Jan 7, 2021

When life gets too crazy, it’s nice to be able to get away for a while and engage in an activity you enjoy. If fishing is such an activity for you, here are some favorite local fishing spots near Little Rock, AR that will help you recharge.

Six Favorite Local Fishing Spots Near Little Rock, AR

Petit John State Park

Located in the gorgeous Ozark Mountains, Petit John State Park is just 62 miles from the city. While this park is best known for hiking and camping, there are several lakes to fish in as well.

The biggest lake in the park is Lake Bailey, which is stocked year-round with catfish, bass, and crappie. Bring your own boat to fish from or drop a line from the ADA accessible pier or along the extensive shoreline of the 170-acre lake.

Arkansas River

Between the David D. Terry Lock and Dam and the Murray Lock and Dam (located in Rebsamen Park), you can fish for catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, and crappie on the Arkansas River.

You’ll have to have a boat, but if you do, you’ll undoubtedly catch your fill of fish before the day is done. To get your boat on the water, use the boat launch near Verizon Arena or the ramp at Two River Park.

Lake Conway

This fishing spot is located just 25 miles from downtown and is notable for being the largest man-made game and fish lake in America. It’s 6,700 acres across, meaning there are plenty of places to drop your line to catch one of the millions of catfish, crappies, and largemouth bass that are stocked from the nearby nursery.

You are also likely to catch bluegill, red-ear sunfish, bullhead, chain pickerel, drum, hybrid bream, and many other species, as well.

MacArthur Park Pond

For a fishing experience right in town, we recommend MacArthur Park Pond, a favorite fishing hole for families with children. It’s located on East 9th Street, close to the Interstate, and is stocked every spring with 2,000 channel catfish.

Each year, during the “Big Catch” party, hundreds of locals bring their cane rod and bait to the pond to compete for the biggest catfish. Other fishing derbies occur throughout the summer months along with fishing classes and other activities.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Another fairly close fishing location (just 10 miles from town on Highway 10), Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a favorite place to fish for catfish. The limit here is three, but the real thrill is spending time in the countryside while relaxing on the shore.

You can also fish from a canoe, or hike down the well-marked trail to the Little Maumelle River to fish for catfish, bream, and bass.

Boyle Park Pond

If you don’t want to leave town to enjoy an afternoon of fishing, no problem. Boyle Park Pond is located in Boyle Park, which is 250 acres of nature right in the city. You can expect to catch a variety of fish from this 10-acre pond, including channel catfish and largemouth bass.

Fishing is an activity that allows you to connect with nature and allow yourself to leave the busy city world behind. Come by Crain Mazda to get directions to these awesome fishing holes, or to learn about other activities in the area.