Arkansas - White River

White River Trout Club

Pre-Trip Planner

Commonly asked questions

This pre-trip planner & outfitting guide is your go-to resource for questions about your trip from now until you
return home safely. It is loaded with information about travel, lodge policy, sample itinerary, and of course lots of
clothing, gear, and tackle recommendations. Feel free to contact us anytime with questions or concerns, but know
this is a great reference to keep handy.

LOCATION 

The White River Trout Club is located at 458 Marion County 7004, Flippin, AR 72634 on the banks of the White River, 8 miles South of the Bull Shoals Dam.

The White River is becoming a global trophy trout fishing destination. Rightfully so, as it is home to some of the largest brown trout in the world. While most people come to the White for a once-in-a-lifetime brown, the rainbow population is not something to ignore. Besides rainbow and brown trout, the White River and Norfork River also has cutthroat and brook trout regularly available. The White hosts a strong population of trout for nearly 100 miles and most of the fishing is done within the first 45 miles of the Bull Shoals dam. WRTC guests have easy access by virtue of their prime location. And with the use of a custom style river boat with a jet motor and oars, allowing guides to fish anglers in super skinny water as well as the ability to cover 20+miles in a day’s fishing. The other main option would be a drift boat which is the most popular method out west. The drift boat can be a great option for when the river is very low and the trout are spooky and need a stealthier approach, but it is also the main way to float the warm-water rivers and creeks for when the angler wants to mix things up and chase bass and carp instead of trout.

Communications

White River Trout Club

458 Marion County 7004

Flippin, AR 72634


Main Office: (870) 453-2424 | Lodge Manager: Brian Kick
Wifi is available on property in main lodge buildings and in individual rooms.

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Purchasing a Fishing License

Everyone must purchase a fishing license before arrival. Navigate to the link below and follow navigation to the recreational fishing license sales page. You can also call the Arkansas Fish and Game directly, however we have found this process to be somewhat tedious. Please refer to page #14 of this pre-trip planner for more information about obtaining the proper fishing Non-resident Trout Permit is also required.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: (800) 364-4263

(888) 765-2602
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

Directions to The White River Trout Club

» We have provided very detailed driving directions to the Plantation from the airport in this pre-trip planner.  »

GRATUITIES  

Tipping is a personal decision based on good service and is completely at your discretion. The following recommendations are simply for your understanding of what the expected average tip is for a satisfied guest.

$180-$220 Per Person (based on 3 night / 2 day fishing trip on solo room and shared boat)

Guides Gratuities: $100-$120 per boat / day

Lodge Staff: $20 per room / night 

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES 

The WRTC bar is well stocked with every liquor imaginable and numerous wines in the cellar. House wine and beer is included with package trips at dinner as well as boat beers, however, additional liquor, draft beer and drink setups are not included in your package price. Individual tabs are kept, and you can check on your tab at any time during your stay.

LOANER EQUIPMENT  

All guides have equipment for guided trips each day included in the package deal. Including rods, reels, leader, tippet, and flies. You are 100% welcome to bring your own rods and reels to use on the trip. If you desire, we also recommend bringing a few must-have flies, and a few back-up leaders and some tippet, but it is not necessary. If you are wanting to do any fishing outside of the guided trip, please bring your own equipment.

Destination Specific Shopping
White River

Travel Information

Getting There

The White River Trout Club is located just 450 miles from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, creating a loving scenic
drive of roughly 7 hours door to door. With its close proximity, many anglers opt to make the road trip. However, if
wishing to fly, there are numerous options to consider. More detail on flight options are provided below:

PRIVATE AIRCRAFT
The closest airport with FBO services, is Marion County Regional Airport. It is the closest airstrip to the club.


MARION COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT | MARION COUNTY, ARKANSAS
If you plan to fly private, Marion County Regional Airport is located just 15 minutes away from the lodge. Marion
County Regional Airport provides a 5,000 ft airstrip, access to fuel, and aircraft tie-downs.

Marion County Regional Airport (KFLP)
954 Airport Rd
Flippin, AR 72634
Telephone: 870-453-2241


SPRINGFIELD-BRANSON NATIONAL AIRPORT | SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
Located 2 hours from the lodge, Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) services all major airlines and offers
daily flights from a variety of major cities. Several rental car companies are located at SGF.


NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATIONAL AIRPORT | HIGHFILL, ARKANSAS

Referred by us as “flying to Fayetteville” , this airport is Located 2 1⁄2 hours from the lodge located just outside of the Fayetteville/Bentonville area, Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) services all major airlines and offers daily flights from a variety of major cities. Several rental car companies are located at XNA.


BILL CLINTON NATIONAL AIRPORT | LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
Situated just over 2 hours away from the WRTC, Bill Clinton National Airport (LIT / KLIT) offers commercial flights services from all major airlines and offers daily flights from a variety of major cities. Several rental car companies are located at LIT/KLIT.

Arrival Day

Guests are instructed to arrive at WRTC by 6:00PM if you intend to have dinner (included in your trip package)
at the White River Trout Club. Dinner is included at the White River Trout Club upon arrival – usually served around 6:00pm - 6:30PM. You will want to plan your flight schedule to allow ample time to grab your rental car and make the drive to Flippin Arkansas. If you are planning on arriving later please let us know and we can make alternative arrangements for dinner that night. Arrival at the club typically ranges between 4:00pm and 6:00pm with groups congregating at the WRTC bar, located directly next to the pavilion. Settle in upon arrival with a cold beer or your favorite cocktail while enjoying the views from the patio, just feet from the river. During this time, lodge management will greet you to give you a run down of the property, the fishing program, and show you your rooms before dinner. This is a great opportunity to also visit the Tailwaters Outpost Fly Shop for any last minute gear needs and custom swag from the club. At this point in arrival, you will likely be connected or informed about your guide that you are fishing with the next day. The lodge manager will have these assignments for you, but typically, guides meet their clients at WRTC for departure on the morning of fishing.

Checking in at the White River Trout Club

Upon arrival at the WRTC, you will want to park your car and walk into the office/Tailwaters Outpost located on the corner of the horseshoe building to alert the team of your arrival. This is a quick check in and hello and to get the code to your room. Typically, anglers will then head to the bar for appetizers and cocktails as their party arrives. This is also the dining hall where dinner is usually served. We recommend you string up your fishing rods the night before and get your gear ready for the fishing day the next morning!

Each room and cabin has a coffee pot, filter, and coffee provided, however coffee is on at 7:30AM in the Office/Tailwaters Outpost and at the bar/dining hall. Breakfast is served at 8:00AM. While you are finishing up breakfast, your guides will arrive and begin prepping boats and gear. Guides usually will meet anglers in the WRTC Outpost Fly Shop or down at the boat dock on property. Depending on conditions, guides may want to fish a different body of water and will meet anglers for pick-up at the Fly Shop. Lunch is provided by your fishing guide. A full fishing
day is usually 8 hours long and anglers are typically back at the WRTC between 3:30pm-5:00pm.

If you are Traveling Home the Same Day as Your Last Fishing Day

We suggest you allow no less than 4 hours between your departure from the White River Trout Club and your scheduled commercial flight time. Checking out of WRTC on Your Last Fishing Day (IMPORTANT) Make sure to coordinate your checkout procedures the night before departure. Anglers are always in a hurry to make it back to the airport following a half day of fishing. Invariably, guests forget to settle up for the bar tab and staff gratuities. You should also have your bags packed and out of your room preceding departure for fishing the last morning. Depending on the number of guests arriving that day, you may not have the ability to take a shower before heading home. Again, communicate with the team at WRTC the night before on all of these issues and they will do their best to accommodate you. Departure Day If you are NOT Fishing on Departure Day Check out from WRTC is 11:00am. Check out of WRTC and return to your Airport for your flight home. Make sure to settle up for the bar tab and distribute gratuities for the club’s staff. Refer to your personalized itinerary for your exact scheduled departure time from the club. If you are driving a rental car, please allow at least four hours between your departure from WRTC and your scheduled flight home. This allows time for any issues due to weather and time to return your rental car.

LODGING & FISHING overview

Lodge Overview

The club is home to thirteen riverfront cabins and the “Horseshoe”, which consists of ten individual units of various sizes under one roof but connected by a covered walkway. Additional improvements include the Pavilion - a stand alone building for gathering with indoor and outdoor space, billiards and shuffleboard tables and a fireplace.
Guests also enjoy a super nice bar/dining room and commercial kitchen, private dining/conference building, a legit
fly shop, swimming pool, boat dock and private boat ramp. The six acre property boasts plenty of riverside green
space complete with fire pits, outdoor lounge areas, a basketball court, and an event lawn and patios – all situated
under a canopy of massive hardwood trees. The property looks more like a beautiful park than a lodge.

