White River
Bull Shoals · Cotter · Trophy Tailwater
N Arkansas, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow and Brown.
Stream gauge: 07054500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The White River is hitting peak caddis mode with warm afternoons accelerating emergence across the entire system. Steve Dally's crew is calling it 'very caddisy' conditions as generation schedules stabilize after last week's 20,000+ cfs releases. Saturday's storms could muddy lower sections briefly, but Sunday's jump to 93°F will fire up terrestrial activity. Focus minimum generation windows for wading — the river fishes huge during peak summer releases.
- Conditions: Generation schedules stabilizing after major releases. Saturday storms may impact clarity lower sections but clearing expected quickly.
- Hatches: Peak caddis emergence with warm afternoons. Early sulphurs showing. Terrestrials firing up with 93°F Sunday forecast.
- Water Temp: Holding 50-56°F range typical for June. Cold tailwater stays comfortable while surrounding Arkansas streams heat up.
- Best Window: Target minimum generation periods for wading access. Afternoon caddis activity strongest 2-6pm during stable flows.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak Mar–Nov
The White River below Bull Shoals Dam in north-central Arkansas is the largest and most productive Ozark tailwater — over 100 miles of trout water flowing south from the dam through the Arkansas Ozarks. Cold releases support enormous populations of stocked rainbow and wild and stocked brown trout. The river is broad and float-heavy: drift boats and jon boats dominate the productive water. The fishery produces brown trout exceeding 30 inches and is famous for its midge and sowbug fishing.
The White River has produced multiple line-class world record brown trout — including the IGFA all-tackle record at various times — making it one of the premier trophy brown trout fisheries in North America.
January Outlook
The White River below Bull Shoals Dam is one of the finest year-round tailwater trout fisheries in the US. January midge and scud fishing produces consistently in the clear cold tailwater. Some of the largest brown trout in North America inhabit this Ozark river.
Productive Patterns
- San Juan Worm
- Zebra Midge
- Scud (pink/tan)
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
January on the White River is excellent — the tailwater keeps conditions stable and fish actively feeding year-round. Check USACE Bull Shoals Dam generation schedule. Wade only at low generation. The Bull Shoals to Cotter section is most accessible.
Water Notes
USACE Bull Shoals Dam regulated. 300–5,000+ cfs. Water 48–54°F constant. Monitor generation schedule — flows can spike dramatically with zero warning.
February Outlook
February tailwater fishing on the White River. Cold stable dam releases keep the fishery productive through winter. Midge and scud patterns produce consistent action in the Cotter area.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- Egg Pattern
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
February on the White River is quiet and productive. The dam release keeps temperatures constant year-round — this is the great advantage of tailwater fishing. Fish the slow sections near Cotter at minimum generation for the best wading opportunities.
Water Notes
300–4,000 cfs. Water 48–54°F. Stable dam release. Check USACE schedule before each trip.
March Outlook
Spring on the White River brings improving weather and consistent fishing. Caddis and BWO hatches begin joining the midge program. The Ozark Hills setting is beautiful as spring arrives.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis (small)
- Blue Winged Olive
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
Tips
March marks the beginning of the White River's spring transition. Early caddis activity begins in the slower backwaters. Fish the low-generation periods for the most consistent wading. The section from Bull Shoals to Cotter produces the best wild fish.
Water Notes
300–3,000 cfs. Water 48–54°F. Stable tailwater. Spring approaching but generation schedule can be unpredictable.
April Outlook
April is one of the White River's finest months. Caddis hatches produce surface-feeding activity and the large rainbow and brown trout population is in prime condition.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Blue Winged Olive
- Sulphur Dry #16
- Scud
Tips
April on the White River is excellent — caddis hatches begin producing surface activity and the fish are aggressive after winter. The C&R section below Bull Shoals produces the finest fishing. Fish the minimum generation periods for best wading conditions.
Water Notes
300–2,000 cfs. Water 48–54°F. Prime spring tailwater conditions.
May Outlook
Excellent spring fishing on the White River. Caddis and sulphur hatches producing consistent surface action. The large wild brown and stocked rainbow trout population is highly active.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Sulphur Dry
- Soft Hackle
- Scud
Tips
May is outstanding on the White River. The spring hatch activity produces some of the finest dry fly fishing this large tailwater offers. Fish the Rim Shoals area and the Trophy Trout section below Bull Shoals for the best wild fish.
Water Notes
200–2,000 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Outstanding spring tailwater conditions. Caddis and sulphur hatches peaking.
