Unlock the Great Outdoors
Why limit yourself to public land when there are millions of acres of private land to explore.
Freshwater Fishing in Arkansas
Arkansas Fishing at a Glance
Arkansas has around 90,000 miles of rivers and streams, over 2400 lakes and ponds, and many state parks — each with their own unique ecosystem.
Choose from Millwood State Park’s legendary largemouth bass habitat or calm float streams at Withrow Springs State Park, ideal for smallmouth bass enthusiasts,
There are a few different types of freshwater fishing: river and stream fishing, lake fishing, and pond fishing. For all three types, you will need a valid Arkansas Fishing License.
Arkansas ranks #12 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enhtusiasts with over 17.4% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- Arkansas has 90,000+ miles of rivers and streams, 2400+ lakes and ponds, and various state parks
- Millwood State Park and Withrow Springs State Park are popular spots for largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing
- You will need a valid Arkansas Fishing License for river/stream, lake, or pond fishing
- Arkansas ranks #12 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita with over 17.4% of the population holding fishing licenses
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 3,011,524 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 523,320 |
| Fishing License % | 17.38% |
| Hunters Rank | 12 |
The state of Arkansas is mostly private land with just 11.9% of acres considered public land -ranking #22 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 33,328,000 | ||
| Public | 3,949,900 | 11.85% | 22 |
| Private | 29,378,100 | 88.15% | 27 |
| Tribal | 0 | 0.00% | no tribal land |
Arkansas Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Arkansas DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Arkansas DNR
2 Natural Resources Dr.
Little Rock, AR 72205
- (800) 364-4263
Anglers across Arkansas know just how popular river and stream fishing can be. It’s no wonder when you consider the variety of species on offer, such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, trout and walleye. Largemouth bass are a prized catch throughout the state – renowned in equal parts for their impressive size and spirited determination. Meanwhile, smallmouth bass provide an equally exciting challenge with their vibrant colors and plentiful presence in local waterways. Catfish also command attention from fishermen thanks to their deliciously flavorful meat. What’s more, anglers need not look far for a tasty meal of crappie or a satisfying fight with a walleye. And who can forget the thrill of catching a trout on the fly? It all goes to show why river and stream fishing is so incredibly popular.
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Fishing private land in Arkansas
Fishing on private land in Arkansas has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Arkansas or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Beaver Lake
2. Buffalo National River
3. Greers Ferry Lake
4. Lake Conway
5. Lake Ouachita
Fishing private land in Arkansas
Fishing on private land in Arkansas has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Arkansas or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.