The Cabins

Guests booked with the more inclusive packaged trips enjoy single occupancy accommodations in the updated,
spacious, and luxurious riverside cabins. Private rooms are included / standard in the packaged cost for packaged trips. Each room boasts a comfortable queen size bed for each angler. Every cabin is laid out a bit differently and adaptable for groups of all sizes. The cabins all have large common areas and private baths, porches and seating
areas, and a heightened sense of privacy


Food and Beverage

WRTC’s custom bar houses a collection of beer, wine, and liquor. On site dining options include a variety of catered meals room private chefs in the region who cook on site in the commercial kitchen. Swing by for a post-fishing cocktail or a treat to tide you over before dinner at the post fishing happy hours. In addition to the dining hall, be sure to stop by the lodge office/shop before your trip for some coffee and grab and go breakfast.


The Pavillion

Follow the covered pathway to our favorite spot on the property – the pavilion! This 2500 sqft. riverside oasis is custom designed to fully enjoy the beauty of the riverside landscape; from the angle of the building that points directly downstream toward the bluff, to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking The White River, the pavilion is the heart of the club. Complete with multiple TV’s, billiards and shuffleboard tables, cornhole, card table, darts, floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and lounge-space. This area is open to all anglers staying at the property.


The Fly Shop

The closest shop to the water to buy terminal gear, flies and outerwear, located on the banks of the White River. WRTC partnered with Tailwaters Fly Fishing Company to open “The Outpost” on site at the lodge. This quaint, 800 square foot Fly Shop is fully stocked with a focus on terminal tackle, flies, and seasonal technical wear. Just a few
hundred feet from the White River, the Outpost is designed as a place to promote the sport of fly fishing, build community and outfit anglers while having a cold beer from the bar. The WRTC Outpost is open to local guides, club guests, and all anglers fishing our surrounding rivers.

On-Site Amenities

» Swimming Pool

» Rental boats

» Pavilion

» Pool Table

» Shuffleboard

» TVs

» Sitting Areas & Fire Pits

Fishing Seasonality

WINTER

Streamer fishing is what most people think of when they hear the White River. The winter months can be a great time to fish some of the largest streamer patterns you can think of. The ability to cast well is extremely important in this game. The brown trout get very aggressive this time of year because they are trying to get one last meal in before they start their spawn or they just spawned and need to pack on pounds after they have gone a long time without feeding. Streamer fishing is a super effective way to target wintertime fish - and nymphing can also be productive and produce some real giants. Dry fly fishing can also be an option during the colder months, all it takes is a warmer winter day to get the midges happy and hatching and the trout will be looking up.

SUMMER

The summer heat gets numerous types of terrestrials very active and can be some of the most exciting dry fly and
foam fishing one may ever experience. Most people just say summertime “hopper fishing” but there is much more than just hopper’s including Japanese beetles, Cicada’s, large spiders, as well as many other big flying insects. The beginning of this “season” is always blurry but generally can start being productive around mid June and can last
through late fall. The best way to mentally approach this time of year and this technique of targeting large trout on the surface is to think of it as streamer fishing with a dry fly. The most productive way to fish this time of year is by covering a lot of water trying to find those aggressive fish that are looking up for a big meal. Good casting during this time of year can make or break an angler’s day because these fish favor structure and trees, so most casts will be around or through trees, by logs, big boulders and any other places that allow fish to feel protected and willing to come to the surface to eat. Throwing big dry flies can be addictive but don’t write off the nymph fishing this time of year because trout feed primarily subsurface and with the amount and diversity of food beneath the water’s surface, there is a greater chance of this method being more productive.

