Fishing Season: January 1 - December 31

White River - AR

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

52

John Gulley's Tip of the Week

Caddis pupa, beadhead caddis tan# 14, San Juan worms, Red and Brown. Scuds also called Z Backs are working great right now. Caddis puppa, tan #14. Black hopper's and RubyPupa#18. Be aware of restrictions local and state due to Coronavirus.

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Map of White River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 10/17/24

Always call ahead for water generation. Be aware of sudden rising waters. Minimum flow on the White can make wading difficult in some areas, a wading staff helps. Water Generation Predictions call 866-494-1993 Current Water Generation call 870 499 7517 Weather for the week looks like rain with breaks of Sun, Temps mid 50's to low 60's. Yellow Sulphers starting, midges, wd 40

Techniques & Tips as of 10/17/24

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: 1 generator: Use an 8 wt rod. 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 (san juan worm or egg patter) 14" below split shot. Fish 90 degrees to side of boat, 30' out and drift. Fish whole river bank to bank. On 2 generators use 12' of tippet and put heavier split shot at 10' below strike indicator.

Local Species Available January 1 - December 31

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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):
CDC Emerging Caddis green 18-22
Bead Body Scud grey 18-22
Woolly Bugger olive 8-12
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Wet tan 12

CDC Emerging Caddis

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Item #0389

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John Gulley's Recommended Gear

Description: About White River

The White River is a tailwater stream below a hydro electric dam. The dam has eight generators, and each generator is about a one foot rise when turned on. About 100 miles of trout fishing water. Numerous access points from the dam to Mountain View, Arkansas. Several catch and release areas. Rainbows, browns, brooks, and cutthroat trout are the common targets you'll fly fish for on the White River.

Nearest Airport:

Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) or Little Rock

Hatches:

Low water: midges High Water:no fishable hatches, BUT possible shad kill from January thru March due to shad spilling thru generators

Best Time to Fish:

Mornings

Best Stretch:

Dam to Wildcat Shoals; Rim Shoals

Best Access:

Dam, State Park and Wildcat Shoals public access