Bank fishing is a popular option for many anglers in Arkansas because you don’t have to own a boat (obvious, I know) and it requires less commitment.
If you like to bank fish then you can carry a pole in the back of your vehicle and cast a line anytime you feel the urge. No boat docks or trailers required!
“According to a recent survey conducted from a random sample of all fishing license holders, almost half of Arkansas’s anglers fish from the bank.
Jason Olive, AGFC assistant chief of fisheries management says he’s always known bank anglers compose a decent portion of Arkansas license holders but was surprised by just how many anglers opted to fish without leaving shore.” –AGFC
Bank fishing is one of my favorite activities. Now, I will say that I don’t usually catch much but that probably has something to do with the fact that I have three kids who love to throw rocks into the water while I’m fishing.
However, if you’re a more serious angler (without rock throwing kids), today I’m going to tell you about some great bank fishing lakes in Central Arkansas and beyond you have to try!
BEST Bank Fishing in Central Arkansas
Grab your pole and let’s go! These lakes offer some of the best fishing in Arkansas!
Lake Picthorne
I have talked about my love of Lake Picthorne before. It’s one of our favorite places to go kayaking.
Many people in the Central Arkansas area also love to fish in Lake Picthorne! Whether in a boat or on the shore, fishing in Lake Picthorne is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
It’s a very clean lake with plenty of places to fish from the levee or any of the three large piers.
Tommy L. Sproles Pickthorne Lake is one of three public lakes greater than 300 acres located in the densely populated central Arkansas area. Because of its size, accessibility, and close proximity to the cities of Jacksonville and Cabot, Pickthorne Lake is a popular lake for many anglers. Aside from typical warm water species anglers also have a unique chance to catch stocked saugeye in the lake. Catfish have been stocked in the lake as well. There are some stands of timber along the edges of the lake, providing good fish habitat for both bank and boat anglers. –AGFC
For directions, visit the AGFC website.
Lake Conway
Nestled between Little Rock and Conway, Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir is the AGFC’s largest and one of its most fertile fisheries. Although the 6,700-acre reservoir pumps out double-digit bass thanks to an aggressive Florida-strain largemouth stocking program, it’s best known for its fantastic crappie and bream fishing.
AGFC
Lake Conway has plenty of shoreline to fish, a dirt jetty built by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and several piers. While you’re in the area, be sure to check a few things off your EPIC Arkansas Bucket List!
You’ll find Lake Conway here:
U.S. 65 South
Conway, AR 72032
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Woolly Hollow State Park
This is a classic state park experience with fishing, boating, and swimming on 40-acre Lake Bennett in Greenbrier about 18 miles north of Conway. Today it offers a launch ramp with canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and fishing boats for rent at the park. Bring your own pole, bait, and tackle. –Arkansas State Parks
Woolly Hollow also offers some of the best tent camping in Arkansas.
You’ll find Woolly Hollow State Park here:
82 Woolly Hollow Road
Greenbrier, AR 72058
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Bank Fishing Lakes South of Central Arkansas
If you don’t mind traveling away from Central Arkansas, there are two great bank fishing lakes down South.
White Oak Lakes
At 1,600 acres combined, Upper White Oak Lake and Lower White Oak Lake in Ouachita County make up one of the best mid-size reservoirs in the state for bass, crappie, bream and catfish. –AGFC
It is reported that “Old Folks Hole” is one of the best crappie hot spots!
This quiet state park is situated on White Oak Lake, a popular fishing lake. Park facilities include 45 campsites (four Class A, 37 Class B, and four tent sites), a newly renovated private bathhouse, visitor center with exhibits, store with fishing supplies, marina with boat rentals, launch ramp, pavilion, picnic sites, and playground.
Arkansas State Parks
You’ll find White Oak Lake State Park here:
563 Hwy. 387
Bluff City, AR 71722
Cane Creek Lake
The nearly 1,700-acre impoundment near the confluence of Cane Creek and Bayou Bartholomew was created specifically to be a fishing and boating destination near Star City.
Because of its fairly remote location, word about Cane Creek’s excellent fishing remains relatively quiet, but locals and a few folks in the know frequent this fish factory in southeastern Arkansas in search of bass, catfish, bream and crappie. –source
While you’re there, be sure to explore Cane Creek State Park!
Paddle or fish Cane Creek Lake. Explore nearby Bayou Bartholomew, the world’s longest bayou. Facilities include 29 campsites, one Rent-An-RV, picnic sites, a backpacking shelter, pavilions, visitor center with exhibits and gift shop, launch ramp, fishing piers, a bathhouse, and playground. Boat and bicycle rentals are available.
Arkansas State Parks
You’ll find Cane Creek State Park here:
50 State Park Road
Star City, AR 71667
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