FLY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE WHITE RIVER

The following information on fly patterns, etc. is based on information from Dale Fulton in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Northern Arkansas waters deserve their reputation for large, healthy trout. Mild winters coupled with clean, cold water create a year-round growing season for trout in northern Arkansas streams. According to the Game & Fish Commission, trout caught and released back into Arkansas waters can grow from 1/2 to 3/4 inch every month. The two most famous rivers in our region, the White River, and the Norfork River are tail waters issuing from large hydroelectric dams. The tailwater effect provides stable cold water temperatures and excellent trout habitat but poses a danger to fishermen. Tailwater stream levels fluctuate as the dams release water during the hydroelectric turbine operation. Changing water levels can easily threaten unsuspecting wading fishermen.