SPRING

The first real hatches of the year begin during the Spring and their timing is all relative to the air and water temperatures. The White River will begin to see caddis flying around in March, but April and May is prime time. This is a very special season on the river because every year the hatch gets thicker and more prominent. Spring can be one of the best times on the White River for an angler to connect with a brown trout of a lifetime. The brown’s love caddis and they tend to lose all sense of security and doubts that they may show during the rest of the year. This hatch lends the option of any technique to the angler as nymphs, dry flies, swinging wet flies and soft hackles and even tight line euro style fishing are all productive methods. Following the Caddis chaos is the often overlooked Sulphur hatch, which is a very well known mayfly ranging from the midwest to the northeast parts of the country. We start to see the Sulphurs about the same time the caddis hatch begins to wane, generally around late May, and can continue as long as August. During this hatch, it allows the angler to fish any and every technique they prefer to do, as the fish will eat this bug in all of its five stages of their lifecycle. While it doesn’t happen everyday on the river, this hatch can be prolific at times which results in some incredible dry fly fishing opportunities.

FALL

Fall is like Spring fishing in that it is also a transitional period and follows some phenomenal summer terrestrial fishing and is leading into winter fishing. This does not mean the fishing suffers. Depending on the weather, dry fly fishing can still be great and usually means the angler is throwing a terrestrial, caddis or midge. There are a few hatches during the Fall that most anglers look over, including blue wing olives, midges and smaller caddis, Fall is also the time when Brown Trout start to get ready for their winter spawn, so they are trying to pack on the pounds before they start finding their winter partner. Rainbow trout at this time will also have a false spawn so it can be beneficial to nymphing with an egg as a lead fly and if water conditions are right. Streamer fishing can also be a great way to find a large trout looking for a prespawn meal. The weather this time of year can be very comfortable and the angling traffic on the river tends to thin out much more than the peak seasons.

Fishing Hours

An average fishing day on the White River is around eight hours long. Depending on the time of year and conditions, guides usually pick up clients at WRTC at around 8:30 am or earlier. Anglers are usually off the water by 4:00 - 4:30PM and enjoying a nice beverage on the Pavillion Patio.

Gratuities

Tipping is a personal decision based on good service and is completely at your discretion.The following recommendations are simply for your understanding of what the expected average tip is for a satisfied
guest. Thank you in advance for bringing enough cash to cover all gratuities.


Total Average Gratuity Recommendation.
$180-$220 Per Person (based on 3 night / 2 day fishing trip on solo room and shared boat)


Guides Gratuities: $100-$120 per boat / day


Lodge Staff: $20 per room / night


Bar Staff: Amount in line with the bar tab on cocktail purchases.


GUIDE GRATUITIES

Recommended average gratuity for the fishing guide teams is $100-$120 per boat / day ($50-$60 per person/day). Anglers fishing solo should still plan on $100-$120 per day for a satisfactory experience. Feel free to tip more if you are very impressed
with the program and work ethic. Many clients will happily offer a larger gratuity to specific guides who communicate well, work exceptionally hard through difficult conditions, help catch a special
trophy fish; or generally exceed expectations. Since anglers sometimes rotate guide teams daily, please be prepared with cash to tip your guides at the conclusion of each fishing day.

LODGE STAFF GRATUITIES

For the kitchen, housekeeping and maintenance crews, we recommend an average gratuity of $20 per person / night for the lodge staff based on solo occupancy. This gratuity should be provided to the lodge manager(s) on duty the night before your morning departure from the lodge.

EXTRA EXPENSES & CHECKOUT

At the end of your stay, you may pay your bar tab with cash or credit card. WRTC accepts VISA, MasterCard & American Express. We recommend a standard 15-20% Gratuity on your bar tab for your waiters and waitresses.

Liquor & Bar Tab

The White River Trout Club’s bar is well stocked with every liquor imaginable and numerous wines in the cellar. Liquor, beer and drink setups are not included in your package price. Individual tabs are kept, and you can check on your tab at any time during your stay. Again, we recommend a standard 15-20% Gratuity on your bar tab for your waiters and waitresses.


Boat Refreshments & Lunch

Your guides are responsible for stocking the cooler and providing cold water and some sodas. Anglers are welcome to let staff know in advance if they would like beer and other non-alcholic beverages to be stocked into their respective boat coolers. Guides provide lunches.


WEATHER FORECASTS & FLOWS REPORTING:

We like Weather Underground and Accuweather for our online weather forecasts. Make sure to search predictions for Flippin or Fairfield, AR before heading to the White. The best resource for following the weather forecast for the White River and the areas fished are at the following links:

Weather Underground

For live updates on White River flows and levels we like to use the Corps of Engineers website listed below, or via the Dally’s Ozark Fly Fisher app.

