Arkansas Bass Fly Fishing: Our Complete Guide
Arkansas Bass Fly Fishing presents an exciting challenge to anglers seeking a rewarding experience. This style of fishing, often associated with trout, opens up a world of opportunities to target the hard-fighting bass that inhabit the state’s diverse waterways. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, Arkansas offers fantastic bass fly fishing opportunities.
Arkansas boasts an incredible variety of waters, from the clear, flowing streams of the Ozark Mountains to the sprawling reservoirs and lowland rivers. This diverse landscape supports various bass species, including largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, and striped bass.
For fly fishing fanatics, few fish inspire the same thrill as bass. Their strength, their fight, and the way they attack a well-presented fly is an experience every angler should have. This is especially true in Arkansas, a state teeming with pristine rivers and lakes perfect for fly fishing. This blog post focuses on 15 Best Places to Fly Fish for Bass in Arkansas and how to make your next trip a memorable one.
Choosing a good fly fishing spot involves more than finding a place with fish; it’s about the whole package. Look for stunning scenery, clear water, and accessibility for wading and casting. I always pack my wading boots, just in case I need to access good fishing holes.
Table of Contents
Understanding Arkansas Bass
Arkansas is home to a diverse population of black bass species. Did you know that trout aren’t native to Arkansas ? They were introduced to waters below dams to help with the loss of the smallmouth fisheries.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are the most common and popular. They can be found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout the state. Largemouth bass are known for their size and willingness to strike a well-presented fly.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass prefer flowing water with rocky bottoms. The rivers and streams in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains are their domain. Crooked Creek is famous amongst fly fishing enthusiasts for its superb smallmouth bass fishing .
Spotted Bass
Spotted bass often inhabit similar areas to largemouths, but tend to prefer clearer water with more current. They are feisty fighters, readily taking to flies. Spotted bass can provide an exciting challenge for fly anglers.
Iron Blue Purple Clouser Minnow
Bass Fly Fishing Hoodie UPF-50 Sun Protection
When and Where to Fly Fish for Bass in Arkansas
Arkansas bass fly fishing thrives throughout much of the year, but certain seasons stand out:
- Spring: As the water warms, bass become more active, moving to shallower areas to spawn. This makes for excellent sight fishing with streamers and poppers.
- Fall: This is another prime time. Bass are feeding heavily to prepare for winter. Cooler temperatures also mean the water is more oxygenated. This often leads to aggressive takes, especially on streamer patterns.
Tailwaters for Year-Round Action
Tailwaters, like the White River and Little Red River, maintain cold water temperatures year-round, making them fantastic for trout and bass, especially during the warmer months. These rivers also tend to have good clarity. So, fishing subsurface flies, like nymphs, buggers, and crayfish imitations, can be highly productive.
15 of the Best Places to Fly Fish for Bass in Arkansas
This list includes a range of locations from well-known hotspots to hidden gems, so buckle up. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice with a fly rod, you are sure to discover a few new places to chase those bass in Arkansas fishing areas.
White River
The White River is a classic Arkansas fishing destination for good reason. With the constant, cool water flowing from Bull Shoals Dam and Norfork Dam, the White River is home to a thriving trout fishing population— including some real monsters.
But did you know these conditions also make for an exciting river smallmouth fishery? Tie on a Clouser Minnow or a Woolly Bugger and drift it through the deep pools below the dams. Don’t be surprised if you hook into a smallmouth that gives you a run for your money. While the White River might be most known for trout, its burgeoning smallmouth population makes it one of the 15 Best Places to Fly Fish for Bass in Arkansas. Learn more about the White River Arkansas.
Wooly Buggers on a Do It All Patch.
Little Red River
Another tailwater fishery renowned for trout, the Little Red River holds another surprise: an impressive population of spotted bass. Unlike their cousins, spotted bass favor clearer, moving waters, making this river ideal for them to thrive. I like to use topwater poppers or small streamers in the riffles and runs below Greers Ferry Dam.
