Fly Fishing with Cranor's Guide Service

Fly fishing in ice cold, crystal clear, trout-filled waters flowing through rugged terrain along high river bluffs with bald eagles soaring overhead. Where are we? Colorado, Montana? No, we are in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in North Central Arkansas on the world famous White River. Once an outstanding smallmouth bass stream in the 1950's the Corps of Engineers brought electricity to rural Arkansas with a series of hydroelectric dams. This ended the bass fishing but provided a unique opportunity for trout.

The river rises out of the mountains southeast of Fayetteville and flows north into Beaver Lake, into Missouri through Table Rock Lake, then into Lake Taneycomo at Branson. The last lake in the chain is Bull Shoals Lake which sprawls across the Arkansas-Missouri border. This series of lakes provide the silt-free clear waters of the White River tailwater. The constant cold temperatures are ensured by the deep water thermocline above Bull Shoals Dam.

Over the centuries the river has carved its way through the limestone base of the Ozark Plateau providing the nutrient rich waters in which trout thrive. Fly fishermen should come prepared for a variety of water conditions because of the varying generation levels. Although many areas of the river are wadeable at low levels the river is best accessed by boat.

The river has a wide variety of aquatic life including midges, sowbugs, freshwater shrimp, caddis flies, and Mayflies. Larger food sources include sculpins, minnows, crayfish and shad from the lake. This wide selection means that time of year and water level dictates your fly selection.

This is a big wide open river so 8.5 and 9-foot rods in 4, 5, and 6 weight are usually preferred. Most fishermen like their floating lines, but don't forget to put in a spare spool with sinking line for those stubborn fish in heavy water. With its four species of trout (brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook), its varying water levels and its year-round season, the White River offers something for every fly fisherman.

White River Fly Fishing With Cranor's

We guide the White River year round. So if you have a date that works for you, we are fishing!  We catch crazy numbers of nice Rainbow Trout and good numbers of Brown Trout on most trips.  We also catch Brooks and Cutthroat on occasion. Don't forget that not only do you get to enjoy catching a fish, you will also be taking in the BEAUTY of the Ozarks!  

So my question to you is....why wouldn't you come to the White River?  Don't forget to look at our calender to see what kind of fishing and what time of the year works for you.

Which season best fits your skill level and expectations?

Winter (December-early March) is Streamer Season...when we fish for the Big Boys.  We use 7-8 weight rods with sinking lines. During these months is when we cast big streamers to the banks. If you enjoy seeing Big Browns chase and eat what you are casting with a vengeance, this is the season for you.  During these months is also the time for Trophy Trout, not high numbers of trout. Call us, we'd love to guide you to your Trophy Trout on a fly.

Spring (mid March - May) is Dry Fly Season or "Hatch" time in the Ozarks. We use 4-5 weight rods with floating lines. We have a prolific Caddis Hatch through mid-May, then a Sulfur Hatch till mid-June. When I say "Hatch" I mean bugs hatching in the cup holder of your boat!  Every fish in the river is feeding on pupas in the early morning, emergers during the mid-morning and dries all afternoon. This results in great numbers of nice Rainbow and site-casting to some really nice Brown Trout. Dry fly Fisherman...this is when you will want to book!

Summer ( June – August ) The “dog days of summer” may become the “hog days” of summer if the water is right to fish hoppers a long the grassy banks. A hopper dropper can be a great combination. If you like to watch big fish come up to big bugs this might be the time for you. Just keep your powder dry and don’t yank it out of his mouth!

Fall (September-November) A beautiful time in the Ozarks!  If you're are a leaf peeper don’t miss this. The fishing can be even better than the colors. Those hoppers can go all the way through September and the midge fishing is excellent. When the leaves start to turn it is time for the browns to spawn and although we don’t like to take those fish off the reds there are always a bunch of egg eaters around to keep your rod bent!