Gaston's White River Resort Fishing Report

For daily water conditions and lake levels, call the Bull Shoals Powerhouse at (870)431-5311.

Recent Water Releases

The reoccurring water release being noticed during the week has been 2 or 3 generators first thing in the mornings and either shutting them down in the afternoon or leaving the generators on throughout the day. On the weekend we saw 1-2 generators in the evenings and then shut down in the mornings. What this will show for future generation...who knows?

Trophy Browns and Chunky Rainbow

On little to no generation, the night crawlers have been the hottest bait thrown for quite some time. Lures that have been working is the T101 Thomas Buoyant spoon 1/6 oz. in red and gold.

When we see 1-2 generators of water, the FEFY Berkley Powerbait (Yellow) and the Eagle Claw Trout Bait (pink)is the hot ticket. 2 eggs or one pink worm on a river rig is the way to go for rainbow trout. Also live red worms work too for brown trout! Lures to try would consist of the T101 Thomas Buoyant spoon 1/6 oz. (red and gold), Blue Fox 3/16 oz.(gold-BF2 G or rainbow-BFF2 RT), Panther Martin 1/4 oz (black/yellow 6-PRM-G) and the Shyster 1/4 oz FTHR Yellow/Black.

The bait used on 3 or more generators that have been working is the Berkley Gulp 3" smelt minnow, FEFY Berkley Powerbait (Yellow) and the Eagle Claw Trout Bait in Pink. Lures that seem to attract the trout have been the Rapala CD7 (gold or silver).

Fly Fishermen

Hoppers and beetles during the warmest part of the day work well for most. But many of the Fly Fishermen have been catching most of their trout using midge patterns as the sun hits the water. This has been recognized throughout the summer.  During times of unwadeable water, many fisherman are using pink jigs, olive bead-headed wooly buggers and red or pink san juan worms from a boat.

Please note that a trophy trout released can be replicated if you have the dimensions and pictures of the fish so that one day someone else can experience a great trophy trout as well.

It is rewarding to see the bait fisherman, fly fisherman, guides, operators and the public working together in the best interest of the White River and it's Trophy Trout fishing program. Just proves what a bit of teamwork will do.

Good luck with your fishing and take a buddy along to enjoy fishing also
and to make memories of a lifetime.

Ron & Logan

BULL SHOALS LAKE LEVEL

Lake Level: 654.61 msl
Last Report: 658.12 (Power Pool is 654 msl)

MSL is mean sea level. When we say that the lake level is 654
MSL, that means that the top of the lake is 654 feet above sea level.