WHEN: Year round. Because water is drawn from the bottom of Bull Shoals lake, water temperatures change little from season to season. The "busy" seasons are more the product of human comfort rather than better fishing. September-November offer some of the best/most predictable weather and water patterns. March-June see a lot of activity due to family vacations. These are also the months you are most likely to need a boat to reach the fish. Mid-July and August have great fishing, but the 90-100 degree days discourage the faint of heart. December, January and February are the quietest days on the river. There are big variations in winter weather temps, always with the possibility of snow/ice putting a kibosh on your travel plans. But the browns are spawning and there's always the possibility of a shad kill in the winter, so a cold weather trip can be very rewarding.

WHERE:  On the White River between Cotter and Mountain Home in the Arkansas Ozarks, 25 river miles below the Bull Shoals Dam. Rim Shoals is a premier fly fishing destination of the South and Southwest and one of the top 20 fly fishing destinations in the world. Only three and a half hour drive from Little Rock or one hour from Harrison airport or four hours from Memphis, TN. The best fishing is found in shoals, in eddies created by large rocks and close to shore.  Guides are recommended for first time visitors.

HEADQUARTERS: Rim Shoals Resort has licensed guides available.  A unique service provided by Rim Shoals is a river taxi to assist wade fishermen in getting to and from choice locations in the catch and release area. Restaurants, antique shopping and non-fishing attractions located in Mountain Home and surrounding communities.  For those flying in by helicopter, a landing area is available on site.

APPROPRIATE GEAR: An 8.5 ft or 9 ft, 3 or 4 wt rod is recommended.  On windy days or when fishing deep water choose a 9 ft, 5 or 6 wt rod. Long leaders, 10 - 12 ft, tapered to 6X or 7X are best.  Softer action rods make mending and feeding slack a lot easier.  Choice of rod should emphasize mending ability and the protection of light tippets.  Double taper lines offer the advantage of roll casting and mending better than weight forward.

USEFUL FLY PATTERNS: Trout grow FAT all year long on the abundant scuds, sow bugs, midges, crawfish, sculpins, minnows, and other forage fish. Insect hatches can be great in the spring when we see caddis, crane flies and sulphur mayflies. Although the fish do not depend on these food sources, they will look up and slurp if there is a hatch.  Zebra Midges (black and copper, red and copper) Scuds,Woolly Buggers, Y2K's, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails, Soft Hackle Hairs Ear, Midge Pupae, Parachute  BWO's and San Juan Worms will supply you plenty of action.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Rim Shoals is a catch and release trophy area; single, barbless hooks.  No live bait (including power bait, artificial worms or scented lures), no double droppers. Everything you catch in this 1.5 mile stretch, must be released, but it is perfectly legal to motor outside the boundaries and bring your catch back to our dock/your cabin.

ACCESSORIES RECOMMENDED: Hat, sunblock, polarized glasses and camera. If you are wading, wading staff, felt sole wading shoes and a whistle.

NONRESIDENT LICENSE:  $11.00/ 72 hours, $17.00 /7day, $22.00/14 day, $40.00/annual. 
Trout stamp $12.00 good for one year from date of purchase.

BOOKS - MAPS: Home Waters by Mid South Fly Fishers,  Ozark Trout Tails by Steve Wright,  White River/North Fork River Map by Gary Heidrick.

WARM WATER FISHING: Crooked Creek, a world class small mouth fishery joins the White River about 3 miles down river from Rim Shoals. Best fishing from Feb-April. Poppers, Woolly Buggers, Muddler Minnow's and Red Fox Squirrel Nymph-Bead Head Sili-Leg will do the trick.

RESERVATIONS/GUIDE/DOCK SERVICES: Call the office (870) 435-6144 

Links to More Fishing Info:
Winter Fishing             Dam Generation        Menoka's Trail