This story was published in partnership with Arkansas Tourism.
Opportunity abounds for the angler looking to fish in Arkansas. The Natural State lives up to its moniker, with 90,000 miles of flowing rivers and streams, and 600,000 acres of water contained by the shores of lakes scattered throughout the state. From 100-pound-plus blue catfish along the Mississippi to bluegill from the bank, there’s something here for every person in search of a tug on the end of their line.
There are six major rivers flowing through Arkansas: the White, Arkansas, Mississippi, St. Frances, Ouachita, and Red. Dams have been built along these waterways by the Corp of Engineers to create legendary lakes like Ouachita, Beaver, Bull Shoals, and Norfork. Bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, trout, and more flourish in these waters and the streams that flow into them.
If you’re over the age of 16, there’s a good chance you’ll need a fishing license to fish in the state of Arkansas. There are several options for licenses depending on what you’re fishing for, where you’ll be fishing, and how long you’ll be fishing. There are also various discounted licenses for anglers older than 65, active military, disabled veterans, and more. To find the right license for you, visit Arkansas Game and Fish’s website and click “Get a License.”
To give you a taste of the fishing that Arkansas has to offer, we’ve broken the state down into its six regions: Ozarks, Arkansas River Valley, Ouachitas, Central, Delta, and Timberlands. In the sections below, we’ll tour each region and provide recommendations on the best fisheries, eateries, tackle shops, and more. We’ll also provide expert fishing tips for each region that will help you set yourself up for success the next time you hit the water.
Region 1: Ozarks
Known for the jagged Ozark Mountains that burst forth from this region, the Ozarks are also home to the well-known lakes of Bull Shoals, Norfolk, and Beaver. Although these lakes and other fisheries in this region offer fantastic fishing for bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish, it’s the trout fishing in the Ozarks’ creeks and tailwaters that makes this region a standout.
Millions of trout are stocked annually in Arkansas. The White and Little Red Rivers, in particular, are phenomenal. There are multiple species of trout to target in the White River, and the Little Red River boasts the one-time world-record brown trout. Here’s a little more information on these fisheries and others in the region.
Hot Spots
-
White River/Bull Shoals Tailwater: There are four types of trout to chase on the White River: rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook. Several of these fish reach trophy size, and many more in the 19- to 24-inch range are caught here.
-
Dry Run Creek/North Fork River: Dry Run, another great trout fishery, is open only to kids and disabled anglers. It’s an amazing little fishery. If you’re a disabled angler or a child under 16 years of age, you can practice catch-and-release along this waterway. But only artificial lures with barbless hooks are permitted.
-
Little Red River: The Little Red River is Arkansas’s only 100-percent wild, self-sustaining brown trout fishery. And don’t forget, this river is home to the one-time world-record brown trout weighing 40 pounds, 4 ounces—still the 4-pound line-class world record.
-
Buffalo River: Smallmouth bass are the dominant species in the upper Buffalo River with fish over 18 inches caught regularly. These are hard-fighting fish that are fantastic memory makers.
-
Crooked Creek: As is the case with the Buffalo National River, Crooked Creek is also recognized as a blue-ribbon smallmouth stream. This White River tributary regularly produces great numbers of smallmouth in the 10- to 15-inch range, with big fish over 18 inches caught at times as well.
When To Go
-
White River: November – March
-
Little Red River: November – March
-
Buffalo River: March – September
Where to Stay and Eat
-
Gaston’s White River Resort: Talk about catering to your every angling need! But they don’t stop there. The restaurant even offers a “line-to-table” service, where the chef will take your fresh catch and either pan-sear, broil, or fry it.
-
Lindsey’s Resort on the Little Red River: The Restaurant at Lindsey’s will cook your fresh catch up for you too, or you can choose from the other menu staples including a juicy 18-ounce charbroiled ribeye. Once your belly’s full, retreat to one of the beautiful rustic cabins on site or bring your tent or RV to camp instead. There are lots of options at Lindsay’s Resort.
