Half Day Fly Fishing Trip on the Little Red River
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Halfday trout fishing on Arkansas' Little Red RiverAll fishing gear and tackle provided by experienced guideSmall group experience with maximum two guests per trip
The Little Red River in Arkansas is hands down one of the best trout streams in the South, and there's no better way to experience it than with Cow Shoals Guide Service. This isn't your typical put-and-take fishery – we're talking about a world-class tailwater that runs cold year-round thanks to Greers Ferry Dam, creating perfect conditions for rainbow and brook trout to thrive. Your captain knows every bend, pool, and feeding lane on this river like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or you've been casting for decades.
This half-day adventure is perfect for anglers who want to get a real taste of what makes the Little Red so special without committing to a full day on the water. You'll meet your guide early morning when the fish are most active, and he'll have all your gear ready to go – we're talking quality fly rods, reels, and a tackle box full of proven patterns that consistently produce on this river. The Little Red flows crystal clear most days, which means these trout have seen it all, but your captain knows exactly which flies to tie on and where to present them. Expect to cover different types of water throughout your trip, from shallow riffles where trout sip mayflies off the surface to deeper pools where big rainbows hold tight to structure. The river maintains a comfortable temperature year-round, so you won't need heavy waders even in winter, and the scenery along the banks is absolutely gorgeous with towering bluffs and thick Arkansas hardwoods.
Your guide specializes in matching techniques to conditions, which changes daily on the Little Red depending on water levels, insect activity, and fish behavior. You'll likely start with nymph fishing using weighted patterns that get down to where trout are feeding along the bottom – think pheasant tails, copper johns, and local favorites that imitate the river's abundant midge and mayfly larvae. When conditions are right, you'll switch to dry fly fishing, which is pure magic on this river when trout start rising to sip insects off the surface. Your captain will teach you proper mending techniques to get natural drifts in the current, how to read water to spot holding lies, and the subtle presentation skills that separate successful fly fishers from those who just cast and hope. All rods are matched with appropriate reels and floating lines, plus your guide carries a selection of tippet sizes from 5X to 7X depending on water clarity and fish activity. Don't worry if you've never fly fished before – this river is actually perfect for beginners because the fish are aggressive and your guide will have you casting effectively within the first hour.
Rainbow trout are the stars of the Little Red River show, and these aren't your typical stocked fish that fight like wet socks. These rainbows have been living in cold, flowing water with abundant food sources, so they're muscular, colorful, and absolutely electric when hooked. Most rainbows you'll encounter range from 12 to 16 inches, but don't be surprised if you tie into something pushing 20 inches or better – the river holds some real slabs that have been growing fat on sowbugs, midges, and small baitfish for years. Spring and fall are prime time for rainbows when they're most active, but the consistent water temperature means they feed actively year-round. What makes catching rainbows here so special is their fight – they'll jump, run, and use the current to their advantage, testing your drag and keeping you on your toes.
Brook trout add an extra element of excitement to your Little Red River experience, and they're absolutely gorgeous fish with their olive backs, red spots with blue halos, and bright orange fins. Brooks tend to be smaller than the rainbows, typically running 8 to 12 inches, but they make up for size with pure aggression and willingness to hit flies. These fish love colder water and you'll find them in the faster riffles and pocket water where oxygen levels are highest. Brook trout are more seasonal than rainbows, with fall being the absolute best time when they're in spawning colors and feeding heavily before winter. Your guide knows the specific spots where brooks concentrate, and landing one of these native beauties is always a trip highlight. They're also excellent indicators of water quality – brook trout only thrive in clean, cold water, so their presence tells you everything about how special the Little Red River ecosystem really is.
The Little Red River with Cow Shoals Guide Service delivers everything serious anglers want in a fly fishing trip – consistent action, beautiful surroundings, and a guide who knows how to put you on fish regardless of your experience level. With only two guests per trip, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to work different water without feeling rushed. The fact that all gear is included means you can show up ready to fish without worrying about having the right setup or local patterns. This half-day format is perfect for testing the waters before booking a longer trip, and most anglers who fish the Little Red once become regular customers because the quality is just that good. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – prime fishing times fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when both the weather and fish activity are at their best.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the jewels of cold, pristine mountain streams - though you won't find many in Arkansas waters since they need temps below 68°F year-round. These native beauties are smaller than rainbows, typically 8-14 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in stunning colors with those distinctive red spots circled in blue. They're incredibly spooky and prefer hiding under fallen logs, undercut banks, and boulder pockets in shallow water. Fall spawning season brings out their best colors when males develop bright breeding hues. Anglers love the challenge - they're tough to fool and require precise presentations in tight spots. The secret is approaching low and quiet, then dropping your fly right into their feeding lane without spooking them.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the bread and butter of the Little Red River, running 12-18 inches on average with some pushing over 20. These beauties love the cool, clean water we get below Greers Ferry Dam - perfect temps year-round between 50-60°F. You'll find them holding in deeper pools during summer heat and moving to shallows when it's cooler. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight hard with acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping, plus they're excellent eating with that pink flesh. The key trick here on the Little Red is fishing your nymphs deep - these fish are used to seeing flies, so getting down to where they're feeding naturally makes all the difference.
Heber Springs, AR