THE LITTLE RED RIVER
Rocky shoals, glistening runs and big trout combine to make the Little Red River a favorite destination for flyfishermen.

Located about an hour north of the state capital of Little Rock, the Little Red's claim to fame is the world record brown trout, a 40-pound, 4-ounce, behemoth that the late Rip Collins pulled from the river in 1992.

The river is also known for its wild brown trout population. Although the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has never stocked brown trout in the river, the 30-plus miles of Little Red trout water feature more wild browns than any other river in the White River System. And while big browns are a favorite quarry on the Little Red, especially prior to spawning runs in the fall, you'll also find plenty of chunky rainbows in the tailwater fishery below Greers Ferry Dam.

Abundant vegetation in the river creates a superb environment for aquatic invertebrates, a preferred food choice of the Little Red's plentiful trout. Recent habitat work by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has created additional quality habitat in some popular sections of the river.

There's plenty to keep your attention on the emerald pools and sparkling riffles, but the streamside scenery isn't bad, either. The Little Red twists through the foothills of the Ozarks as it winds its way toward the Delta of eastern Arkansas. You can see all sorts of wildlife along the forested hillsides and rocky bluffs, including bald eagles, whitetail deer and wild turkeys. For a variety of reasons, the Little Red River is a true flyfishing treasure.