Fishing Lake Dardanelle
AKA: Dardanelle Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Dardanelle, AR
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake Dardanelle is considered one of the top bass fishing lakes in the region, and is home to numerous bass tournaments annually by local and national bass fishing organizations. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Lake Dardanelle, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Crappie Fishing
With a history of good crappie fishing, Lake Dardanelle continues to impress crappie enthusiasts this year. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Blue Catfish Fishing
This year blue catfish are running in the big to monster size in Lake Dardanelle. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The state record is over 115 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. Blue catfish are primarily found in large rivers, along the main channels, in and around tributaries flowing into impoundments of major river systems. They tend to move upstream in the summer in search of cooler temperatures, and downstream in the winter in order to find warmer water.The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Channel and flathead catfish are also available here for anglers to pursue.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, striped sunfish, warmouth, white bass, hybrid striped bass and sauger at Lake Dardanelle in Arkansas.
Lake Dardanelle Fishing Video
Nestled in the Arkansas River Valley, Lake Dardanelle can at times be an anglers paradise. The lake is loaded with numerous fish species and attracts fishing enthusiasts in search of bass, hybrid stripers, sauger, crappie, catfish, sunfish and white bass.
Lake Dardanelle, located along the Arkansas River in western Arkansas, is a premier fishing destination known for its excellent angling opportunities and diverse fish populations. This 34,300-acre reservoir offers a wide range of fishing experiences and attracts anglers of all skill levels.
One of the most popular fish species in Lake Dardanelle is largemouth bass. The lake is renowned for its outstanding bass fishing, with the potential to catch trophy-sized fish. Anglers can target largemouth bass in the lake's numerous coves, channels, and submerged structures. Spring and fall are prime seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding aggressively. Anglers can employ various techniques such as flipping and pitching jigs, casting spinnerbaits, or working topwater lures to entice these powerful gamefish.
Crappie fishing is also exceptional in Lake Dardanelle. The lake is home to black crappie and white crappie, which can be found around submerged timber, brush piles, and bridge pilings. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons for crappie fishing, with anglers using jigs, minnows, or small crankbaits to catch these delicious panfish.
Other popular fish species in Lake Dardanelle include catfish and white bass. Channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish can be caught using a variety of baits such as cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits. White bass, also known as sand bass, provide exciting action and often form large schools in the lake. Anglers can target white bass using jigs, spoons, or crankbaits, especially during their spring spawning runs.
Lake Dardanelle in Arkansas offers exceptional fishing experiences for anglers, with its diverse fish populations, prime bass and crappie fisheries, and opportunities for boating and camping. Whether casting for trophy bass, filling a cooler with crappie, or enjoying the thrill of reeling in catfish, Lake Dardanelle promises an exciting angling adventure in the heart of western Arkansas.
At times it can be a bit of a challenge to locate the fish in this 34,300-acre reservoir. Visitors can explore over 315 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing and sightseeing. Launch your boat at one of the public boat launch ramps or rent a boat from various boat rental agencies at the lake. It is situated in the north, north-central part of the state, immediately west of Russelville. Camping, lodging, restaurants and shopping are all close at hand, as are marinas and boating-related services.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Dardanelle
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Dardanelle Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Lake Dardanelle offers ample opportunities for boating and water recreation. Anglers can navigate the lake's open waters, explore its numerous bays and tributaries, and find their favorite fishing spots. Several boat ramps are available for convenient access.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Russellville Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes and pontoon boats
479 967-1543
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
ANO Effluent Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off May Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Cabin Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off Cabin Creek Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited, paved parking.
Cane Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Cane Creek Recreation Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Delaware Park Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Delaware Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Dublin Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the southwest side of the lake, off State Route 197, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Illinois Bayou Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, in Illinois Bayou, north side, off Illinois Bayou Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Illinois Bayou Park, Lake Dardanelle Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, in Illinois Bayou, north side, off US Highway 64, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Lake Dardanelle State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, west side, off Lake Dardanelle State Park Service Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Lake Dardanelle State Park East Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Breakwater Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Piney Bay Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Piney Bay Campground Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Shoal Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Shoal Bay Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Dardanelle
Fishing Lake Dardanelle with Bill Dennis - bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Arkansas Fishing License.
For those looking to extend their fishing trip, Lake Dardanelle State Park provides camping facilities. The park features campsites with amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and restrooms. Anglers can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding landscapes while camping and taking advantage of the park's facilities.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Spadra Park Campground - 479 754-6438
Shoal Bay Recreation Area Campground - 479 938-7335
Lake Dardanelle State Park Campground - 479 967-5516
Russellville RV Park & Campground - 479 968-8256
Lake Dardanelle Area Campground - 479 968-5008
Mission RV Park - 479 967-3576
Lake Dardanelle AR Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Dardanelle
Lake Dardanelle State Park
100 State Park Dr
Russellville, AR 72802
479 967-5516
Fishing lakes in each state.
080824
Lake Dardanelle in Arkansas.
ARKANSAS
Information about fishing lakes in Arkansas
Fishing for bass, hybrid stripers, sauger, crappie, catfish, sunfish and white bass in north-central AR.
