The Little Red River in Arkansas is a premier trout fishing destination that flows from the Greers Ferry Dam through the Ozark Mountains, creating 29 miles of exceptional cold-water fishery. Known for its crystal-clear waters, abundant fish populations, and scenic beauty, this tailwater offers anglers an unforgettable experience. The river gained worldwide recognition when a 40-pound, 4-ounce world-record brown trout was caught here in 1992. With its consistent 47-degree water released from the dam, the Little Red provides ideal trout habitat year-round, supporting fish populations exceeding 2,000 per square mile. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler seeking trophy browns or a casual fisher hoping to land some vibrant rainbows, the Little Red River delivers diverse fishing opportunities amid stunning natural surroundings.
Learn what type of fish are at Little Red River and what's needed to catch them.
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Esox niger
Cyprinus carpio
Lepomis marginatus
Moxostoma erythrurum
Esox americanus
Lepomis cyanellus
Salvelinus namaycush
Lepomis megalotis
Carpiodes carpio
Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Alosa chrysochloris
Micropterus punctulatus
Lepisosteus oculatus
Lepomis gulosus
Morone chrysops
Learn how to get on Little Red River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
If you are 16 or older, you must carry a valid fishing license to take or attempt to take aquatic wildlife in Arkansas, unless you are fishing in a licensed “put-and-take” pay lake. A trout permit is required to fish for trout in certain waters (tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson or east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek) or to keep trout from any Arkansas waters.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
If a waterway can carry a small boat for six months out of the year, it is considered navigable and available for public use. This includes streambed access up to the high water mark. However, access to the waterway through private land is not guaranteed.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Little Red River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Little Red River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Little Red River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Little Red River.
Little Red River · Below Greers Ferry Dam · Southwestern Power Administration
No generation scheduled
Southwestern Power Administration on energy.govForecast updated today at 4:23 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
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