Fishing Calendar Arkansas: A Comprehensive Guide

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Arkansas offers year-round fishing opportunities with diverse species and habitats. This fishing calendar provides anglers with detailed information on the best times, locations, and species to target throughout the year. From winter sauger fishing to summer catfish expeditions, Arkansas’s waters cater to all fishing enthusiasts. The calendar also considers moon phases, seasonal patterns, and specific regulations to help plan successful fishing trips across the Natural State.

What Are the Key Fishing Seasons in Arkansas?

Arkansas’s fishing calendar is divided into distinct seasons, each offering unique opportunities:

  1. Winter (December – February)
  2. Focus: Sauger, Crappie, Catfish

  3. Best Locations: Arkansas River dams, Beaver Lake, Lake Conway

  4. Spring (March – May)

  5. Focus: Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bream

  6. Best Locations: Southern Arkansas lakes, Cane Creek Lake, Lake Chicot

  7. Summer (June – August)

  8. Focus: Catfish, Trout in tailwaters

  9. Best Locations: Mississippi River, Little Red River

  10. Fall (September – November)

  11. Focus: Smallmouth Bass, Brown Trout
  12. Best Locations: Crooked Creek, Little Missouri River, Dry Run Creek

How Does the Monthly Fishing Calendar Look in Arkansas?

Here’s a detailed monthly breakdown of fishing opportunities in Arkansas:

Month Target Species Best Locations Fishing Techniques
January Sauger, Catfish Arkansas River dams Bottom fishing, Jigging
February Crappie Beaver Lake, Lake Conway Vertical jigging
March Walleye Southern Arkansas lakes Trolling, Jigging
April Largemouth Bass, Crappie Cane Creek Lake, Lake Chicot Spawning bed fishing
May Bream Lake Conway, White River oxbows Bed fishing
June Catfish Mississippi River Night fishing, Cut bait
July Trout, Drum Little Red River, White River Fly fishing, Bottom fishing
August Various species Statewide Night fishing under lights
September Smallmouth Bass Crooked Creek, Buffalo National River Stream fishing
October Various species Statewide Based on moon phases
November Brown Trout Dry Run Creek Fly fishing, Youth-only areas
December Sauger, Crappie Arkansas River, oxbow lakes Jigging, Minnow fishing

What Are the Best Times to Fish in Arkansas?

The best fishing times in Arkansas vary by season and species:

  • Winter: Early morning and late evening for sauger and catfish
  • Spring: Dawn and dusk for spawning species like bass and crappie
  • Summer: Night fishing for catfish, early morning for trout in tailwaters
  • Fall: Mid-morning to afternoon for stream fishing, night fishing under lights

Additionally, consider moon phases:
– Days around the full moon are excellent for bream fishing
– First quarter moon phase can be optimal for various species

Which Species Can Be Caught Year-Round in Arkansas?

Several species can be targeted throughout the year in Arkansas:

  1. Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted)
  2. Crappie (Black and White)
  3. Catfish (Blue, Channel, Flathead)

However, their activity levels and preferred locations may change with seasons.

What Are the Fishing Regulations in Arkansas?

Arkansas fishing regulations vary by species and location. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Black Bass: Daily limits vary by location
  • Crappie: 30 fish daily limit (check specific lake regulations)
  • Catfish:
  • Blue and Flathead: 5 fish daily limit
  • Channel: 10 fish daily limit

Always check the latest Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations before fishing.

How Do Moon Phases Affect Fishing in Arkansas?

Moon phases play a significant role in fishing success:

  • Full Moon: Excellent for night fishing, especially for species like bream
  • New Moon: Can trigger feeding activity in many species
  • First Quarter: Often considered optimal for various species

Example of major and minor bite times based on moon phases (for Arkansas City):
– Major: 05:21 – 07:21 and 17:47 – 19:47
– Minor: 13:14 – 15:14 and 22:20 – 00:20

What Are the Top Fishing Locations in Arkansas?

Arkansas boasts numerous prime fishing locations:

  1. Arkansas River and its dams
  2. Beaver Lake
  3. Lake Conway
  4. Mississippi River and its oxbows
  5. Little Red River
  6. Crooked Creek
  7. Buffalo National River
  8. Lake Chicot
  9. White River
  10. Dry Run Creek (youth-only)

Each location offers unique fishing experiences and species throughout the year.

References:
1. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
2. Arkansas.com – Fishing Guide
3. Farmers’ Almanac Fishing Calendar

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