Minimum Flow Signed

Posted on January 22, 2012 by TroutDiva

Good Morning, everyone!

Well, it’s good news for Minimum Flow…  the ink is on the paper!

Read the news release from KTLO Radio below:

AGFC signs ‘historic’ minimum flow document

By: Jim Bodenhamer
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A major milestone yesterday in Little Rock as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved the final piece of an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure a steady or minimum flow of water below Bull Shoals Dam on the White River. A similar agreement is already in effect for the North Fork of the White River below Norfork Dam. A news release from the Commisson termed the
document “historic.”
The minimum flow project started in 1999 when then Game and Fish Commissioner Forrest Wood of Flippin broached the project at a commission meeting. At the meeting yesterday, Wood, who is no longer on the Commission, praised the Commission, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Southwest Power Administration for continuing to work on the project for the past 13 years. He also credited former U. S. Representatives Tim Hutchinson, John Boozeman and Marion Berry for cooperating in a nonpartisan fashion to help secure the necessary support in Congress.
Lakeview resort owner Jim Gaston also played a major behind the scenes role in getting minimum flow implemented.
A multi-million dollar project is already underway at Norfork Dam to alter that structure to allow for the release of cold water into the North Fork River during times when there is very little power generation and help maintain the trout fishery. Very little actual physical change is needed at Bull Shoals Dam to allow for the minimum flow releases. Game and Fish Assistant Director Mike Armstrong said he expects both projects to be operational this fall.

(Copyright © 2009 – 2011 Mountain Lakes Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.)

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UPDATE-Norfork National Fish Hatchery Diffusers

Posted on December 18, 2011 by TroutDiva

Hello, everyone!

Just got off the phone with Leon Alexander, spokesman for the Norfork National Fish Hatchery, and he had an update about the progress of the installations of the Diffuser units.

(To read more about the Diffusers and what they do, please read our previous post…)

Norfork National Fish Hatchery Diffuser Unit

Norfork National Fish Hatchery Diffuser Unit

As of December, there are 16 Diffusers that are completed and ready to install.

The holdup for final installation was a shortage of 6″ PVC pipe and 6″ PVC elbows.

Finally, the parts have arrived and the first 16 diffusers are scheduled to be installed after the first of the year.

8 more diffusers (for a total of 24) are still scheduled to be built and installed sometime after the first of the year.  The materials for these last diffusers have already been ordered.

Installation of these diffusers will help ensure our trout grow fast and are as healthy as they can be so they can be put in the river for YOU!

If you haven’t stopped by and checked out the hatchery, make it a point to do so on your next visit to the White River!  The hatchery is only 20 minutes from His Place Resort, and you can get a fun & educational tour, and see where our trout come from!

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His Place Resort
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Norfork National Fish Hatchery Receives Funding for 2012

Posted on December 18, 2011 by TroutDiva

Hello again everybody!

We got some great news about the Norfork National Fish Hatchery.  I don’t know if you remember, but we did a story earlier this year, and put up a webpage about the proposed budget cuts for 2012 that threatened to cut all funding for the Norfork National Fish Hatchery.

(If you’d like to read all of that information, you can visit our main website at http://www.hisplaceresort.net/TroutHatcheries.htm. )

Anyway, Leon Alexander, spokesperson for the local Friends of the Norfork Fish Hatchery, reports that we did indeed get funding in the 2012 budget.  The budget includes a total of $7.2 million for the nine mitigation hatcheries which were de-funded by the US Fish & Wildlife Service in their original budget request.

According to Leon, information submitted by Congressman Rick Crawford’s office says the funding is $3.8 million from  the Corps of Engineers, who will in turn reimburse the Fish & Wildlife Service, with the remainder coming from the Fish & Wildlife Service in the amount of $3.388 million.

(Some interesting things to note:  The Fish & Wildlife Service, who had permanently de-funded all hatchery mitigation, was basically forced by Congress to put that money back into the budget…  The original amount requested was $6.9 million, so the remainder of the $7.2 million will go back into the “deferred maintenance fund”, which was depleted covering operational expenses to date.  Some other funding has still not been reinstated; the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) for example, has not recommitted to mitigation funding.  Since they are not a governmental agency, they cannot be forced to start paying again…  they saw the opportunity when USFW Service de-funded mitigation money to follow suit…  and they did…  it will be one of the ongoing fights for the future.  To read the FY 2012 Final consolidated Appropriations Bill, click here. )

Leon says this is really good news for the hatchery employees and all those who depend on the Trout Hatcheries as a source of income, and for Baxter County and the local economy in particular, which relies heavily on trout fishing as a primary source of sales tax income.

