The lake level is 564.24 and has dropped 2-3/4 inches in the last 24-hours with much less generation. They quit for several hours, run one for several hours and both for about 1/2 the time. The White River at Newport is 13.60 and dropping rapidly. I hope they are not going to regulate to Newport to 12-feet. I would like the lake to drop another 5-feet for not only brushpile fishing but parking and lake accessibility. Anything over 560 is still too high. The surface water temperature remains at 89-90 degrees and the water is clearing a bit from the holiday but not a lot. There is not a lot of boat traffic out there. I would like the level to get down about another 5-feet for brushpile fishing and lake accessibility. They are still predicting the lake will be at power pool, which is 555.75, by August 20th. The thermocline should be at about 30-feet by then. I am expecting an algae bloom earlier than normal this year with the heat. Catfishing is slowing with the water level drop and the full moon tomorrow and has been a little disappointing lately after one of the best flathead bites ever earlier this spring and early summer. Striper and hybrid fishing is still good early morning as they are on shad and have not moved deep yet searching for the oxygen bubble. They go dormanrt when this happen and do not feed much. The shad are in anywhere from 30-50 ft. deep early morning and then go deeper after sunrise. They can be in about any depth of water but are staying at about that far down. Spoons are the best lures at this time. Some crappie and big bluegill are still on shallower brush in 25-35 ft. of water with many more under docks in the shade. The bigger walleye are with the stripers and some others are still at the thermocline at 23-feet near the bottom in the mud line. Ambient highs are to be at 95 for the next week with not much chance of rain and boaters and swimmers are having a good time. It is dry and dusty but you can swim in the lake or in our big pool to beat the heat. The lake is in excellent condition. If you are in the area come on down to Blackburns and check us out before you leave. We have the best prices on both cabins and boat rentals and have been voted the most improved resort in the area and the best value in the Ozarks. We will not charge you too much and a free boat stall comes with your cabin except for one night stays.
