Fishing Charters in Arkansas
Browse fishing charters in Arkansas that can help you catch 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 Catfish
Catfish can be caught year-round in Russellville. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Catfish
Russellville, Arkansas, and the surrounding waterways of the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle offer excellent catfish opportunities. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are all present, providing diverse angling options. The warmer months, from late spring through summer, are generally the most productive. For channel cats, try drifting stinkbaits or cut bait along the river channel. Blues often congregate near deeper holes and can be caught using larger cut bait or live shad. If you're after flatheads, focus on structure like submerged logs and root wads, especially at night, using live bream or bullheads as bait. Be mindful of the current; adjust your weight accordingly to keep your bait on the bottom. There are numerous access points along the river, but the Shoal Bay Recreation Area is a popular spot with ample parking and boat ramps.
How to Catch Catfish
Catfish Fishing Regulations in Arkansas
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
5 per day
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Resident or Non-resident Arkansas Fishing License
Applies to blue, channel, and flathead catfish in aggregate. There are specific regulations for commercial fishing.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Arkansas state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Arkansas
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the daily limit for catfish in Arkansas?
You can keep up to 5 catfish per day.
Is there a size limit for catfish in Arkansas?
No, there is no size limit for catfish in Arkansas. You can keep any size you catch, as long as you don't exceed the daily bag limit.
What kind of license is needed to fish for catfish in Arkansas?
You will need a resident or non-resident Arkansas fishing license.
What's the best bait to use for catfish near Russellville?
Popular baits include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and prepared catfish dough baits. Experiment to see what's working best on a given day.
More Catfish Fishing in Arkansas
Other Species to Fish in Russellville
Ready to Catch Catfish in Russellville?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.




