Still Tough Fishing

TIME: 10:45 AM to 1:45 PM

WEATHER:  Clear, mid 50s

WATER CONDITIONS:  0 Unit

LOCATIONS FISHED:  Norfork River, Mill Dam Eddy to Riffle above Island Below McClellan’s

ROD USED:  8’ 9” 5 wt Winston Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED:   #14 Norfork River Scud (Olive), Wayne’s Fly (Olive), and #20 Red/Silver Zebra Midge

OTHER:  Fished solo.  Mill Dam Eddy fished even slower than yesterday, though the water was still dropping.  The right side of the island produced nothing.  I crossed to the left descending bank and caught a few fish in the pool above the island, then moved to the riffle above the island below McClellan’s and caught a few more, mostly small fish.  Fishing as I crossed the riffle produced a few more fish, but they too were small.  The right side of the island gave up a couple of fish.  It was a tough day, but not as brutally cold as yesterday, though more windy.  I did see quite a few fish. 

CONTINUING MY RANT, a call to Generation [(870) 531-4311] this morning indicated that Norfork had 2 generators on since 5 AM, contrary to SWPA schedule of generation (but it hasn’t been accurate over 50% of the time, either).  Further checking showed that generation had ceased about 9 AM, BUT THE CORPS HAD FAILED TO KEEP THEIR PHONE ANSWERING MESSAGE UP TO DATE (this is becoming the norm).  I dressed quickly, and drove to my access.  AGAIN, THIS IS RIDICULUS, and demonstrates an unacceptable level of arrogance, lack of respect, and foreboding service to the public by both the Little Rock District Corps of Engineers and the Southwest Power Administration.  I encourage you to write or call you congressman or senator, making them aware of the issue.  An inquiry from your US congressman and/or senator to the Corps will most likely resolve the problem, particularly if they threaten to suspend operation and maintenance funding!