Arkansas, the Natural State, is renowned for its unparalleled crappie fishing adventures that entice anglers from far and wide. With abundant small lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, the State offers some of the finest crappie fishing destinations in the country. From the scenic beauty of the Ozarks to the peaceful tranquility of the State’s many waterways, Arkansas is a paradise for crappie anglers. This guide will explore some of the best Arkansas crappie fishing lakes.

You can catch plenty of these delicious panfish and enjoy a day on the water there. Arkansas crappie guides are available for your adventure, whether you are an experienced angler or a novice.

Primary Crappie Species in Arkansas: Know Your Catch

Crappie is also famous as a member of the Sunfish family. Arkansas is home to two main types of crappie: black and white. While these two species may look similar, they have distinct differences.

Black Crappie:

Also known as speckled perch, it has scattered black spots on its silvery-green body and seven or eight dorsal fin spines. They prefer clear water with plenty of cover, such as fallen trees.

White Crappie:

It has a uniform pattern of dark vertical bars on its silvery-green body and only six dorsal fin spines. They tend to opt for slightly deeper and murkier water.

13 Best Arkansas Crappie Fishing Lakes: Your Ultimate Guide

From clear water lakes to hazy rivers, we’ll explore some of the best crappie, large and small lakes, and reservoirs that promise an unforgettable and the best crappie fishing experience.

Some other Arkansas waters not included in this top list are also worth visiting for other fishing opportunities. A few are the Mississippi River, Lake Jack Lee, and the Arkansas River in Little Rock City.

Get your fishing gear ready and join us on this journey to discover the best crappie lakes in Arkansas.

If you are a crappie fan and want to master your angler skills, read our guide on How To Crappie Fishing: Tips And Techniques.

1. Lake Dardanelle

Lake Dardanelle is an undeniable contender for those seeking Arkansas’s ultimate black crappie fishing experience.

Embedded in the stunning northwest region of the State, you can catch and hold crappie throughout the year. But the best time to target them is during the spring spawn.

Spadra Creek arm, Highway 64 bridge area, and Illinois Bayou’s cypress trees are popular crappie spots in this lake. The variety of underwater structures provides an ideal cover.

2. Nimrod Lake

Nimrod Lake, near Lake Jack Lee, is one of the excellent crappie fishing spots in the State. It offers anglers the opportunity to catch more white than black crappie. It makes for an exciting and diverse fishing experience.

The area around the cypress trees may provide ideal cover for crappie. Anglers can also try fishing near standing timber or fish attractors.

To check out is Spadra Creek, famous for producing some big crappie that may be effective.

Visiting anglers should consider launching their boats at one of the many ramps. They are available on Nimrod Lake to access the best fishing areas. 

3. Lake Conway

Lake Conway is a 6,700-acre lake near Conway, Arkansas, and is in demand for anglers fishing for crappie. Anglers can catch white and black crappie in Lake Conway, with the best fishing for big crappie, which usually occurs during spring spawning.

The serene cypress trees adorning the mouths of Palarm Creek and Gold Creek are a magnet for crappie fishing enthusiasts at Lake Conway.

The breathtaking north shore of the lake beckons at Paradise Cove. Little Indian Creek is yet another crappie hotspot. If you’re looking for crappie in more productive spots, take advantage of the areas around the Highway 89 and 286 bridges.

4. Lake Hamilton

Nestled amid the stunning scenery of the Natural State, Lake Hamilton stands tall as a favored destination for ardent anglers seeking an exhilarating Arkansas crappie fishing experience—fish near upright wood or natural cover in water using jigs or minnows.

The lake’s shimmering, crystal-clear waters teeming with abundant fish populations afford anglers various opportunities. It helps anglers catch an impressive white and black crappie bounty.

The area around the Highway 70 bridge, the channel between the main lake, may produce crappie. The backwater area is another good spot for crappie angling. The coves and cypress trees near the Carpenter Dam also have an abundance of crappie. 

5. Lake Greeson

Lake Greeson presents some of the finest crappie fishing opportunities in the beautiful State of Arkansas. In spring, anglers can hook big white and black crappie in deep water near cypress trees.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has installed several fish attractors throughout the lake to provide habitat for crappie and other fish species. These big fish attractors are marked with buoys and can be great spots to catch crappie.

Knowing how to fish for crappie properly is important to increase your chances of success. Crappies often school around points and drop-offs, especially during the spawning season.

Look for areas where the water depth drops off quickly or where the lake bottom changes from hard to soft.

6. Lake Dunn

Lake Dunn is a crappie angler’s paradise. This hidden gem in Arkansas is one of this beautiful State’s premier crappie fishing spots.

With the lake’s abundance of trees and upright wood, it’s no wonder many anglers come from all over to catch crappie species.

The fishing pier on Lake Dunn is a great spot for anglers, particularly those without a boat. You can find crappie around the pier, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. 

The north shore of Lake Dunn is well-known for its deeper water and brush pile, making it an excellent spot for crappie fishing. Anglers have reported catching big crappie near the dam, particularly in deeper water.

7. Lake Austell

Lake Austell is a concealed gem for crappie fishing in Arkansas. With its clear waters, anglers can easily spot the white and black crappie in the lake. 

