Full Day Weekend Trout Fishing Trip in Arkansas
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full day North Fork River trip targeting multiple trout speciesExpert guide provides all gear and instruction for skill levelsWeekend charter accommodates two guests with handson fishing experience
Looking for a solid day of trout fishing on some of Arkansas' finest water? The North Fork River delivers consistent action for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Cutthroat Trout, plus some feisty smallmouth bass when they're feeling cooperative. Guide Clint Wilkinson knows these waters like the back of his hand and specializes in putting folks on fish while teaching techniques that'll serve you well beyond this trip. This is a full-day charter that takes up to two anglers, so you'll get plenty of personal attention whether you're just starting out or looking to dial in your approach on new water.
Your day starts early on the North Fork, where the water runs clear and cold year-round – perfect trout habitat that keeps fish active and feeding. Clint provides all the essential gear, from rods and reels to flies and lures, plus he stocks the boat with bottled water to keep you hydrated. You'll want to pack your own lunch since this is a full-day affair, and dressing in layers is smart since river temperatures can shift throughout the day. The North Fork moves at a comfortable pace, making it ideal for practicing different presentations and really working productive water thoroughly. Expect to cover several miles of river, hitting both deep pools where the big browns like to sulk and shallow riffles where rainbows feed aggressively. Clint reads the water constantly, positioning the boat for optimal drifts and helping you understand why certain spots hold fish while others don't.
Clint runs a well-equipped boat with everything dialed in for North Fork conditions. You'll fish with quality spinning and fly gear depending on what's working best that day, and he carries an extensive selection of flies, spinners, and soft plastics to match whatever the trout are keying on. Nymphing under indicators produces consistently here, especially in the deeper runs, while dry flies can be magic during morning and evening hatches. For those who prefer hardware, small spinners and spoons work great for covering water and triggering reaction strikes. Clint adjusts techniques based on conditions and your skill level – beginners might start with simple setups that catch fish right away, while experienced anglers can work on more advanced presentations like tight-line nymphing or reading complex currents. The boat positioning is crucial on the North Fork since the best drifts often require precise angles, and that's where having a guide who knows every rock and eddy really pays off.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of North Fork fishing, running 10-16 inches on average with plenty of chunky fish that'll bend your rod. These aggressive feeders respond well to both flies and lures, and they fight hard in the current. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with rainbows feeding heavily on aquatic insects and small baitfish. Brown Trout are the crafty veterans here, often hiding in undercut banks and deeper holes during the day. They average larger than the rainbows, with 14-18 inch fish common and some real bruisers pushing over 20 inches. Browns can be pickier about presentations, but when you connect, they put up a memorable fight with powerful runs and head shakes. Brook Trout add variety to the mix with their stunning colors and willingness to hit small flies and lures. They prefer cooler water and are most active during spring and fall, though you can find them year-round in the right spots. Cutthroat Trout round out the trout species, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're less common but absolutely beautiful when you connect, with their distinctive red slash marks and silvery sides.
This weekend charter fills up fast, especially during peak trout season when the fishing is hot and the weather's perfect for a day on the water. Clint's local knowledge and patient instruction make this trip work for everyone from first-time anglers to seasoned veterans looking to explore new water. The two-person limit ensures you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to improve your technique while actually catching fish. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but the investment pays off with a day of quality fishing and education that'll make you a better angler. The North Fork River offers some of Arkansas' most reliable trout fishing, and having Clint as your guide means you'll fish the right spots with the right techniques at the right times. Book now to secure your date and get ready for a top-rated Arkansas trout fishing experience that delivers both action and learning in equal measure.
The 2160 Topwater is your ticket to prime trout waters on Arkansas' North Fork River. This 21-foot aluminum fishing boat cuts through shallow runs and deeper pools with ease, powered by a reliable Mercury jet outboard that won't get hung up on rocky bottoms. Built for serious anglers, the flat deck design gives you plenty of room to work flies or cast lures while targeting rainbow, brown, and brook trout plus smallmouth bass. The GPS navigation keeps you on course to the hottest fishing spots, while the fish finder helps locate where trout are holding in different water columns. Comfortable for two anglers, this boat handles the North Fork's varied conditions perfectly - from technical drifts through boulder fields to longer runs between productive pools. The jet drive lets you access skinny water that prop boats can't reach, opening up miles of prime trout habitat that other anglers miss.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the jewels of the trout world with their olive backs, yellow spots, and red dots circled in blue. They're smaller fish, usually 8-12 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in beauty and spirit. Brookies need the coldest, cleanest water, so you'll find them in spring-fed areas and deeper pools. Fall spawning season brings out their best colors and most aggressive feeding. Guests love these native fish because they're stunning and fight hard for their size. The meat's delicate and sweet too. They're more delicate than other trout, so we practice careful catch and release. My secret: brook trout can't resist a small dry fly worked through pocket water near fallen timber. Keep your casts short and accurate in tight quarters.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the sneaky ones - smart fish that average 10-16 inches but can push 20+ if you're lucky. They love hiding under cut banks, fallen trees, and rocky overhangs during daylight hours. Fall's your best bet when they get aggressive before spawning, but early morning and evening produce year-round. These fish fight dirty with strong runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. Guests appreciate the challenge since browns are warier than other trout. The golden-brown color with black spots makes them gorgeous, plus they taste fantastic. Here's what works: browns often feed at night, so try fishing streamers along structure right at dusk. They'll ambush prey from cover, so get your fly tight to the bank.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats aren't native to Arkansas waters, but when stocked they're a real treat. You'll recognize them by those red slashes under their jaw that give them their name. They typically run 8-14 inches and have a golden-green back with scattered spots. These fish prefer the cleaner, well-oxygenated sections of the river and love hanging around vegetation and brush piles. Spring through early summer offers the best action when water temps are cool. Guests enjoy cutthroats because they're aggressive eaters and put up a spirited fight for their size. They're also beautiful fish with great table fare. Pro tip: match the hatch with small nymphs and dry flies - cutthroats are suckers for a well-presented insect imitation drifted naturally through their feeding lanes.
Oncorhynchus MykissThese beauties run 12-20 inches on average here, with their signature pink stripe and black spots making them easy to spot. Rainbows love the cooler water temps we get in spring and fall, hanging around rocky areas and deeper pools during summer heat. They're scrappy fighters that'll jump and run when hooked, which is why guests love targeting them. The meat's excellent eating too - mild and flaky. What makes rainbows special is they're active feeders, so you'll see plenty of action. My go-to tip: work your nymph through the deeper runs where the current breaks, especially early morning. They stack up there waiting for food to drift down. Water temps between 55-65°F are prime time for these fish.
Arkansas