Anglers in Rogers and Northwest Arkansas have access to many different kinds of fishing. The sheer variety of waterbodies within driving distance means there’s something for everyone: big and small lakes, rivers, ponds and reservoirs. 

Omnia Fishing is a fishing retailer that gathers reports from local anglers by lake. Using that information, we’ve gathered a short list of fishing destinations that make this region so fantastic for fishing and what to expect when you arrive. 

Beaver Lake

Residents of Rogers know that Beaver Lake is a great place to target largemouth bass in the weeds or on its long, tapering points. Texas rigging worms on the rocky shores and gravel is a popular way to chase bass, especially in the post-spawn spring. 

In addition to bass, Beaver Lake is home to crappie, bluegill, muskellunge, and walleyes. The walleyes have been stocked more than any other fish but they can be very challenging to catch in this body of water. Muskies have recently been introduced by popular demand and are growing to respectable lengths. 

Table Rock Lake

Massive Table Rock Lake boasts more than 52,000-acres of water and more than 800 miles of shoreline. While mainly located in Missouri, the upper portions of the Long Creek, Kings River, and White River all reach into Arkansas. Make sure you have the proper licensing for where you’re heading.

Largemouth bass are the main attraction due to their abundance and size (6+ pound bass are not uncommon.) Bass can be found in the shallows and creek arms in the spring as they get ready to spawn and look for warm water. In the summer they’re found in deeper water where marine electronics can help you locate ledges and submerged brush piles. As the water cools in the fall, look for bass in the shallows as they chase shad and put on weight for the winter.

Lake Atalanta

Back in Rogers, the city is home to Lake Atalanta, a small reservoir located right in a neighborhood park. Trout are the main attraction and the Game & Fish commission consistently stock the lake and maintain structure for them to thrive. 

Try your hand at fly fishing or use a micro jig to target the beautiful rainbow trout in the crystal clear water. The most popular way to fish is from the banks and from fishing piers in the City of Rogers Park. This is a no-wake lake but you can get out on the water by putting in a kayak or canoe for open water fishing.

Taneycomo Lake

Taneycomo Lake is a narrow 2,100-acre, clear and cold-water lake that sits between Table Rock and Bull Shoals in southwest Missouri.  Its unique shape and location on the White River means it operates like both a river and a lake.

Visitors to Taneycomo love to target rainbow and brown trout. Mid-depth trolling near rip rap has been a proven way to locate trout in summer months. Note that all anglers must have a trout permit and a state fishing permit to fish for trout and as of this writing there is a 20 inch minimum length limit set by the Missouri Department of Conservation. 

Largemouth can be found in certain areas for the bass anglers out there. The cold temps in Taneycomo originate from the deep cool water coming in from Table Rock. Bass can be found in the warmer sections of the lake, especially coves. Using structure jigs near weed lines was a top technique for targeting fall largemouth there.

Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees

Located in Northeast Oklahoma, Grand Lake was born in 1940 when the Pensacola Dam was installed on the Grand River to create this gigantic lake. There’s an average depth of 36 feet but the water level fluctuates based on dam control factors like rain events upstream. There is no significant aquatic vegetation growth in the lake due to its deep rocky bottom. 

Grand Lake has turned into a first rate bass fishery and hosts several tournaments each year including national professional tours. MLF pro and Omnia contributor Jeremy Lawyer reports that flipping docks with a jig is one of best ways to target bass on the lake. “A swim jig is a staple in the Ozarks because you can fish it all year and there are just so many applications you can do with it.”

There are also healthy populations of both white and black crappies, bluegill, and the prehistoric-looking paddlefish. Anglers report that using deep diving crankbaits near brush piles is the best way to scoop up summer crappie.

Lake Flint Creek

Located less than an hour from Rogers, Lake Flint Creek was created by the Flint Creek Power Plant to act as a cooling pool when they dammed Little Flint Creek in 1978. It is stocked by the Game & Fish commission and contains bass, panfish and some catfish.

The power plant is located on the eastern shore and emits water at over 100 degrees, ensuring warm water in the lake all year long. Seasonal patterns happen a little earlier here, with the bass spawn coming as early as January.

Imitating shad is the best bet for anglers targeting black bass and hard body jerkbaits have proven effective on ledges in this lake. 

In Conclusion

Northwest Arkansas is a great place to be if you’re an avid angler. The access to different kinds of water bodies provides a huge variety of fishing opportunities. Finding the right strategy for your lake’s size, structure and forage is the key to making your next trip a successful one.

About Omnia Fishing

Omnia is an online fishing retailer that gathers thousands of fishing reports from local anglers and brings them together in personalized recommendations. Customers can shop by lake and get tackle recommendations that will work for their specific region, season and species.