Here in the Natural State, a better question than where to fish is where can I not fish? With plentiful lakes, rivers and ponds, a fishing hole near you is only a few minutes away. It is important to not fish on private property without prior approval from private owners and to not trespass while fishing. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is dedicated to keeping our many public waters stocked with all different types of fish.
Reading the Waters
It’s helpful to know where fish may be hiding so you can target them better, or read the water. In lakes, fish usually hang out in or around weeds and downed trees close to shore. They might also congregate near drop-offs; for this reason, some lakes are easier to fish if you have access to a canoe or kayak.
Similar tactics apply to rivers, where you’ll want to look for places that may provide good cover—logjams or overhanging banks, for example—since a fish’s main objective beyond finding food is hiding from predators.
Find the Best Fishing Spot Near Me
With an abundance of fishing options in Central Arkansas, the hardest part is deciding where to go. Whether you live in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Cabot or Benton, you can find safe access to fishing spots along the Arkansas River. From Two Rivers Park, west of I-430, to Cooks Landing or Murray Park close to the Big Dam Bridge, you and your family can enjoy fishing the vast river trails with convenient parking and easy fishing access.
Famous for its world-class trout fishing, Bull Shoals-White River State Park lies along the shores of both Bull Shoals Lake and the White River. The park also offers scenic hiking and biking as well as over 100 campsites. Park close to the shoreline and get fishing!
Because of the size of the lake which has about 483 miles of shoreline, 50 miles long with a surface area of 31,700 acres, it never gets to be very crowded nearby Beaver Lake. You can start at Beaver Lake State Park, with convenient parking, picnic areas and natural views before exploring the shoreline for more fishing spots.
Man-made in 1937, Craighead Forest Park is now a city-owned park that is situated in the scenic beauty of Crowley’s Ridge. This 692-acre park offers many recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy, including hiking and fishing. Craighead Forest Park is located at 4910 South Culberhouse Road in Jonesboro Arkansas.
If None of those Locations Work, You Can Try:
Nearby Ponds
If you’re ready to go and need some inspiration, try taking your kids out to your neighborhood pond. Some neighborhood ponds are for residents only, so pay attention to the signs when searching for a good fishing spot. If you can’t find a decent pond near you, try looking up a state park.
State Parks
There are over 50 different state parks in Arkansas with access to 12 rivers and 29 sparkling lakes. There’s no shortage of bank fishing opportunities in Arkansas, to say the least!
Many state parks offer car camping or RV hookups, hiking and biking trails and scenic views. Look up your nearest state park for days of affordable and relaxing outdoor adventures.
Lakes
The Natural State is spotted with beautiful blue lakes and tons of fishing opportunities. It is important to remember you cannot legally fish within 100 yards of any dam and within the outlet channels of Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative, the Hydroelectric Plant at Barling and the Murray Hydroelectric Plant at North Little Rock.
Rivers
With over 12 rivers in Arkansas, you can fish along the banks of any of Arkansas’ rivers. Be sure to take care not to wade into flowing rivers as they can be dangerous to adults and children alike. Read more about fishing safety with kids here.
