The Ozarks Most Dynamic Guide Team

The Ozarks Most Dynamic Guide Team

Blue Ribbon Fly Shop offers varied fishing options through a diverse group of experienced guides

Ozark fly fishing culture is unique in the respect that most of the area guides operate as independent entities with no affiliation to an outfitter. This is a result of lax oversight of guiding operations in the state of Arkansas, and the current system can be both positive and negative. On one hand, prospective anglers are afforded the opportunity to search for the perfect guide service, and it is possible to find some real gems through word of mouth or on the Internet. Still, under an independent guide system, there is no oversight, so the customer takes full responsibility for the outcome of the overall experience. Blue Ribbon Fly Shop operates differently than the status quo, and we are proud to offer one of the region’s only true guide teams.

There are advantages to booking a White River or Norfork Tailwater fly fishing trip through Blue Ribbon Fly Shop. This established northern Arkansas business works with four experienced guides who each bring unique skills to the table, and all of them have different personalities and fishing styles. In most cases, the shop will pair anglers with the guide that appears to be the best fit, but it is possible to request a specific guide. We will do anything and everything to make sure that our clients have the best possible day out on the water. Blue Ribbon Fly Shop is a business that prides itself on providing top-notch customer service, so prospective customers can rest assured that when they utilize our guides, they will be treated exceptionally well, while reaping the benefits of fishing with an experienced sportsman. Our guide team is the epitome of class.

Most anglers who spend any amount of time studying or fishing White River Basin trout fisheries understand that water releases will dictate where the best fly fishing conditions are on any given day. Consistently effective fly fishermen are always adjusting their flies and techniques based on the current flow rates. The guide team at Blue Ribbon Fly Shop understands how to locate productive fly fishing opportunities on all water conditions, and recently, several members of the guide staff have added drift boats to their equipment arsenal. Although this type of vessel can be a hindrance during extremely high water, there are times when a drift boat can be of real benefit. During periods of no power generation, this type of craft is perfect for easily navigating shallow shoals. A drift boat opens up wading access to less-pressured stretches of river, and it is very easy to escape the walk-in crowds with a float-and-wade approach. When the dams are releasing moderate amounts of water, both the White and Norfork offer ideal float-fishing conditions, and a drift boat is the perfect way cover plenty of water in peace. Forrest and Jeremy each own a traditional drift boat and a motorized “Jon” boat – having access to both allows for extreme versatility. Larry will be purchasing a drifter later this year. Please let the staff at Blue Ribbon Fly Shop know if you are interested in fishing from a drift boat (if it is possible) so that the proper guide will be scheduled. Daily fishing options are always discussed on the morning of a guided trip, and if flows are too high for a requested drift fishing excursion, other alternatives will be explained.   

Blue Ribbon Fly Shop is proud of our diverse guide team. We are the only service in the Ozarks that offers their customers a choice of fly fishing styles, and there is a guide on our team to match just about any angler’s personality. Making the most out of a day on the White River and Norfork Tailwater can be difficult without help, so finding the right guide often makes the difference between frustration and all-day action. The guide team at Blue Ribbon Fly Shop will provide a memorable day on the water  - we emphasize teaching, while working at catching the most fish possible.

Below is a brief biography of each guide that explains their experience, fishing style and demeanor. Feel free to direct any questions you may have for specific guides through our main email address.

 

Forrest Smith

A good guide team also needs a “young gun” who will keep everyone on their toes by constantly pushing innovative concepts. Forrest Smith, Blue Ribbon’s youngest guide, is always experimenting with new techniques, and he possesses a remarkable amount of fly fishing and hunting knowledge for someone his age. Perhaps, this is because Forrest is an actual Arkansas native, so he was raised with a fly rod in one hand and a bow in the other.  He has also spent several seasons guiding on the prolific trout rivers of Montana.

Forrest is the type of guide who can be a bit mysterious, but the knowledge he holds is worth extracting. After a day on the water with this talented guide, anglers feel that they have been privy to a very exclusive experience filled with critical knowledge. Like Jeremy Hunt, Forrest is an expert streamer fisherman, and he also spends a lot of time stalking huge browns at night with big and ugly flies. Few others study the correlation between moon phases and productive night fishing like Forrest does, and he offers specialized night trips to anglers in a position to act when the right conditions come together.

Do not let the relative young age of Forrest Smith fool you – he is a very capable guide who is wise beyond his years. Anglers who fish with Forrest almost always comment on his adaptability and confidence. Forrest operates both a motorized “Jon” boat and a drift boat, and he knows where the best water is for every conceivable condition that may be encountered.



At Blue Ribbon Fly Shop, we recognize that there are many choices when it comes to hiring an expert White River fly fishing guide. Let us show you how fishing with one of our guide team members offers the most productive Ozark fly fishing experience available. We only work with the region’s most talented guides, and every member of our staff possesses class, determination and patience. Blue Ribbon Fly Shop is committed to working with our customers to ensure that they get the most out of their day on the water. Whether you are planning your first trip to the White River or Norfork Tailwater, or you visit the area every year; come experience a memorable day of fishing with a member of the Blue Ribbon Fly Shop guide team.