Lake Austell’s foremost crappie fishing spots are near cypress trees and upright wood, where crappies like to hide and feed. A trolling motor is the best tool for maneuvering around these spots. 

During the crappie spawn in spring, shallow water areas are prime locations to fish crappie. Anglers can use the small jigs for a crappie jig to entice the fish. 

Boat ramps are available for easy access to the lake. While Lake Austell may not be the most well-known crappie fishing destination, most anglers are sure to find more fish. They may have a memorable fishing experience in this natural state lake.

8. Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake is a renowned hub for crappie fishing enthusiasts in the scenic northwest Arkansas region.

It is also home to various fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish, and bream.

It boasts an outstanding reputation for offering some of the finest crappie fishing opportunities in the state. Anglers can expect to catch significant numbers of both species of crappie in this gorgeous lake.

Rocky Branch Marina has plenty of coves and submerged brush piles that crappie congregate around.

The coves and inlets in the Prairie Creek Marina area are also good places to find crappie, especially in the spring when they are spawning.

Hickory Creek Marina has plenty of upright wood and brush piles that attract crappie, particularly during the cooler months.

9. Bull Shoals Lake

With 94,000 acres and a shoreline of 1050 miles, Bull Shoal Lake is undoubtedly the largest lake in Arkansas.

Tucked away in the scenic region of north-central Arkansas, Bull Shoals Lake is a crappie angler’s paradise.

Offering some of the fishing for crappies opportunities in the State, this idyllic lake boasts a wealth of crappie that are sure to delight even the most seasoned of anglers.

The James River Arm of the lake is famous for having good populations of black crappie (speckled perch). Anglers have had success fishing around submerged brush piles.

Brushy Creek is on the Missouri side of the lake and is well-known for being a productive area for black and white crappie. For the best results, fish around submerged timber and brush piles.

10. Blue Mountain Lake

Blue Mountain Lake in Arkansas is a secluded oasis for crappie fishing enthusiasts. The lake offers ample opportunities to catch various crappie species, including black crappie and white crappie.

Various techniques are effective, including trolling with jigs or live minnows and fishing near brush piles or submerged structures.

With the help of utilizing fish condos, you may fish crappies at Blue Mountain Lake, famous for its abundant upright wood.

Anglers can find boat ramps and camping facilities nearby, making spending a day or a weekend on the lake easy. Late winter and early spring are the best times to fish crappie at Blue Mountain Lake.

11. DeGray Lake

Nestled amidst the pristine wilderness of Arkansas lies the sparkling jewel of DeGray Lake. It beckons anglers far and wide with its bountiful waters teeming with crappies fish of both the black and white variety. 

This idyllic destination offers a veritable paradise for those seeking to reel in the catch of a lifetime. The mouths of major creeks and the vicinity of the lake’s fish cribs are popular, highly productive spots for crappie fishing.

From the vibrant shallows during crappie spawn to the hidden depths near brush piles and structures, the abundant black and white crappie in DeGray Lake promises an incredible bounty to those who cast their lines.

12. Green Ferry Lake

Greers Ferry Lake is a mesmerizing oasis of beauty, offering a picturesque landscape of pristine blue waters stretching as far as the eye can see. 

In this idyllic setting, anglers can revel in the abundance of crappie that inhabit its depths, whether they prefer to fish among the tangled embrace of brush piles or explore the mysteries of submerged structures. 

With its tranquil coves, this jewel of the Ozarks invites anglers to cast their lines and immerse themselves in the thrill of the catch.

So come and discover the splendor of Greers Ferry Lake, where the crappie are plentiful, and the journey is as awe-inspiring as the destination itself.

13. Lake Chicot

It is a stunning body of Arkansas water. Covering over 5,000 acres, it boasts abundant natural beauty and a thriving ecosystem that draws visitors far and wide. 

Lake Chicot lures passionate anglers with its reputation as a prime destination for crappie fishing. The lake’s pristine waters teem with black and white crappie, beckoning enthusiasts to test their skills against these elusive creatures.

Whether trolling with jigs or live bait, casting near submerged structures, it offers endless possibilities to those searching for the ultimate crappie fishing experience.

So come and lose yourself in the sheer wonder of Lake Chicot’s bountiful waters, where the thrill of the catch awaits you at every turn.

Do I need a Fishing License to Catch Crappie in Arkansas?

Arkansas is a state that takes its recreational fishing seriously. As such, a fishing license is required for those who wish to catch fish for fun, including the popular crappie species. 

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission issues these licenses, valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Fortunately, obtaining a fishing license is a relatively straightforward process. Anglers can purchase their license online or in person at various retailers throughout the State, such as sporting goods stores and bait shops.

The cost of a fishing license may vary depending on residency status and other factors, such as age or disability status. 

Conclusion

Arkansas offers prime crappie fishing spots near me, with many lakes, rivers, and streams teeming with black and white crappie. Before heading out to one of the pre-eminent crappie lakes, it’s always a good idea to consult an Arkansas fishing guide. 

Many anglers try their luck for crappie fishing in the Little Rock and Hot Springs. Some other best spots to catch crappie are Lake Jack Lee and Lake Ouachita (the largest among crappie lakes in Aransas). White River, Arkansas River, and Mississippi River also have more crappie. 

If you want to know how to catch a sunfish family (crappie) member, you must know that anglers can fish crappie using various techniques.