Fly-Fishing and Backpacking

“Most likely, the next backpacking trips I will plan will include the sport of fly-fishing as one of my activities.

A few of have have discussed GSMNP (Hazel Creek area), but I have heard there is also some good fly-fishing in Arkansas and Missouri. The question is... Does fly-fishing and backpacking co-exist in Arkansas and Missouri? And if so, where would you recommend I consider planning my next excursion?

Thanks in advance.”

“TD
Most of the trout waters in AR do not coincide with trails. The Buffalo National River has small mouth, large mouth and many perch species. The Buffalo National River is a great place to mesh the two together. National Geographic has two nice maps of the area. I am not a fly fisherman but I do carry an ultralite spinning rod upon occasion.
http://www.nps.gov/buff

Time of the year and river levels are a big determination for where to hike in the area. I prefer the upper end trails from Boxley to Pruitt.

Another place is is section six (Hurricane creek)of the Ozark Highlands trail. It is a year round water shed that I suspect holds the same fish as the Buffalo (I have not fished it. These links may help.
http://www.hikearkansas.com/ohta.html
http://www.ouachitamaps.com/OHT.html
http://www.friendsot.org/

The Ouachita trail may have some fishing opprotunities but I am not to familiar with the area.

email me if you need more planning info.


HBH”

“I try not to fish for flies while backpacking”

“HBH -- I will start checking out the links.. and I sent you a quick email too..”

“karo would be an excellent source of info on this.”

“Kerry and I just got off the phone a little while ago actually. He's wanting to go back to Hazel Creek, and I'm wanting to go back to Three Forks.”

“The Manistee River Trail in Michigan has some great fishing.”