Leon goes on to say that this took tremendous effort on the part of the Arkansas Congressional Staffs to accomplish this change in funding given current efforts to reduce all federal budgets.  He says Congressman Crawford and Senators Mark Pryor & John Boozman were tireless in their efforts to secure this funding for the Norfork and Greers Ferry National Fish Hatcheries.

We still have to remember that even though the funding has been approved for this year… We still have the same problem that we had before.  There is still not a permanent provision for future funding.  Until such funding is permanently earmarked, we’re going to come up against this threat every year.

However, we do need to enjoy this victory today!  Thanks to everyone who helped to make this happen, and regardless of where you live, take a minute to thank Congressman Crawford, Senator Mark Pryor, and Senator John Boozman for helping us out…  here is their contact information:

US Senator (from Arkansas) John Boozman (contact)
US Senator (from Arkansas) Mark Pryor (contact)
US Representative (from Arkansas) District 1 – Rick Crawford (contact)

Do you want to help more?  Join the Friends of the Norfork Hatchery!

Friends of the Norfork Federal Fish Hatchery

We all need FRIENDS!

In closing, we want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

see you on the river…

Your White River Trout Diva
His Place Resort
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Diffuser at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery

Posted on December 3, 2011 by TroutDiva

Hello, Everyone!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!  We are still eating leftovers… :-)

We always try to keep you updated on things that we think will be interesting to you, so this week I want to talk to you a little bit about what’s going on at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery.

If you remember, last year we dodged a bullet when the threat of Federal budget cuts threatened the operation of the hatchery itself… We appreciate those of you who took the time to write, call, and basically help us raise holy H**l, in addition to offering to come out and help work the hatchery yourselves…

Anyway, this posting is good news!  I’m taking a snip from the November issue of the hatchery newsletter to share with you about the diffuser installation currently underway.  Enjoy!

Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery – The Raceway – November, 2011

Diffuser Installation in Progress

Norfork National Fish Hatchery Diffuser Unit

Norfork National Fish Hatchery Diffuser Unit

Great News!  Given the generosity of our benefactors, construction of 16 diffusers to be placed on Raceway Banks A & B is in full swing.  Our goal is to provide a total of 24 diffusers for banks A, B, C & D.

There has been $7183.70 spent out of the diffuser funds during the past month.  Starting out prior to the purchase of materials, there was $9685 in the account.  Funding analysis of recent and anticipated donations indicates that, with just a little more support, our initial goal for 24 diffusers will be achieved.  The total expense for the 24 diffusers will be pretty close to $21,000.

The hatchery has provided funding for 24 professional six-inch quick release unions at $71 per unit.  A complete list of benefactors will be announced as soon as we achieve our goal for 24 diffusers.  The Norfork National Fish hatchery is very thankful to all those individuals, groups and clubs that have made this important project possible.  Additional material will be ordered during the week of November 14.  During the next stage of construction, an additional jig will be built in order to increase production.  Due to the standard daily demand for specific hatchery duties, the staff is not always available for consistent production.  One or two more volunteers would be most appreciated

Construction of each diffuser is very labor-intensive and time-consuming.  Hatchery staff members, Doug Anderson, Doug Beard and Dale Plumlee, along with FNNFH VP, Joe Salisbury, began work on November 3.  An internal baffle assembly jig was refined and 100 24-inch perforated baffles were cut out from ten 4 x 10′ sheets.  A complete internal baffle component requires about two hours for one person to assemble.  Each completed internal baffle consists of eight baffle discs, four 6-foot rods, 72 nuts, 72 washers, 64 Teflon washers and 72 lock washers.  Four support legs and two cross beams are cut from 16 foot long angle iron.  Outside shells, 5 foot long, are cut from 20 foot, 24 inch tubing.  Six-inch piping is utilized to attach the completed diffuser to the water source.  Each diffuser is designed to manage and treat over 400 gallons of water per minute.

The diffuser’s primary purpose is to dissipate supersaturated nitrogen levels, increase dissolved oxygen, separate and remove sulfide and manganese through the entire year, creating the healthiest environment possible in order for the trout to mature to their healthiest level.

