Full Day Pro-Level Trout Fishing Trip in Arkansas
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday guided trout fishing on Arkansas' North Fork RiverExpert instruction targeting rainbow, brown, brook trout and bassProfessional charter includes all equipment and accommodates two guests
When you're serious about trout fishing and want to work with someone who knows every bend of Arkansas' North Fork River, Clint Wilkinson is your guy. This full-day charter puts you on some of the state's most productive trout water, targeting rainbow, brown, brook trout, and the occasional smallmouth bass that'll surprise you. With just two anglers per boat, you get the kind of personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a day you'll talk about for years. Clint brings decades of local knowledge and the patience to help you dial in your technique, whether you're already skilled or looking to step up your trout game.
The North Fork runs clear and cold year-round, creating perfect conditions for healthy trout populations and consistent fishing action. You'll start early, meeting Clint at the launch where he'll have the boat rigged and ready with quality gear suited to the day's conditions. This isn't a drift-and-hope situation – Clint positions you over proven holding spots and adjusts tactics throughout the day based on what the fish are telling him. The river changes character as you move downstream, from deeper pools where big browns hide to shallow riffles where rainbows feed aggressively. Expect to cover water methodically, learning to read the current seams and structure that consistently hold fish. Pack your own lunch since you'll be out there all day, and dress in layers – river temperatures can shift, and you want to stay comfortable for the long haul.
Clint supplies all the gear, but he's particular about matching tackle to conditions. You'll likely work with medium-light spinning rods paired with reels spooled with 6-8 pound test – light enough to feel every bump but strong enough to handle a hefty brown trout. The North Fork fishes well with a variety of techniques, from casting small spinners and spoons to drifting live bait through deep holes. Clint reads the water constantly, switching between in-line spinners for active fish and bottom-bouncing nightcrawlers when trout are holding tight to structure. He'll teach you to feel the difference between a rock and a fish, how to work current breaks, and when to change your retrieve speed. The boat allows access to prime spots that wade fishermen can't reach, giving you shots at less pressured fish in the deeper runs and undercut banks where trophy trout lurk.
Rainbow trout are the workhorses of the North Fork, averaging 12-16 inches with plenty of larger fish mixed in. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and jump like crazy – perfect for building confidence and keeping the action steady. Spring and fall see the most active feeding, but rainbows bite year-round if you present baits properly. These fish love current and oxygen, so you'll find them in the riffles and tailouts of pools where the water moves.
Brown trout are the trophy fish that get your heart racing. They grow larger than rainbows, with 18-20 inch fish common and some monsters over 24 inches lurking in the deepest holes. Browns are craftier, often holding tight to cover and requiring precise presentations. They feed heavily in low-light conditions, making early morning and late afternoon prime time. When you hook a big brown, expect a bulldogging fight with powerful runs toward structure – they know how to use the current to their advantage.
Brook trout add beauty to your catch with their vibrant colors and delicate fins. Though typically smaller than rainbows and browns, they're native to these waters and fight with surprising strength for their size. Brooks prefer cooler water and are often found in the upper reaches of tributaries feeding into the North Fork. Fall brings out their best colors as spawning approaches, with males developing bright orange bellies and pronounced hooks on their jaws.
Smallmouth bass provide a completely different kind of fight when you encounter them in the North Fork's warmer sections. These bronze-backed fighters jump repeatedly and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Summer months offer the best smallmouth action as they move into shallow areas to feed on crawfish and minnows. They're ambush predators that explode on lures, providing heart-stopping strikes when you least expect them.
This world-class Arkansas fishing charter fills up fast, especially during peak trout season when conditions are perfect and fish are most active. Clint's reputation for putting clients on fish while teaching solid technique makes this a customer favorite among serious anglers. You're getting a full day with one of the area's top-rated guides, all equipment included, plus the knowledge that comes from years of studying this river system. The deposit is non-refundable, so you know you're committing to a day that's been carefully planned and prepared. Whether you want to improve your trout fishing skills or simply enjoy a productive day on beautiful water, this trip delivers the kind of hands-on experience that makes you a better angler. Book now and get ready for a day that combines skill-building with some of the best trout fishing Arkansas has to offer.
The 2160 Topwater boat with Mercury jet outboard is built for serious trout fishing on Arkansas' North Fork River. This 21-foot aluminum vessel cuts through shallow waters and navigates tight spots where trophy trout hide. The flat deck design gives you plenty of casting room, while the jet drive lets us access skinny water that prop boats can't reach. Hitting speeds up to 25 knots, we'll cover serious water to find active fish. The GPS keeps us on productive runs, and the fish finder helps locate holding spots and structure where rainbow, brown, and brook trout stack up. Built tough for river fishing, this boat handles the North Fork's current and rocks with ease. Room for two anglers means personalized instruction and plenty of space to work your fly or lure. The stable platform makes fighting fish easier, whether you hook into a feisty smallmouth or a heavy trout. Perfect setup for a productive day chasing Arkansas trout.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrookies are the prettiest trout we catch - olive backs with yellow spots and those bright red dots circled in blue. They stay smaller, usually 8-15 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in beauty and fight. These fish need the coldest, cleanest water, so you'll find them in spring-fed areas and shaded pools under 68°F. Fall is prime time when males get bright spawning colors. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters and stunning to look at. The challenge is finding them - they're often in tight spots under fallen logs or deep undercuts where casting gets tricky. My advice: use a longer fly rod to reach those difficult places where bigger trout won't go.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest fish we target, typically running 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds. They're homebodies that like deeper pools, undercut banks, and any heavy cover they can find - fallen trees, rock ledges, thick vegetation. Fall and early winter are prime time when they feed aggressively, especially at night. These fish are notorious for their wariness and explosive strikes when hooked. They'll test every part of your setup with sudden runs and head shakes. The meat is top-notch too - firm texture with a sweet, mild taste. Here's the key: browns often hold in spots other trout avoid. Work those ugly, snaggy areas where you'd rather not cast. Sometimes the nastiest-looking hole holds the biggest brown.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats are easily recognized by those distinctive red slash marks under their jaw, running 8-20 inches depending on water size and food availability. They prefer well-oxygenated, clear water with rocky or gravel bottoms, often hanging around vegetation, brush overhangs, and deeper pools. Spring through fall offers the best action when insect activity peaks. What guests love about cutthroats is their willingness to take flies - they're less spooky than browns but fight harder than you'd expect for their size. They're also beautiful fish with varied coloring from gold to green. The trick is matching whatever insects are hatching. Gold bead prince nymphs and elk hair caddis work well, but watch the water and fish what you see.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches here on the North Fork, averaging 2-8 pounds with that signature pink stripe and spotted sides. These fish love clean, cold water around 55-65°F, so you'll find them in faster current areas and deeper pools during summer heat. They're active feeders throughout the day but really turn on at dusk. What makes them special is their fight - they'll jump and make strong runs that test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with that mild, nutty flavor. My local tip: focus on gravelly areas with good current breaks where they sit and feed. Nymphing works great, but don't overlook dry flies during evening hatches when you see them rising.
Arkansas