Fishing Like a Local
Johnny Brazil will talk your ear off about chasing smallmouth in the Ozarks if you stop by Jackalope Cycling and give him half a chance. He’s a big fan of fishing for smallmouth on the Buffalo River and Crooked Creek where warm waters in the 60- to 70-degree range create ideal conditions for smallmouth activity. But it’s the trout fishing that many want to know about in this region.
“White River, plus the Norfork that dumps into it at Saleville area/Norfork Town, and then the Red River”“those are three of the top 50 tailwaters in the nation,” Brazil says.
The conditions are ideal for trout fishing throughout this region, with hydroelectric dams releasing rushing water to create tailwaters for the fish to feed and flourish in. Water temps are ideal, in the upper 50s. And there’s an endless supply of food, with a shad kill in late February or early March, caddis in April and hoppers lasting through the summer on the White.
“On lots of rivers in the nation, a 24-inch brown is kind of a lifetime brown,” Brazil says. “A 30-inch brown, for us, is a lifetime brown. We’re definitely in another bracket on the White. The ecosystem is just so good.”
“Another thing on the White,” Brazil adds, “is you can fish streamers year-round. Since it is a hydroelectric dam, they pump water through and when that big water gets pushing, you can throw some 6- to 8-inch Double Deceivers, kind of like you would a jerkbait, and catch giant browns as well.”
Gearing Up
-
The Natural State Fly Shop: A great place for fly anglers to visit to gain insight into the tricks of the trade in this area.
-
Rock Springs Bait and Tackle: A variety of tackle for most anything you’d want to chase in the panfish and bass arena.
Local Regulations
There are a few fishing regulations specific to tailwaters of Greer’s Ferry on the Little Red River. If you plan to fish there, you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of these regulations.
Region 2: Arkansas River Valley
If your angling interests skew more toward largemouth bass, then the Arkansas River Valley is the region for you. This fertile river basin is full of prime breeding grounds for largemouth bass to spawn and flourish. From the oxbows and backwaters out to the main river channels, there’s plenty of forage for predatory fish to feed on. And this area has a great tournament fishing scene too.
The majority of the Arkansas River Valley is confined to the Arkansas River itself, from Fort Smith down through Lake Dardanelle and beyond. But this stretch of the river is still one of the best and most diverse of the state for largemouth bass, and crappie too.
Hot Spots
-
Lake Dardanelle: Lake Dardanelle along the Arkansas River has long hosted local tournaments and has played host to several national-level professional events as well. The shallow, fertile waters of this fishery make it great for growing big bass. And if you’re interested in targeting crappie, Dardanelle is the destination you seek as well. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks black crappie in Lake Dardanelle—as many as 100,825 in a year in 2022—to make an already great crappie fishery that much better.
-
Arkansas River: When it comes to targeting catfish, you’ll find some fine action beneath the Ozark-Jetta Taylor Lock & Dam. As with any tailwater fishery, you’ll have to be very careful whether fishing from bank or boat. But there are flatheads, channel cats, and blue catfish to be had. If tying into a Volkswagen Beatle on the bottom of the lake sounds like a good time to you, lob your bait out in these tailwaters and hold on tight.
-
Horsehead Lake: What this 98-acre impoundment lacks in size, it makes up for in variety. A fishery known for its largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish, Horsehead Lake is the perfect place to go exploring in your kayak, canoe, or johnboat. And since there’s a no-wake limitation on the lake, it’s that much easier to enjoy your day with one of these rides paired with a smaller motor, trolling motor, pedal drive or paddle.
When To Go
-
Lake Dardanelle: March – May
-
Arkansas River: May – September
-
Horsehead Lake: March – November
Where to Stay and Eat
-
Lake Dardanelle State Park: If you’re looking for a great place to camp, Lake Dardanelle State Park will suit your fancy. There’s no restaurant here, but there are campsites ready for everything from tents to full-size RVs in need of full hookups. There’s also a fishing pier, boardwalk, walking trail, and swimming beach.
-
Russellville Marina: Looking for a nice cabin to set up shop for the week or weekend? Russellville Marina has three for you to choose from. These cabins come with fully furnished and equipped kitchens, and there’s also a laundry facility on site.
