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White River

Boat Ramps
53
Access Points
62
Species
54

The White River is a premier fishing destination that flows from the Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas, curves into Missouri, and then makes its way back into Arkansas. This 720-mile river is renowned worldwide for its exceptional trout fishing, particularly below Bull Shoals Dam. The river maintains cold, oxygen-rich water year-round with temperatures consistently around 50°F, creating ideal conditions for trout. The White River remains fishable 365 days a year with no closed seasons, making it a popular spot for anglers of all skill levels. Its clear waters and gravel, bedrock, and sand bottom provide an excellent habitat for various fish species, with some areas of the river producing record-breaking catches that have established its reputation as one of the finest fisheries in the world.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at White River and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on White River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on White River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Arkansas licenses and regulations

Arkansas Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Arkansas Fishing License

If you are 16 or older, you must carry a valid fishing license to take or attempt to take aquatic wildlife in Arkansas, unless you are fishing in a licensed “put-and-take” pay lake. A trout permit is required to fish for trout in certain waters (tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson or east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek) or to keep trout from any Arkansas waters.

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Arkansas Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Arkansas Stream Access Laws

If a waterway can carry a small boat for six months out of the year, it is considered navigable and available for public use. This includes streambed access up to the high water mark. However, access to the waterway through private land is not guaranteed.

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Take White River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around White River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for White River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish White River and check the forecast before you go.

White River at Newport, AR

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Latest
10 yr average

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Dam releases

Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on White River.

Beaver Dam

White River · Below Beaver Dam · Southwestern Power Administration

Generating tomorrow 6:00 AM CST to 8:00 AM CST, up to 96 MW

Next 48 hours

Tomorrow
6:00 AM CST to 8:00 AM CST
up to 96 MW
Southwestern Power Administration on energy.gov

Forecast updated today at 4:23 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.

Bull Shoals Dam

White River · Below Bull Shoals Dam · Southwestern Power Administration

Generating until 12:00 AM CST, up to 100 MW

Next 48 hours

Today
5:00 PM CST to 12:00 AM CST
up to 100 MW
Southwestern Power Administration on energy.gov

Forecast updated today at 4:23 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.


Explore Arkansas waters

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