RareStockedSecure (stocked)
9
Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii · Salmonidae
Tailwater jewel with the crimson throat slash.
Common
12–18 in
Max
28+ in
Weight
Up to 9 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When cutthroat trout feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
FAIR45%feeding activity
Off-peak · slow near cover
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
60
MORN
58
MIDD
47
AFTE
62
DUSK
46
NIGH
35
Crepuscular · best at first & last light
Solar + Lunar
Major feeds7:48p – 9:48p5:05a – 7:05a
Minor feeds5:25a – 6:25a7:57p – 8:57p
Solunar window 8:03p – 9:33p
Habitat
TailwatersCold rivers
Range
Cold dam tailwaters (White River below Bull Shoals); deep runs.
Diet
Sowbugs, scuds, midges, small baitfish, drifting insects.
Best baits & lures
Sowbug & scud patterns
Midge nymphs
Small inline spinners
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Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Drift sowbugs during low, wadeable flows
Fish light line in clear, cold water
Bull Shoals tailwater is the trophy zone
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Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
Named for the blood-red slash beneath its jaw. Arkansas stocks cutthroat fingerlings in the White River tailwater, where cold dam water lets a Rocky-Mountain native grow into a 24-inch trophy slot far from home.
Status
Secure (stocked)
Stocked · Salmonidae