The Best Trout Fishing in Arkansas
Cast a line and catch your breath. With world-class rivers, pristine lakes, and some of the most consistent trout waters in the country, Big Creek puts you in reach of the best trout fishing in Arkansas.
Experience Trout Fishing on the White River in Arkansas
Few places in the country can rival the White River for trout fishing, and none deliver the same balance of beauty, access, and year-round opportunity as the waters near Mountain Home. This region is home to the largest population of wild trout in the South, boasting record-breaking fish just minutes from Big Creek. For anglers seeking the best trout fishing in Arkansas, this is the destination.
A River of Trophies
The White River is legendary for producing trophy-class trout. Its cold, clear waters are the perfect habitat for enormous brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, with record-breaking catches being a regular occurrence. Whether you are chasing a personal best or simply want to fish in a river teeming with healthy, wild fish, the White River consistently delivers an elite angling experience.
A Fly Fisher's Paradise
The river’s consistent, cold water releases from Bull Shoals Dam create a paradise for fly fishers and a go-to destination for spin anglers. The clear water allows for excellent sight-fishing opportunities, while the diverse structure of the riverbed provides endless runs, riffles, and pools to explore. It’s an ideal environment for everything from drifting nymphs to stripping streamers, which is why this is considered the destination for trout fishing on the White River in Arkansas.
Unbeatable Value & Lifestyle
Living at Big Creek means having this world-class fishery in your backyard. Multiple public access points, including the popular areas at Cotter, Rim Shoals, and Gaston’s, make it easy to get on the water. You can wade in on a quiet bend, drift a run in a classic jon boat, or hire a local guide for an expert experience. The luxury of fishing whenever the mood strikes is a key part of the Big Creek lifestyle.
More Top-Tier Trout Fishing Close to Big Creek
The incredible fishing opportunities extend well beyond a single river. Just minutes from Big Creek, anglers will find even more legendary trout waters on the Norfork River, as well as two massive reservoirs—Lake Norfork and Bull Shoals Lake—that offer some of the best bass and warmwater fishing in the Ozarks.
The Legendary Norfork Tailwater
Just 15 minutes from Big Creek, the Norfork Tailwater is a world-renowned stretch of water that has produced Arkansas state records for brook and cutthroat trout. Fed by the cold depths of Norfork Lake, the river offers pristine, consistent conditions for year-round fishing. The river’s health is supported by the Norfork National Fish Hatchery, which stocks hundreds of thousands of trout annually and offers free public tours, making it a cornerstone of the local fishing scene.
Family Fun at Dry Run Creek
Adjacent to the fish hatchery, Dry Run Creek is a one-of-a-kind, youth-only fishery that provides a perfect and safe environment for families and beginner anglers. This special location is teeming with large trout and is designed to give young anglers an unforgettable experience, making it an ideal spot to introduce the next generation to the joys of trout fishing in a beautiful, controlled setting.
Big Bass on the Twin Lakes
If warmwater species are your passion, Lake Norfork and Bull Shoals Lake offer endless opportunities. These massive Ozark reservoirs are premier destinations for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, and also hold healthy populations of walleye, crappie, catfish, and hard-fighting stripers. With excellent topwater action in the spring, deep structure bites in the summer, and numerous tournaments hosted year-round, the “Twin Lakes” are a bass angler’s dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do people typically trout fish in Arkansas?
You can fish with spinning, fly, or baitcasting gear. Common techniques include drifting PowerBait, casting lures, or using nymph and dry fly rigs. Licenses and trout permits are required and available via AGFC.
Where is the best trout fishing in Arkansas?
The White River and Norfork Tailwater, both near Mountain Home, are widely considered the best. They offer year-round action, large fish populations, and record-breaking catches.
What’s the best time of year to fish near Big Creek?
Trout fishing is excellent year-round. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but winter offers solitude and summer can be productive during early morning hours.
Do I need a guide to fish the White River?
Not necessarily. There are many public access points for self-guided trips. However, hiring a guide can enhance your experience and increase your success—especially if you’re new to the area.
Go Big. Go Home.
Start writing your greatest chapter yet at Big Creek Country Club.