Fishing & Swimming

At Southfork Resort canoe launch is a prime smallmouth fishing hole

Smallmouth Bass Fishing - Pound-for-pound many fishermen consider the smallmouth bass to be the hardest fighting sportfish. That is why good smallmouth fisheries are prized fishing experiences. The South Fork of the Spring River is a proven prime smallmouth fishery. One of the best smallmouth fishing holes is right at the canoe launch at Southfork Resort. But smallmouth fishing on the South Fork is not limited to the holes at the resort. Fishermen can walk and fish for several miles either upstream or downstream. They can also fish from canoes.

Trout Fishing - About 20 minutes away is the Spring River, which is fed by Mammoth Spring. This large spring flows at 9 million gallons per day, 365 days a year. The clear water runs at a constant temperature of about 57 degrees F. This clear cool water makes perfect trout habitat. Arkansas Department of Game and Fish maintains a large trout hatchery near Mammoth Spring. Between the near perfect trout habitat and the hatchery, the Spring River is a major draw for trout fishermen.

While good year around, fishing is best during cooler weather, not only because the fish are more active, but also because the rivers are less crowded with floaters. Fishermen are attracted to the area because it offers, within a few miles apart, both cold and warm water fishing. This presents a much more diverse list of sport fish species.

The first 20 miles of the Spring River is a cold water fishery holding large populations of rainbow trout. Smallmouth bass fishing on the South Fork river is exceptionally good. This is because the smallmouth populations are numerous and comprised of large fish. Smallmouth are, pound for pound, the hardest fighting fresh water fish according to many sport fishermen. Smallmouth fishermen will travel considerable distances in pursuit of hot smallmouth fishing. Rock bass, largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, and sunfish are common in the warm waters. Fly fishing is becoming more popular, and fly fishers account for more guided fishing trips than bait fishers.

A smallmouth bass weighing about two pounds

Smallmouth hang out around the bridge piers near a cold water spring

One of the swimming spots at Southfork

Swimming - All along Southfork Resort's 1,300 feet of river frontage are numerous places to wade and swim. The pools are not large or deep which makes them perfect for children. The water depth depends on the time of year, but generally runs from a few inches deep to about three feet deep. Parents sit in lawn chairs while watching children swim and wade.

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