Texas Fishing Forum

Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas

Posted By: ArlingtonTroy

Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/19/13 09:03 PM

My three brothers and I will be at the white river Thursday through Sunday of next week and I am looking for a bit of advice. I have read all the Ozark fishing forums and guide reports/blogs, but with so much information(and/or little in some cases) I simply do not know where to start.

We have a guided trip booked for that Friday which I belive will lead us in the right direction for the remainder of the trip.

That being said, we will be there Thursday morning (driving up Wednesday evening) and not have any real idea of where to fish for the day on Thursday. We would like to wade fish, but we are certainly open to suggestions.

For you white river regulars, if you had a group of four guys where would you start? Any specific advice on fishing the white this time of year?

Thanks for any help!
Posted By: Fish Chaser

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/19/13 11:40 PM

If there are no generators running fish at Bull Shoals Park, just below the dam. Also try Rim Shoals. If generators are running on the White go to the Norfolk Dam area.

Here is the best website for those two rivers: http://flyfishingarkansasandmissouri.yuku.com/
Posted By: texasflycaster

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/20/13 02:33 AM

Here's an un-pimped link -- White River Arkansas Part 1 . If you use the google site search, you will find more.
Posted By: ArlingtonTroy

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/20/13 03:59 PM

Thanks for the help guys. What a great read Shannon, certainly gets me pumped up about going next week.

That being said, based on your trip a stop at the Blue Ribbon Fly Shop looks like a must-do. Anything else you would recommend based on your time there?
Posted By: Fish Chaser

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/20/13 05:50 PM

At Blue Ribbon Fly Shop buy a copy of "Home Waters", it gives a wealth of info about the White and Norfolk.
Posted By: Fly Fishing Fanatic!

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/20/13 06:42 PM

My family has fished the White & Norfolk rivers since the early 1900's WAY BEFORE the dams were built! one of my favorite destinations! I really wish I lived closer.....
Posted By: Bowfin47

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/20/13 06:58 PM

If any of you have kids, try to bring them on your trip. Then take 'em to Dry Run Creek, just below the Norfork Dam! It is the best Trout stream in the US, all catch and release, single barbless hooks only, and ya' have to be under 16 to fish it! The only exception is if you're disabled, then there is zone for you to fish... Don't believe it's the best , then Google Dry Run Creek Arkansas and view the images...Its paradise for kids!

Even if you don't bring any kids, plan to go down to the falls and watch the big browns jumping the falls. The path/stairs down to the falls are across from the Norfork National Fish Hatchery, just as you turn into Dam Quarry Campground. (but don't bring your fishing tackle or even think about fishing there if your not under 16 or disabled fishing on the boardwalk or pier.

http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Da...mp;parkId=71122
Posted By: Trout Bum

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/21/13 02:35 AM

I think blue ribbon fly shop has unfortunately closed. frown
Posted By: Fish Chaser

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/21/13 03:04 AM

Originally Posted By: Trout Bum
I think blue ribbon fly shop has unfortunately closed. frown



Russell, you are correct.
Posted By: ArlingtonTroy

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/24/13 10:34 PM

One last question before we head out tomorrow:

Does anyone know if the cell reception any good on the river or around town? Will I still be able to accept calls and check my e-mails?

Thanks for all your help guys.
Posted By: keebranch

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/25/13 01:48 AM

No real reception below Dam at Norfolk, but sporadic at different spots on river
Posted By: Netty2424

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/25/13 02:02 AM

Be aware of the water if you fish below the damn. Fly fished there for the first time(and only time) 15 years ago, and got so wrapped up in what I was doing I didn't realize the water coming up around me. It's the little dips and valleys in the river bed that get you stranded. What you were able to walk through at waist deep becomes chest deep or higher.

That trip was one of the great memories in my life. Enjoy your trip!
Posted By: Riverdog

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/25/13 01:05 PM

Wildcat Shoal...@ Cotter....if you are into night fishing....articulated mice, light brown, cast as far as you can, strip back and hang on when a brown grabs it. Night fishing has been good as of the last couple of weeks.
Posted By: Fish Chaser

Re: Seeking Advice for the White River in Arkansas - 09/25/13 01:15 PM

Cell reception in Mountain Home is good.
© 2024 Texas Fishing Forum