Northern Snakehead
Northern Snakehead is an invasive species that has established populations in Arkansas since 2008, when they escaped from fish farms into drainage ditches in eastern Arkansas.
These aggressive predators now inhabit 11 watersheds including the Mississippi, White, and Arkansas Rivers.
Scientific Name: Channa argus
- Northern Snakehead are elongated fish reaching up to 33 inches with dark tan-brown bodies covered in darker blotches, flattened snake-like heads, and sharp pike-like teeth.
- They possess unique adaptations including the ability to breathe air and survive up to four days out of water.
Fishing in Arkansas
Lake Conway
Arkansas River
Fourche LaFave River
Bayou Meto
Greers Ferry Lake
Lake Dardanelle
Petit Jean River
Little Red River
Saline River
Lake Ouachita
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They inhabit 11 watersheds including the Mississippi, White, and Arkansas Rivers.
- These obligate air-breathers prefer shallow, stagnant waters with soft muddy bottoms and aquatic vegetation, thriving in swamps and backwaters of sluggish rivers.
Key Locations
- Confirmed populations in Big Creek, Cache River, L'Anguille River, Little Red River, Lower Arkansas River, and various Mississippi River tributaries.
Specific Spots
- Target shallow, stagnant waters with muddy bottoms and thick aquatic vegetation - look for them in the shallowest areas where their backs may be exposed above water.
- Focus on areas with heavy vegetation cover near shorelines.
Northern Snakehead FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Northern Snakehead in Arkansas?
Topwater frogs, poppers, buzzbaits, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and walk-the-dog lures during summer months. Live bait such as minnows, small fish, crayfish, or frogs for cooler weather.
What flies work for Northern Snakehead in Arkansas?
Effective fly patterns include topwater mouse and frog imitations, Clouser minnows, zonkers, and articulated streamers like Zoo Cougar, Dahlberg Diver, Whitlock Waker, and Finesse Game Changer.
When is the best time to fish for Northern Snakehead in Arkansas?
Warm weather months, particularly late spring through summer when they're most active. They spawn multiple times per year from late April through August. They remain active when water temperatures reach 10°C (50°F) and prefer temperatures between 5-16°C (41-60°F).
How do you catch Northern Snakehead in Arkansas?
Topwater lures are extremely effective during summer months. In cooler weather or following cold snaps, switch to live bait suspended 1-3 feet below a bobber.
What do Northern Snakehead eat?
Their diet closely matches largemouth bass, consisting of fish (90% of adult diet), frogs, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates - they can consume prey up to 33% of their body length.
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