Arkansas’s White River Trout Fishing – 5 Star Lodge

The White River, below Bull Shoals Dam, is one of the premier tailwater trout fisheries in the country. Some of the biggest brown trout have come from this river. Featuring both browns and rainbows, the river can be fished 365 days a year. Whether you prefer to fly fish or spin fish, the guides will ensure that you have a memorable experience.

The lodging is 5-star. Located on a bluff overlooking the river, the log lodge features five guest suites, each with a private full bath and jacuzzi tub. Each suite has its own entrance from the outside and features vaulted ceilings, individual climate control, and a fireplace. The main lodge is where meals are served and it features a living room with satellite TV and a large deck with great views of the river.

The big browns are seen and caught regularly enough to make the White River one of the country’s most prolific trout fisheries in the country. You can fish 365 days a year, as there are no closed seasons and no blown-out rivers. As a tailwater, the White River is truly a trout fisherman’s dream with different types of water, from long deep pools to shallow and food-rich riffles. The White lends itself to nymph fishing all year long due to a year-round midge population, as well as millions of sowbugs and scuds. Throwing streamers is also effective as the White has a huge sculpin population as well as numerous species of minnows and crawfish.

From March through October, there are enough caddis and mayfly hatches to keep the dry fly purists very busy. We would be remiss if we also did not mention that August and September have tremendous hopper fishing. The fishery starts below Bull Shoals Dam and continues 100 miles or so downstream. The North Fork River injects freshly cooled and oxygenated water into the White about 35 or 40 miles downstream, enabling trout to survive well below these great dams. The North Fork is a short, but fertile four-mile river that is a wonderful fishery as well. The waters stay at a constant 52° almost year-round due to river flows out of the power-generating dams.

The guides are familiar with the whole trout fishery, but they usually fish the first 65 miles or so, including the North Fork River. All of the guides are experts in every aspect of fishing and customer service. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, the White will not disappoint. From the time you arrive at the lodge, until the time you leave, everything is taken care of. All of your meals, snacks, soft drinks, and mixers are provided. Each day you will enjoy a hearty, hot, country-style full breakfast. Your guides will either pick you up at the lodge doorstep or you will make a short 10-minute ride to the launch area if you are spin fishing. Your guides will have all your equipment, flies, and fly rods included. However, feel free to bring your own gear if you prefer. Spinning gear is also provided for spin fishermen. Your guide will provide a nice lunch and beverages on the river. Shore lunches are available with advance notice. Evenings are spent in the lodge with appetizers, snacks, and a wonderful dinner prepared by your hosts or an independent chef. Give us a call to experience some of the finest trout fishing east of the Rockies!