There’s just something about fishing an Arkansas lake. It’s not just about the catch, though a heavy stringer is always good. It’s about the moment. It’s the way the morning mist hangs over quiet, glassy water. It’s the sound of a bass breaking the surface in a shady cove. It’s the feeling of being completely away from the noise. If you’ve ever felt the pull of that experience, then you know exactly why we’re talking about the best fishing lakes in Arkansas today.
But let’s be real: not every fishing spot is created equal. Some places feel more like a crowded parking lot than a peaceful escape. You’re not just looking for a place to fish. You’re looking for a destination—a place where the scenery is half the fun, where the views are as rewarding as the fishing.
You want a lake that makes you want to put your phone down and just take it all in. You want a spot that’s fun, plain and simple. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve scoured The Natural State to find those perfect blends of incredible fishing and absolutely stunning landscapes.
We’re talking about lakes where the fishing is truly fantastic, and the shores are something you’ll remember long after you’ve packed up the tackle box. So, if you’re ready to find your new favorite spot, let’s dive into the definitive guide to the most scenic and fun best fishing lakes in Arkansas.
Best Fishing Lakes in Arkansas: Anglers’ Guide to Catching
Norfork Lake
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains near Mountain Home, Norfork Lake is a true gem. This secluded, clean, and clear freshwater lake offers over 22,000 acres of water to explore. Its un-commercialized shoreline gives it a peaceful, wide-open feel that is hard to find.
Anglers love the variety at Norfork Lake. You can target striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and walleye. The lake provides both shallow coves and deep channels to work with. With several marinas and public access points, planning a trip is simple. It’s easy to see why this is one of the best fishing lakes in Arkansas for a quiet, productive day on the water.
Bull Shoals Lake
As the largest lake in Arkansas, Bull Shoals is a must-visit. This massive reservoir in the Ozarks, near the town of Bull Shoals, is famous for its deep, clear water. It boasts over 1,000 miles of shoreline, ensuring you’ll always find a spot. It’s remarkably clean and quiet, even on weekends.
The fishing at Bull Shoals is top-tier for largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie. You can fish rocky points, brush piles, and underwater ledges that attract fish all year. For a big lake experience that still feels peaceful, Bull Shoals stands out among the best fishing lakes in Arkansas.
Lake Dardanelle
Sitting on the Arkansas River, Lake Dardanelle is a massive 34,300-acre reservoir with non-stop action. Its location near Russellville makes it very accessible. Bass tournaments are huge here, and for good reason—the largemouth bass fishing is fantastic.
You’ll also find great numbers of catfish, crappie, white bass, and bream. Lake Dardanelle’s steady fish movement keeps things interesting. What makes it special is the variety: you can fish backwater areas, the main river channel, or around flooded timber.
For anglers who want constant activity, Lake Dardanelle is definitely one of the best fishing lakes in Arkansas.
Millwood Lake
Down in southwest Arkansas, Millwood Lake is a 29,500-acre reservoir known as a bass fishing paradise. It’s a go-to spot for largemouth bass, drawing serious anglers from all over. You can also catch crappie, catfish, and bream.
Fishing at Millwood Lake can be a fun challenge because of all the underwater cover, like stumps and logs. But that’s what makes landing a big one so rewarding. With plenty of boat ramps and access points, it’s easy to get out on the water.
If you’re looking for a rewarding challenge, Millwood Lake secures its place as one of the best fishing lakes in Arkansas.
Lake Greeson
Located just north of Murfreesboro, Lake Greeson is a true hidden gem. This reservoir on the Little Missouri River covers 7,260 acres and is known for its fantastic water quality and beautiful scenery. The shoreline is not overdeveloped, giving it a natural, peaceful feel.
Anglers come to Lake Greeson for a great mix of fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye. The deep, clear water is surrounded by rocky bluffs and timber, which creates perfect hiding spots for fish.
For a lake that offers both a challenge and a beautiful setting, Lake Greeson is absolutely one of the best fishing lakes in Arkansas.
Beaver Lake
Up in northwest Arkansas, Beaver Lake is a massive, 28,000-acre reservoir that is a favorite for many. It stretches for 70 miles and has an incredible 487 miles of natural shoreline. The water is deep and clear, which is ideal for the lake’s healthy populations of bass, including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.
You can also catch crappie, walleye, stripers, and catfish. Beaver Lake’s long, winding shape is key, creating countless coves, points, and rocky bluffs to explore. For its size and variety, Beaver Lake easily earns its spot among the best fishing lakes in Arkansas.
DeGray Lake
DeGray Lake, situated on the Caddo River in southwest Arkansas, is a fantastic all-around destination. This 13,800-acre reservoir is famous for its excellent bass fishing, with healthy numbers of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.
But that’s not all; you’ll also find plenty of crappie, catfish, bream, and hybrid striped bass. Beyond the fishing, DeGray Lake is known for its beautiful camping facilities and unique geological formations along the shoreline. It’s a complete outdoor experience. For a reliable and scenic fishing trip, DeGray Lake is unquestionably one of the best fishing lakes in Arkansas.
Arkansas Lakes Have Lots of Fish!
From the quiet coves of Norfork to the sprawling waters of Bull Shoals, each of these lakes offers its own unique brand of fishing magic. The hardest part isn’t finding a great spot to fish; it’s deciding which one to try first.
So grab your gear, pick a lake from this list, and see for yourself. Get out there and create your own story on one of the best fishing lakes in Arkansas.