Arkansas is known for producing some of the country's largest brown trout. With plenty of wild trout waters and well-stocked rivers and lakes, particularly in the northern and central regions. The primary species include rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout, each offering unique fishing experiences. From a recent article in Newsweek, anglers in Arkansas are learning a lot about trout in their local waters.

From the article:

By studying the White River Basin in Arkansas, biologists from the University of Arkansas have mapped out what they describe as fish "countries," which they hope will aid future plans for conservation and ecosystem management. "Just as our ancestors were more likely to have close relatives nearby, so also have fish, thus creating regionally distinct genetic 'countries,' shaped by unique environments," Zach Zbinden, a post-doctoral research associate who carried out the research as part of his doctoral dissertation, said in a statement.

The White River originates in northwest Arkansas in the Boston Mountains and eventually links up with the Mississippi River. The river basin can be separated into several sub-basins consisting of different sub-regions.

To analyze these "fish countries," Zbinden and his team surveyed 31 species of fish from 75 locations along the river basin, examining the degree of genetic divergence within the different species. By studying this genetic variation, the team revealed consistent genetic boundaries between fish populations at these different locations.

Read the full article here.

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