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!
 

Fishing Report July 3, 2024

Hey folks, it’s Mike Winkler here with your latest update from the Little Red River. 

The generation schedule lately has been minimal, with the SWPA running water for just an hour or two each night. Daytime temperatures are soaring into the 90s, and coupled with the lack of released water from the dam, we’re hitting the river early to beat the heat. Remember, fish can get stressed when water temperatures hit 68 degrees, so it’s crucial to practice quick catch and release.

The best bite has been found in deeper sections around moss beds, where fish seek cover and shade from the sun. Look for areas with some current and a drop-off into deeper water for optimal results.

Lately, the hot flies have included a Pink San Juan Worm under an indicator. When fishing these mossy areas with minimal current, try adding a bit of action to the San Juan Worm by flicking the rod tip or giving a slight mend to the line to simulate movement. Other successful flies have been the Pheasant Tail Nymph, Guides Choice Hares Ear, and Rootbeer Midge.

Get out there early, stay cool, and tight lines!

Fishing Report May 29, 2024

Hey folks,

Just got back from a few days on the water, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure out there! The SWPA’s been keeping us on our toes with their water release schedule. They’ve been running two units of water through the turbines consistently, although the start and stop times have been a bit unpredictable.

With that said, I’ve been having some solid luck fishing near the dam using a deep water nymph rig set between 9 and 12 feet deep. Those deep pockets have been holding some nice surprises. And for a change of pace, I’ve been trying my luck around the docks, casting a Pink San Juan Worm about 6 to 7 feet deep into the moss beds. It’s been paying off, especially in the slower deep water sections.

Hot flies have been Pink San Worms , pheasant tail soft hackle,  caddis flies 

Oh, and if you’re into streamer fishing, now’s the time to be out there. The high water release has really got those streamer bites going strong. So grab your gear, check the schedule, and let’s hit the water! 🎣

Fishing Report May 16, 2024

Hey folks, it’s Mike Winkler here with your latest fishing update from the Little Red River. The Army Corps of Engineers has been keeping things steady with a consistent generation schedule, pumping out 40 megawatts 24/7 through the dam. 

This week, it’s been running at just under one full unit, meaning we’ve got a touch less water than usual. But fear not, the fishing’s still on point!

I’ve been having success with a Pink San Juan Worm, rigged up about 6.5 to 9 feet deep, under an indicator. Target the banks near moss beds and ledges, or try your luck around the docks. For those feeling adventurous, run the same rig deep down the middle of the channel.

Keep an eye out for caddis flies, especially on warm, sunny days around 11 in the morning. They’ve been making appearances, so it might be worth switching up to a caddis pattern when they’re hatching.

Streamer fishing has been solid, especially when the clouds roll in. Give the Yellow Double Deceiver or Dungeon flies a shot, casting towards the banks. You might just reel in a beauty!

Tight lines and happy fishing!

Fishing Report April 24, 2024

Hey folks,

Just wanted to give you a heads up on the current fishing conditions out on the Little Red River. With Greers Ferry Lake holding steady at power pool levels and SWPA taking a break from water releases, the river’s running low these days. It’s a bit unusual for April, but hey, that’s fishing for you!

Now, here’s the scoop: we’ve got rain on the forecast this weekend, which should bump up the lake levels a bit. But for now, take advantage of the low river levels for some prime wading opportunities. It’s not every day you get these conditions in April!

As for the fishing itself, it’s been solid lately. Caddis flies are out and about, especially in the warmer parts of the day. Try hitting the river with a nymph rig, using a pheasant tail soft hackle or a Guides Choice Hares Ear under an indicator. And keep an eye out for those rising fish later in the day – an elk hair caddis might just do the trick when they start sipping bugs off the surface.

So grab your gear and hit the water while the conditions are right. And if you need any more info or want to book a trip, you know where to find me!

Tight lines 🎣
Mike Winkler

Fishing Report April 11, 2024

 

 

Hey anglers! Here’s the scoop on the latest fishing action:

Greers Ferry Lake: 

The lake just hit power pool, and they’ve been running one unit 24/7 to lower the water levels. SWPA projected releases but didn’t execute any water runs. Keep an eye out for the generation schedule this week to plan your fishing trips accordingly.

Little Red River

Things are looking up here! The caddis hatch is in full swing, and the fish are loving it. Try using a Guides Choice Hares Ear or a soft Hackle Pheasant tail nymph under an indicator, adjusting the depth based on river levels.

Streamers

Streamer bite is on fire! Opt for an 8# weight fly rod with a 330 grain sink line. Double Deceivers and Peanut Envey flies are doing the trick, especially in yellow and brown or olive and yellow colors.

Happy fishing! 🎣

Fishing Report April 4, 2024

Current Conditions:

The Little Red River has maintained a steady generation schedule over the past week, with the Army Corps of Engineers consistently running one unit of generation 24/7. Greers Ferry Lake is anticipated to reach power pool levels on April 5th. Anglers are keeping an eye on the upcoming weekend and next week to monitor any changes in the generation schedule.

Preferred Fishing Spots:
Given the current generation schedule, launching the boat near the Dam has been a successful strategy. Fishing near the banks or in shallow areas of the river has yielded positive results.

Fly Fishing Techniques:

  • Double Nymph Rig: Set at 6ft deep, using an egg pattern as an attractor with a caddis fly or Pink San Juan Worm below it. This setup has been effective near banks and shallow river areas.
  • Deeper Water Setup: Set at 9 ft deep, adding a split shot above the egg pattern to reach deeper water. Hot flies include egg patterns, San Juan Worms, and caddis fly patterns.

Streamer Fishing:

  • Recommended Flies: Double Deceiver flies in White, Olive, or Brown and Yellow have been successful, especially on cloudy days.
  • Tackle Setup: Using a 330 grain sink line on an eight-weight fly rod, anglers are casting toward the bank for optimal results.

Additional Tips:

  • – Utilize the SWPA Generation Schedule to plan your fishing trips based on predicted generation for the day.
  • – Adjust fly depths and patterns based on water depth and conditions for optimal fishing success.