Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are at 500 cfs (350 cfs is average), and water clarity depends on recent rainfall. Plenty of small storms moving through weekly has kept the Spring River above average flows for most of the spring and so far this summer. We all know it will dry out soon. Dam 3 access and all campgrounds are open. The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery area is closed to the public as the hatchery gets back up and running following the April flood.

“Plenty of rainbows are in the river. It’s kind of hard to catch other species with the high water. Starting to catch smallies when the water clears and gets down. Big Woollies are working great on the fly. Heavy bead-head or dumbbell eyes help get to the bottom. Sink tips would help. I prefer a longer leader and high-sticking the fly.

“When the water gets right, plenty of bugs are hatching, from damsels to caddis and mayflies on other days. Always carry a few dry ones just in case in the evening hours; a big one might be found feeding.

“For spin fishing, gold and silver spinners are doing well; D2 jigs and trout cranks can work for chasing the bigger fish. The Trout Crank will get down to the fish and might catch a walleye with the rainbow trout crank. And the D2 jigs in olive and black in heavy sizes will get down to the fish.

“The canoe hatch is on. Saturdays are busy with floaters, but it’s a great time to fish on Sundays and through the week. With the heat on, the river is a cool place to get away at 58 degrees year-round.

“Fish early and take a break during the heat; if you are hot and miserable, so will be the bite!

“River levels have remained up, so be careful out there. The Spring River is a beautiful river to fish and canoe. If you can’t swim, please wear a life jacket! Wading can be tricky in some areas — a wading staff can really help out. Be safe and watch out for each other!”

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for updates and conditions on the Spring River.