It’s not as well-known as much of a “trout hotspot” the way that Montana, Idaho, Colorado, or even Vermont are, but those in-the-know love and appreciate all the trout fishing in Arkansas that goes overlooked. You can rent a canoe, and boat fishing is best after this dam.The Ultimate Guide to Trout Fishing in ArkansasĪ lot of people are surprised to learn that trout fishing in Arkansas offers some of the best trout fishing, not just in the country, but anywhere in the world. Favorite places to walk-in are from Mammoth Spring to Dam 3. The best trout water only lasts around 10 miles. The top part of the Spring River gives the best opportunity for fly fishermen and women hunting for trout.

It is your best chance to fish when there is flooding at the other major rivers in the state. The Spring River is located on the Missouri border in north Arkansas near Mammoth Springs. If big water is what you are after this is the river for you. The White is a fantastic streamer river and the best hopper river in the state. I think the best way to enjoy and cover more water is by boat. Some of the more famous walk-in points are Wildcat Shoal, Roundhouse Shoal and Rim Shoals. The Little Red River and The Norfork River have two generators that can release water but the White River has eight generators. The White River differs from the other trout rivers in Arkansas on how much water can go through the river. The best thing to do before going the first time is to call the local fly shops and pick a small part of the river to fish. There are a tremendous number of access points on the river. The White River boasts more than 100 miles of trout water. The White River is a very large river compared to all others on this list. Everyone should walk along the creek and see the amazing trout that live in the small stream. The only people who can fish in the creek are kids under 16 and people who are disabled. This is strictly catch-and-release water. This is a unique creek and a true gem in our state. One special stretch of water that cannot be missed when visiting the Norfork River is Dry Run Creek. And Baxter Road runs parallel to the river offering some access to the river. Walk–in access points include Quarry Park right below the dam, River Ridge Access (handicap accessible). The Norfork also offers a chance to catch four species of trout with the rainbow being the most common in the river. The Norfork River also held the brown trout record in 1988 with a weight of 39 pounds. The river is a tailwater with Norfork Lake being its source. The Norfork River is only 5 river miles of trout water but it is a gem in our state. More information is always available at no cost from any of the experts at our local fly shops. “Streamer” fishing, “nymphing,” “dry fly” and “soft hackle” fly fishing all can be very successful depending on time of year and water conditions. The “browns” caught on the rivers are truly wild trout.Īrkansas is a magnificent trout destination. Our most coveted trout and largest in our rivers are the brown trout. Most of the trout caught in our rivers are the rainbow trout, which are stocked regularly.

For more in-depth knowledge you can talk to any of the professionals in our local fly shops. This is a very brief breakdown of our main trout rivers in the state. Most of the fishermen and women on our rivers are wading into the river using public or private access. Talking to specialists at local fly shops is the best way to know what’s currently happening on our rivers and the best way to be successful on your fishing trip. When talking about our streams it is always a good idea to know how much water is being released from the dams to determine fishing conditions and most importantly water safety. Our largest rivers in the state are tailwater rivers, meaning that the water from the rivers are controlled by dams and the Army Corp of Engineers. Near Hot Springs there are also two tailwaters from the Ouachita River and The Little Missouri in west Arkansas is stocked with trout during cooler months. During late fall and winter those living in Little Rock, Maumelle, Hot Springs and Conway are able to fly fish in town due to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocking local creeks, ponds and lakes. All of these rivers are located in northern Arkansas with The Little Red River in Heber Springs being the closest to central Arkansas. The Little Red River, White River, Norfork River and the Spring River are our four rivers that produce amazingly beautiful trout year round. Living in Arkansas, we are lucky to have some of the most famous fly fishing water in the world.

Trout fishing in arkansas