Blue Ribbon Fly Shop

About

Blue Ribbon Fly Shop in Mountain Home, Arkansas, is the leading fly fishing outfitter for the White River and Norfork River tailwaters, two of the most productive trout fisheries in the southern United States. The cold, clear releases from Bull Shoals and Norfork dams create year-round trout habitat in waters that would otherwise be too warm, and the result is a pair of rivers that support dense populations of rainbow and brown trout, including trophy fish that regularly exceed five pounds. The shop has been serving this unique fishery for years, developing a deep understanding of the generation schedules, flow patterns, and insect cycles that govern trout behavior in these dam-controlled environments.

The retail space is stocked with the gear and patterns specific to tailwater fishing. The fly wall features an extensive midge and scud selection, reflecting the diet of trout that feed heavily on subsurface organisms in the cold, nutrient-rich tailwater currents. Sowbugs, San Juan Worms, and egg patterns are perennial best-sellers, alongside a growing selection of streamer patterns designed for targeting the larger browns that prowl the deeper runs. Rods in the four to six-weight range dominate the rack, paired with reels that offer smooth drag systems capable of handling surprisingly powerful fish in heavy current. The guided trip program specializes in drift boat floats, the most effective way to cover the long, productive stretches of the White and Norfork rivers. Guides are experts at reading generation schedules and positioning clients for optimal fishing as water levels rise and fall throughout the day. The shop also provides wader rentals and trip planning services for visiting anglers unfamiliar with the region's unique tailwater dynamics.

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