Angler's Guide: Fishing in the Hot Springs and DeGray Lake Area

There is something deeply restorative about spending a day out on the water. Whether you are a seasoned fly fisher looking for the perfect clear-water cast or a family hoping to hook some bass on the lake, the waters around Bismarck and Hot Springs, Arkansas, are an absolute paradise.

When you plan a fishing getaway at Tiffany’s Bed and Breakfast, we make sure your entire trip is seamless, relaxing, and focused on what you love most: the fishing.

Nestled on 60 secluded acres in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, we love hosting travelers who are ready to experience our incredible local waters. One of the best perks of staying with us is the peace of mind that comes with our property. We have plenty of room for trailer and boat parking right on site, meaning your gear is always safe, secure, and ready to roll when you are.

Mornings here are completely stress-free. Instead of having to rush out to find a drive-thru or spend your morning cooking, Bob and I will have a hearty, home-cooked breakfast at Tiffany's ready and waiting to fuel your day. You get to simply wake up to the gentle sounds of nature, enjoy a fresh meal made just for you, and head straight to the river or lake completely energized.  If you want to hit the water early, we can also provide you with breakfast to go, so you don't miss a single bite.

 

Our corner of Arkansas is blessed with an abundance of incredible fishing spots, all just a short drive from our front door:

• DeGray Lake: Located just under 15 minutes away, this is a must-visit. In fact, Bassmaster Magazine has previously ranked DeGray Lake as one of the country's top bass lakes! It’s fantastic for catching stripers, bass, and other lake fish. Excellent access points include DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Arlie Moore, and Shouse Ford.

• The Caddo River: Just a 30-minute drive from the B&B, the clear waters of the Caddo are perfect for fly fishing. You can easily access it via the Norman Public Access, Caddo Gap (Swinging Bridge), or Glenwood City Park.

• The Cossatot River: If you're up for a scenic one-hour drive, this wild river is abundant with large smallmouth bass.

• The Little Missouri & Ouachita Rivers: Perfect for targeting stocked trout in the winter or native smallmouth in the summer heat.

If you love fly fishing—or want to give it a try while you're here—we have a special surprise for you.

We’ve teamed up with Following the Fernweh to create a beautifully curated, local Fly Fishing Guide. We want this to be an extra-special perk for our guests, so we don't publish the details online! Instead, you'll find this exclusive guide waiting for you inside your guest room directory when you check in.

It is packed with insider secrets, including:

• The exact, hidden access points along the Caddo and Cossatot rivers that are tailor-made for wading and casting.

• Essential local fly patterns—including our favorite color combinations for sunny vs. cloudy days (and a secret tip on why you always want a pink-and-white fly in your bag!).

• Seasonal hatches and matching the hatch on local waters.

After a long, rewarding day of casting lines and enjoying the peace of the river, there is nothing better than returning to the cozy ambiance at Tiffany's. You can kick off your boots, grab a cold drink, and relax by the fire pit under a canopy of stars to share stories of the ones you caught (and the ones that got away). It’s the perfect, peaceful way to end the day before sinking into a comfortable bed for a great night's sleep.

Whether you are planning a trip around Arkansas’ annual Free Fishing Weekend in June, or just need a quiet weekend to reconnect with nature, we would love to host you.

Check our availability here and start planning your next great fishing retreat!  Not ready to book yet? Take a look at our free Hot Springs Area Getaway Guide to start planning your itinerary.