Full Day Fly Fishing in Heber Springs, AR
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full day drift fishing on Little Red River's cold watersAll fly rods and tackle provided by experienced guide MikeMaximum two guests for personalized fishing experience
The Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam is one of Arkansas's best-kept secrets for fly fishing, and Mike knows every bend, riffle, and holding pool like the back of his hand. This full-day float takes you through some of the most productive trout water in the Natural State, where crystal-clear spring-fed flows and consistent cold temperatures create perfect conditions for trophy fish year-round. You'll drift through scenic Ozark foothills while working classic fly patterns and modern techniques that have been putting fish in the net for decades.
Mike's got everything dialed in for a top-rated day of fly fishing on the Little Red. Your drift starts early to beat the crowds and make the most of prime feeding times when trout are actively hunting. The boat stays positioned perfectly in the current while you work your flies through productive runs and undercut banks where big browns like to hide. Mike provides all the fly rods and terminal tackle you'll need, from 4-weight rods perfect for delicate presentations to beefier 6-weights when you need to turn over bigger streamers. Got a favorite stick you love casting? Bring it along – there's nothing better than hooking into a personal best on your own setup. Lunch is handled right on the water, so you'll maximize your fishing time without missing the afternoon bite when things really heat up.
The Little Red is a drift fisherman's dream, with consistent flows and structure that holds fish in predictable spots throughout the season. Mike runs a spacious drift boat that lets two anglers fish comfortably while he handles the oars and keeps you in the strike zone. You'll learn to read the water like a local – those subtle current breaks where trout stack up, the deeper pools where trophy fish cruise, and the shallow riffles that come alive during hatches. Fly selection changes with conditions and seasons, but Mike's box is loaded with proven patterns like olive woolly buggers, pheasant tail nymphs, and local favorites that have been fooling Little Red trout for years. He'll teach you the right retrieve speeds and depths that trigger strikes, whether you're dead-drifting nymphs through feeding lanes or stripping streamers along drop-offs.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of Little Red River fishing, with healthy populations of stockers mixing with wild fish that have grown fat and smart in these nutrient-rich waters. Most rainbows run 12-16 inches, but don't be surprised when a 20-inch chrome rocket tries to strip line off your reel. They're scrappy fighters that love to jump, and they'll test your drag system on light tippets. Spring and fall are prime times when cooler air temperatures get them feeding aggressively, but summer mornings can produce explosive action before the sun gets high.
Brown Trout are the river's top predators and the fish that keep Mike coming back after decades of guiding. These bronze beauties can reach impressive sizes in the Little Red's cold, clear flows – fish over 24 inches are caught regularly by anglers who know where to look. Browns are notorious for being picky eaters during daylight hours, often holding tight to structure and ambushing prey that drifts too close. Late fall through winter is when they really turn on as spawning instincts kick in, making them more aggressive and willing to chase bigger flies. Landing a mature Little Red brown is a memory that'll stick with you long after the trip ends.
Cutthroat Trout add an exciting wild card to your fly box strategy, though they're less common than their rainbow and brown cousins. When you hook into a cutthroat, you'll know it – they fight with a different attitude, often making long powerful runs that test your backing. These native western transplants have adapted well to Arkansas water and provide a unique opportunity for anglers looking to complete their trout slam. Cutthroats tend to be more opportunistic feeders than browns, making them excellent targets for streamer fishing when you want to cover water quickly.
Mike's full-day trips on the Little Red River deliver everything serious fly anglers are looking for – world-class trout fishing, expert local knowledge, and a relaxed float through some of Arkansas's most beautiful country. With only two spots available per trip, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of water time without feeling rushed. The combination of multiple trout species, consistent fishing conditions, and Mike's years of experience on this renowned tailwater makes this a customer favorite that books up quickly during peak seasons. Whether you're new to fly fishing or a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy, the Little Red River experience will exceed expectations and leave you planning your return trip before you even get off the water.
Step into Mike's drift boat and experience the pristine waters of Arkansas's Little Red River like a pro. This specially outfitted vessel glides silently through the crystal-clear currents with its wireless trolling motor, keeping you positioned perfectly over the best fishing spots without spooking the trout below. The boat's low profile design lets you cast with ease while Mike navigates the river's productive runs and pools. With space for two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your fly line and land that trophy brown or rainbow. Mike stocks the boat with quality fly rods and tackle, though you're welcome to bring your favorite setup. The stable platform and thoughtful layout make this drift boat ideal for both seasoned fly fishers and newcomers ready to learn the art of reading water and presenting flies to selective Arkansas trout.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart ones - they didn't get their reputation for being spooky without reason. Here on the Little Red, they average 12-18 inches but we've got some real bruisers pushing 20+ inches hiding in the deep runs and undercut banks. These fish love structure - fallen logs, rocky ledges, anywhere they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, but they'll feed year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is that fight - they'll use every trick in the book, from jumping to diving into cover. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with that firm, flaky meat. They're also the most challenging trout we target, which keeps things interesting. Here's a local secret: on bright days, focus on the shadowy water under bridges or heavy cover - that's where the big browns hide during daylight hours.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats are beautifully marked fish with that distinctive red slash under their jaw - that's where the name comes from. On the Little Red, you'll typically find them in the 8-14 inch range, though some bigger ones lurk in the deeper pools. They love cold, clear water with rocky bottoms and plenty of cover like overhanging brush or fallen timber. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during mayfly hatches. These fish are scrappy fighters that'll give you some nice runs, and they're excellent eating with that clean, sweet taste. They're also pretty selective feeders, which makes landing one feel like a real accomplishment. My tip: match whatever bugs are coming off the water that day, and don't be afraid to go smaller on your flies than you think - sometimes a size 18 will outfish a size 14 every time.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the acrobats of the trout world - when you hook one, get ready for some serious airtime. The Little Red's rainbows typically run 10-16 inches and they're absolutely gorgeous with that pink stripe and spotted pattern. You'll find them in the faster runs and riffles where the water's well-oxygenated, though they'll move to deeper pools during hot summer days. They're active feeders from spring through fall, with some of the best action during evening hatches. What guests love most is their fighting spirit - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. They're also forgiving fish for beginners since they're not as picky as browns. The meat is excellent too, with that classic trout flavor. Pro tip from years on this river: when the water's up and a bit off-color, rainbows will move shallow to feed - that's when you can have some of your best dry fly fishing of the year.
Heber Springs, AR