Arkansas ·
White River Fly Fishing Report - August 8/23/2025
WHITE RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT
Bull Shoals / Norfork Region — Arkansas
Report Date: August 23, 2025 | Next Update: August 30, 2025
Current River Conditions
Fishing is productive right now — expect strong terrestrial action (hoppers/ants/cicadas) and steady nymphing along seams and riffles. Flows are variable because of dam releases; boat anglers have the edge in many popular stretches.
Flows & Clarity
Flow: Variable — expect occasional pulse releases from Bull Shoals and Norfork that change currents quickly.
Clarity: Mostly clear downstream of the dams; short-lived stain after heavier releases.
Flow: Variable — expect occasional pulse releases from Bull Shoals and Norfork that change currents quickly.
Clarity: Mostly clear downstream of the dams; short-lived stain after heavier releases.
Water Temperature
Current: Warm for trout waters — generally mid-60s°F in summer tailwater tails; cooler near dam discharges.
Trend: Typical late-summer warmth during the day, cooling nights.
Current: Warm for trout waters — generally mid-60s°F in summer tailwater tails; cooler near dam discharges.
Trend: Typical late-summer warmth during the day, cooling nights.
Weather & Wind
Forecast: Warm, mostly sunny with afternoon breezes. Watch for isolated thunderstorms that can push fish shallow or trigger surging releases.
Forecast: Warm, mostly sunny with afternoon breezes. Watch for isolated thunderstorms that can push fish shallow or trigger surging releases.
Access & Safety
Best access by boat in many stretches; some shore/wade options remain near public ramps. Check Corps of Engineers release schedules before you go and always be mindful of swift change in flow.
Best access by boat in many stretches; some shore/wade options remain near public ramps. Check Corps of Engineers release schedules before you go and always be mindful of swift change in flow.
Hatch Chart & Insect Activity
| Insect / Pattern | Size | Activity | Where & When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrials (Hoppers, Crickets, Cicadas) | #6–10 / foam hoppers | Heavy ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Afternoons along banks and grassy edges |
| Caddis (skittering adults) | #14–18 | Moderate ⭐⭐⭐ | Evenings and late afternoon near structure |
| Mayfly activity (sporadic PMD / BWO) | #14–18 (PMD), #16–18 (BWO) | Light–moderate ⭐⭐⭐ | Late morning to early evening; choose lighter emerger patterns when rises small |
| Stoneflies (occasionally present) | #6–10 | Light ⭐⭐ | Near riffles and rock edges — good early morning |
| Midges / Midges pupae | #18–22 | Always present (low-to-moderate) | Anytime; focus on slow tails and eddies |
Recommended Flies (matched to our fly sheet)
Below are the flies proven on the White River right now. Click any pattern for product details and to match the hatch.
- Dry Flies & Terrestrials:
- Fancy Pants Hopper - Tan (hopper-dropper setups)
- Project Cicada (for heavy cicada falls and big trout)
- Parachute Adams / Parachute - Blue Wing Olive (BWO/neutral attractor)
- Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) - Olive (skittering caddis action)
- Libby's Salmonfly (big attractor for aggressive fish near structure)
- Taylor's Fat Albert - Tan (large terrestrial / salmonfly-style foam fly)
- Nymphs & Subsurface:
- Tungsten Pat's Rubber Legs (stonefly/nymph anchor)
- Pheasant Tail Tungsten (classic, reliable nymph)
- Tungsten Split Case Nymph - PMD (for PMD emergers/subsurface)
- Egan's Warrior Perdigon - Rainbow (fast-sinking euro-style option)
- Black Zebra Midge (TBH) (indicator-nymphing or droppers)
- Streamers & Baitfish Imitations:
- Coffey's Articulated Sparkle Minnow - Sculpin #4 (top sculpin profile for big trout)
- Sculpzilla - Natural / Sculpzilla - Olive (sculpin-style streamers for structure)
Tactics & Quick Tips
Morning: Start with indicator nymph rigs or Euro nymphs along seams and the heads of riffles — tungsten nymphs get down quickly when flows pulse.
Midday & Afternoon: Switch to hopper-dropper or big foam hoppers when terrestrials are active. Fish banks and eddy lines where trout hold to intercept falling bugs.
Evening: Work skittered caddis dries and small parachute mayflies where rises appear. Be stealthy—fish can be selective on calm nights.
Streamer Strategy: When flows are higher or stained, swing or strip sculpin/baitfish streamers along current breaks and the tail of pools; expect aggressive takes from larger fish.
Safety & Efficiency: Check the Corps release schedule before launching. When releases spike, move to sheltered eddies and read seams for safe entry/exit.
Midday & Afternoon: Switch to hopper-dropper or big foam hoppers when terrestrials are active. Fish banks and eddy lines where trout hold to intercept falling bugs.
Evening: Work skittered caddis dries and small parachute mayflies where rises appear. Be stealthy—fish can be selective on calm nights.
Streamer Strategy: When flows are higher or stained, swing or strip sculpin/baitfish streamers along current breaks and the tail of pools; expect aggressive takes from larger fish.
Safety & Efficiency: Check the Corps release schedule before launching. When releases spike, move to sheltered eddies and read seams for safe entry/exit.
Where to Focus
Below Bull Shoals Dam
Cold tailwater—good for consistent trout action, structure-oriented streamer fish, and predictable clarity near discharge.
Cold tailwater—good for consistent trout action, structure-oriented streamer fish, and predictable clarity near discharge.
Norfork Confluence
Cooler inflows create productive seams—great for nymph rigs and hopper/dropper during high terrestrial activity.
Cooler inflows create productive seams—great for nymph rigs and hopper/dropper during high terrestrial activity.
Mid-river Shoals & Riffles
Less pressured water; focus on indicator nymphing and fishing off seams where smaller mayflies and midges concentrate.
Less pressured water; focus on indicator nymphing and fishing off seams where smaller mayflies and midges concentrate.
Best Rigging Suggestions
- Hopper-Dropper: 6–10 ft leader, 2–4 ft tippet to the dropper, dropper size #14–18; hopper in #6–10.
- Indicator Nymphing: Light strike indicators, tungsten nymphs on point, beadhead pheasant tail or Pat’s Rubber Legs in the rear; add small midge or zebra midge as a trailer.
- Euro/High- sticking: Perdigons and micro-nymphs (fast-sinking) for deep seams when flow is strong.
- Streamer: 6–8 wt rod, long leader, fast strips and pauses near structure; switch to larger streamers in stained water.
