Arkansas Fishing Spots, Maps and Reports

Arkansas is a land of lakes, rivers, creeks, bayous and, more importantly, both variety and trophy sized fish. Their favored species include bass, trout, walleye, crappie, and catfish but this state has much more diversity than that! In fact, Arkansas is so good for trophy fish that it boasts not one, or two, but three world records!

One of Arkansas’ world records is for hybrid bass. This state has many species of bass to angle for. Smallmouth and spotted bass swim rampant in Arkansas many clear, clean waters, and are found in the Buffalo River, Caddo River, and Norfolk Lake. For a well known largemouth bass lake visit Mallard Lake.

For varieties of bass, along with catfish and crappie, a good river is the Arkansas River that cuts across the state (along with Lake Dardanelle). Bull Shoals Lake contains numerous bass types: smallmouth, largemouth, white, and Kentucky. Lake Ouachia is a similar well diversified lake with crappie, panfish, bass, trout, and many others.

Pristine waters make this state’s trout fishing rival its bass fishing equally for the top spot in Arkansas recreational fishing. Another world record for this state is in brown trout, at forty pounds from Little Red River. For a prime trout fishing river the White River is difficult to beat, and you are likely to find bass there, too. Trout permits are required.

Walleye hardly play second fiddle in Arkansas though. The world record in walleye fishing is held by Arkansas at over twenty-two pounds! Not to mention, the World Walleye Classic is held annually on Greers Ferry Lake where the world record walleye was caught. For other lakes, Norfolk, Ouachita, and Bull Shoals are safe bets.

With Arkansas’ plentiful supply of rivers, streams, and creeks, it is no wonder that the state has such excellent fly fishing. The Little Red River is one such locale great for stocked rainbow and, of course, record breaking brown trout. In spite of its name, the Spring River provides year round good trout fishing on the fly, as well as shovelnose sturgeon, tiger muskellunge and redhorse.

Although variety is found throughout the state, not just in niches, there are some places you can go to get the most bite out of every cast or trawl! Such as Lake Ouachita, where you can catch bass, walleye, catfish, or in some spots rainbow trout.

Lest one forget, the Mississippi River runs across this state. This powerful river is a great spot for memorable fishing, especially for catfish and bass. The Arkansas state record for white bass was caught from the Mississippi River.

Regulations vary depending on where you are, the season, and many creel and length limits apply. Familiarize yourself before setting out, and make sure to obtain the proper license. Arkansas is a great opportunity for quality southern fishing that is great for a tournament pro or family fishing trip! Everyone intent on fishing in Arkansas over the age of sixteen needs a license, but there are license dealers throughout the state, or you can order by phone, or online. An ID number from a social security card, driver’s license, or passport, is necessary.

Annual and three day licenses are available for state residents and non-residents alike. Lifetime licenses are available for seniors and disabled residents. Vacationers can take advantage of a week long, or two week license. Residents are people who have lived in the state for at least sixty days, or students. Active duty Armed Services members stationed in Arkansas have resident privileges.

Get hooked in Arkansas!

Whenever you head out fishing to a new place, it's always best to speak to local anglers. Use fishing forums to ask questions and learn about the most accurate and up to date conditions.