December 15, 2009 | FISHING REPORT - LITTLE RED RIVER
Little Red Fishing Report: December 15, '09 The Greers Ferry Power House is still in full swing with both generators operating at near their maximum capacity along with two flood gates open 12 inches each. The lake level is falling like a stone - seven feet since December 1st. The target level is 461.44 feet above sea level (the preferred maximum called "top power pool"). Achieving top power pool should occur about January 3rd if we have no large rain events. The lake level is presently 467 feet asl. Hopefully, we will see more normal releases soon after the first of the year and the local economy can begin to recover as the tourists and anglers return. With all the high water in the river, caused by record rain fall, the hundreds of anglers that always come to the Little Red River this time of year to fish during our brown trout spawn never showed up. November of 2008, we experienced low, wadeable water the entire month. We had customers in town from Israel, Ireland, England, Wales and from all over America. Heber was buzzing with anglers buying gas, shopping, eating in restaurants, staying at motels, etc. High water this year leaves us with only happy memories.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District, has maintained a policy of never lowering reservoir levels in anticipation of spring rains. For years, I have asked them to reconsider. Recently, however, drastic reductions in Greers Ferry's lake level began in earnest on December 1st when both our generators were brought on line and four flood gates were opened. The reason? The lake level was too high for this time of year. This means there was insufficient room for water storage when the forthcoming winter rain events are taken into account. I fail to see much difference between lowering the lake level now, because there is too much water in the lake, versus lowering the lake level before the spring rains occur to prevent there being too much water in the lake. It seems to me that this suggestion would fall under the category of "prudent planning". The Corps told me earlier today that, when the lake level is down to 461.44 feet above sea level, hydroelectricity would only be generated in direct proportion to the demands from the power grids. Mild temperatures could mean an extended period for wade fishing. I wish they would continue winter water releases to get the lake level down to 6-8 feet below top power pool before the spring rains commence. Another wet spring will be devastating to our economy! Are you listening, COE?
The average temperature of the lake water surging through our turbines is 56 degrees fahrenheit with an average dissolved oxygen level of 10 mg/L. The vents on the turbine blades, which add oxygen to the water during discharges, were opened in July and closed on December 8th. The DO is high right now but may begin to fall as richly oxygenated water is released from the lake leaving only oxygen depleted water for release. Lake "turn over", which is occurring now, will also improve DO levels. FYI - Oxygen is absorbed by lake water from aquatic plants, rain and wave action.
The Little Red Fly Shop's hours of operation have changed due to the high river water. We will be closed Monday through Thursday and will be open 8:00 to 5:00 Friday through Sunday. We will resume normal hours immediately after the high river water recedes. We have a well stocked shop brightly decorated for the holidays featuring a 20% discount on Columbia clothing and Fishpond packs. We are offering free shipping in December for phone and online orders or even with walk-in's who order something that we don't have in stock. Your presence will be greatly appreciated. Happy Holidays!
Fishing the Little Red while the flood gates are open is not forbidden but I don't recommend it. If you simply must "wet a line", hire an experienced guide with a boat. Be aware that the guide will have very little time to assist you since managing the boat in swift water will be the priority. An egg pattern (14 salmon) or a San Juan worm (14 hot pink) fished deep with plenty of split shot or sink putty to get it down to the streambed along with a large enough strike indicator to float it all is a rig that usually works in high water. Remember, never try to fish and manage a boat at the same time in high water!
If you have questions about anything in this report, direct them to me at the Little Red Fly Shop of Heber Springs, Arkansas. My numbers are #888-442-4022 toll free or #501-887-9988. You can send an e-mail to me from our web site, which is: www.littleredflyshop.com. I'm Little Red Jed Hollan, mgr. <*((((><
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