Fishing in Buffalo National River

The Buffalo River runs free for 135 miles through the Ozark Plateaus of northwest and north-central Arkansas — the only stretch of it that matters here is the section protected as a National River, where the water stays clear enough to watch fish hold in current.

That clarity defines the fishing. You can see the bottom in most pools, which means fish can see you too. Seventy-four species of fish have been documented inside the park. Twelve are game fish.

Ten are endemic to the Ozark Plateaus — found nowhere else on earth. For most visiting anglers, the river comes down to smallmouth bass, and the Buffalo has them throughout its length.

Species richness increases moving downstream, from fewer than 20 species in the upper reaches to nearly 50 near the mouth. Smallmouth, longear sunfish, Ozark bass, and northern hog sucker are present along most of the river's length.

Goggle eye and panfish round out the warm-water fishing. For trout, the place to look is the cold tailwaters of the White River near its confluence with the Buffalo.

Brown and rainbow trout hold in that cold water, making it a winter destination when the rest of the river has slowed down. Fly fishing for smallmouth is worth taking seriously here.

Early morning and late afternoon, surface flies — poppers especially — draw aggressive strikes from bass and panfish in the clear water. The challenge is the visibility: presentations have to be clean.

Arkansas fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. No separate park permit.

The park prohibits the possession or use of live or dead minnows or other baitfish unless harvested from the Buffalo River or its tributaries — bait purchased from a licensed dealer is allowed.

Gigging, bowfishing, and snagging are permitted; all fishing must be by hook and line with the rod or line closely attended. Check with the park for current regulations before you go. The Buffalo is a river that rewards patience and attention.

Read the water carefully — the fish do.