Why Fly Fish in Arkansas?

Why Fly?
Fly-fishing. It’s a beautiful and artful pastime that (in my opinion) is a necessary technique for all trout fisherman. While trout will oftentimes indulge themselves by feeding on small shad or minnows, Arkansas trout feed heavily on aquatic insects, which benefits the fly angler greatly. You can use your spin reel and your shiny lures, but until you experience the sight of a fish rising to take that perfectly placed fly, you haven't experienced everything the Arkansas trout waters have to offer.

Many of you are thinking, “I don’t need fly fishing. I have done just fine in my angling career without it.” That may be true. However, before you prematurely dismiss the pastime, ask yourselves why you fish at all. I think after some soul searching you will discover that very rarely is it about putting food on the table. It’s about competition and companionship. Whether it is competition among friends, the fish, or ourselves, it is the competition that brings us back to the river time and time again.

So why fly fish? Not only is it a more effective means of catching fish in Arkansas, it’s much more fun. I am not saying that other forms of catching trout are per se wrong. All I am saying is that fishing with flies provides a unique and exciting experience that is a more artful and humane way of tricking trout. But, more than that, fly-fishing is a pleasurable pastime built on the camaraderie of the anglers; the oceans, lakes and rivers they fish; and the beautiful fish they pursue. Besides, the state of Arkansas provides a unique experience for fly-fishing that you really cannot experience anywhere else in the country.

Arkansas Fly-Fishing

Arkansas is one of the few places in the world that can be fly-fished 365 days a year. In the spring, we have some great rainbow runs that have fish beautifully colored and full of light. The summer offers large browns that hold in cool springs and offer great stalking and sight casting opportunities. Often, these fish will have favorite holds that they return to year after year. Then there is the fall and winter, also known around these parts as the trophy season. The big browns start to stage and move for the spawn. The fish are hesitant of many flies as they prepare for the spawn, but it is not uncommon to find yourself sight fishing to many large trout on any given day. Finally, Arkansas has some of the best trout waters in the country! From the Little Red and Little Missouri to the White and the Norfork, Arkansas rivers provide excellent opportunities to catch big fish.

Some anglers are weekend warriors, rarely hitting the river except that holiday fishing trip with dad. This is perfectly acceptable, and it is one of the many reasons that fly-fishing should be in everyone's angling arsenal. On the other hand, others are die-hard trout bums, devoting their lives to tying flies and breaking down the hatches and underwater traits of their favorite rivers and hot spots. Here at TOSFly, we like to consider ourselves the later. 

If you identify with either of these, kudos to you. For those who identify with us, and consider themselves avid fly-fishermen, you are already aware that the sport is a refreshing escape from the stresses of work, politics, and the other intricacies of life. It’s a mystical and even spiritual passion that non-anglers have a hard time understanding. For those of you who have yet to pick up this pastime, now is your opportunity. This state and its waters provide you with an opportunity to experience what many of us think about all week. 

If you are still reading this, I hope it is obvious to you by now that there’s nothing better than the push and pull of a fly line. Bringing your cast back to ten o'clock and two o'clock in a seemingly supernatural rhythm, only to gently place your fly precisely where you intended is an unmatched feeling of accomplishment.  And then to experience the sight of a fish rising to take that perfectly placed fly ... Needless to say, your heart will be racing, and for a brief moment nothing else will matter.

I write this because this artful sport has changed my life. Being on the river is more than just a pastime, oftentimes, it turns into a spiritual encounter with our Creator, who placed these waters in Arkansas for a purpose. I think that purpose is for people like us to not only experience the companionship of our fishing buddies or the competition that it brings, but to encounter Him over and over again. Fly-fishing is an amazing experience for anyone. I think it’s time you pickup your fly gear and hit the river.