THE LITTLE RED RIVER

A remarkable Arkansas river shaped by cold water, wildlife, recreation, and the communities along its banks.

ABOUT THE LITTLE RED RIVER & ITS HISTORY

The Little Red River is one of Arkansas's most treasured waterways, known for its cold, clear water and renowned trout fishery.

The construction of Greers Ferry Dam in the 1960s transformed the river, creating the cold-water conditions that support trout today. Beyond fishing, the river is home to diverse wildlife and plays an important role in the surrounding communities.

Explore the River

Discover public access points, fishing areas, and landmarks along the Little Red River. Use the interactive map to plan your next visit.

Little Red River Access Map

Explore the Little Red River from Greers Ferry Dam to Pangburn. This illustrated map highlights public access points, boat launches, walk-in areas, shoals, and designated catch-and-release waters to help you plan your visit.

Map showing the Greers Ferry Lake Tailwater area at Little Red River and Collins Creek, including boat access points, walk-in access, holiday access, facilities like fish hatcheries, picnic areas, and camping sites, with roads and trails marked, as well as the project boundary and insets of specific sections.
Map courtesy of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).

Before you visit: Dam generation can cause rapid changes in water levels and currents. Check the official generation schedule and current conditions. Markers below are a preliminary verified-coordinate subset, not a complete inventory of access points.

Take the River Map with You

Download a printable map to reference public access locations and plan your visit.


How Greers Ferry Dam Changed the River

Aerial view of a hydroelectric dam releasing water into a river, surrounded by snowy winter woodland and transmission towers.

The Little Red River changed significantly with the construction of Greers Ferry Dam. Cold water released from Greers Ferry Lake created new conditions downstream and helped shape the trout fishery the river is known for today.

A World-Class Trout Fishery

A man and young girl holding a fish on a boat during sunset

The Little Red River is home to one of Arkansas's most celebrated trout fisheries, attracting anglers and families from across the country. Its cold waters provide a unique environment for trout, making the river a special place for fishing, outdoor recreation, and memories that last for generations.

What Keeps the River Healthy?

A healthy Little Red River depends on clean water, balanced river flows, suitable temperatures, and protected habitats. These conditions support trout, other wildlife, and the surrounding ecosystem. Through research, conservation, and community partnerships, the Little Red River Foundation works to protect the river for future generations.

Know the River Before You Go

Conditions on the Little Red can change as water moves through Greers Ferry Dam and downstream. Use the live information below to see current river flow, water level, water temperature, weather, and generation information.

LITTLE RED RIVER · ARKANSAS

River Conditions & Generation

Check dam information and local weather before planning your visit.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Check Conditions Before Entering the River

Dam releases can quickly change water depth and current. Check both official sources before your visit.

Water Safety Notice

Generation can cause rapid changes in river depth and current. Conditions vary by location. Always check the official information before entering the water.

PLAN YOUR RIVER VISIT

5-Day Weather Forecast

Heber Springs, Arkansas · National Weather Service

Full Forecast ↗

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Why Your Support Matters 

Improving a river does not happen through one meeting or one letter. It takes sustained relationships, careful research, cooperation among agencies, and a clear voice for the people who care about the Little Red. The Foundation is a volunteer-led nonprofit helping provide that voice. 

You can help. A contribution to the Little Red River Foundation supports our ongoing advocacy, conservation partnerships, and work to protect the fishery. Join us as a donor or supporter, follow our updates, and share the importance of this effort with others who value the river. 

Fly fisher wading in a river beneath colorful autumn trees
A man stands in a river, fishing, with a fishing pole in his hand. He is wearing camouflage overalls and a white shirt, facing away from the camera. The river has a light mist rising above it, and the background shows green trees.

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