Guide To The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In Arkansas

All about fishing for flathead, blue and channel catfish in AR.

Rivers tend to produce monster catfish more often than lakes and impoundments. Yet the lakes and impoundments tend to yield better quantities. Some of the lakes with good populations of quality catfish 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.

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in Arkansas?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

Arkansas State Record Catfish

The state record channel catfish was caught from Lake Ouachita.

The state record flathead catfish came from the Arkansas River.

The state record blue catfish came out of the Mississippi River.

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Arkansas. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Catfish Fishing Video

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

Information for states with catfish.