No hope of using a boat--does high water doom a fishing trip?

[Flyfisher for men]

I am thinking of taking a trip to the White in July or August. While I prefer wading and flyfishing, is it possible to fish the bank when the generation makes wading too dangerous? If the fly rod is not feasible, I could certainly be content using spin tackle to fish from shore, if that is possible.

My concern is making an eight hour drive to Arkansas and not being able to fish at all.

The other issue I want to mention is that there's a good chance I'd be fishing alone. I would always have a life vest and wading belt and can swim. However, I'm 350 lbs. and won't set a speed record exiting the water. I'd appreciate anyone's do's and don'ts and even blunt words like "It's too dangerous to wade if you're alone or not in top shape."

[Griff]

It's quite possible to fish from the bank during high water, especially with spinning gear. I'd be very, very cautious if wading.

[RiverRunner]

This may ruffle some feathers, but to be quite honest, I wouldn't make an 8-hour drive here to fish the tailwaters without some kind of boat access if we are in a "high water year". It may be a moot issue come the summer if it stays as dry as it has lately, and generation is reduced like it was last year to the point that you can drive from access to access and stay ahead of the rising water. Hopefully, we will have some lower water at the time that you want to come. If you keep an eye on the lake levels and generation patterns, you should get an idea of what kind of water to expect. I've found that fishing off the bank in high water is tough unless you are there when they dump a load of stockers in. When the water is up, the fish go into a different mode.

Luckily, there are several different tailwaters within a couple of hours drive from Mountain Home, AR (I would recommend Mt. Home as a central location) Bull Shoals, Norfork, Table Rock, Beaver & Greers Ferry that may have wadeable water at one time or another. If all of them are running water, you can fish the spring fed Eleven Point and Spring River or the trout parks further up in Missouri. There is also some good warmwater fishing for smallmouth bass in the area. Its looking like a lower water year right now, but things can change quick around here, hopefully you will have lower water when you can make it here. To me, wading into the the White or Norfork at heavy generation is asking for trouble, the White is not a small river and has claimed many lives over the years. So be careful and have a good time, this board has some great info on all of these rivers, so check in often!

[John Berry]

I agree that wading in high water can be dangerous. I would like to point out that in July and August we normally have lower water. I would think that you could find some wadable water at that time. I would recommend that you use the links on this website to monitor the water levels and generation. As the time for your trip comes you should be able to reasonably predict the water patterns. When in doubt, be conservative and safe. Feel free to give me a call to discuss the conditions.

[Flyfisher for men]

Thanks for the replies. I've never had any thought of wading in high water, only low. I use the life vest mainly to protect against a sudden rise in water level that catches you out in the stream. Not sure if the rises are that sudden on the White, but I've been around tailwaters that were. Frankly, I'd stay out of the water altogether on that sort of river/stream.

Again, thanks for the input. It sounds like in my situation, the White may not be the best option. I may look at Missouri as was suggested.

[RiverRunner]

The White & Norfork can rise pretty quickly once generation starts, and it can be a little hairy if you are far enough downstream that you can't here the warning horn. I don't let that stop me from wading below the dams though. If you are observant and pay attention to the water and surroundings, you should be OK. Its a good idea to pick out a rock near or sticking out of the water and to watch that to see if water is rising. If you are really concerned, put a $20 bill on the rock, that will keep you watching!