Remember, the Little Red River’s current flow can fluctuate, so check the generation schedule at the USGS gauge in Harrison before you go. You can also find boat rentals if you would prefer to float the Little Red River.
Caddo River
Flowing through the scenic Ouachita Mountains, the Caddo River is a fantastic place for those who enjoy both their fly fishing and their peace and quiet. Known for its crystal-clear water and plentiful smallmouth bass, the Caddo River gives fly fishers opportunities for wading, bank fishing, or even floating downstream in a kayak.
I recommend fishing below the dams for a chance at landing a true Caddo River trophy bass. The upper section above DeGray Lake, in particular, is known for good smallmouth action.
Spring River
Emerging from Mammoth Spring, the largest natural spring in Arkansas, the Spring River flows 150 miles with consistently cool water, creating ideal habitat for—you guessed it—trout and bass. But there’s something unique about the Spring River. The majority of its water doesn’t flow from a dam but rather bubbles from the spring itself. This makes for extremely clear water and offers an interesting challenge for the fly angler.
To target the smallmouth bass in the Spring River, focus on the deeper pools and eddies. Weighted streamers and crayfish patterns work exceptionally well to get your fly down to where the bigger bass hang out. You might even get into a few rainbows while you’re at it. The Spring River consistently produces large fish which is why it easily makes this list of 15 Best Places to Fly Fly Fish for Bass in Arkansas.
Gearing Up for Arkansas Bass Fly Fishing
Choosing the proper gear ensures a successful and fun Arkansas bass fly fishing trip:
Fly Rod
A 6 or 7 weight, 9-foot to 10-foot fly rod provides a good balance of strength and delicacy for bass fishing in Arkansas. This versatile setup can handle a range of fly sizes, from small poppers to larger streamers. This rod weight allows for adequate casting distance and line control.
Fly Reel
Opt for a reel with a smooth drag system capable of handling strong runs. Remember, Arkansas bass are strong fighters and won’t hesitate to test your tackle. A quality reel is crucial for landing these hard-fighting fish.
Fly Line
A weight-forward floating line is a go-to choice for most bass fly fishing situations. If you plan on fishing deep or need to get your fly down quickly, a sink-tip or full sinking line may be needed. The type of fly line you choose will depend on the fishing conditions and the flies you are using.
Leaders and Tippet
9-foot leaders tapered to 0x to 5x tippet is in my arsenal and have been know to use 0X the more offend than not. However, if fishing clear water, go finer to avoid spooking fish. Using a fluorocarbon tippet can also be beneficial in clear water, as it is practically invisible to fish.
Crooked Creek
If navigating winding waters and experiencing remote, wild stretches of water gets you excited, Crooked Creek is calling your name. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, this river offers over 75 miles of picturesque beauty—much of which is isolated, undeveloped, and teeming with smallmouth bass.
For anglers who enjoy getting lost in nature’s solitude and targeting bronzebacks in their element, this is it. To protect this unique and beautiful waterway, most of Crooked Creek falls under special regulations and catch-and-release policies. The AGFC website provides details about fishing on Crooked Creek.
Buffalo National River
Designated America’s first National River, the Buffalo is truly a sight to behold with its towering bluffs and vibrant forests. This river holds healthy populations of smallmouth and largemouth bass. It provides over 130 miles of fishable water, most of which requires wading or floating.
It offers anglers of all skill levels a chance to connect with nature and cast a line. While other rivers might boast higher bass numbers, the Buffalo River offers the unique experience of fishing within a national treasure, placing it high on the list of the 15 Best Places to Fly Fish for Bass in Arkansas.
Crawfish Patterns or on the surface with Gurglers.
Gurglers are great for fly fishing bass, pike and muskie.
North Fork River
For fly anglers looking for a river famous for trophy-sized trout and equally impressive smallmouth, look no further than the North Fork River. Situated within the Ozark Mountains, this tailwater stays cold and clear throughout the year, thanks to its consistent flow from Norfork Dam. The North Fork River is a great place to see Bald Eagles as well.
