Pictured are Rudy, Richard and son, and brother Tyron from Springdale, who fished with Juan Granados with Hooked on Fishing.
Beaver Tailwaters report:
There’s something about standing knee-deep in cool, flowing water, or being in a boat with a rod in hand that just slows the world down. The first time I fished the Beaver Tailwaters, I was knee-wobbling excited — not because I knew what I was doing (I didn’t), but because the place just looked fishy. Mist rising off the river, trout dimpling the surface, and the sense that at any moment, you might just hook into something special.
If you’re new to trout fishing or looking to try your hand at one of Arkansas’s best-kept secrets, the Beaver Tailwaters below Beaver Lake Dam are a prime place to start. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
The tailwaters, just west of Eureka Springs, are part of the White River system, famous for its trout fishing. Thanks to cold water released from the bottom of Beaver Lake, this stretch of river stays cool enough year-‘round to support rainbow, brown, and occasional cutthroat trout.
It’s a solid spot for beginners because:
- The water is often clear and accessible.
- There’s a hatchery nearby constantly stocking rainbow trout.
- You don’t need fancy gear or expert skills to catch fish here.
You don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars to get started. Here’s a simple setup that’ll do just fine:
Rod and reel:
- A 5-6 ft. light or ultralight spinning rod works great.
- Line: 4-6 lb. test mono for spinning gear.
Bait/Lures:
- FireBait or nightcrawlers for easy action with rainbows.
- Small spinners like Rooster Tails or Panther Martins.
Boat (optional):
Not a must, there are plenty of spots allow for easy bank access.
There’s a great public access point right below Beaver Dam, complete with parking and a boat ramp. Walk downriver and you’ll find plenty of spots to cast from the bank or wade in.
Keep an eye on generation schedules. When the dam is releasing water, the river can rise quickly, and wading becomes unsafe. Check the SWPA or USACE websites for daily flow times.
If you’re just getting into trout fishing, there’s no better classroom than the Beaver Tailwaters. It’s peaceful, full of fish, and beginner-friendly — a perfect combo whether you’re solo, with family, or teaching someone else.
So grab your rod, a few basic supplies, and give it a shot. You might just find yourself hooked.
Hooked on Fishing Guide Service, Beaver Lake report:
Striper fishing is getting more consistent since the last small front that came through. Get to the lake early and use your graph to locate bait and fish on main lake points. They are moving a lot so these schools might only give you one pass, and when you turn around, they’re gone. Keep moving and cover water since these fish are not sticking around once they feel boat pressure. Thermocline is about 30 feet down so get your bait close to that since the stripers are shooting from underneath out of the deep water. Water temps holding around 85°. Crappie are holding on flats 15–30 feet of water close to a channel swing. Trolling crank baits will get you some fish in the boat if you don’t have Livescope to target the open water fish.
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