Arkansas

4 Fishing Charters

Arkansas Fishing Charters

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Arkansas: 4 fishing charters available

JL Guide Service

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(31 reviews)
Mount Ida
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400

Eric's Elite Guide Service

Lead Hill
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $350

Sugar Creek Outfitters

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
Bentonville
trips from $150

Fisher Davisโ€™ Guide Service

Mount Ida
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $335
Nicknamed “The Natural State,” it’s no surprise that Arkansas provides plenty in the way of fishing opportunities. From the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests to the Mississippi River, rich waterways are abundant. Come fishing in Arkansas and discover beauty and excitement, as you get back to nature. 

What fish can I catch and where?

Trout

Fishing in Arkansas is synonymous with Trout fishing. From the vast rivers and lakes to the man-made reservoirs; Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brook Trout all make for an exciting fishing trip at some point during the year. 
 
Hit the White River’s 100 miles of Trout-fishing waters, and you’ll get your fill of these exciting and delicious creatures. The world-record Trout was caught in Little Red River in May 1992, so you have plenty of options in summer too. 
 
Whether you’re using spinning gear or catching them on the fly, these beauties promise a lot of fun. Take your own rod and reel or hop aboard a charter and see for yourself.
 

Bass

You can also help yourself to a healthy dose of Bass fishing in Arkansas throughout the year. With Largemouth, Smallmouth, Striped, and Hybrid Striped Bass on offer, you always have the chance of catching something exciting and delicious.
 
The lakes in the east and west of the state offer up plenty of action in the cold months, with Hybrid Striped and Largemouth Bass looking for your bait as a winter treat. When summer hits, the fish go mad. Target all kinds of Bass from the timberlands to the Arkansas Delta, and test a range of fishing skills to fill the freezer.
 

Walleye

In the shoulder seasons, Walleye reigns supreme. Come fishing in March or in fall, with the west of the state offering the most productive fishing grounds. These tough-fighting creatures are sure to keep you entertained throughout your trip, as you work hard for great rewards.
 

Crappie and Catfish

Often overlooked for some of the stronger fish in the state, Crappie and Catfish offer a culinary delight when fishing in Arkansas. Crappie inhabit lakes, while Catfish dwell on the riverbeds, offering more than just a potential for bycatch. Target Crappie year-round, and Catfish in summer for the best results. 
 

How to Prepare

Before fishing in Arkansas, you’ll need to get yourself an AR fishing license and, in some waters, a Trout permit. You can get these online, at any dealer such as Walmart, or directly from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. 
 
Other than that, you’ll need to make sure that you have everything to keep you comfortable throughout what promises to be a thrilling day out. With fishing year-round, you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather to make sure you take appropriate clothing in both winter and summer, and don’t forget to stock up on drinks and snacks!
 
With hundreds of miles of Trout-fishing lakes, and hundreds more freshwater lakes, why not make Arkansas your next stop for a fishing excursion? Come and discover serenity in the aptly-named “Natural State.”
Arkansas
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 24785 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
January
Don’t let the winter blues get you. Head out for a fishing excursion and get your fill of Brown and Rainbow Trout. Hit the White River’s shallow creeks and test your skills against these tough-fighting, delicious creatures. 
February
The cold weather brings with it plenty of fishing opportunities to keep you warm. Head ice fishing on the lakes for a range of Bass, or hit the mountain streams and get your fill of Trout fishing too.
March
Walleyes and Stripers come out to play in March, giving you the opportunity to mix up your fishing styles. Troll for these beauties or bottom fish for Bass in the lakes, as you push your strength to the limit.
April
Diverse fishing awaits from the timberlands to the Mississippi. Crappie join Striped and Largemouth Bass to make sure that you’ll head home with something worthwhile for dinner and beyond.
May
As the weather warms up, so does the fishing. Trophy-sized Trout can be found in the Little Red River, while Largemouth and Hybrid Striped Bass fill the lakes, giving you more bang for your buck as the season kicks in.
June
There’s no doubt that it’s time to go fishing come June, with the peak of the fishing coming this month. Get your fish on across the state as you target anything from Catfish to Walleye in Arkansas’ diverse waters.
July
With the kids out of school, why not make the most of summer? Introduce them to a healthy, exciting, outdoor hobby! Start with Crappie and work your way up to Largemouth and Striped Bass, or even Walleye.
August
White River is the place to be in the most popular month of the year to go fishing. Catfish and Walleye fishing hit their peak, accompanying the year-long population of Trout and Bass, giving you more for your buck.
September
Whether fishing the rivers or the lakes, you can’t go wrong in September. As the kids go back to school, the crowds dwindle, giving you more freedom to explore the waters by yourself. Come make the most of it!
October
It may be quiet on the water, but there’s no shortage of fishing for you to practice. Bluegills join the Bass party, adding a new dimension to casting away on the productive waterways of the “Natural State.”
November
While the weather may be turning, there’s no sign of the fishing cooling off. Get on the water in November for some of the best Bass fishing. Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass are abundant, making it ideal for pros.
December
End the year in style with a trip to the rich waters around the state capital. Rainbow Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass reappear, while Crappie will also make sure that you have a warming dish at the end of the day. 

