About Your Guide

Ryan Burks

Independent Guide
Talkative
Laid-back
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Comfortable
Hi, I’m Ryan, owner and head guide. Fishing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up chasing bream and bass with my dad and grandfather, but trout captured my attention early on. The fog rolling off cold water at sunrise, the colors of a wild fish in the net, and the rhythm of a fly line unrolling across current hooked me for good.

I’ve been fly fishing and tying flies for over 20 years and have tied commercially throughout that time. Guiding began as something I did on the side, helping friends run trips on the Little Red River near Heber Springs. I quickly realized how much I loved teaching others, whether that meant helping a first-time angler make their first cast or working with experienced fly fishers on advanced presentations.

Today, I guide and tie flies full time, committed to sharing my passion for the water and the fish that live beneath its surface. I enjoy breaking down everything from casting basics to more technical skills like reading water, matching the...

About Your Guide

Ryan Burks

Independent Guide
Hi, I’m Ryan, owner and head guide. Fishing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up chasing bream and bass with my dad and grandfather, but trout captured my attention early on. The fog rolling off cold water at sunrise, the colors of a wild fish in the net, and the rhythm of a fly line unrolling across current hooked me for good.

I’ve been fly fishing and tying flies for over 20 years and have tied commercially throughout that time. Guiding began as something I did on the side, helping friends run trips on the Little Red River near Heber Springs. I quickly realized how much I loved teaching others, whether that meant helping a first-time angler make their first cast or working with experienced fly fishers on advanced presentations.

Today, I guide and tie flies full time, committed to sharing my passion for the water and the fish that live beneath its surface. I enjoy breaking down everything from casting basics to more technical skills like reading water, matching the
hatch, or refining a mid-cast mend. Every trip is built around what you want from the day.

Whether you’re introducing a child to their first trout, hoping to catch a lot of beautiful fish, or setting your sights on a big brown, my goal is simple: give you the kind of experience on the Beaver Tailwater that keeps you thinking about your next trip before this one is even over.
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
My biggest trout on a fly was a 31” brown.
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
No doubt—gumbo
What’s your favorite band?
There’s too many options! It can vary from Bob Dylan to Metallica to the Grateful Dead depending on the mood of the day.
What’s your favorite movie?
Too Gun….the original one.

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
My biggest trout on a fly was a 31” brown.
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
No doubt—gumbo
What’s your favorite band?
There’s too many options! It can vary from Bob Dylan to Metallica to the Grateful Dead depending on the mood of the day.
What’s your favorite movie?
Too Gun….the original one.
What’s your favorite sports team?
Arkansas Razorbacks
What’s your drink of choice?
Water…..or a cold Miller Light.
What was your last halloween costume?
Oscar the Grouch.
What do you want for Christmas this year?
A net full of big brown trout.
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Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips

100% (1) 1 - 2 People 4 - 8 Hours From $375
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater
4-8 Hour Fishing - Beaver Tailwater

About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

amazing fly fishing trips on the Beaver Tailwater section of the White River in Northwest Arkansas.

Half Day Four hours of fantastic fly fishing. Take a boat ride, bend a rod and get back to the ramp in time for lunch. We'll show you some of our best spots and work to sharpen your skills while we're at it.

3/4 Day Want more than a half day on our beautiful water? Yeah, we get it....

About Your Trip

amazing fly fishing trips on the Beaver Tailwater section of the White River in Northwest Arkansas.

Half Day Four hours of fantastic fly fishing. Take a boat ride, bend a rod and get back to the ramp in time for lunch. We'll show you some of our best spots and work to sharpen your skills while we're at it.

3/4 Day Want more than a half day on our beautiful water? Yeah, we get it.
This hooks you up with 6 hours out on the water, but it also means you can make dinner plans -- in case you're into that kind of thing.

If you're going to go fishing, might as well make a full day of it. We'll put in the 8 hours with you (and feed you lunch & snacks) so you can make the fishing memories you've been dreaming about.

Hi, I’m Ryan – the owner and Head Guide of this outfit. Fishing has been a part of my life since I was born. I was lucky enough to have a family who enjoyed time outdoors and started fishing with my dad and grandfather while I was still in diapers. While we mostly chased bream and bass, trout intrigued me from very early on. ​

Fog rolling off the cold river water early in the morning, the beautiful, vibrant fish and the magic of fly casting and watching my line lay out over the rippling water had cast their siren spell…and there was no turning back. I started fly fishing and tying flies about 20 years ago, and I’ve continued to tie flies commercially ever since.

I started guiding as a side hustle before side hustles were a thing. I was an extra boat for friends who were guiding larger groups on the Little Red River near Heber Springs, Arkansas. I really enjoyed teaching people new to fly fishing the ropes and showing clients with more advanced skills new techniques. Life got busy and pulled me away from guiding, but it was always there in the back of my mind….which brings me here.

I’ve jumped into the commitment to guiding and tying flies full time and fulfilling a lifelong dream of sharing my passion for the water and the beautiful creatures below with others. I deeply enjoy teaching, whether it is the basics of casting or a deeper dive into fishing. We can work on matching the hatch, stripping a streamer, or mastering a mend mid-roll cast – we can try it all and there’s never judgment, just opportunity.

I strive to make sure my clients get the experience they want. Maybe that means I’m working with a child to land their first trout or directing an intensely focused “zero or hero” trip targeting big browns. Regardless of what your skill level is, if you want to catch a lot of pretty trout or are aiming for just the big bad brownie, I want to give you the adventure that you’re looking for.
Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Languages

English

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
Boat Type
Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Supreme
Boat Length
21'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Supreme
Boat Length
21'
Boat Restroom
No
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Recent Reviews of Swinging Bridge Flies

5.0
based on 1 review

Dave

Verified Review

Ryan was a great guide! Friendly and informative. We had a nice day fishing the White River out of Beaver. I would very much like to do another trip with Ryan next time in the area.

Dave

Verified Review

Ryan was a great guide! Friendly and informative. We had a nice day fishing the White River out of Beaver. I would very much like to do another trip with Ryan next time in the area.
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Drift Fishing
Fly Fishing

Type of Fishing

River

Need a Place to Stay?

Swinging Bridge Flies Photo Gallery

Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Beaver Tailwater Fly Trips
February 6th, 2026
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
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