Catch a rainbow at Russellville trout fishing clinic and derby

RUSSELLVILLE - The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is teaming up with CADDIS Fly Fishing Club and the Russellville Recreation and Parks Department to host a special trout-fishing derby Saturday, Dec. 1 at Pleasant View Park Pond.

The AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program will stock hundreds of rainbow trout from the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery before the event to make sure young and beginning anglers have plenty of opportunities to catch fish. Derby participants should bring their own bait and tackle. The derby will begin at 9 a.m. and last until noon.

A special trout-fishing clinic also will be held from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the Hughes Community Center to help new anglers learn how to catch trout.

“Many people hear ‘trout fishing’ and think it’s too complicated to give a try, but nothing could be further from the truth,” said Maurice Jackson, FCFP coordinator. “Fishing for trout can be as simple as a cane pole and bobber, or as complicated as hand-tied flies and fly rods, depending on how in-depth a person wants to get. For most of us just looking at having a good time and catching some fish to eat, trout are a great fish to target.”

Anglers 15 and younger will get a bonus if they attend both the seminar and fishing derby the FCFP has planned. The first 50 youth anglers will receive a voucher for a free rod and reel they can redeem the morning of the derby.

Youths do not need a license or trout stamp to fish in Arkansas, and the derby is free. Anglers 16 and older are welcome to fish as well, but they must have a valid AGFC fishing license and trout stamp, available to purchase at www.agfc.com. Anglers must bring their own bait and tackle, and chairs or coolers to sit on are strongly encouraged.  

Call 479-968-1272 to register for the clinic. Registration is not required for the derby.