Complete White River Fly Fishing Website

1. Will a guide save me money?

The answer to this question is a resilient “Yes”, if your time could be spent doing something else productive. It is wasteful to make the effort to visit one of the country’s premiere trout destinations only to get shut out by unexpected water releases. It happens here all the time even though some of the best fly fishing action is experienced while drifting in a boat when the water is high. The guys who are do-it-yourself types should still utilize the services of a guide in order to learn how to safely run a boat on the river, and the knowledge of a local angler also comes in quite handy when the river is low. If you are a self-sufficient fly fishermen, future fishing time will be enhanced significantly if a guide is hired for the first few days of a trip. Considering that most people struggle to find the time to go fly fishing, it makes complete sense to get the most out of those precious moments on the water. Guides are just a necessary entity that will help ensure a positive experience.

2. Should I hire a guide through a resort or fly shop?

It is hard to answer this question because there are so many variables at play. Fly shops and resorts do have access to some very talented guides, but it is often difficult to determine who your exact guide will be before the trip. It is possible to submit requests, but it can be a hassle making all your guided fishing arrangements through a “middle-man”. Be wary of guide trips that cost significantly less than the status quo, as often, these are resort guides who are not devoted fly anglers. Everyone is trying to capitalize on the emerging popularity of fly fishing, but there are only a handful of experienced and passionate fly fishing guides in the Ozarks. These are the guys that understand appropriate fly fishing techniques and they will quickly figure out the best spots for the conditions at hand. Fly shops are a safer bet than resorts for fly fishing guides, but you will still rarely know exactly who you will be fishing with. Because of profit motives, fly shops often charge the highest prices in our area for a level of service that is often inferior to what an independent guide provides.

3. What are the advantages of hiring an independent guide?

The Ozarks is home to a significant group of independent guides. These sportsmen do not rely on outfitters to provide clients. When you hire an independent, you should have a pretty good idea of what they are all about before the actual trip. Most of the independent guides have updated Web sites, and they are all accessible via email or on the phone. Also take advantage of the “less-biased” opinions of independent guides when it comes to lodging and logistical information. With such a large number of independents, the Ozarks presents the rare opportunity to work with a guide when planning every detail of a fly fishing trip. At the very least, when you use an independent guide, you can be assured that they exclusively fly fish and that they will be providing everything necessary for your day on the water. An Ozark fly fishing guide should include, at no additional cost, drinks, flies, tackle, a safe boat and anything else that could prove handy while on the water.

4. Why should I hire Jeremy Hunt or any other guide through Taneycomotrout.com?

Passion. There are no other guides in the area as devoted as I am to creating the perfect fly fishing experience for my clients. In order to accomplish this, I spend copious amounts of time out on the water checking things out, and I stay on top of all prevailing trends. I take my business seriously, but I also always focus on the primary objectives when I take people fishing: learning and having fun. Most of the guides in the Ozarks only frequent certain stretches of water, whereas, I will explain all of the options across the region for the particular day. I am intimately familiar with Lake Taneycomo, the White River and the Norfork Tailwater, and I will take my clients to any one of those incredible trout fisheries. It is critical to be versatile as a guide on these unpredictable rivers, so I utilize a traditional drift boat and a motorized river boat to help reach less-pressured water. I will rarely wade into spots, unless the water is low on Lake Taneycomo - and even then, there are opportunities to use the boat to beat the crowds and to stay on top of the fish. My clients are encouraged to ask questions and I work hard to tailor each trip to the specific desires and goals of the anglers. If I am booked on the day(s) that you had hoped to fish with me, I also work closely with several highly qualified guides who will get the job done with class.

5. How do I get the ball rolling on a guide trip?

Guided trips are available 365-days a year, but certain times of year are busy. It never hurts to inquire about availability, even if it is at the last second. Of course, it is best to allow the most time possible to plan your trip. I will work closely with my clients to help them cover their bases, but the booking process is simple: Just drop me an email or give me a call. Have your prospective dates and other details ready. I do not require a deposit at this time, but I do have a “delayed-deposit” policy that covers cancellations with less than one week’s notice. If this situation arises, a $100 cancellation fee is expected. There are exceptions to this policy based on individual situations. Once I have your days booked, I will send a confirmation email. Please try and call when you get into the area, and at that time we will discuss the fishing options. I am always willing to help in any way. Read more...

Hopefully these questions and answers have shed some light on how guided fly fishing trips work in the Ozarks. The guide business is my bread and butter, so I work diligently to be prepared for anything. I have spent countless hours on the water in a never-ending quest to be the best fly angler that I can be. There is always something new to learn in the sport of fly fishing. This is why I am so passionate about what I do – fly fishing is never boring. Sharing my enjoyment with others has become my life’s work.