WILKINSON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

The White River Tail Water System

Prior to the 1940's, the White River and it's tributaries were productive smallmouth and largemouth bass fisheries. Then in the late 40's, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers began developing flood/hydropower projects on White River Basin rivers. Norfork Dam was the first impoundment constructed, and over the next 20 years, four other dams would be built in the White River Basin. These dams "pull" water from deep in the lakes behind them. Consequently, the dam releases are cold and clear. There is no doubt that the first cold releases at Norfork Dam forever changed the dynamics of the regions biggest rivers.

Local anglers were initially upset when they lost their warm water bass fisheries, due to the dams. So to mitigate the loss, the Federal Government created several trout hatcheries in the region and began stocking the tail water rivers. Biologists also introduced cold water minnows, plants, and invertebrates from the nearby Spring River. This proved successful as the trout habitat began to flourish almost overnight, and the trout grew from 1/2 to 1 inch a month.

Our guide trips are done on the tail water stretches below Bull Shoals (The White River) and Norfork (North Fork River) Dams. These trout waters have become world renowned for both the numbers and size of the fish they can support. These rivers have produced countless state and world record fish. Four species are available to fly fishers. They are Rainbow, Brook, Brown, and Cutthroat trout. It is not uncommon, in certain areas, to catch all four in the same day, achieving the coveted "Arkansas Grand Slam".

Because water is drawn from the same levels at all times, water temperature changes little from season to season. As a result, trout grow FAT all year long on the abundant scuds, sowbugs, midges, crawfish, sculpins, minnows, and other forage fish. Insect hatches can be great in the Spring when we see caddis, crane flies and sulphur mayflies. Although the fish do not depend on these food sources, they will look up and slurp if there is a hatch. This adds some variety to the to the productive nymph fishing that we normally do.

Because the White River and Norfork are located below huge, power producing dams, water levels may change radically. A mere 40 cfs is all that is released during non generation periods, but the Norfork can quickly go to 5900 cfs (6 ft rise) and the White can churn up to 26,000 cfs (8-9 ft rise). There is NO RELIABLE GENERATION SCHEDULE. It can be particularly dangerous for inexperienced boaters and waders. Always be aware of potentially rising water. An experienced fly fishing guide familiar with techniques on all water levels can save your day and make for a safe outing. Typically, the heaviest flows occur during the heat of Summer, or on cold Winter mornings. October through July usually offers the most wading water, but the fishing can be great any time of the year. Whether you're interested in wading, targeting trophy fish, catching lots of fish, or just drifting along enjoying magnificent scenery, we can provide a professional, custom fly fishing trip any time of year.

Crooked Creek is one Arkansas' premier smallmouth bass fisheries. This "free flowing" stream near Harrison, Arkansas meanders for miles through the Ozark country side until it meets the White River down stream of Cotter. Certain stretches of Crooked Creek hold excellent populations of smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as, rock bass, Carp, and various Sunfish/Bluegills. Primary food sources are crawfish, various bait fish, and lots of "terrestrials". The occasional salamander, fence lizard, skink, or small snake may also find themselves prey to a large bass. We offer exclusive, private access to over a mile of this beautiful stream near Pyatt, Arkansas. Techniques used are fly fishing, as well as, spin fishing with small artificial lures. Wading is an option or small, non-motorized, personal pontoons and kick boats may be utilized. It all depends on Mother Nature and her water levels. Barring heavy rainfall, early Spring through Fall is prime time. Fly fishing is typically done with 5 or 6 weight rods with a sink-tip. This makes it easy to strip streamers and crawfish patterns near the bottom. Deer hair poppers and other surface offerings are best early and late, but there are times when "dry fly" fishing is productive all day. Spin fishing is best in the deeper pools using small, soft plastics. Top water lures also work best in mornings and evenings. Please do not hesitate to ask about more information on this unique fly fishing opportunity.