Fishing Report October 10, 2024

Fishing on the Little Red River has been steady, with some great opportunities to hook up with some nice trout. The generation schedule has been fairly consistent for the past month, with SWPA running two generators Monday through Friday, typically starting around 2 PM and going until 7 to 9 PM. However, with cooler weather rolling in, the power demand might drop, so keep an eye out for potential changes to this schedule in the coming weeks. Weekend water releases have been lighter than during the week, giving anglers a bit more time with low water.

The bite has been best in the early mornings when you’re fishing the falling water from the previous night’s generation. Focus on those oxygenated shoals and deeper plunge pools just below them, where trout are taking refuge. The moss beds in these deeper sections are holding plenty of fish, as they offer cooler water and shelter from the sun.

Lately, I’ve been fishing a pheasant tail soft hackle or a Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear fly, rigged at about 4 to 5 feet deep in the shallows and up to 6 feet in the deeper runs. Adding a midge dropper below can be a game changer.

For those looking to chase Brown trout, the streamer bite has been solid during the high water as it falls out from the night’s generation. In the mornings, throwing streamers like Double Deceivers and Peanut Envey flies has been productive, then switching over to a nymph rig as the water drops later in the day.

Get out there and enjoy these cooler fall days—it’s a great time to fish the Little Red!

Fishing Report September 26, 2024

The generation schedule has been pretty steady throughout September, with the Southwest Power Administration (SWPA) typically running two units of water through the turbines starting around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. They’ve been keeping it going for about 4 to 8 hours each day. As we head into cooler days, expect SWPA to dial back those releases a bit.

If you’re looking to get out on the water, the best action has been early in the morning, right as the water is falling out from the previous day’s release. For flies, the Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guides Choice Hares Ear, and various Midges have been hot picks lately. Now’s a good time to get out there!

Try fishing the deep plunge pools around moss beds. Or any sections of moving water. The fish will be in the oxygenated shoals and the deeper plunge pools below the riffles. 

Fishing Report August 29, 2024

The generation schedule on the Little Red River has been pretty predictable lately. They’re usually kicking things off around 2:00 PM and running two units of water through the turbines until about 8:00 PM. This pattern has held steady for the last couple of weeks. On weekends, they’ve been scaling it back a bit, with around two hours of generation starting at the same 2:00 PM mark.

Despite the daytime temperatures climbing into the upper 90s, the bite has remained solid. The fish seem to be thriving under this current generation schedule, and we’re seeing good flows even with the heat.

If you’re heading out, the best action has been early in the morning before the heat sets in. As the water starts to recede, target the deeper sections of the channel, especially around moss beds. These areas offer shade and are loaded with food, making them prime spots. Don’t forget to check out the oxygenated shoals with plunge pools below – they’re a great place to find fish.

As for flies, the current hot picks include Guides Choice Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, and Rootbeer Midges. Happy fishing!

Fishing Report August 15, 2024

The generation schedule on the Little Red has been fairly predictable over the last few weeks, with water releases typically starting in the afternoon around 1 PM and continuing until about 6 to 8 PM, Monday through Friday. This past weekend saw no water releases, which has kept the bite steady.

For the best fishing, hit the river in the morning when the water from the previous day’s release is still falling. Fish are holding strong in the deeper waters along the moss beds, especially as the water drops and daytime temperatures rise. These moss beds provide a great cover from the sun, making them a prime spot for trout.

As for what’s working, the hot flies right now are pheasant tail soft hackle nymphs, Guide’s Choice Hares Ear, and Rootbeer Midges. The fish are also active in the shoals or any areas with moving water, so those spots are worth a cast or two.

If you’re planning a trip, feel free to reach out to me, Mike Winkler, at 501-507-3688, or visit [littleredflyfishingtrips.com](http://littleredflyfishingtrips.com/) for more details. Tight lines!

Fishing Report August 8, 2024

Greetings, fellow anglers! Mike Winkler here with your latest fishing report for the Little Red River.

The SWPA has been keeping a consistent generation schedule, with water releases usually kicking off around 1 PM and running until about 8 PM. They’ve been running two units through the turbines like clockwork, and despite the daily temperatures soaring into the 90s, the fish are happy, and the bite has been solid.

The morning bite has been particularly productive. As the water recedes from the previous night’s generation, it creates ideal conditions for drift fishing from the boat. I’ve been rigging up with Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles and Guides Choice Hare’s Ears—both have been performing exceptionally well. 

