NWA Fishing
Arkansas has adventure at every corner and is renowned for its natural beauty. The trails, streams, and wildlife it contains are unparalleled, making it an easy choice for those looking for outdoor activities. Fishing is a popular pastime here, thanks to the abundance of lakes, rivers and streams to choose from, and it can be daunting to decide which ones are worth a visit. Luckily for you, we at McLarty Daniel Chevrolet in Springdale, AR, have picked several fantastic fishing locations to explore in Northwest Arkansas!
War Eagle Creek at War Eagle Mill: Huntsville, AR
Flowing through Withrow Springs State Park, War Eagle Creek is often referred to as a mini Buffalo National River. This brook provides a lazy float, and many regard this creek as a Class 1 stream, which is perfect for the family as it’s an easy level, spans six miles, and takes about three hours to complete. Surrounded by walking trails, this stream is also ideal for catching fish species, including:
- Walleye
- Perch
- Bass
- Catfish
- Bream
Lake Elmdale: Springdale / Elm Springs, AR
Lake Elmdale spans over 200 acres between Springdale and Elm Springs as a tributary of the Illinois River. So, naturally, its name is a combination of the two cities. It’s a popular angling location in Washington County, with fishing available year-round! Fish you can find here are:
- Largemouth bass
- Bream
- Catfish
- Crappie
Are you planning a weekend trip to Arkansas? Check out these fun destinations!
Beaver Lake: Rogers, AR
Located in the Ozark Highlands and bearing 28,000 acres of clear water, Beaver Lake is an excellent choice for those looking to cast their hooks. Boat launch ramps and rentals are available, as well as lodging, campgrounds and RV hookups if you wish to extend your stay. Convenience stores are close by with bait and tackle options in case you run out. This manmade reservoir hosts fishing tournaments and is nationally renowned for its bass fishing. The lake is also home to the following:
- Anglers
- Hybrid stripers
- Walleye
- Crappie
- Catfish
- Many species of sunfish
Click here to see some of our favorite mountain biking trails!
Beaver Lake Tailwater on the White River: Rogers, AR
Tucked below Beaver Dam, this location is a popular destination for trout fishing! After the completion of the dam in 1966, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers realized that the water released from the base was too cold to home the sunfish population and native smallmouth bass. They remedied this by introducing trout to restore the fishery. This location is now a hotspot for Arkansas Tourism, where guests can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and even paddlefish.
Lake Leatherwood: Eureka Springs, AR
Spanning 85 acres with three miles of shoreline and fed by a spring, Lake Leatherwood is well known for being one of the biggest hand-cut limestone dams in the country. It’s surrounded by 15 miles of hiking and biking trails surround it, with available cabin lodging too. Anglers are welcome to cast either on the shore or in a boat, though there is a “no wake” rule for motorized boats. The fish species here include:
- Channel catfish
- Crappie
- Bluegill
- Largemouth bass
- Bream
From lakes, streams and rivers, Arkansas has boundless fishing opportunities for those looking to catch freshwater fish, with the Northwestern part of the state boasting some of the best and most beautiful locations. Whether taking a day trip or camping below the stars, we hope this list helps you find your new favorite fishing destination!
Stop by McLarty Daniel Chevrolet in Springdale, Arkansas, today to find your next vehicle!

