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Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout in Arkansas are not native to the state but have become the backbone of Arkansas's trout fisheries through extensive stocking programs. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks over 1.

5 million rainbow trout annually in Arkansas waters, with most fish ranging 12-18 inches, though trophy specimens over 20 inches are regularly caught.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Most fish ranging 12-18 inches, though trophy specimens over 20 inches are regularly caught.
  • These trout are stocked at 22.5-27.5 cm.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Rainbow trout in Arkansas primarily inhabit cold tailwater fisheries below major dams including the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam, Norfork River, Spring River, Beaver Dam Tailwater, and seasonal stockings in the Ouachita River and Little Missouri River tailwaters.

Key Locations

  • Target productive waters like the White River from Bull Shoals Dam downstream, with excellent wade fishing at Jim Griffin Access, Bull Shoals State Park, Wildcat Shoals, and Rim Shoals.
  • The Little Red River offers outstanding wade fishing at JFK Park below Greers Ferry Dam, Cow Shoals, and Wilburn Bridge areas.
  • Norfork River provides excellent fishing in the catch-and-release section from Otter Creek to River Ridge Access.

Specific Spots

  • They concentrate in deeper pools during high water generation and move to shallow riffles and feeding areas when flows are low.

Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Rainbow Trout in Arkansas?

For conventional tackle, use 1/8-ounce rooster tails in white, pink, and chartreuse, small Rapala stickbaits in rainbow trout colors, Panther Martin spinners, Thomas spoons, and small jigs tipped with PowerBait, wax worms, or salmon e.g.gs.

What flies work for Rainbow Trout in Arkansas?

For fly fishing, essential patterns include size 18-20 midge patterns (ruby and rootbeer midges work exceptionally well), Sunday Special caddis nymphs during caddis hatches, pheasant tail nymphs, scud patterns in sizes 16-20, sparkle duns and comparaduns for mayfly hatches, soft hackles in chartreuse and orange for...

When is the best time to fish for Rainbow Trout in Arkansas?

Arkansas rainbow trout fishing is excellent year-round, with winter months offering some of the most productive fishing as trout concentrate in smaller areas and feed aggressively. Spring provides exceptional opportunities during caddis hatches (late March-April) when trout become less selective.

How do you catch Rainbow Trout in Arkansas?

Focus on deep pools, current seams, eddies below boat ramps, and areas with submerged vegetation. Evening fishing during midge hatches can be extremely productive, especially just below dams where hatches are most prolific.

What do Rainbow Trout eat?

They feed opportunistically on midges (which comprise the majority of their diet), caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, scuds, aquatic worms, terrestrial insects like ants and termites, and occasionally small fish.

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