Ouachita River (above Lake Oucahita): In a dry winter, the upper reaches of the Ouachita can be difficult to float, but if there's enough water, it can be hard to beat. Beginning at the McGuire Access near Board Camp is a 7-mile float that ends at Cherry Hill. Both accesses are off state Route 88 in eastern Polk County. From Cherry Hill to Pine Ridge (also off Route 88) is another 12 miles, and Pine Ridge to Oden is another nine, with the Shirley Creek access in between at about mile six. From Oden to Rocky Shoals Campground at the U.S. Route 270 bridge is 10 miles, and Rocky Shoals to Chasewood access is five miles. All of these floats are gentle and fishable on normal winter water levels, and all have good smallmouth populations. The limit on the entire stretch is two smallmouth bass, and each fish must be at least 12 inches long. For river services, try Loy's Canoe Rentals & Campground, (870) 867-4757, www.loyscanoerentals.com; M & M Canoe Rentals, (800) 993-5628; or River View Cabins & Canoes, (888-547-1146, www.riverviewcabins-canoes.com.

Richland Creek: If you like your smallmouth fishing in hard-to-reach areas, here's the place. About the only reasonable floating option is the lower four miles (or seven, depending on where you put in) of the creek, between the tiny community of Eula in western Searcy County and the Woolum Access on the Buffalo River, at the confluence of the river with Richland Creek. A gravel road leads each way out of Eula, both directions leading to fords on Richland Creek. The right (north) road results in a four-mile float; the left (south) road stretches it to seven miles. This float involves a lengthy shuttle.

If there's enough water, the nine-mile float between the Richland Creek campground and Eula can be a good one. To reach the campground, go north 12 miles from state Route 16 (east of Pelsor) on Forest Service Road 1205.

All in all, this is a better stream for wade-fishing and bank-fishing than floating. No stream services are available.

Saline River: This is another southerly smallmouth stream. The best float is from Lyle Park in the city of Benton to the Interstate 30 access, off the eastbound access road at Exit 116. It's a short float -- only about three miles -- but the shuttle is short and you can fish the water thoroughly in a half-day float. Be aware that there's a low-water dam halfway through, and it's hard to see from upstream. It requires a short portage.

The daily smallmouth limit on the Saline is two, with a 12-inch minimum. No companies in the area provide river services.

Spring River: Starting at Many Islands Campground near Hardy, where the trout water starts to play out, the Spring River changes over to a high-quality smallmouth stream. The float from Many Islands down to Hardy Beach just below the U.S. Route 62 bridge in Hardy, will take you past a lot of smallmouth bass. Watch for High Falls, a 6-foot drop that can take you by surprise. The pedestrian passage is along the right bank.

Below Hardy, the 10 miles of river to Williford also provide good smallmouth action, but the slower flow makes for a long trip. A small johnboat and outboard might serve you better in this stretch.

For river services, contact Spring River Oaks Camp and Canoe Rental, (870) 856-3885; and Many Islands Camp and Canoe Rental, (870) 856-3451, www.manyislands.com.