Fly Fishing Arkansas - Guide Services

John has fished the rivers of Northern Arkansas for more than 25 years. He has been on the US Fly Fishing Team in 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2003. The youth team he Captained won a Silver Medal at the World Fly Fishing Championships in 98. He has fished all over the US, Alaska, and Europe. He holds a FFF casting instructor certification and has been a pilot for over 23 years logging thousands of hours. He has been the seen on ESPN and the Outdoor Channel several times over the years. He can truly offer the educational "trip of a lifetime".

As soon as the hook was set, I saw a monster Rainbow jump straight up out of the water! It had to have been 3 feet long! I was so shocked I froze. The fish spooled me within seconds! I wanted a lesson in landing big fish but I never expected this! Richard Mars - Flight Options

Definitely one of the greatest trips I've ever had! Talk about huge fish! I have fly fished for years. I never realized I could learn so much. - Dr. Barry McGraw

Fly fishing with John is like getting the opportunity to be taught golf by Tiger. I've learned in only a few trips what would have taken most people a lifetime. I was there the day he landed a 22.5 pound brown trout on a 5 weight rod. That's something I'll never forget as long as I live. - Ralph Boen, Retired Airline Captain

My first time fly fishing ever and it was AWESOME. I had a 35 pound brown spool 150 feet of backing off my reel, jump 3 times, and then break me off, was an experience I'll never forget. I can't wait for the next time! - Rebecca Heard

Fishing in Northern Arkansas is often very truly the "trip of a lifetime". Arkansas is one of the few places in the world that can be fly fished 365 days a year. Depending on the weather and water conditions sometimes the fishing can be spectacular. In the spring we have some great rainbow runs that have fish beautifully colored and full of fight. The summer offers large browns that hold in cool springs that offer great stalking and sight casting opportunities. Often these fish will have favorite holds that they return to year after year. The trophy areas will be full of well grown fish looking for a safe haven to be caught and released. The fall and winter are the trophy season. The big brown trout begin to stage and move for the spawn. Out of their usual deep-water holds, they are particularly wary of anything that moves. An accurate fly caster with a good drift can be casting to several fish over 20 lbs in a day. There is nothing quite like the thrill of sight casting to monster browns, and then the sheer panic of having one take your fly. These fish are wary, smart, stubborn, and mean. At least they are predictable, and yes, they can be taken on the fly.

John W. Wilson

To inquire about rates and availability please email me.