Corps of Engineers Dam Report

Equipment List

White River
1-PG Equipment List

QUICK NOTES ABOUT GEAR & TACKLE

Gear and tackle will be provided by your guides, but you are welcome to bring your own gear.

FLY RODS

We recommend standard 4 piece fly rod models for all travel with commercial airline carriers. Depending on the season, different rod applications will be more useful than others. Please read below for further information.


SPRING & SUMMER RODS FOR TROUT

A nine-foot, 4-6 weight rod is the standard rod used by the vast majority of all anglers during the spring and summer months. Rainbow trout are 10-16 in and Browns are typically 16-24 in+ A softer rod is good for a more delicate presentation with nymphs and dries and a faster rod for delivering a cast with hoppers

FALL & WINTER RODS FOR TROUT 

Starting in late fall, the river flows fast and high. Heavy nymphing for deep water requires a longer4-6 weight rod with a good backbone as well as fast 7-9 weight rods for streamer applications.

REELS

Reels for fishing the White River are standard trout reels, but make sure each reel is spooled with an adequate amount of backing. Due to the large river and the size of these fish, you need enough line capacity to account for a fish running downstream. We recommend a solid machined reel with a smooth drag when fishing.

FLY LINES

Most trout applications require a standard weight forward floating line, however a good heavy 250-350 grain sinking line is used for streamer fishing. We suggest the Rio GOLD series of tapered lines by Rio or Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity as well as Sonar Sink 25 Cold .

Equipment & Accessories

CLIMATE AND GENERAL CLOTHING

When packing, keep in mind the social atmosphere at the White River Trout Club is extremely casual. Fishing clothing, t-shirts, sandals, etc. are always acceptable at the dinner table. Other than your fishing related clothing, a couple of t-shirts, and a pair of casual shorts or pants, we recommend only one set of street clothes for travel days. The Ozarks of North Arkansas provide a wide array of weather conditions throughout the year. Mild to hot summers and winters ranging from mild to frigid cold and snow. If you are fishing in the autumn or winter months you should be prepared with cold weather gear. Make sure to check the weather forecast prior to packing and of course ask us for details if you have any questions about what to pack.


Winter Fishing (December 1 - March 1)

Be prepared for cold weather! Make sure to have long pants, fleece jackets and/or vests, rain jacket, long underwear, a warm hat, and proper gloves. Temperatures can easily drop below freezing in the winter, and early morning boat runs can be frigid. Although you should also be prepared for milder conditions, you can never have too many clothes during the winter months. Dress in layers to accommodate changes in weather as well. CHECK THE WEATHER - BUT IT IS ALWAYS COOLER ON THE RIVER, AND HUMID = LAYERS


SPRING FISHING (MARCH 1 - MAY 15)

You can expect a combination of cooler days and milder days during the spring months. Typically, anglers experience cooler mornings that dictate a jacket and long pants in the morning followed by warmer conditions as the sun comes up. Be prepared with layered clothing to shed and put back on accordingly.

Summer Fishing (May 15 - September 30)

The key to staying comfortable on the marsh in the summertime is to remain cool while protecting yourself from the sun. Lightweight clothing with plenty of ventilation is recommended. Odds are you will probably get wet when running in the boat or during a rain shower. You want your fishing clothing to shed water and dry quickly in the
humid air.

Fall Fishing (October 1 - December 1)

Fishing in the early fall (September - mid October) can still be quite warm. Similar to the springtime fishing, come prepared for both cooler and warmer weather. By November 1st we recommend you bring some warmer jackets and expect to wear long pants almost every day. When the first major cold fronts arrive in November temperatures can plummet quickly from day to day. Be prepared for both mild and cold weather fishing as anything could happen with your forecast.

LUGGAGE

We recommend roller style, soft-sided duffel bags for nearly all our travels. Ideally you have a bag that adheres to airline size restrictions but it is still large enough to fit a couple of rod tubes, tackle, boots and other gear. If you have a particularly large bag, we advise you to communicate with your commercial carrier as well as the TSA regarding any baggage weight restrictions that might be applicable. We carry many excellent sets of luggage by Patagonia, Simms, and Fishpond. These bags are the ideal size, bulletproof, and are equipped with efficient roller systems. Some models also have separate compartments for storing wet boots and/or waders or even rod tubes. Don’t forget to mark your luggage with appropriate personal identification bag tags.

