Largemouth Bass

Ben Lomond, Arkansas, offers some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing in its network of smaller lakes and ponds. These aren't massive reservoirs, which means a more intimate fishing experience targeting bass in a diverse range of cover. Spring and fall are prime times. During the spring prespawn, focus on the shallows around lily pads and submerged timber with spinnerbaits or lipless crankbaits. As the water warms, bass will move deeper, so switch to Carolina rigs or Texas-rigged worms around structure. Fall sees the bass feeding aggressively again before winter, making topwater lures effective in the early morning and late evening. A local tip: many of the smaller lakes are accessible only by foot or with small boats, so a kayak or canoe can be a major advantage. Be sure to check local regulations on horsepower limits and access fees before heading out. The bass here tend to be plentiful and aggressive, though not generally trophy-sized, making it a great spot for consistent action.