The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Arkansas

Explore the best fishing spots in Arkansas, including lakes, rivers and streams. Find the perfect spot for your next fishing trip, with tips on the best fishing conditions, bait, and species to target.

Lake Ouachita

Lake Ouachita is the largest lake located completely within Arkansas. It extends 40 miles long and is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest.

Types of Fish: bass, crappie, perch, catfish, and bream
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, bait fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at various marinas around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Available at various marinas around the lake
Closest Hotels: Hotels in Hot Springs, 25 miles away
Nearest Fishing Store: Hot Springs, 25 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Restrooms, boat launch, campground, swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Hot Springs, 25 miles away

Lake Hamilton

Lake Hamilton is a 7,200-acre lake located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is a popular recreational site for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Types of Fish: bass, panfish, walleye, and catfish
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, bait fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at various marinas around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Available at various marinas around the lake
Closest Hotels: Hotels in Hot Springs, 10 miles away
Nearest Fishing Store: Hot Springs, 10 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Restrooms, boat launches, campgrounds, swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Hot Springs, 10 miles away

Lake Conway

Lake Conway is an 8,700-acre natural lake located in eastern Arkansas. It is the largest lake in Arkansas and is known for its excellent fishing and bird-watching opportunities.

Types of Fish: bass, walleye, crappie, bream, and catfish
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, bait fishing, fly-fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at various marinas around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Available at various marinas around the lake
Closest Hotels: Hotels in Mayflower, 15 miles away
Nearest Fishing Store: Mayflower, 15 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Restrooms, boat launch, campground, swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Mayflower, 15 miles away

Lake Millwood

Lake Millwood is a beautiful 29,000-acre man-made lake located in southeast Arkansas. It is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, and other recreational activities.

Types of Fish: bass, crappie, perch, catfish, and bream
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, bait fishing, fly-fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at various marinas around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Available at various marinas around the lake
Closest Hotels: Hotels in Ashdown, 10 miles away
Nearest Fishing Store: Ashdown, 10 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Restrooms, boat launches, campgrounds, swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Ashdown, 10 miles away

Lake DeGray

Lake DeGray is a 13, 800-acre lake formed by the DeGray Dam in southwest Arkansas. It is a popular fishing and recreational spot for swimming, boating, and other activities.

Types of Fish: bass, crappie, perch, catfish, and bream
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, bait fishing, fly-fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at various marinas around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Available at various marinas around the lake
Closest Hotels: Hotels in Bismarck, 10 miles away
Nearest Fishing Store: Bismarck, 10 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Restrooms, boat launch, campground, swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Bismarck, 10 miles away

Lake Maumelle

Lake Maumelle is a 2,900-acre man-made lake located near Little Rock, Arkansas. It is a popular recreational and fishing spot for locals and visitors.

Types of Fish: bass, crappie, perch, catfish, and bream
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, bait fishing, fly-fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at various marinas around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Available at various marinas around the lake
Closest Hotels: Hotels in Little Rock, 10 miles away
Nearest Fishing Store: Little Rock, 10 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Restrooms, boat launch, campground, swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Little Rock, 10 miles away

Lake Greeson

Lake Greeson is a 7,000-acre lake located in southwest Arkansas. It is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, water skiing, and boating.

Types of Fish: bass, crappie, perch, catfish, and bream
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, bait fishing, fly-fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at various marinas around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Available at various marinas around the lake
Closest Hotels: Hotels in Murfreesboro, 15 miles away
Nearest Fishing Store: Murfreesboro, 15 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Restrooms, boat launch, campground, swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Murfreesboro, 15 miles away

Lake Catherine

Lake Catherine is a 1,920-acre man-made lake located near Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating.

Types of Fish: largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, bait fishing, fly-fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at various marinas around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Available at various marinas around the lake
Closest Hotels: Hotels in Hot Springs, 10 miles away
Nearest Fishing Store: Hot Springs, 10 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Restrooms, boat launch, campground, swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Hot Springs, 10 miles away

Lake Dardanelle

Lake Dardanelle is a 34,300-acre lake located in northwest Arkansas. It is the largest lake in the state and a popular fishing spot for bass and other species.

Types of Fish: largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, bait fishing, fly-fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at various marinas around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Available at various marinas around the lake
Closest Hotels: Hotels in Russellville, 25 miles away
Nearest Fishing Store: Russellville, 25 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Restrooms, boat launch, campground, swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Russellville, 25 miles away

Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake is a 28,370-acre man-made lake located in northwest Arkansas and the Ozark Mountains. It is known for its great fishing and recreational opportunities.

Types of Fish: bass, walleye, crappie, bream, and catfish
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, bait fishing, fly-fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at various marinas around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Available at various marinas around the lake
Closest Hotels: Hotels in Rogers, 15 miles away
Nearest Fishing Store: Rogers, 15 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Restrooms, boat launch, campgrounds, swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Rogers, 15 miles away

Find Good Fishing Spots in Arkansas and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for some great fishing spots in Arkansas, then you’re in luck! The Google Map below shows some of the best lakes and fishing locations in this beautiful state. Explore what’s out there and discover some of the hidden gems that Arkansas has to offer. From bass to trout, you can find some incredible catches and create memories that will last a lifetime. So come on, take a look and see if you can find your next favorite fishing spot!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Arkansas

The weather in Arkansas is generally mild and pleasant, making it a great place for sport fishing all year round. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and wet, but generally temperatures remain mild. The spring and fall months are the perfect time to enjoy being outdoors, with temperatures ranging from warm to cool. Arkansas also offers a variety of waterways to explore, including rivers, lakes, and streams, so there are plenty of opportunities to find the best spot for fishing.