Kings River
river in Arkansas
The Kings River is a highly regarded Ozark freestone offering diverse fly-fishing opportunities from smallmouth and spotted bass to gravel runs holding trout in spring-fed stretches; popular with local guides and wade anglers.
Crisp 59°F temperatures and clear skies
- 01Crisp 59°F temperatures and clear skies.
- 02Real-time USGS flow data unavailable.
- 03Active Trico, Mahogany Dun, and Blue-Winged Olive hatches expected.
- 04October Caddis hatches may also be occurring.
- 05No recent angler reports available.
Past reports week by week
12 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater amphipods are a year-round staple for Bluegill and sunfish, effective as a subsurface nymph.
Buy at AmazonHare's Ear Nymph
A versatile and essential year-round nymph, imitating general mayfly nymphs which are a consistent food source for Bluegill and other sunfish.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A classic and highly versatile streamer, imitating leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for Bluegill and other sunfish year-round.
Mahogany Dun
Late summer and fall often see hatches of Paraleptophlebia (Mahogany Duns), providing dry fly opportunities for Bluegill and other panfish.
Buy at AmazonPopping Bug (Bass)
On warmer fall days in southern regions, topwater action can still occur for Bluegill and other sunfish.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Matches expected fall BWO hatches, which can entice selective Bluegill and other sunfish feeding on emergers and adults.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
The October Caddis is a significant fall hatch, and this dry fly imitates the adult caddis that Bluegill and other panfish may be targeting.
Buy at AmazonTrico Spinner
Mimics active Trico hatches occurring this month, targeting rising Bluegill in slower water.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Berryville / Osage Access
Public access near Berryville used for wade and put-in fishing; good runs and pocket water for small stream techniques.
Hutchinson Access / Lower Kings
Lower river access providing longer float options and productive bass stretches downstream.
Kings River Narrows / Kayak Put-Ins
Favorite section for smallmouth and light-tackle fly anglers with clear riffles and plunge pools.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Beaver Dam Store Fly and Tackle Shop
Anglers Outfitters
Tim's Fly Shop
Anglers Outfitters, Inc.
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Arkansas season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Quick answers
Common questions about Kings River.
What flies work best on Kings River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Kings River right now are Scud (Pink/Orange) (80% confidence), Black Woolly Bugger (80% confidence), Hare's Ear Nymph (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Kings River?
Kings River holds Bluegill. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Kings River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Kings River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.