UTERLargemouth bass fishing in Arkansas freshwater
In Arkansas freshwater, largemouth bass peak March–June and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in April–May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Pre-spawn in the Arkansas River backwaters and on Ouachita's points.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Largemouth bass in Arkansas freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryArriving
- MarchPeakPre-spawn in the Arkansas River backwaters and on Ouachita's points.
- AprilSpawningSpawn in the backs of the creeks.
- MaySpawning
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish largemouth bass near White River, Bull Shoals Lake, Lake Ouachita
Ozark highland reservoirs and their world-famous cold tailwaters — the White, the Norfork, the Little Red — the free-flowing Buffalo, the Ouachita lakes, and the Arkansas River backwaters.
What to use for largemouth bass
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–92°F water, best at 62–80°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch largemouth bass in Arkansas freshwater?
Peak season is March–June and October–November, with fish spawning in April–May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Largemouth bass are here year-round. March: Pre-spawn in the Arkansas River backwaters and on Ouachita's points.
Where do largemouth bass hold in Arkansas freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, pond / pit, river, creek / stream, dock / pilings — around White River, Bull Shoals Lake, Lake Ouachita, Greers Ferry, Beaver Lake, Buffalo River.
What is the best bait for largemouth bass in Arkansas freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), nightcrawlers, crayfish. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for largemouth bass in Arkansas freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) and change — read the current rule at https://www.agfc.com/regulations/general-fishing-regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.agfc.com/resources/licensing/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores largemouth bass for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about largemouth bass · Arkansas fresh water, the whole year