Freshwater species are facing challenges from extreme weather events due to climate change. In Northern Arkansas, seasonal drought intensity is increasing, resulting in the elimination of shallow-water habitats in river systems, which can expose organisms to life-threatening conditions. Ecological monitoring of species is imperative to implement conservation actions, especially for species of special concern including the endangered Yellowcheek Darter (Nothonotus moorei) that is endemic to the Little Red River, AR. Our study used snorkel and kick seine surveys to assess current population densities, detection probabilities, and microhabitat-use of darter species. Snorkeling was performed using line-transect surveys in pool, run, and riffle habitat sequences over two summers (2021-2022). Kick seine surveys were performed in riffle habitats in the summer of 2022. Microhabitat data was collected during both snorkel and kick seine surveys by establishing transects across each habitat and measuring area, depth, velocity, and substrate. Additionally, individual fish microhabitat variables were collected at fish observation points. We utilized the Distance package in R to calculate snorkel density estimates and detection probabilities. Densities were estimated for kick seining using count data and area sampled. Linear regression models were used to evaluate relationships between density and microhabitat covariates. Yellowcheek Darters were only observed via snorkeling in riffle and run habitats during both years with detection probability being higher in 2022 (p = 0.94) than 2021 (p = 0.82), but density estimates remained consistent across years (2021 = 1.14 m-2; 2022 = 1.11 m-2). Kick seine density estimates were relatively low for Yellowcheek Darters across forks in 2022 (0.049 m-2). Snorkel density estimates that account for detection probability may be better for cryptic benthic species than kick seining. The information provided here is informative for the Yellowcheek Darter recovery plan as well as other cryptic stream fishes.