Fishing DeGray Lake

AKA: DeGray Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
DeGray Lake Fishing Video
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

DeGray Lake, AR

Popular Fish Species DeGray Lake, AR

Largemouth Bass

Fishing in DeGray Lake for largemouth bass has been a mainstay for anglers over the last few decades. Lately the fishing has been improving and big bass are showing up with regularity. Bigger bass are thriving in DeGray Lake due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass are typically shallow and aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing DeGray Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Crappie

Black and white crappie both reside in DeGray Lake, with black crappie typically out-weighing white crappie. They do school together so when you find them you may catch both species. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, 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 in deeper water.

Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at DeGray Lake, as they are plentiful and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and wipers. Live bait is very very effective here, and these chubby fish can be caught year round.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and hybrid striped bass at DeGray Lake in Arkansas.

Family fun and fishing top the to-do list at DeGray Lake, a 13,800-acre lake in central Arkansas, about eight miles north of Arkadelphia. Scattered around the lake with over 200 miles of shoreline are half a dozen boat launch ramps.

DeGray Lake, nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in southwestern Arkansas, is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. This 13,400-acre reservoir offers excellent angling opportunities and a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the most sought-after fish species in DeGray Lake is largemouth bass. The lake is renowned for its quality bass fishing, with the potential to catch trophy-sized fish. Anglers can explore the lake's many coves, submerged structure, and weed beds to target largemouth bass. Spring and fall are popular seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding aggressively. Anglers can employ techniques such as flipping and pitching jigs, casting soft plastics, or using topwater lures to entice these powerful gamefish.

Crappie fishing is also a favorite pursuit in DeGray Lake. The lake is home to both black crappie and white crappie, which can be found around submerged timber, brush piles, and bridge pilings. Spring and fall are peak seasons for crappie fishing, with anglers using jigs, minnows, or small crankbaits to catch these tasty panfish.

DeGray Lake also offers opportunities to catch catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish. Anglers can target catfish throughout the year, using a variety of baits such as cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits. The lake's coves, channels, and points are popular spots for catfish angling.

DeGray Lake in Arkansas is a haven for anglers, with its excellent bass and crappie fisheries, opportunities for catfish angling, and boating and camping amenities. Whether casting for trophy bass, filling a stringer with crappie, or enjoying the thrill of reeling in catfish, DeGray Lake promises an unforgettable fishing experience in the heart of southwestern Arkansas.

The State park boat dock, located less than two miles form the Degray State Park Access, is a popular place to launch anything from kayaks and canoes to pontoons and power boats. Vacationers will find plenty of camping and lodging, plus all the amenities needed for day trip, a weekend or an extended vacation. The boating crowd will appreciate the marina with rental boats, gas, snacks and boating supplies. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy fishing for crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and hybrid stripers. Areas for fishing from the bank can be found at campgrounds, boat landings, and many accessible spots around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in DeGray Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

DeGray Lake 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

Boating is a popular activity on DeGray Lake, with several boat ramps available for easy access to the water. Anglers can enjoy cruising the lake's scenic shoreline, exploring secluded coves, and finding their favorite fishing spots.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Arlie Moore Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Arlie Moore Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Caddo Drive Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Lakefront Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

DeGray Lake Boat Docking Station
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Skyline Drive, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

DeGray Lake State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Small Dike Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Iron Mountain Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Iron Mountain Ramp Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lenox Marcus Free Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off Walnut Drive, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Point Cedar Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Chinook E, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Campground Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Marinas

Iron Mountain Lodge & Marina
134 Iron Mountain Marina Drive
Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923
870 246-4310

Fishing Guides On DeGray Lake

YoYo Guide Service - wipers, crappie

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

DeGray Lake Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a Arkansas Fishing License.

Camping facilities are also available in DeGray Lake State Park, providing anglers with the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in nature. The park offers campsites with amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Anglers can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the lake while camping in this beautiful natural setting.