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
Peak season: April, May, June, September, October. Also good: March, July, August, November. Right now in February, activity is fair.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Channel Catfish
Little Rock provides excellent channel catfish angling, especially in the Arkansas River and its tributaries. Spring and fall are generally the most productive times to target catfish here. During the spring spawn, they move into shallower waters, making them easier to target from the bank. The fall sees them feeding heavily before winter. A great access point is the Cook's Landing area, which offers both bank fishing and a boat ramp. The stretch of river near downtown Little Rock also provides decent bank access. Locals often find success using prepared dough baits or chicken liver, fished on the bottom with a slip sinker rig. A helpful tip: focus on areas with submerged structure, such as fallen trees or rock piles. The Arkansas River can experience fluctuating water levels, so check conditions before heading out. Little Rock's catfish population is known for its size, with many anglers reporting catches of catfish exceeding 10 pounds.
How to Catch Channel Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Little Rock.
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 daily limit for channel catfish in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, the daily bag limit for channel catfish is 5 per day. Make sure to check the latest regulations from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for any updates.
Is there a size restriction for keeping channel catfish in Arkansas?
There is no minimum size limit for keeping channel catfish in Arkansas. You can keep any size you catch, as long as you stay within the bag limit.
What's a good bait to use for channel catfish around Little Rock?
Channel catfish are opportunistic feeders. Try using nightcrawlers, chicken liver, stinkbaits, or cut bait. Local anglers can provide more specific recommendations based on the water you're fishing.
Do I need a fishing license to catch channel catfish in Arkansas?
Yes, you need either a resident or non-resident Arkansas fishing license to legally fish for channel catfish in the state's public waters.
More Channel Catfish Fishing in Arkansas
Other Species to Fish in Little Rock
Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Little Rock?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.




