Reel Good Fishing

08/04/2026

🎣 Nothing beats a day on the river with family.

Huge thanks to Chris and his dad for spending a great morning wading and fly fishing for smallmouth on the Middle Fork of the Saline River! Getting to watch father-son duos connect on the water and make lasting memories is easily the best part of guiding.

"Reel Good Fishing w/ John was a top notch experience... we are still talking about the trip days after. John truly knows the river and made the experience one to remember." — Chris H.

Ready to hit the water? Guide slots are filling up fast! DM me here or visit reelgoodfishingar.com to book your next trip.

04/15/2026

Reel Good Fishing is all about taking the kiddos out and teaching them the art of fly fishing!

04/15/2026

*New blog post up*

This weekend is exactly why I love what we do.
Started off celebrating a 40th birthday with friends from The Mayfly Project. Drift boat on the Norfork, jet sleds on the White, and a whole lot of laughs with some great people. Starkey, Nick, Cliff, Bill, and Corey made it one to remember. Corey had to head out early (dad duties always come first and I get that), but Bill stayed and even surprised us by tying a flawless articulated streamer. Didn’t see that one coming.
But the moment that stuck with me most happened back home.
Took a 7-year-old client, Jackson, out on the Saline River with his dad Stuart. Second time ever holding a fly rod… and he stuck his first fish.
A largemouth bass.
Watching that happen, the excitement, the smile, the back-and-forth with his dad the whole trip. That’s what this is really about.
Fly fishing brings people together. It creates moments you don’t forget. Read the whole story here

If you’ve been thinking about getting on the water, now’s the time.
🎣 Guided trips on the Little Red River & Saline River
📍 Arkansas
📩 Book your trip here: www.reelgoodfishingar.com

Experience fly fishing Arkansas with Reel Good Fishing. From a river birthday trip to a kid’s first catch, discover what makes it unforgettable.

04/07/2026

My mother gave me my first fly rod when I was 7 years old… and I had no idea where it would lead.
Getting to talk about Reel Good Fishing on Arkansas Outdoors felt like a full circle moment.
Fly fishing has given me more than the fish.
It’s given me peace, purpose, and a way to help others slow down and reset.
I’ve seen what a day on the water can do for people.
If you’ve ever thought about trying it, or just need a break, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Appreciate everyone who’s supported me along the way.
Especially my wife Rachelle, Arkansas Fly Fishers, and The Mayfly Project.

👉 Read the full story: https://reelgoodfishingar.com/arkansas-fly-fishing-story/

04/02/2026

☕🪶 Coffee + Mallard Flank = Natural Buggy Magic

If you’re serious about fly tying for Arkansas waters, you need to try coffee-stained mallard flank. This simple trick takes a standard material and turns it into one of the most natural-looking components you can put in a fly box.

Why it works:
Mallard flank already has great movement and contrast, but when you stain it with coffee, it tones down the brightness and adds a natural, buggy brown tint that matches what fish actually see, especially in slightly stained rivers like the Saline River.

What it’s best for:
• Soft hackles
• Wet flies
• Smallmouth streamers
• Nymph collars

That subtle color change makes a big difference. Fish aren’t looking for perfect, they’re looking for real.

How we do it:
Brew strong black coffee
Soak feathers 10–30 minutes
Rinse lightly
Air dry

That’s it. No chemicals. No complicated process. Just a more effective fly tying material.
I’ve been using coffee-stained mallard flank on both the Saline River and Little Red River, and it consistently produces flies that get more eats, especially when the water has a little color.

🎣 I’ll be tying with this material in upcoming videos and using the flies on guide trips. Stay tuned. For more information visit: www.reelgoodfishingar.com

03/15/2026

Rainbow trout that consume large amounts of crustaceans (like scuds) or crayfish can develop pinker flesh and more vivid, pink-tinted fins.

The Little Red River has a high density of said food sources and make for some beautiful specimens.

Want to catch these beautiful Arkansas trout?
Book a trip today at www.reelgoodfishingar.com or message us here!

03/13/2026

One of our favorite patterns for the Saline River. Smallmouth can’t seem to keep them lips away from this chunky worm! The water is starting to get right and the fish are getting hungrier with each passing day. Book your trip with us today!
www.reelgoodfishingar.com

03/10/2026

New blog post up. The Saline River and its Smallmouth. Book a trip with us at www.reelgoodfishingAR.com or send us a private message.

https://reelgoodfishingar.com/saline-river-smallmouth-bass-fly-fishing/ge

Smallmouth bass caught fly fishing on the Saline River in Central Arkansas. Saline River Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing: Arkansas’s Hidden Gem Many anglers tra ...

03/10/2026

Most anglers near Little Rock don’t realize how good the fly fishing is here.