Hopper Fishing on the White River
Read Time: 3 Minutes | Published: 2nd August 2022 | Author: Dave FasonThe month of August is typically not the most popular time to fish for trout in the south. We have low water and high temperatures paired with humidity that will make any angler rethink their decision to fish or even be outdoors. A friend called me up to ask if I wanted to take a road trip half way across the country to the White River in Arkansas. He mentioned large browns, hoppers and cool waters. Before we could finish the conversation I answered quickly, “Yes!”
Arrival
We had a few weeks to prep for the trip. North Carolina to Arkansas is a long haul. We planned for most of our time to be with local guides who knew the area well. We had four days scheduled. Two with the well known Dallys shop, one with Rising River Guides and one with White River Fly Anglers. We figured if we had four days, odds were we could potentially have one lights out day. After a fifteen hour trip we arrived to Mountain Hope, Arkansas. Our hotel was strange and damp but we only had to be there for one night. We had a cabin on the river to look forward to the remaining days. Our hopes were high as we readied our rods, loaded our fly boxes with hoppers and packed the cooler.
Day 1
The first day was an eye opener for me. The river itself was massive with cabins lining some of the banks that reminded me of summer camp years ago. We loaded the boat and off we went to find our first White River brown. The first fish we landed was well over 20” with perfect coloring. When the guide mentioned this is a standard fish I knew we were in for a hell of a trip. The entire day was full of picturesque hopper sips. We finished the day with a 24” brown that we celebrated with a couple PBR’s. A heck of a first day!
Day 2
The second day started with drizzle and a thick fog blanket. The fishing started slow but picked up once the sun broke though. We decided to take a longer lunch break and check out a local eatery, Gastons. The restaurant overlooked the river and we all ordered oversized sandwiches to gorge on for the remaining afternoon. After a few more beers we jumped back on the boat for a few hours. We hooked some, lost some and broke off on a few but overall another stellar day.
Final Days
The third and fourth days were guided by two different guides, both named Matt. We had two days that well-exceeded our expectations. The days started slow due to the generations being inconsistent. Once the generations settled we caught fish after fish. A highlight for me was a large brown that I was able to sight cast too. The fish was tucked between gnarly branches of a downed tree. I had luck on my side and managed to get the fly to the zone. The fish slowly sipped the fly and the fight was on. After a handful more fish we went back to the cabin to fire up the Traeger. We enjoyed venison tacos and talked about the last four days we just experienced.
The White River is truly unique. The river is flanked by huge bluffs and peppered with cabins that remind you of summer camp from the 1980s. No matter where you are on the river it houses perfect specimens of brown trout. The fly fishing community supports each other and it shows with every guide. They really have something special out there and I know that I will be back!
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