Arkansas · Fishing
Fishing in Arkansas
Arkansas puts a surprising range of fishing within reach, whether you're wading a Ozark river for smallmouth bass or standing on a tailwater below a dam with a fly rod.
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View on mapFishing · 62 spots
Arkansas puts a surprising range of fishing within reach, whether you're wading a Ozark river for smallmouth bass or standing on a tailwater below a dam with a fly rod. The Buffalo National River corridor — including Steel Creek near Jasper and Buffalo Point near Yellville — offers solid river fishing for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and bream at elevations around 1,050 feet, with clear water that rewards anglers who can read current. Down in the Arkansas River Valley, spots like Old Post Road and Aux Arc near Ozark give you access to slower, warmer water and a different mix of species. For trout, the Norfork Dam Tailwater near Calico Rock and the Greers Ferry Lake Dam Tailwater near Greers Ferry are the standout destinations — both are designated fly fishing waters holding brown trout and rainbow trout. Greers Ferry Lake itself, accessed near Heber Springs at 462 feet elevation, rounds out the options with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and walleye in a single body of water. With 62 active listings spread across river, lake, pier, and surf fishing access points from the Ozarks to the Delta, Arkansas has enough variety to fill multiple trips.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best spots in Arkansas for trout fishing?
The Norfork Dam Tailwater near Calico Rock and the Greers Ferry Lake Dam Tailwater near Greers Ferry are the two primary trout fisheries in the listings, both holding brown trout and rainbow trout. These are tailwater rivers fed by cold releases from their respective dams, which keeps water temperatures fishable year-round. Both are rated moderate difficulty, so some experience with reading moving water helps.
Is fly fishing the only option on the tailwaters, or can I use conventional gear?
The Norfork and Greers Ferry tailwaters are listed as fly fishing access points, which typically signals that sections near the dam are fly-fishing-only or heavily favored for that technique. Check current Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations for the specific boundaries of any gear restrictions before you go, as these rules can vary by river section and season.
What species can I target at Greers Ferry Lake?
Greers Ferry Lake near Heber Springs holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and walleye. It's rated easy access and sits at 462 feet elevation. Striped bass and walleye make it a more diverse fishery than most Arkansas lakes, so it's worth the trip if you want to mix up your targets in a single outing.
What skill level do I need for fishing the Buffalo National River?
The Steel Creek access near Jasper is rated moderate difficulty. The Buffalo runs clear over gravel and rock, so you'll be wading uneven substrate and casting to structure — manageable for intermediate anglers but not ideal for beginners who haven't waded moving water before. Smallmouth bass are the main draw, with catfish and bream rounding out the catch.
Are there fishing options in Arkansas that don't require wading or a boat?
Yes. Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area near Marianna offers pier fishing, and there are multiple surf fishing access points including Hickory Creek Park near Lowell, Rocky Branch Campground near Rogers, and Prairie Creek near Prairie Creek. These are generally the most accessible options for anglers who want to fish from shore without specialized gear or wading equipment.
