Spend a minute to improve trout management

LITTLE ROCK – A quick, five-question survey can go a long way toward better fisheries management. That’s why the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission encourages trout anglers and other stakeholders to take a few minutes to complete a questionnaire at https://agfc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_es6DnNx6pP3RrXU.

The AGFC will publish its next “Arkansas Trout Management Plan” in January 2025, and a major part of completing that document requires the insights and opinions of trout anglers familiar with Arkansas water.

“During this revision, we are hoping to increase the level of public involvement,” Christy Graham, AGFC Trout Management Program coordinator, said. “As we modify trout management, we need to be aware of the desires of our audience: the anglers. Not only are they a critical component of management techniques, their satisfaction ultimately is one indicator of the plan’s success.” 

The AGFC Fisheries Division will work with a stakeholder advisory committee of volunteers who represent a cross section of trout angling interests and values to shape the management plan.

The AGFC produced the first comprehensive “Arkansas Trout Management Plan” in 2004; the next version will address the complex challenges of producing high-quality fishing experiences. 

“We plan to have representation from all levels of involvement,” Graham said. “We definitely want to hear from our avid fly-fishing and guiding community, but we also want to hear the desires of the bank angler, kayak angler and other outdoor enthusiasts who benefit from the resource. We serve everyone, so it’s important to ensure everyone’s input is considered in our management.”

Contact Graham at troutprogram@agfc.ar.gov for more information.