World Record Trout

Located in north central Arkansas the portion of the Red River that I have become most familiar with starts at the Heber Springs Dam. Just below the dam is JFK park and camp grounds. Next door is one of the many state hatcheries where you can preview the beautiful trout found in the river.

The quality and fishing technique used is regulated by the on and off flow of the dam. When the water is high it's tough to fish the banks and impossible to wade. Nothing less than a boat with a good motor will allow you any access. When the dam is down to a trickle wading out into the cool currents make even the hottest days of summer a joy.

Photo by way of Creative Commons 2.0 search: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Photo by way of Creative Commons 2.0 search: jgilbrech

There are many guide services if you prefer. Or you can scout the river and locate the many river access points. Some of the more popular access points include JFK Park, Cow Shoals and Barnett Access - all located within a few miles of each other. Barnett Access is my favorite place to launch my canoe (when the river flow is favorable) and then paddle upstream for a relaxing float fishing experience.

I'm not a big fly fisherman. I prefer the feel of the strike and fish with a variety of lures. Rooster tails are a favorite. When I'm looking for Browns I use a small imitation Brown sinking Rapalla. I prefer the hunt but every now and then I will pull out the lawn chair and throw out one of the many varieties of trout bait found in any sporting store.

Arkansas allows a five fish per day limit. Anything between 18 and 24 inches must be returned to the river and you can only keep one fish over 24 inches. There are certain areas on the river where you must use "barbless" hooks, a practice I follow every where on the river.

Photo by way of author.