Featured Crappie Charters in Benton
Expert captains ready to take you on your next crappie adventure.
Best Time to Catch Crappie
Crappie can be caught year-round in Benton. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Crappie
Benton, Arkansas, is a crappie angler's paradise, boasting several excellent lakes and rivers teeming with these tasty panfish. Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita are popular choices, offering abundant submerged timber and brush piles that crappie love. Spring is undoubtedly the prime time, as crappie move shallow to spawn, congregating around structure in coves and backwaters. Minnows and jigs fished under a bobber are classic and effective presentations. However, don't overlook the fall, as crappie school up again before winter. A local trick is to use your electronics to locate submerged brush piles in deeper water during the hotter months. Also, be aware of the daily creel limit and size restrictions, and consider practicing selective harvest to ensure a healthy crappie population for years to come.
How to Catch Crappie
Crappie Fishing Regulations in Arkansas
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
30 per day
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Resident or Non-resident Fishing License
Crappie regulations may vary on specific bodies of water; consult the current Arkansas Fishing Guide for details.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Arkansas state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Arkansas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the daily bag limit for crappie in Arkansas?
The daily bag limit for crappie in Arkansas is 30 per person. There are no size restrictions for crappie in Arkansas.
What are some productive crappie fishing spots near Benton?
Lake Winona and Lake Ouachita, both located close to Benton, are well-known for their crappie fishing. Look for submerged timber, brush piles, and bridge pilings where crappie tend to congregate.
What's the best bait to use for crappie around Benton?
Live minnows are a classic and effective crappie bait. Jigs, especially tube jigs and curly-tail grubs, are also very popular and come in a variety of colors to match water conditions.
Is there a specific season for crappie fishing in Arkansas?
No, crappie fishing is open year-round in Arkansas. However, the spring spawning season is often considered the best time to target them as they move into shallower waters.
More Crappie Fishing in Arkansas
Other Species to Fish in Benton
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