Beaver Tailwater Trout Management Advisory Group

In August of 2005, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved the beginning aspects of a new trout management plan, for Beaver tailwater (the furthest upstream trout tailwater on Arkansas' White River). This was the first of a series of steps in a process towards specific trout implementation plans to come out of a new state-wide trout management program approved in 2004.

An Advisory Group for Beaver Tailwater Trout Management was formally formed and chartered by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on September 20, 2005. Composed of a number of individuals representing different trout fishing interests in the area, the group represents commercial interests (such resort owners and guides), riparian landowners, conservation organizations, the Corps of Engineers (it grants the improvement permits), media members, and of course, Joe Angler (trout anglers without any other affiliation). Scott is a charter member of this ongoing group.

According to its charter, the purpose of the group is "to help the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission improve overall management of the trout resources in the Beaver Tailwater." This will be done by the group providing the perspectives of all types of trout anglers who fish the tailwater, and by their assisting with the completion, evaluation and modifications to the management plan within the broader plan parameters.

What this means essentially is that the group will be a sounding board for AGFC biologists in their tweaking of stocking levels, input on data collections, help with signage, public education and communication, etc. This is one more facet of involving "stakeholders" in the management of the fishery. If you have concerns or issues about the Beaver tailwater fishery, particularly from a fly-fishing perspective, feel free to relay these to Scott, or contact Jeff Williams (AGFC trout biologist) directly.

We anticipate a significantly better Beaver tailwater trout fishery. Announcements and updates will be posted on the AGFC website as well as this page. Your comments are welcome.

The new fishing regulations became effective January 1, 2006 and are available in the AGFC Trout Fishing Guidebook.

A further revision of the implementation of the trout plan for Beaver tailwater was being finalized in December of 2007.