[alikair]

I am doing research about a possible move to Mountain Home when I retire and was wondering how is this river. Do you need a drift boat and just float downstream or can you return to the same boat ramp you launched from with a regular boat or jet drive?
If I understand this river from a fishing forum you need to watch how many generators are running and if its to much or to little you will probably wreck your boat.

The only reason I am looking into moving to Mountain Home is for the fishing, I am a avid fly fisherman but also like to throw hardware. Here In Oregon, I fish for much larger trout than you guys got.
Our trouts are called Steelhead and they head out to sea and come back to spawn. they get pretty darn big

[gemstone1]

"Here In Oregon I fish for much larger trout than you guys got." Don't count on it ...look up record brown trout on the white river.
The White River is just what you are looking for...just leave your west coast mine is bigger-n-yours attitude behind. An Oregon style drift boat will work when they are not releasing water from the dam, other than that, you'll need a motor to get back to the starting point, not a jet drive....or just pull out down stream. There are plenty of trout outfitters working the White River, book a couple of trips to get the feel for the river. When (if) you tire of trout on the White, float the Buffalo and fly fish for smallmouth bass.

Regards
Gemstone1

[alikair]

Originally Posted by gemstone1

"Here In Oregon I fish for much larger trout than you guys got." Don't count on it ...look up record brown trout on the white river.
The White River is just what you are looking for...just leave your west coast mine is bigger-n-yours attitude behind. An Oregon style drift boat will work when they are not releasing water from the dam, other than that, you'll need a motor to get back to the starting point, not a jet drive....or just pull out down stream. When (if) you tire of trout on the White, float the Buffalo and fly fish for bass.

Regards
Gemstone1

LOL Gem, you sure that was a trout in the link you sent? that THING was gigantic. Most trout here are tiny 1 and 2 pounders while our steelhead are over 10. Heck I caught a 18 pounder just 2 weekends ago.

[gemstone1]

"Most trout here are tiny 1 and 2 pounders"....I know, I've fished the Willamette around Westfir/Oakridge.

There is no comparing the Cascades to the Ozarks....Cascades, hands down.

Regards
Gemstone1

[alikair]

Originally Posted by gemstone1

"Most trout here are tiny 1 and 2 pounders"....I know, I've fished the Willamette around Westfir/Oakridge.

There is no comparing the Cascades to the Ozarks....Cascades, hands down.

Regards
Gemstone1

Hi Gem, I'm not 100% sure I understood your message.
I read it as, you fished our Willamette river and know we have 1 and 2 pound trout.
But then go on to say that in a comparing the Cascades to the Ozarks, are you referring to the size of the mountains ranges?

I dont normally fish for trout. The river I fish here in Oregon I am looking for Steelhead and sometimes Salmon. My boss on the other hand only fishes for trout. He has to drive 3 hrs either east or west to find a good trout river and the fish are usually 1 ft long on average I would guess.

The link you posted of the giant trout was incredible for sure, but aren't most trout in the 1 ft range?

[explorearkansas]

The White could be costly when running minimum flow if your not familiar with the terrain due to bottoming the prop. Once you get used to it, a non issue.

[alikair]

Is there a need for a jet drive on this river? Or do most folks just use a regular propeller.

[mgforshort]

I've never been to Arkansas, not yet, but I had seen videos on youtube of that White River. I was willing and able to go kayaking here in California on the Feather or on the Sacramento rivers. But I'd be scared sh**less to attempt a trip on the White river, especially in my age.

[btoverdrive]

Originally Posted by alikair

Is there a need for a jet drive on this river? Or do most folks just use a regular propeller.

Last year our guides out of Norfork trout dock had propeller outboards. We went in September and fished between Norfork and the Buffalo River confluence. Had a blast and a fabulous shore lunch of freshly caught trout, fried potatoes and a salad. Between the two of us in our boat we probably caught 50-60 trout, mostly 1-2 pound size, all rainbows.

[TRex2]

I see boats with outboards around here, all the time, and can't remember the last time I saw a jet boat.