Angler Guide | Arkansas Fishing Report: Spring River

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Arkansas Fishing Report

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Spring River Sponsored by

Date	01-Apr-24
Water Condition
Water Temperature

Conditions : Spring River: - Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are running at 320 cfs and water clarity has been mostly clear. Over the last month a lot of storms have passed around our area. At this time the river is below average flows and looking great. Spring storms can change conditions at any time. Keep an eye on our blog on the website linked above for the latest river conditions. This is the time of year the Jim Hinkle Spring River Fish Hatchery ramps up stocking numbers getting ready for the summer crowds. It has been very busy on the river with the nice weather. Please be safe and courteous when wading and fishing the river. The river bottom is very slick. A wading staff is a must in the main river. The campgrounds all open up April 1. It will not be too busy on the river until the end of May when schools let out for the summer. Then Saturday will get busy and through the week, and Sundays will be the best time to fish.

Plenty of bugs have been hatching lately, from black and tan caddis, to blue-wing olives to a small black beetle (that got hits for us one day). Were seeing Hopper Dropper action on some days, but on most days its swinging nymphs or Woolly Buggers. Fun fishing opportunities exist as long as the water stays low.

Smallies on the fly are fun on an olive or brown streamer fished right on the bottom slow. Or if youre floating, I love Popper Droppers. My White Lightning was made to float below an indicator for smallies. Why not make that indicator look like a big black or brown beetle with a hook in it. It works! For spinning tackle, hot pink Trout Magnets fished just off the river bottom will wear out the trout. If youre chasing bigger game fish, try the Trout Cranks in rainbow and brown trout colors. Ned rigs for smallies always work.

Reported by: Arkansas F& G

Hatches:	Patterns	Lures & Spinners

About: - Emerging near the Missouri border in northcentral Arkansas, the Spring River has been described as the state's most dependable natural stream. Mammoth Spring, flowing at over nine million gallons of 58-degree water per hour, serves as the headwaters for the river and provides plenty of fresh water throughout the year. Trout and walleye fishing are rated tops, and floating between Mammoth Spring and Hardy is excellent for beginning and intermediate canoeists. Many areas of the upper Spring River are popular with fly fishermen. Outfitters and launch facilities are available along the Mammoth Spring-Hardy stretch (17 miles). The river is crystal-clear, with long pools and whitewater falls. The scenery is mostly hardwood forest with some rocky bluffs.

Access is from U.S. 63, which parallels much of the upper Spring River.

Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Brook Trout
Walleye

Misc Info: -

Spring River: (Ozark Zone Quality Stream) Smallmouth bass daily limit is two and each must be at least 14 inches long to keep.
	From mouth of Mammoth Spring to Many Islands Camp: Anglers may use no more than two fishing rods and must attend them at all times.
	Cold Springs Access: Handicapped accessible fishing pier is available.
	From Dam #1 to the mouth of Myatt Creek: Open to fishing with rod or pole only from 100 yards below the dam.