Grab Your Fishing Pole and Head for These Locations in Fort Smith

As the summer months begin to wane, you may find yourself wanting to take advantage of summer’s end by enjoying a day fishing. Whether you are a novice to the fishing game or an experienced angler, there are plenty of spots to get the catch you are looking for in and around the Fort Smith area. Ready to test out your skills? Grab your pole and head down to one of the best Fort Smith fishing spots listed below. 

 

Torraine Lake

 

One of the best places in Fort Smith to take your family for a day of fishing is Torraine Lake. Torraine Lake is a family and community fishing lake that receives regular stockings of the most popular catches. You can access the lake on foot via one of the paved walking trails or pedestrian bridges. You can also fish from a kayak or canoe, though it can be a little bit of a hike from the parking area to the launch site.

 

All children under the age of 16 and those older than 16 with a valid license are welcome to fish with a rod or pole. The lake is ideal for catching catfish, trout, and bream, though there are daily limits on how many you can keep. Largemouth bass may also be caught, but they need to be released immediately after catching.

 

Fort Smith Park

 

Fort Smith Park is a riverfront park that is the perfect place to catch fish of all varieties. The park is located right along the Arkansas River, which is home to multiple varieties of catfish, bass, sunfish, bluegill, and crappie. Both on-site parking and restroom facilities are available as well as a number of recreational activities. You can access the river along one of the hiking or biking trails. Other park amenities include a basketball court, soccer fields, and pavilions. While no reservation is required to take advantage of these amenities, if you are looking for a venue for a party or family get-together, you can rent out portions of the park for the day.

 

Carol Ann Cross Pond

 

Another part of the area family and community fishing program is Carol Ann Pond. This spot offers handheld rod fishing as well as permit trolling motor craft fishing. The area is known for its variety of catfish, but there is a daily limit of three. If you are looking for a big catch to bring home, you are allowed to take up to 25 bream from the lake. The lake is regularly stocked, so the fish are always plentiful, and for those who need accessibility, the pier offers accessible fishing areas.

 

Harry E. Kelly Park

 

Another riverfront park located in the Fort Smith area is Harry E. Kelly Park. The park offers the same great fishing that you can find at other parks along the Arkansas River and also provides a number of unique amenities for guests. The park is home to a full-size amphitheater and event center that can be rented out by the public.

Enjoy a relaxing day of fishing and come home with a tasty catch by visiting one or all of the Fort Smith area parks listed above.

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