White and Norfork Rivers: Year-Round Fly Fishing
... Dry Flies, Emergers, Larvae and Pupae: All Year Long
The trout that inhabit the tailwaters below Bull Shoals and Norfork dams are awash in natural trout foods. These cold, clear rivers provide optimal conditions for midges, scuds, sowbugs, mayflys, caddis and numerous types of baitfish. Such a banquet produces large, healthy fish and gives the fly fisherman much to imitate.
And if you share the top-water-take addition of guide George Peters, these Ozark Rivers can bring great action. Fooling trout with tiny dry flies is George’s personal specialty, and he is very willing to instruct his clients in the nuances of the challenge.
Flies that imitate midge pupa (i.e. beadhead, diamond and rainbow midges) are year-round producers. Midge larva density can be 12,000 per square yard in our streams. Similar imitations of scuds, sowbug and the immature stages of mayflys and caddis flys can be equally successful. Sculpin and minnow imitations (i.e. #10 Flashabugger) fish with slow sinking or sink tip lines definitely ups your ante of catching a real trophy.
Seasonal Choices in Flies...
The simple “Parachute Adams” in size #16 is a reliable imitation of local mayflies, caddis and terrestrials like beetles, ants and grasshoppers. This fly in size #24 is a very good choice to fool trout taking adult midges. A Griffith gnat in #24’s or # 22’s is another reliable choice.
Spring Caddis hatch:
The White sees hatches of our “Spring Caddis” beginning the last week of February and extending into late May. The EZ Caddis and Parachute Adams are good choices.
Early Summer Mayflies:
Our Sulphur Mayfly hatches begin in mid-April and extends through early June. These insects are best imitated by size #16 “Parachute Sulphers”.
Fall Blue-Winged Olives:
Small blue wing olives appear in November and last through January. Blue winged olive flies # 18 through #22 will get the job done.
Equipment...
The White River is a broad river and very clear, and so your equipment will need to be appropriate. Considerations:
- A 6-weight rod is the usual choice to deliver your fly at a distance to ensure success.
- Long leaders and 6X or 7X florocarbon tippets can also help conquer very clear shallow water.
The Norfork River is four and one half miles long and much smaller than the White that it flows into, and so equipment for that stream can be adjusted accordingly:
- A 4 weight is the choice for many of its regular anglers.