“Summer is returning with a vengeance this week, although pop-up rainstorms persist even this late into July; the heat is back on, but trout fishing on the White keeps us cool. The brown trout bite is getting tricky. Patience wins out and is required to net a brown. Soft-shell crawdads are a favorite, in addition to the familiar sculpin.

Consistent water levels have allowed the trout to settle down into a normal feeding routine, so early morning and early evening are the best times for reliable catches.

Float your bait just above the bottom — best to keep it near the bank during high-water generation.

The rainbows continue to chase a shrimp/PowerBait merger, with pink and pink leading the color choice. Under an overcast, cloudy sky, work Rooster Tail with a gold blade, pink body or a Blue Fox with a rainbow blade, gold bell. When the sun comes out, put the artificial baits away and return to the scented or live baits.

“Good luck, enjoy the catch, and we’ll see you on the river!”

Calico Rock Area

(updated 7-17-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said this week they’ve seen water levels between 10 and 11 feet. “We continue to have success drift-fishing using silver inline spinners with a No. 2 hook with 2 Uncommon Bait Neo Pink UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. Fishermen are also reporting success using corn and red wiggler worms. If needed, add an extra weight to get to the bottom.

“Fishing has been better in the mornings with guides reporting the fish have moved up onto the gravel bars. With the deeper water, we are hearing reports of deeper diving lures like a Shad Rap are having some success fishing along the banks. Fortunately, the rains early this week have not muddied up the river.”

This week, there was a stocking of 1,200 rainbows at the Calico Rock boat ramp and another 1,200 rainbows at the Chessmond Ferry boat ramp. Additionally, the AGFC ran the stocking raft from Norfork to Calico Rock.