Because the North Fork is a tailwater, the water stays colder further downstream allowing smallmouth bass, typically a warm water species, to live far beyond what would be considered their natural range. These conditions give those bass more cold-water forage throughout the year, which can lead to large, healthy fish. Targeting deeper pools with crayfish patterns or small streamers will dramatically improve your odds of success.
Eleven Point River
Straddling the border between Arkansas and Missouri, the Eleven Point River boasts exceptionally clean, clear water, so clear you can watch those bass eye your fly before they strike. If you’re someone who enjoys solitude in nature with excellent smallmouth fishing opportunities, the Eleven Point is perfect. The river features multiple public access points making it easy to get on the water.
Kings River
Noted for its exceptionally healthy smallmouth bass population, the Kings River holds a special distinction. A portion of the Kings River earned the title of “Ozark Zone Quality Smallmouth Stream”, recognition given only to high quality waters that meet very specific criteria. The Kings River is a tributary of Table Rock Lake and is known for great fishing.
Choosing Your Arsenal: Flies for Arkansas Bass
Matching your fly selection to the prevalent food sources is vital for success. Consider these top choices when gearing up for your Arkansas bass fishing adventures:
- Clouser Minnows: Versatile streamers, like Clouser Minnows, Deceivers, or Woolly Buggers, are incredibly effective for imitating baitfish that are a staple in the bass diet.
- Crayfish Patterns: Crayfish are another prime food source for bass. Crayfish patterns, especially when fished near rocky bottoms or structure, are bass magnets.
- Poppers and Surface Flies: During the warmer months, nothing beats the thrill of a bass exploding on a surface fly. Poppers, sliders, and other surface patterns fished near weed beds or cover can trigger explosive strikes.
Poppers are great a top water bass pattern.
Lots of colors and actions to chose from. Popper patterns have been known to trigger some explosive bonefish fishing on the saltwater front.
Dungeons a Baitfish Pattern for Arkansas Bass
Diving Joom Chartreuse
Kings River
Noted for its exceptionally healthy smallmouth bass population, the Kings River holds a special distinction. A portion of the Kings River earned the title of “Ozark Zone Quality Smallmouth Stream”, recognition given only to high quality waters that meet very specific criteria. The Kings River is a tributary of Table Rock Lake and is known for great fishing.
Little Missouri River
Don’t let the name fool you. The fishing in the Little Missouri River is anything but little, especially regarding bass. This beautiful river snakes through the Ouachita Mountains before finally emptying into the Ouachita River. It offers challenging fishing and some seriously gorgeous views.
The Little Missouri River was one of the first rivers in Arkansas where I learned how to fly fish. While you can wade many areas, I’ve always preferred floating and finding secluded spots with my fly rod. Its diverse waters provide prime spots to hook both largemouth and smallmouth bass, placing it firmly in the category of the 15 Best Places to Fly Fish for Bass in Arkansas.
Strawberry River
A lesser-known Arkansas treasure, the Strawberry River offers miles upon miles of peaceful wading opportunities, giving anglers the chance to disconnect and disappear into the rhythm of the water. The Strawberry River is known for solid largemouth bass fishing, with fish often holding in deeper pools under cut banks and around fallen trees.
It also gives you a chance to land some truly beautiful spotted bass. It’s one of those hidden gems that often gets overlooked making it feel undiscovered. Be sure to bring bug spray, because the mosquitos can be fierce.
Mulberry River
The Mulberry River cuts through the heart of the Ozark National Forest, known for its dramatic scenery and stunning waterfalls along its path. This rugged and secluded river boasts crystal clear water making it a fly fisher’s paradise. To target bass on the Mulberry, try a slow retrieve with colorful streamers mimicking crawfish. You will also find some float tubes for sale in the nearby town.
