“Many Ozark fly fishermen have spent time having fun on the Spring River. This is the only “natural” trout fishery in Arkansas, and there is plenty of walk-in access available for wading fly anglers. The action is primarily for stocker rainbow trout, but there are some big brown trout in this spring creek, as well. Although the fly fishing guides at Taneycomo Trout Guide Service have not resorted to this, there are a few White River fly fishing guides who have taken clients to the Spring River when the water was too high for wading on the White River or Norfork Tailwater.”

The Spring river is in north/central Arkansas near the town of Hardy. This really is neat place to explore if your wading plans get dashed on the White, and it’s only an hour or so away. The trout fishing begins below the state trout hatchery outside of Mammoth Springs, and goes on for several miles. Action is primarily for stocker rainbows, but there are a few browns. Below the trout water there is some good smallmouth habitat. Flies like beadhead pheasant tails and wooly buggers are popular.