Arkansas offers some really great opportunities for trout fishing. It’s not the rockies, but you’ll find trout in many of the coldwater creeks, streams and rivers throughout the state. Many of the state’s large water ways are regularly stocked and support an abundant population of rainbows, brown trout and brookies. Below we’ve listed all the major rivers, lakes and water ways throughout Arkansas that support abundant trout populations year round—along with public access maps to get you where you want to be.

• Beaver Lake Tailwater
• Lake Greeson (Narrows) Tailwater
• Bull Shoals Tailwater
• Ouachita Tailwaters
• Greers Ferry Tailwater
• Spring River
• Norfork Lake Tailwater

Beaver Lake Tailwater

(White River)

Tailwater extending 7.5 miles downstream from the Beaver Lake on the White River. Heavily stocked with rainbows and browns. Anglers may also find brook and tiger trout. Provides ample opportunity for wade fishing when the water is low, but is more commonly fished from a boat. There are five walk-in and four boat access points off Hwy 187 and Hwy 62.

Lake Greeson (Narrows) Tailwater

(Little Missouri River)

Tailwater extending 6 miles downstream from Narrows Dam at Lake Greeson along Little Missouri River to Low-water bridge. Mostly rainbows but some browns as well. There are four public access points along Hwy 19 between Narrows Dam and Murfreesboro, and another access point at the bridge on Muddy Fork Road.

Bull Shoals Tailwater

(White River and Big Spring)

Tailwater extending from the Bull Shoals Dam 92 miles down stream the White River to the Arkansas Hwy 58 Bridge at Guion. Bull Shoals tailwaters receive regular stockings of rainbow trout and brown trout.

Ouachita Tailwaters

Lake Hamilton Tailwaters

(Ouachita River)

Tailwaters extending below Carpenter Dam contain abundant populations of rainbows, with some brown trout and cutthroats. Stocked with rainbow trout November through April. Best access is by the River Trail Lane Boat Ramp off Highway 270. Drift and wade fishing opportunities. Fly fishing is especially popular.

Lake Ouachita Tailwaters

(Ouachita River)

Tailwaters extending below Blakely Dam contain abundant populations of rainbow trout and brown trout. Stocked with rainbow trout November through April.

Lake Catherine Tailwater

(Ouchita River)

Tailwaters extending below Remmel Dam in Malvern contain abundant populations of rainbow trout, brown trout and cutthroats. Stocked with rainbow trout November through April.

Greers Ferry Tailwater

(Little Red River)

Flows 30 miles downstream from Greers Ferry dam to the 305 bridge at Monaghan-Womack Access. Rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout populations. Home to the world record 40 lb. 4 oz. brown trout.

Spring River

Rainbow and brown trout fishery extending 12 miles from Mammoth Spring Dam 1 downstream to the mouth of Myatt Creek.

Norfork Lake Tailwater

(North Fork River and Dry Run Creek)

Rainbow and brown trout fishery that runs 4.8 miles from Norfork Dam to Norfork Access at the White River confluence.