White River Float Trip with Hurst Fishing Service

$
225
-
$
385
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 3 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 1 day
Reza A
Response rate: 
1%
Response time:
1 hour
White River Trout Fishing
Since completion of the big Bull Shoals Dam in 1951, the Arkansas White River has developed into one of the most famous trout fisheries in the United States. Limit catches of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout are  common-place throughout most of the year. The size trout can grow to in these cold, clear waters is truly amazing, as the many records the White River has produced attest.

The water in the White River below Bull Shoals Dam is so frigid that even during the warmest summer months one can remain comfortably seated in a chair and feel a nice cool breeze coming off the water. As far as we know, there is no other fishery in the U.S. where you can take a continuous 4-day float trip and fish for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout each day. As a convenience to our patrons, we stock all types of lures on which these fish are caught. Our experienced guides are always ready to recommend the baits, lures, or flies most likely to be effective at the time of your visit.


 
What is Included:
Lunch
Drinks & Snacks
Flies
Tackle
Rates
Per
Capacity
Dates
Duration
Price
Boat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily1 day
$
300
Boat
1 - 3
 anglers
Daily1 day
$
385
Boat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily4 hours
$
225
Boat
1 - 3
 anglers
Daily4 hours
$
290
Availability
Fishing Waters
Recognized as one of the most renowned trout rivers in the country, this 722 mile river flows northward from Arkansas into Missouri. It starts in the Arkansas Boston Mountains that ... moretower above the Ozark- St. Francis National Forest near Fayetteville. A tributary of the Mississippi, it is the source of several tributaries including the North Fork River, Little Red River, Black River, James River and the Bayou des Arc, and drains over 27,765 square miles of river basin.

Thanks to the Army Corps of Engineers, there are several dams and reservoirs affecting its character and flow. The river is most famous for the 30 mile tailwater below the man-made, Bull Shoals Lake, although fishing throughout the upper river and Lake Taneycomo are also excellent. What makes the portion below Bull Shoals special is the cold water discharge from the dam, providing ideal trout habitat.

Wild browns are abundant and are supplemented by the State with rainbows, cutthroats, and brook. Fish are usually in the 12 to 16 inch range, although much larger fish are easily found. Some well traveled anglers argue that typical browns here out measure the largest browns found elsewhere. Many Arkansas state trout records have been broken here. Imagine reeling in a 19 pound rainbow or a 30+ pound brown. It’s possible on this section of the White.

Access to the river is excellent. Anglers can fish these waters from the banks or by wading or floating. Since water levels vary according to electric power demands, the river can suddenly become high and swift so a bit of caution is advised. One great feature is that it can be fished during the winter months when other streams may be closed.

Before wading, check the number of turbines running at the power station since it affects conditions on the water.
Destination
 (1)
Near the heart of the Ozark National Forest, Cotter is the self-proclaimed Trout Capital USA, a distinction it deserves. Set on a bend in the White River and considered by many to ... morebe among the finest trout fisheries in the country, it is a small town as steeped in history as it is in fish. Surrounded by natural beauty, a thirty minute drive from Cotter will get you to the Norfolk River, short hand for the North Fork of the White, which is also ranked as one of the best trophy trout rivers in the lower 48. Within 2 hours it’s possible to reach the famous, blue-ribbon Little Red River, a 100 mile long tributary of the White.

Initially settled by Native Americans, the early 1800’s nearby discovery of gold and other minerals put the Cherokee in conflict with ambitious entrepreneurs. Andrew Jackson’s 1835 Treaty of Echota forcibly moved tribal members west of the Mississippi via the now infamous Trail of Tears. By the late 1890’s, Cotter had become the central distribution point for sending mining products by steamboat to other cities in the region and by 1905, it’s permanent population had reached 600.

Ironically, its current population of about 1000 is not much greater, but the City’s focus is quite different. Today Cotter is known for its scenic location on the high bluffs of the White River and its commitment to sportsmen and tourists. No other area in the country can come close to Cotter’s record setting trout catches or champion fly fishing status. The town’s proximity to wilderness and the state’s highest mountain, Mt. Magazine, make it a natural draw for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you are traveling with family members or friends who do not share your desire to fish, there are many other things to do. These include:

The 165 mile long Highlands Trail as well as Pedestal Rock and Alum Bridge Cove Natural Bridge Trail

Kayakers and canoeists can enjoy the upper Buffalo River, designated a National Scenic River and National Wild River

Mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, and camping, as well as other outdoor sports, are widely available.

Folk music at festivals in Mountain View Ark.; Country music in Branson, Mo.

There are many ways to reach Cotter, including:

Fly into Little Rock’s Clinton National Airport and drive approx. 3 hours.

Fly into Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (Fayetteville) and drive 2 ½ hours

Fly into Jonesboro Municipal Airport and drive approx. 2 ½ hours

Fly into the Branson, Missouri Airport and drive approx. 1 ½ hours

Fly into Memphis, Tennessee International Airport and drive approx. 4 hours
Outfitter
A "Value-Added" Fishing Service 65 Years in the Making Whether you prefer bait fishing, spin fishing, or fly fishing, whether it's for individuals, families, groups, or corporate ... moreoutings, we have a program that fits your needs. Beginner or pro, man, woman, or child, we're prepared to serve you. Here's why!

Hurst Fishing Service was established in 1933, 18 years before the Bull Shoals Dam was completed. We have watched the Arkansas White River go from a fishery inhabited by warm water species like bass to the fine, well-managed cold water trout fishery it is today. Over those last 65 years we have guided thousands of customers through exciting day-long float trips and adventure-filled overnight camping float trips. Like the White River itself, we have changed and grown with the times too.

Today we believe that an enjoyable trip on the White river is a blend of many elements - like comfortable, clean equipment - and fishing guides who know as much about safety, river history, and wildlife as they do about catching trout in any conditions. The result is a smooth, safe trip filled with entertaining action on several fronts, from fishing to area lore. It takes practice and effort to reach this level of perfection, and we have worked at it for 65 years. That's why you receive more value-per-dollar when you book a trip with Hurst!
Payment
Cancellation Policy
Standard
  • Cancellations made 14 days before will be fully refunded.
  • Cancellations made 7 days before will be refunded 50% of the amount paid.
  • Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Payment directly with White River Float Trip with Hurst Fishing Service.
0 reviews   0 comments
Well Planned
Provisions
Experience
Value

Discover Your Own Fishing and Hunting Adventures

With top destinations, guided trips, outfitters and guides, and river reports, you have everything you need.