No Luck In The Deer Woods? Try “Hunting” Trout

Has hunting been tough? Is that big deer avoiding you?

There is another way to get your outdoor fix this time of year. Pack up the family and head to Heber Springs. In my opinion this is the absolute best time of year to catch trout.

The crowds are slim to none, and the trout thrive in the cold water. I know we all want to hunt right now, and I get that. But I promise you, your chances of catching trout are exponentially higher than killing a big deer, and your kid can get involved.

I just took my 8 year old, and he tore them up. He caught enough to never be bored and we had the makings for a great meal that night.

Try this out – Call the Red River Trout Dock, or Swinging Bridge Resort, or any of those places and rent a boat for a half day. It will run you about $60.00.

We like the boat but there are tons of spots on the Little Red where no boat is needed – just drive up and ask any bait shop employee. Rig your spinning reel with light line. I recommend 4lb. Ask the bait shop for the right hooks and weights.

Rig the weight about one foot up from the hook. My favorite bait combo is two pieces of chartreuse power bait with one wax worm. Case it upstream; let it sink to the bottom, and the current will carry it down. Just sit back, relax, and make some memories.

— Tommy Jones