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Fishing in Arkansas

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Want trophy-size catches? These Arkansas spots deliver

About Arkansas fishing

Arkansas, “The Natural State,” is known for bass-rich lakes, trophy trout rivers, and abundant catfish. Lakes like Greers Ferry and the White River provide diverse freshwater fishing experiences, making Arkansas a top destination for anglers seeking both challenge and variety.

Arkansas fishing license

A fishing license is required in Arkansas for anglers 16+. Licenses include resident, non-resident, short-term, and combination options, available online and at authorized vendors.

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Top fish species caught in Arkansas

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Biggest catches in Arkansas

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

State records of caught fish in Arkansas

SpeciesWeightChannel catfish38 lbsRainbow trout19.1 lbsLargemouth bass16.5 lbsSpotted bass7.9 lbsSmallmouth bass7.3 lbsBluegill3.3 lbs

Latest Arkansas fishing reports

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Largemouth bass

Lake Atalanta

13 in · 1 lb

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Largemouth bass

Thomas Lake

length · weight

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Thomas Lake

length · weight

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Walleye

Kings River

length · weight

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Walleye

Kings River

length · weight

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Lake Bentonville

length · weight

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Beaver Fork Lake

length · weight

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Bluegill

Lake Elmdale

length · weight

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Bluegill

Lake Elmdale

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

Lake Sherwood

19 in · 4 lb 2 oz

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Fishing regulations in Arkansas

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Arkansas can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Spotted bass as of April 2nd, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Spotted bass

Seasons

Open

Bag limit

10

Aggregate

10
No size limit. No closed season.
For area-specific regulations, see Arkansas special area-specific regulations.
Very good

Micropterus punctulatus

Regulations for

34°44′9.6″N 92°19′52″W
Regulations in the map
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FAQ about Arkansas fishing

Fishing regulations in Arkansas, United States vary by location, species, and season. Rules may include size limits, bag limits, licensing requirements, and protected areas. Because regulations are managed locally and can change throughout the year, it's important to check the latest official guidance before fishing.

To stay up to date and avoid guesswork, use the to explore local rules, discover popular waters, and see what other anglers are catching across United States.
Some of the most popular species anglers target in Arkansas, United States include Spotted bass, Channel catfish, and Largemouth bass. The best species often depend on season, water type, and location within the country.

For more detailed, real-time insights, the shows which species are being caught near you and what baits are working best across United States.
Some of the most popular fishing spots in Arkansas, United States include Arkansas River (AR), Beaver Lake, and White River. Anglers across the country fish a wide range of waters, with opportunities varying by region and season.

With the , you can explore local hotspots anywhere in United States, see recent catches, and find out what's working near you.