White River, Arkansas

While the 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+).

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.

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 is nice 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 longer 4-6 weight rod with a good backbone, and fast action 7-9 weight rods are an excellent choice for streamer applications.

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.

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

Depending on your fly application, you should be equipped with a minimum of 5x leaders all the way up to 20lb fluorocarbon. Monofilament/nylon tapered leaders are commonly 3X-4X 7.5’-9’. When adding onto your tapered leader, 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

While there are not many wading opportunities on the White River, the right footwear in the boat is essential for keeping you comfortable on the water. For warmer days, lightweight tennis shoes or sandals work well. During colder months, ankle-high rubber deck boots are the go-to.

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 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. Everything stays dry and out of the humidity. KEEP IT SMALL AND WATERPROOF/WATER RESISTANT.

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.

A high quality rain jacket is another essential piece of clothing while on the White River. During warmer months, we recommend a lightweight tropical rain jacket. During colder months, we recommend opting for a heavy-duty Gore-Tex rain jacket. Patagonia and Simms make great jackets that will keep you dry during rainstorms or while running in the boat on a foggy day, and help block the wind.

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.

Pack some sunblock and lip balm with a minimum of 30 SPF.  Face coverings or gators, as well as sun gloves, have become standard with serious anglers on the trout stream as well as in the tropics.  Additionally, you should bring one or two hats or caps for both rain and sun protection.  

With respect to bug protection, the best way to avoid being eaten alive on especially buggy days is to bring along insect repellant that contains some concentration of DEET.  Wearing long-sleeved shirts and face coverings will also discourage biting insects.

Polarized glasses are another essential and mandatory item for any type of fly fishing.  They eliminate the glare from the water, provide safety, and allow you to see fish, rocks, obstructions and potential entanglements.  Copper, amber, vermillion, or brown lenses are best for typical sunny days, while yellow lenses are great for cloudy days and/or low light conditions.  Costa Del Mar and Smith make a variety of styles and lens colors.  A lanyard or “croakie” is also invaluable in order to keep from dropping or losing your glasses.

Items like nippers, hemostats, fly floatant, dry shake, indicators, splitshot, dehookers, and hook hones are necessities in every fishing pack.  Many of these tools can be kept on a retractor or on a lanyard.  A knife, Leatherman, or other multi-tool is also a nice luxury to have in your pack.  A flashlight or headlamp can be useful for night activities (or early morning activities).

A couple pairs of fingerless wool or fleece gloves during winter/autumn fishing months allow for dexterity tying knots and will keep your hands warm in colder conditions.  Sun gloves are also a good option on warmer days.  Lens or drying cloths that you can keep handy in your jacket or in your fishing pack can be a game changer as glasses seem to always get wet during rain showers, on boat runs, or when landing unruly fish.   While WRTC provides water during your fishing day, it can be nice to have your own personal water bottle to keep on you.  And any additional dry storage, such as a small Go-Box, can keep valuables (or first aid essentials) organized and protected.