trout fishing in arkansas

3 BEST Trout Fishing Rivers in Arkansas

There’s nothing like wading out in the cold waters of the Little Red River to do a little trout fishing. The calmness of the area and the cool air off the water can bring peace to any restless mind.

We are blessed with 3 INCREDIBLE trout fishing rivers in Arkansas that are truly breathtaking.

Whether you’re an experienced fishmen or you choose to fish with a guide, Arkansas is sure to impress you. And, don’t worry. You can fish from a boat too.

[INCREDIBLE] Trout Fishing Spots in Arkansas

1. Little Red River

Little Red River, emerging icy cold from beneath massive dam at Greers Ferry Lake is a premier-class trout stream. Rainbows, browns and cutthroats are caught for some 35-river miles below the dam. Brown trout running 5 to 8 pounds are common, and a 20- to 30-pounder is always possible in the river that produced the 40-pound, 4-ounce world record.

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The Little Red River is one of my favorite places to be. The scenery is breathtaking and the fishing is excellent. We love to take our kids to the river and wait for the dam to let out more water. You’ll here the warning signal sound, then slowly, the river begins to rise. A cold fog rises over the valley. It’s a peaceful scene.

Besides being peaceful, the Little Red River is home to some of the best trout fishing in the United States.

Many of the trout in this river come from the Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery.

Little Red River
The Little Red River

The most popular walk-in public access points are at the dam at JFK Park, Cow Shoals, Swinging Bridge, Libby Shoals, Pangburn Bridge and a small access at many of the boat ramps located throughout the river.

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In 1992, a world-record trout was caught in the Little Red River It weighed 40 pounds and 4 ounces.

Little Red River
700 Heber Springs Road North
Heber Springs, AR 72543

world record trout in Arkansas

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2. White River

The White River is a 722-mile river that flows through the U.S. states of Arkansas and Missouri. Originating in the Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas, it arcs northwards through southern Missouri before turning back into Arkansas, flowing southeast to its mouth at the Mississippi River.

Wikipedia

This stretch of the White River is known for it’s browns, rainbows, cutthroats, and brook. The brown trout are wild while the rainbow, brook, and cutthroats are all stocked by the state. Some of the BEST fishing in Arkansas happens right here on this river.

The river is most famous for the 30 mile tailwater below the man-made, Bull Shoals Lake. Fish are usually in the 12 to 16 inch range, although much larger fish are easily found. Some well traveled anglers argue that typical browns here out-measure the largest browns found elsewhere. Many Arkansas state trout records have been broken here. Imagine reeling in a 19-pound rainbow or a 30+ pound brown. It’s possible on this section of the White. -source

fishing for brown trout in Arkansas
Brown Trout

Famous for its world-class trout fishing, Bull Shoals–White River State Park lies along the shores of both Bull Shoals Lake and the White River. The riverside marina and store offer boat rentals, bait, tackle, and supplies. Interpretive programs include campfire-cooking demonstrations, trout fishing workshops, and nature walks. –source

You’ll find the Bull Shoals-White River State Park here:
153 Dam Overlook Lane
Bull Shoals, AR 72619
Official Website

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3. Norfork River

At the Norfork River, you will find 5 miles of excellent trout fishing. This river has four species of trout which includes the beautiful rainbow.

The part of the river below the Norfork Dam is called the Norfork Tailwater and is an excellent trout fishing stream.

best trout fishing places in Arkansas
Brown trout

The Little Red River isn’t the only river in Arkansas that produces record-breaking trout. In 1988, a 39 pound brown trout was caught in the Norfork River!

Walk–in access points include Quarry Park right below the dam, River Ridge Access (handicap accessible). Baxter Road runs parallel to the river offering some access to the river.

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More information about the Norfork River is here: AGFC.

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