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Lake Dardanelle

Boat Ramps
39
Access Points
43
Species
38

Lake Dardanelle is a 34,300-acre reservoir located in northwest Arkansas, nestled in the Arkansas River Valley west of Russellville. With over 315 miles of shoreline to explore, this expansive lake offers diverse fishing opportunities that attract anglers year-round. The lake is part of the Arkansas River system and is bordered by the Dardanelle Wildlife Management Area, which helps protect the native wildlife and environment. The lake's clean waters with little pollution provide ample habitat for numerous fish species, making it one of the top fishing destinations in the region.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Dardanelle. 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.

Lake Dardanelle State Park at Russellville Courtesy Dock #2

Lake Dardanelle State Park at Russellville Courtesy Dock #2

Access Point
Illinois Bayou Park Courtesy Dock at Lake Dardanelle #2

Illinois Bayou Park Courtesy Dock at Lake Dardanelle #2

Access Point
Hwy 64 Piney Access Courtesy Dock

Hwy 64 Piney Access Courtesy Dock

Access Point
Illinois Bayou Park Courtesy Dock at Lake Dardanelle #1

Illinois Bayou Park Courtesy Dock at Lake Dardanelle #1

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Dardanelle

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 Dardanelle 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 Dardanelle to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Dardanelle 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 Dardanelle and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.

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