Although the White River originates in northwest Arkansas, it is most famed for its world class trout fly fishing of the tailwaters below Bull Shoals Dam. The White River has long been considered as a first-class float stream among fly fishermen. Before the dam was built in the 1950's it was a popular smallmouth bass stream featured in many magazines and newspapers of the time. After the dam was completed, the water in the river below had an average temperature in the lower 50's. The cold water combined with the massive food base, the White River creates an exceptional environment for most species of trout. Rainbow, German brown, cutthroat and brook trout all flourish in the river. The river is home to many line class world records. The unbelievable amount of trout in the river is mind-boggling. With every cast you could hook up with the next world record. There are many public access areas provided by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission up and down the river where you can launch your boat or wade fish.
Please visit the White River and fish it for yourself. The White River offers more opportunities, other than the most productive trout fly fishing steam in North America. Further downstream at the confluence of the Buffalo River, where the water begins to warm, you will find other species of fish such as smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed perch, bluegill, rock bass and catfish. The banks of the White River abundant with many species of wildlife such as muskrat, mink, squirrels, beaver, deer and turkey. The White River offers some of the best bird watching in the mid-west such as bald eagles, blue heron, king fishers, osprey and green heron can be seen on every outing.
There are many continuing federal and state conservation projects on the White River to provide for its beauty and productivity for many generations to come including trophy catch-and-release areas, minimum flow and bank restoration projects. Sponsored in part by local fly fishing clubs, North Arkansas Fly Fishers and Mid South Fly Fishers. You hear and read of many western and eastern trout streams that claim to be number one or the best. You owe it to yourself to cast your fly upon the White River and then decide for yourself.
