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.
Learn what type of fish are at White River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Alosa sapidissima
Ictiobus cyprinellus
Ictiobus niger
Ameiurus melas
Moxostoma duquesnei
Ictalurus furcatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Pylodictis olivaris
Aplodinotus grunniens
Moxostoma erythrurum
Esox americanus
Lepomis cyanellus
Carpiodes velifer
Lepomis megalotis
Lepisosteus osseus
Hypentelium nigricans
Channa argus
Lepomis humilis
Ambloplites constellatus
Polyodon spathula
Carpiodes cyprinus
Lepomis auritus
Lepomis microlophus
Lepomis miniatus
Carpiodes carpio
Moxostoma carinatum
Ambloplites rupestris
Sander canadensis
Lepisosteus platostomus
Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
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.
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.
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.
Residents of Missouri 65 years old and older are not required to purchase a fishing license. Non -Residents 16 years old and older must purchase a non-resident license. Anglers 15 years old and younger are not required to purchase a license regardless of residency.
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.
In Missouri, waterways navigable in fact, or with a long history of use, and the capability of commercial and recreational transport are open to the public. The state asserts a public trust doctrine, allowing recreation, streambed access, right to portage and other incidents of navigation, regardless of ownership.
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.
Download the map around White River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for White River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish White River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on White River.
White River · Below Beaver Dam · Southwestern Power Administration
Generating tomorrow 6:00 AM CST to 8:00 AM CST, up to 96 MW
Forecast updated today at 4:23 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
White River · Below Bull Shoals Dam · Southwestern Power Administration
Generating until 12:00 AM CST, up to 100 MW
Forecast updated today at 4:23 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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