Kings River

Boat Ramps: 4
Access Points: 5
Species: 24

The Kings River in Arkansas and Missouri is one of the premier smallmouth bass fisheries in the Ozarks. This scenic Ozark stream offers anglers exceptional fishing opportunities year-round, particularly for trophy smallmouth bass that can reach impressive sizes. Designated as an Ozark Zone Quality Stream by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Kings River is home to over 59 different native fish species, providing diverse angling experiences against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty. From trophy smallmouth sections to areas rich with other game fish, the Kings River has established itself as a destination that keeps fishing enthusiasts returning season after season.

Arkansas licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

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

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Kings 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.

Rockhouse Parking Parking Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Kings 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 Kings 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.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Kings River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Kings River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android