General White River Flood Concerns
When you see media coverage of the flooding White River it is usually downstream from our area. The first 23 miles of the White below Bull Shoals dam does not flood except in very rare extreme rainfalls. In these rare cases water is released through dam spill gates. The water level can get higher than the normal high water mark seen during normal power generation.

During recent floods fishermen on this area of the upper White were catching 80 to 100 trout a day while some unfortunate people downstream had water up to their roof lines. The further downstream you go, the more tributaries there are draining into the White.

Below the 23 mile point flooding occurs in various levels on the White due to drainage from larger tributaries like Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River. However, most fishing and resort facilities are not affected by this flooding. During recent floods only one resort had to shut down. A few others simply closed one or two units, but other than that it was business as usual once the water level in the river dropped.

When flooding occurs it generally does not last more than two or three days. There is a difference between "high water" and "flooding". High water occurs when dams are running a full power generation capacity. Flooding is what happens when heavy rain fall fills the lakes and water is released through dam spill gates.

If water is being released through spill gates definitely stay off the rivers. Water levels will be at flood stage and dangerous. As always, your best bet is to phone the lodging facility you plan to stay at for local conditions before you leave home.

Trout fishing is NOT adversely affected after floods. Indeed it can improve.

Again, if you have reserved a trip to the area, and you have flood concerns, call your lodging facility. Ask for details on the condition and water levels around their property. In most cases your trip will not be adversely affected because of flood damage. For a real time look at the White river at Cotter, Arkansas visit the White River Cam at Cotter.

Also ask about road conditions enroute to your destination. While this area rarely experiences flood damage to major highways or roads to resorts, it is possible that the roads you plan on taking in other areas may be closed a few days after a flood.

White River & North Fork River High Water Fishing is Fantastic. Watch Videos of Catching Big Trout On High River Water
In this series of videos made in spring 2008 by pro guide David Capps you'll see that high water trout fishing on the White River is fantastic. And as David demonstrates, it is also safe.

North Fork River Flooding Concerns
The 4.5 mile stretch of the North Fork River between Norfork dam and the White River may flood a little due to Otter Creek, and to some degree backwater flow from the White at the confluence. This lasts a day or two at most, and fishing is not affected. However, if water is released from Norfork Dam through the spill gates flooding will occur. Spill gates normally are not open for more than a couple of days. Again, your best bet is to call your lodging facility and ask about current conditions. High water on the North Fork is a short-lived event.

General Lake Flooding Concerns
Resorts and other buildings around the lakes do not flood as they are all well above the high water point. If lake levels reach the highest level the dam can retain, water simply flows through the dam spill gates designed for this purpose.

When lake levels rise high enough a few resort and  marina docks may not be accessible by land. Some parking lots and some sections of Corps Parks may be under water. Marina and resort owners are resourceful and provide means for easy dock access by water.

Heavy rains can create a rapid rise in lake water levels. Logs float off the shoreline into the lake and drift about for a few days. Water will also be muddy looking. Within a week or so the logs, driven by the wind, float back to shore, and the water clears.

Resort owners and fishing guide catch fish along the shoreline during the early stages of high water. As the water soaks into what was dry ground, earth worms and other live bait are forced out the soil and the fish move in for a feast.

High lake levels in early spring are welcomed by fishermen because high water creates ideal fish spawn conditions. Bass and walleye spawn along the shores of the lakes each year. When the eggs hatch the fry need cover to avoid predators. Low water is a disaster for the fry as they remain exposed in open water.

If lake water levels are high enough so that the water is up in the shoreline brush the fry have cover to hide in and grow well. The result is a sizeable increase in the lake fish populations. Fishing is improved for several years.

If water levels are high in the summer water sports are not seriously affected. Indeed there is more lake surface area for water skiing and other water sports. Our lakes are man-made reservoirs designed for flood control and large variations in water levels. Area lakes have gone through many low and high water cycles without causing serious damage, and people still have a great time on the water.