Your one-stop website for fly fishing the White River, the Norfork Tailwater, and Lake Taneycomo
“Spring fly fishing on the White River, Norfork Tailwater, and Lake Taneycomo is characterized by perfect weather and diverse water conditions. White River fly fishing guides love the spring because of the many trophy fish that are caught as feeding activity becomes more consistent than it was during the late winter time period. Depending on the amount of rainfall that fell during the winter over the White River Basin trout fisheries, wade fishing may be a possibility; or fly fishing will be effective out of a drift boat or riverboat during periods of high water. Either way, spring is a great time for fly fishing the Ozarks, and this is also the time of year for hot dry fly fishing action.”
Spring time at Rim Shoals
Spring
This is the season that offers a little bit of everything for the Ozark fly fishermen. Milder temperatures and active fish often characterize this time of year. While water releases are often minimal during the month of February, heavy rains can put the lakes into flood pool by early March. When the lakes are high, releases are often heavy and constant, but the fish will begin to feed quite aggressively after several days of high water, and often March is the peak month for the Shad kill. A critical piece of information for fly fishermen intent on wading in the spring is that there tends to be some low water on the White and Norfork after heavy rain events. This is because the Corp of Engineers will hold back water instead of aggravating the flooding of points far downstream with strong releases, but the high water will come eventually, so there is only a small window of opportunity. While the water may be high on the White River, Norfork can be low, and if you can catch it down, this tailwater offers tremendous spring dry fly fishing. Because fishing pressure is lightest during the winter, both numbers and size of the fish is at its peak in early spring. By mid to late April, the reservoirs have usually been lowered to normal levels. Bull Shoals and Table Rock Dams will often release moderate amounts of water during the week, and the weekends will be your best bets for low water conditions if the lakes are near power pool. By late April and into May, frequent cold fronts can make the bite a little more unpredictable. As a general rule, trout will feed very lightly and sporadically the day of the front (usually the fishing is especially tough 6 to eight hours before severe weather situations), and after the front goes through, the fishing will improve. Unpredictable flows are the rule for late spring, and the heaviest releases will occur on warmer days. If you have low water, this time of the year is the peak of dry fly fishing. By mid June, summer conditions become the rule. Spring is a great time for fly fishermen of all skill levels to enjoy Ozark fly fishing.
