Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has begun delivering the 2026 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook to bait shops and license dealers throughout the state, providing anglers with the latest fishing regulations for public waters across The Natural State.[1][2] Digital versions of the guidebook, along with other AGFC regulations publications, are available for immediate download at www.agfc.com/guidebooks, ensuring anglers can access critical information directly on their smartphones or devices.Trout waters receive special attention in the guidebook, featuring detailed maps of renowned fishing destinations to assist in locating boat launches and bank fishing access points. Illustrations of popular game fish species aid in proper identification, promoting compliance and conservation efforts.
Among the most significant updates in the 2026 edition are revised harvest regulations for trout in key tailwaters and the introduction of harvest opportunities at Lake Monticello. These changes stem from challenges faced in trout production during 2025. A devastating flood at the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery caused extensive infrastructure damage and resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of rainbow trout. Compounding this, a major die-off occurred at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery in late summer due to low oxygen levels and poor water quality in Norfork Lake, exacerbated by spring flooding and organic buildup. In response, the AGFC implemented adjusted daily limits effective January 2026 across four major tailwaters to sustain populations amid stocking shortfalls.
Specific regulations now apply as follows:
Bull Shoals Dam to boat ramp at Norfork Access: Anglers may retain two rainbow trout under 14 inches daily; all other trout must be released immediately.
Norfork Dam to boat ramp at Norfork Access (White River): Similar to Bull Shoals, two rainbow trout under 14 inches per day; release all others.
Norfork Boat Access to Arkansas Highway 58 bridge at Guion (White River): Two trout total, either two rainbows under 14 inches, or one rainbow under 14 inches plus one rainbow or brook over 14 inches, or one brown, cutthroat, or tiger trout over 24 inches; release remaining trout.
Greers Ferry Tailwater: Two trout under 14 inches daily; release others.
Beaver Tailwater: Two trout under 14 inches per day; all others released.
These measures balance angler opportunities with the need to protect brood stock and allow recovery from production setbacks, ensuring the long-term health of Arkansas’s premier trout fisheries.
In a parallel development, Lake Monticello transitions from stringent catch-and-release rules to conservative harvest allowances, approved in January 2026. The lake, drawn down by the city of Monticello in 2019 for levee repairs, underwent extensive renovation in collaboration with the AGFC. Refilling commenced in 2022, accompanied by heavy stocking of forage species and Florida-strain largemouth bass. Crappie populations have exhibited remarkable growth post-renovation. Now, with bass and crappie at sustainable levels, harvest is permitted to maintain optimal population densities and growth rates.
New daily limits at Lake Monticello include:
Largemouth bass: Five fish, only one 16 inches or longer.
Crappie: 15 fish, no more than seven 12 inches or longer.
Bream: 50 fish (all species combined).
Catfish: 10 fish (all species combined).
This example of proactive fishery management at Lake Monticello—once a trophy destination—demonstrates the AGFC’s commitment to restoring and sustaining high-quality fishing experiences. The renovated lake now supports thriving populations ready for measured utilization by anglers.
The comprehensive 2026 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook equips sportsmen and women with essential tools for responsible angling. From identification aids to precise regulation details and access maps, it serves as an indispensable resource. As conservation efforts continue to address challenges like hatchery losses—exemplified by the hundreds of thousands of rainbow trout affected—updates like these trout tailwater restrictions and Lake Monticello openings promote sustainable fisheries management. Anglers are encouraged to review the guidebook thoroughly and download copies for on-the-water reference.
For more information, visit Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.