UTERBrown trout fishing in Arkansas freshwater
In Arkansas freshwater, brown trout peak March–May and October–December and are around year-round, spawning in November–December, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. November: White River's trophy browns move up to spawn — the world-record water.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Brown trout in Arkansas freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeak
- AprilPeak
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberSpawningWhite River's trophy browns move up to spawn — the world-record water.
- DecemberSpawningNorfork and White River browns on the redds — leave the redds alone.
Where to fish brown 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 brown trout
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- 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.
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–72°F water, best at 50–64°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch brown trout in Arkansas freshwater?
Peak season is March–May and October–December, with fish spawning in November–December (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Brown trout are here year-round. November: White River's trophy browns move up to spawn — the world-record water.
Where do brown trout hold in Arkansas freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir — around White River, Bull Shoals Lake, Lake Ouachita, Greers Ferry, Beaver Lake, Buffalo River.
What is the best bait for brown trout in Arkansas freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), nightcrawlers, crayfish. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. 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 brown 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/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores brown trout for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about brown trout · Arkansas fresh water, the whole year