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 Ratcliff. Right now in March, activity is Fair.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Blue Catfish
While Ratcliff, Arkansas, might be better known for largemouth and channel catfish, dedicated anglers can also find blue catfish in the deeper holes of the Petit Jean River. Targeting these larger catfish requires patience and heavier gear. Late fall and winter are often the best times to fish for blues, as they tend to congregate in deeper water during the cooler months. Cut shad or skipjack herring are highly effective baits. Focus on areas with strong current and structure, such as bridge pilings or submerged logs. Access to the Petit Jean River can be limited in some areas, so research public access points before heading out. Be prepared for a potential long wait between bites, but the chance to land a trophy blue catfish makes it worthwhile. Blue catfish in Arkansas can reach impressive sizes, exceeding 50 pounds, so use appropriate tackle.
Plan a Trip to Ratcliff
See what's biting in Ratcliff, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Blue Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Blue Catfish in Ratcliff.
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
Is there a limit on how many blue catfish I can keep in Arkansas?
No, there is no daily bag limit for blue catfish in Arkansas. You can keep as many as you catch.
What size blue catfish can I expect to catch near Ratcliff?
Blue catfish can grow to be quite large. While smaller fish are common, you have the potential to catch a very large fish exceeding 50 pounds in Arkansas waters.
Do I need a license to fish for blue catfish in Arkansas?
Yes, you will need a valid Arkansas fishing license, either resident or non-resident, to legally fish for blue catfish.
Are there any size restrictions on blue catfish in Arkansas?
No, there are currently no size restrictions for blue catfish in Arkansas.
More Blue Catfish Fishing in Arkansas
Other Species to Fish in Ratcliff
Ready to Catch Blue Catfish in Ratcliff?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.