THE Bull Shoals and Norfork Dams can be a blessing and a curse for the fly fisher. A blessing as they provide a year round supply of cold clear water for the trout fishery. The cursing starts when unexpected fluctuations catch you unawares.
Water flows on the White River and Norfork Tailwater are driven by the hydro-electric demand and flood control.
Recreation, including fishing, is not taken into account in the releases. Hence the fishing conditions on any given day, can vary widely in speed and depth. It's part of the challenge and a good reason for newcomers to join our guide service on the water
Traditionally White River fly fishers favor the easy wading and catching of zero generation, however the last three years of high water have honed the high water techniques of our guide team. We have helped many of our customers to the point that many now look for the higher flows as a chance to target better fish.
To get the best of the White and Norfork we encourage visitors to keep an open mind when planning a trip to the area. Being flexible in where you are going to fish, in the techniques you might want to use, whether you are in a boat or not, gives you the advantage in being able to get onto the best possible fishing on any given day.
Our Primer on Water Flows will help you find and decipher the information available as we do to recomend where and how to fish:
Part 1: Understanding Generation On The White River and Norfork Tailwater
Part 2: Fishing The Flows
FAST WATER FLOW LINKS
White & Norfork Flow Recording Hotline: (870) 431 5311
Tailwaters Schedule Hotline: (866) 494 1993
White River:
Real Time Water Releases Data
Real Time Water Releases Data
SWPA Scheduled Flows
Norfork Tailwater:
Real Time Water Releases Data
Real Time Water Releases Graph
SWPA Scheduled Flows
General Water Information Links
White River Basin River Flows (includes Crooked Creek, Buffalo, Kings River & North Fork of the White)
USACE Lake Forecast
USACE Current Conditions Summary
RIVER WEBCAMS
We compiled a list of webcams available for the White and Norfork tailwaters. Our thanks goes to those resorts and operators who have set up these sites. These can be very useful in staying in touch with water flows. (Links via our Blog)
White River- Bull Shoals Dam Weather Cam
White River – Newlands Lodge Webcam
White River – His Place Webcam
Norfork River – Gene’s Trout Resort