Trout
As of Feb. 1, new limits have taken effect in four of Arkansas’s famous trout tailwater fisheries in response to the continued shortages at federal and state fish hatcheries from natural events.
Trout anglers on the White River from Bull Shoals Dam to the Norfork Access and on the North Fork River from Norfork Dam to the Norfork Access will be able to keep two rainbow trout under 14 inches. All other trout species must be released immediately in these waters.
On the White River from the Norfork Access downstream to the Arkansas Highway 58 bridge, anglers may keep either two rainbow trout under 14 inches OR one rainbow trout under 14 inches and one of the following: one rainbow or brook trout over 14 inches, or one brown, cutthroat or tiger trout over 24 inches.
On the Beaver and Greers Ferry Tailwaters, the daily limit will be two trout of any species and any trout longer than 14 inches must be released immediately.
Trout are not native to Arkansas. Arkansas’s trout fisheries are the result of cold-water discharge downstream from many U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dams.
Before these dams, the White River was full of smallmouth bass and other warmwater fish. The coldwater discharge wiped out the smallmouth fisheries.
The federal government mitigated the damage through the annual stocking of trout, which can handle much colder water temperatures. Brown trout can reproduce successfully in Arkansas, but rainbow trout populations require annual stockings.
Ready to hit the water?
In addition to a fishing license, anglers 16 and older must have a trout permit to keep trout from any Arkansas waters.
Arkansas Statewide Trout Management Plan
In 2023 and 2024, AGFC personnel collaborated with stakeholders to develop the 2025-2034 Arkansas Statewide Trout Management Plan. The AGFC used a variety of engagement tools to solicit public input, including the 2023 Trout Permit Holder Survey, a 2023 online survey, public meetings, and formation of a Stakeholder Advisory Committee who represented the diverse interests of all Arkansas trout anglers. Committee members identified six key areas and articulated the current values and issues associated with each key area. A Technical Advisory Committee, composed of representatives from AGFC and partner agencies, developed the objectives and strategies designed to address key areas and goals developed by the Stakeholder Advisory Committee. Ultimately, the plan created a vision for managing Arkansas’s trout fisheries from 2025 to 2034.
Resources
Get Information About All Trout Water Locations
View the Arkansas Fishing Guidebook PDF
Find Coldwater Fish Hatcheries in Arkansas
Get the full Trout Stocking Schedule
View the 2023 Trout Permit Holder Survey
