Ouachita River Tailwaters
The Ouachita tailwaters are the obvious Arkansas omission: not a White River rival, but a named AGFC trout-water complex below the Ouachita dams where catchable rainbows are stocked in the cool months. This is southern Arkansas trout fishing at its most seasonal — cold-release windows, stocked fish, and a much more modest promise than Bull Shoals or Norfork. It belongs in Rise Daisy because AGFC names it and because Hot Springs / Lake Ouachita anglers will expect to see it, but it should be framed honestly as a cool-season, release-dependent stocked trout option.
Rainbow trout (seasonally stocked)
November through April stocking window, especially when cold releases keep the reach trout-friendly
Methods
- •Cool-season nymphing near stocked release reaches
- •Small midges, scuds and eggs in colder water
- •Small streamers in deeper tailwater pockets
Recommended flies
Seasons
trout
November – April
AGFC describes catchable rainbow trout stocking from November through April below Blakely, Carpenter and Remmel dams. Verify current stocking, access and tailwater-specific rules against AGFC before launch. Arkansas trout permit/licence applies.
Tactical notes
Frame this as a useful seasonal stocked tailwater, not a trophy destination. Release safety still matters below the dams; check current release/generation information before wading.
Regulations
Seasonal AGFC trout-water complex below Blakely, Carpenter and Remmel dams. Verify current stocking, access, tailwater boundaries and permit/rule details before launch.
Live conditions and predictions for this water are not yet available.