Arkansas Fly Fishing Vacations in the Ozarks
There are few places in the entire USA that offer the opportunity for such a wide range of species that may be caught fly fishing. The Ozarks comes top of the list for those options.
The jewel in the crown is the White river, and the short section of the Norfolk that flows into the White river some 40 miles downstream of Bull shoals dam. The White and Norfolk rivers currently produce many world class trophy trout, many in excess of 10lb, and for those lucky anglers numbers of fish in excess of that are caught through the year. Both rivers contain, Brown, Rainbow, Brook and Cutthroat trout.
Both the White and Norfolk rivers are designated tail waters, that is they are influenced by water flows from release of water from the lakes through the dam at Bull shoals and Norfolk. The continuous flows of water from the lake above introduce into the river systems the vital nutrients to sustain invertebrate food sources, one of the reasons why trout will grow fast in these fertile systems.
Fly fishers have some 100 miles of trout water combined for the two rivers. There are 5 designated trophy catch and release zones through the systems. Through out the systems there are a number of shoals, good wadeable water that holds many fish. Fly fishing from a drifting boat is very popular and would be the only option if water levels are too high to permit wading access.
The Arkansas Game and Fish have provided for a good number of access points for both wade and boat access.
Click here for more information on Arkansas Fly Fishing Vacations in the Ozarks.
Rainbow Drive Resort
Cotter, AR 72626
GPS: 36 18 51 N/92 33 9.6 W
Phone Number: 870-430-5217
Fax Number: 870-430-5686
E-Mail: rainbow [at] mtnhome [dot] com
Web Site: rainbowdriveresort.com
Southern Hospitality on the White River! Cabins, cottages and lodges. Each unit includes sleeping area/bedroom(s), kitchen & dining, bath(s), satellite, WiFi, grill and screened porch; most with fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Onsite bait shop with jon boats, cLocation/Directions:
From Mountain Home, travel Hwy 62/412 west to Cotter. Turn right at Denton Ferry Road. (opposite Baymen's Beverage). Travel north for about 4 miles to the Rainbow Landing Drive (see Resort sign). Turn left, follow the paved road for 1/2 mile.
PJ's White River Lodge
Norfork, AR 72658
Toll Free: 877-761-7575
Phone Number: 870-499-7500
E-Mail: info [at] pjslodge [dot] com
Web Site: http://www.pjslodge.com
A first-class lodge with experienced fishing guides who know Arkansas’ legendary trout fishery the White River, Buffalo National River, and North Fork River, home of world-record trout. Our upscale lodge features gourmet meals, scenery only the Ozarks can offer, & world-class fishing.
Location/Directions:
PJ’s is located in Norfork Arkansas between Mtn Home and Calico Rock.
From Mtn Home take Hwy 5 S 16 miles to Norfork. From Norfork, continue 4 miles. You’ll see the Red’s Landing access and our PJ’s sign. Take Dwelle Road towards the river & follow our directional signs.
Newlands Lodge
Lakeview, AR 72642
Phone Number: 870-431-5678
Fax Number: 870-431-8626
E-Mail: newland [at] newlands [dot] com
Web Site: www.newlands.com
If you are looking for a destination for a memorable family vacation or reunion, Newlands might be the best choice for you. we are located right on the bank of the beautiful White River. We provide all modern conveniences, high speed internet, attractivLocation/Directions:
While it's true that we're located in one of the most serene, unspoiled areas of the nation, it is not that difficult to find your way to Newland's. Many people fly into Little Rock, Arkansas or Springfield, Missouri...then drive a rental to Newland's.
Davy Wotton Fly Fishing Schools and Guide Service
Flippin, AR 72634
Phone Number: 870-453-2195
E-Mail: davyfly [at] ozarkmountains [dot] com
Web Site: www.davywotton.com
With over 35 years of professional fly fishing experience on a world wide basis. Featured on world wide fly fishing events, OLN, Fly Fish TV, BBC. Editorial for fly fishing publications. Fly Fish-How To DVD series. Owner of the American International SLocation/Directions:
We travel to and from our location to yours for your days fishing. Will provide transport.