Waders/Bibs

Almost all fishing is done in a boat. If low water allows for fishing out of the boat, waders are not usually necessary.
In the winter months, however, waders provide an easy waterproof bottom layer and help keep in warmth while allowing you the ability to hop out freely. If you plan on fishing without a guide any day, we recommend bringing your own waders and boots. The Challenger Bib system from Simms is an extremely common and popular choice
on the White River to stay dry and warm.

LIGHTWEIGHT SHIRTS (LATE SPRING & SUMMER)

Fishing shirts should be cool and dry quickly, have breathable flaps that allow air to circulate through, and should
be easy to pack and maintenance-free. Patagonia, Simms, Free-Fly, Poncho, Grundens, and Howler Brothers make
several different models and styles both in short and long sleeves. If the sun bothers you, we recommend the long
sleeved versions, especially in late spring and early summer. Proper fishing shirts also should be equipped with
chest pockets for storing small items like tippet material or a cleaning cloth for sunglasses and camera lenses.

SHORTS (LATE SPRING & SUMMER)

Fishing shorts should also be made of a synthetic quick dry material. We suggest shorts with pockets and belt loops for accommodating pliers. Patagonia, Howler Bros, Free-Fly and Simms make excellent models.

LONG UNDERWEAR (COOLER MONTHS)

Long underwear serves as your base layer of clothing throughout the winter season. You will want multiple pairs of both tops and bottoms to rotate throughout the week. Patagonia Capilene is a favorite synthetic long underwear in both short and long sleeved models. The light and mid-weight models are used most on the average autumn or winter trip, however plan on having a few varieties of weights according to various temperatures. Simms also makes some wonderful woolen and synthetic base layers as well.

INSULATING THERMAL LAYER (COOLER MONTHS)

Fleece jackets, vests, pullovers, soft shells, and pile jackets are your second major layer of clothing for both your upper and lower body during the winter. Again, wear synthetic materials rather than wool or cotton as they are lightweight, dry quickly, and wick moisture away from your body. Simms, Howler Bros, and Patagonia produce a
variety of styles, weights, and colors.

LONG PANTS

Sun protection, rather than warmth, is the primary function of long pants when fishing on the river during the late spring and summer. Patagonia and Simms make great pants and shorts specifically designed for fishing. They will protect you from the sun, are wind resistant, and dry quickly. Some pants have removable pant legs that zip off to become shorts. Most styles of pants are also suitable for wearing at the lodge or on your travel days. If your trip is in the winter, you will want some insulated pants that are wind and water-resistant.


BOAT SHOES

When it is hot, many anglers prefer to simply go barefooted. However, many anglers also enjoy wearing comfortable sandals or rubber-soled shoes for more traction and/or sun protection. During the cooler months, you definitely want some shoes that will accommodate warm socks and are water
resistant.


RAIN GEAR

A high quality, lightweight rain jacket is another essential piece of clothing while on the White River 12 months a year. Patagonia and Simms both make great lightweight jackets that will keep you dry during rainstorms or while running in the boat on a foggy day, and help block the wind.


POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

This is your most important piece of equipment for all fishing. Without the ability to see the fish you are stalking, you put yourself at a great disadvantage.
Copper and Brown lenses are the best choice for this type of fishing. Yellow lenses are great for mornings, late afternoons, and cloudy conditions. Always bring
two pair of polarized sunglasses in case you loose or break a pair. Smith and Costa make a variety of stylish frames to choose from. We can special order bifocal or trifocal lenses for many of these frames
with enough advanced notice. A lanyard or “croakie” is also invaluable in order to keep from dropping or losing your glasses.

HAT

Bring two hats or caps for sun protection. If you are sensitive to the sun, make sure to bring a hat that covers your head as thoroughly as possible. Hats that have dark colors underneath the brim help to reduce glare from the water aiding in spotting fish.
Bring an insulated hat during the winter months.


SUN PROTECTION

The Arkansas sun is surprisingly intense even on cloudy days. Pack some sunblock and lip balm with a minimum of 30 SPF. Head / face tubes by BUFF or Blackstrap are a must have for most anglers. It is a comfortable, lightweight and breathable garment that functions similar to a bandanna and will keep UV rays off of your head, neck, and ears. We carry several styles and models.


