March 25, 2026
By Fly Fisherman Staff
A Dave Whitlock Memorial Mural will be unveiled in Bull Shoals, Arkansas, this Thursday, standing as a fitting tribute to one of fly fishing’s most influential and beloved figures. The event will honor a legacy that shaped how generations of anglers think about trout, rivers, and the craft of fly fishing itself with a stunning new mural at Wishes & Fishes Fly Shop . The public is invited to attend.
Few individuals contributed to the sport as broadly or as creatively as Whitlock . An accomplished angler, artist, author, and educator, Whitlock was equally at home sketching fish anatomy, designing flies, or breaking down complex casting concepts into plain language. His work emphasized understanding trout as living creatures within dynamic ecosystems, a perspective that helped move fly fishing beyond technique, toward thoughtful, conservation‑minded practice.
Whitlock’s influence extended deeply into the pages of Fly Fisherman magazine. For decades, his illustrations, fly designs, and instructional ideas punctuated the magazine’s visual and educational identity. His drawings were instantly recognizable and his contributions reinforced the idea that fly fishing is as much about learning and curiosity as it is about catching fish. Many readers first encountered advanced concepts like fly design theory, fish behavior, or innovative casting techniques through Whitlock’s work.
The mural, by artists Duane Hada, Zak Rorie and Cindy Prefermont, depicts Whitlock releasing a brown trout just downstream of Bull Shoals Dam. (Photo courtesy of Rivertown Gallery) The mural, created by artist Duane Hada, reflects that multidimensional legacy. Set near the waters Whitlock loved, it connects art, place, and community—much as Whitlock did throughout his life. The ribbon‑cutting event brings together anglers, artists, conservationists, and friends, underscoring how widely his influence spread.
Advertisement
The Ribbon Cutting & Celebration, held from 5:30 to 6pm at Wishes & Fishes Fly Shop (627 Central Blvd, Bull Shoals, Arkansas, open to the public) will recognize and thank the individuals and businesses for their support in generously providing funding to help create a memorial mural honoring the life of Dave Whitlock.
