Arkansas Tailwater Fishing Report 07-09-2013

  Hello all, wanted to put out a quick fishing report for our beloved tailwater. Sunday morning the flows dropped to under 400cfs which has closed off more area for the fish to roam. Guide trips over the last few weeks with the higher water have been spotty with some great times and some difficult times. Cat had a trip out Sunday when the flows dropped, the fish spent a few hours scrambling and then turned on the feedbag that afternoon. Sunday evening it seemed that every good cast would get a strike, unfortunately it just turned out that the big fish were better than me. Landed lots of 12 to 15 inchers but the piggies all popped off and didn’t feel like I had a good hook set on them. Fish didn’t seem to be keying in on anyone fly but more about getting it in front of them. Still, the best flies were the True Blood, black Ninja, Skinny Minnie, and the all famous J-bomb…

  A few things to keep in mind if you make it to the river over the next few weeks; water temps have pushed 73 degrees at Moffat street so if you are fishing mid day try to get as near to the dam as you can get, also try to fight the fish as quick as possible and maybe give them an extra minute to revive. I did see one dead 17 or so incher float by me on Sunday. Next, keep an eye out for the rafters, as much as it kills me to say this, we do not own this river and they have as much right to it as we do. If you go to the water understanding that people will float right through your lane and then laugh and say sorry you may be able to keep your mind and tongue in check. Lastly, the deer flies are brutal this year, so make sure you get plenty of bug spray and if wet wading try to keep your legs under water. As always thanks for reading, Connell, Cat, Winston and The Drift Fly Shop…