June Outlook
Summer on the White River. Caddis and terrestrials carry the fishing. Generation patterns can be unpredictable — check USACE schedule. The large tailwater stays cool compared to surrounding Arkansas streams.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper (small)
- Ant
- Scud
Tips
The White River in June is excellent but generation schedule management is critical. Fish the minimum generation periods for wading. The river is enormous at high generation — boat fishing with a guide is the most productive approach during peak summer generation.
Water Notes
Variable 200–5,000+ cfs. Water 50–56°F. Summer generation schedule varies with power demand. Check USACE daily.
July Outlook
Summer generation on the White River. The USACE operates Bull Shoals Dam for power production — generation patterns are highly variable. Boat fishing is the most reliable approach to reach good water regardless of generation.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper (small)
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Scud
- San Juan Worm
Tips
July on the White River requires flexibility. Check USACE generation schedule — high generation means only boat fishing is practical. Float guides who know the generation schedule are invaluable. The constant 50-56°F tailwater produces exceptional fishing when accessible.
Water Notes
Variable 200–8,000 cfs depending on USACE generation. Water 50–56°F constant. Summer peak generation. Boat fishing recommended.
August Outlook
August continues summer generation patterns on the White River. The tailwater's cold releases make this one of the few genuinely cool rivers in Arkansas summer. Boat fishing with a guide is the most productive approach.
Productive Patterns
- Scud
- San Juan Worm
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Zebra Midge
Tips
The White River in August is one of the finest summer options in the Ozarks — the tailwater stays at 50-56°F while surrounding streams are stressed. Hire a local guide who tracks the generation schedule. Float fishing accesses the best low-generation water.
Water Notes
Variable 200–6,000 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Summer generation. Float guide recommended.
September Outlook
Fall transition on the White River. Generation patterns often moderate in fall. Caddis and terrestrial fishing remain productive. Some of the finest months of the year for accessing the river on foot.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Scud
- Ant
- Blue Winged Olive
Tips
September on the White River brings improving wading conditions as USACE generation typically decreases in fall. The section from Bull Shoals to Cotter produces consistent action on caddis and terrestrials. Float fish the Cotter to Norfolk section for additional variety.
Water Notes
200–2,000 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Fall conditions arriving. Generation often more predictable in fall months.
October Outlook
Excellent fall fishing on the White River. The enormous brown trout population becomes pre-spawn aggressive — October sees the largest browns of the year. Trophy fish over 20 inches are commonly encountered in the C&R sections.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer (olive/white/sculpin)
- Scud
- San Juan Worm
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
October on the White River is exceptional for trophy brown trout — pre-spawn fish are aggressive and the C&R section near Bull Shoals holds some of the largest browns in North America. Streamer fishing at dawn produces fish that test the heaviest tackle. 3X minimum for trophy fish.
Water Notes
200–2,000 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Outstanding fall tailwater. Trophy brown trout in pre-spawn mode.
November Outlook
November continues the White River's excellent fall fishing. Brown trout spawning activity creates large fish gatherings. The midge and scud program produces consistent action through the fall transition to winter.
Productive Patterns
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- Egg Pattern
- San Juan Worm
Tips
November on the White River is excellent — brown trout spawning activity continues and winter conditions bring consistent midge fishing. The dam release keeps temperatures stable. Check generation schedule before each trip.
Water Notes
200–2,000 cfs. Water 48–54°F. Fall into winter conditions. Consistent tailwater character.
December Outlook
December on the White River — winter tailwater excellence. Year-round midge and scud fishing in the clear cold Ozark tailwater. Some of America's finest winter fly fishing in an accessible Arkansas setting.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud (pink)
- San Juan Worm
- Egg Pattern
Tips
December on the White River is excellent — the dam release keeps conditions stable year-round and the fish remain active. The Bull Shoals to Cotter section is most productive in winter. Check USACE generation schedule. An outstanding winter destination.
Water Notes
200–1,500 cfs. Water 48–54°F constant. Outstanding winter tailwater. One of the finest cold-weather trout fisheries in the US.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae spp. |
Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
| Scud / Sowbug Gammarus lacustris / Caecidotea spp. |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #12–18 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Oct, Nov | Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Little Brown Stonefly Taeniopteryx spp. |
Feb | Jan, Feb, Mar | #14–16 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche spp. |
May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–16 |
|
Access & Approach
Cotter, Mountain Home, and Lakeview, AR are the main bases. Multiple boat ramps and wade access sites. Arkansas fishing license required. Bull Shoals generation schedule affects flow dramatically — check before wading.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Flys and Guides
- Ozark Fly Fisher Journal
- Steve Dally Outfitters
Regulations & License
Fishing in Arkansas requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Arkansas fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
About Current
White River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
White River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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