Pro-Guide Services WATERS WE GUIDE
 

 

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.

Don Adams

Every complete guide team needs an “elder statesman”, and this is a role that fits Don well. Although he is not old by any stretch of the imagination, Don’s Ozark fly fishing experience is extensive. Do not let his boyish looks fool you – Don holds a wealth of knowledge, and you will be hard-pressed to find a nicer and more caring person. He truly wants to see his clients succeed, and Don will often take an appropriate moment during a trip to teach on a deeper and more personal level.

When Don isn’t guiding on the White and Norfork, he is actively involved in the local Real Estate market. Don specializes in locating properties that appeal to outdoor-enthusiasts. He has been quite successful in his non-fishing endeavors, so Don is not available to guide for the shop as often as he used to be. Still, the entire Blue Ribbon Fly Shop team has benefitted greatly from the impeccable character and overall fly fishing experience of Don Adams. Consider it a treat if you get the chance to fish with this loveable guide.

Jeremy Hunt

There is no other Ozark guide as outwardly passionate about fly fishing and fly tying as Jeremy Hunt. This guy lives to fish, and he is a rising star in the fly tying world. Jeremy began guiding almost ten years ago, and he prides himself on learning something new each time he is out on the water. Even though Jeremy is extremely busy as a father, commercial fly-tier and full-time guide, he almost always finds a way to get out on the water every day. This is why Jeremy may be the most up-to-date guide in the area when it comes to knowing where the big fish are and what they are biting on.

Jeremy uses both a motorized “Jon” boat and a very comfortable Stealth Craft drift boat to keep his clients on fish. Although Jeremy is one of the most versatile guides around, he has gained the reputation for being an expert  streamer fisherman. Jeremy loves to share is knowledge, and he is extremely enthusiastic when it comes to targeting big fish. Very few in the fly fishing industry have worked as hard as Jeremy at being the best they can possibly be. A day on the water with Jeremy Hunt will be filled with learning, action and lots of laughs.

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.

Larry Babin

Every complete guide team must have an organizational leader, and this role is filled by Larry Babin, Blue Ribbon Fly Shop’s resident manager. Larry is not only an exceptional guide; he is also the guy in charge of making sure that fly shop operations run smoothly. With so many time-consuming responsibilities on his hands, Larry spends many late nights tending the shop’s important business.

Larry carries his passion for managing the fly shop with him to the river, where he guides with vigor and enthusiasm. Be prepared to meticulously work productive water during a day on the river with Larry, as he is a very patient guide who knows which techniques work. Larry has been an avid fly fisherman for many years, and he entered the sport’s professional arena in 2002, after completing the second Orvis guide school at Hubbard’s Yellowstone Lodge in Montana. This was the point in time when Larry realized that he wanted to be involved in the fly fishing industry full time.

Guide clients of Larry always remark at his outward humility and inner strength. He looks at each trip as a new challenge, and Larry will do whatever it takes to make sure that his anglers are better fly fishermen by the end of the day. One of the best ways to see such improvement is by hooking into a lot of nice trout, and this is what usually happens on a guide trip with Larry Babin.

 

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.



Blue Ribbon Arkansas Fly Fishing Guide Service  

When you plan a fly fishing trip to the White River or Norfork, safety must be the first priority.  These rivers are unpredictable with respect to dam releases, and the water can rise to dangerous levels at the drop of a hat.  It’s easy to become intimidated by the unique dynamics on display here, but we can assure you that the constant change in water levels stimulates trout activity and it is what makes these rivers trophy trout factories.  Our guides are trained to keep the client safe while also putting them in the very best spot for that particular day.  We are not afraid to change locations if fishing conditions become better somewhere else which is always a possibility on these types of rivers.  While most guides either just wade or just boat fish, the guides for Blue Ribbon Fly Shop will employ whatever methods and techniques will catch the most fish or biggest fish.  If there is an option available on where or how we do things, it will always be presented up front.  So be assured that when you hire one of our experienced guides, you will be placed with someone who is friendly and excited to be on the water.  No crabby guides are allowed to work with us!  Blue Ribbon Fly Shop is a about teaching and making better fly fishermen out of people…our guides feel the exact same way.

A guide trip with Blue Ribbon Fly Shop begins by meeting at the shop (we may also pick you up where you are staying) at 7:30am for some coffee and an assessment of the morning’s situation. Reason being, the fly shop is centrally located between numerous access points along the White and Norfork rivers. Therefore, clients meeting us here at the shop in the morning reduces the drive time, saves our clients gas, and allows our guides to meet and depart to the most productive sections of river for the day. Although as Blue Ribbon guides we provide all the essentials, meeting at the fly shop allows the client a final opportunity to pick up a pair of polarized sun glasses forgotten back home, sun screen, gloves, or any other necessities. Blue Ribbon carries more than leaders and tippet which is what makes for a true full service fly shop and guide service. Lunches will have been arranged, and everything will be packed by the guide. On occasion we may grill brats, chicken, or some other grilling delecacy in a short time on the river shore. Once all the loose ends are wrapped up it’s time to hit the river.  We cannot stress enough that safety is our top priority.  Our guides are diligent about maintaining their equipment and they know what to do in almost any situation that could arise on these challenging rivers.  All are licensed by the state and are proficient in CPR and First Aid.

Guided trips with Blue Ribbon typically end between 5-6pm, but if fishing is hot into the evening, our guides have been known to stay out a little longer.  All trips are strictly catch and release so be sure to bring your camera.  Blue Ribbon Fly Shop works with several local taxidermists’ who can make a perfect trophy mount from just a picture.

Our guides employ a variety of techniques to put you on trout, and never hesitate to tell your guide how you like to fish.  If conditions are right, it may be a possibility.  Also, there is a big difference between fishing to catch numbers of trout and “big fish fishing”.  Our guides know how to do both, and let them know your preference.  We catch lots of big fish while going for numbers, so keep that in mind.  When targeting just bigger fish it’s more like hunting.  The rewards are great but so are the challenges.  It’s possible to do some of both on any given day.

Please do not hesitate to ask us anything.  Blue Ribbon Fly Shop can put you in touch with your guide before the trip so that he can answer any questions you may have.  We are all about having fun while maintaining safety guidelines, and a guided fly fishing trip with Blue Ribbon Fly Shop is the best way to optimize your time on the White River. 

We appreciate your business and referrals.

100% Catch & Release

Full Day, 1-2 people $350 (includes lunch, flies, etc... no hidden fees)

Half Day, 1-2 people $275 (everything included except lunch)

50% Deposit due upon booking.
We are located at: 1343 Hwy 5 South Mountain Home, AR 72653 | (870) 425-0447 phone | (870) 425-6954 fax | e-mail us here.
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