Illinois Bayou
Cutting through the Ozark Mountains, Illinois Bayou surprises visitors with deep, clear pools home to several bass species. This free-flowing, spring-fed waterway offers a serene experience to commune with nature while casting for feisty largemouth bass. This is a great place to go crappie fishing, too.
Lower War Eagle
The Lower War Eagle starts on the west end of Beaver Lake near the War Eagle Mill. I recommend fishing War Eagle below the town of Hindsville, especially when the water is flowing. Target those rocky drop-offs with a sinking line or a sink-tip line with a weighted streamer to reach those trophy bass. The Lower War Eagle is a great place to spot a Bald Eagle.
Lake Sequoyah
This 300-acre lake located near Fayetteville offers fantastic bank access, along with ample shoreline for wading. Lake Sequoyah makes a perfect spot for beginner and experienced fly anglers wanting a more peaceful, laid-back bass fishing experience.
I remember taking my young nephew, who was just getting into fishing, to Lake Sequoyah. The excitement in his eyes when he hooked his first bass on a fly rod is something I will never forget. Those are the moments that make fishing so special, and that’s why this lake holds a special place in my heart. Its welcoming atmosphere, scenic views, and decent bass fishing opportunities solidify its place among the 15 Best Places to Fly Fish for Bass in Arkansas.
Arkansas Fishing Regulations: Know Before You Go
Before casting your line in any Arkansas waters, be sure to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations set by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). Obtaining the correct licenses and understanding catch limits is essential for a legal and ethical fishing trip. Regulations can change, so it’s important to stay up-to-date.
Beyond Bass: Exploring the Beauty of Arkansas
Don’t let the fishing completely overshadow your trip. Make time to appreciate Arkansas’ natural splendor. The state parks near popular fishing spots are filled with breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.
Consider visiting these destinations:
- Rifle Falls State Park, for instance, offers incredible views year-round. This enchanting location provides a picturesque setting to immerse yourself in nature. Arkansas as a plethora of great states parks, Learn more about Arkansas State Parks.
- You can take a short hike to Bridal Veil Falls to round out your trip. Cool off after a hot day’s fishing and enjoy the refreshing mist of the falls.
- Or even visit Sylvan Lake State Park if you need a relaxing walk through nature. Just make sure you purchase the necessary fishing permits from a reputable source before casting a line.
FAQs About Arkansas Bass Fly Fishing
What is the best fly for bass fishing?
Choosing the “best” fly can be tricky as it depends on various factors. Some favorite Arkansas bass flies include Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, and Crayfish patterns. Don’t forget poppers for some exciting surface action, especially during warmer months. Experimenting with different flies and presentations is part of the fun.
When to fly fish in Arkansas?
You can enjoy successful fly fishing in Arkansas throughout much of the year. However, spring and fall offer particularly favorable conditions for bass. Remember, some tailwaters, like the White River, offer cold-water fishing opportunities even in the heat of the summer. The best time to fish can vary depending on target species and water conditions.
When should I fly fish for bass?
Target bass in the morning and evening when they’re most active. During dawn and dusk, light levels are low, and the water is often calmer, prompting bass to seek out food more aggressively. These low-light periods are ideal for fly fishing.
Does Arkansas have good fly fishing?
Arkansas offers fantastic fly fishing opportunities. While renowned for trout fishing in tailwaters, don’t overlook the excellent bass fishing the state provides. From small streams to large reservoirs, there are plenty of options for fly anglers.
Conclusion of Arkansas Bass Fly Fishing
Well, there you have it, my top choices for the 15 Best Places to Fly Fish for Bass in Arkansas. Each location provides its own character. Grab your fly rod, your Boogle Bug popper, and some trusty flies because an exciting adventure awaits you right here in the Natural State.
Arkansas bass fly fishing combines the thrill of pursuing these hard-fighting fish with stunning surroundings. With preparation, you can make the most of your Arkansas Bass Fly Fishing adventure and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, Arkansas has something to offer everyone.
