Fishing Fun: 6 Arkansas State Parks to Reel in the Big One

Arkansas is known for its diverse array of natural attractions, including forests, farmland, rivers, caves, mountains and wilderness areas. With abundant lakes, rivers and streams, the Natural State is a prime destination for anglers. Here are some of the best Arkansas state parks for fishing, whether you’re based at a marina or trailering your boat from a private boat lift for rent.

Lake Ouachita State Park

Located near Hot Springs in the Ouachita National Forest, and home to the state’s largest lake (the scenic 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita), Lake Ouachita State Park offers clear waters ideal for catching bass, bream, catfish and crappie. The marina offers boat and kayak rentals, as well as bait. You can also camp, hike, dive, snorkel and swim when you’re not casting for a prize-winning catch.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Catfish, bass, bream, crappie
• Fishing Type: Shore, boat, kayak

Lake Catherine State Park

Lake Catherine State Park, just south of Hot Springs, is well-known for its population of catfish, white bass and largemouth bass in the 1,940-acre lake. Carpenter/Remmel Dam is perfect for fly fishing. You can rent boats and kayaks, fish from the shore or pier and enjoy quiet coves.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: White bass, largemouth bass, catfish, trout
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, pier, kayak, canoe, fly

Bull Shoals-White River State Park

Bull Shoals - White River State Park is famous for trout fishing. Situated in north-central Arkansas, in Lakeview, the White River is a prime spot for reeling in brown and rainbow trout. There’s a boat ramp for those trailering a boat from home or a private boat slip for rent.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Trout
• Fishing Type: Shore, boat, pier

Lake Charles State Park

Located in northeastern Arkansas, near Powhatan, Lake Charles State Park is a family-friendly park with fishing piers, boat rentals, docks, ramps and excellent shore access. You can cast for bass, catfish, crappie and bream in the 645-acre lake.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Bass, catfish, crappie, bream
• Fishing Type: Boat, pier, shore

DeGray Lake Resort State Park

Are you searching for a great fishing spot near Arkadelphia? Check out DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Bismarck. The 13,800-acre lake is popular for hybrid striped bass, bream and crappie. The resort-style park has boat rentals, ramps, bait, fishing guides and a full-service marina for those trailering a boat from private boat dock rentals.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Bream, crappie, hybrid striped bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

Village Creek State Park

Eastern Arkansas is the place to go for excellent fishing at Village Creek State Park in Wynne. There are two lakes: Lake Dunn and Lake Austell. Both are popular for bass fishing. Enjoy quiet surroundings, several docks and boat ramps, pedal boat rentals and family-friendly activities like youth fishing derbies.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore