First Time At The White

[Jeremy Hunt]

From someone who grew up fishing Taney and now fishing Arkansas everyday, I think they both have different things to offer. It really depends on the month and what kind of fishing you like to do. The dry fly fishing is totally nuts down here during certain times of the year. Hooking bigger browns on a regulr basis happens alot more, except for Oct. & Nov. at Taney. You can't beat Taneycomo during the brown runs, but the White has one as well which is later in the year, Dec. & Jan. Those are the times to hit this one. I can't knock either river because of the stocking program, tons of fish. The only thing I don't like about Taney is there's not enough water to go around. Sometimes at night, but that's becoming crowded as well. Nobody take this the wrong way, but the White has made me a better fly fisherman hands down. I can't wait to come back up there and spend some time applying what I've learned down here which is streamer fishing. I bet is works there just as good.

[Fly_Guy]

I'm sold - bring on lower generation and wading

[Greg]

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!!

Terry we generally go straight down 65 and then cut over on 62 just past Harrison. Not a bad drive but much further than the 45 or 50 minutes to Taney (for us).

I do know there is a shorter way to that general area (Mountain Home) but the time we drove that way we didn't like it. Very hilly and curvy and lots of 2 lane. I think it actually ended up being a little longer in travel time for us.

If you know a better way I'm all ears.

Greg

[shawncat]

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.

You may want to look for the free fishing days in June.May save ya a buck or two on a short trip.

[Yakfly]

I've never fished the white river - and not having a boat, don't think now would be the ideal time for me - however.

I think it would be best to go now or soon. With the White right at flood stage down in the Delta, there holding BSD and Norfork dam releases back. Looks about a constant 1-2 units over the past week, trying to allow the flooding to receed, and letting the lakes fill up into flood pool.

0-2 units on the White is perfect wade water, just pick your spots of course.

I would bet if you wait until June, BSD and NFD will be running all that water out, wading opportunities will be limited.

[grizwilson]

From Republic I go 60 to Mansfield to 5, a little longer in miles but a lot easier pulling my camper with boat behind, fewer curves, also depends on where you are going, BSD, Rim Shoals, Norfork, Buffalo City. The White has many more miles of river than Taney. The "river taxi at Rim is an inexpensive option to get you to good wading safely. Gary is on top of it, but a trip with Mr. Hunt or Mr. Berry would get you started on the right path.

http://www.rimshoals.com/

Wednesday - May 6- 8:00 am

Bull Shoals has 2 units on with water low enough to wade at Rim Shoals. Several reports of 18-22" browns & rainbows being caught. Streamers on sink tip lines seem to be the trick to hooking the lunkers. Our boat renters that are spin fishing are catching & releasing BIG fish throwing stick baits. Should have some pictures for proof today.

According to Gary, the water should remain consistent due to the water gage at Newport.

Norfork is currently shut down.

[Terry Beeson]

I go the 65 to 62 route myself. I've taken the 60 to 5 route once and even did the 76 to 5 route one time. That one is not recommended by me... I'm just wondering if the 60 to 5 is a better choice. If my wife is with me, she "prefers" going to Harrison and over... Says 5 is too hilly/curvy...