One of the best areas to catch these veteran trout is in a place called "the Chute," a narrow constriction created by a gantlet of boulders that funnels water through a small channel, creating eddies and riffles. This entire section of river has pools that contain trout. Although most will be 11 to 14 inches long, it's always possible to catch them up to 22 inches.

Naturally, these big trout have been around long enough to see all the usual offerings, and they are much more selective about what they'll bite. Tiny sowbugs in the No. 14-17 range work exceedingly well, because they're closer to the size of the river's natural larval forage.

Of course, landing a big trout on such delicate tackle in rocky habitat is always challenging, but that's part of the fun of fly-fishing.

Conversely, big trout also love big lures. One of my favorites is a big floating Rapala minnow, either in rainbow trout pattern or silver/black back. For reasons I can't explain, I catch more big trout on that lure than on anything else. They don't just rise up and sip at it, either -- they molest it!

Lodging is available all around Narrows Dam. You can also camp nearby at Crater of Diamonds State Park and Daisy State Park. Daisy SP has 76 campsites on the shore of Lake Greeson, as well as showers and flush toilets at six bathhouses. Also, the Corps operates 11 campgrounds around Lake Greeson that offer a total of 360 campsites.

LITTLE ROCK PARKS
While primarily a late-winter/early-spring fishing opportunity, the AGFC stocks about 20,000 rainbow trout in selected waters in Little Rock's Parks. Stocked waters include War Memorial Park, Ottenheimer Park and Otter Creek. Rock Creek in Boyle Park is also stocked.

Rock Creek is the most interesting of this group, and the most fun to fish. You can park right off of Rodney Parham Road and be on the water in minutes. While most of the fish are caught as soon as they leave the truck, a few escape into the deep pools downstream. By summer, the creek is too warm to support trout, so keep what you catch.

For more information about trout stocking schedules, you can call the AGFC at (501) 223-6300, or check online at www.agfc.com/fishing/trout_stocking