Fishing Charters in Arkansas
Browse fishing charters in Arkansas that can help you catch blue catfish.


Gregs Guide Service
Bull Shoals, Arkansas
Greg's white river guide service is a trout fishing guide service in north central Arkansas


The Ozark Fly Guides
Heber Springs, Arkansas
ozarkflyguides, Heber springs


Keeping It Crappie
Dardanelle, Arkansas
Keeping It Crappie Guide Service in Arkansas offers crappie fishing charters on Lake Dardanelle, providing gear, instruction, and a 21’ Skeeter bass boat.


Reel Good Fishing
Alexander, Arkansas
REEL GOOD FISHING|GUIDED FISHING TRIPS ARKANSAS|SHOP OUR FLY SHOP|ARKANSAS FLY FISHING GUIDES


Little Red Trout
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Guided Trout Fishing on The Little Red River Heber Springs Arkansas. Special discounted rates.


Fish Finder Service
Bee Branch, Arkansas


Str Outdoors
Mountain Home, Arkansas
Sean Reynolds for Striper & hybrids fishing on Lake Norfork and Eastern Tennessee


Hot Springs Fishing Charter
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas


Swinging Bridge Flies
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Swinging Bridge Flies is a fly fishing guide service on the Beaver Tailwater in Northwest Arkansas, offering curated trips and custom tied flies. Come float with us today or check out our store for the flies you need.


Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures
Gassville, Arkansas
Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures fishes top locations on the White River


Beaus Guide Service
We are the best trout fishing guide service on the Little Red River. We provide spin cast and fly fishing guides to individuals, families and corporate outings looking to catch trout in Arkansas.


Arkansas On The Fly
Fly Fishing Guided Trips
Best Time to Catch Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish can be caught year-round in Fort Smith. Right now in February, activity is Fair.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Blue Catfish
If you're after big blue catfish, Fort Smith, Arkansas, offers some excellent opportunities on the Arkansas River. This river system is known for producing trophy-sized blues, and patient anglers are often rewarded. The best times to target them are spring and fall, when water temperatures are moderate. Focus on deep holes, channel bends, and areas with submerged structure. Cut bait, such as shad or skipjack herring, is the go-to bait for blues in this area. A helpful hint: fishing near the confluence of the Poteau River and Arkansas River can be particularly productive. Be sure to use heavy tackle, as these fish can reach impressive sizes. Several public access points along the Arkansas River provide boat launching facilities.
How to Catch Blue Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Blue Catfish in Fort Smith.
Blue Catfish Fishing Regulations in Arkansas
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Resident or Non-resident Arkansas Fishing License
Anglers are restricted to no more than one blue catfish over 32 inches in length per day.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Arkansas state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Arkansas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for catching blue catfish in Fort Smith?
Popular baits for blue catfish in the Fort Smith area include cut bait (like shad or skipjack herring), live bait (such as sunfish), and commercial catfish baits. Using stink baits can also be effective.
What's the bag limit for blue catfish in Arkansas?
There is no bag limit for blue catfish in Arkansas, so you can keep as many as you catch. There are also no size restrictions.
Are there any size limits for blue catfish in Arkansas?
No, there are no size limits for blue catfish in Arkansas. You can keep any size you catch legally.
Where are some good spots to catch blue catfish near Fort Smith?
The Arkansas River is a prime location for blue catfish near Fort Smith. Look for deeper holes, channel edges, and areas with structure like submerged logs or rocks.
More Blue Catfish Fishing in Arkansas
Other Species to Fish in Fort Smith
Ready to Catch Blue Catfish in Fort Smith?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.




