Fishing Traveler

The Spring River is located in North Central Arkansas.  The river is 57 miles long and starts at Mammoth Spring, one of the world’s 10 largest springs and a National Natural Landmark.  Actually the river starts up in Missouri but really only becomes a serious fishery after Mammoth Springs. 

The Spring River has two main branches, proper and south fork.  Spring River Proper is spring fed making its northern section cold and very clear.  It also remains canoe floatable in the summer when many other Arkansas creeks and rivers are quite low.  The south fork of the river is a mild and warm water stream.

Spring River Fish Species

• Walleye
• Rainbow Trout
• Brown Trout
• Brook Trout
• Cutthroat Trout
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• Rock Bass
• Flathead Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Redear Sunfish
• Tiger Muskie

According to Arkansas.com smallmouth and seasonal walleye are available. 

In addition to brown trout fishing and rainbow trout fishing, the Spring River offers high-quality smallmouth bass fishing and seasonal walleye fishing. These two species are scattered in the river from Myatt Creek to well below Hardy.

Walleye in Spring River Lake average in the 3 to 5 pound range but can get as big as 12 pounds.

Mammoth Springs to Many Islands Camp is regarded as the best trout fishing as it is stocked.  I understand that this is not Arkansas’ best lunker stream but it is a good numbers fishery.  The AG&FC’s Spring River State Fish Hatchery is situated on an island directly below Dam 3. Annually it produces 500,000 trout  that weigh around 385,000 pounds.

In 1989, tiger muskies (a hybrid of muskellunge and northern pike) were stocked into Spring River Lake.  Flooding allowed some muskies to get further downstream in the river. An Arkansas state record tiger muskie weighing 23 lb 12 oz was caught in 1995.  

Spring River Fishing Areas and Patterns

According to OMW…

The 2.5 mile stretch from Mammoth Spring to Dam 3 (an old hydropower structure) contains ideal fly fishing water in a large riffle area that can be reached from AG&FC’s Lasseter Access Area. In that section of the river you may catch rainbows, browns, cutthroats, or brooks. Spring River Lake extends about a mile above Dam 3. This 55-acre lake has a maximum depth of about 25 feet. The river channel averages about 12 feet deep. The shoreline is characterized by beds of emergent vegetation, dense stands of Brazilian elodea (a rooted aquatic macrophyte), steep dirt banks, riprap banks, backwater sloughs, silty flats, and lawns. All the species mentioned above are presently caught in the lake.

Ozark Connections adds…

The stretch of river from Mammoth Spring to Dam No. 3 is best waded and fished afoot except for the deep portion of the river near the dam. The first mile or two is an ideal flyfishing stretch. The heart of the Spring’s trout waters lies in the three-mile stretch below the dam. This portion of the river, which is difficult to fish from the bank, holds some of the larger trout. One to three-pounders are fairly common in the shoals and pools down to Many Islands, but the flow of water from Myatt Creek a few miles further on increases the water temperature to such a degree that very few trout are found in the river below.

The best fishing spots for trout are immediately below the falls where the falling water hits, creating a frothing white mass. Back under the ledges is where the rainbows lie, waiting to nip out and grab food coming over the falls. The most deadly method is to stand on the lip of the falls and let lure or bait drift over the lip with the current. Strikes are lightning fast and hard to feel in the churning water.

Riverside Resorts recommends…

Fly Fishing is one way of taking trout. A 4 wt. Or 6 wt. 8′ - 9′ Rod, Sink Tip Line and Short Leaders are the order of the day here. Nymphs, Wooly Buggers, and Clouser Minnows fished cross current or down stream produce large numbers of quality fish.

Spring River Float Conditions

This is a popular river to canoe.  Southwest Paddler describes the conditions…

The Spring River is more than enough whitewater fun for most paddlers. It offers rapids and falls that challenge your skills without being “skullcrushers”. The river is very scenic and offers a ride that is both quasi-wild and mild, wet and dry, fast and faster and which leaves time for photographs, so stop occasionally and take some. Just make sure your camera is stored in a safe, padded, dry container to protect it from the bumps and possibly submersion in case you take an unscheduled swim at one of the falls. If you are a fisherman who enjoys running whitewater, then the Spring River is right up your alley, with 2-3 pound rainbow and brown trout abundant. After mastering the Spring River you are ready to try the Saline or the Cossatot for an even greater thrill ride.

