Trout fishing in Arkansas is an enjoyable recreational activity. You can fish for trout in every region of the state. Outdoors enthusiasts enjoy combining trout fishing with camping. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks the larger lakes and surrounding areas with four species of trout. Only two species are known to spawn in Arkansas waters.
Licenses
In order to fish for trout in Arkansas, you must have a fishing license and a trout permit. Out of state fisherman must obtain an out of state license. The only exception to this rule is if you have a lifetime license or if you are under the age of 16.
Daily Limits
There is a daily limit of five trout per person. You can possess double the daily limit, in this case 10, at any given time, but you cannot keep more than the daily limit. The snagging and spearfishing limit is half of the daily limit. Individual areas may have different regulations. These are the general regulations for the state when no other limitations are posted.
Where to Fish
The best places to fish for trout in Arkansas are in the tailwaters of Beaver Lake, Greer Ferry, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Lake Greeson, Ouachita River and Spring Rivers. These areas have specific rules regarding daily limits and how fish can be caught. You can get specific information about the area you are interested in fishing from the Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission.
Fishing Tips
Fly fishing is a common way to take trout. You will find a 3- to 6-weight rod works well. Woolly buggers, scuds, nymphs and fiftysixers are some of the more popular choices for fly fishing.
You can fish for trout with a regular rod and reel using either live bait or artificial lures. Two to six pound test line works best for Arkansas trout. Chumming is permitted in some areas.
Trout Species
There are four different species of trout in Arkansas waters. You can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout. Rainbow trout are easily identified by their color. Look for a pink streak along the lateral line. A rainbow trout will have black spots all over its body and forked tail. The Arkansas state record for rainbow trout is 19 pounds 1 ounce. Brown trout are silver to golden brown in color. You can tell them apart from other trout as they do not have spots on their tail. Brown trout are larger than other trout. The state record is 40 pounds 4 ounces. Brook trout are the smallest trout species in Arkansas. The upper body will have squiggly lines on a green body. The state record for brook trout is 5 pounds. Cutthroat trout have red-orange slash marks along the throat and gills. The record for cutthroat trout in Arkansas is 9 pounds 9 ounces.
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