Arkansas Fly Fishing Lodge on the White and Norfork Rivers
The White River is known as Trout Capitol USA.
The White and Norfork Rivers in Arkansas offer the angling opportunity of a lifetime for both the experienced angler and the first time fly fisher. Numerous state and world records have come from these rivers. The management of these fisheries continues to improve each year. There is an excellent stocking program of rainbow cutthroat and brook trout. The rivers have each fostered the natural production of wild brown trout.
The White River

The White River is a truly world class fishery like few others anywhere in the world.
Fly fishing Arkansas White River with this outfitter is something special…and it’s arguably the best brown trout fishery in the US. It’s a great affordable destination to bring a son or daughter who is a beginner at fly-fishing, or for the advanced angler looking to target a truly once in a lifetime brown trout. The White River has over 100 mile of trout water and fish averaging 18 to 22 inches. Each year, many fish caught that weigh in over 10 pounds!
The White River is a truly world class fishery like few others anywhere in the world. Its reputation as a wild brown trout fishery is well deserved, producing some monster “once in a lifetime” fish. Chasing these trophies can be an immensely rewarding challenge. The White River is also heavily stocked with 12 to 14 inch rainbow trout to provide consistent sport all year round on all water levels for all skill levels. Some rainbows, and cutthroat, can be still found well over 20 inches, truly remarkable captures.
The Norfork River
When fishing with this Arkansas fly fishing guide, you might take a break from the White River browns to float the Norfork for rainbows, cutthroats, and brookies. The Norfork River is a smaller river, that’s only about five miles, yet it boasts large populations of browns and rainbows. In addition the Norfork has some large 20+ inch Bonneville and Finespot cutthroat trout as well as a few trophy Brook trout.
World Class fly fishing Arkanas White and Norfork Rivers for four species of trout from a spectacular lodge.
- Four Species of Trout: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bonneville Cutthroat, Finespot Cutthroat, and Brook Trout.
- Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced. This Arkansas fly fishing guide will show you a great time no matter your skill level.
- Affordable
- Lodging: Located in the heart of the Ozarks, the fishing lodge sits on the banks of a river that is world-famous or trout fishing, within view of “The Narrows”.
- Year-Round Fishing:
- Late November through early March – Streamer fishing is the best option.
- March through May – Ccaddis flies begin to hatch. This is an excellent time of year for both novice and experienced anglers to catch not only lots of fish but trophy fish as well on dries and nymph imitations.
- June through September – The most exciting fly fishing is from June through September, as there are LOTS of terrestrial insects. Grasshoppers, cicadas, beetles, dragonflies and even tarantulas become important food sources for trout and they concentrate along the banks.
Includes
- Lodging
- All inclusive all tackle, flies, rods and reels.
- Drinks, and lunches during fishing trip.
- Outfitter pick up and drop off to boat launches/fishing locations.
Pricing Upon Request
- Fill out the form on this page *reference trip #WOA1
- Contact your OI Consultant *reference trip #WOA1
Not Included
- Trip Insurance
- Licenses. You will need a 3 day out-of-state licence and permit.
- Travel costs to area.
- Airport shuttles available upon request with an additional fee.
- Tips
*Prices subject to change without notice, so lock your price in with a deposit asap.
Fishing Reports
Have you been on a trip with us or one of our outfitters? We’d love to hear how it went. Please fill out a trip report.
Lodging and Accommodations
We are located in the heart of the Ozarks on a peaceful country road near Cotter Arkansas. Our property provides 475 feet of frontage on a river world famous for trout fishing. Our riverbank is great for fly-fishing. Via the river, we are just 8 ½ miles downstream from Bull Shoals Dam, about 2 miles down from White Hole and 3 miles up from Wildcat Shoals. The Narrows is actually within view from our bank. We are situated in a prime spot for fishing for huge brown as well as large rainbow and stockers.
Our flexible accommodations are nestled by the waters’ edge with a view of majestic bluffs and clear trout waters. We also have lots of comfortable deck space with outdoor dining options. Our lodge has three levels, each self-contained with the modern conveniences we’ve all become accustomed to, including separate central heat and air units for each floor. We have rewired the lodge to provide ceiling fans and modern lighting. Each level has a private deck, but there are two community decks available, which are down by the water. Our guests can share them or if someone wishes to use the community deck for a special event, they may do so by renting the whole lodge for the minimum stay and paying a nominal refuse fee.