Arkansas.com adds more detail…

The first half of this section begins at the base of Dam #3, a former hydropower structure located south of Mammoth Spring. To get to the launching area, take Arkansas 342 (west off U.S. 63) for slightly less than a mile. Floaters of this nine-mile portion can look forward to numerous rapids, and even a couple of small waterfalls (both of which should be portaged in high water). The take-out point is Many Islands Camp, a private development located between Hardy and Mammoth Spring, and about two-and-one-half miles west of U.S. 63 (directional signs are present).

The second half of the Spring River’s upper portion begins at Many Islands and concludes about eight miles downstream at Hardy Beach, a public park below the U.S. 62-167 bridge on the stream’s southwest (right) bank. Like the previous section, this one also features rapids and waterfalls although they’re not as frequent. One especially noteworthy spot is High Falls, a six-foot waterfall which looks considerably taller than that from a canoe going over its brink.

The Spring River remains “floatable” for another thirty or so miles below Williford. While this section is seldom visited by canoeists because of the long, slow pools, folks strictly interested in a quiet fishing trip might find it ideal.

Spring River Access Points

Arkansas.com provides the following access points…

The Spring River is one of Arkansas’s more accessible streams, with U.S. Highway 63 paralleling much of its length. Major public access points include: Cold Springs and Dam #3 (both reached off U.S. 63 between Hardy and Mammoth Spring), Bayou Access (off Arkansas 289 on the river’s west side), Hardy Beach, the Williford Launch Area (off Arkansas 58), two entry/take-out points at Ravenden (one south of town on a county road; the other to the east at U.S. 63), and a final launch site at Imboden (at U.S. 62 crossing). In addition, access can also be obtained at several private developments along the river.

Spring River Guide Service

Berry Brothers Guide Service - White, Norfork, and Little Red River fly fishing guides, Berry Brothers Guide Service, specializes in fly fishing for trophy Brown, Rainbow, Cuttthroat, and Brook Trout on our crystal clear mountain streams in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks. Our guides John Berry and Lori Sloas provide a high level of service to a discriminating clientele.

Canoe Outfitters

3 Rivers Outfitters - Take a trip by canoe, kayak or raft and experience the scenic Spring River while floating through the lazy pools or challenging your skills on the rapids. Come explore the beautiful Ozark streams and fish for Trout, Walleye and Bass

Mammoth Spring Canoe Rental  - Offering canoe and kayak rentals

Many Islands Camp & Canoe Rental - The place for your outdoor adventures on Spring River

Riverside Resort - Our facilities are located on the banks of the Spring River and offer recreational activities for the whole family. The perfect place for Outdoor Fun! Riverside Resort is where the last four State Record Tiger Muskie were caught, and a number of large Walleyes have been landed just below the mouth of Big Creek. This Creek is home to “Spotted Bass” Small Mouth and lots of Bream.

Southfork Resort - Southfork Resort is known as “The Family Place”. We strive to provide a family friendly atmosphere for  you to enjoy.  We are located on the Southfork of the Spring river. We offer the best of all worlds to our customers. We have the class 1 and 2 rapids of the Southfork for our families and fishermen, we also provide the exhilarating class 2 and 3 rapids of the Spring River. All of this while providing some of the best best Smallmouth fishing in all of Arkansas.

Spring River Valley Camp & Canoe - Come visit Spring River Valley on the Beautiful Spring River!

Spring River Lodging

Bed & Breakfast

Biggers Bed & Breakfast - Biggers Bed and Breakfast in Hardy Arkansas is beautiful B&B overlooking the Spring River. Our luxury Ozark bed and breakfast is just above Historic Old Hardy Town with all of its shops, antique stores and more. Our guest rooms are perfect for couples seeking a quiet, romantic getaway. We offer luxury accommodations, magnificent views plus a pool and outdoor spa overlooking the Spring River.

