Arkansas is home to several trout fishing streams and rivers, but none matches the national recognition of the White River. Forbes magazine named Mountain Home, Arkansas, one of the top outdoors recreation cities in America because of its proximity to the White. Field & Stream placed the White River in its top five list of tailwater fishing spots as a result of the water's outstanding trout fishing.
Facts
The White River is 720 miles long, and about 90 miles of that is ideal trout habitat. Cold water released from dams upstream produce an environment hospitable to trout. Bull Shoals dam is most responsible for creating these conditions and the fishing is best from its tailwaters to Guion, Arkansas. After that, the water starts to become too warm for trout, but other species of fish continue to thrive. The North Fork (of the White) River is a smaller, 6-mile long stretch of water that also produces great trout fishing from the dam at Norfork Lake to the stream's convergence with the White River.
Trout Species
Rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout have all been introduced into the White River. Brown trout are the most difficult to catch but can also be the largest species. Browns in the 5- to 10-pound range are common and some will reach 30 pounds or more. Brown trout in the 11- to 20-pound range are considered excellent catches.
Rainbow are the most prevalent trout species in the White River and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks them at a rate of nearly 1.5 million catchable-sized fish each year. About 90 percent of these stocked trout are caught annually. Most rainbows are caught in the 2- to 6-pound range and a few reach up to 10 pounds.
Cutthroat and brook trout are less likely to be caught since they are not stocked as heavily as rainbow, nor have these species spawned as readily as brown trout.
Catching Trout
Fly fishing, anchoring in midriver and wading when the White River level is low are all successful angling methods, but float fishing is what this river is most famous for. That usually entails a 12- to 16-foot Jon boat, comfortable seating and drifting along with the current, letting a lure or bait trail behind until a willing trouts grabs it.
Guides, Docks and Scenery
More access points, trout guides, boat rentals and even resorts catering to trout anglers exist along the White River than can be adequately covered in this article. The river is flanked by open meadows, tree-covered hills, wild flowers and tall bluffs that add to the ambiance of fishing one of the nation's premiere trout streams.
Considerations
Dams were built along the White River to generate electricity. Consequently, when producing, water levels can rise dramatically. A clear, slow moving stream can become a swift, strained river in a matter of hours when power generators are pressed into action. Boaters and waders need to be aware of river levels and know whether the water is rising or falling.
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