Fishing in Arkansas
With the four distinctive seasons and moderate weather, even during the winter months, Arkansas has some of the best year round fishing available, which makes the Natural State ideal for vacation fishing trips.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN ARKANSAS
LAKE OUACHITA STATE PARK
This park is a water sports mecca where anglers can fish for bream, crappie, catfish, stripers, and largemouth bass.
WELLS LAKE
The lake contains largemouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout.
MACARTHUR PARK
The park's pond has several fish species such as largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish and trout.
GET AN ARKANSAS FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN ARKANSAS
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
RAINBOW TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The rainbow trout is an extremely valuable species in any and all of its forms.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Light (2-8 lbs) spinning rod |
| Reel | 1500 spinning reel |
| Line | 2-4 pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Deli Shrimp, Dew Worm, Krill, Marshmellow, Single Salmon Egg, Artificial Baits |
BLUEGILL
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Today the bluegill is one of the most popular panfish species in North America.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 4-or-5 weight fly rod (most effective) or ultra-light spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 3-4 pound-test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small Worms, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Hotdog, Doughballs, Small Spinnerbaits like Beetlespins or Tiny jigs |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 12-13 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-pound line |
| Lure | Small Hook, Worms, Crickets, Earthworms, Red Wigglers, Grubs (use a floater and a sinker as well) |
CHANNEL CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
