Walleye is a very popular game fish and they can be found in many different areas of the country. One area that is not as popular for walleye fishing is Arkansas but that does not mean that it cannot be done. In fact, one of the world’s largest walleye was taken out of a lake in Arkansas and was only a couple of pounds short of the actual record winning walleye for the entire world. In order to be successful at fishing for walleye in this state requires having some of the knowledge that the locals bring to the table. They know exactly where to find these tasty fish and what to use to catch them.

If you do not know a local or are not familiar with the area, there are other options for you. The following 4 walleye fishing tips for Arkansas:

1. Where to Find Walleye – In Arkansas, finding a lake that has walleye one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish. You can find walleye lakes sprinkled around the state with the best one located only eighty miles from Little Rock. Greer Ferry Lake holds over thirty two thousand acres of prime fishing waters with some great walleye fishing thrown in for good measure. This is the lake where the largest walleye has been landed and one that almost broke the world record. Find Mountain Home Arkansas and you find the second best lake for walleye that offers forty five thousand acres. Bull Shoals Lake is followed close behind by Lake Ouchita in Hot Springs. There is also a river that offers great walleye fishing called the Saline River. This is an unobtrusive river that meanders throughout the state.

In terms of finding the walleye in the bodies of water that is their habitat, when fishing, look for them from sunset to just before dawn when it is dark out. They are in the deeper waters of the lakes and rivers. They love dark areas and hide from the sun when it is daylight out.

2. Wade Fishing – If you plan your trip around the Saline River then you need to bring your waders as this is the most popular fishing method. Not only can you find plenty of walleye, you can try your hand at channel catfish and other species. When fishing for either, wade out and cast a few times. If you do not catch anything or get any bites, you can easily wade a few feet and try another spot. It is surprising just how much area you can cover when wade fishing that you may not have attempted even with a boat. There are a wide variety of baits and lures that you can easily use to fish this area and many even use attempt fly fishing to give them an edge. Either way, rest assured that there are plenty of walleye and not much fishing traffic to worry about.

3. Fish From Canoes – One of the tips that offer the most value is fishing from a canoe. You do not want to use anything more powerful than a trolling motor so there is really no need to bring a large boat with you. Canoe fishing can take a few casts to get used to if you have never fished in this manner before. Make sure that you have a buddy with you so that if any emergency arises there is someone who can call for aid. It is also much easier to paddle to the area that you want to fish if there are two of you at the oars. Of course a trolling motor can help but it is still advisable to have another person along when fishing by canoe.

4. Finding the Right Bait – The walleye are not very finicky eaters in Arkansas and this is the best news that any angler can read. Those who want to be successful, however, use small crawdads, crickets and of course the old standby of worms. But the smart angler knows that no walleye can resist the lure of a tasty minnow. You can bring some lures that mimic these live baits as well the live bait itself. This gives you more options when fishing for the walleye.

Walleye fishing in Arkansas is not always considered to be the best place for it. Even though monster walleyes are pulled out of lakes and rivers, most people do not put this state on the list of top walleye areas. If you know where to find the walleye in Arkansas and you have the tools for catching them and know how to go about it, such as wade fishing and using a canoe, then you are already ahead of the game. The rest is up to your fishing skills and what time of day that you get on the water.