Trout Fishing in Arkansas White River Updated

Trout Fishing in Arkansas White River

Bull Shoals-White River State Park has become a very popular angling destination since it was established in 1955, post-obit the completion of Bull Shoals Dam. Ii incredible fishing ecosystems were formed here considering of the dam'south geographic placement: Balderdash Shoals Lake, a 45,000-acre mecca for bass, catfish, and walleye fishing; and the White River tailwaters, producing some record-sized trout for over ninety miles downstream of the dam.

While fishing for warm water lake species requires a sure approach and technique, trout fishing the cool waters of the White River has its own unique challenges. It demands an agreement of the species of fish that live there and the environment where they thrive.

This article highlights time-tested White River fishing strategies that anyone new or experienced in the sport of trout line-fishing can implement. By adding these simple trout line-fishing tactics to your tackle box, you tin better understand and connect with our park's White River resource in your quest for catching "the big one."

Three people fishing from a riverboat in front of Bull Shoals Dam

Information technology's all about the water.

The start tactic that will assistance you connect with this resource is to adjust to constantly varying water levels. Understanding the dynamics of a moving torso of water is essential when trying to take hold of fish in their natural habitat.

In that location are two cardinal environmental factors at play that drastically affect trout beliefs on the White River. Starting time, and most importantly, the h2o level continually changes based on the amount of water that is released through Bull Shoals Dam. Fifty-fifty though water flow is dictated by the Regular army Corps of Engineers and power supply companies, it does not have to ruin your fishing game if y'all play it right (more on this to come, keep reading).

Large warning sign next to a river stating: Warning River Level May Rise Suddenly

Second, the water temperature here is consistently effectually l° Fahrenheit year-round, and trout adopt and thrive in these cold, oxygen-rich waters. All the same, there are temperature fluctuations seasonally and on extremely hot or cold days which influence trout. Because trout constantly respond to both of these shifting elements, information technology is necessary to accommodate your approach and choice of tackle accordingly.

Where are all the fish?

Developing some "stream sense" is another tactic that greatly enhances your cognition of the White River and where its inhabitants hibernate out. There are certain areas forth any given stretch of a stream or river that fish are drawn to considering of important geographical features which frequently provide food, shelter, and abundant oxygen. Because of the current, trout will employ depository financial institution edges and submerged structures (rocks and logs) to wait behind while natural nutrient drifts by. Eddies, or places that cause the water to slow and alter management, are besides areas where trout rest and feed on insects that accept been trapped in these small pools. In addition, runs that occur following a rippling department (shoal) provide a place for trout to snatch food while remaining out of the master aqueduct. Finally, on warmer days, deeper pools provide libation temperatures and shelter, but because the water is not moving as fast, food sources are non as abundantly resupplied. Keep in listen that the White River levels tin can change daily, even hourly, and will create longer runs, wider banking company edges, deeper pools, faster eddies, and stronger ripples every bit the amount of h2o increases (and vice versa with falling water).

Cross-section drawing of a river depicting specific areas where trout tend to hide out in or avoid, including a riffle/shoal, run, pool, tailout, and an eddy

Setting Up Your Pole

The next trout fishing tactic is determined past personal preference and defines how one chooses to engage with our park'southward dynamic line-fishing resource.

The two chief styles of angling for trout on the White River are spin angling and wing line-fishing. While both approaches have the aforementioned goal – catching fish – they are drastically different in setup, technique, form, and strategy. For simplicity, this commodity will address bones spin fishing arrangements only.

For a trout setup, choose a spinning or spin-cast reel paired with an ultra-low-cal or low-cal action rod and 4-6 lb. test line. Low visibility fishing line that is adapted for the seasons is key. Use fluorocarbon line, which is a sinking line with petty stretch, in the warmer months when the trout are deeper. Then switch to monofilament line, a floating line with a lot of stretch, in the cooler months when the trout tend to stay in shallow areas.

Rigging Tactics

At present that we have discussed the water levels, trout beliefs, and fishing pole setup, let's consider how to stock your tackle box for a large catch. Determining how to rig your line properly is the beginning critical step when angling the fluctuating waters of the White River. There are two pop bait fishing techniques: the sideslip sinker rig, and the three-manner rig, that when combined with a variety of bait options, are optimal methods for trout fishing. Ultimately, both setups help to business relationship for the water speed and depth.

As a general rule of pollex, the more water that is flowing, the more than weight is needed to appropriately mimic the natural baits that are drifting downstream. In both styles, the amount of sinker weight is adjusted so that the weight one) provides plenty resistance against the flow of the river in social club for the bait to be spotted and 2) does not overcompensate in weight and cause the sinker to sit however, making the bait moving ridge similar a flag unnaturally in the current. Ideally, the sinker bounces along the lesser of the river, providing just plenty allowance for the bait to be slowed and seen, but not stopped. Every bit the water level rises and falls, sinker weight should be adapted accordingly.

