What is the best month to catch crappie in Arkansas?

February to early March is one of the best times to catch crappie in Arkansas. However, you can catch crappie all year-round in Arkansas.

How much is a non-resident Arkansas fishing license?

A basic non-resident fishing license is $50. A trout permit is $12 on top of that fee. Non-residents can get fishing trip licenses ranging from 3 days to 14 days.

What is the biggest fish in Arkansas?

The largest fish ever caught on record in Arkansas is an Alligator Gar caught in 1964. It weighed in a 215 lbs caught in the Arkansas River.

What kind of fish are in the White River Arkansas?

There are many more species of fish in the White River, but the top species are Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye.

Where can you trout fish in Arkansas?

Trout fishing is prevalent in Arkansas due to its river systems and climate. Here are few places are known for excellent trout fishing. The White River, Norfork River, The Little Red River, Spring River, and Dry Run Creek.

Where is the best crappie fishing in Arkansas?

Lake Dardanelle is ranked #9 in the US for the quantity of fish. This 34,300-acre lake in Russellville, AR. The combination of Lake and River makes this a great fishing spot.

Arkansas Fishing Guides - Top AR Fishing Charters in 2020

Fishing In Arkansas

If a state were made for people who love the outdoors, this would be it. With activities ranging from biking, hunting, fishing, caverns, and hot springs. Its fishing is one of it's most popular, and it's fishing opportunities in this state are limitless.

Arkansas has over 9,000 miles of rivers and streams. Many of the lakes are crystal clear and cover 600,000 acres of Arkansas. With its wide range of rivers and lakes, we are impressed with the number of fish species that can be enjoyed by an angler for a state without coastlines.

The famous lakes and rivers are obvious choices, but let us tell you about a hidden gem called the St. Francis River Sunken Lands. Our fishing reporters say the area has some insanely good spotted bass fishing, where anglers can hit their weight limit in as little as an hour with an excellent guide.

Best Fishing in Arkansas
Beaver Lake Fishing
- The location of this lake near Rogers is about as convenient as it gets for finding an affordable bass fishing guide. This is a lake stocked full with white bass and striped bass. The upper portion of the lake, located where the White River and the War Eagle join the lake, is a spot we recommend for getting the most out of the lakes abundant fish numbers.
- The Arkansas state record striped bass was caught nearby in the Tailwater section of this lake and weighed 64 lbs, 8 oz. Beaver Lake is massive at 28,000 acres, so if you can't make it to the northern portion, there are many other spots to fish.
- This lake is a popular destination during the fall months with its changing colors and crystal clear waters. During the fall, look to enjoy some walleye fishing on Beaver Lake. Crappie fishing on Beaver Lake is always an option. Look at the springtime to heavily target the tasty and hard fighting crappie.
The White River Fishing
- Arkansas river fishing at it's finest. This river is located in Northwest Arkansas and is excellent for those fishing from a boat or fly fishing while wading in its pristine trout-filled waters.
- A common question is, "When is the best time to fish this river?". First, we should tell you that this river is controlled by a dam called a Tail Water System. This means that the flow is controlled by the dam and not by the seasons. All of this to say, the trout are consistent throughout the year, and winter months have the least fishing pressure and smaller crowds.
Little Red River Fishing
- Anglers who love trout fishing will be pleased to know the world record for the largest brown trout weighed an incredible 40 pounds and came from this gem of a river in Arkansas. The trout population here is one of the best in the state, with rainbow trout stocked often, and brown trout stocked methodically. The river is 29 miles long and is located in northern Arkansas.
- Blue-winged olive flys are a popular choice here for fly fishermen during March, April, August, September, and October. Some of your most accessible access points can be found in the upper sections of the river. Fishing from a boat is highly recommended since most of the shoreline is privately owned.
Lake DeGray Fishing
- Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass are often targetted on this 13,400-acre lake. The daily combined limit for these black bass is 6. Located near central Arkansas and not too far from the famed flyway for ducks and geese, makes it a perfect vacation destination for any hunter or angler. We recommend camping at one of their many campsites before you join your Lake DeGray fishing guide for some excellent fishing.
Lake Ouachita Fishing
- Located a short drive fro the famous vacation destination of Hot Springs, Arkansas, it's the largest man-made lake in the state. When you jump on your guide's boat, and the first thing you'll notice is the crystal clear water and beautiful surroundings this lake offers.
- During the summer months, keep a poll read for catfish. The state record channel catfish was caught on this lake, weighing in at 38 pounds! In other months it's all about catching big stripers!
Bulls Shoals Lake
- A fishing paradise reservoir created in the 1940s. This is a border lake, and precautions need to be made for the difference in regulations between Arkansas and Missouri. Numerous fish were stocked into this lake a couple of years ago, and the fish are now primed to be meet the legal catching limits in the year 2020. Man-made fish structures were installed by the state of Missouri, now is the time to reel in the benefits of the work recently put into this lake.
Other Fishing Spots
- Buena Vista, Arkansas River, Lake Maumelle, Greers Ferry Lake, and Mallard Lake
Fishing Licenses and Regulations

With the number of fish species, border lakes, and high levels of environmental protection, it's essential to research the rules and regulations before you grab your pole and head out to meet your fishing guide.

A non-resident fishing license can be purchased for as little as $16 for 3 days. If your planning to fish for trout, you will also need a non-resident trout permit, which costs $20.

A Resident Trout Permit will cost $10, and you will also be required to have a Resident Fishing License. If you purchase just the 3-day license, it costs $6.50.

If you find yourself partaking in the exciting adventure of fishing for Alligator Gar, then you will need an Alligator Gar Fishing Permit. These permits are free.

Now let's talk border state lakes. Arkansas has made it simple by selling the White River Border Lakes License. This fishing license allows an Arkansas resident to fish the border lakes of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock lakes without having to have a license from Missouri.

As always, check with your local Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before heading out to enjoy your newly booked fishing guide service.