Tournament Info
The Smallmouth Shootout is an annual Fly Fishing tournament on the Kings River in support of the Fayetteville, AR Mayfly Project. The tournament is our largest fundraising event of the year & all proceeds go directly towards getting Foster Kids on the water & fishing! Stay after the tournament for free food, drinks, & live music at Kings River Outfitters. Camping is available onsite through KRO & is in close proximity to Eureka Springs. The tournament is sponsored by McLellan’s Fly Shop in Fayetteville and would not be possible without them!!!
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Time: Fishing from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with awards, music & food starting at 4:30-5:00p.m.
Location: Kings River Outfitters in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Registration Cost: $100/team, or $50/person (team entry recommended)
Gear: Participants will need to provide their own boat, rods & flies. Canoes can be rented through Kings River Outfitters.
Additional Details:
This is a float style tournament, intended to be fished from a raft, canoe, drift boat, kayak or something similar. Top 5 fish in each pool will be counted towards the teams score (beginning in 2026 each team can only participate in one pool)
There are 2 tournament pools:
1. One-Fly: Recommended for intermediate to advanced anglers. Teams will be able to use one fly pattern. If fishing in a team of 2 (recommended), each angler must use the same size/color/pattern of fly. Each angler may only use one fly. Anglers are not allowed to replace their one fly if they lose it. Anglers participating in the One-Fly must have their boat inspected prior to launching at a public access the day of the tournament.
2. Any Fly: Recommended for anglers of all skill levels. Use any fly in your box and try to catch the 5 biggest fish! This pool is for less serious anglers to come out and have fun while still competing.
Team score for both pools is the aggregate length of top 5 fish caught. Top teams in both pools will win amazing prizes, with the grand prize (TBA) going to the winners of the One-Fly.
Prizes will be handed out after the tournament during the after party.
Stay after for live music, prizes, food & drink. All skill levels welcome, there will be a prize for most trash picked up so you don’t even have to fish!
