Southern Trout Magazine: Ozark Edition Issue 7

Page 64

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WHITE RIVER

High water flows see big browns moving towards the banks to seek areas of less resistance. “An entire culture developed around the fishing of huge streamers for big browns during these high water episodes about a decade ago,” Babin said. “Five-toseven-inch articulated streamers became the ticket for catching these monster fish.” The winter season often brings high waters to White River, but it is not the only time anglers can expect to target big browns. You can’t mark the calendar and say this is the time to come to the White to fish for big browns,” he stated. “However, high water is the time to fish streamers; low water is the time to fish nymphs. It’s always best to call me at the shop before making a trip to check water conditions and how to approach the fish. High water, overcast skies and good visibility create the magic formula for catching bruiser browns on big streamers.” “The White River is the perfect stream to produce big fish,” said Rising River Guides spokesman Matt Millner. “Trout here enjoy a year-round prolific feeding buffet. There is a phenomenal diversity of foods available to trout in the White. Aquatic insects, crayfish, sculpins and rainbow trout are abundant.” Once the browns reach 18-inches their diet changes dramatically. They seek out larger protein sources. The abundant 9-to-12-inch rainbows the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks in the river each season fills the bill. 64 l November 2017 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com


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