Fishing spots in fort smith arkansas

Don't know real close but Dardanelle, Nimrod, and Blue Mountain are good. There are several small lakes like Hinkle also. Get you a Game and Fish Atlas the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sales. It is a county by county map book with most of the access points to lakes and rivers around. Welcome to the site from Nimrod Lake. You did not mention , are you bank fishing?

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Fishing spots in fort smith arkansas
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Area Specific Regulations

  • Pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, women who are breast-feeding and children under the age of seven should not eat black bass (16 inches or longer) because of mercury contamination.
  • Others should not eat black bass over 20 inches in length and limit their consumption of black bass 16-20 inches in length to two meals a month.
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Lake

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"This RV park is a work in progress in a beautiful location along the Mulberry River. Most sites are full service with power, water and sewer. A few are tent or small camper with power and water only. The owner/ manager is very helpful and friendly. We just spent a week here and enjoyed ourselves greatly. Don't let the rustic nature of the campground keep you away, that is much of the charm of this place, mostly quiet, very dog friendly river fishing and close to the wineries and Fort Smith. What more could you want. We highly recommend this campground just don't take our space ;) Happy Camping!"

Locks and dams along the Arkansas River allow access to some of the best fishing in the country. Pools formed by these are stocked by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission with sport fish such as bass, crappie, catfish and bream, making the river a popular location for major fishing tournaments such as the Arkansas Big Bass Classic. The shallow, backwater areas adjacent to the Arkansas River are a great early season bass hot spot. You can find these backwaters almost anywhere along the river from Fort Smith to Arkansas Post. However, the lower ends of the 12 navigational pools generally contain more backwater areas than the upper ends of those pools because the water level is higher relative to the river bank in the lower ends of the pools. Saugers and whites up to three pounds are a common catch on the Arkansas River during winter. Fishing tailwaters is the way to load a stringer, with those below Ozark, Dardanelle and Murray dams among the best. Be on the water at night or just before dawn and dusk for best success.

Stripers are caught along the entire 328-mile length of the Arkansas River in Arkansas, from the river’s mouth in Desha County to Fort Smith on the Arkansas/Oklahoma border. In spring, they migrate upriver into the tailwaters below river dams. Slack-water periods, when few or no gates are open, are great times for fishing with medium-weight tackle and live minnows. Spring fishermen also congregate below the Ozark-Jetta Taylor Lock and Dam (L&D) on the lake’s upstream end and below Dardanelle L&D which impounds the lake.

Access Points: For a map that shows the 17 closest river access points for trailerable and hand boat launches CLICK HERE!

Fish found in Arkansas River: blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, sauger, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, spotted sunfish, striped sunfish, bluegill sunfish, crappie, and redear sunfish.

Autumn is the season of dynamic changes for fishermen, and sort of a mirror image of spring. Where spawning runs typically define spring fishing,…

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Fishing spots in fort smith arkansas

Crappie fishing is often associated with open water, cane poles, live minnows and brush piles, but by the time autumn arrives the popular panfish…

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Fishing spots in fort smith arkansas

The names of some bass fisheries resonate with anglers on a national scale: Okeechobee, Kentucky Lake, Guntersville, Havasu, Clear Lake, Lake Fork,…

If you’re ready for a fishing trip near Fort Smith, AR, there are plenty of fantastic lakes and places to find your next big catch. Whether you’re looking to fish over a weekend or just in the afternoon, there are great fishing spots in and around the area. 

1. Torraine Lake

This excellent spot near town is ideal for nature lovers and anglers. Torraine Lake features fantastic scenery, biking trails, and lots of great areas to explore. It’s a great place to relax while you fish by the lake.

2. Carol Ann Cross Park

If you’re looking for a recreational space to enjoy a day out with the family, you’ll love Carol Ann Cross Park. This space offers a pond for fishing, hiking trails, a playground for the kids, and a pavilion for picnics with restrooms. It’s a fantastic park to visit over the weekend or plan your next party or family event.

3. Lee Creek Park

Lee Creek Park is situated along the Arkansas River and offers over 100 acres of spectacular outdoor space. This park is part of Van Buren’s system of recreation areas and one of the largest in the region. It’s an ideal place for canoeing, fishing, kayaking, and boating. 

4. AGFC River Valley Nature Center

This wonderful nature center offers many activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, birdwatching, and observing wildlife. You can enjoy a hike along the recreational center’s trails to Wells Lake, where you can fish and savor the quiet, serene atmosphere of the park. All areas are well marked, so you can easily explore the lake, trails, and forests during your visit. 

5. Mansfield Lake

Mansfield Lake is considered a hidden gem by many locals and visitors to the area. You’ll find this lake in Sebastian County, just one mile from town, and some great fishing. It’s a serene place to enjoy a quiet afternoon, and there are picnic areas with a pavilion where you can plan a picnic with friends or family. 

6. Truman Baker Lake

Truman Baker Lake is one of the top places for fishing in the area. You’ll discover a wide variety of fish, including sunfish, catfish, warmouth, bowfin, largemouth bass, bullhead, and more. It’s a great spot for all levels of fishing, from beginner to experienced. This lake is just a short drive from The Pines, AR, and two miles from Waldron.  

7. Sugar Loaf Lake

If you’re in search of great fishing and spectacular scenery, you’ll love the photogenic landscapes of Sugar Loaf Lake. It’s a fantastic spot to visit for a few hours, and there are nearby campsites and boating ramps available if you want to stay longer. This lake is the perfect spot to take photos and explore the natural beauty of the area.

There are many terrific spots to go fishing in and around Fort Smith, whether it’s a new skill or you’re an experienced angler. Visit us at Rath Auto Resources on your next drive to town and check out our amazing inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles.

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Is Lake Fort Smith good for fishing?

Lake Fort Smith Park The lake is home to many basses and also boasts crappie and walleye. There are many spots to fish from along the shore, but the fishing is best from a boat, which you can rent from the park office, or bring your own!

What is the best month to fish in Arkansas?

Spring. Take a fishing tour of Arkansas in April or May, when you can enjoy fabulous spring bass fishing on Beaver Lake, excellent spring walleye fishing on Lake Ouachita and superb spring trout fishing on Bull Shoals Lake. Stripers usually hit top-water baits in April and May.

What kind of fish are in Lake Fort Smith?

The shoreline consists of bluffs, forests, open farmland, and level fields. Fish found in Ozark Lake: blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, sauger, largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill sunfish, spotted sunfish, striped sunfish, redear sunfish, crappie, warmouth.

Where is the best fishing on the Arkansas River?

Best Places to Fish the Arkansas River The prime stretch for brown trout is definitely the canyons between Salida and Swissvale through the Royal Gorge.