Go Spring for the Summer Heat

Cool down in the waters of one of Northeast Arkansas’ favorite fishing destinations

Arkansas Wildlife Editor The cool Spring River in northeast Arkansas offers a plethora of fish species for anglers to target, including this brown trout recently caught by an angler who was fishing with guide Mark Crawford of Spring River Flies and Guides.

Even though water has been higher on the Spring River lately, but still on the drop with little rain of late, the fishing appears very good. The water clarity is always green tinted but mostly clear. He says the trout have been focused on bugs lately, with hare’s ears and prince nymphs working great. If you see a trout rising, then try a dry fly.

Some dry fly action can be had lately during evening hatches. Caddis and mayfly hatches have been heavy most days when it’s sunny.

On the dreary overcast days the catching has been excellent on Woolly Buggers in olive and brown. And the smallmouth bass have been hitting better with water levels coming down. Crayfish and baitfish streamers have been doing well, Mark says. Clouser Minnows are always great for smallies, he says.

While we’re talking about the trout bite, over on the White River and around the Norfork tailwater, guide John Berry says the grasshopper bite is great.

Check out his information from the White River in this week’s report.

Also read up on the good trout bite from our reporters at Cotter Trout Dock and Sportman’s White River Resort. Now’s the time to enjoy that cool water below the dams there, and on the Little Red River too below Greers Ferry dam.