-
Holiday Inn Express: Some people like to take the guesswork out of booking accommodations and would just rather know what they’re getting into. If that’s you, then there’s a fantastic Holiday Inn Express in Russellville waiting to assign you a room. Free breakfast, daily housekeeping, a pool, a fitness center, and Wi-Fi.
-
Horsehead Lake Lodge & Cabins: If you’re looking for the perfect wedding venue or just wanting to getaway with your bride of 40 years, Horsehead Lake Loge & Cabins has something to suit every need. Sure, you and your fishing buddies could bunk up in the 2,500-square-foot main cabin, one of the waterfall cabins or even a glamping site, but this place has romantic getaway written all over it. Still, be sure to bring your fishing poles and schedule a little time to slip out to make a cast or two.
-
Prestonrose Towne Bistro: The Prestonrose Towne Bistro is an elevated farm-to-table restaurant in Clarksville where you can sample the finest local fare. And there are several items you won’t find anywhere else, like emu burgers and Ukrainian cabbage rolls. If you’re looking for something less run-of-the-mill and more Manhattan-meets-Maybery, check this one out.
-
Kaspers: Kaspers in Clarksville is the kind of place where good things come to those who wait. The staff makes no apologies for taking their time to do things right when preparing your steak, but they do commit to putting perfection on your plate as reward for your patience. If you’re not in the mood for steak, there’s plenty more on the menu at this elevated dining establishment.
-
Pasta Grill: If Italian is more your speed, you’re going to need to pop into Pasta Grill in downtown Russellville. There’s plenty of foreign fare to choose from, as well as mouth-watering steaks and seafood. Pro tip: Try the redfish pasta.
-
Ridgewood Brothers: You can’t come to Arkansas without eating barbeque and you can’t eat barbeque in Russellville without sampling what Ridgewood Brothers are smoking. BBQ is a passion for Robert Crouser and Grant Hall, which is evidenced by their daily start time of 2 am, when they arrive on site to start working the fire and preparing for the lunch rush.
-
Old Bank: With golf simulators, live music, and way better than your average bar food, Old Bank is an elevated sports bar with a lot to offer the weary outdoorsmen. Located in downtown Russellville, this is a great place to recuperate after a long day on the water.
-
Point Remove Brewing: Situated in the center of Morrilton, this downtown Russellville refuge is the perfect place to slip in and sample a local brew or snag a pizza.
-
Old South: The Old South Restaurant is the go-to classic diner in Russellville. A local breakfast spot that is so good it even saw the likes of two presidents and the King (Elvis Presley) stop in for a meal. Although the original building where Old South had been serving up home cooking since 1947 burned down in 2023, the legends of this restaurant live on in their new location.
-
Natural State Coffee: In need of a cup of joe? Stop by one of Natural State Coffee’s locations across the River Valley. Though there are several locations, this local coffee shop is no chain. The mantra here, “People first, then coffee.”
-
Brown’s Catfish: Do you want some good old fashion southern-fried catfish? Well, Brown’s Catfish in Russellville has got it. They have all the farm-raised catfish you can eat, with fried or boiled shrimp, seafood gumbo, and even BBQ pork ribs to boot. But don’t fill all the way up on all this goodness—there are cinnamon rolls for dessert that you must try.
-
Fat Daddy’s BBQ: Another great BBQ joint, Fat Daddy’s BBQ has two different locations. Both have the same great food, but two different experiences. The Russellville location downtown has great BBQ as well as steaks, chicken, and seafood. The London Gas Station location has the same food with more of a hole-in-the-wall feel, with quick access to the lake.
-
CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers: CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers has been serving up fresh, in-house ground chuck shoulder burgers for the last two decades. With one location in Fayetteville and the other in Russellville, the crew at CJ’s keeps it simple.
Fishing Like a Local
Scott Black of Keeping it Crappie guide service fished for bass professionally once upon a time but has since changed his quarry to crappie, after moving to Arkansas years back. With 100-fish days commonplace for this crappie guide, he’s learned quite a bit about the species.
