Short answer: the White River system in Arkansas fishes well year-round, but summer is the sleeper season — prolific caddis and sulfur hatches, comfortable water, and far less pressure than people expect. In this episode Steve Dally of Dally's Ozark Fly Fisher breaks down the system, the hatches, and a casting fundamental most anglers never think about: body position.

What we covered

Steve specialises in the White River water system, and we worked through the different phases of the summer system including the prolific hatches of caddis and sulfurs. We got into technique — dry fly fishing and nymphing — and he shared the experience and tips that come from guiding that water constantly.

The back half turned into something I didn't expect: a genuinely useful breakdown of body position in casting. Steve emphasises aligning your body with the target, and it's one of those fundamentals that quietly fixes accuracy and power problems people have been fighting for years.

Key takeaways

The White River system offers diverse fishing opportunities throughout the year.
Summer brings prolific hatches, including caddis and sulfurs.
Both dry fly fishing and nymphing are effective here, depending on the phase of the system.
Pay attention to body position in casting to improve accuracy and power.
Align your body position with the fishing technique you're using to optimise your casts.
Casting over the shoulder can improve both distance and accuracy.
Set the hook straight up to avoid pulling the fly out of the fish's mouth.
Consider Arkansas in summer for a more enjoyable and comfortable trip than most people assume.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and setting the stage
04:38 Exploring the White River water system
14:38 The prolific hatches of the summer system
21:36 Fishing techniques and strategies
32:48 Upcoming cicada hatch and other opportunities
36:42 Booking a trip with Steve Dally
37:10 Contact information
38:00 Planning a trip
39:03 Importance of body position in casting
41:10 Aligning body position with fishing techniques
45:00 Casting over the shoulder
46:35 Setting the hook
48:13 Summertime fishing in Arkansas

Fishing the White River yourself

Steve and the team at Dally's Ozark Fly Fisher are the people to talk to about this system — they're on it daily and they know which phase it's in. See the Dally's Ozark Fly Fisher listing to get in touch or book a trip.

They're part of our Certified Guides & Lodges, which means we've vetted them personally rather than passing along a rating from strangers. If you'd rather have a whole destination trip arranged — flights, lodging, and guides coordinated together — the Book a Trip page covers that through Frontiers International Travel.

Fly Fishing Insider Podcast has a referral partnership with Frontiers International Travel. If you book after being introduced through us, we may receive compensation at no additional cost to you.

Want the water in more depth? Read our White River fly fishing guide.

What to bring

The White River is a tailwater, which means cold water, generation schedules, and technical fish. A 9-foot 5-weight covers most of it — the Genesis Rod and Reel Combo or the 23PS. For the sulfur and caddis hatches Steve describes, carry the Postfly First Cast Beginner Dry Flies Assortment and the Fly Rod Chronicles Dry Fly 12pk.

Tailwaters also fish small when the hatch isn't on, so zebra midges earn their place — the Olive and Red Zebra Midge assortments are both tailwater staples. Fine tippet matters here, so stock 5X and see all tippets.

Cold tailwater releases mean waders even in summer — the Whetstone II Chest Wader with a wading belt, and thin merino socks rather than thick ones so your feet stay warm: the Lightweight Over The Calf Wool Socks.

Want to work on the casting fundamentals Steve raises? Read the Formula for Systematizing Your Cast and Part 1 of Become a Better Angler.

Tight lines, everyone!

Christian Bacasa, host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast