The Best Places to SUP Fish in Arkansas: A Paradise for Anglers.

Arkansas, with its picturesque lakes, winding rivers, and tranquil streams, offers some of the best opportunities for stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fishing. Combining the excitement of fishing with the serenity of SUP, anglers can enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner looking for a peaceful escape, Arkansas has a plethora of SUP fishing locations to explore and we are bringing you some of the best places for sup fishing in Arkansas!

Key Highlights

  1. Diverse Fishing Destinations: Explore a variety of SUP fishing spots across Arkansas, from Lake Ouachita's clear waters to the historic flow of the Buffalo National River.

  2. Targeted Fish Species: Each location offers a unique set of target species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish, with tips on the best baits and lures.

  3. Optimal Fishing Seasons: Highlight the best times to visit each spot for SUP fishing, ensuring anglers can plan their trips around peak fish activity periods.

  4. Safety and Conservation Tips: Emphasize the importance of safety while SUP fishing and advocate for conservation practices to preserve Arkansas's natural beauty.

  5. Accessibility for All Skill Levels: Cater to both novice and experienced SUP fishers by providing locations that accommodate a wide range of abilities.

1. Lake Ouachita.

Located in the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is one of the largest and cleanest lakes in Arkansas. Renowned for its clear waters, it provides an excellent habitat for a variety of fish species. Popular catches include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. For bass fishing, try using soft plastic worms or jerkbaits. Crappie fishing is best with jigs or minnows. The best time to visit Lake Ouachita for SUP fishing is during the spring and fall when the water temperatures are moderate and the fish are actively feeding.

2. Buffalo National River.

The Buffalo National River is a designated national park and an excellent spot for SUP fishing enthusiasts seeking a more natural setting. The river is home to smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and various panfish. For smallmouth bass, use topwater lures or soft plastics. During summer and early fall, the Buffalo National River offers the best fishing experience.

3. Lake Dardanelle.

Lake Dardanelle, situated along the Arkansas River, offers fantastic SUP fishing opportunities. This expansive lake is a haven for bass anglers, with largemouth bass being the primary target. Soft plastic baits, such as creature baits and swimbaits, work wonders here. Late spring and early summer are the peak times for catching trophy-sized largemouth bass.

4. Beaver Lake.

Located in the Ozark Mountains, Beaver Lake boasts beautiful surroundings and an abundance of fish. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, and striped bass. When targeting striped bass, use live bait like shad or artificial lures like swimbaits. Spring and fall are the best seasons to SUP fish on Beaver Lake, as the fish are more active during these times.

5. Greers Ferry Lake.

Greers Ferry Lake, known for its clear waters, is another top-notch SUP fishing destination in Arkansas. The lake offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and bream. Try using crankbaits or jigs for bass and live minnows for walleye. The cooler months of spring and fall are ideal for fishing on Greers Ferry Lake.

6. Lake Hamilton.

Lake Hamilton, a reservoir on the Ouachita River, is renowned for its trophy-sized striped bass. Anglers using live shad or swimbaits have the best chance of landing these impressive fish. Additionally, you can find largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie in the lake. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons for SUP fishing on Lake Hamilton.

7. Lake Chicot.

Lake Chicot, Arkansas's largest natural lake, offers a diverse fishery that includes largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and bream. Soft plastic lures work well for bass, while crappie prefer jigs or minnows. The lake provides fantastic fishing throughout the year, but late spring and early summer yield some of the best results.

8. Lake Catherine.

Lake Catherine, part of the Ouachita River system, is a favorite among anglers seeking hybrid striped bass. Live shad or artificial swimbaits are effective for these feisty fighters. Apart from hybrids, you can also catch largemouth bass and crappie. The best time for SUP fishing on Lake Catherine is during the cooler months of the year.

9. Lake Conway.

Lake Conway, a man-made lake near Little Rock, offers a diverse fishery with largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. For bass fishing, use soft plastic lures or spinnerbaits. Crappie prefer jigs or minnows. The best time to fish on Lake Conway is from late spring through fall.

10. Lake Fayetteville.

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Lake Fayetteville is a small but productive lake for SUP fishing. Here, you can catch largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Soft plastics and crankbaits are popular lure choices for bass fishing. For crappie, try using jigs or minnows. The warmer months, particularly summer, offer excellent fishing opportunities on Lake Fayetteville.

11. Lake Fort Smith.

Nestled in the Boston Mountains, Lake Fort Smith is a serene destination for SUP fishing. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish. For bass, use soft plastics or topwater lures. The summer months are the best time to explore Lake Fort Smith for SUP fishing.

12. Lake Greeson.

Lake Greeson, surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, is known for its bass fishing. Anglers can target largemouth bass, spotted bass, and white bass here. Soft plastic baits, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are effective choices for bass fishing. Spring and fall are the prime seasons to visit Lake Greeson for SUP fishing.

13. Lake Hinkle.

Lake Hinkle, located in the Ozark Mountains, offers a peaceful environment for SUP fishing. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie here. Soft plastics and jigs are reliable options for bass fishing, while crappie respond well to jigs or minnows. The cooler months of spring and fall provide excellent fishing conditions.

14. Lake Maumelle.

Lake Maumelle, near Little Rock, is stocked with various fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. For bass fishing, try using spinnerbaits or soft plastics. Jigs and minnows work well for crappie. The best time for SUP fishing on Lake Maumelle is during the warmer months of the year.

15. Lake Norfork.

Lake Norfork, situated in the Ozark Mountains, is a hidden gem for SUP fishing enthusiasts. The lake offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass. Soft plastics, jerkbaits, and topwater lures are excellent choices for bass fishing. Striped bass prefer live bait like shad or artificial swimbaits. Spring and fall are the best times to fish on Lake Norfork.

16. Lake Wedington.

Lake Wedington, near Fayetteville, is a small but picturesque lake for SUP fishing. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and bream. For bass, use soft plastics or spinnerbaits. Catfish prefer live or cut bait. Lake Wedington offers good fishing year-round, but the warmer months provide more active fish.

17. Degray Lake.

Located on the serene Caddo River, Degray Lake is an underrated SUP fishing spot in Arkansas. Target largemouth bass with soft plastics or crankbaits for an exhilarating catch. Catfish thrive here, entice them with live or cut bait. Crappie enthusiasts can use jigs or minnows for a rewarding experience. Fishing is excellent year-round at Degray Lake. The record catch for this location is a trophy-sized largemouth bass caught in May 2023.

18. White Oak Lake.

White Oak Lake, located in southwest Arkansas, is a peaceful retreat for SUP fishing enthusiasts. The lake is home to largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Soft plastics and spinnerbaits work well for bass fishing. For catfish, use live or cut bait. The best time to fish on White Oak Lake is during the cooler months of the year.

19. Lake Poinsett.

Lake Poinsett, a 640-acre lake in northeast Arkansas, is a popular destination for SUP fishing. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are effective for bass fishing. Crappie prefer jigs or minnows. The warmer months, particularly summer, offer great fishing opportunities on Lake Poinsett.

20. Spring Lake.

Spring Lake, near Hensley, is a small but attractive location for SUP fishing. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Soft plastics and spinnerbaits are reliable options for bass fishing. For catfish, use live or cut bait. Spring and fall are the best seasons to explore Spring Lake for SUP fishing.

Conclusion.

Arkansas is a haven for SUP fishing enthusiasts, offering a wide range of beautiful and productive locations. From the sprawling lakes to the tranquil rivers and small ponds, each location provides a unique fishing experience with various fish species to target. Whether you're seeking trophy-sized bass or the excitement of catching striped bass, Arkansas has it all. Always remember to check the fishing regulations and licensing requirements before embarking on your SUP fishing adventure. So, grab your paddleboard, fishing gear, and enjoy the tranquility of SUP fishing in Arkansas!

Glide Paddle Boards SUP Fishing Tips. 

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