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Cooks Lake

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Arkansas, United States

5.0·3 catches

Top fish species at Cooks Lake

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Check which species have trophy potential in Cooks Lake

Cooks Lake fishing reports

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Black crappie

length · weight

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Black crappie

length · weight

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Alligator gar

length · weight

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General info

Cooks Lake is a lake located in Calhoun County, Arkansas, United States. It is most popular for fishing Black crappie and Alligator gar.

Location

33°25′36.9″N 92°32′55.4″W
Directions

Fishing regulations at Cooks Lake, AR

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.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Black crappie

Black crappie

Regulation boundaryArkansas State Waters
Bag limit30

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Aggregate limit30

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
No size limit. No closed season. For area-specific regulations, see Arkansas special area-specific regulations.
Edibility
Excellent! Catch, Clean, Cook Black Crappie aka Speckled Perch
Synonyms
Calico bass, Pomoxis nigromaculatus, Speckled Perch
Season open: year-round
Alligator gar

Alligator gar

Regulation boundaryArkansas State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Max size36" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Additional information
Daily limit of 1 alligator gar under 36 inches. Call (800)482-9262 to report any harvest of alligator gar. All harvested alligator gar must be tagged by an AGFC fisheries biologist before transporting from the waterbody where taken. Trophy Alligator Gar (over 36-inches): *An Alligator Gar Trophy Tag (AGT) is required to harvest alligator gar over 36 inches. *Fishermen may apply for a free Alligator Gar Trophy Tag (AGT) Nov. 1-Dec. 31 through the AGFC Licensing System. A limited number of Alligator Gar Trophy Tags will be drawn Jan. 2. A valid Arkansas fishing license (unless exempt) is also required *If received, the Alligator Gar Trophy Tag (AGT) allows for the harvest of 1 alligator gar over 36 inches for that calendar year. *Alligator Gar over 36 inches may not be taken from noon May 1-noon July 1. For area-specific regulations, see Arkansas special area-specific regulations.
Edibility
Poor. Check out this monster alligator gar caught by BlueGabe!
Synonyms
Atractosteus spatula
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Local laws and licenses

Arkansas fishing license

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Reviews of Cooks Lake

5.0
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1 ratings

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Cities nearby

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8.8 miles away

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24.3 miles away

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Sparkman

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Rye

38.8 miles away

Crossett

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Lacey

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Magnolia

40.4 miles away

Marion

40.5 miles away

Bernice

41.9 miles away

Whelen Springs

43.5 miles away

Rosston

43.6 miles away

Emerson

43.8 miles away

Staves

44.5 miles away

Farmerville

45.8 miles away

Woodlawn

47.2 miles away

Leola

51.4 miles away

Gum Springs

54.1 miles away

Sheridan

60.7 miles away

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FAQ about Cooks Lake fishing

📍 Where is Cooks Lake located?
Cooks Lake is a lake located in Calhoun County, Arkansas, United States. Its coordinates are:
33°25′36.9″N 92°32′55.4″W
.
🎣 Where on Cooks Lake is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Cooks Lake by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Cooks Lake?
The most common species in Cooks Lake are:
📢 What are the latest Cooks Lake fishing reports?
The latest Cooks Lake fishing reports are:
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Cooks Lake?

Fishing in Arkansas requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident, non-resident, short-term, and combination options, available online and at authorized vendors.

In Arkansas, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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