard. The fish were feeding hard all day even though the only hatches I saw were a few midges here and there. Lots of big fish takes with the largest landed right at 19 inches. The bows were exceptionally colorful and chunky yesterday, great day on the river. Other customers that were on the river yesterday had phenomenal days with one bow at 22 inches, and the pic looked like 22 was on the conservative side.

  What can we expect over the next few months? First of all be prepared next week to see a lot of other fishermen on the water. So please be polite and give everyone the chance to enjoy this beautiful river we have. As we move into January the piggies will be moving into the deeper, slower runs to conserve energy. There will be moments when the fish will move into feeding lanes and when they do, don’t mess around…Get your flies in front of them!! If you are not seeing fish then stick to the slower deeper hole and watch for the slightest bump of your indicator. We are still picking up fish on BWO nymphs and blood midges but moving into January we should move more toward small midges. For the dry fly enthusiasts out there, bring your A-game and watch the full weir tail outs and the slow flat water. Midge hatches will get the fish eating off the surface most of the winter.

 Cat and I would like to thank all of our readers and want to wish you all the Merriest Christmas ever. Hope to see you on the water chasing the fish of your dreams……
                                  

                                         Double!!!!




                                          A few from Friday!!!





 

 

 

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