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Elite Arkansas Trout Fishing with Pro Guide
ArkansasWhat you will be catching:
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout
Trip Pricing and Availabilities :
No trip pricing information available at this time.
Full Day Weekend Trout Fishing Trip in Arkansas
Ready to spend a weekend chasing some of Arkansas' finest trout? Captain Clint Wilkinson knows the North Fork River like the back of his hand, and he's excited to share his favorite spots with you. This top-rated full-day fishing charter puts you right in the heart of some of the best trout water in the state, where Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and even some feisty smallmouth bass are waiting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, Clint's got the local knowledge and patience to make sure you have a productive day on the water. Pack your lunch, dress for the weather, and get ready for a day of solid fishing action.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early on the pristine North Fork River, where crystal-clear water and consistent flows create perfect conditions for world-class trout fishing. Clint runs a intimate operation - just two guests per boat - so you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction and won't be fighting for the best casting positions. The North Fork's gentle current and varied structure make it ideal for anglers of all skill levels, from kids landing their first trout to experienced fishermen looking to dial in new techniques. You'll cover different sections of the river throughout the day, hitting deep pools where big browns like to hide, shallow riffles perfect for rainbows, and those sweet spots where brook trout hang out in the cooler water. Clint provides all the essential gear, plus bottled water to keep you hydrated, but you'll want to bring a packed lunch since you'll be out there from sunrise to sunset making the most of this renowned fishery.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
Clint's approach combines traditional Arkansas river fishing methods with modern techniques that consistently produce results. You'll work with both spinning and fly gear depending on conditions and your comfort level. Drift fishing with live bait like nightcrawlers and crickets is deadly effective here, especially when the water's a bit off-color after recent rains. For artificial lures, small spinners, spoons, and jigs in natural colors work magic - Clint knows exactly which patterns the local trout can't resist during different seasons. If you're into fly fishing, the North Fork offers fantastic opportunities with dry flies during evening hatches and nymphs throughout the day. The beauty of this river is its versatility - you can sight fish to cruising trout in the clear pools or work the pocket water behind boulders where fish stack up to feed. Clint reads the water constantly, adjusting techniques based on weather, water levels, and fish behavior to keep you connected to active fish all day long.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of North Fork fishing, and these Arkansas rainbows are something special. Most run between 12-16 inches, but don't be surprised when a 20-incher comes out of nowhere to crush your offering. They're aggressive feeders and put up a great fight, making long runs in the current that'll test your drag settings. Spring and fall are prime time for rainbows, when cooler water temperatures have them feeding heavily. What makes catching them here so exciting is their willingness to hit everything from tiny dry flies to larger streamers - they're not picky, which makes for consistent action perfect for families or beginners building confidence.
Brown Trout are the trophies everyone's after, and the North Fork holds some genuine hawgs that'll make your heart pound. These fish are cunning and often hold in the deepest holes or under cut banks where they're tough to reach. Most browns you'll encounter run 14-18 inches, but the river gives up several fish over 20 inches each season to anglers who know how to target them. They're most active during low-light conditions - early morning, late evening, and overcast days. Browns have a reputation for being selective, but Clint knows their favorite hideouts and the presentations that trigger strikes from even the most stubborn fish.
Brook Trout might be the most beautiful fish swimming in Arkansas waters, with their vibrant colors and delicate fins that practically glow underwater. These native gems prefer the cooler, more oxygenated sections of the river and typically run smaller than rainbows and browns - usually 8-12 inches - but what they lack in size they make up for in pure beauty and fighting spirit. Fall is peak time for brookies when water temperatures drop and their spawning colors really pop. They're often found in the headwaters and spring-fed tributaries where the water stays cold year-round. Landing a wild brook trout is always special, and Clint takes pride in showing guests these pristine areas where brookies thrive.
Cutthroat Trout add another dimension to your North Fork adventure, though they're less common than the other species. When you do connect with one, you'll know it - their distinctive red slashes under the jaw make them unmistakable, and they fight with surprising power for their size. Most cutthroats in this system run 10-14 inches and prefer similar habitat to brook trout - cold, clean water with good flow. They're opportunistic feeders but can be moody, making them a rewarding challenge for anglers who like to problem-solve on the water.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer favorite weekend trip fills up fast, especially during peak trout season when the fishing is at its absolute best. Clint's personal approach and deep knowledge of the North Fork River have made this one of Arkansas' most sought-after guided fishing experiences. You'll leave with a cooler full of fresh trout, new techniques under your belt, and probably a few stories worth telling. The combination of productive fishing, beautiful scenery, and expert instruction makes this trip perfect for anyone wanting to experience what Arkansas trout fishing is really about. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so once you're booked, start counting down the days until you're casting into some of the clearest, most fish-rich water
Learn more about the species
Brook Trout
Brook trout are the jewels of the river - those olive backs with yellow spots and orange fins circled in blue make them stunning to behold. They're typically smaller than other trout here, running 8-14 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in beauty and spunk. Brookies love cold, clean water and prefer shallow areas near fallen logs, undercut banks, and rocky cover. Fall spawning season brings out their most vibrant colors and aggressive feeding. These fish are native char, not true trout, and they're incredibly sensitive to water quality - finding them means you're fishing pristine water. They're also top-tier eating with delicate, sweet meat. Brook trout can be finicky, but they have one weakness: they can't resist a well-presented small dry fly. My local secret is a size 16 Adams during any insect activity - their curiosity and territorial nature usually wins out over caution.
Brown Trout
Browns are the thinking angler's trout - wary, smart, and absolutely worth the challenge. These golden-brown beauties with their black-spotted backs typically range from 10-18 inches here, though the deep holes hold some real trophies pushing 20+ inches. They're homebodies, preferring undercut banks, fallen timber, and deeper pools during daylight hours. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, but early morning and evening produce year-round. What draws people back is their reputation as fighters - browns are strong and stubborn once hooked. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key to success? Think like they do. Browns are nocturnal feeders, so low-light periods are golden. My go-to local trick is drifting a weighted woolly bugger tight to structure right at dusk - that's when the big ones come out to play.
Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroats get their name from those distinctive red slashes under their jaw - once you see one, you'll never forget it. On the North Fork, they typically run 10-16 inches with that beautiful golden-green coloration. These native western fish prefer clean, well-oxygenated water and love hanging around rocky structure and vegetation. They're most active during cooler months and overcast days when they feel more secure. What makes cutthroats special is they're less spooky than browns but more selective than rainbows - a perfect middle ground. They're also prime eating with sweet, firm flesh. Early summer when aquatic insects are hatching brings the best dry fly action. Here's something most anglers miss: cutthroats are suckers for attractor patterns. When nothing else works, try a Royal Wulff or Stimulator - their curiosity often gets the better of them, even when they're not actively feeding.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbows are what most folks think of when they picture trout - that distinctive pink stripe and spotted silver body makes them easy to spot. These fish typically run 12-20 inches on the North Fork, though we see some pushing 24 inches in the deeper pools. They love clean, cold water between 55-65°F, which is perfect for our river conditions. You'll find them holding in moderate current near gravel beds and undercut banks. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during mayfly hatches in late spring. What makes rainbows special is their fight - they'll jump and run like crazy once hooked. They're also excellent eating with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local trick: when the water's up and slightly stained, try a San Juan worm in red or pink about 18 inches below a small indicator. Works every time.
About the Wilkinson Outdoor Boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 60
