I have an urge to try fishing the rivers for them. Will be staying in eureka springs last week of June. Any advice on gear and tackle and tactics?

Can I use a float tube, waders or fish from shore?

Wouldn't mind hiring a guide for a half day ia addition. Guide recommendations

The Buffalo River is a good smallmouth river. I used to take extended float trips there. There are quite a few canoe rental outfits up there that will drop you off and pick you up. Crawfish crankbaits and grubs do the job there. Just find the big rocks in the water. The water ought to be up high enough in June to float just about any section you want.

The Buffalo is good, but you cannot beat Crooked Creek. The place is unbelievable. 16-18 inch smallies can come in the dozens sometimes. I have my secrets for that creek, and I'm not telling anyone. I will tell you my favorite float for that creek is Pyatt to Snow. About a half day, but you can make it a full day if you fish it hard enough. There are canoe takeouts in both places.

If your in Eureka Springs...I'd fish the Kings River...its just east of Eureka Springs and there are some canoe rentals on it...may need to do a rain dance if you want to float it this year though. The Buffalo and Crooked are allot further to the east. Look up Zack Hoyt if you want to fish the Kings..His primarilly a fly fisherman but I'm sure that he can put you on some fish. Have Fun.

I fished the buffalo last year and did amazing! Caught probably 60 fish with the biggest being 3.5lb. Going again in two weeks. I have floated the kings but haven't fished it. It looked very good. I could see a lot of smallmouth swimming around and there were a lot of people fishing. I generally use a Texas rigged tiny brushhog and do very good on that