“They’re typically cold water fish,” Black says. “If we’re looking for truly giant fish and you’re looking for one to put on the wall, the winter time is always gonna be the best time to go. The fish are bigger, they’re fatter and they like the cold water.”
The perfect temperature for crappie fishing according to Black is between 55 and 65 degrees. In the winter, the crappie stage on the main river ledges feeding on schools of bait. As the spawn progresses in the spring, the males move into shallow water, from 4 to 8 feet, and position near structure. Then come the big females. The fish spawn in nearby shallow water and then they move back out to stage. The mature females will do this two or three times a cycle according to Black.
“Once summertime gets here, Dardanelle is probably one of the best structure fishing lakes in the state,” Black says. “The brushpiles will have 50 to 100 fish in every pile just about. It’s really stupid how good it gets there in the summertime. The hotter it gets, they’re still in 10 to 12 feet of water on brush and you’re still catching pound-and-a-half-to-2-pound fish on a regular basis.”
A really big crappie for Dardanelle will come in between 2 ½ and 3 pounds. Though he’s only caught one true 3-pound crappie on Dardanelle, Black has had several days where he catches a dozen or more fish averaging better than 2 ½ pounds.
Gearing Up
-
Marina Road Bait and Outdoors: Minutes away from Quita Boat Ramp and Lake Dardanelle State Park you’ll find Marina Road Bait and Outdoors, which offers live and frozen bait as well as other angling necessities like hooks, bobbers, and poles.
-
Russellville Marina & Boat Repair: Perched right on the shores of Lake Dardenelle, Russellville Marina and Boat Repair offers boat slips, fishing tips, and live bait.
-
Jackalope Cycling: You’ll find light fly-fishing gear at this bike shop, as well as a crew that’s always looking to have a good time and talk fishing.
-
BMT Outdoors: Just east of Lake Darndenalle, BMT Outdoors has almost anything you could need for an outdoor excursion, including a wide selection of bass fishing gear.
-
Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner: Premium outdoor and sports apparel can be found at Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner.
Region 3: Ouachitas
Welcome to the Ouachitas Region, also known as the Diamond Lakes Region. Here you’ll find phenomenal fishing opportunities once again as well as tons of fun for the whole family, whether they’re interested in fishing or not.
For starters, there are five large lakes and three rivers to choose from in this region: lakes Oachita, Greeson, DeGray, Hamilton, and Catherine; and rivers Ouachita, Caddo or Little Missouri. You’ll find that opportunities are plentiful in this region to camp, swim, bird watch, water ski, and more. Add to this the opportunities to shop, dine, golf, and even dig for diamonds—literally—and there’s truly something in the Ouachitas for every member of the family to enjoy.
Hot Spots
-
Lake Ouachita: Lake Ouachita is a great fishery for targeting largemouth bass, as well as stripers, crappie, catfish, and walleye. This 40,000-acre lake holds primarily clear water with a few stained creeks scattered about.
-
Lake Hamilton (Below Blakely Dam): You can venture below Blakely Dam onto the headwaters of Lake Hamiliton to target rainbow trout in this region. These trout are stocked annually starting in November at a size big enough to catch, to provide anglers in the southern part of the state with the opportunity to fish for trout. But this opportunity expires once the water begins to warm in March.
-
DeGray Lake: DeGray Lake offers a wide array of angling opportunities. This impoundment on the Caddo River is a more modest 13,400 acres as compared to the massive Ouachita. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in opportunity, with great bass, striped bass, and hybrid bass fishing. If you like to get out of the wind when you fish, you can take your pick of the near countless coves on DeGray and likely find one all to yourself.
-
Caddo River: If you’re looking for a pristine smallmouth fishery, you’ll find one flowing from the Ouachita Mountains down to DeGray Lake by the name of the Caddo River. Blanketed with gravel and rock and sprinkled with boulders and deeper pools, the Caddo River is perfect for floating in search of a monster smallmouth.
