Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Balkman.
Carrie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am the co-founder and co-owner of Fernweh Fly Co. We established our fly fishing adventure company on the Spring River in the late summer of 2026, but my story begins far before then.
My first small business was started in 2021. I established a blog called Following the Fernweh that fall and began writing about my outdoor adventures. I continued this work until the fall of 2025. Following the Fernweh meant a lot to me and as I grew in my outdoor pursuits and adventures, my husband and I started discussing the potential of starting a fly fishing business. It was a big leap for us and we are thrilled to have done it.
We teamed up with our now lead guide to begin running trips on the Spring River in North Arkansas. Our first official trip was in late August of 2026.
The Spring River is a special place for us. It’s where my husband and I learned how to fly fish. It’s a beautiful year round cold water fishery coming out of the largest natural spring in the state of Arkansas. It’s a beautiful place and we love sharing it with other people.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I haven’t met a small business owner who would say that the road is smooth. The amount of hours and work that goes into getting one booking can be many, but the reward is great. The photos and videos we receive after trips are one of my favorite parts. You can see where people have a blossoming love for the outdoors and fly fishing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fernweh Fly Co?
Fernweh Fly Co is a fly-fishing adventure business located on the Spring River in North Arkansas. Fernweh is a German word that means a strong desire for wanderlust and adventure. That’s what Fernweh Fly Co is all about. We are about the adventure, the good memories, and the challenges that fly fishing brings. Fernweh Fly Co specializes in fly-fishing trips and lessons for beginners and more experienced anglers. What sets Fernweh Fly Co apart is our ability to tailor the trip to you. We ask a few questions before the trip and tailor the entire experience to you and your crew. I envision Fernweh Fly Co to be known for catered experiences that fit the desires of our guests. It can be a challenge to meet those needs, but we know that you will walk away feeling loved, accepted, and wanting to come back and learn more about fly fishing in the natural state.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for starting out is to seek advice from someone else regarding taxes, management of capital, and booking systems. My husband and I have worked together on all of this and did our best to figure it out ourselves. And I’m proud of us for doing that!
Pricing:
- Spring River Full Day Trip – $450
- Spring River Half Day Trip – $350
- Spring River Fly Fishing Lessons – $75 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fernwehflyco.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/fernwehflyco
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/fernwehflyco
