Little Red Fishing Forecast
Greers Ferry tailwater
Open year-round
Greers Ferry tailwater. New 2026 regs: 2 trout/day, none over 14in due to hatchery crisis
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 1:47 AM
49°F
--
4 AM - 6 AM
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO)
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout
tailwater
50°F - 56°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, primary food source
Scud
Crustacean
Abundant year-round, pink and olive colors
Sowbug
Crustacean
Year-round food source in tailwaters
BWO
Mayfly
Spring and fall on overcast days
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 48-54°F | Nymphing, Midges, Sowbugs |
| February | 48-55°F | Nymphing, Midges, Sowbugs |
| March(Now) | 50-56°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Sulphurs |
| April | 52-58°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Sulphurs |
| May | 54-60°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Sulphurs |
| June | 54-58°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, Streamers |
| July | 52-56°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, Streamers |
| August | 52-56°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, Streamers |
| September | 54-58°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg Patterns |
| October | 52-58°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg Patterns |
| November | 48-54°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg Patterns |
| December | 48-52°F | Nymphing, Midges, Sowbugs |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
Access Points & Parking for Little Red
Cow Shoals
Popular wade access below Greers Ferry Dam.
JFK Park
Main access point with multiple facilities.
Barnett Access
Good wade fishing access to productive runs.
Pangburn
Lower river access with good float opportunities.
How to Fish Little Red: Tips & Tactics
The Little Red River is one of the premier trout tailwaters in the South. Cold water releases from Greers Ferry Dam support rainbow and brown trout, including trophy-class fish. The former world record brown trout came from this river.
Best Times of Day
Year-round fishing is excellent. Morning and evening offer best surface activity. Midday scud and sowbug fishing is productive. Generation schedules affect fishing - check dam releases.
Recommended Techniques
Match the generation schedule - low water offers wade fishing, high water requires boats. Scud and sowbug patterns are essential. Streamers produce trophy browns. Dry fly fishing during midge and caddis hatches.
Water Conditions
Dam generation greatly affects flows and fishing. Low generation allows wade fishing. High generation requires drift boats. Water temps remain cold year-round.
Fly Selection
Scuds in tan, pink, and olive are essential. Sowbugs produce consistently. Zebra midges and thread midges for risers. Woolly Buggers for browns.
Local Knowledge
Check generation schedules before planning your trip. The catch-and-release section below the dam holds trophy fish. Lobo Landing is a local institution.
Local Tips
Heber Springs is the gateway community with full services. The former world record brown trout (40 lbs 4 oz) came from this river. Trophy fishing is realistic.
When is the Best Time to Fish Little Red?
Spring
Excellent fishing as insect activity increases. Sulphur hatches begin.
Summer
Consistent fishing despite heat. Fish early morning before generation.
Fall
Prime time for trophy browns. Spawning activity increases aggression.
Winter
Year-round tailwater stays productive. Midge fishing is primary.
Recommended Equipment for Little Red
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight is standard. 7-weight for streamer fishing.
Line
Floating line for most situations. Sink-tip for high water streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders year-round. Watch for slippery rocks.
Essential Flies
Little Red Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Special regulations in catch-and-release zone. Check current Arkansas limits.
Special Regulations
Catch-and-release area below dam. Artificial lures only in some sections.
Bait Restrictions
Check regulations by section.
Notes
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission manages this premier fishery.
Always verify current regulations with Arkansas fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Little Red
Local Fly Shops
- Lobo Landing - Heber Springs
- Little Red Fly Shop - Heber Springs
- Ozark Trout Flies
Guide Services
- Little Red River Guides
- Lobo Landing Guide Service
- Arkansas Trout Guides
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 2000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
48° - 58°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Arkansas Trout Rivers
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