Scuba Steve from Blackburns Resort shows off Norfork Lake Bass

Part 2: Tips for 6-8

So, where to begin?  Let’s start with 6 to 8 generators…  You’ll need a john boat, of course.  And you’ll need to concentrate on your boat handling in order to keep the boat drifting at, or slightly slower than the speed of the water.  Give yourself some time to adjust to the boat handling aspect of fishing in these conditions.

Whether spin fishing or fly fishing, your chances of larger fish are better in these conditions, as they’re a little less spooky than when there’s only 6 inches of water over their backs! 
One thing that may surprise you a little bit; when the water is up like this, especially shortly after it has risen, those bigger fish move surprisingly tight to the bank in search of their next meal.  Remember, too, that after a brown trout hits about 16 inches in length, their diet changes from primarily bugs to “meatier cuisine”…  Yes, they become downright cannibalistic! 

If you don’t believe me, stand here on the observation deck one day, and look down into the water…  (Do you hear the soundtrack from “Jaws” playing?)  You may just see a big brown come up and slam a smaller trout, usually a rainbow, and when it’s stunned and twitching, the brown will swallow it whole – head first!  Sometimes, they actually grab them from the side and shake them first to stun them, like a dog shaking a toy, before releasing them for a few seconds before gulping them down head first!

So, what would you use in conditions like this?  Larger Rapalas (Countdowns) in size 7 or size 9 often do the trick.  The 2 most consistent color combinations are the simple Black/Gold and Black/Silver.  The Black/Silver works a little better in the late winter and early spring, and the Black/Gold works better pretty much any other time.  The Brown Trout pattern is often as good, while the Rainbow patterns are either “really hot” or “really not”. 

Here’s a tip:  When you’re drifting in a boat, cast those Rapalas as close to the bank as you can get without hanging up on something, and bring them back out toward you with a medium retrieve, giving them a little jerk now and then.

What won’t work?  Leave your smaller spoons and rooster tails in your tackle box today.  They typically won’t go deep enough quickly enough to do you any good, and if you weight them down, the often don’t “swim” quite right.  They won’t be nearly as effective.

Of course, you can still use the standard river rig, and drift red worms, night crawlers, artificial worms and various colors of Eagle Claw power balls with them; you’ll just have to use a heavier sinker.  (Using one ball as a “head” and then threading on a worm below it is often a great combination!)

What about fly fishing in 6 to 8 generators?  Personally, I’m a fan of fly fishing in these conditions.  (Check out the website sometime and look on the video page.  That’s me, catching a really nice brown trout in 8 generators on my 6 wt.)

In conditions like that, you need about 12 to 14 feet between the end of your fly line to your fly.  Whether you use a 9 ft leader and add several feet of tippet, or set up with just monofilament on the end of your fly line instead, you want to get your fly down.  And you don’t necessarily need to use sinking line, either.  Barbie pink San Juan worms have been a consistent producer any time of year for me, drifting them under an indicator set deep.  And yes, get your Sculpin patterns and Zonkers out of your fly vest, cast them very close to any kind of cover, and strip ‘em back quickly.

Of course, the effectiveness of even the most consistent flies, lures or bait can and will change, often frequently.  We’ll always be there to help you with what’s working best at any time.

Tight Lines & Good Fishin’ from your  White River Trout Diva