LITTLE ROCK – This holiday season, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is offering a refreshing alternative to the usual shopping frenzy with its annual ‘Troutsgiving’ event. Instead of bustling through crowded malls, Arkansans are invited to enjoy the tranquility of fishing in various Family and Community Fishing Program (FCFP) locations across the state, where hundreds of rainbow trout have been freshly stocked.
The trout, raised to catchable size at the renowned Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery in Mammoth Spring, are released into community ponds as the water temperatures drop to levels suitable for these cold-water species. This usually happens around the third week of November. Maurice Jackson, coordinator of the AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program, emphasizes the importance of this event in bringing the joy of trout fishing to those who might not have easy access to major trout fisheries like the White or Little Red River.
In addition to ‘Troutsgiving’, the AGFC organizes ‘Trout Day’ in early December, featuring fishing, cooking demonstrations, and various family-friendly activities. These events are part of the AGFC’s broader efforts to promote outdoor recreational activities and instill a love for fishing among Arkansans.
The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery, integral to these efforts, recently underwent extensive renovations. As the sole state-owned cold water hatchery in Arkansas, it has been pivotal in maintaining the state’s trout population since 1974. The renovations, which included replacing aging metal silos with modern concrete ones, have significantly improved the hatchery’s safety, efficiency, and production capacity. This is critical, given the hatchery’s role in supplying trout to 43 locations across the state, including famous fishing destinations.
The AGFC’s trout stocking efforts are substantial. In 2021, the AGFC and its partners stocked an impressive 1.315 million rainbow trout and annually stock close to 1.5 million of all trout species. These numbers illustrate the AGFC’s commitment to ensuring accessible fishing opportunities throughout the state.
Anglers 16 and older need a fishing license and a trout stamp to participate in these fishing programs. The limit for trout is five fish per angler per day at these ponds. Licenses can be obtained at sporting goods stores or online at www.agfc.com/license.
For those interested in preparing their catch, the AGFC offers a range of rainbow trout recipes in their digital cookbook, “A Celebration of Conservation – 100 AGFC Recipes.” This cookbook provides a wonderful opportunity to turn a successful fishing trip into a delightful culinary experience.
For more information about the Family and Community Fishing Program and to find participating ponds for winter trout stocking, visit the AGFC website at www.agfc.com/familyfishing.
