Reel News: Discover 60,000 Rainbow Trout Stocked In Arkansas Ponds

Great news if you love to fish in Arkansas! The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery in conjunction with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is stocking community ponds in the state with nearly 60,000 rainbow trout.

Anglers Cast Your Line For Rainbow Trout

According to the AGFC, truckloads of trout have been sent to 40 Arkansas locations including Little Rock, Bentonville, Conway, Cabot, Maumelle, Springdale, and Pine Bluff. This initiative is the final winter stockings for the 2024-2025 Family and Community Programs.

Spring River Hatchery minutes from the Arkansas-Missouri border is the only state-owned coldwater trout facility. The hatchery crew has spent countless hours getting these fish stocked in community ponds in addition to their monthly stockings.

Golden Trout Equals Golden Prize

Meanwhile, B.J. Vandiver, hatchery manager at the Spring River hatchery has also released some golden rainbow trout from a private facility allowing anglers to fish for something a little extra. Approximately 385 tagged golden rainbow trout were spread out at stocking locations in December, and 100 surplus golden rainbow trout were stocked and untagged at select locations in January.

Anglers who have turned in a tagged trout received a prize pack and a chance at a grand prize. A drawing will be held on March 13, at 10 AM live on the AFGC Facebook page for the anglers who turned in a tag. Three winners will receive a free guided trout fishing trip for two on the Little Red River compliments of Sore Lip ’em All Guide Service in Heber Springs.”

So. if you live near any of the towns listed in this story, you may want to grab your rod and reel and get fishing.

Visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website or Facebook page for a list of stocked locations.

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