Drawing depicts a baited slip-sinker rig fishing line setup

Drawing depicts a baited three-way rig fishing line setup Illustrations above courtesy ofArkansas Game and Fish Commission

Four different bell sinkers of different weights: 1/8-ounce, 3/16-ounce, ¼-ounce, and 3/8-ounce

Types of Bait and Lures

Patently, how you cull to concenter a fish to your hook goes paw-in-paw with your rigging setups, and you will need a variety of options in your tackle box. There are countless bait options when fishing for trout, and each option volition have its advantages and disadvantages depending on several factors: water clarity, temperature, level, desired depth, seasonal occurrences such equally a specific insect hatch or shad kill, weather elements, and time of day. In add-on, sure spots along the White River have regulations outlining the specifics of what anglers are immune to use when fishing.

Having considered these details, some anglers cull to use natural and alive allurement, like earthworms, minnows, crayfish, sculpin, shrimp, and insect larvae. Prepared bait like scented PowerBait eggs, worms, and nuggets are also very pop and come in a diversity of colors and textures. Bogus lures range in size, weight, display, function, and colour blueprint (spoons, spinners, crankbait, jigs, etc.), and generally try to mimic something natural looking – an insect on the water'south surface, the shiny wink of a shad, or a bottom-crawling crayfish.

Keep in mind that the size of your lure depends on the amount of water flowing through the dam into the river. In lower water, yous should stick with smaller sized bait, while higher water normally necessitates larger bait. If are stumped on what to start with, ask around equally many people rely on local knowledge for what is working forth the White River at certain times of the year.

Four separate images of bait & tackle options – worms, dough bait, barbless hook lures, and a set of barbed hook lures

Your approach will need to exist adjusted regularly because what works one day may non the next. Learning to experiment with different types of bait is part of the fun in getting that fish to snatch!

All-time Practices for Trout Angling: Catch & Release

This next tackle box tactic is arguably the most important but least discussed strategy, and directly relates to the preservation of trout fishing on the White River. Trout are extremely fragile fish and can be easily killed if you are not conscientious when handling them.

Avoid touching the fish with your hands, which contain salt and oils, as this tin destroy the fish'south protective slim coat. If you lot must hold the fish, wet your hands or a towel, and use soft netting material (cotton wool, soft nylon, or condom) that has been wet earlier landing the fish. Just remove the fish from the water to unhook and take a picture considering different certain fish species which tin can withstand greater handling out of h2o, trout are very sensitive to these environmental adjustments.

Lastly, it is important to remember that fish can become easily wearied while existence caught. If necessary, when releasing a fish, gently hold information technology in the water to stimulate its gills and allow the fish to swim away on its own.

By practicing these uncomplicated catch-and-release trout handling tips, you tin ensure that the fish is returned to its natural surroundings unharmed and that another lucky fisherman has the opportunity to snap a photo of their big catch, too.

Know the Rules and Regulations

Finally, earlier you head out on your trout angling adventure along the White River, familiarize yourself with the regulations of the specific section you will be angling and outfit your tackle box appropriately.

In addition to needing a current Arkansas Land Line-fishing License, both residents and out-of-staters as well demand to purchase a Trout Permit. Make sure to understand where fishing is and is non immune, as there are year-round and seasonal grab-and-release spots, locations restricted by bait and tackle mandates, and prohibited fishing areas. Bank check out thislink for fishing regulations effectually Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

In terms of keeping fish, (at the time of this publication- subject to modify) the statewide daily limit is 5 trout, and within the Balderdash Shoals Lake Tailwater section where the state park is located, only 1 trout over 14 inches may be kept. At that place are other specific limitations on sizing and number of each trout species that may be kept, and then stay accustomed to these rules. Even so, many people choose to release their catch, especially as the fish get larger. This is peculiarly crucial for brown trout because out of the four species, they are the only type that naturally breed in the tailwaters right below Bull Shoals Dam.

For the most up-to-engagement trout fishing regulations, area maps, trout stocking schedules, and other trout fishing locations effectually the state, check out theArkansas Trout Fishing Guidebook published past the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission annually.

Make It Count!

There is no exact "correct way" to fish for trout. Many would say it requires a healthy combination of knowledge, skill, and luck.

The beauty of this sport, though, is that each angler tin can find their own style, whether they are angling from the shore with a silver spoon or globe-trotting in a gunkhole tossing worms on a claw. Know that it will take fourth dimension to learn the fish – their eating habits, their hiding spots, and their reaction to environmental changes. Know that it will also take time to acquire the White River – its pools and runs, eddies and deep holes, and the ever-changing h2o levels. It will require practice, patience, and persistence.

Trout mounted in exhibit area with label that reads

Hopefully, you can use these trout line-fishing strategies to help you better connect with the beautiful White River and state that trophy fish. If you want to share your catch with others, tag #ARStateParks on social media and mention Balderdash Shoals-White River State Park. Don't worry, you won't have to divulge your secret fishing spot or signature bait setup!

One terminal thought: call up perspective. Whether or not you catch something, any amount of time spent fishing along one of the countless waterways in The Natural State is worth savoring.