- Upstairs 1-2 One bedroom, den, kitchenette, and full bath. This level has a TV with DSS, refrigerator-freezer, microwave, coffee maker, and a charcoal gill on a private covered deck
- Main Level 1-4 Two bedrooms, great-room with fire place and kitchen, and full bath
- Down stairs 1-6 Two bedrooms, den with fireplace, separate kitchen, and full bath
- We have outdoor dining available on each level with ceiling fans, lighting, and outdoor furniture. We provide charcoal and lighter, wood for the fireplaces, coffee, paper towels, soap, and a few spices as well. All you really need is your food.
- Can Rent Entire Lodge 16 people The Upstairs and Downstairs can each accommodate two extra people with the use of futons and a roll away.
Guides
Professional staff of six guides for a total of 12 fisherman.
Travel Information
Arrive the afternoon before check-in is from 3-11pm, fish 3 days, stay the 4th night and check out by 11am the following morning. Guides will communicate meeting/pick up times.
- Little Rock, AR (2:45 hours)
- Springfield, MO (2 hours)
- Memphis TN (3.5 hours)
- Harrison,AR (HRO) 45 miles
Please, protect your investment with Trip Insurance.
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Request a Free Quote for Trip InsuranceIf you wish you can bring your own rods and reels, but there will be rods and reels provided.
Suggested Gear List for a Fly Fishing Trip
Be sure to talk to your guide about any specific gear that you should bring, but this list should cover you.
Clothing, Accessories and Personal Items
You’ll want to dress in layers appropriate to the season while you’re out on the water.
This is not about needing everything under the sun: good forceps with scissors, a good nipper on a zinger, leader material from 4X up through 0X, indicators, and non-toxic split shot (it is doubtful you’ll be fishing alone and without a guide who will have all of the terminal tackle rigged and ready, but it doesn’t hurt to have some backup). If you want to carry a lightweight net, then carry one. Chances are the guide will land the fish. A wading staff is excellent if you’re going to be out of the boat.
- Polarized sunglasses
– As in every other style of fishing, sunglasses are critical. Take three pair; a backup for your backup. Wear croakies to keep them from falling off and floating down river. Make sure your main pair are superior polarized lenses to cut the glare and allow you to see the bottom as well as the fish. Your backups can be lesser and there are some great less expensive fishing glasses out there.
- High-quality breathable raincoat
in good condition
- High-quality breathable waders
in good condition, with repair kit
- Stout, felt soled wading boots
with good ankle support.
- Studded boots are optional but not needed.
- Headgear, i.e. hat with a brim, and a beanie for cooler weather.
- Long sleeved shirt
- Lightweight and fleece long underwear
- Fleece sweater or jacket
- Packs – Fly-fishing packs are the best way to carry what you need for a day in the Alaskan wilderness. Waterproof packs are even better. Essentially you want a larger pack to carry extra layers and then a fishing pack such as a sling pack or a hip pack to carry flies, leaders, and other accessories. This can actually be transported to the river inside the larger pack and you are not going to need every accessory and every box of flies you own. Your guide will tell you what you need and generally you will be fishing the same species during the course of the day. Take what you need in the smaller pack, and pack what you think you need in the larger pack, which can stay on the shore, in the boat, or on the plane.
- Casual clothing for wearing around the lodge.
- Swimsuit for the hot tub (if there is one at the lodge), or the river if you like!
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof boat bag
- Water bottle
- Camera (bring extra film or cards, batteries, chargers)
- Video cameras (bring extra discs, tapes, batteries, chargers, there are plugs in the rooms for chargers)
- Binoculars for eco-trips and sightseeing
- Basic toiletries
- Passport
Rods, Reels and Lines
Flies:
Ask for fly list depending on time of the year. At most fishing lodges, they have a large selection of the best used flies for their water.
Rod, reel and lines:
- 2 fast action 5-6wt 9 foot rods with floating line and a 150-250 grain sinking tip for streamer fishing
- 9 foot 2,3,4x leaders for dry fishing and 7.5 foot 0-2x leaders for streamer fishing
- 0-4.5x tippets