Fishing at Sunburst Ranch

Sunburst Ranch

HCR 68, Box 140

Caulfield, MO 65626

phone 417-284-3443

Fishing at Sunburst

The North Fork of the White River is one of the most beautiful free-flowing trophy trout streams in the Ozarks. It is fed by a multitude of natural springs, and comes as close to a western trout stream as can be found in this part of the country.

The Rainbows are all wild stream-bred fish, sustaining their own population after being introduced to the North Fork years ago. Brown trout are stocked annually.

Probably the most effective way to fish the river is to canoe it yourself, stopping to wade, fishing the riffles and runs along the way.

Useful websites:

Start with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s site ;

see also the Missouri Flyfishing page.

And click here for Dennis Galyardt’s suggestions for productive lures on the North Fork!

Quotes from the Missouri Department of Conservation Wildlife Code:

Fishing regulations on 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.

Wild Trout Management Area: From the upper outlet of Rainbow Spring to Blair Bridge: The daily limit is one (1) trout. All trout less than eighteen inches (18") in total length must be released unharmed immediately after being caught. Only flies and artificial lures may be used when fishing, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are specifically prohibited.

Trophy Trout Management Area: Blair Bridge to Norfork Lake, North Fork and its tributaries: The daily limit is three (3) trout: All trout less than fifteen inches (15") in total length must be released unharmed immediately after being caught .

To help preserve the trophy-sized fish population, practice catch and release, by releasing fish immediately after they are caught. This is a conservation measure that contributes to fish populations, rather than decreasing them.

Following a few basic guidelines will increase the fish's chance for survival: whenever possible, do not take the fish out of the water. Filing the barbs off hooks makes removal easier. Never pull a hook from the fish's throat or stomach, it is much better to cut the line, many hooks will rust away. Try to avoid excessive handling of fish and if handling is necessary, make certain not to squeeze or drop the fish and please never put your fingers in the gills or eyes.

All in a day's catch...

...and release.