Arkansas Fishing Report

Ozark Mountain Fly in Fort Smith, Arkansas offers some of the most immersive guided fly fishing trips in the state, right in the heart of the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains. With 25 years of experience, Keith Reeves leads a top-tier Arkansas fly fishing guide service that specializes in smallmouth bass, scenic wade fishing, and custom kayak and canoe excursions. If you're searching for the best fly fishing in Arkansas streams, this is where you’ll want to be. From May through early October, guests can enjoy half-day or full-day float and wade trips across remote rivers and pristine mountain waters. Whether you're paddling down the Ouachita River in a 14'7" Old Town canoe or casting from a stable 11.5' FeelFree kayak, Ozark Mountain Fly provides access to lesser-pressured fisheries few ever get to explore. Keith’s trips are equally suitable for beginners, families, and experienced anglers looking for custom fly fishing adventures in Arkansas rivers. Smallmouth bass on the fly is the star of the show here, but spinning tackle is also welcome for those who prefer a different approach. These trips are designed to be flexible—guests can choose fly fishing, wade fishing, or paddling trips depending on skill level and desired experience. With a strong emphasis on safety, technique, and fun, Keith ensures every guest has a memorable outing on the water. For those seeking more than a day trip, Ozark Mountain Fly offers an unforgettable 2-day overnight float fishing trip—complete with camping gear, air mattresses, and tents included. These unique experiences are perfect for couples, father-son duos, or close friends wanting to reconnect with nature and fish remote stretches far from crowds. Guests should bring lunch, snacks, and a valid Arkansas fishing license (resident or non-resident). Meals can also be provided upon request. A 50% deposit and 3-day cancellation notice (excluding weather) are required to confirm your booking. If you're ready to explore fly fishing rivers in Arkansas, cast for smallmouth in scenic solitude, and enjoy authentic backcountry hospitality, Ozark Mountain Fly is your go-to guide service near the Ouachita National Forest.

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This group of friends from the Kisatchie Fly Fishers came up from Lousiana to catch some smallmouth in the Ouachitas. The rivers were slowly recovering from recent floods. We monitored water levels, followed the flows, and changed locations several times to pull together this memorable trip. It was a great week-end full of good food, friends, and fellowship!

Arkansas Creek - Southeast Fairbanks (CA), AK

A lone angler fishing in the waters of Fort Smith

Angler proudly holding a 13-inch crappie in Fort Smith

Two people fishing with a single fish in Fort Smith

A fisherman holding a spotted bass in AR.

One big fish caught by two people in Fort Smith

Discover the best of Arkansas fly fishing with Ozark Mountain Fly—your go-to guide for wild river adventures in the Ouachitas! Book your next unforgettable float, wade, or kayak trip today!

Ozark Mountain Fly is a locally rooted Arkansas fly fishing guide service led by Keith Reeves, a passionate angler with over 25 years of experience navigating the pristine rivers and streams of the Ouachita Mountains. Based out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Keith specializes in smallmouth bass fishing using fly, spin, and wade techniques, offering custom, low-impact fishing adventures that embrace the natural beauty and solitude of the region. Whether you're paddling through backcountry waters in a FeelFree Lure kayak or casting from a stable Old Town canoe, each trip is crafted to suit the angler's skill level and comfort. With a focus on guided fly fishing trips in Arkansas, Ozark Mountain Fly offers half-day, full-day, and overnight float options that combine expert instruction, scenic exploration, and thrilling bass action. Keith's deep knowledge of Arkansas’s fly fishing streams and unpressured waterways makes his trips ideal for beginners, families, and seasoned anglers seeking authentic Ozark fly fishing adventures. From the crystal-clear stretches of the Ouachita River to remote mountain streams, every trip is built on safety, sustainability, and unforgettable moments on the water.

Keith Reeves is the owner and guide behind Ozark Mountain Fly, offering premium guided fly fishing trips across some of the most scenic and remote waters in Arkansas. Based in Fort Smith, Keith has spent over 25 years fishing and guiding in the Ouachita Mountains and Ozark highlands, developing a deep knowledge of these waterways and the species that inhabit them. With an easygoing personality and a patient approach, Keith has become a favorite among both beginner anglers and seasoned fly fishers looking to explore Arkansas’s underrated smallmouth bass fisheries. Keith’s journey started like many passionate anglers—on foot, wading through backcountry streams as a teenager in western Arkansas. That early connection to the water eventually turned into a career, with Keith becoming one of the most respected fly fishing guides in Arkansas. He launched Ozark Mountain Fly to share these wild places with others, leading guests through clear, remote stretches of river by canoe, kayak, or on foot. Over the years, he’s earned a reputation not only for putting clients on fish, but also for promoting ethical catch-and-release practices and protecting native bass habitat. Ozark Mountain Fly trips are built around fly fishing for smallmouth bass, Arkansas’s native bronze predator. With a sharp eye for conditions and over two decades of local experience, Keith tailors every trip based on water flow, weather, and client experience. Whether it’s wade fishing in the Ouachitas, floating remote stretches by canoe, or introducing new anglers to fly techniques, he specializes in creating memorable, educational, and family-friendly outings. His passion for the resource shows, and many guests return year after year to explore new waters and hone their skills. Keith guides primarily out of a FeelFree Lure 11.5 ft kayak and an Old Town Guide 147 canoe (14’7”), both optimized for stability and stealth in narrow mountain streams. These boats allow for easy access to shallow stretches of river that larger boats can’t reach—perfect for fly casting and backcountry fishing trips in Arkansas. Outfitted with top-tier fly fishing and spinning gear, dry storage, padded seating, and custom rigging for gear and tackle, these crafts provide both comfort and performance. For two-day float camping trips, tents, air mattresses, and sleeping gear are provided, ensuring a smooth and memorable adventure for 1–2 guests looking to get off the grid. Keith keeps groups small and focused, ensuring every angler gets personalized attention and plenty of fishy water to explore.

Meet Your Arkansas Fly Fishing Guide | Ozark Mountain Fly

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Morning Cast

Arkansas Half-Day Fly Fishing - Ozark Mountain Fly

<h3>Frequently Asked Questions About Ozark Mountain Fly Trip Rates and Inclusions</h3> What types of trips does Ozark Mountain Fly offer?Ozark Mountain Fly offers three main options: Half-Day Trips, Full-Day Trips, and Overnight Float Fishing Trips. Each trip can be customized for fly fishing, kayak fishing, or canoe excursions. Whether you're a solo angler or a group of up to four, there's a trip built for your experience level and schedule. How much does a fly fishing trip cost in Arkansas?Half-day trips cost $250 per person, full-day trips are $400 per person, and overnight float trips are $1,000 for up to 2 guests. An additional angler can be added for $150 where applicable. Prices reflect premium guided service and include all gear except food. What is included in my guided trip with Ozark Mountain Fly?All fishing gear, tackle, kayaks or canoes, and safety equipment are provided. Overnight trips also include tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, and chairs. Keith Reeves, your experienced guide, ensures a hands-on, educational and scenic experience. What should I bring for my Arkansas fly fishing trip?Guests should bring food, water, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and a valid Arkansas fishing license (resident or non-resident). Overnight trip participants should bring any personal items and snacks. Meals can be arranged for an extra cost. Where do Ozark Mountain Fly trips take place?Trips are conducted in the rivers and streams of the Ouachita Mountains and surrounding Ozark regions. These are remote and scenic waterbodies perfect for smallmouth bass fly fishing and kayak/canoe exploration. Are these trips good for beginners?Yes! Ozark Mountain Fly specializes in Arkansas fly fishing trips for beginners. Keith tailors each trip to your skill level, offering coaching on casting, reading the water, and fish handling. Beginners are welcome on all trip types. Do I need my own kayak or canoe?No. The guide provides a high-quality 11.5-foot FeelFree Lure kayak and a 14’7” Old Town Guide canoe. These are stable and ideal for fishing Arkansas’s river systems. You just need to show up ready to fish! How many people can join a trip?Trips are private and limited to 4 guests for half-day and full-day outings. Overnight float trips are designed for 1–2 people to ensure a comfortable and manageable backcountry experience. What species will I target on these trips?Trips are focused primarily on smallmouth bass, though panfish and other native species may be caught. Keith uses both fly and spinning techniques to match water conditions and guest preferences. What’s the cancellation policy for Ozark Mountain Fly?A 50% deposit is required to book your trip. Cancellations must be made at least 3 days in advance to receive a refund (weather-related changes are exempt). This policy ensures fairness and preparation for backcountry outings.