<end of article>

Hope you enjoyed the article…  see you on the White River soon!

Your White River Trout Diva
His Place Resort
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mailto:julie@hisplaceresort.net
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Fishing Report – 10/10/2011

Posted on October 9, 2011 by TroutDiva

Hello, everyone!

As predicted, the lake levels at Bull Shoals have now returned to target level and below.  This has meant significantly lower flows.  Many of you have asked if this has meant “dead-low” water; to answer your question, No, it has not been dead-low, but it has been fairly “wadeable” in the mornings.  Norfork has been off quite a bit, too.

Here’s a look at what it’s been doing for the last several days…

<photo not available>

As you can see, they’ve been running some, but not nearly the amounts they’ve been running through the summer.

As far as what to use?

For our fly fishers, quite a few things have been been working.  Folks are having the best luck with woolly buggers, and red San Juan worms.  Especially in the morning, when the levels have been a little lower, bead head midges have been working as well.

For our spin fishers, even with the lower water, things have not changed too terribly much.  The same white/hot pink mice tails have still been the most productive thing going.  Several of our guests have also reported good luck with the larger nightcrawlers, too.

For those who like lures, pretty much any kind of gold or copper Colorado/Buoyant spoon, or Blue Fox has been producing really well.

The weather has been cool in the morning, and warming up nicely in the afternoon.  It’s a great time to come fishing on the White River, and I hope we see you soon!

Your White River Trout Diva
His Place Resort
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mailto:julie@hisplaceresort.net
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Eagles on the White River

Posted on October 9, 2011 by TroutDiva

Hello, everyone…

I just wanted to share some photos with you taken by one of our guests, Wyatt H., over the last couple of days.

He got some great shots of immature Bald Eagles.  Thanks, Wyatt!

wyatthorscheagle1

wyatthorscheagle1
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Picture 1 of 3

Wyatt H. photo of immature Bald Eagles, taken at His Place Resort, on the White River in Cotter, AR.

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His Place Resort
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Brown Trout Freeze Branding – Help Needed

Posted on October 7, 2011 by TroutDiva

Hello Everyone,

I got an e-mail from Jeff Williams, who is our Chief Trout Biologist for AGFC.  From time to time, AGFC requests help from the public for certain projects related to trout management.

If you’re going to be in the area from October 11-13, this marking project is a great way to get involved and learn more about the awesome trout that get put into this River… :-)

If you want to participate, contact Jeff directly at j_williams@agfc.state.ar.us.

Here is Jeff’s e-mail below to tell you a little more…

Hello, everyone:

We will be marking the 2011 cohort of brown trout at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery October 11-13.  These fish will be distributed among the Spring River and the Beaver and Norfork Tailwaters.  If you are willing and able to assist, we could sure use the help.  We will get started on Tuesday, October 11th.  All you will need to bring is rain gear and a lunch.  We will have plenty of water and Gatorade on hand.

Please let me know if you plan on helping so I can schedule.  Also, if you know of anyone else that might be interested feel free pass this e-mail along to them.  Thanks.

Jeff Williams, AGFC

The event will take place at:

Norfork National Fish Hatchery
1414 Highway 177 South
Mountain Home, AR 72653-9799
Phone: 870-499-5255
Fax: 870-499-7755

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Fall’s Comin’… Sooner than we think!

Posted on September 17, 2011 by TroutDiva
Fall Foliage in the Ozarks, White River looking into the mouth of Crooked Creek

Fall Foliage in the Ozarks, White River looking into the mouth of Crooked Creek

Hello to everyone!

I just wanted to let you know that I think the Fall Foliage might be peaking a bit earlier this year…

(The picture?  No, that’s not this year’s photo!  Not quite time for that…  I did take it, though… Out in a john boat, fishin’ one day, the foliage was pretty…  and we were looking up the mouth of Crooked Creek and I snapped the photo…  I always really liked this one…)

Anyway, back to why I’m writing…

Steve and I were talking this morning, and we thought about the folks who have called/emailed recently about the fall foliage…  typically, we always tell folks it peaks the last 2 weeks of October, sometimes going into the first week of November.

