Welcome to Chapter 698
The Arkansas White River TU is focused on the North Fork River and White River from Bull Shoals Dam to the North Fork.
The calendar at right will give you a quick view of river-related events in our area. Please fee free to send events and opportunities to share with our members at the email below. 
Volunteers plant trout eggs in the river. Go to galleries for more pics. Click here for a good story about our project.
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Zebras in the River
Zebra mussels are an invasive species that have been present in Bull Shoals Lake since at least 2008, so their spread to the river is not a complete surprise. The number of zebra mussels appears highest directly below the dam, but they have been found as far as 8 miles below the dam. . Zebra mussels are small and hatchet-shaped with alternating light and dark bands. They can attach to any hard surface, including boats, motors, and docks.
The district biologists have not documented any negative effects on the fish populations in the lake and we do not expect to see a negative effect on the trout populations either. However, due to the negatives from an aesthetic and maintenance standpoint, I would like to encourage you all to be vigilant in your efforts to prevent further spread of this invasive species to other waterbodies (such as Norfork Tailwater). They can be transported from one body of water to another through boats, trailers and other fishing equipment (i.e., waders, nets, etc.) and can stay alive for days in moist, dark live-wells and bilge areas. Although the adults are obvious to the naked eye, the larval form of zebra mussels, called veligers, are virtually impossible to see without a microscope. Therefore, it is important to follow these tips in order to prevent the spread of both adult and larval zebra mussels (as well as other invasive species):
The district biologists have not documented any negative effects on the fish populations in the lake and we do not expect to see a negative effect on the trout populations either. However, due to the negatives from an aesthetic and maintenance standpoint, I would like to encourage you all to be vigilant in your efforts to prevent further spread of this invasive species to other waterbodies (such as Norfork Tailwater). They can be transported from one body of water to another through boats, trailers and other fishing equipment (i.e., waders, nets, etc.) and can stay alive for days in moist, dark live-wells and bilge areas. Although the adults are obvious to the naked eye, the larval form of zebra mussels, called veligers, are virtually impossible to see without a microscope. Therefore, it is important to follow these tips in order to prevent the spread of both adult and larval zebra mussels (as well as other invasive species):
- Clean boats, trailers and other equipment thoroughly between fishing trips with 1) hot soapy water; 2) a high pressure washer; or 3) or a light bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 10 gallons water);
- Let boats, trailers and other equipment fully dry for 4 to 6 hours, preferably in the sun; be sure to remove all vegetation attached to your boat or trailer;
- Never move water, fish, or fish parts from one body of water to another;
- Tell other anglers and boaters about prevention and spread of invasive species.
Volunteer Opportunities
Yes... we can always use volunteers - you tell us how you would like to be involved and we'll happily find your niche.
Chapter 698 is currently seeks folks that would like to help us build stronger awareness in the community.
Chapter 698 is currently seeks folks that would like to help us build stronger awareness in the community.
- Communications: notify news outlets of public events; share information on facebook; write email notices to members
- Event Coordinator: design a display with a concise message to use at community events such as Sowbug and Cotter Trout Fest; schedule volunteers to work said community events.
- Conservation: from egg plantings, to road side clean-ups; our current chairman would like to train his replacement.
- Trout in Classroom mentor