Arkansas Trout Fishing: Best Rivers, Seasons and Tips
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Arkansas Trout Fishing
Trout are not native to The Natural State, yet Arkansas is famous beyond its borders for its outstanding trout fisheries.
Trout were introduced into Arkansas streams starting in the late 1940s, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built dams on several Arkansas rivers for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. To mitigate the loss of warm water fisheries, trout were stocked in the newly created cold tailwaters.
Today, more than 1.5 million trout are stocked annually in Arkansas. You can cast a line in Arkansas trout waters for rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat, golden rainbow and tiger trout. While browns can reproduce, and there is some evidence that a couple of the other trout species may be able to as well, the trout fisheries are sustained by stocking.
BEST PLACES FOR TROUT FISHING IN ARKANSAS
Arkansas' best trout fishing action is found in the tailwaters of Beaver, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Greers Ferry, and Greeson lakes and the Ouachita River. Additionally, the Spring River, originating from Mammoth Spring with a flow of 9 million gallons of water hourly, is cold enough for trout at a constant 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
Two of the most popular trout streams in Arkansas are the White River, particularly the tailwaters below Bull Shoals Dam and the North Fork of the White River below Norfork Dam. Nearby is Cotter, a well-known Ozark trout fishing destination. The Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam near Heber Springs is also a hot spot. Trout fishing lodges and resorts can be found on the banks of or a short drive from all of the best trout fishing waters in Arkansas.
Anglers hit the waters with fly rods or spinning rods and bank fish, wade or fish from a boat for trout. Many rent boats or hire guide services. Trout fishing guides know where to fish for trout and what they’re biting on any given day.
Maps with marked public access walk-in points can be found on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website. These maps also show boat access, catch-and-release areas, shoals, handicap access and more. Phone numbers to call for water generation information at each fishery are also on the map.
When fishing cold trout waters below Arkansas dams be aware of water generation. Water flows are driven by hydroelectric demand and flood control. Listen for a horn to blow when generation starts. Even if you don’t hear the horn, always be aware of water depth and move to the bank if you see the water is rising. It rises quickly, and you don’t want to get caught in a swift current on the wrong side of the river.
FLIES, BAITS & LURES
Popular baits for spinning rods include live worms, marshmallows, corn, Power Bait and zig jigs. For fly anglers, the nearest fly shops to the river you are fishing are the best place to find out what flies the fish are biting on, as it can change with the seasons and day.
BEST TIME TO FISH FOR TROUT
Winter is usually considered the best time to chase big brown trout. Tailwaters remain productive for all species in spring and summer, remaining cold even as surface temperatures rise on other waters. Fall also offers a good chance for trophy catches. Arkansas trout streams remain open all year, with only a few spawning closures at select sites. Tactics change for each season, such as using streamers for browns in the winter or matching the caddisfly hatch in spring.
REGULATIONS & LICENSES
Trout regulations differ across the state. Particularly pay attention to size limits, harvest limits, tackle restrictions and catch-and-release areas. Also note sections that are closed to fishing during spawning season. AGFC fishing regulations can be found online. You can buy your fishing license and trout stamp online too.
