Crappie Fishing in Arkansas
30 per day
No minimum (some waters have 10-inch minimum)
Year-round
Overview
Arkansas is a crappie mecca with multiple world-class reservoirs.
Jig colors matter: chartreuse-white combos work in stained water, subtle naturals for clear.
Many marinas maintain brush piles for guests—ask locally for waypoints.
Crappie tournaments are huge in Arkansas; the competitive community drives innovation in techniques.
Best Waters in Arkansas
- Lake Conway — Central Arkansas natural lake with fantastic crappie fishing around cypress and button bush.
- Millwood Lake — Southwest Arkansas reservoir with standing timber and one of the top crappie fisheries in the state.
- DeGray Lake — Clear Ouachita Mountain reservoir with excellent black crappie around deep brush and rocky points.
- Lake Chicot — The largest natural lake in Arkansas; oxbow lake with shallow crappie habitat.
Local Techniques & Baits
Techniques
- Long-line trolling
- Vertical jigging
- Brush pile fishing
- Slip bobber
- Spider rigging
Baits & Lures
- Bobby Garland Baby Shad
- Kalin Triple Threat grub
- Southern Pro Stinger Shad
- Road Runner jig
- Live minnows
Seasonal Guide for Arkansas
SpringSpring Fishing
Spawn peaks in March-April. Shallow brush, stumps, and bank cover hold spawning crappie in 2-6 feet.
SummerSummer Fishing
Deep timber and brush piles in 15-25 feet. Night fishing with submersible lights is popular.
FallFall Fishing
Crappie school on main-lake structure. Trolling cranks to cover water and find schools.
WinterWinter Fishing
Deep creek channels and river channel bends hold concentrated schools.
Regulations
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with Arkansas Fish & Wildlife. Information shown was last updated 2025-01-01.
| Bag Limit | 30 per day |
| Size Limit | No minimum (some waters have 10-inch minimum) |
| Season | Year-round |