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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions.
Here are some common questions about guide trips with Flippin Fly Guides

How far in advance should we book our fly fishing trip?

It’s a good idea to book you trip as soon as you know the dates you want to fish. The summer is usually busy with school out and the fall dates in October-December fill quickly. Other times of the year in winter and early spring are less busy.  If you’ve got a large group or want a specific guide, contact us as soon as possible. There’s no extra cost to book early and once you’re in the books, your dates are locked in.

How do I make a reservation?

Give us a call at 870-321-3985 or Contact Us and we’ll get you all set up.  We’ll need to know the number of people in your group, what dates you’d like to fish and if you have a particular guide in mind. We’ll also talk about the different types of trips that we have available. If you to fish a specific river or focus on learning, this would be a perfect time to let us know.

How much is the guide fee and is a deposit required?

Our Full Day trips are $650 for two people.  Half Day trips are $450.  We currently do not ask for deposits, but we may call you to reconfirm your trip dates during peak guiding seasons (Oct-Dec, June-Aug).

What is included in your guide fee?

Your trip includes one guide for every two guests on a boat trip or up to three guests on a walk and wade trip. We have driftboats and jetboats and we can typically cater to your preferences (depending on water conditions).  We will meet you at the boat ramp or walk-in access and we always pack a tasty lunch and provide cold beverages. You will need to bring your own alcoholic beverages. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.

What is not included?

Not included in the guide fee are Arkansas trout stamps and fishing licenses, personal equipment such as rain gear, waders and boots, and a gratuity for your guide(s).

You can purchase Arkansas Fishing Licenses and Trout Stamps online.

What about flies?

You are certainly welcome to bring your favorite patterns and can call us in advance to see what may be working for your trip. However, all of our guides will carry a full selection of the best flies for the water you will fish.

What does a full day trip with a fly fishing guide entail?

Most of our guide trips begin by meeting your guide at the previously agreed upon location. It’ll likely be a nearby boat ramp or walk in access point for wade trips.

Trips usually start around 8:30 AM. You will discuss with your guide the “program” for the day. The program can vary depending on water and weather conditions.  We try and remain flexible to where the good fishing will be, but in general, we will fish until around noon-1:00pm and then take a lunch break.  

Drinks and lunches are provided by the guide and if you do have dietary restrictions, again, please let us know in advance and we can plan around your request.

After lunch, we like to fish until around 4:30-5:00pm.  

We can and do vary from these times, so be sure and talk about it with your guide in advance.  

In the summertime, one thing we have been doing to beat the heat and increase catch rates is get on the river super early (6-7am), quit right 11am (break for lunch for 5-6 hours in the hottest part of the day), then come back and fish the evening bite from 5pm until dark.

I am new to fly fishing. Can I still go on a guided trip?

Most of our guide trips begin by meeting your guide at the previously agreed upon location. It’ll likely be a nearby boat ramp or walk in access point for wade trips.

Trips usually start around 8:30 AM. You will discuss with your guide the “program” for the day. The program can vary depending on water and weather conditions.  We try and remain flexible to where the good fishing will be, but in general, we will fish until around noon-1:00pm and then take a lunch break.  

Drinks and lunches are provided by the guide and if you do have dietary restrictions, again, please let us know in advance and we can plan around your request.

After lunch, we like to fish until around 4:30-5:00pm.  

We can and do vary from these times, so be sure and talk about it with your guide in advance.  

In the summertime, one thing we have been doing to beat the heat and increase catch rates is get on the river super early (6-7am), quit right 11am (break for lunch for 5-6 hours in the hottest part of the day), then come back and fish the evening bite from 5pm until dark.

What is the best time of year to fly fish in Arkansas?

The beauty of the Ozark streams is that they are year round fisheries.  So, there’s never a bad time to come and fish.  We enjoy the spring time for hatches, the summertime for hoppers and the fall and winter seasons for streamer fishing.  

What do I need to bring on a guided trip?

Fly fishers heading out on a guided trip need a few basic essentials. If you bring your own equipment, a 9 foot 5 or 6 weight fly rod and reel equipped with weight forward floating line is ideal in most places. If you want to fish streamers, then 6-8 weight rods are more appropriate.  If the water is high from generation, you will want to bring some type of sinking line to help get your streamers down into the zone.  

Waders and wading boots are necessary on walk and wade trips during the cooler times of the year. In July and August, guard socks and wading boots, along with a pair of quick dry pants or shorts are perfect for wet wading.

On float trips during mid-summer, waders are not necessary, but a good idea to bring along in case some wade fishing is called for or the weather brings some rain. Speaking of rain, a packable rain jacket is always a good insurance policy anytime of the year.

A brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses and sunscreen offer protection from the sun and make fishing more enjoyable.

Dress for cool mornings and warm to hot weather in the afternoons during the summer. Anglers headed this way in the spring and fall should be prepared to encounter freezing weather. Therefore, fingerless gloves, fleece pants, long underwear, and a warm hat are good items to carry along, even if you never need them.

You are welcome to bring flies you would like to fish and accessories such as nippers, hemostats, floatant and dry shake, and a net.  Although your guide will have these and everything else needed to your trip. Many of our guests also find a wading staff and a small day pack or vest useful for walk trips.

 

What can I do to prepare for my guide trip?

There is not much you need to do to be ready to go on a guided trip, but a few things can make the day more enjoyable and productive. Take a quick look at your equipment to make sure it is in proper working order before you head out to fish.  For example, replace old, worn out lines and fix those old leaks in your waders. Spending a bit of time casting the fly rod and reel that you plan on fishing with before a trip is also a great idea. Even expert casters can improve their accuracy and confidence with a little practice to get the rust off.

 

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