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Travel Center North America Arkansas Roadhouse Shoals Guide Service
Roadhouse Shoals Guide Service
Silence, Solitude -- and Trout !
Fly fishing the White and Norfork Rivers, in the fog of early morning, brings silence and solitude -- and trout – and some very large trout!
White and Norfork Rivers: World Class Trout Fisheries
Arkansas' White River and nearby Norfork River are world-class trout fisheries -- and they are getting even better every year. These cold, clear rivers provide optimal conditions for midges, scuds, sowbugs, mayflies, caddis and numerous types of baitfish. Such a banquet produces large, healthy fish and gives the fly fisherman much to imitate.
Roundhouse Shoals Guide Services focus upon dry-fly fishing for trout -- mayflies, caddis, midges or (in season) terrestrials.
Rainbow Bridge Lodge specializes in providing the fly fisher with a clean comfortable place to relax after the day's adventures -- a place to share with others the experience of stalking these rivers' large and numerous trout.
In a Trout Unlimited member survey, the White River rated in the top 20 of 101 Best Trout Streams in the country.
Seasons & Species
Year-Round Trout Fisheries
As tailwaters below Bull Shoals and Norfork Dams, these rivers are cold and crystal-clear year-round trout fisheries.
Wild Brown Trout
In the early 1970’s fly-fishing icon, Dave Whitlock was given permission to hatch approximately one million wild brown trout eggs from Wyoming in the White River. Almost 40 years later this brown population is virtually self-sustaining population. The Little Red River, a tributary of the White, produced a 40 lb. 4 oz world record brown. Every year several browns in the 30-inch plus class are caught in addition to the many, many plus 20-inchers that are taken there on a regular basis. These monsters are protected by Arkansas fishing regulations that require the immediate release of any brown less than 24 inches.
Spring Caddis hatch:
The White sees hatches of “Spring Caddis” beginning the last week of February and extending into late May. The EZ Caddis and Parachute Adams are good choices.
Early Summer Mayflies:
Our Sulphur Mayfly hatches begin in mid-April and extends through early June. These insects are best imitated by size #16 “Parachute Sulphers”.
Fall Blue-Winged Olives:
Small blue wing olives appear in November and last through January. Blue winged olive flies # 18 through #22 will get the job done.
Stocked Rainbow Trout Which Grow Large
In 1952 after the completion of Bull Shoals dam, the federal government built their largest trout hatchery just below Norfork Dam to maintain the trout populations of the White and Norfork Rivers. Over a million are stocked each year.
Itinerary
An easy drive from Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Illinois, Tennessee, and other neighboring states, the White River provides excellent drift boat fly-fishing opportunities for trout in the mid-south.
Accommodations
Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Arkansas' famous White River and Norfork River offer unmatched fishing diversity, with enough options to satisfy every fly fisher’s needs. With several world, national and state records these tailwater fisheries have proven they have what it takes to grow quality fish. Plus the sheer number of fish here are second to none!
Rainbow Bridge Lodge's six sleeping rooms have between one and four beds each, to sleep up to 24 people. The Lodge has three separate shower-bathroom areas.
The dining and sitting areas allow large groups to not only enjoy these beautiful rivers, but also to relax comfortably together in the evenings, and share stories or visit.
Other Activities
The White River flows past limestone bluffs and woodland areas where wildlife abounds. A significant attraction along the water is Big Spring Park. It contains a two-mile walking trail that follows the river upstream to the Denton Ferry site, which is a part of the Trail of Tears. Or head downstream across the walking bridge. The park contains picnic areas, playground, swimming hole, boat ramp and more.
Hiking, shopping, festivals, canoeing and kayaking are other popular pastimes. Cotter’s historic downtown area contains restored buildings, and gift and antique shops. The city has 31 historical markers on its buildings and landmarks.
Trout Fest is held annually on the third weekend in April along the river at Big Spring Park. Live music, vendors and experts demonstrating various fishing techniques are part of the fun as are barbecue and fish fry feasts.
Rates
Contact us for package prices.
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