What to expect on the White River and Norfork Tailwater this Summer

What to expect on the White River and Norfork Tailwater

Late June and all of July should be consistently better than average

We are hoping that the heavy rains and accompanying runoff of spring are over for awhile, but statistically, June is one of the Ozarks wettest months, so we must always stay ready for anything. Unfortunately, the rest of June is likely to be a predominantly high water affair on both the White River and Norfork Tailwater, but the bite should be good for those willing to get out in a boat.June is a month of transition, and the trout often act accordingly. The beginning of the month offers the best chance of really hot fishing, and the bite will get progressively slower as the Fourth of July approaches; the trout need time to adjust to the sultry conditions of the "Dog Days" of summer. After a week or two of typical July weather, expect to encounter the most consistent fishing of the year.

There are several reasons that mid-summer is such a good time to fish these tailwaters. First of all, the river always stays in the 50-55-degree range, so it's possible to stay cool right on the water, whether you are in a boat or wading. It's looking like the lakes will be down to power pool sometime near the end of June, and barring any unusual rain events, the reservoirs will continue to drop. This will make for a prolonged and extremely consistent flow regime, as the Corp of Engineers will practice "water conservation" during the coolest part of the day, and switch to a "power production" motive sometime during the heat of the afternoon. Water can and will come up quickly during the summer months because the dams will often switch from low water to maximum releases in a matter of minutes.

If Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes are at or below pool in the middle of July, most mornings will be low on the Norfork - look for two units to come on between 11am and 2pm. Of course, there will be the occasional day where one unit will run all morning, but this tailwater will emerge as the steadiest summer wading spot in the Ozarks if water levels are normal. Finding low water on the White will take a bit more hunting, but there can be days over there when decent wading conditions can be literally "followed" down river all day by staying in front of power flows. Sometimes Bull Shoals Dam will run water through the night and into the morning, and this can put a damper on wading plans, but as the lake gets 2 to 5-feet low, look for flows to shut down anytime from 8pm through midnight, and generation will commence in the morning between 8am and 1pm. Every day will be a little different, and please do not hesitate to contact the shop if you have any questions regarding the low-water "window" concept on the White.  



As a solid and unwavering generation pattern develops, the subsequent fishing will be some of the best of the year. White River Basin trout thrive on consistency and they are creatures of habit. If the water is doing the same thing every day, the trout will begin feeding extremely steadily starting around mid-morning, and there is often a feeding- frenzy on rising water - especially on the Norfork. High-water drift fishing will be excellent, and the best fly conditions will be on the Norfork - once again - because it is still very fishable with two-units running (maximum flows). The White gets exceedingly difficult for inexperienced boat anglers when flows exceed the 5-unit level, and this will happen every day at some point on the White during the summer.

Weather can play a role in summer water releases, and typically, if the temperatures to the south and west of the rivers are cooler than normal, expect the water to stay low for an hour or two longer in the morning/afternoon. Of course, the opposite will hold true during heat waves.

Summer fly fishing opportunities in the Ozarks are much better than advertised, and towards the end of the season, some really big browns will start feeding on high water. Often, the thought of the heat keeps people away, but it is definitely a time that versatile fly anglers will love, and it is always comfortable on the water. Late June through July of this year will offer up some of the best summer conditions we've seen in a long time, so be sure to keep the Arkansas option on your mind when thinking of an overlooked summer fly fishing destination.

Book your July and August guided fly fishing trip with a Blue Ribbon Guide by sending us an email @ blueribbonflyfish@hotmail.com.