In February of 2011, Jon Griffin and I took a trip to Mountain Home, Arkansas for fishing on the White River tailwater. We met up with Jamie Clous, a friend and guide from the Old Au Sable Fly Shop, and Dr. Greg MacDonald from Indiana. Our guides were Alex Lafkas from the Old Au Sable and Chad Johnson from the Mountain River Fly Shop in Cotter, Arkansas.

We fished for 3 days in varying water conditions. During low water, we were nymphing with midge patterns on 2 fly rigs and catching mostly 10-15 inch Rainbows. Quite a lot of fun as the trout were eager and prolific. During low water, the trout congregate in the pools and when you float over them there is always a bite. We even had several instances where we caught multiple fish out of the same pool.

During higher water, the streamer bite was on. We were hurling articulated streamers that, after a while, felt like you were throwing a wet mop. Although it was a bit of an overkill, I used an 8wt saltwater rod just to keep from wearing my arm out. We caught several nice Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat trout during the streamer fishing times.

My personal thanks goes to Alex Lafkas and Chad Johnson for their hospitality and great guiding. Chad fishes year round on the White River and can be reached through the Mountain River Fly Shop. Alex fishes the White River in the winter, and guides for the Old Au Sable Fly Shop in Grayling during the Michigan trout season. I personally recommend both these pro guides for any trip you consider to these destinations.