As the water levels drop, I’ve been switching over to a Rootbeer Midge dropper setup beneath the same flies. This setup has been especially effective in the deeper sections of water, particularly along the moss beds. Don’t forget to give the oxygenated shoals a try too; they’ve been holding some nice fish lately.

Tight lines, and see you on the river!

Fishing Report August 1, 2024

Hey there anglers! Mike Winkler here with your latest update from the Little Red River. 

The generation schedule has been pretty consistent lately, with the SWPA projecting water releases starting around 1 pm. They’ve been running 2 units for about 7 to 10 hours each day. 

Fishing has been good, especially if you get out there early in the morning before the temperatures start to rise. During these early hours, the water has a nice flow and is dropping from the previous day’s release. 

Fish have been holding in the deeper sections with moss beds and around shoals with nearby deep water. 

For flies, you can’t go wrong with pheasant tail nymphs, hare’s ears, and midges. These have been the hot flies lately.

Tight lines, and happy fishing!

Fishing Report July 24, 2024

Hey fellow anglers!

Mike Winkler here, checking in with the latest from the Little Red River. If you’re planning a trip, here’s what you need to know about the current generation schedule and fishing conditions.

#### Generation Schedule:
– **Turbines Running:** 2
– **Duration:** 6 to 7 hours/day
– **Timing:** Starts around 1 PM and runs until 7 PM

The consistent generation this week has kept the river flowing nicely in the mornings, making it the perfect time to cast your lines. The best bite has been early morning before it heats up and the water levels drop.

#### Fishing Tips:

  – **Prime Spots:** Deeper sections around moss beds and areas with a bit of current and a deep plunge pool are producing well.
  – **Hot Flies:**
  – Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles
  – Guides Choice Hares Ear
  – Midges
  – San Juan Worms

Make sure to get out there early to maximize your chances of landing some great catches before the turbines kick in for the day. Happy fishing, and see you on the river!

Tight lines!

Fishing Report July 18, 2024

The recent rain throughout the Ozarks was much needed and has made a significant impact. Greers Ferry Lake received 6.5 inches at the dam, with some areas getting even more. The lake is still filling up from this substantial rainfall.

This is great news for the Little Red River. With the extra water in the lake, the Corps of Engineers will be running more water during the hot summer days. As of Thursday morning, the river is still muddy and hasn’t cleared up yet. However, I anticipate that by the weekend, the Corps of Engineers will start releasing more water, which should help clear the river.

Fishing will improve as the river clears. It’s too early to predict the generation schedule now that the lake has filled up, but check back next week for updates on whether we’re on a consistent generation pattern.

For now, the hot flies are:
– Pink San Juan Worms
– Pheasant Tail Nymph
– Guides Choice Hare’s Ear
– Midges

Happy fishing!

Fishing Report July 18, 2024

The recent rain throughout the Ozarks was much needed and has made a significant impact. Greers Ferry Lake received 6.5 inches at the dam, with some areas getting even more. The lake is still filling up from this substantial rainfall.

This is great news for the Little Red River. With the extra water in the lake, the Corps of Engineers will be running more water during the hot summer days. As of Thursday morning, the river is still muddy and hasn’t cleared up yet. However, I anticipate that by the weekend, the Corps of Engineers will start releasing more water, which should help clear the river.

Fishing will improve as the river clears. It’s too early to predict the generation schedule now that the lake has filled up, but check back next week for updates on whether we’re on a consistent generation pattern.

For now, the hot flies are:
– Pink San Juan Worms
– Pheasant Tail Nymph
– Guides Choice Hare’s Ear
– Midges

Happy fishing!

Fishing Report July 10, 2024

Hey folks,
 
We’ve had some much-needed rain over the past few days here in Arkansas. The rainwater collected in Greers Ferry Lake is going to be a big help in keeping the river cool during these hot summer days.
 
Right now, the Little Red River is still a bit muddy around Dripping Springs access. However, the South West Power Administration (SWPA) has projected releases of two units of generation for 7 hours starting today, July 10th. This should help clear up the upper river.
 
With all this rain, it’ll be interesting to see what happens with the generation schedule. It looks like SWPA might be running more water now that there’s more in Greers Ferry Lake. This extra water will be great for the fish, especially in this heat.
 
The bite was good last week if you started early to beat the heat. It’s a bit early to predict the generation schedule post-rain, but fishing the falling water from the previous day’s generation is always productive. I’d recommend using flies like Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guides Choice Hares Ear, San Juan Worms, and Midges.
Try fishing the deep water near moss beds, and anywhere we’re there is some current. 
 
Tight lines!