-
Ouachita River: The Ouachita River flows into this region from the northwest corner all the way out of the Ouachitas through the southeast corner. Along that pathway, dams have been constructed to form Lakes Ouachita, Hamilton, and Catherine. On these stretches of the river between these lakes, there are outstanding opportunities to catch several species of bass, catfish, crappie, bream, walleye, and even trout.
When To Go
-
Lake Ouachita: March – August
-
Lake Hamilton: November – March
-
Caddo River: June – August
-
Ouachita River: November – April
Where to Stay and Eat
-
DeGray Lake Resort State Park: Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway with the family or you need a site to host your next work conference, the DeGray Lake Resort State Park has you covered. There is an onsite restaurant, a 300-seat conference center, 90 rooms in the lodge, and 113 campsites. There’s even an 18-hole championship golf course on site.
-
Riverview Cabins and Canoe: Perched right on the edge of the Ouachita River, Riverview Cabins and Canoes is the perfect little hideaway to go enjoy a week in the woods listening to the river wash by while it carries your cares away with it. Whether you want horseback trail riding, mountain biking, hiking, ATVs, or just plain chilling out, these cabins are for you.
-
Rockhound Boutique: Built in 1920, the Rockhound Boutique is likely a little off the beaten path for most anglers, just up the road from Twin Creeks on Lake Ouachita. But if you have a keen interest in geodes, you’ll find your people here. Mount Ida is known as the Quartz Crystal Capitol of the World, hosting the annual World Championship Quartz Crystal Dig. Worth a look if you’re interested in an eccentric spot with modern amenities and a whole lot of history.
-
Mountain Harbor Resort and Lake Ouachita State Park: The Mountain Harbor Resort at Lake Ouachita is spread out over 900 acres of Lake Ouachita State Park. Accommodations include cabanas, guest rooms, cottages, studios, camp sites, and more. The Harbor Lodge Restaurant is open for all three meals 7 days a week from March through Thanksgiving. Boat slips, spa treatments, and more are available here on the shores of Lake Ouachita.
-
Caddo River Camping & Canoe: If you’re up for a little float trip, the folks at Caddo River Camping & Canoe can hook you up. They provide the rafts, tubes, kayaks, and canoes for you to be able to set sail on a peaceful stretch of the Caddo River just above DeGray Lake. Take in the scenery, enjoy the tranquility, and make memories—whether you’re just going for a float or opt to stay overnight in one of their various camp sites. There’s even a bathhouse with indoor plumbing and hot showers in case you’re not in the mood to really rough it. Cabins and bunkhouses are available too.
-
PH Property Management: Looking for a luxury stay on the shores of the Caddo River and want a place all to yourself? Try the Surf Shack! This beautiful home sleeps 16. It’s a great place to get away with the whole family, the bridal party or all your buddies and then some.
-
Shangri-La Resort: Just down the road from Hot Springs on the shores of Lake Ouachita, the Shangri-La Resort has everything the angler needs, including a marina, lodging, a cafe, and the best pies.
-
Burl’s Smokehouse: If you find yourself on the south side of Lake Ouachita traveling on Highway 270, be sure to stop by Burl’s Smokehouse. Essentially a functioning museum with more antiques and ambiance than a Cracker Barrel, this place is a spectacle to behold. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll probably even be holding one of Burl’s famous dinner-plate-sized cinnamon rolls before you know it.
-
Cajun Boilers: Near Lake Hamilton and have a hankering for gumbo, étouffée, shrimp and grits, or boudin? The crew at Cajun Boilers knows just how to scratch that itch. One of the finest eateries in Hot Springs, this place packs your plate full of food at a fair price.
-
Ari’s Little Italy Restaurant: In or near Glenwood and more interested in some Italian cuisine? Try Ari’s Little Italy Restaurant. Ari’s offers more than the run of the meal pizza and spaghetti. This little hole-in-the-wall find has homemade pastas, soups, and pizzas as well as rare authentic dishes like veal picatta, tilapia alla ari, seafood fettuccine alfredo, and lobster ravioli.
-
Sunbay Resort: Over on Lake Hamilton, you’ll find the Sunbay Resort. Stop in for a meal at the Back Porch Grill, stay the night or the week in the lo
THE 1871 CLUB
