White River/Norfork River

[Appanglr]

I will be heading to Mountain Home, Arkansas from the 28th of Dec. thru the 2nd of Jan. I make this trip every year for a week with several buddies. Its just a time to get away and go catch some big trout. I was wondering if anyone had fished either of these rivers lately and could give me a heads up of what to expect this year. I had heard that there were some issues with the dissolved oxygen levels on the Norfork and the fishing has been off. Any help/advice on anything would be great. I will be posting some pictures and a report when I return. Happy Holidays to all, Josh

[Grateful Sam]

For the White River, scuds (grey or orange) were always a big hit for me anytime of the year. Head up to the area just below Bull Shoals Dam (the catch and release area) and fish nymphs, scuds and streamers. If you really want to get to the fish, get a guide with a boat. Dont know much about the Norfork except that it has BIG fish.

[Appanglr]

I have never gotten to fish that section right below the dam because I go every year during this time and they have that section closed due to the brown trout spawn. They close that down from Nov. 1 - Jan. 31. Im sure there are some giant browns up there right now.

[Grateful Sam]

Oh yeah, I forgot they close that section. Its been a few years since I have been there. Will you be flyfishing? I still say your best bet is to find someone with a boat, or get a guide, he'll have a boat.

[Appanglr]

Yeah, we will be flyfishing. We have been going now for 5 years and have always just waded. I would love to get a boat and hit some of the hard to get to water, but we always catch em good just wading. I was just hoping to find someone that had been recently that could offer a little guidance. We always have best luck with midges, small mayflies, scuds, etc.