Fishing Season: Year Round (Prime: Mid October - February)

Norfork (North Fork of the White River) - AR

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

58

John Gulley's Tip of the Week

Warm next week Caddis pupa, beadhead caddis tan# 14, San Juan worms, Red and Brown. Scuds are working really well right now, also called Z Backs.Caddis Larvae Hoopers#6 #8. in Black. Be aware of State and local restrictions due to the Coronavirus!

Directions open in app

Map of Norfork (North Fork of the White River)

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 9/19/24

Water generation varies, always call ahead and find a marker on the shoreline so you can observe rising water. Water Generation Predictions call 866-494-1993 Current Water Generation call 870-431-53 50's at night and 70's day For the week it looks like chance of rain throughout the week with Sunny breaks. Just getting through a cold weather period. The flies and streamers you will need are Olive Wooly Buggers, eggs, San Juan Worms and copper Johns. Fishing will be excellent for the coming week! Mid 30's to mid 40's and chance of showers.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/19/24

Low water: 9' 6X leader, 4' 6X or 7X tippet below strike indicator. Tie on midge pattern, place a #7 split shot above fly. High stick and set the hook if the indicator hesitates or goes down. High water: Use6 to 8 wt rod: 1 generator: Tie 10' of 4X tippet to fly line loop. Place strike indicator 2" below loop. Place 3/0 split shot 8' below indicator. Tie fly (below split shot. Fish 90 degrees to side of boat, 30' out and drift. Fish whole river bank to bank.Tan addis puppa,314, Ruby midge, #18. On 2 generators use 12' of tippet and put heavier split shot at 10' below strike indicator.

Local Species Available Year Round (Prime: Mid October - February)

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    Brown trout

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    rainbow trout

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    cutthroat trout

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    brook trout

John Gulley's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Ian's Crunchy Caddis green 16
Rouse's J-Dub Sow Bug grey 18-22
Bead Head Caddis Pupa crystal,black 18-22
High water-San Juan Worm red,brown 12
High water-eggs lt roe 10

Ian's Crunchy Caddis

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Item #93RE

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John Gulley's Recommended Gear

Description: About Norfork (North Fork of the White River)

The Norfork, or North Fork of the White River, is a tailwater stream below a hydro electric dam. The damn has two generators, and each generator is about a three foot rise when they run. The Norfork is 4.8 miles long with three public access points. On low water, it is very wadable and on high water a boat is required. Rainbows, browns, brooks, and cutthroat trout are the fish you'll find on the Norfork.

Nearest Airport:

Little Rock, AR or Springfield MO

Hatches:

midges, for low water and eggs and San Juan worms high water.

Best Time to Fish:

mid-morning to mid-afternoon on low water,all day on high

Best Stretch:

Dam to Ackerman Handicapped Access

Best Access:

Ackerman and wade upriver to fish shoals