Get ready to cast your line for an exciting day of fishing, fun, and food! The Texarkana Arkansas Department of Parks & Recreation is inviting anglers to Trout Day at Lake Dieffenbacher, located inside Ferguson Park by the Fairgrounds, on Saturday, January 25. The event starts at 9:00 a.m., offering free admission and a chance to catch some rainbow trout—with the added bonus of winning prizes.
The lake will be stocked with rainbow trout, and among them, there will be a few Golden Trout lurking, which could earn lucky anglers special prizes. It’s a fantastic opportunity to catch some fish, relax by the lake, and enjoy a wonderful free event.
We sat down with several local organizers ahead of the event to hear more about the exciting plans. Adam Dalby, Director of Parks & Recreation for Texarkana, Arkansas, shared that the event is designed to be fun for all ages, with something for everyone—from beginners to seasoned anglers.
“We’re really excited to offer this free event for the community,” Dalby said. “Lake Dieffenbacher is a great spot for fishing, and we’re hoping the weather will be perfect for a day of family-friendly outdoor fun.”
Dylan Hahn and Maurice Jackson from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, along with T.J. Wall from INVST TXK, also weighed in on the event’s details, promising that this will be a day to remember.
“Whether you’re fishing for prizes, or just enjoying the experience, we want everyone to have a great time,” Hahn said. “And for those who want to take their catch home, volunteers will be available to clean and prepare your trout, or you can have it cooked up by our onsite chef.”
Speaking of food, the chef will be preparing some delicious fish dishes inside the Pavilion, including Smoked Trout Dip, Smoked Cajun Trout, Fried Trout, and a unique Trout Avocado Pico De Gallo. If you’re feeling hungry after a long day of fishing, you’ll be able to eat what you catch or sample some expertly prepared trout dishes.
And if you’re interested in something a little bigger, Lake Dieffenbacher is known for its sizable bass. Just remember, it’s a catch-and-release zone for bass, but you can keep the trout and catfish you catch.
As a reminder, anglers 16 years and older will need a valid Arkansas Fishing License and a trout permit to participate. These can be easily obtained online or through local vendors.
Volunteers and staff will be on hand throughout the day to ensure everyone has a fun and safe time. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and possibly reel in a prize-winning trout.
This free event is made possible by a partnership between the Texarkana Arkansas Department of Parks & Recreation, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission’s Family and Community Fishing Program, and INVST TXK.
So, grab your fishing gear (or use some provided on-site), and make plans to join the fun on January 25 at Lake Dieffenbacher. You could hook a golden trout, win a prize, and leave with a full stomach—and who knows, maybe a big fish story or two.
