In the past week, we have had several rain events, warmer temperatures, and heavy winds. With current lake levels being what they are, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened five to six of the seven floodgates on Beaver Lake Dam.
We can expect no wadeable water on the White River in the near future. The floodgates are open to control lake levels in anticipation of heavy spring rains and to avoid flooding below the dam.
One primary reason for constructing Beaver Dam was to provide flood control. Roughly 287,000 acres of floodwater storage is provided in the lake`s flood pool.
Water in the lake flood pool is released over time, through hydropower generation or by opening the floodgates to return the lake level to the top of the conservation pool or normal operating level (elevations between 1120.43 and 1130). Power generation from Beaver Dam is managed by the Southwestern Power Administration under the Department of Energy. Beaver Dam houses two generating units that produce electricity.
Fishing has had some ups and downs due to the ever-changing weather patterns. But as a whole, the White River has seen good numbers with trout in mid-day. The walleye are still hanging around somewhat, but for sure the morning and evening bite is the best using jig and minnow.
On down river, past Houseman Access we have picked up some nice bass using the same method. Fishing from the bank has been very hard because of the extra water. Most all of our fishing is done out of a boat. So the water does not affect us as much as it does if you’re on the bank.
You just have to change up your techniques, even in the boat. In my opinion with the floodgates, it seems to stir up the fish, and I know that it stirs up the food sources for the fish. That’s why most of the fish pictured on our page these days look gorged.
I am also a strong believer that when gates are open a few different species of fish fall through the dam, also believe some different fish come up from Table Rock Lake, fish not knowing where the lake begins or ends, because the height of the water and temps of the water blends together.
That’s why I`m tickled to show you this week’s picture. I don`t where she came from but what a beauty of a smallmouth bass caught by Maha. He brought his wife, Shivani, back out for an another guided fishing trip with Custom Adventures Guide Service. Guide Richard Lee Rush sure put them on the fish.
Give us a call for your next adventure @ (479) 363-9632 Or look us up on Facebook, Custom Adventures Guide Service. Don’t forget take a kid fishing.