The White River is one of the most iconic fly fishing rivers in Arkansas, and our guides know it well. Located near Searcy, Arkansas, we are just a short drive away from famous trout fishery and we'll help you make the most of yout time on the water. Full day trips include all the gear you'll need, snacks, drinks, lunch, your boat and a guide. Let us make your Arkansas fishing trip one that you won't soon forget!
What is Included:
Lunch Drinks & Snacks Flies Tackle
| undefined | 1 angler | Daily | 1 day | $ 400 |
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.
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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
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We are one of the only guide services in our area that offers both fly and spin fishing trips for our clients. Our guide trips consist of float fishing in one of our fully equipped ... morecomfortable Supreme riverboats.
If you would like to wade-fish during your trip, you will need to bring your own waders. We also recommend sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for protection and comfort.
For safety, we do not fish in potentially dangerous water or weather conditions. Since we fish on tailwater fisheries, there are scheduled and unscheduled water releases through the dam that can cause high water conditions on the river. If either of these unsafe conditions results in a cancellation, we will be happy to reschedule your trip.
We generally practice catch-and-release, however if you would like to keep your limit of trout for a meal, we would be more than happy to filet them for you.
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 Tailwater Fishing Co.
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