White River

The G R E A T White River

The White River begins as a small, quick mountain stream and ends up as a broad, meandering waterway serving the barge and towboat industry. In between, the river's flow is interrupted by at least eight dams, six in Arkansas and two in Missouri. The largest of these, Bull Shoals Dam, is responsible for converting what had been a warm-water fishery into one of the nation's premier stretches of trout habitat. Today this cold-water section of the White River in the Ozark Mountain Region is a world-class trout stream with matchless natural beauty.

One of its tributaries, the North Fork River, adds more miles of prime tailwater trout fishing to the system. Cool waters from the Norfork Dam flow into this picturesque five-mile long mountain river creating a perfect world-class trout stream. The mountain waters of North Fork River remain at 47 to 58 degrees during all seasons providing an ideal year-round habitat for Rainbow, Cutthroat, German Brown and Brook. The Norfork National Fish Hatchery practices continuous stocking of this tail water trout stream, and record-breaking trophy catches of the North Fork River include a world record German brown trout caught in 1989 that weighed almost 39 pounds.

 Another fishing gem in the Ozarks is described as "the blue-ribbon smallmouth stream of the state," Crooked Creek, which originates near Marble Falls in Newton County and flows north and then east through Boone County and continues east across Marion County where it empties into the White River. Deep pools, fast chutes and clear water characterize Crooked Creek. Along the way, it passes through the communities of Harrison, Pyall, and Yellville, but most of its journey travels through rural countryside featuring rolling hills, cedar glades, bluffs, bottomland thickets and lush pasturelands.

Record Breaking Catches 

Cold water flowing from the depths of Bull Shoals and Norfork Lake into the White River make for an ideal environment for year round trout fishing. The river offers some of the finest trout fishing in America and is home to record-breaking fish. A 19 lb 1 oz. Rainbow trout and a 9 lb 9 oz cutthroat trout are state records. The rivers sparkling, clear water with its riffles, shoals and pools streams past colorful foliage that drapes stately bluffs and cliffs. Abundant wildlife - herons, foxes, wild turkey, eagles, deer, beaver, mink and kingfishers abound along the shores of this beautiful mountain stream. 

Fishing Services & Resorts 

A variety of lodging is available along the White River and North Fork River. Choose from world-famous, full service resorts to rustic fishing cabins and motel accommodations. Resorts, marinas and outfitters along the White cater to your every need and can provide boat and equipment rentals, docking, supplies and guide services. Launch sites along the White River are numerous, and many of the resorts along the river have launching areas available for their guests. Area campgrounds are also plentiful and close to dining and shopping.