Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat Trout in Arkansas are not native to the state but have been successfully introduced and stocked in various tailwater systems.
They thrive in the state's cold tailwater environments below major dams, where consistent cold water temperatures are maintained year-round.
- These fish are distinguished by the distinctive red or orange coloration on the underside of their lower jaw, giving them their common name.
- In Arkansas waters, Cutthroat Trout can reach impressive sizes, with the White River being particularly noted for producing specimens over 24 inches.
Fishing in Arkansas
Lake Conway
Arkansas River
Fourche LaFave River
Bayou Meto
Greers Ferry Lake
Lake Dardanelle
Petit Jean River
Little Red River
Saline River
Lake Ouachita
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They thrive in the state's cold tailwater environments below major dams, where consistent cold water temperatures are maintained year-round.
Key Locations
- The White River and Norfork River are the primary destinations for targeting cutthroat in Arkansas.
- In Arkansas, they're found primarily in the White River system below Bull Shoals Dam, the Norfork River (North Fork of the White River), and have been stocked in other tailwater fisheries.
Specific Spots
- Target deeper pools, eddies behind boulders, cut banks, and areas with structure during normal flows.
- When generation occurs, focus on slower water areas and shorelines.
Cutthroat Trout FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Cutthroat Trout in Arkansas?
Small spinners, jigs, and Rapala-style lures that imitate the abundant forage fish.
What flies work for Cutthroat Trout in Arkansas?
Size 6 black Woolly Buggers which imitate baitfish, leeches, and stoneflies, Chubby Chernobyl patterns during summer grasshopper season, size 16 Elk Hair Caddis for aggressive topwater feeding, size 10 Royal Wulff as searching patterns, size 18 Pheasant Tail Nymphs during Blue-Winged Olive hatches in spring, and size...
When is the best time to fish for Cutthroat Trout in Arkansas?
Arkansas provides year-round opportunities for Cutthroat Trout fishing, with winter months being particularly productive during shad kills when larger fish become more aggressive.
How do you catch Cutthroat Trout in Arkansas?
Target deeper pools, eddies behind boulders, cut banks, and areas with structure during normal flows. When generation occurs, focus on slower water areas and shorelines. During high water periods, black woolly buggers and sculpin patterns produce aggressive strikes from hungry fish.
What do Cutthroat Trout eat?
Cutthroat Trout are opportunistic feeders that consume aquatic invertebrates including mayflies, caddisflies, midges, and stoneflies, as well as small fish, zooplankton, and terrestrial insects like grasshoppers.
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