But this year???  We think it may be coming a week to 10 days earlier…  Why do we think that?  Did the “voices” tell us?  Was it information received in my most recent “download from the Mother Ship?”  (Several guests have asked me if the bluetooth headset I wear is for receiving “downloads from the Mother Ship”…  yeah…)

Well, No and No…  I do not “hear voices” (that I would admit to publicly…) nor has the Mother Ship had anything to say about the Fall Foliage…

But, I do have some reasons…  like critters…

For example, the squirrels…  yes, the squirrels…  even before the really hot weather was over, they started getting their thick winter coats…  yes, already!  Way too early…  they already look prepared for winter.  And the nut gathering is going on full force…  several weeks sooner than normal in my opinion.

Other ground critters have already “fattened up” and “coated out”, too; groundhogs and racoons…  even our resident Eagles, Isaac & Rebekah, kicked their baby eagles, Paul & Rachel, out of the nest a couple of weeks early.

And did I mention that some of the Brown Trout are already “pre-staging” for lack of a better word?  More on that in my next blog…

(Contrary to popular belief, those things don’t necessarily mean a more severe winter, but typically do mean cooler weather coming sooner…  Yes, my Gramma said so…)

Another thing…  the Sycamore leaves (which don’t normally turn pretty colors anyway) are already falling off the trees in significant numbers…  Some think it’s just because they were stressed due to the unusual high temperatures this summer…  maybe…  maybe not.

Another reason – the cool spell we’ve just had.  We all know the cool weather brings on the fall color change.  If we don’t get too much more hot weather, the leaves will definitely change more quickly.

Goin’ a little further…  a long-range (2-month) forecast for the entire “Deep South” region from my favorite source!  Yep…  the Farmer’s Almanac…  says Sunny, Cooler weather than normal for this time…

Oh, yeah…  and Dale thinks so, too…  I really didn’t need any other reason, now did I?

At any rate; if you are planning your Fall Outing this year, give us a call on the toll-free, 866-435-6535, and let us help you plan your trip!

We hope to see you this FALL!

Your White River Trout Diva
His Place Resort
866-435-6535 (toll free)
mailto:julie@hisplaceresort.net
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The Diva Makes a Prediction About River Flows…

Posted on September 11, 2011 by TroutDiva

Yes…

I’m going to make a prediction about the water levels here on the White River…

I typically don’t like to make predictions more than a few days out, but this seems like pretty much as easy a prediction as I’ll ever have the opportunity to make…  so, here goes!

Lake’s about 662 ft above sea level today…  Target is 654.  The lake’s been dropping about 8 inches or more per day.  Lakes above have hit pool.

I’m thinking 2 weeks or less to hit target.

So, when the target is reached; we’ll be in pretty mild weather…  Probably not a huge demand for power.  And once target level is reached, SWPA takes over…  and they don’t run water “jus’ cuz”; they run it to make money…  so they’ll sit on it…

So, sometime around 9/20 to 9/25, I expect to see drastically reduced flows…

Therefore; if you’re a higher water fan like me and you’re planning a visit, come now!  If you’ve been waiting for some lower water, I think your wait is about up!

Either way, I’ll be here waitin’…  :-)

Your White River Trout Diva

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Fishing Report — 9-11-2011

Posted on September 11, 2011 by TroutDiva

Hello, everyone!

Just wanted to give you a little update on the fishing conditions here on the White River…

The fishing has been good and consistent, with an average of 7 generators max.  It’s been pretty much the same flow pattern over the last couple of weeks.

Drift fishing with river rigs weighted with 1/4 oz. Sinkers has been the ticket; #4 Aberdeen hooks will take care of most everything you want to put out there to ‘em…

And what to put on the hook???  Well, it’s something that resembles absolutely nothing in nature, actually…  Berkley Mice Tails…  If you haven’t seen them; No…  they don’t look like mice tails…  not to me, anyway…  :-)

But, what they look like to the Trout Diva doesn’t really matter, now does it?

They are simply a scented plastic worm with a Powerbait ball attached to one end; in a different color from the worm.  Doesn’t sound like much, does it?  Well, doesn’t look like much, either…  but they WORK!

White head / bubblegum body and vice-versa are working equally well for the spin/bait crowd…

For the flyfishers, San Juan worms in blood red and hot pink, weighted heavy and drifted deep under an indicator seemed to work the best.

And for Lure chuckin’?  Get those Size 9 Countdowns and Size 10 Extreme Action Slashbaits out of your tackle boxes and throw ‘em TIGHT to the bank…  did I mention TIGHT to the bank???

That’s all for now…

See you on the River!

Your White River Trout Diva

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