AGFC says winter timing will lessen economic hit of catch-and-release order

Anglers on portions of the Norfork and White rivers will now be required to practice catch-and-release fishing under an emergency order approved by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) on Thursday.The order comes after the Norfork National Fish Hatchery suffered a major loss of trout due to poor water quality, combined with early April flooding on the Spring River and damage to the AGFC’s Jim Hinkle State Fish Hatchery. Officials say the hatchery’s reduced production has left the state with fewer stocked trout for its key coldwater fisheries.
The proclamation calls for catch-and-release of all trout in the 45 miles of tailwater below Bull Shoals Dam to the White River’s confluence with the North Fork River (specifically to the boat ramp at Norfork Access), as well as catch-and-release only on the entirety of the Norfork Dam tailwater.

KTLO News spoke with AGFC Vice Chairman, Rob Finley who was able to help make some sense of the situation.

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Finley explains what happened at the Norfork Hatchery specifically.

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Trout fishing is a major tourism driver for the Twin Lakes Area, drawing anglers from across the country to the Norfork and White rivers each year. Local resorts, guides, and tackle shops rely heavily on that steady stream of visitors. While the temporary catch-and-release order could slow business in the short term, AGFC Vice Chairman Rob Finley says the timing may help lessen the impact. With the winter months approaching, typically a slower period for tourism, he believes the economic effect will be as minimal as possible.

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Finley says he has been in contact with many people that depend on the tourism the trout bring, and the response has been more positive than expected.

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When asked if this decision is one that will be talked about years from now, Finley was confident in his answer.

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The Norfork hatchery is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but Finley explains what the AGFC is doing to help. As this situation has never happened, Finley says there is no protocol.

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To listen to this interview in its entirety listen below:

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For previous reporting from KTLO on this story, click here.

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