Arkansas has a wealth of freshwater resources with excellent fishing and leisure activities. Some of the state’s most extensive wetland systems are associated with its major rivers. These include the Lower Mississippi, Arkansas River, White River, Red River, and their associated streams. Major tributaries form a vital component of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, which is quite distinct as a natural region due to its eroded terrain and remarkably fertile soils.
The deepwater habitats, riparian forests, and wetland systems of this landlocked state are largely concentrated along its eastern border. Many of these resources drain into the bottomland forests of Mississippi or flow into Arkansas from its neighboring states’ mountain slopes, elevated wetlands, and shared rivers. More surface waters are scattered further within the state. These usually spring from the Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains.
A total of 8% of the state’s surface area consists of thriving wetland systems. Additionally, there are 500,000+ acres that are occupied by moderately large surface waters, which include lakes and perennial streams. These numbers dwindled severely in the 90s when land reform resulted in major losses of fresh water. Fortunately, local efforts to rehabilitate wetlands have shown steady recovery rates within the last few years. This is great news for the profusion of fish species that inhabit “The Natural State”!
Arkansas Freshwater Fish Species
1) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Native to North America and northern Mexico
An impressive carnivore, this voracious and feisty black bass is one of the most widely distributed fish species in the state. It is found in most major lakes, where its populations likely play a crucial role in maintaining a well-balanced ecology. The state record for this species weighed just north of 16 pounds (7.26 kg) and was caught in Mallard Lake in Mississippi County.
Also called bucketmouth or bigmouth bass, M. salmoides is easily the largest among all species in its genus. Due to its ability to put up a fight and its favorability as a food fish, it is a highly-prized and economically-important fish. The best time to set out in search of trophy-sized individuals is from March to November. Even beginner anglers are likely to reel in some heavy largemouths in the state.
2) Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
Native to North America
Generally smaller than its cousin above, the smallmouth bass is likewise a fantastic food and sport fish. Due to its preference for high visibility conditions, its presence is usually indicative of fairly pristine waters. As a visual feeder with a knack for ambushing its prey, it is known for being remarkably agile, fast, and stealthy. Smaller fish, crayfish, insects, and amphibians are its favored prey types.
As the smallmouth bass prefers mild to cool water conditions, it will often retreat into deeper or rapidly-moving parts of ponds and lakes in summer. It may undergo small migrations, traveling over a distance of about 12 – 60 miles (19 – 97 km) per day, in search of favorable temperatures. Spawners relocate to shallower areas, particularly those with sandy or gravelly substrates, to deposit their eggs each spring.
3) Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
Native to the central and eastern United States
Naturally found in the freshwater systems of Arkansas and its bordering states, the blue catfish is a large ictalurid that can grow to about 57 inches (145 cm) long. With a modest lifespan of 20 years, this hefty fish is able to dominate the benthic regions of both inland and estuarine rivers and streams. Its capacity to thrive in a wide range of conditions has made way for its invasiveness in some areas.
Distinguishing features of blue catfish include bluish-gray coloration, a dorsal hump at its pectoral region, and a distinctly forked anal fin with 30 – 36 rays. Well-adapted to the Arkansas River System, this opportunistic fish feeds on smaller fish, crayfish, aquatic insects, and freshwater snails. It spawns as soon as water temperatures become increasingly warm (usually in May to June).
4) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
Native to North America
This prolific fish is known for reproducing at remarkably fast rates. Populations that are largely shaped by mature fish can fill out an enclosed water system in no time. In the absence of natural predators, juveniles can grow to be stunted due to competition for food and space. They congregate in clear, slow-moving waters where they can comfortably feed on invertebrates hiding in submerged vegetation.
Also referred to as the calico bass due to the mottled black patterns on its flanks, the black crappie is found in many natural lakes throughout Arkansas. They are best caught close to shallower creek channels or along coastal brush piles. During warm days, they may migrate further into bays. The small lakes and reservoirs on the eastern part of the state are reputedly loaded with favorably-sized crappies.
5) Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus)
Native to the Gulf states and the Mississippi River basin
This black bass prefers to live out its full lifespan in cool to warm streams and moderately-sized reservoirs. It is usually found swimming close to rocky substrates which serve as home to many aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and annelid worms. Larger spotted bass specimens, frequently mistaken as its congeners, feed on smaller fish and amphibians.
Highly prized as a sport fish, the spotted bass shares its spawning areas with smallmouth bass. They build their nests in April to May, as soon as temperatures have begun to warm considerably. In Arkansas, anglers are legally permitted to fish up to 10 spotted bass individuals per day. This fish is fairly common in both the Red River and Arkansas River systems.
6) Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Native to the northern Pacific basin and bordering states
The majority of the trout specimens caught in Arkansas’ rivers are rainbow trout. Though many of this fish’s congeners occupy the same rivers, it tends to be the most dominant. Its common occurrence is not due to self-sustaining populations but because it is annually stocked to meet the fishing demands of local anglers. This Pacific trout favors well-oxygenated and highly productive waters in shallow, medium to large-sized rivers.
The best places to search for rainbow trout are streams with cool, flowing waters. The Ouachita River, Spring River, and White River are known for being prime spots for trout fishing. Experienced fly fishers flock to tailwaters where, with luck, they are able to catch several other species of trout alongside rainbows. The best time to fish for them is during the early morning or late afternoon hours.
7) Walleye (Sander vitreus)
Native to North America
Walleye are best caught in the northeastern river systems of Arkansas. Eleven Point River, Spring River, and Current River are known for being walleye fishing destinations during months with prolonged low-light periods. Some of the state’s older fisherfolk, many of which are intensely passionate about walleye fishing, refer to this species as jack salmon or walleyed pike.
The state’s walleye reproduction rate is boosted with the help of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). Trained staff members carefully net adult walleyes and strip them of their eggs and milt before returning them into the wild. The fertilized eggs are hatched in specialized hatcheries, after which the hatched fry are released into selected streams.
8) Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)
Native to northern North America
Lake trout are not naturally found in the river systems of Arkansas, but they are now available to local fishers due to deliberate stocking. The best areas to search for this species are the cool tailwaters just below the Greers Ferry, Bull Shoals, and Norfork lakes. In early spring, when water temperatures are still quite cool, lake trout can be fished in the shallows. Once temperatures increase, they retreat to the cooler, deeper parts of lakes.
One of the largest types of trout, this species can weigh as much as 102 pounds (46 kg) at maturity. In the most productive systems, it can grow to about 36 inches (91 cm) on average. Unfortunately, as it is a slow-growing species, it is highly vulnerable to overfishing. This isn’t necessarily a problem in Arkansas as hatcheries make sure to annually produce enough fish to satisfy local demand.
9) Brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Native to Europe
The most valued trout species in Arkansas, S. trutta is able to successfully spawn and sustain natural populations in the Ozarks and a few other local river systems. This fish can reportedly grow to massive sizes in the state. Some local anglers have been lucky enough to catch “monster browns” weighing up to 40 pounds (18 kg)!
Widely introduced outside of its native range, high-quality brown trout are now naturally found in major rivers throughout the US. They are easily distinguished by their reddish-brown coloration, narrow heads, and overall slender body. The largest of their kind thrive on a diet with smaller fish, while younger specimens tend to subsist on aquatic invertebrates.
10) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis)
Native to North America
Often confused with black crappie due to their morphological similarities, the white crappie has spots that are arranged in vertical lines across the length of its flanks. In comparison, the speckles of black crappies are more randomly placed. Growing to an average of 2 pounds (0.91 kg), white crappies play an important intermediary role in the food chain of lakes and ponds. While they serve as consumers, they are also vital forage fish for larger piscivores.
White crappies currently have stable populations throughout their native range. They are naturally found in the Mississippi River basins and their associated streams and creeks. In Arkansas, white crappies are easily caught during their spawning period, which lasts from May to June. Local anglers in search of delectable table fare often venture to Lake Conway, which is known for being a great habitat for slabs (large-sized crappies).
11) Flier sunfish (Centrarchus macropterus)
Native to the southern United States
A ray-finned fish that favors the slightly acidic and clear waters of vegetated creeks, oxbows, sloughs, and swamps, the flier sunfish has a limited natural distribution. Its populations prefer to remain in warm waters with temperatures ranging from 23 – 29˚C (73 – 84˚F). Those found in temperate zones breed in March to May, as soon as water temperatures become mild.
This sunfish has a distinctly compressed body and a small overall size. A noticeable vertical stripe, often referred to as a teardrop, extends over the eye on each side of its face. Adults weigh a maximum of just 1.35 pounds (600 grams) and rarely measure more than 11 inches (28 cm) long. Their dorsal and pelvic fins neatly curve toward their forked tails. Small speckles contrast their olive-green to pale brown coloration.
12) Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)
Native to North America
Perhaps the most popular among all sunfish species in the US, the bluegill is a remarkably important component of lake, stream, river, and pond systems toward the east of the Rocky Mountains. In Arkansas, it is one of the most common panfish species in ponds. As it feeds on aquatic insects and small fish, it can easily thrive in ecologically balanced waters.
Bluegill is a fantastic sportfish in enclosed waterbodies. The presence of natural predators is crucial for the health and stability of its populations because it spawns multiple times within a single season. If its populations are not biologically controlled, it can overpopulate ponds and begin to show signs of stunted growth. Anglers that specifically target this fish indirectly aid in promoting better growth.
13) Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis)
Native to eastern North America and Mexico
A panfish with great ornamental value, the longear sunfish is eye-catching and colorful. Anyone who lays eyes on this species for the first time is likely to marvel at its blue-green speckles, which seem to glow under bright light. Beneath the speckles is an orange belly and rust- to olive-green flanks. The largest of its kind measure around 9 inches (23 cm) in adulthood and weigh about 1.5 – 1.7 pounds (0.7 – 0.8 kg).
Longear sunfish are quite common in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Their distribution extends both north and south of these systems as they are able to tolerate a wide range of conditions. With a preference for feeding close to the water’s surface, they feed on many aquatic and terrestrial insects. They are also able to consume detritus, fish eggs, leeches, and their own smaller conspecifics.
14) Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus)
Native to the eastern US
Another notable member of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae), the warmouth favors the swampy and timber-rich waters of the Mississippi River system. Its tolerance for low dissolved oxygen gives it an evolutionary edge in lakes, ponds, and backwater streams with minimal water flow. Known for being hardy and particularly aggressive, it can survive in areas that other common sunfish species fail to colonize.
Fishing for warmouths can be quite tricky in structurally diverse ponds. This species hides in cavities and holes, where it is unlikely to be found by its natural predators. It may also seek cover close to cypress stumps and in weed beds sheltering its choice prey items. It is a visual feeder that prefers to feed on crayfish, small insects, and smaller fish.
15) Yellow perch (Perca flavescens)
Native to North America
A freshwater fish with an extensive range throughout northern North America, the yellow perch can be caught without limits or restrictions in Arkansas. It is classified as a “rough fish” that may have been artificially introduced into local waters by angler activity and floodgate releases. Now, stable populations can be found in Bull Shoals Lake and its tailwater system. The species has yet to be documented in other areas.
The yellow perch has highly variable growth rates and mean sizes. This is due, in part, to populations being exposed to varied daylengths and water temperatures. In healthy lakes, this species is usually found in littoral zones. It may also survive in rivers, streams, reservoirs, and brackish waters with rich communities of macroinvertebrates.
16) Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula)
Native to North America
A fish with seemingly primitive features, the alligator gar is one of the largest freshwater animals throughout its native range. It can reportedly grow to a monstrous length of about 10 feet (3 meters), making it all the more similar to its namesake, the American alligator. This fish’s elongated snout and mouthful of sharp teeth make it a truly voracious carnivore.
The alligator gar is considered the only true “big game” fish species in Arkansas. The largest among all freshwater fish species in the state, it was recently declared the official state fish. Local anglers need to obtain a permit to fish for alligator gar outside of the off-limits period of May – June, which is when it spawns. In an effort to conserve its local populations, the AGFC stipulates that only one gar (below 36 inches) is allowed per angler per day.
17) Bowfin (Amia calva)
Native to North America
In Arkansas, the bowfin is referred to as “grinnel”. In other states, it may be called swamp trout, dogfish, or mudfish. A predominantly demersal piscivore due to its tendency to feed on fish close to the benthos of lakes and ponds, its closest living relative in the state is the alligator gar. Like gars, this fish is able to surface and breathe air in the event of aquatic hypoxia.
A prehistoric yet elusive species, the bowfin is found all throughout Arkansas. Because of its tendency to steal bait and destroy fishing poles, it is infamous for ruining the fishing experience of many visiting anglers! To make matters worse, this fish makes for awful table fare due to its poor-tasting meat. Unless you have a talent for cooking bland fish, this is definitely the last species you’d want to bring home for dinner.
18) American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula)
Native to the Mississippi River basin
The sole living member of its family (Polyodontidae), the American paddlefish is a primitive, ray-finned fish with a distinct rostrum. This nose-like structure measures up to a third of this large fish’s body length and resembles the appearance of a spatula or paddle. Due to its almost fully cartilaginous skeleton and its forked tail, it is referred to as a freshwater shark.
As of September 2022, an enormous paddlefish caught in Beaver Lake may be a new world record-holder. Spearfished by Chris Cantrell, this paddlefish weighed 90 pounds and 12 ounces (41 kg). Amazingly, it was spotted at a depth of just 20 feet (6 meters). The hook-and-line state record was likewise caught in Beaver Lake. Sonar images of this lake system have revealed that some of its paddlefish specimens can easily weigh around 80 – 120 pounds (36 – 54 kg).
19) Sauger (Sander canadensis)
Native to North America
The sauger is a migratory perciform with a fragmented distribution. In Arkansas, this fish inhabits some major river systems. It is considered a “neglected sportfish” as just a few experienced anglers are willing to search for it when local populations are most likely to take bait – during winter. From January to early March, sauger tend to congregate below dams of the Arkansas River as they are forced to stop during their upriver migration.
As soon as water temperatures begin to warm, mature sauger prefer to spawn in upstream regions. The females deposit their eggs onto rocky substrates. Once their young hatch, they begin to drift toward downstream locations, where they feed on small aquatic insects and macroinvertebrates.
20) Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens)
Native to North and Central America
The freshwater drum is fairly abundant in the sluggish rivers of southeastern Arkansas. It is the only member of the Sciaenidae family with life stages that are restricted to freshwater environments. Named for the unique, drum-like sound produced by its sexually mature males, it is also known as sheephead, croaker, grunter, and gou.
Able to tolerate turbid conditions, this species must compete with other small and medium-sized fish (e.g. yellow perch, black bass, emerald shiner) to survive. Its diet is largely composed of macroinvertebrates found on the sandy or gravelly substrates of lakes, ponds, and streams. Its juveniles serve as nutrient-rich forage fish for larger piscivores.
21) Tiger muskellunge (Esox masquinongy x Esox lucius)
Native to North America
A hybrid between the northern pike and the muskellunge, the tiger muskie can grow faster than either of its parent species. A model of “hybrid vigor”, it tends to be resistant to many diseases in freshwater systems. Occasionally referred to as the “fish of 10,000 casts”, this fish is known for being notoriously difficult to catch. Anglers consider themselves incredibly lucky if they are able to successfully land one within the first few tries.
Able to grow to over 50 inches (1.27 meters) long, this powerful fish prefers to hide in weed beds with forage fish. It is able to ambush its prey by lunging forward at impressive speeds. Characterized by a compressed head, elongated and cylindrical body, and vertically-oriented stripes along its flanks, this phenomenal fish can feed on terrestrial animals that venture into the shoreline.
22) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Native to North America and northern Mexico
The channel cat is deliberately stocked by the AGFC into many of the state’s natural water systems. The presence of stocked populations is crucial as a fair portion of local fishing efforts is aimed at baiting this fish. Several local hatcheries are dedicated to producing catchable sizes; collectively, these hatcheries produce about 1.3 million catfish each year!
Able to weigh as much as 50 pounds (22.7 kg) in some of the most productive systems in the US, the channel cat is a truly hefty fish. In terms of both commercial and recreational value, it is one of the most important freshwater species in the country. Opportunistic and incredibly hardy, this species can easily produce invasive populations outside of its native range.
23) Ozark minnow (Notropis nubilus)
Native to northwest Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Mississippi River system
Currently listed as a threatened species in some parts of the US, the Ozark minnow is a medium-sized member of the Leuciscidae family. In terms of appearance, it resembles the pugnose shiner and pallid shiner. This fish may be incredibly difficult to morphologically differentiate from its close relatives. The clearest difference is internal and has to do with the relative length of the intestinal tract.
The Ozark minnow is, of course, found in the Ozark Highlands, an ecoregion shared by Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. It usually forms schools with other types of minnows in permanently flowing streams and creeks. It may also occasionally be found in underpopulated pools.
24) Arkansas river shiner (Notropis girardi)
Native to the central United States
A small type of true minnow, the largest Arkansas river shiners max out at just 2.5 inches (6 cm) long. They historically congregated close to sandbars along the widest parts of the Arkansas River basin. Nowadays, local populations are in decline due to incidental capture, the loss of riparian forests, severe droughts, and the introduction of invasive plants in natural waterways.
The Arkansas river shiner is distinguished from its closest relatives by a dark spot right at the base of its forked tailfin. Under bright light, its scales may appear silvery and phosphorescent. Its streamlined form allows it to quickly dart from place to place. Given its low rate of survival into the second year of growth and spawning, it is considered an annual species. Local conservation efforts are necessary for the recovery of its critical habitats.
