Winter Fishing Regulations Take Effect at Bull Shoals Tailwater

With spawning season underway, winter fishing regulations are now in effect at the Bull Shoals Tailwater. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has outlined rules to protect spawning fish and encourage sustainable angling practices.

**Catch-and-Release Area Closure at Bull Shoals Dam:** The section directly below Bull Shoals Dam is completely closed to all fishing through January 31. This closure spans from the dam to the wing dike at Bull Shoals–White River State Park. The measure aims to safeguard spawning fish in this critical area.

**Seasonal Catch-and-Release Rules Below the Dam:** From the wing dike to the bottom boundary of Bull Shoals–White River State Park, seasonal catch-and-release regulations are in effect through January 31. Anglers may only use artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks and are prohibited from fishing at night. This area is closed 30 minutes after sunset and reopens 30 minutes before sunrise.

**Brown Trout Regulations:** New statewide regulations, which took effect earlier this year in February 2026, require anglers fishing from Bull Shoals Dam to the Norfork Access boat ramp to release all Brown Trout immediately upon capture, regardless of location within this segment of the river. Anglers further downstream, between Norfork Access and Guion, may keep one Brown Trout per day, provided it is at least 24 inches long. Brown Trout counts toward the daily two-trout limit.

**Clarifications for Anglers:** Some anglers have expressed confusion over the winter regulations, as the mandatory release of Brown Trout was previously limited to the seasonal catch-and-release area. However, AGFC officials emphasize that both the boundaries and rules for the seasonal catch-and-release zone remain unchanged from previous years.

Anglers are reminded that these regulations support ongoing efforts to protect trout populations and ensure the health of the river ecosystem. Fishermen are encouraged to spread awareness about these rules and do their part to help protect spawning fish during this critical period.