FISH

From page A8

pretty much unicorns up in Randolph County, but now we know there’s one and it’s back in the water for catching again.

We checked in on Monday with several spots around Central Arkansas, and they all seemed to indicate that the fishing is superb, from Lake Ouachita to the Little Maumelle River to the Arkansas River to Lake Conway. Great trout fishing conditions still exist in north Arkansas, according to reports, while the big lakes like Bull Shoals, Norfork, Beaver and Greers Ferry are being rapidly brought down to regular pool level by the Army Corps of Engineers, while fish have found some new spots to hide out in the expanded water acreage of late.

Spotlight on Lake Catherine

Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 53 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace.

Very heavy generation has been the norm for weeks with both generators running huge amounts of water through the system to keep area lakes at normal summertime pool.

Floodgates have been opened and closed in an effort to bring Lake Ouachita down out of flood pool. Weekly storms have forced Entergy to schedule heavy generation below all area dams to keep lakes stabilized. Little productive fishing has been done in the tailrace under these adverse conditions and this scenario has continued since mid-January. FINALLY, Lake Ouachita has been lowered 2 feet below flood pool, which will allow Entergy to drastically reduce generation flow and times, which will give the public the opportunity to safely boat and fish in the Carpenter Dam tailrace.

The trout stocking program has proceeded as scheduled despite the adverse water conditions, so fish populations are strong in the lake.

April marks the final stocking month for rainbow trout until November, with 4,320 trout scheduled to be released.

Big numbers of fish have relocated downstream from the dam to escape the heavy flow, but will migrate upstream to feed and establish territory in the nutrient-rich tailrace.

The weekly generation report is posted every Wednesday evening on the Entergy website under Hydro-Operations.

Beginning Thursday, April 13, Entergy will run 4 hours of generation each day below Carpenter Dam at 7,000 cfs.

The following techniques will give anglers a chance at catching numbers of rainbow trout that have received little fishing pressure this season: Fly-fishermen are now handicapped to some degree with the lake now at summertime pool, but can still access areas that hold feeding fish. Trout key in on the shad kill this time of year as good numbers of threadfin shad in Lake Hamilton are drawn through the turbines and scattered throughout the tailrace area. Thousands of shad have migrated into the tailrace to spawn creating a perfect environment for area fish to feed on baitfish. Flies that imitate injured shad will draw immediate strikes from hungry rainbows. Microjigs in white or black casted with a strike indicator will produce strikes in current or slack water. Egg patterns in white or yellow used in the same manner can be productive when the action slows down. Spinfishermen using PowerBaits and lures such as a Super Duper are proven trout catching baits in many conditions.

Crankbaits that represent fleeing crayfish will also catch trout that are searching for prey. Live bait anglers can use waxworms or mealworms fished just of the bottom with a marshmallow floater or earthworms and nightcrawlers in the same manner to target larger trout.

Excellent angling opportunities are now present for all methods of fishing, giving the public a good chance of success for the first time this year. The walleye spawn is nearing an end, but many fish will remain the tailrace to rest and feed-up from the rigors of reproduction. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits against the current is an excellent method of covering water and locating feeding fish. The crappie spawn is still underway and these fish can be caught with live minnows and jigs fished in current breaks around sand bars and rock structure. Crappie shy away from heavy current and thrive in protected areas out of the main flow.

White bass will migrate into the area next month in huge numbers to spawn and their presence rounds out a multispecies opportunity for angling.

The public is now urged to take advantage of the changing weather and fishing possibilities at all area lakes. Always follow all park and lake regulations when visiting the Carpenter Dam use area and be aware of lake conditions before planning a day on the water.