Smallmouth Bass

While not as renowned as some other Arkansas locations, the rivers and streams near Benton offer opportunities to tangle with Smallmouth Bass. The upper reaches of the Saline River and some of its clearer tributaries can hold surprisingly good numbers of Smallmouth, especially in areas with rocky bottoms and riffles. These Smallmouth may not be giants, but they are scrappy and fun to catch. Late spring and early fall are ideal times to target them, as water temperatures are moderate and the fish are actively feeding. Small crankbaits, tubes, and crawfish imitations are effective. A local tip is to wade fish these streams whenever possible, allowing you to access areas that are difficult to reach by boat. Remember to check water levels before heading out, as heavy rains can make wading dangerous. Also, practice catch and release to help maintain the population of these prized fish.