Lowell Myers of Sore Lip ‘em All Guide Service said recent rains have pushed Greers Ferry over 12 feet above top conservation pool level. Expected water release to the Little Red River is one unit of generation plus flood gates until the second unit is back online. This pattern is expected to continue over the next 60 days unless significant rainfall is received. This pattern will eliminate any wade fishing opportunities and those planning to drift fish should exercise caution. If you do fish these conditions, you will want to use long leaders and heavy weight. Egg patterns, San Juan worms, micro jigs and large nymphs tend to work well. Pounding the banks with streamers is also an effective fly-fishing method during high water conditions. For Trout Magnet fishing, use long leaders and heavy weight using hot pink, cotton candy and purple colored bodies on silver and chartreuse jig heads. Concentrate on pools along the banks. Key for both fly fishing and Trout Magnet fishing during heavy generation is the ability to get and maintain a good presentation of the fly or Trout Magnet.

Greg Seaton with Little Red Fly Fishing Trips (501-690-9166) said after 7 inches of rain last week, Greers Ferry Lake is now 12 feet high. The river is clearing after all the runoff and the generation has been one unit running for about 8 hours a day over the weekend. The Corps informed me that they expect to increase the generation to one unit around the clock starting Tuesday and increase the flow each day as the level at Georgetown will permit. The floodgates will be used to increase the discharge to the equivalent of two units. This generation will last for 50 to 60 days to get the lake back to normal. This time table depends on the area receiving no large amounts of rain during this period. If the White River level permits, the river will be high with maximum flow for approximately the next two months. This means drift fishing is the only option and care should be used while fishing the strong currents. Large flies fished deep are the best choice.

James Dillard at Tailwater Fishing Company (501-207-1770) said expect high flows for the next several weeks as the Corps of Engineers begins to lower the lake level. The fishing will still be great, but will have to be done from a boat.