Fishing Lake Dardanelle

AKA: Dardanelle Reservoir

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, striped sunfish, warmouth, white bass, hybrid striped bass and sauger at Lake Dardanelle in Arkansas.

Nestled in the Arkansas River Valley, Lake Dardanelle can at times be an anglers paradise. The lake is loaded with numerous fish species and attracts fishing enthusiasts in search of bass, hybrid stripers, sauger, crappie, catfish, sunfish and white bass.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Video

Lake Dardanelle, located along the Arkansas River in western Arkansas, is a premier fishing destination known for its excellent angling opportunities and diverse fish populations. This 34,300-acre reservoir offers a wide range of fishing experiences and attracts anglers of all skill levels.

One of the most popular fish species in Lake Dardanelle is largemouth bass. The lake is renowned for its outstanding bass fishing, with the potential to catch trophy-sized fish. Anglers can target largemouth bass in the lake's numerous coves, channels, and submerged structures. Spring and fall are prime seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and feeding aggressively. Anglers can employ various techniques such as flipping and pitching jigs, casting spinnerbaits, or working topwater lures to entice these powerful gamefish.

Crappie fishing is also exceptional in Lake Dardanelle. The lake is home to black crappie and white crappie, which can be found around submerged timber, brush piles, and bridge pilings. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons for crappie fishing, with anglers using jigs, minnows, or small crankbaits to catch these delicious panfish.

Other popular fish species in Lake Dardanelle include catfish and white bass. Channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish can be caught using a variety of baits such as cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits. White bass, also known as sand bass, provide exciting action and often form large schools in the lake. Anglers can target white bass using jigs, spoons, or crankbaits, especially during their spring spawning runs.

Lake Dardanelle in Arkansas offers exceptional fishing experiences for anglers, with its diverse fish populations, prime bass and crappie fisheries, and opportunities for boating and camping. Whether casting for trophy bass, filling a cooler with crappie, or enjoying the thrill of reeling in catfish, Lake Dardanelle promises an exciting angling adventure in the heart of western Arkansas.

At times it can be a bit of a challenge to locate the fish in this 34,300-acre reservoir. Visitors can explore over 315 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing and sightseeing. Launch your boat at one of the public boat launch ramps or rent a boat from various boat rental agencies at the lake. It is situated in the north, north-central part of the state, immediately west of Russelville. Camping, lodging, restaurants and shopping are all close at hand, as are marinas and boating-related services.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Dardanelle

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Dardanelle 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

Lake Dardanelle offers ample opportunities for boating and water recreation. Anglers can navigate the lake's open waters, explore its numerous bays and tributaries, and find their favorite fishing spots. Several boat ramps are available for convenient access.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Russellville Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes and pontoon boats
479 967-1543

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

ANO Effluent Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off May Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Cabin Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off Cabin Creek Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited, paved parking.

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

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

Dublin Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the southwest side of the lake, off State Route 197, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Illinois Bayou Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, in Illinois Bayou, north side, off Illinois Bayou Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Illinois Bayou Park, Lake Dardanelle Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, in Illinois Bayou, north side, off US Highway 64, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Lake Dardanelle State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, west side, off Lake Dardanelle State Park Service Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Dardanelle State Park East Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Breakwater Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Piney Bay Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Piney Bay Campground Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

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

Click here for a Arkansas Fishing License.

For those looking to extend their fishing trip, Lake Dardanelle State Park provides camping facilities. The park features campsites with amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and restrooms. Anglers can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding landscapes while camping and taking advantage of the park's facilities.