We fish some 100 miles of the White and Norfork rivers. Location for fishing determined by water conditions at that time, within the fishery, for the best possib
Old Ferry Road Bed & Breakfast
Lakeview, AR 72642
Phone Number: 870-431-4446
E-Mail: innkeeper [at] oldferryroadbb [dot] com
Web Site: http://www.oldferryroadbb.com
Outstanding spacious modern B&B near the beginnings of the White River Tail waters below the Bull Shoals dam. Comfortable for everyone with plenty of fly fishing amenities.Copper John's Resort
Lakeview, AR 72642
Phone Number: 870-431-4454
Fax Number: 870-431-4093
E-Mail: info [at] copperjohnresort [dot] com
Web Site: www.copperjohnresort.com
Looking for that unique special place to kick back, relax, and do some fantastic trout fishing? Copper John's Resort is YOUR destination ! Camper cabins, 2 new PARK cabins, cottage, full hookup rv sites, boat rentals and a fully equipped fly and tackleLocation/Directions:
Located 1 mile downstream from Bull Shoals Dam. Go to Bull Shoals White River State Park, turn left on River Road. Go 1/4 mile - we're on the right ! (OR go to our website and print the downloadable map)
Unlimited Sportsman's Cabin
Norfork, AR 72658
Phone Number: 314-303-3830
Fax Number: 314-849-1623
E-Mail: unlimitedsportsmanscabin [at] hotmail [dot] com
Web Site: www.whiteriver.net/unlimited
Unlimited Sportsman's Cabin is a modern, rustic clean two bedroom housekeeping cabin that can sleep six adults. What's Outside? Horse Stables... Fish Cleaning House With Stainless Sinks Fire Pit With Free Wood.... 11x25 Deck With Gas Grill WhaLocation/Directions:
From Mountain Home (Approx 20 Miles)
Take 201 South To 341 South
Go Approx 7.5 Miles On 341 South
Make a Right At The Cartney White River Access.
The Right Turn To The White River Access Is CR 72,Stay Straight And It Will Turn Into CR 114.
Continue
His Place Resort
Cotter, AR 72626
GPS: 36.2953 North, 92.5281 West
Toll Free: 866-435-6535
Phone Number: 870-435-6535
Fax Number: 870-435-6536
E-Mail: info [at] hisplaceresort [dot] net
Web Site: http://www.HisPlaceResort.net
At His Place Resort, our facilities are quiet, peaceful & relaxing. You'll enjoy extremely clean, comfortable lodging in a variety of sizes & prices to fit your needs & your budget. With lodging, boat/motor, canoe & kayak rentals, guided fishing trips, wildlife watching and nature walks all in one spot, you have everything you need for the ultimate vacation.
Location/Directions:
White River, Cotter AR, 15 miles down from Bull Shoals Dam, 3 miles up from Cotter Access.
Copper John's Resort Fly & Tackle Outfitters
Lakeview, AR 72642
Phone Number: 870-431-4454
Fax Number: 870-431-4093
E-Mail: info [at] copperjohnsresort [dot] com
Web Site: www.copperjohnsresort.com
Complete outfitters -- upper end of the White River (1 mile below Bull Shoals Dam on River Road) Copper Johns' Resort offers experienced staff on hand & a full line of rods, reels, flies, fly tying materials, waders, boots, accessories, & bait & tackle.Jimmy T's Fly Fish Arkansas Outfitter
PO Box 751
Bull Shoals, AR 72619
Phone Number: 870-404-8906
Fax Number: 870-445-3848
E-Mail: wishfish [at] wholedamarea [dot] com
Web Site: www.flyfisharkansas.com
Jimmy T's Flyfish Arkansas for your corporate, individual, Family or vaction trip to the White or Norfork Rivers. Fast action for big numbers of fish or sight fishing and stalking the trophy brown trout. Want to learn to fly fish? We can show you how.Location/Directions:
In the town of Bull Shoals next door to the only convience store in town (TyStar) you will find our Fly Shop/Gift Shop. WISHES & FISHES... One mile West of the Dam on Hwy 178 and nine miles north of Flippin.
White River Inn
Cotter, AR 72626
Phone Number: 870-430-2233
Fax Number: 870-430-5950
E-Mail: MOOSE [at] THEWHITERIVERINN [dot] COM
Web Site: www.thewhiteriverinn.com
North Arkansas' newest and most luxurious B@B lodge is a 7000 sq ft lodge planted on a 300 ft bluff directly overlooking the White River.Spectacular views and first class service define this rustically elegant and romantic getaway.Come to where the fishinLocation/Directions:
From the west take hwy 62/412 from flippin,cross the white river then take the first left on denton ferry road,go2.7 miles to CR 706,turn left on 706(a large log sign marks the turn)go .3 miles to CR 174 and make a right,go .9 miles to 924 CR 174 and you
White Buffalo Resort
Mountain Home, AR 72653
Phone Number: 870-425-8555
Fax Number: 870-425-0357
E-Mail: wbuffalo [at] mtnhome [dot] com
Web Site: www.whitebuffaloresort.com
The White Buffalo Resort is a unique place in the heart of the Ozarks. Our 3/4 mile of White River frontage at the mouth of the Buffalo River provides the most scenic landscapes imaginable and the best diversified fishing on the rivers. Riverside CabinsLocation/Directions:
Located outside of Mountain Home, AR at Buffalo City on the White River. Leaving Mtn Home west on 62/412 turn south onto 126 to Buffalo City. Hwy 126 ends at the resort: after crossing RR tracks turn at White Buffalo Resort sign. You are here!
