Fishing Charters in Arkansas

Browse fishing charters in Arkansas that can help you catch flathead catfish.

Gregs Guide Service - Gregs Guide Service
Gregs Guide Service

Gregs Guide Service

Bull Shoals, Arkansas

Greg's white river guide service is a trout fishing guide service in north central Arkansas

freshwaterSpeckled Trout
Bull Shoals, Arkansas
The Ozark Fly Guides - The Ozark Fly Guides
The Ozark Fly Guides

The Ozark Fly Guides

Heber Springs, Arkansas

ozarkflyguides, Heber springs

inshore
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Keeping It Crappie - Keeping It Crappie
Keeping It Crappie

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.

freshwaterLargemouth BassCrappie
Dardanelle, Arkansas
Reel Good Fishing - Reel Good Fishing
Reel Good Fishing

Reel Good Fishing

Alexander, Arkansas

REEL GOOD FISHING|GUIDED FISHING TRIPS ARKANSAS|SHOP OUR FLY SHOP|ARKANSAS FLY FISHING GUIDES

fly fishing
Alexander, Arkansas
Little Red Trout - Little Red Trout
Little Red Trout

Little Red Trout

Heber Springs, Arkansas

Guided Trout Fishing on The Little Red River Heber Springs Arkansas. Special discounted rates.

freshwaterSpeckled Trout
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Fish Finder Service - Fish Finder Service
Fish Finder Service

Fish Finder Service

Bee Branch, Arkansas

inshore
Bee Branch, Arkansas
Str Outdoors - Str Outdoors
Str Outdoors

Str Outdoors

Mountain Home, Arkansas

Sean Reynolds for Striper & hybrids fishing on Lake Norfork and Eastern Tennessee

freshwaterStriped Bass
Mountain Home, Arkansas
Hot Springs Fishing Charter - Hot Springs Fishing Charter
Hot Springs Fishing Charter

Hot Springs Fishing Charter

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

inshore
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Swinging Bridge Flies - Swinging Bridge Flies
Swinging Bridge Flies

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.

fly fishing
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures - Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures
Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures

Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures

Gassville, Arkansas

Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures fishes top locations on the White River

freshwater
Gassville, Arkansas
Beaus Guide Service - Beaus Guide Service
Beaus Guide Service

Beaus Guide Service

5(22)Top Rated

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.

freshwaterfly fishingSpeckled Trout
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Arkansas On The Fly - Arkansas On The Fly
Arkansas On The Fly

Arkansas On The Fly

5(2)Top Rated

Fly Fishing Guided Trips

fly fishing
Lakeview, Arkansas

Best Time to Catch Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish can be caught year-round in Bella Vista. Right now in February, activity is Slow.

Book a Flathead Catfish Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Various

If you're after trophy flathead catfish, Bella Vista, Arkansas, offers some surprisingly good opportunities. The key is targeting the deeper holes and submerged timber in the area's lakes, particularly Lake Bella Vista and Lake Avalon. These lakes, while relatively small, hold some hefty flatheads that thrive on the abundant forage fish. Spring and early summer, just after the spawn, is prime time, as the big cats are actively feeding to regain condition. A live sunfish or large shiner fished on a Carolina rig is tough to beat. Bank access is available at several points around both lakes, but a small boat or kayak will significantly expand your options for finding those less-pressured honey holes. Be aware that the water can clear up significantly in the summer, so using a heavier line and setting your hook quickly is crucial when fishing in these conditions. Local tip: check water levels before you head out, as heavy rains can affect access to some areas.

How to Catch Flathead Catfish

Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Flathead Catfish in Bella Vista.

Flathead 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 limit for flathead catfish in Bella Vista, Arkansas?

The daily bag limit for flathead catfish in Arkansas is 5 fish.

Is there a size limit on flathead catfish in Arkansas?

No, there is no size limit for flathead catfish in Arkansas. You can keep any size you catch.

What kind of license do I need to fish for flathead catfish near Bella Vista?

You'll need a valid Arkansas fishing license, either resident or non-resident, to fish for flathead catfish in the Bella Vista area.

What's the best bait for flathead catfish in Bella Vista?

Live bait like sunfish or goldfish is very effective for catching flathead catfish. They are ambush predators and prefer live prey.

More Flathead Catfish Fishing in Arkansas

Other Species to Fish in Bella Vista

Ready to Catch Flathead Catfish in Bella Vista?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.