White River, Cotter Arkansas ... Caddis Hatch and the Trout

Let's hear reports from other places.
Post Reply
Hillbilly
Supporter 2011 - 2014
Supporter 2011 - 2014
Posts: 74
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Seminole, Fl

White River, Cotter Arkansas ... Caddis Hatch and the Trout

Post by Hillbilly »

Tucker Shoals on the White River, afternoon temps in the low 70's. Tucker Shoals is about 11 miles below Bull Shoals Dam via River. Wade Fly Fishing this afternoon, during the Caddis Hatch. Would have been a little low for the Kayak, no Generation from the Dam. Water flow was about 50cfs. Could be done but didn't have much time so Wading it is! Had an Eagle "Fly-By", knew it would be a good day!
Image
All those little Blurry spots are Caddis Flies, camera doesn't do them justice, there were millions! The Trout were rolling the top, with about a third jumping completely outta the water, after them. Almost like being in a school of Mullet!
Fiesty and Fat Rainbows,
Image
Harder and Deeper Fighting Browns,
Image
Fished for about 2 hours caught several, released without handling all but one, missed a few, fought a few then they were just gone, damn Barbless Hooks or maybe playing them too long on the 4wt.
Oh My, look at the time, the Sun has gone behind the hills, better head the 100 yards back to the house
Image
One Slippery Rock shuffling backwards and Yours Truly is sitting in 45 degree water, now that will get you going!!! All in All a Great Afternoon!
BTW ... Right now the Best Float would be between White Hole Access to the Wildcat Shoals Access (4 miles with excellent fishing), but most of the River is wadable/floatable. Lots of access points, many Resorts, a few great Fly Shops .... good to be here in the Spring!
Hope the Photos come thru .... first time to try photos ....
Tempted and Tried by a Fine pair of Legs
Likewise Enticed by Over Easy Eggs
bluebill
Posts: 433
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: St James City, FL

Re: White River, Cotter Arkansas ... Caddis Hatch and the Tr

Post by bluebill »

Great Report.

I love fly fishing for trout and few things get them going like a caddis hatch.

The second fish photo looks like a brown trout?
Be thankful for every day and especially those fine days on the water
Hillbilly
Supporter 2011 - 2014
Supporter 2011 - 2014
Posts: 74
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Seminole, Fl

Re: White River, Cotter Arkansas ... Caddis Hatch and the Tr

Post by Hillbilly »

Yes, the second photo is a Brown. All the fish were between 10 and 16", but really Fat. More Rainbows, but a couple Browns ..... no Cutthroats wanted to join in the fun that day ..... oh well there will be another chance this week.

Walked out this morning for Coffee and had another Eagle Fly-By, should be a good day! Love Sunrise on the Water!
Tempted and Tried by a Fine pair of Legs
Likewise Enticed by Over Easy Eggs
User avatar
DaveR
Supporter 2007 - 2012
Posts: 10003
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: down the shore

Re: White River, Cotter Arkansas ... Caddis Hatch and the Tr

Post by DaveR »

Bravo mate! Love it!
Senior Exalted Pro Staff Member of the Paddle-Fishing.com Kayak & Canoe Anglers Club

"SANCTUARY!!!"

Capitalization is the difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse, and helping your uncle jack off a horse.
Hillbilly
Supporter 2011 - 2014
Supporter 2011 - 2014
Posts: 74
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Seminole, Fl

Re: White River, Cotter Arkansas ... Caddis Hatch and the Tr

Post by Hillbilly »

Well, the Massive portion of the Caddis Hatch has come and gone, fish were caught and released. Mostly on size 18-20 Dry Flies, 16-20 Midges. Several nice afternoon sessions with only one that just didn't pan out. I'll be back for the late Summer Hopper Season!

Time for me to start toward Delaware (work is a four letter word). Will have Reports from there soon.
Tempted and Tried by a Fine pair of Legs
Likewise Enticed by Over Easy Eggs
bluebill
Posts: 433
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: St James City, FL

Re: White River, Cotter Arkansas ... Caddis Hatch and the Tr

Post by bluebill »

Hillbilly,

Do you know if the rainbows and browns in the White River, Ark. are wild fish?
Be thankful for every day and especially those fine days on the water
Hillbilly
Supporter 2011 - 2014
Supporter 2011 - 2014
Posts: 74
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Seminole, Fl

Re: White River, Cotter Arkansas ... Caddis Hatch and the Tr

Post by Hillbilly »

Rainbows are all "Stocked", Browns do spawn and portions of the river are closed to fishing during their normal spawning season.
Stocked fish run between 8 - 12". I have caught 3" Browns so some are wild ....
Tempted and Tried by a Fine pair of Legs
Likewise Enticed by Over Easy Eggs
bluebill
Posts: 433
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: St James City, FL

Re: White River, Cotter Arkansas ... Caddis Hatch and the Tr

Post by bluebill »

Kinda what I suspected.

It looks like a river that brown trout might like.
Be thankful for every day and especially those fine days on the water
Post Reply