Within the Blue Ribbon Trout Area
(from Rainbow Spring to Patrick Bridge Access), the majority of rainbow trout caught will range from 10-14 inches. However, there are a fair number of fish greater than 15 inches. Also, anglers will notice the body condition of these fish is very good. Wooly buggers and prince nymphs bounced along the bottom are traditionally good wet fly patterns, while Adams and elk hair caddis dry flies work well when fish are surface feeding. Crayfish and minnow imitating crankbaits as well as various spinners are also effective. Brown trout fishing within the Red Ribbon Trout Area (from Patrick Bridge to Norfork Lake) looks good and there are some really nice fish to catch. Stocking of brown trout will continue and the population should continue to improve and provide anglers with quality fishing opportunities. Anglers should expect the majority of brown trout to range from 11-15 inches but there are many that exceed 15 inches and a few fish greater than 20 inches. To catch more browns try fishing during the sunrise and sunset hours.
Smallmouth bass can be caught in good numbers throughout the North Fork of the White River. Most of the fish will be 12 to 15 inches. However, there are decent numbers of quality fish, which exceed 15 inches. Jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastic baits are good choices for catching smallmouth bass. Goggle-eye also occur throughout the river. These fish can be caught on the same type of lures as smallmouth, but generally smaller versions are more productive. Be sure to concentrate fishing efforts in and around aquatic vegetation, boulders and rootwads.– Missouri Conservation Department
Fishing Regulations of the North Fork of the White River
Permits: A trout permit, in addition to the prescribed fishing permit, is required to possess and transport trout. If you are not keeping trout you do not need the additional trout stamp.
Blue Ribbon Trout Area (Rainbow Spring to Patrick Bridge) Fishing regulations include an 18-inch minimum length limit on all trout, and a daily limit of one trout. Fishing will be restricted to flies and artificial lures only. Gigging of non-game fish will not be permitted. These restrictive regulations are designed to sustain the maximum density of adult trout and offer the chance to harvest a trophy-sized trout. The North Fork is stocked below Blair Bridge in the fall with brown trout. All rainbow trout are naturally reproducing wild fish.
Red Ribbon Trout Area (Patrick Bridge to Northfork Lake)
There is a 15-inch minimum length limit on trout from these streams, and a daily limit of two trout. Gigging of non-game fish will be permitted. These streams will provide good catch-and-release fishing and a chance to harvest quality-size trout.
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