🎣 Fly Fishing the Kings River: A Weekend Stay at The Bluebird in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Carrie Saunders
Jul 3
2 min read

Sometimes the best trips are the simplest ones—just a couple of days away to chase fish, breathe deeply, and hit reset. That’s exactly what our weekend at The Bluebird in Eureka Springs, Arkansas gave us: quiet comfort, river time, and all the little moments in between that make a place feel special. If you're planning a Kings River fly fishing trip, this cozy cabin might be your perfect basecamp.

The master bedroom at the Bluebird in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass on the Kings River

Just 15 minutes from The Bluebird, the Kings River is one of Arkansas’s top spots for smallmouth bass fly fishing. We hit the water early with high hopes, casting for bass in the river’s clear, winding channels. It was a super clear day with no clouds in the sky. The kind of day that makes for great photos... but not fishing.

The fishing was tough that day, but even without the perfect catch, the experience was pure Ozark magic. Rippling waves around each bend, sun-dappled pools, and that peaceful rhythm only river time can bring. It’s a place we’ll return to, and one every fly angler should have on their list.

Getting the raft aired up for the river - The Kings River in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Carrie fly fishing on the Kings River on the Rocky Mountain Raft. Video credit to Ross Balkman.

The Best Place to Stay Near the Kings River: The Bluebird Cabin

After a long day wading and walking the riverbank, we couldn’t have asked for a better home base than The Bluebird. Tucked in the hills just outside of Eureka Springs, this inviting vacation rental offered both comfort and function—especially for anglers.

The porches were a dream: peaceful for morning coffee and practical for drying out our wet gear at the end of the day. One evening, we sat out there for hours, playing dominoes under soft porch lights and soaking in the cool Ozark air.

Hot Tub Soaks and a Crescent Hotel Pizza Night

After hours on the water, the hot tub at The Bluebird was the perfect remedy for tired legs and backs. We ended each day with a long soak, listening to the night sounds of the surrounding forest.

One night, we drove into downtown Eureka Springs and had pizza at the restaurant inside the historic Crescent Hotel—a laid-back dinner that paired perfectly with the calm pace of the weekend.