Arkansas Fishing Calendar

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Be ready for some great fishing, but the weather will be very unpredictable. We had a lot of rain but I was dressed for it.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Be ready for some great fishing, but the weather will be very unpredictable. We had a lot of rain but I was dressed for it.
Frank M.
Frank M. Spokane, WA
Drop shotting with live crickets caught us at least 6 different species of fish. Seeing as I'd never fished this lake before I opted to hire a guide. Another good idea is to question the locals. Local bait shops can provide great references. If you don't have access to a boat there is a good chance the locals can refer you to a good bank fishing spot.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Drop shotting with live crickets caught us at least 6 different species of fish. Seeing as I'd never fished this lake before I opted to hire a guide. Another good idea is to question the locals. Local bait shops can provide great references. If you don't have access to a boat there is a good chance the locals can refer you to a good bank fishing spot.
Dawn G.
Dawn G. Killeen, TX
We had a 3 day trip on the lake. Weather was great, but the wind kept us from hitting our spots.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We had a 3 day trip on the lake. Weather was great, but the wind kept us from hitting our spots.
David Y.
David Y. Overland Park, KS
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Fishing charter in Bentonville
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
Jason was great! He was positive and provided patient instruction along the way. He had a great attitude. Very helpful. He truly enjoyed sharing in the experience of catching a fish! I highly recommend Jason and the kayah fishing. I will be back! Thanks Jason, Trent
Trent B.
Trent B. Rogers, AR
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Fishing charter in Bentonville
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
I have never been kayak fishing before, so this was my first experience: Pros: top of the line materials (kayak, rods, etc.); educational (Jason took the time to explain the layout of the lake, best way to cast/reel, how to interpret fish finder electronics, etc.); snacks/drinks provided; very laid back and relaxed; cost efficient; personality and attention of guide (Jason) Cons: Hmmmm, this may take a while.....Can't' really think of one. HIGHLY recommend Jason and this trip. Justin
Justin C.
Justin C. Locust Grove, GA
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Fishing charter in Bentonville
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(7 reviews)
Had a great evening fishing with Captain Jason on his totally rigid out Hobie Kayak on Lake Windsor in Bella Vista. When I arrive at the lake he had the boat and tackle ready to go. Within minutes I was catching bass and continued to under his guidance. He truly made the day fun and was a real pleasure to fish with.
Frank M.
Frank M. Spokane, WA
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Fishing charter in Bentonville
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
It was awsome, we took our 13 year old for his birthday and he loved it. If you love Bass fishing Jason is your man. It was my sons first time fishing on a kayak. Jason made the experience easy and fun and memorable, so much so that now my son want me to go buy us some kayaks for ourselves. 5-Stars for sure, definitely worth it.
Jaime Y.
Jaime Y. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Fishing charter in Bentonville
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
Jason was a great guy to spend a few hours with. He was very knowledgeable and helpful when learning to catch bass. All of his equipment was top notch, made the experience that much more enjoyable. I highly recommend doing this trip. I guarantee you will have a blast too.
Michael D.
Michael D. Bentonville, Arkansas
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Sugar Creek Outfitters
Fishing charter in Bentonville
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
We had a great time and much success with Jason. He was a great teacher for my son and a pro with equipment and technique.
Joe A.
Joe A. Carrollton, Texas

FAQs about Fishing Charters in Arkansas

To give you an idea of how much a fishing trip in Arkansas costs, the average price for a 4 hour private trip is $330, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $482. These prices are based on trips booked on our site recently.

Prices will vary depending on trip length, fishing technique, as well as the type and size of the boat you booked. However, to give you an indication, the average boat size in Arkansas is 19 ft and the most common vessel type is a Bass boat.
According to customer reviews, JL Guide Service, Eric's Elite Guide Service, and Sugar Creek Outfitters are some of the most popular fishing charters in Arkansas. Full list of top fishing charters in Arkansas.
JL Guide Service and Eric's Elite Guide Service received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Arkansas.
The best way to experience fishing in Arkansas is to book a private charter with a licensed fishing guide. See the full list of charters available for online booking here: List of fishing charters in Arkansas.
The most popular fish species you can target are Bass (Largemouth), Walleye, and Crappie. Top fishing techniques include light tackle, spinning, and jigging. Lake fishing and river fishing are commonly offered by local guides.
As the weather warms up, so does the fishing. Trophy-sized Trout can be found in the Little Red River, while Largemouth and Hybrid Striped Bass fill the lakes, giving you more bang for your buck as the season kicks in. Check availability for local fishing charters in Arkansas.