| I first became aware of the Heber Springs area and its outdoor opportunities while sitting in the bar of a fishing resort on the west coast of Guatemala. I was working there as general manager and we were filming a show for ESPN Outdoors, The Spanish Fly, and while reviewing the video shot during the day with the crew and Jose Wejebe, we discussed fishing destinations. |
|
|
One of the crew suggested that I look into Heber Springs as an area to possibly relocate to because of the quality of life as well as the great fishery. Eight months later we purchased the Anderson House Inn (www.yourinn.com) and I moved my wife and daughter there. |
|
| Fishermen who are
trying to balance a family vacation with fly fishing would do well to
consider the Heber Springs area. It is located about 1 hour north of
Little Rock, 3 hours west of Memphis, and about 10 1/2 hours from
Cincinnati. According to the recent census the town has a population of
approximately 6,500, has many antique and novelty shops, and a well
equipped city park located across the street from the inn.
There are numerous restaurants and fast food options. There are three golf courses within 40 minutes of town with Mountain Ranch being rated as the number one public course in the state. Cleburne County is a dry county so you won’t see any bars, but personal consumption is allowed. There are several private clubs in the area. A membership to most will cost you $5. The tailwater fisheries in Arkansas are well known for their world class brown trout, with the current world record (40 lb. 4 oz.) being taken from the Swinging Bridge pool of the Little Red in 1992. What was surprising to me was the quality of the fishing that is available on the Little Red year round. I have fished the river twelve months a year for the past three years and have been impressed with the consistency of the availability of all four species that have been introduced to the river: brook, rainbow, cutthroat, and brown. Granted cutthroat and brook trout are less abundant, but Little Red Slams (all four species) are not uncommon and especially in certain parts of the river. Abundant food is available year round which is why Arkansas trout are known for their "football" shape. Day in day out the most productive fly is the bead head sow bug, though clear water conditions can require more delicate presentations to attract larger fish. During the fall and winter months a 4 or 5 weight is ideal for larger fish that you are likely to encounter and I almost exclusively use a 2 weight in the summer. There is plenty of timber and sow bug filled moss in most of the river so you need enough backbone to turn the larger fish that you are likely to encounter in the cooler months. This past November I released my personal best brown, a +24 inch male full of spawning colors that took a #16 bead head sow bug with a 6X tippet. The fall is the most popular time of year for fly fisherman. The combination of fall colors, cooler temperatures, and the spawning browns makes it a fisherman’s paradise. Though they are making progress, Arkansas is still behind the times with regards to protecting their fisheries. Unfortunately, all of the spawning shoals are still open for fishing throughout the spawn and many anglers target spawning fish in pursuit of the 30 inch brown. None of the "quality" guide services that are located in Heber Springs will allow their clients to fish over the shoals during the spawn. The Cutthroat Fly Fishers guide service www.fishonarkansas.net/ has guides equipped with drift boats which allow them to take advantage of fishing waters inaccessible to wade fisherman but are off of the spawning shoals. It is not uncommon for their clients during the fall season to release several browns in the 15-20 inch range as well as large rainbows who are also on the move; foraging on the eggs of the browns. The fishery receives relatively light pressure during most of the year but arrangements for guides should be made at least two months in advance for the fall. Winter time is probably the best kept secret, with the only limiting factor being power generation by the dam. My personal best rainbow and cutthroat were both released in the month of February. For current conditions you can call the Anderson House Inn 501-362-5266. The Cutthroat Fly Fishers, a full service fly shop and guide service, is located within the Inn. Their staff pride themselves on the quality of service as well as their commitment to conservation. They would be glad to provide you with current conditions as well as help you plan a trip to the Heber Springs area. Day and overnight trips to the north Fork and the White can also be arranged. |
|
