Little Red Fishing Forecast
Fly fishers plan Arkansas trips on the Little Red because it stacks credible wading access, recognizable insect cycles, and trout that respond when flows align. Below-dam hydrology keeps dissolved oxygen high through summer—ideal for rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout when roadside freestones climb past comfortable temperatures. River-specific intel: 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 f. USGS gauge 07250500 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days.
The Little Red tailwater is sitting at moderate flows with a stable 84°F°F reading. Today's rating: 5/10. Top pick: a Cicada.
Open year-round
Greers Ferry tailwater. New 2026 regs: 2 trout/day, none over 14in due to hatchery crisis
Forecast and on-page guide updated September 9, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 10:26 AM
84°F
--
5 AM - 7 AM
Cicada
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout
tailwater
54°F - 58°F
What Makes the Little Red Unique?
Signature hatch or window
Midge (Midge) is a headline hatch to watch in September. Peak activity often tracks 45–60°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Cow Shoals: Popular wade access below Greers Ferry Dam.
Rules anglers miss
Catch-and-release area below dam. Artificial lures only in some sections.
September Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Fall fishing improves. BWOs return, browns become aggressive.
September 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
Caddis
Caddis
Spring through fall hatches
Hopper
Terrestrial
Summer terrestrial fishing
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 48-54°F | Nymphing, Midges, Sowbugs |
| February | 48-55°F | Nymphing, Midges, Sowbugs |
| March | 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(Now) | 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.
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 Rivers You Might Like
Popular forecasts outside Arkansas—great for trip planning and comparing conditions.
Other Arkansas Trout Rivers
Little Red — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the Little Red?
Fall fishing improves. BWOs return, browns become aggressive.
What flies should I bring to the Little Red?
For the Little Red (tailwater), carry: Scud, Sowbug, Zebra Midge, Y2K, Woolly Bugger, Sulphur.
What water temperature is best for trout on the Little Red?
On the Little Red, trout hold between 48° and 58°F. Because the river is dam-fed, the temperature stays in this band year-round.
Do I need a fishing license for the Little Red?
Yes — you need a valid Arkansas fishing license to fish the Little Red. Local season: Open year-round.. Daily limit: Special regulations in catch-and-release zone. Check current Arkansas limits..
What hatches should I watch for on the Little Red in September?
Midge is the signature hatch on the Little Red in September. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
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