Arkansastailwater
White Fishing Forecast
The White anchors Arkansas trout culture for anglers who want a forecast that respects real hydrology—not a generic “fish today” badge. Species mix centers on rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout, with tactics shifting from weighted nymphs in cold water to dries and terrestrials as afternoons warm during March through November. Because it is tailwater-influenced, the White rewards anglers who read release schedules and carry both indicators and tight-line rigs. USGS gauge 07096000 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days.
Below the dam, the White is running at 304 CFS through 54°F water — 8/10 today. Top pick: a Serendipity.
Open year-round
Bull Shoals tailwater. 2026: 2 rainbow <14in (dam to Norfork Access). Norfork Access to Hwy 58: 2 trout total, only 1 over 14in
Forecast and on-page guide updated October 25, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's verdict
White
Good
Updated 2:44 PM
54°F
304 CFS
7 PM - 9 PM
Serendipity
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What Makes the White Unique?
Signature hatch or window
Midge (Midge) is a headline hatch to watch in October. Peak activity often tracks 45–60°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Bull Shoals Dam: Premier access immediately below the dam.
Rules anglers miss
Catch-and-release sections near dam. Trophy water regulations.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
1000 - 10000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 60°F
Ideal for active trout
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout
tailwater
52°F - 58°F
October Hatches
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, primary food source
Scud
Crustacean
White River scuds are abundant, McLellan's Humpback in olive or tan sizes 14-18
Sowbug
Crustacean
Year-round food source in tailwaters
BWO
Mayfly
Spring and fall on overcast days
October Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Brown trout pre-spawn activity. Streamer fishing peaks.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 48-54°F | Nymphing, Midges, Sowbugs |
| February | 48-55°F | Nymphing, Midges, Sowbugs |
| March | 50-56°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Sulphurs |
| April | 52-58°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Sulphurs |
| May | 54-60°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Sulphurs |
| June | 54-58°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, Streamers |
| July | 52-56°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, Streamers |
| August | 52-56°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, Streamers |
| September | 54-58°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg Patterns |
| October(Now) | 52-58°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg Patterns |
| November | 48-54°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg Patterns |
| December | 48-52°F | Nymphing, Midges, Sowbugs |
Recommended Equipment for White
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight is standard. 7-weight for streamers.
Line
Floating line for most fishing. Sink-tip for streamers and high water.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Studded boots for slippery rocks.
Essential Flies
How to Fish White: Tips & Tactics
The White River below Bull Shoals Dam is one of America's great trout tailwaters. Over 100 miles of cold water support rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Trophy fish are common.
Best Times of Day
Year-round fishing is excellent. Low generation periods offer best wade fishing. Early morning and evening produce surface activity. Midday is productive with subsurface patterns.
Recommended Techniques
Float fishing is the most effective way to cover water. Wade fishing during low generation is productive. Match the prolific sowbug and scud populations. Streamers produce trophy browns.
Water Conditions
Generation schedules dictate fishing conditions. Low water is wadeable in many areas. High generation requires boats. Check USGS gauges and generation schedules.
Fly Selection
Sowbugs and scuds are essential year-round. San Juan Worms are highly effective. Midges produce during hatches. Streamers for trophy browns.
When is the Best Time to Fish White?
Spring
Excellent fishing with increasing activity. Shad kill provides easy meals for trout.
Summer
Consistent fishing despite heat. Cold water from dam keeps fish active.
Fall
Prime time for trophy browns. Cooler weather brings aggressive feeding.
Winter
Year-round tailwater stays productive. Midge and scud fishing.
Access Points & Parking for White
Bull Shoals Dam
Premier access immediately below the dam.
Cotter
Historic trout town with multiple access points.
Rim Shoals
Popular wade fishing area with excellent water.
Buffalo City
Lower river access with good float options.
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
White Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Check current Arkansas regulations. Special limits in catch-and-release areas.
Special Regulations
Catch-and-release sections near dam. Trophy water regulations.
Bait Restrictions
Check regulations by section - varies.
Notes
Arkansas Game and Fish manages this world-class fishery.
Always verify current regulations with Arkansas fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near White
Local Fly Shops
- White River Fly Shop - Cotter
- Rim Shoals Fly Shop
- Gaston's Resort
Guide Services
- White River Trout Guides
- Rim Shoals Guide Service
- Gaston's Guide Service
Other Rivers You Might Like
Popular forecasts outside Arkansas—great for trip planning and comparing conditions.
Other Arkansas Trout Rivers
White — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the White?
Brown trout pre-spawn activity. Streamer fishing peaks.
What flies should I bring to the White?
For the White (tailwater), carry: Sowbug, Scud, San Juan Worm, Zebra Midge, Woolly Bugger, Sculpin.
What water temperature is best for trout on the White?
On the White, trout hold between 50° and 60°F. Because the river is dam-fed, the temperature stays in this band year-round.
Do I need a fishing license for the White?
Yes — you need a valid Arkansas fishing license to fish the White. Local season: Open year-round.. Daily limit: Check current Arkansas regulations. Special limits in catch-and-release areas..
What hatches should I watch for on the White in October?
Midge is the signature hatch on the White in October. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
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8/10 today · Good