Arkansas, the Natural State, is a premier freshwater destination featuring world-class trout tailwaters in the Ozarks and expansive reservoirs for trophy bass. From the clear waters of Lake Ouachita to the legendary White River, anglers can target a diverse range of species including largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye, and record-setting trout.
Species & Seasons
Largemouth Bass
Open year-round; the statewide daily limit is 10, though length limits (often 12-15 inches) vary significantly by lake and reservoir.
Trout (Rainbow and Brown)
Open year-round on major tailwaters; the daily limit is 5, with only one larger than 14 inches allowed; special bait restrictions apply in catch-and-release areas.
Crappie
Open year-round with peak activity from March to May; the statewide daily limit is 30, with a 10-inch minimum length limit on most major reservoirs.
Striped Bass
Open year-round; best fished in early spring and late fall in deep reservoirs; the daily limit is 3 fish, though specific lakes like Ouachita have varied rules.
Walleye
Best during the spring spawning run in late February and March; the daily limit is 6 fish with a minimum length of 18 inches in many waters.
Smallmouth Bass
Open year-round in Ozark and Ouachita mountain streams; the daily limit is 4, and specific length limits apply to protect stream populations.
Catfish (Channel, Blue, and Flathead)
Open year-round and highly active in summer months; the daily limit is 10 for most species, with no limit on Channel Catfish under 16 inches in many lakes.
Top Waters
White River
World-renowned for trophy brown and rainbow trout fishing below Bull Shoals Dam.
Lake Ouachita
Arkansas's largest lake, famous for its crystal clear water and exceptional striped bass and largemouth bass fishing.
Bull Shoals Lake
A massive Ozark reservoir spanning the Missouri border, prized for walleye, smallmouth, and largemouth bass.
Greers Ferry Lake
A deep, clear lake in the foothills of the Ozarks known for holding world-record hybrid bass and walleye.
Lake Dardanelle
A premier river-fed reservoir on the Arkansas River that hosts numerous professional bass fishing tournaments.
Beaver Lake
A primary destination in Northwest Arkansas for striped bass, crappie, and tournament-grade largemouth bass.
Little Red River
Home to the former world-record brown trout, offering miles of premier cold-water trout tailwater.
Arkansas River
Provides excellent opportunities for large blue and flathead catfish as well as competitive bass fishing.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Arkansas's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Gaston's White River Resort
Charter/GuideLakeview, AR
One of the most famous trout fishing resorts in the country offering professional guided trips on the White River.
Stetson's on the White
Charter/GuideFlippin, AR
A premier fishing resort specializing in guided trout excursions and luxury riverfront lodging.
Action Fishing Trips
Charter/GuideHot Springs, AR
Professional guide service specializing in striped bass and largemouth bass on Lake Ouachita.
Miller’s Family Fly Fishing
Charter/GuideCotter, AR
Experienced fly fishing guides offering instructional and trophy trips on the White and North Fork rivers.
Rising River Guides
Charter/GuideCotter, AR
Expert drift boat and wade fishing trips on the White and North Fork Rivers.
The Tackle Box
Bait & Tackle ShopLittle Rock, AR
A long-standing local shop providing live bait, tackle, and specialized gear for Central Arkansas anglers.
Hook Line & Sinker
Bait & Tackle ShopRogers, AR
Full-service fishing shop serving the Beaver Lake community with a large selection of tackle and bait.
Fish N Stuff
Bait & Tackle ShopSherwood, AR
A specialist in tournament bass fishing tackle, electronics, and professional-grade gear.
Gene’s Trout Resort
Bait & Tackle ShopSalesville, AR
Riverside shop providing essential trout tackle, live bait, and gear for the North Fork and White Rivers.
Whispering Brook Trout Resort
Bait & Tackle ShopSalesville, AR
Features a tackle shop focused on the unique fly and lure needs of North Fork River anglers.
Iron Mountain Marina
MarinaArkadelphia, AR
Full-service marina on Lake DeGray offering boat rentals, slips, and fishing supplies.
Brady Mountain Resort & Marina
MarinaRoyal, AR
A premier facility on Lake Ouachita providing marina services, boat rentals, and easy access to top fishing spots.
Sugar Loaf Marina
MarinaHigden, AR
Located on Greers Ferry Lake, this marina offers fuel, tackle, and boat storage for recreational anglers.
Prairie Creek Marina
MarinaRogers, AR
Servicing Beaver Lake with a variety of slips, rentals, and a fully stocked store for lake visitors.
Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock
MarinaBull Shoals, AR
Providing boat rentals, guided fishing, and full marina services on the Bull Shoals reservoir.
Sportsman’s Resort
MarinaLakeview, AR
Located on the banks of the White River, offering boat docks and trout fishing support.
McLellan’s Fly Shop
Fly ShopFayetteville, AR
A dedicated fly fishing shop offering high-end rods, reels, and custom fly tying supplies.
Dally’s Ozark Fly Fisher
Fly ShopCotter, AR
The center for Ozark fly fishing culture, specializing in large streamers for trophy White River trout.
Rim Shoals Fly Shop
Fly ShopMountain Home, AR
Conveniently located on the White River, providing expert advice and premium fly fishing gear.
Ozark Angler
Fly ShopLittle Rock, AR
Supplying Central Arkansas with top-tier fly fishing equipment and guided trip coordination.
H2O Sportz & Marine
Boat DealerSherwood, AR
A major dealer for Ranger and Triton fishing boats with a full-service maintenance department.
Futrell Marine
Boat DealerHot Springs, AR
Offering a large inventory of bass boats, pontoons, and outboard engines for the Hot Springs area.
Horizon Trike & Marine
Boat DealerClarksville, AR
Family-owned dealership providing boat sales and repair services for River Valley anglers.
Bradford Marine & ATV
Boat DealerNorth Little Rock, AR
Selling and servicing major aluminum and fiberglass fishing boat brands.
South Arkansas Marine
Boat DealerEl Dorado, AR
Marine dealership serving Southern Arkansas with a selection of fishing boats and motors.
Snyder’s Custom Rods
Rod BuilderMountain Home, AR
Customized fishing rods built to specific angler requirements for both trout and tournament bass.
Denali Rods
Rod BuilderMountain Home, AR
An Arkansas-based manufacturer producing high-performance fishing rods designed for various bass techniques.
Hammer Rods
Rod BuilderHarrison, AR
Specializes in high-sensitivity, handcrafted rods designed and assembled in Arkansas.
Eltis Custom Rods
Rod BuilderBenton, AR
A local custom builder focused on high-quality components and personalized rod aesthetics.
Ark Rods
Rod BuilderFlippin, AR
Innovation-driven company focused on developing lightweight and strong fishing rods for professionals.
Catch more Arkansas fish — free
Create a free account and unlock the full angling toolkit:
Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.