Anglers, fish dealing with the elements this spring

See- saw weather, seasonal rains affecting fishing, spawn season

AGFC Communications When Brandon Treat caught this 23.5-inch brown trout on the White River (right) near the mouth of the North Fork in late March, the water was just right in north Arkansas. But all the rain we've had in April has pushed the levels of Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake well above normal pool (this is also true at Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas, Lake Nimrod in west-central Arkansas and many other lakes this week), and some trout anglers are hoping for a break. Alas, the forecast calls more more rain this weekend. At least that last slap by Old Man Winter of a little wintry chill in the air is expected to move on.

We're not sure who's having a harder time figuring out the weather: the anglers or the fish. For the fish's sake, several species are in the middle of spawning, particularly in the northern half of the state now, and the up-and-down levels of lakes certainly can hamper that. Guide Jon Conklin at Beaver Lake notes this in his report this week, as do other reporters from around the state, such as guide John Duncan at DeGray Lake.

It's just something we're all having to deal with, along with that other little problem going on around the world.

Remember, enjoy the outdoors and all that Arkansas has to offer, take in some fishing at this perfect time of the year, but keep your social distance. No need to congregate at the boat ramp or with several others on the shoreline or river bank.

Stay at least a fishing pole's distance apart from others.

Be kind to everyone while you're out there.

And, if you want to know where the fish are biting best, check out the fishing reports below. Today, we’re highlighting South Arkansas.

If you catch a fish like Brandon Treat's brown trout, or anything close to it, send it on to us for publication in the Fishing Report at jim.harris@agfc.ar.gov.