Bass Fishing In Arkansas

Guide to fishing for spotted, smallmouth and largemouth bass.

By Rick Seaman

Arkansas Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in Arkansas is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass fishing basics video.

Bass Fishing In The State

Largemouth Bass Fishing In Arkansas

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Arkansas. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Arkansas. The state record largemouth bass is over 16 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Arkansas

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 7 pounds.

Smallmouth bass are bronze-colored fighters that can be found in clear, rocky streams and rivers, particularly in the Ozark and Ouachita regions. Spring and early summer are prime seasons for smallmouth bass fishing, as the fish become more active and are more likely to strike artificial lures. Anglers can target smallmouth bass using techniques such as casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or tube baits near rocky structures and current breaks.

Spotted Bass Fishing In Arkansas

Spotted bass, also known as Kentucky bass, are another prized species for Arkansas anglers. Found in many of the state's lakes and reservoirs, spotted bass offer a mix of aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They tend to prefer clearer water and can often be found near points, rocky banks, and submerged structures. Similar to largemouth bass, spring and fall are optimal seasons for targeting spotted bass, with anglers using a variety of lures such as jigs, crankbaits, or swimbaits.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Arkansas

Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing. Some of the top bass lakes in Arkansas include Beaver Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, DeGray Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Chicot, Lake Conway, Lake Dardanelle, Lake Greeson, Lake Hamilton, Lake Jack Lee, Lake Maumelle, Lake Millwood, Lake Ouachita, Nimrod Lake, Norfork Lake and White Oak Lake. You are likely to find exceptional bass fishing on some private ponds as well.

Arkansas provides ample opportunities for bass anglers of all skill levels. With its diverse lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, the state offers a wide range of habitats and fishing experiences. Whether casting for largemouth bass, tackling smallmouth bass in rocky streams, or targeting spotted bass in clear-water reservoirs, Arkansas is a bass fishing paradise for anglers seeking thrilling action and the chance to catch trophy-sized fish.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Arkansas this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Arkansas State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Mallard Lake.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Bull Shoals Lake.

The state record spotted bass was caught out of Bull Shoals Lake.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Arkansas.

Catch big bass!

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Natural State.

Bass fishing information by state.

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