It’s just too hot to go trout fishing so I switched and going bullheads because my local lake is just thick with them. I also prepared some doughbait that I blended with small crappie and think this world be a great bait to use. Anyways, what baits do you think would be effective catching them. Also, time, fishing line,  and what hooks should I use?

Arkansas Road Rash.. in DeWitt

What size do you recommend?

Mac in Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Alright, here is where I am at and I appreciate this blog is newbie friendly. I have been hitting the trout fishing hard and due to the summer slow down I am focusing on what I can do better. I find myself nervous and confused after the initial rush of getting the hook set. I’ve read a lot of opinions, but the general opinion is, once the hook set (fish on!) is to not stress the trout too much, leave it in the water if possible but limit the time handling the trout. Then gently push down/rotate the hook so it comes out the same way it went in.

I normally fish from the waters edge of my local creek/pond and fish the deeper end with little to no rocks near the bank when reeling the fish the the bank. Now, I would like to know what exactly I should do when the fish comes to rivers edge? I have heard that one should pick the fish up by the jaw (thumb in mouth) vertically while removing the hook. But I think that this could damage the fishes jaw if it flops around.

What do with the fish when I get it hooked? How should I handle it safely, when I want to get a photo (keeping in mind I am on the shore)? I mainly fish large and smallmouth bass and trout (rainbow and brown).

I use barbless hooks which I consider appropriate for the size fish.

Thanks, Mike

Got a simple question and thanks for the invite. I like to take my kayak out to do some night trout fishing on a local 11 acres  well stocked trout lake with plenty of doubles and occasional fish up to 18lbs. The average fish in this lake is around 2lbs. This lake also has top quality rainbow trout and occasional wild brown trout up to 3lbs. My plan (suggestions please) is to use 3 rods with worm or corn? Do you think a carp rig would work? trout pellets?

Tight lines Bobby

Evening Arkansas Anglers I am looking for rod/reel suggestion for fishing the White River? I will be going for trout, but would be interested if I could use it for other fish like bass, gar, flatheads, ETC. It was a long time ago I was on the water and looking to brush up on my trout fishing.

David

Hello, all and thanks for the email about this Arkansas trout fishing blog. A group of co-workers and I had to work on the 4th, of July holiday and we have a week off  starting the 15th of August. We figured we would go try some trout fishing on the White River. Most of us have the slightest clue on how to catch trout and I’ve only gone once before and why I want to go back..

So I was wondering if it’s worth the trip being so hot, but heard that is one of the best places to fish trout in the summer? We are not really looking for big fish, more of a lot of fish.

Also, also is the water too hot for waders?, were going to just be using ultralight rods, just any help on what to use for bait, where to fish, what to look for in the stream to find fish.. Just mainly any help for someone who has no clue on how to trout fish would be helpful. We are NOT Fly Fishermen

Scott