Olde Stone House Bed & Breakfast Inn - Offering luxury lodging in the heart of Old Hardy Town, Hardy, Arkansas. On the National Historic Register, serving the public as a Bed and Breakfast Inn since 1992.

Cabins & Campgrounds

3 Rivers Outfitters - Our campground is located on the banks of the beautiful Spring River in Old Hardy Town. All sites have water and electricity and access to the bathhouse. A sanitary station is also available. The store carries basic camping and floating supplies, and the campground is open March through October.  Cabins are also available.

Mammoth Spring Canoe Rental - Offering camping and cabins

Many Islands Camp & Canoe Rental - The place for your outdoor adventures on Spring River

Riverside Resort - Our facilities are located on the banks of the Spring River and offer recreational activities for the whole family. The perfect place for Outdoor Fun! Riverside Resort is where the last four State Record Tiger Muskie were caught, and a number of large Walleyes have been landed just below the mouth of Big Creek. This Creek is home to “Spotted Bass” Small Mouth and lots of Bream.

Southfork Resort - Southfork Resort is known as “The Family Place”. We strive to provide a family friendly atmosphere for  you to enjoy.  We are located on the Southfork of the Spring river. We offer the best of all worlds to our customers. We have the class 1 and 2 rapids of the Southfork for our families and fishermen, we also provide the exhilarating class 2 and 3 rapids of the Spring River. All of this while providing some of the best best Smallmouth fishing in all of Arkansas.

Spring River Valley Camp & Canoe - Come visit Spring River Valley on the Beautiful Spring River

Motel

Hardy Springs River Lodge - Hardys Spring River Lodge is a  locally owned and managed motel. Offering the perfect spot to get away from it all, for a day, a weekend or longer! For antique & craft shopping, rainbow trout fishing, canoe, kayak, raft floating or picnicking, Hardy, Arkansas offers all of this and so much more.  It has an indoor heated pool.

Vacation Home Rental

Cherokee Village House Rental - This home is nestled high on a bluff above the South Fork of the Spring River. This home provides spectacular year round views. It is considered one of the most desirable areas in the Village. This home offers almost a 180 degree view of the mountains and the valley below. This home is also considered river front as the lot descends all the way from top of the bluff down to the rivers edge below.

Ozark Mountain Vacation Paradise - This lovely, fully-appointed townhouse lies in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, in the resort community of Cherokee Village, Arkansas.

Spring River Climate

Wildernet provides information on the climate on their Spring River information page.

Arkansas has a temperate climate with the coldest temperatures near freezing during December, January and February. Daytime highs for these months usually reach 55 degrees F. Spring and fall temperatures are very mild with lows dipping to 44 degrees F and highs reaching 70 degrees F. July and August are the hottest months of the year with average temperatures reaching 90 degrees F. June and September average temperatures usually reach into the mid-eighties. Spring and winter months are the wettest of the year.

Spring River NonFishing Attractions

From what I’ve found so far, you would have a hard time pulling me off the water but there are some other things to do in the area.  Ozark Connections suggests…

One attraction that should not be missed is Mammoth Spring State Park. In addition to viewing one of the largest springs in the county , visitors can hike, picnic, or even examine an exhibit of train memorabilia.

Next door to the park is the Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery, the nation’s leading producer of smallmouth bass (and also a source for largemouth and striped bass, walleye, channel catfish, and redband trout). Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the hatchery, and also view one of the nicest public aquariums in the region.

Another place worth a closer inspection is Hardy, one of those towns which has managed to retain a good deal of its original character. Attractive old buildings are still in place, with many of them housing shops featuring antiques or local arts and crafts.

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery offers a lot to see.  They have a huge 3,600-gallon, 10-tank public aquarium highlighting both native fish and reptiles, as well as species raised on the hatchery.  The hatchery has several exhibits explaining the Service mission and hatchery activities.  You can also observe  the day-to-day operations of the hatchery.

That’s what I found for Spring River, Arkansas. This information has been provided to help you plan a Spring River fishing trip.  I have made my best effort to be as accurate as possible about the information provided but cannot guarantee its accuracy.  If you have anything to add for a fishing trip to Spring River, please feel free to comment.  Also if you have taken a fishing trip to Spring River and would like to write a report, let me know.