Fourche LaFave River

Boat Ramps: 4
Access Points: 4
Species: 19

The Fourche LaFave River (pronounced Foosh Luh Fave) in Arkansas is a scenic waterway flowing approximately 151 miles through the northern Ouachita Mountains west of Little Rock. This popular fishing destination rises in southern Scott County south of Waldron and flows east-northeast through the Ouachita National Forest, along the Dutch Creek Mountain ridge and the north side of the Fourche Mountain ridge, past Perryville, before joining the Arkansas River approximately 25 miles northwest of Little Rock. The river is impounded by Nimrod Dam at Fourche Junction to form Nimrod Lake for flood control. It's characterized by its fairly small size with large pools and relatively steep gradient, offering diverse fishing opportunities for both experienced anglers and casual enthusiasts alike.

Arkansas licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Fourche LaFave River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Alligator Gar

Atractosteus spatula

Black Redhorse

Moxostoma duquesnei

Blue Catfish

Ictalurus furcatus

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Flathead Catfish

Pylodictis olivaris

Freshwater Drum

Aplodinotus grunniens

Golden Redhorse

Moxostoma erythrurum

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Longear Sunfish

Lepomis megalotis

Spotted Bass

Micropterus punctulatus

Spotted Gar

Lepisosteus oculatus

Spotted Sucker

Minytrema melanops

White Crappie

Pomoxis annularis

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Fourche LaFave River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Andrews Bait N More

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Andrews Bait N More

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Know where you can legally fish on Fourche LaFave River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Arkansas licenses and regulations

Arkansas Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Arkansas Fishing License

If you are 16 or older, you must carry a valid fishing license to take or attempt to take aquatic wildlife in Arkansas, unless you are fishing in a licensed “put-and-take” pay lake. A trout permit is required to fish for trout in certain waters (tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson or east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek) or to keep trout from any Arkansas waters.

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Arkansas Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Arkansas Stream Access Laws

If a waterway can carry a small boat for six months out of the year, it is considered navigable and available for public use. This includes streambed access up to the high water mark. However, access to the waterway through private land is not guaranteed.

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Take Fourche LaFave River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

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Keep a private fishing journal for Fourche LaFave River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Fourche LaFave River and check the forecast before you go.