Trout Management Program

Although trout have been managed in Arkansas since the early 1950’s, AGFC’s formal trout program did not begin until 1985 when the first biologist dedicated to trout management was hired. Since that time the Trout Management Program (TMP) has grown in an effort to keep pace with the increasing popularity of the state’s trout resources. This program is responsible for oversight, planning, and conducting all trout management in Arkansas to include routine monitoring and research. 

Routine Monitoring – Each year the Trout Management Program, with assistance from District Fisheries Biologists, conducts annual population samples on all major trout waters in the state. These population samples provide important information on the abundance and size structure of trout populations. 

Creel surveys provide data on the amount of fishing effort directed at a particular trout fishery, angler success in terms of catch and harvest rates, as well as demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of anglers. The Trout Management Program, in cooperation with District Fisheries Biologists, and the Fisheries Division Data Analyst, plans and oversees all creel surveys conducted on trout waters. 

Trout Research – The Trout Management Program carries out management-oriented research such as trout strain investigations, evaluating the post-stocking success of trout in waters statewide, and health assessments on trout populations impacted by low dissolved oxygen.

The Trout Management Program headquartered at the AGFC Mountain Home Office and may be contacted for questions relating to trout management statewide.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Trout Management Program
201 East 5th Street
Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653