Rivercliff's White River Cabins
Lakeview, AR 72642
GPS: 3.32NW 4.5
Phone Number: 870-431-7777
E-Mail: info [at] dlnt [dot] net
Web Site: www.rivercliff.com
Rivercliff's White River cabin is located right on the banks of the river just below the Bull Shoals dam. We have a popular unique small cabin A full kitchen with all appliances. Full sized baths, queen sized bed, cable tv, charcoal grills. Our dock oLocation/Directions:
Rivercliff white river cabins are located just 1.5 miles down from the Bull Shoals dam on the White river only 2 miles from the famous Gaston's restaurant in North Central Arkansas.
We are nearly 15 miles from Mountain Home, 45 miles from Harrison, 100 m
White Hole Resort
Flippin, AR 72634
Phone Number: 870-453-2913
Fax Number: 870-453-2376
E-Mail: hresort [at] flippinweb [dot] com
Web Site: www.whiteholeresort.com
Many of our guests say they found their stay at White Hole a rewarding, relaxing and fun way to spend time with those important to them. We offer small and large cabins, courteous guided fishing services, boat rentals, a bait shop, swimming pool, meal serLocation/Directions:
Four acres of river frontage, six miles downriver from Bull Shoals Dam. Half way between the towns of Flippin and Bull Shoals. From highway 62/412 in Flippin, go north on hwy 178 about 4 miles. Turn east (right), go about 5 miles. Next door to White Hole
CedarWood Lodge
Flippin, AR 72634
Phone Number: 870-453-7785
Fax Number: 870-453-7785
E-Mail: contact [at] cedarwoodslodge [dot] com
Web Site: www.cedarwoodslodge.com
Cedarwoodslodge Is White River lodging at it's very best! Exclusive lodging with room for extended family and friends, corporate retreat, or high end fly fishing. With 300 feet of beautiful river frontage it's a magnificent veiw for the nature lover, aLocation/Directions:
Off of hwy 62, to hwy 101 turn left
down to Ranchette Acsses, turn left
at CedarWood sign at the fork
in road, 1/8 of mile to CedarWood Lodge on
the right
More on Fly Fishing The Ozarks
The mainstay of the diet of the trout in these rivers is crustaceans, such as sowbugs, scuds and crawdads. Along with those food sources, caddis, mayfly, midges and bait fish to name a few.
For the fly fisherman that gives you many options so far as how you choose to fish the rivers. Overall the most effective way to fish the rivers is with a indicator nymph rig. When hatches take place such as caddis, mayfly and midges then the fly fisherman can turn his attention to dry fly and emerger techniques to imitate the species the trout are feeding on at that time.
Many of the large trophy Brown trout may be caught using both dry and sunk line techniques with the addition of streamers, and wooly buggers. Should we see the shad kill, which normally takes place through the winter and early spring periods then expect some explosive action and the chance to nail a real trophy fish. Flies that imitate the dead and dying shad, such as white marabou streamers, floating dead shad patterns and white jigs will often hook you up with a fish of a lifetime.
It is not uncommon for days on the river when more than 30 to 50 fish may be caught. Many of the larger trophy trout are found in the trophy zones at Bull shoals dam and the catch and release zone of the Norfolk river. Both rivers can boast the potential to produce that lifetime trophy Brown, at any point within the trout habitat zones.
For general fishing these rivers rods in the range of 9 to 10 ft coupled with lines weights of 5 or 6 will suffice for most needs. A good selection of flies to imitate sowbugs, scuds, crawdads,and wooly buggers in olive, black and white. Midge and caddis patterns in sizes 14 to 22, both dry and emergers. Generic fly patterns such as hares ear, pheasant tails, San Juan worms in red, worm brown, soft hackles various and wet flies will give you a good cross section of fly patterns that will work well here.
Overall 4 or 5 x tippet added tp a standard tapered leader. In the case of midge fishing you may well have to reduce that to 6x to fish the small midge imitations. A dry fly line will take care of most needs for presentations. Add the use of sink tip and intermediate line for the deeper water techniques and you will be well set for fly fishing the trout water here.
