LITTLE ROCK — At its northernmost point in the Three Rivers area, the White River flows through Calico Rock.
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains, Calico Rock and its surrounding area are an outdoorsman's dream come true, and those who call Calico Rock home know it.
"Basically our town depends on our tourism," said Velda Dixon of the Calico Rock Chamber of Commerce. "We have our local residents that do support our local business, but we have to depend on that tourism."
Tourists flock to Calico Rock each year beginning in the spring to reel in browns, rainbows and the occasional cutthroat trout. Clear and cold, the water in Calico Rock is much more shallow here than farther downstream in Independence, Jackson and Woodruff Counties.
Several fishing services and boat docks dot the banks of the river. Many locals own boats as well, though not as many as in the past.
Aaron Teague, recorder/treasurer for the city, said, "At one time, years ago, everyone had a river boat."
There was a time when everyone needed a boat because flooding was an ever-present concern.
"It's not like it used to be," Teague said. "It floods every now and then. My grandma grew up [on the river], and she said it wasa constant thing."
The residents of Calico Rock understand full well the importance of drawing tourists to the town. As an effort to try to capitalize on the river's popularity, Calico Rock hosted a kayak race in June.
"We just started that last year, and we had a real good turnout for that," Dixon said.
In addition, there are several fishing tournaments held there throughout theyear, including one this weekend, Dixon said.
Dixon said the fishing tapers off around this time of year, but that winter brings another kind of tourist: deer hunters.
Whether it's hunting, fishing or floating, Calico Rock is a popular destination for those who want to experience everything the White River has to offer.
Three Rivers, Pages 62 on 10/25/2007