The upper White River north and east of Mountain View — fed by clear Ozark springs and reliably cold — is one of the best trout-fishing and float-trip rivers in the country. Local outfitters run guided fly-fishing trips for rainbow and brown trout from drift-boats, with the chance of large fish year-round, particularly in the spring and autumn shoulder seasons. Self-paddle canoes and kayaks are also available for hire by the day.
A typical half-day float covers ten to fifteen miles of green, clear, slow-moving water with limestone bluffs on either side. The summer water is bracing — high 50s Fahrenheit even in July, fed from cold-water dam releases — so dress in layers and bring a change of clothes. Several outfitters run shuttles from access points near Sylamore north of town.