Questions!

[Nick Williams]

Hey everyone,

I'll be headed to the White River system in a week and a half, below Bull Shoals I believe. But I have some questions....

Every time I see anything about the White River it seems that it's about having a boat to fish it, such as Jon boat, canoe, drift boat, ect. So is there really not that much wadeable water to fish for someone without a boat? Granted I understand flows and everything, but I still wanted to check. I haven't been there before so this is a new one.

Secondly, what's supposed to be the hot flies for that area right now? I've seen some reports and have tied up scuds and soft hackles, but just wanted to check here. I will be running by some fly shops while there also.

Any other advice I might need?

Thanks in advance for any answers!

[Guest]

deleted

[Nick Williams]

I have seen a lot about midges, but what does that actually mean? Like Zebra midges? Or is there another pattern I should look up? I have a ton of Zebra's already tied up from my home water fishing, so that's not a big deal.

[OKFlyFisher44]

Right now, zebra midges r really good on the white. Keep a variety of colors for different water levels/temps.

Everything u fish on the Lower Illinois will work down there. Definitely have a variety of soft hackles to swing in the riffle water around the shoals. Do the same thing with buggers too.

Later afternoon and evening, throw some hoppers or ants for a change of pace. The terrestrial bite might be hit or miss but it's fun when it's on.

There is tons of wadeable water when they aren't generating and even at 1 unit, u can still find water around Wildcat and Rim Shoals.

Don't forget about the Norfork tailwater just down the road. It might be an option if they r generating on the White. Only 2 access points but great fishing over there!

[DaddyO]

I agree with what Chance said. Also, If you get a chance, take the streamer rod and try some night fishing. The last time we stayed at Gaston's, we fished the run on the opposite bank across from the dock at bull shoals park. Caught a few nice browns and some hefty rainbows on black hibernators.

I'm headed to Branson on the 20th and I plan to fish Taney, White and Norfork if possible. Definitely gonna do some night fishing on Taney. I can't wait.

[OKFlyFisher44]

Phil, I might be up at Taney on the 22-23...I'm needing a night fishing fix.

[Blazerman]

The water generation can be a problem if you're wanting to wade. If you are unlucky and they are running water when you're there you can always rent a boat at Bull Shoals state park marina , which is right below the dam. Or Gaston's and other resorts have them as well. They have half day and full day rentals depending on your needs.

[Nick Williams]

Right now, zebra midges r really good on the white. Keep a variety of colors for different water levels/temps.

Everything u fish on the Lower Illinois will work down there. Definitely have a variety of soft hackles to swing in the riffle water around the shoals. Do the same thing with buggers too.

Later afternoon and evening, throw some hoppers or ants for a change of pace. The terrestrial bite might be hit or miss but it's fun when it's on.

There is tons of wadeable water when they aren't generating and even at 1 unit, u can still find water around Wildcat and Rim Shoals.

Don't forget about the Norfork tailwater just down the road. It might be an option if they r generating on the White. Only 2 access points but great fishing over there!

How do water lever and temp affect the midge color? I have heard that before, but haven't heard what changes when and such. For instance I've heard that warmer temps means more olives and reds will work while winter time more black color will work, is that right? I was on Taney awhile back while the fish were midging, but they wouldn't take anything but a size 20 black zebra midge. But a size 18 red was the only thing that worked for a friend 50 yards down river. Weird stuff.

I have quite a few soft hackles ready to go, as well as the buggers and terrestrials.

I've never been to the White or Norfork before so I have no idea what to expect. Are the two rivers really that close to each other?

[Nick Williams]

I agree with what Chance said. Also, If you get a chance, take the streamer rod and try some night fishing. The last time we stayed at Gaston's, we fished the run on the opposite bank across from the dock at bull shoals park. Caught a few nice browns and some hefty rainbows on black hibernators.

I'm headed to Branson on the 20th and I plan to fish Taney, White and Norfork if possible. Definitely gonna do some night fishing on Taney. I can't wait.

I am getting to stay at Gaston's, for free as well so it'll be a good weekend! I will definitely take the streamer rod! Did you take a head lamp or anything out with you?? I've only done night fishing once and I used a headlamp but it was also for some smallmouth stripping some crawdad patterns, so it may not be as similar as I hope!

Have fun at Branson!

[OKFlyFisher44]

The rivers r very close to each other. It will be a little further drive for u since u r staying at Gastons but it's worth it if they r generating on the White. Heck it's worth it anyway, go over there 1 afternoon or morning if u r able. U also have a better shot at catching a cutthroat or a brookie over on the Norfork.

Take the headlamp, just don't use it unless u absolutely have to. If it has the red or green lens, use it. Throw big stuff. The browns should be starting to move around for the prespawn run.