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Lake Chicot

Boat Ramps
4
Access Points
9
Species
15

Lake Chicot is the largest natural lake in Arkansas and the largest oxbow lake in North America, spanning approximately 5,300 acres with nearly 50 miles of shoreline. Located in northeastern Chicot County near Lake Village, this fish hook-shaped waterbody reaches depths of up to 70 feet. The lake offers year-round fishing opportunities with peak seasons during spring and fall when mild temperatures create ideal conditions for anglers. Lake Chicot State Park, situated on the northern portion of the lake, serves as an excellent headquarters for fishing excursions, providing amenities such as cabins, campgrounds, and boat rentals. With its rich fish populations and scenic setting, Lake Chicot has become a favorite destination for both novice and experienced anglers seeking largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and other species.


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Chicot. 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.

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Chicot

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 Lake Chicot 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 Lake Chicot to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Chicot to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lake Chicot and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


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