Most of the fishing I did as a kid was bass fishing on farm ponds. However, once a year my father would take me trout fishing on the White River in Arkansas. His church group would all go down in the spring and stay in cabins right on the river. I was honored to be invited.
We always got up before dawn to get some breakfast and gear up. Even with insulated waders, the water is freezing in April. There is usually fog on the water, and it gives your first few casts an eerie feeling. Then you get your first trout on the line and you forget about everything else. Your prize is a shimmering rainbow trout, one of the prettiest fish you will catch.
The fish are not always huge where we go, but they are consistent. They are also delicious. I love stuffing a fresh trout with lemon, garlic, onions, and butter and cooking it in the fire. These fish are smart, so it takes some strategy to get them on the line. In this article, we will cover how to be successful fishing for river trout in Arkansas.
Current
Like many fish that live in running water, trout like to face upstream and let their meals come to them. They typically move their tails just enough to keep their bodies stationary against the current. If you want to catch trout, you must drop your lure or baited hook upstream and let it float toward the fish.
Current also digs out holes in the floor of the river or stream. Trout love to sit in these holes hiding under the current. They can hunt effectively without exerting as much energy. If you cast above the holes and let the lure or bait fall over the edge you may get a bite.
Water Temperature
Trout love the cold, spring-fed water often found in Arkansas. They often are most active in the springtime when the water is especially cold. Trout have incredible eyesight, so you often will spook them less in the early morning light. Right before dusk can be a great time as well. These are also times when the water can be cooler.
Rods
Really any rod can work for crappie or bass, but not for trout. Trout have a soft mouth that can rip easily, so heavy rods will not work. Often you will rip out the hook when trying to set it on a trout. You are better to use a softer rod like an ultralight.
However, for this type of rod to work you must have your drag set properly. Trout in a river can be several pounds or they can be tiny. You need to have a loose drag in case you hook into a monster.
Bait
Lots of the anglers in Arkansas stick to fly fishing. I do enjoy fly fishing, but it is not quite as effective as live bait. If I want to catch my limit, I am going with live bait.
For trout you can use crayfish, earthworms, minnows, or redworms. However, I am a big believer in unconventional baits. When I was a kid, we used corn kernels and pieces of hot dog to catch sunfish off of the bridge. Frozen salad shrimp work well for trout. I like to buy a resealable bag and let it thaw before heading out. The trout go nuts for them.
You can use lures on a non-fly rod if you prefer. Trout are suckers for the shimmer, so shiny lures like spoons are perfect. They look like injured baitfish in the sun. Trout have smaller mouths, so your lure and hook should be fairly small. I have also seen great results with Powerbait, but only on trout that have been farm fed. Native trout will not fall for this trick.
Trophy Waters
Occasionally, we go after the big ones. There are sections of water labeled as trophy waters in Arkansas that are catch and release only. They require barbless hooks, so be sure you have them with you. The purpose of these stretches of water is to give anglers a chance to hook into that huge trout of a lifetime but to let it live for other anglers. You will have less fishing pressure in these areas, so it can be lots of fun.
Handling Trout
Please be aware that trout are more sensitive to being handled than other fish. They have no scales, so the mucus layer on their skin is their only defense to keep them healthy. Any time you disrupt this layer, you leave the fish susceptible to other issues. Try to use a small net designed for trout. Use pliers to remove hooks and get the fish back in the water as quickly as possible. Face the fish upstream and let the current bring oxygen across its lungs. Eventually it will revive and swim away.
This fishing trips to go after trout created some of the fondest memories from my childhood. I always found it to be an adventure to suit up in waders and walk out into a river to fish. Trout give us a significant challenge, but you can be successful with the right strategy. They are also absolutely gorgeous and tasty if cooked properly. If you want a new and unique fishing experience, I suggest you get an ultralight rig and head for the spring-fed waters of Arkansas.