UTERRainbow trout fishing in Arkansas freshwater
In Arkansas freshwater, rainbow trout peak March–May and October–November and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Bull Shoals tailwater on low water: wade the shoals.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Rainbow trout in Arkansas freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAroundWhite River and Little Red tailwaters — generation schedules rule.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeakBull Shoals tailwater on low water: wade the shoals.
- AprilPeak
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish rainbow trout near White River, Bull Shoals Lake, Lake Ouachita
Ozark highland reservoirs and their world-famous cold tailwaters — the White, the Norfork, the Little Red — the free-flowing Buffalo, the Ouachita lakes, and the Arkansas River backwaters.
What to use for rainbow trout
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Wax wormsOne or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–70°F water, best at 48–62°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch rainbow trout in Arkansas freshwater?
Peak season is March–May and October–November. Rainbow trout are here year-round. March: Bull Shoals tailwater on low water: wade the shoals.
Where do rainbow trout hold in Arkansas freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, pond / pit — around White River, Bull Shoals Lake, Lake Ouachita, Greers Ferry, Beaver Lake, Buffalo River.
What is the best bait for rainbow trout in Arkansas freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, salmon eggs (roe), wax worms. Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for rainbow trout in Arkansas freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) and change — read the current rule at https://www.agfc.com/regulations/general-fishing-regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.agfc.com/resources/licensing/.
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All about rainbow trout · Arkansas fresh water, the whole year