The water release pattern from the dam continues with large flows, six or seven units (19,000 or more cfs), during the day. The lake level is high, sitting at 690.07 feet msl, around 5 feet below flood level. Expect swift, high water for a few more weeks at least.
Silver blades and orange/brown skirts on a Rooster Tail, or a silver Vibrax Blue Fox with a silver or bubblegum pink bell, will bring in a good share of trout. Try jiggling a red wiggler or a pink PowerBait Moustail for a flurry of action. Bright, light colors will work well during high-water events like the one we’re seeing now; i.e. fluorescent yellow Power Eggs have been a favorite this week for both shore fishers and anglers in boats.
The bigger browns will always chase sculpins and sometimes even a fat, floating nightcrawler. Keep your eye on the tip of your rod for a little tremor and watch that brown snatch your bait; play it slowly and carefully — no rapid movements — and you’ll be able to net it for a picture.
“Come on over and join us as we stay cool angling for fat, energetic rainbows on the White.”
Calico Rock Area
Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said that early in the week at Calico, they saw water as high as 11.5 feet, but in the past couple of days the water level has been right around 11 feet. “We continue to have success drift-fishing using silver inline spinners with a No. 2 hook with two Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. The key is to get the bait to the bottom, so we’ve been using two size 7 split shots 8-12 inches above the hook.
“The guides are reporting having to move around to find the fish and then catching one or two before the bite dies, and they move again. The good news is we are seeing clean water with less moss, etc., hanging up on the hooks.
Allison/Mountain View Area
Jack’s White River Fishing Resort reports that the White River guides — Bart, Braiden, Caleb, Chris and Irvin all consistently limited out on rainbow trout throughout the week with excellent success across the board. Among the highlights: 17-inch rainbows were landed on multiple outings — a great size and exciting for anglers; the guides round excellent results using End of the Line TR Orange and Royal Blue Power Eggs and Jack’s handmade hammered silver spinners — this winning combo brought solid bites in varied conditions.
The river has been fluctuating with periods of high, muddy water due to heavy rainfall and dam generation cycles. At times, conditions cleaned up between flow events, giving guides confidence to run drift rigs and spinners.
