Fishing Charters in Arkansas
Browse fishing charters in Arkansas that can help you catch channel 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 Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish can be caught year-round in Chester. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Channel Catfish
If you're after channel catfish near Chester, Arkansas, the Mulberry River and Lake Fort Smith are your best bets. These waterways offer a good mix of deep holes, rocky runs, and submerged structure where catfish like to hang out. The warmer months, from late spring through early fall, are ideal. Catfish activity tends to increase after dark, so night fishing can be very productive. Common baits like chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and stink baits are all effective. A local tip is to use a slip bobber rig in the deeper holes of the Mulberry River, allowing your bait to drift naturally with the current. Lake Fort Smith offers ample opportunities for boat fishing, with several boat ramps available. The channel catfish in this area average a few pounds, but larger specimens are certainly possible. Be prepared for a good fight, especially in the river's current. Always check local regulations for size and creel limits before you go.
How to Catch Channel Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Chester.
Channel 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 Fishing License
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Arkansas state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Arkansas
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait for channel catfish in Chester, Arkansas?
Popular bait choices for channel catfish include stink baits, nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and cut bait. Experiment to see what works best in the specific waters you're fishing.
What is the daily bag limit for channel catfish in Arkansas?
The daily bag limit for channel catfish is 5 per day in Arkansas.
Do I need a fishing license to catch channel catfish in Chester, AR?
Yes, you need either a resident or non-resident Arkansas fishing license to legally fish for channel catfish in Chester.
Are there any size restrictions for channel catfish in Arkansas?
No, there is no minimum size limit for channel catfish in Arkansas.
More Channel Catfish Fishing in Arkansas
Other Species to Fish in Chester
Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Chester?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.