During the winter of 2006, an 11-year-old fly-angler caught and released a rainbow estimated at 25 pounds there, while guide John Berry of Cotter netted a 16-pound brown for a 10-year-old who’d hooked it with a four-weight fly rod. All those numbers add up to one conclusion: there’s no better place than Dry Run Creek for youngsters and those with physical challenges to catch and release trophy-sized trout.

THE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Because the North Fork and the nearby White River are so incredibly valuable, the AGFC has been crafting a management plan, with public input, for more than a year. Its goals are to protect water quality, grow larger trout, increase enforcement and improve how the AGFC works with other state and federal agencies.

Earlier this year, the agency held another round of workshops to discuss options for managing North Fork trout, including a possible slot limit for rainbows and minimum length limits on browns and brook trout. At press time, the plan was still in draft form, and the AGFC indicated that no regulation changes would occur before January 2009.

MORE INFORMATION
To schedule a day of catch-and-release fly-fishing on the North Fork or nearby White River with one of the area’s most colorful guides, call Wayne Reed at (501) 834-2350. The free 2008 Trout Fishing Guidebook is available from AGFC offices and bait and fly shops that serve the North Fork and White rivers.