Fishing

Fishing the White River

Fisherman displaying a recently landed brown trout as he stands in the White River in Arkansas in a close up on his hands
Rainbow Trout

What to Expect – and How to Fish It Well

Fishing the White River is unlike any lake, pond, or ocean trip you’ve taken.

Cold, clear water flows from Bull Shoals Dam, winding through forested bluffs and gentle Ozark hills. Wildlife is abundant. The trout are strong. And the experience feels both down-to-earth and unforgettable.

The best part?
You don’t have to be an expert to catch fish here.

Whether you prefer spin fishing, bait fishing, fly fishing, or simply spending a peaceful morning on the bank, the White River offers opportunities for every experience level.

Ways to Fish

Guided Fishing

The most reliable way to maximize your time & success.

  • Fly or spin/bait fishing

  • All skill levels welcome

  • Ideal for first-time river anglers

Boat Fishing

Bank Fishing

  • 400 feet of accessible riverfrontage on our property

  • Great option for families and young anglers

Wade Fishing

  • Only possible during minimum flow

  • Always check water conditions before entering

Boat & guide rates

Water Levels

The White River is controlled by Bull Shoals Dam, located seven miles upstream.

Water levels can rise or fall quickly – sometimes several feet within an hour – depending on power generation and flood control needs.

Before fishing, always check current generation schedules and remain alert.

Here’s what different flow levels mean:

Bull Shoal Dam Spillway releases looking downstream

Minimum Flow (No Generators Running)

  • Best for wading and bank fishing

  • Boats can anchor

  • Boat travel is limited downstream

  • Lighter tackle works well

1–3 Generators Running

  • Water rises 1–4 feet
  • Wading limited to shallow bank areas
  • Drift fishing is more effective than anchoring
  • No anchors allowed in resort boats

4–8 Generators Running

  • Water rises 4–10 feet
  • Wading is unsafe
  • Swift current requires caution
  • Drift fishing is best
  • Boats can travel from Bull Shoals Dam to Cotter
  • When water is moving fast, treat the river with respect.

Catch & Release Areas

There are two catch-and-release sections near us:

Below Bull Shoals Dam (6 miles upriver)

Rim Shoals (17 miles downriver)

In these areas:

Barbless artificial lures and flies only

No bait fishing

All fish must be released

The Bull Shoals catch-and-release closes November 1 – January 31 during brown trout spawning.

Trophy Trout Pin

Trophy Catch Recognition

Release a:

  • Brown or Cutthroat over 24 inches

  • Rainbow or Brook Trout over 18 inches

And we’ll award you a special catch-and-release recognition pin from the White & North Fork Rivers Outfitters Association.

Arkansas Fishing Permit

Licenses & Permits

Arkansas requires:

  • A valid fishing license (age 16+)

  • A trout permit

Licenses can be purchased:

  • At the resort

  • At local businesses

  • Through the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

Close up of fishing lure tackle

Gear Recommendations

Spin & Bait Fishing

  • 6–7 ft light or medium-light spinning rod

  • Spinning reel

  • 4–6 lb monofilament line (clear or ultra-green)

Fresh line matters – old line becomes brittle and breaks easily. We sell rods and reels in our bait shop and are happy to show beginners how to cast.

Productive baits include:

  • Live worms

  • Plastic trout worms

  • PowerBait eggs

  • Minnows

  • Shrimp

  • Corn

  • Shad & sculpin

The popular river rig setup keeps bait floating naturally in the current. We carry pre-tied rigs in the bait shop.

Lure Recs by Water Level

Minimum Flow

  • 1/16 – 1/6 oz spoons, spinners, jigs

  • Floating minnow imitations

1–3 Generators

  • 1/6 – 1/4 oz spoons, spinners, jigs

  • Floating or sinking minnow lures

4–8 Generators

  • 1/4 – 3/8 oz spoons, spinners, jigs

  • Sinking minnow lures

  • Large floating minnows early morning or late evening

Color tip:

  • Gold/red in bright sun

  • Silver/nickel on cloudy days or foggy mornings

Fly Fishing

  • 4–6 weight rod

  • Approximately 7 feet recommended

For current hatch information and fly patterns, stop by the bait shop or speak with a guide.

White River at Low Flow

Ready to fish?

The White River rewards preparation, but it also rewards simple effort.

Whether you’re drifting with a guide, casting from the bank, or introducing a child to their first trout, we’re here to help you make it memorable.

Call us to plan your fishing trip, or stop by the bait shop when you arrive, and we’ll get you set up.