A celebration of one of the Twin Lakes Area’s greatest resources, the state park has numerous activities in play this weekend, including on Saturday the North Arkansas Fly Fishers setting up a fly-tying demonstration table and providing every hour, on the hour, fly-casting instruction to anyone that was interested.
“The White River, that’s what we’re known for – the record brown trout and record rainbows – this is just a celebration of trout fishing on the White River,” said Julie Lovett, state park interpreter. “It’s hosted by the park, we have the North Arkansas Fly Fishers here today … it’s just a great weekend and we hope everyone comes out and enjoys everything that’s going on.”
With the park packed with campers, and the White River entertaining everyone from fly fishermen, fishermen in boats and kayakers on floats, Trout Days has a host of activities to take part in through Sunday.
“The club sponsors and does a lot of events,” said Ken Sickels, president of the North Arkansas Fly Fishers. “It’s always fun to be able to teach someone how to be able to tie a fly or cast, and they – adults and kids – can ultimately use that.
“That’s a big part of what we’re about and why we’re here today – education.”
Trout Days activities include lake cruises, river cruises and several interpretive programs. All programs are free, with the exception of the lake and river cruises, where a fee applies.
The big finale of the weekend, as Lovett noted, is the Father’s Day Fishing Tournament on Sunday. The tournament registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the State Park Trout Dock. The fishing time will be from 9-11:30 a.m. There will be a variety of prizes for many fun categories to be awarded at the close of the tournament.
A team will consist of any adult with children. All fishing regulations apply. There is no registration fee.
Lovett noted everyone that enters receives a prize, plus a guided float on the White River will be given away to the overall winner.