BOAT BAGS

A boat bag is important for carrying your tackle and gear with you on the boat each day. Running in the boats over open water oftentimes sprays saltwater mist into the boat, so you should have some type of
waterproof or water resistant bag with you in the boat for storing cameras, lenses, tackle, flies, extra reels, spools, sunscreen, rain jackets, spare reel parts, bottled water, snacks, or anything else you don’t want to carry on you while fishing. Patagonia
makes a wonderful 99% waterproof bag called the Great Divider. It is also the exact dimensions of the under seat storage area on an airplane. We often use the Great Divider as our carry on luggage. Simms and Fishpond make very comparable product in
several sizes as well. Everything stays dry and out of the humidity. KEEP IT SMALL AND
WATERPROOF/WATER RESISTANT.

TOOLS & GADGETS

Items like nippers, hemostats, and hook hones are necessities in every fishing pack. The tools can be kept on a retractor or on a lanyard. A Leatherman multi-tool is also a nice extra to have in the boat bag.


INSECT REPELLENT

Unfortunately, the areas around the Woodland are home to mosquitoes... particularly in the evening. Surprisingly,
there are no mosquitoes in the marsh. However, during the fall and winter months swarms of tiny gnats can be a huge annoyance! We carry a number of great sun and bug products at the shop.


LENS CLOTH

It seems like glasses are always getting wet when landing unruly fish or on boat runs. This can be quite frustrating if you are not prepared with a quality lens cleaning / drying cloth. Consider taking one of Smith’s Lens Cleaning Kits or something comparable to wipe water and sweat off of your glasses.


TRASH BAGS & ZIPLOCS

Always thrown in a couple of small trash bags in your bag for packing wet wading shoes for the trip home in order to keep mildew from spreading through your clothing. Having some Ziploc baggies on hand are also a good idea for keeping camera equipment or papers dry in your boat bag.


FIRST AID KIT

A simple first aid kit with Band-Aids, alcohol wipes, waterproof tape, and Dramamine for motion sickness is always a good thing to have on hand.


FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP

A flashlight can be an invaluable item to have when making the trek to the bathroom in the middle of the night or taking a stroll after dinner. Our favorite is the Petzl headlamp. Headlamps are great for reading at night while your roommate is sleeping, and free up your hands to get organized in the dark.

Flies needed to have success on the White River
Trout Flies

Flies, leaders/tippet

Flies

Remember, all flies and leader material are provided free of charge by our guides. It never hurts to have your own gear. Flies are also available for purchase at the Tailwaters Outpost Fly Shop. There is no need to bring any flies with you unless you want to fish your own patterns.

While White River trout don’t follow a strict entomology pattern like your western trout, they are still trout and can be picky. They feed on various kinds of midges, small scuds and sowbugs, caddis, mayflies, up to crawfish, sculpin, other trout, and even mice. You will want a selection of flies ranging from heavily weighted nymphs (Size 12-20) to
weightless streamers (articulated 2 - 2/0+)

Leaders & Tippet Material

Depending on your fly application You should be equipped with a minimum of 5x pound leaders all the way up to 20lb fluorocarbon. Monofilament/Nylon Tapered leaders are commonly 3X-4X 7.5’-9’. When adding onto your tapered leaded, we recommend using fluorocarbon tippet material as it is stronger and more abrasion resistant.

Leader Recommendations: 7.5’-9’ - 3X-4X Monofilament/Nylon

Tippet Recommendations (1 Spool of Each - Fluorocarbon): 0X-5X

WRTC Communication Information

CELLULAR PHONES

Cell phones will work well at the WRTC, and often work in many of the areas fished.


INTERNET / EMAIL ACCESS

Depending on your service provider, there is cell service on property at WRTC. There is also complimentary Wifi available to guests.

White River Trout Club

458 Marion County 7004

Flippin, AR 72634

Main Office: (870) 453-2424

TAILWATERS FLY FISHING COMPANY 

TRAVEL DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR:  

David Leake  

1933 E. Levee St. 

Dallas, TX 75207 

TELEPHONE: (888) 824-5420 or (214) 219-2500  

FAX: (214) 219-2501  

EMAIL: travel@tailwatersflyfishing.com or david@tailwatersflyfishing.com

Contact us for more information

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