white river arkansas

[tsuggs]

I know this should be in out of state but thought I might get more responses here,My dad has planned a trout trip to Gastons lodge on the white river first wknd of april with my brother and nephew.No guide,we only have spinnin reels,and the lodge furnishes the boats.The only trout ive caught were accidental below normandy dam fishing with minners.Was hopin some of you trout guys might spread a little light on this body of water since I am completely in the dark on baits,lures, line,techniques.I will also study the fishing reports for that area this weekend.

[Alphahawk]

I know this should be in out of state but thought I might get more responses here,My dad has planned a trout trip to Gastons lodge on the white river first wknd of april with my brother and nephew.No guide,we only have spinnin reels,and the lodge furnishes the boats.The only trout ive caught were accidental below normandy dam fishing with minners.Was hopin some of you trout guys might spread a little light on this body of water since I am completely in the dark on baits,lures, line,techniques.I will also study the fishing reports for that area this weekend.

I'm sure browntrout will chime in here......he fishes out there all the time....but you are going to catch a bunch of trout.


Regards

[Travis C.]

Trout Magnets, Stickbaits from 3"-8" in baitfish or trout patterns, spoons and inline spinners.

See how far I am off once browntrout see this thread.

Also, could you test a theory I have while out there if don't mind. A 1/32oz and or 1/16oz crappie marabou jig in color brown/orange/brown or solid white. Fish with an erratic jerk back to the boat. They make a similar jig for that out there but I believe these would work both there and here.

[browntrout]

First off let me say you will have a great time. Gastons is a real nice place. Jim Gaston is a friend of mine and they run a top notch place. Let me highly advise you that if you could afford a guide 1 day I would hire one. 2 reasons, #1 you will be there during the spring when the water flow is real high and if you have never run a river boat he could give you some pointers and assist you in learning how to run one. #2 He could show you what tactics are working at that particular time. Remember if you sink one of their boats you are looking at $1000 recovery fee plus any damages. It can happen to anyone as I have even seen experienced guides sink them so I would think about hiring one. The best one at Gastons is Frank Saska. You can request him.

I am posting a link to a River Cam from Newlands Lodge. This is right below Gastons and you can watch the river to see the conditions and the water flow.

http://newlands.com/index.php?id=213

I dont think trout magnets will do you any good when you will be there due to the amount of water that should be coming from the dam. You just cant get them down deep enough.

The first thing you need to learn is a "White River Trout rig" I am posting a video of one below.

http://www.hisplaceresort.net/video.htm

You can use night crawlers, corn, shrimp, or trout worms tipped with a berkley power egg.

The next thing I would use would be blue fox spinners #2 and #3 in gold and silver, big stick baits that will dive down 4 to 8 feet depending on how much water is coming through the dam.

This should at least get you started. I see you live in Murfreesboro and so do I. Shoot me a PM if you want to talk one day.

Again I would highly suggest a guide at least for 1 day if possible. I think this would help make your trip so much more enjoyable and help insure yall catching some fish.

Roy

[Tnriverluver]

One thing about the furnished boat you should know is it does not include an outboard. You can bring your own motor or Gastons will rent you one. I had reservations at the state RV campground for the same weekend up until yesterday when some conflicts came up. I have never been over there but have friends that stay at Gasons several times a year and love Jim Gaston. I hope I can get over there sometime this year in May or June.
Browntrout- Thanks for those links, that will help me later on!!!!!

[Travis C.]

How far is it from Nashville?

It's on my list of places to hit one day.

[Tnriverluver]

How far is it from Nashville?

It's on my list of places to hit one day.
Hit Mapquest or your GPS for Lakeview Ark 72642 or Bull Shoals Ark. I am in Jackson and it is 265 miles so add 130 or so on top of that.

[Alphahawk]

How far is it from Nashville?

It's on my list of places to hit one day.

On my list too. I have listened to browntrout talk about it for over 20 years plus.



Regards

[tsuggs]

As usual,you guys come through with nuggets of valuable info!I will heed the advice and see if we can spring a guide for one day.I will report back when the trip is over,hopefully with killer pics!Thanks again