Well it's winter on the Little Red. I was waiting on the snow at the last fishing report and sure enough....we got it. It snowed about 4 to 5 inches. I went fishing that day, Monday, January 10th and the fish were biting but I didn't stay long because it was cold. The browns were still spawning last week and the fishing was good. The weather improved by the weekend and several fishermen were on the river. There are still some browns spawning on the shoals and some nice rainbows hanging out below the redds.
It snowed again today with about a 2 to 3 inch accumulation. I went out today, I always try to fish during the snow. I think this is one of the most beautiful times to be on the river. It's so quite, you can't believe it. The snow has a dampening effect and it's also a beautiful way to enjoy fly fishing. The only trick is not to stay too long....it's cold!!
The fish were biting over the weekend, taking emergers and midge pupas. Both rainbows and browns were being caught. Locating the fish is the most important part of the process. Since the water is so low and clear, once the fish are located, small flies and light tippet seem to be the ticket. A quiet approach is also necessary. The less wading and movement, the better since the fish are easily spooked.
The local chapter 722 of Trout Unlimited is having a members meeting at Mack's Fish House in Heber Springs at noon on Saturday, February 19th. Please join us for lunch. If it's a nice day come to fish and take a break for lunch and come to the meeting. If the weather is not so nice, come to the meeting anyway, we would like to see you. If you're not a member, please come and meet us and see what we're planning for this year.
Good Fishing!!
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