Spring River Arkansas Fly Fishing Guide: Guided Trips, Flies, and What to Know
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My first fish on a fly rod in Arkansas came out of the kiddie pool below Dam 3 in 2022, with our lead guide, Josh, standing beside me. My husband, Ross, had bought us both fly rods for my birthday a couple months before and I was determined to catch a trout on it. I loaded up my car and drug along one of my friends, Cathy, to come give it a whirl with me. We had zero idea of what we were doing. And at one point we ended up trying to fish with frozen corn? We fished for about 6 hours before sitting down on the bank to watch a gentleman fish upriver from us. He had been catching fish and I thought to myself "He must know how to do this." He must have felt us watching him, because after a while he walked over and asked how our fishing had been today. I answered that it wasn't successful and we didn't know much. He promptly offered to show us a thing or two and waded with us down to the kiddie pool at Dam 3. Within minutes, he had both Cathy and I on fish. An instant friendship was made and it's a day that has impacted my life ever since. It ended on a high note, and I have been chasing that feeling on the Spring River ever since.
If you have been searching for Spring River trout fishing or Spring River fly fishing and wondering where to start, this guide is for you. Here is everything we tell our guests before they ever step into the water, from when to go and what flies work to where to stay and what a day with a guide actually looks like.
Ready to skip the research? Book a guided Spring River trip with Fernweh Fly Co.
Why the Spring River Is Worth the Trip
The Spring River starts at Mammoth Spring, the largest spring in Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the spring releases about 9.8 million gallons of 58°F water every hour. That steady, clear, cold water is what makes the river fishable all year, and it is a big part of why we love it.
The AGFC manages the trout fishery from just below Dam 1 at Mammoth Spring State Park downstream about 12 miles to the mouth of Myatt Creek. We have fished it from Dam 1 all the way down to Saddler Falls, and every stretch has its own personality: skinny, rocky shoals, long pools, and plenty of places to wade. It has a freestone feel, but a consistent flow. It's truly a treasure of a river.
What You Can Catch
Most of what we put in the net is rainbow trout. The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery at Dam 3 stocks more than 134,000 rainbows a year at nine public access sites along the river, so there are fish to be found. We also catch brown trout, cutbows, the occasional tiger trout, and smallmouth bass. (Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.)
When to Fish the Spring River
We are in fall and winter right now, and honestly, it is one of our favorite times to be on the water. Because the river is spring-fed, the water at the source stays a steady 58°F no matter what the weather is doing. That means a cold morning on the bank does not mean a closed-up river.
Fall is streamer season. The streamer bite is awesome, and it is the time of year we get the most excited about the bigger, more aggressive fish. Arkansas has some cool mornings and warmer afternoons. We advise that you dress in layers and come ready to get warmer as the day progresses on. One of my favorite memories of fall fishing is just down river of Dam 3. The river was a bit high from rains and the water a tad murky, but that didn't slow down the fishing. As we fished, we could barely get one off the hook before another was right back on it! The spring and summer are also amazing times to be on the river. Even with warmer temperatures, the water is still that cool 58 degrees.
What Flies to Use on the Spring River
You do not need a giant fly box, and if you book with us, you will not need to bring one at all. Here are the patterns we reach for most:
Woolly buggers: a go-to for rainbows, browns, and smallies, and a great fly for beginners to cast and fish.
Egg patterns: simple, effective, and a favorite on stocked and wild fish alike.
Nymphs: the bread and butter of Spring River fly fishing, fished near the bottom through the runs and shoals.
Other flavors of streamers (fall): swing them, strip them, and hold on.
A well-rounded fly box can be a challenge to curate as a beginner, but having these simple patterns will help you out. Be sure to also pack tippet, nippers, indicators, forceps, and a net.
What to Bring
On a guided trip, the gear and flies are included, so you do not need your own rod or flies. Here is what we ask you to bring:
A valid Arkansas fishing license and trout permit. The AGFC requires a trout permit on this stretch of the Spring River. Please have both before your trip.
Warm layers, a rain jacket, and a hat. Fall and winter mornings can be cold.
Polarized sunglasses if you have them.
Snacks, water, and a camera. You will want pictures.
Waders and boots. We provide the gear and flies, but not waders or boots.
Good to know: the AGFC allows one rod per angler and has daily limits on trout. We go over the rules before we start fishing. You can always check current rules at agfc.com.
Where to Stay Near Mammoth Spring
We like staying right in town, so the river is a short walk or drive away. We often stay at the Archer House, a restored three-bedroom home one block from the river and walkable to downtown Mammoth Spring. It is one of four rentals managed by Autumn Sky Rentals, and you can find booking links at springriver.info. We've also camped at Cedar Valley Resort. They have restrooms and campsites available for rent.
What a Guided Trip with Fernweh Fly Co Looks Like
We offer guided wade and float trips on the Spring River. Half-day trips run 4 hours, and full-day trips run 8 hours with lunch provided. Both are priced for up to two anglers. We can take a third angler on wade trips, but boat trips are limited to two. We primarily fish catch and release, keeping a fish only where it is responsible and moral to do so under state law and regulations. Each trip is curated specifically for you! With a variety of species to catch and areas to fish in, we like to ask you what you want to experience on your day with Fernweh Fly Co. If it's your first time picking up a fly rod, perfect. Fernweh Fly Co will teach you exactly what to do. Are you experienced and want to get on fish? Great! We can do that, too.
The heart of it is simple: a patient guide, the right flies on the end of your line, and someone next to you who is as excited about your fish as you are. You do not need to know how to cast or tie a knot. We will teach you.
Who This Trip Is For
This trip is very beginner friendly. If you have never held a fly rod, we will start from the beginning. If you have been fishing for years and want to learn the river, we can help with that too. For kids 17 and under, we do require that an adult be with them during the trip.
How Much Does a Guided Fly Fishing Trip Cost?
A half-day trip (4 hours) is $350 for up to two anglers. A full-day trip (8 hours, lunch included) is $450 for up to two anglers. Lessons are $75 per hour per angler. Every trip includes your guide, gear, and flies. Waders and boots are not included.
Why Choose Fernweh Fly Co.
Because we want you to love it as much as we do. We are beginner-friendly, we provide the gear and flies, and we know this river from Dam 1 down to Saddler Falls, and we are expanding that knowledge each week. We believe that fly fishing is one of the most authentic ways to experience nature, find peace, and enjoy the outdoors. Josh is a talented guide who genuinely loves to get others into fish, find a passion for the sport, and become advocates for the natural state. Josh has 5 years of experience guiding on the Spring River and has a story that truly highlights what makes fly fishing so integral to his own life. That passion is shared with his guests and his love is infectious.
Book Your Spring River Guided Trip
Ready to get on the water this fall or winter? Book a guided trip with Fernweh Fly Co.
Bring your sense of adventure. We will bring everything else.
Be inspired + go,
Carrie
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