Warm Water Species
The Buffalo river is a noted small mouth habitat, for those of you who like to pursue this worthy quarry with the fly rod.. Crooked creek and many other warm water creeks within the Ozarks also contain both small mouth and very large numbers of sunfish species, Bluegill, Long ear and Green sunfish, goggle eye, warmouth and Ozark bass that are indigenous to this region. Not to mention large mouth bass. Both largemouth, small mouth and many sunfish species are also found in the lower sections of the White river around the Sylamore creek access point.
You might even try your hand at fly fishing for the many large garfish found in the rivers as well as the elusive carp, some that are well in the 20 to 30 lb weight range. It is even possible to catch catfish with the fly rod!!
Both Bull shoals and Norfolk lakes, will provide for excellent fly fishing at given times of the year. Often overlooked by many who visit here to fly fish. Norfolk lake contains a large number of Striped bass, l can testify to the thrill of hooking a 20lb fish on a fly rod.
Along with the Stripers, you have a host of other species, such as large , Kentucky and small mouth bass, sunfish of many species, carp, catfish, garfish, white bass and crappie. The spring fishing here for crappie can be particularly good with many fish in the 15ins range to be found at times.
Overall the best lake fishing will be in the warmer periods for bass and sunfish species, early mornings and later evenings are the time to go for those guys. Surface activity for stripers is dependant on the forage bait fish, shad. Again early and later evening into dark are the times to concentrate for this species, as well as many of the other bass found in the lakes.
The staple food source for the small mouth is crawdads, imitations of those will work well along with wooly buggers in brown ,olive and orange. Hair bugs and foam bodied flies that represent terrestrials, and jigs in white and gray. Hoppers are a good bet in the late summer and fall periods. Bass on the lakes will hit subsurface imitations of bait fish, crawdads and nymphs. Top water action early and late is good using hair bugs, foam bodied, and bait fish patterns.
Stripers feed mainly on the threadfin and gizzard shad found in the lakes. Surface fished imitations of those in the area of feeding activity are the way to go here. Or white jigs fished at depth. Sunfish can be caught using all manner of flies, early and late evening fishing in the warmer month periods will give you great top water action. Jigs work great for deepwater techniques. Same also for the crappie on the lakes. Fish over structure with jigs and indicators for the best results.
Rods in the 9ft range with line weights of 6 to 8 for the large species such as striper and other larger bass species. Dry and sunk lines will be needed to cover all permutations of presentations for the lakes. For the rivers and creeks, dry lines for the shallower systems, sink tip and intermediate for the deeper water zones.
Angels Retreat
Flippin, AR 72634
Phone Number: 870-321-0987
E-Mail: angelsretreat [at] wildblue [dot] net
Web Site: www.whiteriver.net/angels-retreat/
On a quiet bend of the White River, our secluded guesthouse has all the amenities of a private residence. Enjoy the only resort on the river that accommodates one group or one family at a time. Guided fishing trips, kayaks and canoes are offered; or findLocation/Directions:
East of Flippin on 412 Hwy. take Hwy. 101 south approximately 6.5 miles to the Ranchette Access sign and turn left on MC6062. Follow MC6062 approximately 1.6 miles to Riverside Drive. Turn left on Riverside Drive and follow it approximately .9 miles to An
Gaston's White River Resort
Lakeview, AR 72642
Phone Number: 870-431-5202
E-Mail: gastons [at] gastons [dot] com
Web Site: www.gastons.com
America's #1 Trout-Fishing Resort. We do the work and you fish - in style and comfort. First class lodging, restaurant with a spectacular view & a private club. Tennis court, swimming pool and conference lodge for group meetings or parties. Even a pLocation/Directions:
Located across the Bull Shoals Dam from Flippin/Bull Shoals in Lakeview at 1777 River Road. Go to Bull Shoals State Park on Powerhouse Road and turn left at the ranger station onto River Road. We are two miles down on the right hand side.
Blue Heron Campground & Resort
P.O. Box 1253
Flippin, AR 72634
Phone Number: 870-453-4678
E-Mail: blueheron [at] ozarkmountains [dot] com
Web Site: www.blueheroncampground.com
You can enjoy the White River without traveling miles of back roads. Spacious RV sites, riverside tenting, camper cabin, and a private riverview suite are lodging accommodations you can choose from. Clean, comfortable restrooms with showers are availablLocation/Directions:
On the west end of the Hwy. 62/412 bridge near Cotter, turn south onto Pearl Drive. Turn left under the bridge at Blue Heron Drive.
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