Bank Fishing Hot Spots in Arkansas
Almost half of Arkansas’ anglers fish from the bank, according to an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission survey conducted from a random sample of all fishing license holders. Arkansas boasts more than 600,000 acres of lakes and 90,000 miles of rivers and streams, providing ample opportunities for anglers to cast their lines from the bank.
Similar strategies apply whether you are fishing lakes or rivers. The primary strategy is to look for cover such as weed beds, downed trees and submerged logs. Make sure it is within casting distance.
ALL YOU NEED:
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Fishing Rod (an inexpensive one works fine)
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Sinker
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Bobber
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Bait options: crickets and worms, or lures
Hot Spots
Northwest / AR
War Eagle Creek below War Eagle Mill and at Withrow Springs State Park are easy access points. Cast right before and after the fast water for catfish, bream, perch, bass and some stream-running walleye.
North Central / AR
Crooked Creek is a Blue Ribbon Smallmouth Bass Stream. Smallmouth bass fishing is usually best when the water temperature gets above 55 degrees. Fishing usually stays good from March through late October. Try Kelley’s access, which lies at a bend on Crooked Creek in Yellville. Just above the access is the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center.
Upper Delta / AR
Popular spots along Eleven Point River that are known for holding an abundance of fish are Greer Access, Whitten Access and Turner Mill Access. The confluence points where the Eleven Point meets its Spring River and Strawberry River tributaries are also worth your time.
Lower Delta / AR
Walk along the 4.8-mile riprapped levee at Cane Creek Lake and look for flooded timber and other cover that’s within casting distance. There is parking and easy access to fishing on the north side of the lake where Bayou Bartholomew meets Cane Creek. Fishing piers on the south shore at Cane Creek State Park hold plenty of fish.
Central / AR
CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS
Hit the shoreline of Lake Conway where U.S. Highway 89 crosses the south end of the lake. There’s plenty of room to fish within 50 feet of the pavement and space for up to 30 cars to park. Parking is also available at the end of Dam Road in Mayflower. Another good place to cast is by the dirt fishing jetty just downstream from the Lake Conway Dam.
Southwest / AR
Fish attractors and gravel spawning sites within easy casting distance around the White Oak Lakes make it a great place to target bream. One of the best crappie hot spots is the “Old Folks Hole,” which is just below the dam separating the upper and lower White Oak lakes. Both offer fish an abundance of structure and cover, including dead timber, cypress trees, riprap, lily pads, points, islands and submerged creek channels.
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