The lake level is 553.36 and rising with no generation. The White river at Newport has dropped to 17 feet and it could be 21-ft. with current rules. They need to drop Norfork, not because it is too high, but in order to have enough surge capacity to handle the spring rains. We are dry here again. It was very warm yesterday and approached 80 degrees and the main lake surface temperature is in the low 50's with the creeks being warmer. Normal ambient highs are 61. I am finally writing this report because the spring temperate bass fishing has begun. Stripers, hybrids and big white bass are all biting on the spoon in 15-30 foot of water on shad. The Bink's spoon is the preferred lure vertically jigging it. Fishing has gone from fair to good in just a few days. Some are trolling live bait also. Blackburns has some umbrella fishermen coming in tomorrow and we will see how they do. Bink reports catching all he wants now far back in the creeks in the warmer water. Some giant largemouth are with the red meat fish. The slug of brown water caused by the heavy rains a few weeks ago is settling out and the lake is in excellent condition. The top water bite at sunrise and the night bite for stripers on the bank on a stick bait are right around the corner. We just need some warm nights. This is an exciting part of the year. It is good to get through early March and the rollercoaster weather. Early March fishing is the worst for me all year and I am glad it is over. Blackburns is opening more cabins everyday and have a one bedroom cabin for $53/day with a free boat stall. Best price around. The 4-bedroom is good for a large group and is only $130/day and has two baths.