Fly_Guy Posted May 4, 2009 Posted May 4, 2009 I've never fished the white river - and not having a boat, don't think now would be the ideal time for me - however. If there comes a time when generation is down, is it worth a trip, or is it basically Taneycomo part 2? I'm always willing to try some place new. How does the quality of fish, quantity, and fishing pressure compare to Taney?
Randall Posted May 4, 2009 Posted May 4, 2009 I don't know how fair that question is. The White right below the dam is pretty comparable to taney in the type of water and structure you'll find with the exception of the outlets. Once you start going downstream it transitions into a river with weedbeds, log jams, and other structure rather than a lake. Below the dam in the park, its pretty similar to Taney but there is a lot more area to fish and the angler density seems a bit lighter. There are plenty of places downstream to wade like roundhouse, rim, and wildcat shoals to name a few. I've found the fishing to be a bit better there too. I seem to catch more and larger fish when I go, plus the chance at catching a brook or cutt is nice too. I would suggest for your first trip to get ahold of Jeremy Hunt. I give him a call every time I go down and we always have a blast. Here are some pics from my last 2 trips: Sorry about the quality of the first three, had to use the camera on my phone because we forgot the memory stick for the camera. Cute animals taste better.
Terry Beeson Posted May 4, 2009 Posted May 4, 2009 The Bull Shoals tailwaters are definately NOT Taney II... I would not compare the section below the dam with TRD tailwaters either. Yes, you will find some similarities, but so you will with ANY water just below a dam. However, at BSD you will not find the elbow to elbow fishng and the whole area is a mixture of water types. From the dam to the confluence with the Norfork tailwaters, you will find a plethora of different waters. You have to take a lot of time to discover all of the areas, but the favorites are Wildcat Shoals, Rim Shoals, Cotter, and others. No doubt you will find water that suits your fancy and you will have to come back down for more and more... TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
Fly_Guy Posted May 4, 2009 Author Posted May 4, 2009 I'm intrigued - especially with the prospect of catching a brookie or a cutthroat. /havent ever caught a brookie, and have only caught coastal cutthroats during a trip to Oregon. Wish I lived closer... - it's not the worlds worst drive from Ozark, but it is a bit... Would you recommend a standard set of flies? I usually bring scuds and brassies, as well as san juans, and tiny (only ever size 20 or higher) dries. (uaually Adams, Griffith Gnats, and Ants) to Taney. I imagine a similar situation for White.
Terry Beeson Posted May 4, 2009 Posted May 4, 2009 Two words.... Soft Hackle... Your fly box is fine, but I would sure tie up a few soft hackles as well. Also, I do well with streamers on certain parts. This time of year, you'll want to include some midges and emerger patters just in case. Stop buy Mountain River Fly Shop in Cotter or Blue Ribbon Fly in Mt Home, or Wishes and Fishes in Bull Shoals to get the fo'-one-one on what is working best when you're down there. TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
Fly_Guy Posted May 4, 2009 Author Posted May 4, 2009 Thanks Terry - I'll have to tie some soft hackles - don't often fish with them except occationally at Roaring River for variety. It'll probably be a while before I can get down to White river however - I imagine the water has been up a lot with all this rain, and I would prefer to fish when it's down (not having a boat). This summer I'll get up at 2 or 3 am and drive down and spend a day one of these days, when the generation is down. I love Taneycomo, but I could do with a little variety - change up the routine.
Members Woodchuck Posted May 5, 2009 Members Posted May 5, 2009 How far is it to go there from Nixa? Is there anything else in the area or just a fishing destination?
Greg Posted May 5, 2009 Posted May 5, 2009 Fly Guy I'm a long, long time Taney fisherman. Love Taneycomo but the White is definitely worth a trip. There's just so much more fishing water. And Rim Shoals is one of the most beautiful areas I've ever fished. My standard Taneycomo patterns have always worked well. I would add black and olive #10 wooly buggers or mohair leeches to your list though. Consider the Norfork too. It's in the same general area and I like it as much as the White. Woodchuck I live just north of Nixa and the White is a little over 2 hours (1 way) for me. A little over twice as far as Taney. Not a whole lot else to do there. Mountain Home is a decent little town with some fair restaurants and hotels. Not much else though. Certainly not like Branson (which is both good and bad). Greg "My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it" - Koos Brandt Greg Mitchell
Terry Beeson Posted May 5, 2009 Posted May 5, 2009 Greg... Which route do you take to get to the White? Yeah, Mountain Home is definately not Branson... But then they DO have a WalMart... AND a Lowe's and Home Depot!!! Lots of good fishing spots up and down the tailwaters for sure. And you're right, Greg... The Norfork is a must!! TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
bobw Posted May 5, 2009 Posted May 5, 2009 From Spokane to Rim is right at 100 miles. About 2 hours. But it's a good drive. 62 from south of Harrison to Gassville is good road. You go right past the Mountain River Fly Shop on the way. I love fishing the White. So much diffrent than Taney. Also, Arkansas free fishing weekend is June 12,13 and 14. I have a camp site reserved below Bull Shoals Dam that weekend. They may be running water, who knows, but if they do on the White, Northfork will be shut off most of the day Saturday for the kids fishing tournament. It's not far to drive over there and fish either. Good luck, hope you geet to expirence fishing on the White River, it will make an impression on you.
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