There was a dense fog surrounding the ramp area and river in both directions.  It looked like a scene out of a movie.  Tension was thick and the foggy conditions only made it spookier, yet exciting as we launched the boat.  The pre-trip conversation of large trout only fueled my anticipation.  After arriving, my fishing partner for the day, Dr. Mark Powell did a quick check on the number of generators that were releasing water for safe boating and fishing conditions.  As I was soon to find out, generation plays a key part in trout fishing below a dam.

After launching the boat, we headed up stream towards the dam to the catch and release area.  Earlier Dr. Powell had explained to me that this area would be extremely productive and have the largest trout.  As soon as the boat came to a halt both of us went to casting our lures.  We were within sight of the massive Bull Shoals Dam on the white river chain of lakes in Arkansas which was running two generators.  Earlier Dr. Powell had explained to me that if they were running two generators, the fishing condition would be excellent; however, if they were running six it would be hard to fish and safety would be an issue.   I was casting a small 32-ounce jig and working it back to the boat with a technique bass anglers commonly use called “stroking a jig”.  The key to fishing the jig was to keep it off the bottom.  Dr. Powell, an accomplished angler and expert with a fly rod was working the tail waters with a fly.  Within seconds of his first cast, he set the hook on a beautiful, rainbow trout.  The rainbow surged and made a flying leap out of the water then submerged under the crystal clear water, battling until I slipped the net under and landed him.  After a quick photo, the rainbow was returned back into the flowing stream.  It was exciting to see how a skilled angler plays and lands a fish.  The fog surrounded us all day, as we caught and released numerous rainbows on both flies and ultra light jigs.  Being new to trout fishing, the whole experience of fishing below Bull Shoals dam was exciting.  For an angler, few things in life can compare the feeling of catching and releasing a fish.

Fishing Techniques
Fly fishing: Light weight fly rod and reels is commonly used when trout fishing below Bull Shoals Dam.  One effective technique is using a river nymph rig.  The key to catching trout when fly fishing is not letting the line drag and having the correct drift.  Popular flies include giant sow bugs and scuds in tan or olive.  
Spinning Gear:  Ultra-light spinning gear rigged with four or six pound fishing line is commonly used with both prepared bait and artificial lures.  Popular lures include 32-ounce micro jigs in Olive, Olive and Black, and Black,
Catch and release area: Regulations require all hook barbs to be crimped completely down and smooth when fishing in this area.  If done correctly, the crimped barb will not snag when passed through clothing. 

Overview
Anglers trout fishing below Bull Shoals Dam have the option of fishing the “catch and release” or areas where anglers can keep the trout they catch according to length limits and regulations.  Anglers should read the Arkansas Trout Fishing Guidebook and know the regulations before going fishing.  The area has a number of resorts and guides available for anglers to stay and fish with.  Anglers are required to have a valid Arkansas trout stamp and fishing license when fishing below the Bull Shoals Dam.