Generation continues round-the-clock with a steady output of at least 12,000 cfs early on, then higher in the late afternoons. Bull Shoals Lake level is still 18 feet above power pool but dropping as it approaches that desired seasonal elevation goal of 661 feet msl.
“This week, a mixture of baits was called for: One day we had luck with the silver Cleo, the next day the red/gold spoon won the bite, then white Rooster Tails; so keep a variety of smaller artificial baits on hand. Always be ready with some shrimp and scented egg pattern baits for a good limit of rainbows. Try adding a little garlic and salt to your shrimp for variety. The guides still like the Berkley Pink Worm — better when drift-fishing from a boat — on high water. Live worms are great when the water first comes up in the afternoon.
“The brown trout bite has been exceptional for August, with catches in the double-digits some days. Shiner river minnows have been the ticket this week with several good browns reeled in.
“Keep your sunscreen away from all baits and tackle, stay aware of your surroundings with the higher water, and keep on angling. We look forward to seeing you here in The Natural State.”
Calico Rock Area
(updated 8-7-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “The last few days we are seeing more consistent water flows from Bull Shoals Dam, with Norfork Dam reducing generation overnight and increasing again in the morning. As a result, we aren’t seeing drastic differences in water levels. We are seeing water levels dropping overnight and then rising again when the Norfork Dam water reaches us.
“Fishing continues to be consistent with the ‘go-to’ silver inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipping the hooks with shrimp, corn or redworms. Some fishermen are successful using diving lures such Rapala Countdowns, CD7 or CD9, in rainbow trout and brown trout colors.
“I talked to one fisherman who had success throwing quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold by adding a split shot 8-12 inches up the line to allow the spoon to drop lower.”
Monday morning the Norfork Hatchery stocked 1,200 rainbow trout at Calico Rock and another 1,200 at Chessmond Ferry. Wednesday morning the Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery stocked 1,600 rainbows at Calico Rock, 800 at Red’s Landing and another 1,200 at Norfork. Give them a couple of days and they will be hungry and biting well.
