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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped bass in Arkansas are a landlocked population of the Atlantic anadromous species that have adapted to freshwater reservoirs.

These powerful fish can reach exceptional sizes - Arkansas has produced stripers over 40 pounds, with Lake Ouachita being renowned as a world-class striped bass destination.

Also known as stripers

Physical Characteristics:
  • These powerful fish can reach exceptional sizes - Arkansas has produced stripers over 40 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit deep, open waters that are essentially devoid of other sport fish.
  • With the exception of a naturally reproducing population in the Arkansas River, striped bass do not reproduce successfully in Arkansas lakes.

Key Locations

  • Approximately 500,000 two-inch fingerlings are stocked annually in just four Arkansas lakes: Beaver, Hamilton, Norfork, and Ouachita.
  • Lake Ouachita being renowned as a world-class striped bass destination.
  • For spring fishing on Lake Ouachita, target the western end and north side where larger fish concentrate.

Specific Spots

  • Target tributary arms during pre-spawn period, channel drop-offs and main lake flats, windblown points, riprap, and dam areas.
  • Summer fishing requires targeting deep water at or above the thermocline.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in Arkansas?

Effective lures include lipless crankbaits in shad patterns, 3-8 inch swimbaits in white or chartreuse, Cotton Cordell Red Fins, and Rat-L-Traps in chrome finishes. Live bait fishing using gizzard shad or large minnows. Topwater lures like poppers, buzzbaits, and walk-the-dog style baits.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in Arkansas?

Prime striped bass fishing in Arkansas occurs during cooler months, with spring (March-May) and fall (November-December) offering the best opportunities. April is considered peak season. During hot summer months, they retreat to deeper, cooler waters.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Arkansas?

For spring fishing on Lake Ouachita, target the western end and north side where larger fish concentrate, trolling shallow-running minnow baits over flats and submerged points at dawn and dusk. During surface feeding activity, switch to topwater lures. For deeper presentations, vertical jigging proves effective.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Striped bass are voracious predators feeding primarily on shad (both gizzard and threadfin), with their diet consisting of 92.8% shad according to studies on Lake Hamilton. They also consume insects, minnows, rainbow trout in trout lakes, and occasionally crayfish.

Where do Striped Bass live in Arkansas?

They inhabit deep, open waters that are essentially devoid of other sport fish. With the exception of a naturally reproducing population in the Arkansas River, striped bass do not reproduce successfully in Arkansas lakes.

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