Fishing Bull Shoals Lake

AKA: Bull Shoals Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Bull Shoals Lake, AR

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

Bull Shoals Lake, long known as a bass fishing paradise, continues to provide great catches of largemouth bass. Careful fisheries management by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Missouri Department of Conservation, has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Bull Shoals Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.

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Crappie Fishing

Great crappie fishing at Bull Shoals Lake has been attracting anglers for decades. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.

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Walleye Fishing

Thanks to fertile water, good fishery management, a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in Bull Shoals Lake again this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, longear sunfish, warmouth, white bass and striped bass at Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas.

Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Video

For boating and fishing enthusiasts alike, Bull Shoals Lake is an excellent getaway destination. Come for a day, a family vacation or a weekend fishing trip. Great bass fishing, crappie fishing, trout and many other species are abundant.

Bull Shoals Lake, situated in northern Arkansas, is a renowned fishing destination known for its pristine waters and abundant fish populations. Anglers are drawn to this expansive reservoir for its excellent fishing opportunities and breathtaking scenery.

Another popular fish species in Bull Shoals Lake is the smallmouth bass. This lake is renowned for its exceptional smallmouth bass fishery, attracting anglers from near and far. Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the lake, particularly around rocky points, submerged structure, and deeper channels. Spring and fall are prime seasons for smallmouth bass fishing, as the fish are more active and readily take a variety of lures such as crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastics.

Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas is a paradise for anglers, offering excellent fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and other species. With its pristine waters, stunning landscapes, and a wealth of boating and camping options, Bull Shoals Lake provides a memorable fishing experience in the heart of the Ozarks.

This 71,000-acre reservoir has over 1,000 miles of shoreline, plenty of which is accessible for bank fishing. Kayaks, canoes, bass boats, pontoons and other fishing boats are welcome on the scenic waters of Bull Shoals Reservoir. Multiple marinas and boat rental options are conveniently located around the lake. Novice and serious anglers will find bass, white bass, striped bass, walleye, crappie, sunfish and catfish. Bull Shoals Lake is located in the extreme north, center of the state just west of Mountain Home. Local fishing guides offer trips for virtually any fish species you like.

Primary fish species residing in Bull Shoals Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bull Shoals Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Bull Shoals Lake, with numerous boat ramps and marinas available for anglers' convenience. The lake's vast expanse offers ample opportunities for boating and exploring its many secluded coves and scenic shorelines.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Buck Creek Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
417 785-4291

Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock and Marina Services
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoon boats
870 445-4424

Highway 125 Marina
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoon boats
870 436-5390

Lakeview Cove Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
870 431-5291

Sugarloaf Harbor Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
870 422-2900

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Buck Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off State Route 125, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

County Road 8064 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Marion County Road 8064, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Highway 125 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Marina Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lakeshore Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Lakeshore Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Point Return Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Brown's Brach Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Tucker Hollow Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off State Route 281, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Buck Creek Marina
10642 S State Hwy 125
Protem, Missouri 65733
417 785-4291

Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock & Marina
140 Boat Dock Cove
Bull Shoals, AR 72619
870 445-4424

Highway 125 Marina
159 Lake Front Pt
Peel, AR 72668
870 436-5390

Lakeview Cove Marina
707 Boat Dock Road
Lakeview, AR 72642
870 431-5291

Oakland Marina
9924 Oakland Rd
Oakland, AR 72661
870 431-5381

Sugarloaf Harbor Marina
1502 Shoreline Drive
Diamond City, AR 72630
870 422-2900

Tucker Hollow Marina
22921 State Highway 281
Lead Hill, Arkansas
870 436-4740

Fishing Guides On Bull Shoals Lake

Southern Walleye Guide Services - walleye

Just Fred Walleye Guide Service - walleye

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Arkansas Fishing License.

Camping facilities are also available in the Bull Shoals Lake area, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. Campgrounds with amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, and picnic areas can be found near the lake, providing a perfect setting for anglers to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the lake and its surroundings.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lead Hill Campground - 870 422-7555

Highway 125 Park Campground - 870 436-5711

Buck Creek Park Campground - 870 785-4313

AR Game & Fish-Fishery Campground - 870 436-2742

Lakeview Campground - 870 431-8116

Bull Shoals Lake Parks Campground - 870 445-7166

SonLight Campground and Cabins - 636 515-5016

Bull Shoals Lake AR Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Bull Shoals
Highway 125 Park Bull Shoals
32 Marina Ln
Peel, AR 72668
870 436-5711

Fishing lakes in each state.

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