‘The Narrows’ offers great trout fishing
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Narrows Recreation Area.
I’ve had the opportunity to grow acquainted with a majority of the more popular rivers throughout the state. Each waterway has its own personal characteristics deeming it special.
I can think of several that have earned my admiration. Of course, many of the streams running through the Ozarks meander through magnificent scenery and prove great fisheries, putting them at the top of my list.
But despite their sheer beauty and abilities to hold bass, I still consider one Ouachita Mountains river as my all-time favorite. That’s right, I’ll take the Little Missouri over any other waterway in Arkansas.
This waterway, too, cuts its way through a boulder-infested substrate, producing an optimal habitat for smallmouth bass to thrive. She also collides with sheer rock formations along a section referred to as Winding Stairs, providing some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in our section of the state.
The river eventually pours into Lake Greeson near the town of Kirby. The particular lake is also one of my favorites, as fish thrive in its waters. Largemouth bass are plentiful, as are several other species. However, I most enjoy fishing for spotted bass on this body of water, as the substrate produces a perfect habitat for them to thrive.
Although a bulk of the time I spend on the Little Missouri rests above Lake Greeson, there is yet another section, located below the lake that is also well worth mentioning. In fact, I can recall a couple of trips along a section of the river, referred to as “The Narrows,” that were action-packed, to say the least.
Located along the tailwaters of Lake Greeson, “The Narrows” produce a habitat much different from the stretch of the Little Missouri that is situated upstream of Lake Greeson.
I suspect a few smallmouth bass lurk in these cool waters. However, the area is most noted as a fishery for trout. In fact, I would go as far as saying these are the premier trout waters throughout the entire Ouachita Mountains region.
Granted, one can catch rainbow trout with consistency below our local dams during the winter months when they are being released in these waters literally by the thousands.
And I suppose one can catch a few in the tailwaters of the Carpenter, Blakely and Remmel dams throughout all seasons. But these particular waters are not really managed with trout in mind, and rightfully so.
Both Carpenter and Blakely Mountain dams are immediately above lakes which do not produce optimal waters for trout to live.
Not only is the water temperature on these two bodies of water two warm for trout to thrive, but a couple of the species of which are bountiful in these reservoirs consider trout as a favorable food supply.
And even though a lake is not situated below Remmel Dam, that’s no indication that these particular waters are capable of producing optimal trout waters, either.
All three of the lakes here in our backyards are fed mainly by the Ouachita River. And as anybody who has spent any amount of time on this waterway is aware, it is not a trout fishery.
But the Little Missouri evidently produces a little different habitat. I suppose it might be because the small, mountain-fed river is noticeably colder than is the Ouachita.
Regardless of the reason, there is certainly something different, as this drainage does provide a suitable habitat for trout. That in mind, this species is released at specific locations along her upper sections on an annual basis.
Although folks show up to fish these waters by the droves, “The Narrows” section is most suitable for trout. In turn, these waters are actually managed with the production of trout in mind.
Rainbows thrive from the base of the Narrows Dam for a ways downstream. But rainbows are not the only species swimming in these cool, clear waters. That’s right, a few browns have been caught in the tailwaters of Lake Greeson, as well.
I am not necessarily a trout angler. In fact, I am not even accomplished at casting a fly rod. Sure, I can get by casting flies. But it has also been compared to someone trying to kill a snake with a long and limber stick.
Despite my fly-casting abilities or a lack thereof, I have still managed to experience success along the narrows section of the Little Missouri. I can recall one excursion in particular when I fished in these waters with my friend, Brett Bardwell.
Bardwell had traveled to Arkansas from Indiana to visit with family members. An avid trout angler, however, he also dedicated a portion of his time to fly fishing on the Little Missouri.
Brett provided me with a small lure referred to as a woolly booger and gave me a short tutorial on technique. Well, let me tell you. That little lure was the bomb. We caught and released more than 40 trout before the noon hour.
I have since returned to “The Narrows” several times. Of course, I did not manage to coax remotely as many into biting without the advice of my fly fishing extraordinaire friend, I did manage to experience a fair amount of success.
I have grown a great deal more acquainted with these waters throughout the years. Of course, they are no different from any other fishing location in the sense that there are simply times when the fish refuse to bite, regardless of one’s skill set.
However, there are some surefire tricks that will drastically up one’s odds. I would strongly suggest getting an up-to-date fishing report before casting on these waters, as presentation is of utmost importance.
One might consider stopping in at any local business
that caters to fly fishermen. These guys, or gals, can fill you in with the most current conditions, and most importantly, exactly what lure and what color is proving most effective at the present time.
I have also learned, throughout the years, that the substrate along “The Narrows” section of the river is extremely slick. That in mind, one might consider adding a walking staff to their arsenal of fly fishing equipment.
There are almost always very specific regulations posted on waters that are managed for trout, and this body of water is no different. And anybody who plans to fish this section of water should acquire and study a trout fishing regulations guide, published by the AGFC before their excursion.
Although “The Narrows” is noted mainly as a trout fishing destination, the small recreation area located on the banks of the river is also a great destination where one can simply experience a relaxing outing among Mother Nature.
There is a pavilion on site, where a small group can gather and fellowship under the canopy of native trees. But several picnic tables are also located on the premises. I suppose those with children will appreciate the playground, and I suspect folks of all ages will find the restroom facility of interest from time to time.
My wife and I stopped by and visited “The Narrows” during a recent excursion that led us through the Murfreesboro area. And although this was not our ultimate destination, it was actually the spot where I found the most solitude and that brought back memories that I have cherished time and time again.
To get to Narrows Recreation Area, from Hot Springs travel west on Highway 70 for 37 miles and continue onto Highway 27 south. Go 14 miles to Murfreesboro and take a slight right at the Narrows sign onto east 13th. Go a half mile and take a right onto Highway 19. Travel 6.3 miles and the destination will be on the left.