Winter Trout Fishing & Camping in Heber Springs, Arkansas

By Brian Tran & Adriana Michel

Winter camping isn’t for everyone—but for those willing to layer up, it offers quiet campsites, uncrowded rivers, and some of the best trout fishing Arkansas has to offer. Our group headed to Heber Springs, Arkansas, camping at JFK Campground along the Little Red River for a cold-weather fishing adventure we won’t forget.

With fluctuating temperatures, icy river water, and long days on the water, this trip proved one thing: preparation and proper layering make all the difference.

Why Heber Springs, Arkansas?

We chose Heber Springs for its unbeatable access to the Little Red River, one of Arkansas’ most well-known trout fisheries. The area strikes the perfect balance—remote enough to feel disconnected from everyday life, yet close enough to town for groceries and supplies.

Winter is an especially great time to fish here. During colder months, the dam releases less water, making wade fishing possible all day—something that’s rarely an option during the summer.

Planning the Trip

Booking our campsite was simple:

• recreation.gov was used to reserve campsites at JFK Campground

• The JFK State Park website helped with local regulations and river info

Having reliable planning resources allowed us to focus more on fishing and less on logistics.

Cold-Weather Gear That Made the Trip

Winter camping in Arkansas can be unpredictable. Temperatures dipped below freezing some nights and jumped into the 60s and even low 70s by the end of the trip. Layering was essential.

Essential Gear Highlights

• Merino wool baselayers (Smartwool, Helly Hansen)

  • Kept us warm while standing still in waders

  • Regulated body temperature when weather warmed up

  • Patagonia Capilene midweight tops dried quickly after getting wet

• Synthetic and down insulation

  • Howler Bros spellbinder parka synthetic jacket

  • Cotopaxi down jacket provided serious warmth at night

• Waders + boots

  • Game-changer for accessing deeper water safely

• Camp comfort

  • Teva slippers for warmth around camp

  • Jetboil for coffee and tea

  • Skottle for cooking group meals

Unexpected Moments on the River

One of the biggest surprises was just how productive the fishing was. Several people in our group caught their first rainbow trout ever, and fly fishing proved incredibly rewarding—especially when using flies tied by hand.

Not every moment was calm, though. Renting a boat late in the trip turned intense when we realized just how low the river was. Rocks, stumps, and shallow stretches made navigation tricky, but it added to the adventure—and a healthy dose of adrenaline.

Favorite Memories

• Cooking dinner together under the moonlight

• Cajun chicken and sausage pasta at camp

• Coffee warming our hands after cold mornings on the river

• Watching friends light up after landing their first trout

Those quiet camp moments ended up being just as memorable as the fishing itself.

Gear We Wish We Had

• A larger hard cooler — the Rugged Road 65 and 25 filled up fast

• A light synthetic jacket for warmer afternoons

• Earlier wake-up times (winter fishing rewards early risers!)

What We’d Tell Friends Before They Go

• Bring baselayers—no exceptions

• Learn the basics of fly fishing before the trip

• Check dam generation schedules

• Don’t underestimate winter weather swings

• Enjoy the slower pace—winter camping is about the experience

Winter camping and trout fishing in Heber Springs delivered everything we hoped for: solitude, great fishing, and unforgettable moments with friends. With the right gear and mindset, cold-weather adventures can be some of the most rewarding trips you’ll ever take.