Arkansas Diamond Lakes – DeGray

Fishing Lake DeGray, Arkansas: The Natural State’s Premier Resort Lake

Located just outside Arkadelphia in the foothills of the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, Lake DeGray is Arkansas’s first resort state park and a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Caddo River, this 13,800-acre reservoir offers crystal-clear waters, diverse fish populations, and a wide array of recreational opportunities, making it an ideal destination for a memorable fishing trip or a family getaway.

A Hybrid Striper and Black Bass Hotspot

Lake DeGray is particularly celebrated for its thriving hybrid striped bass and black bass fisheries. Hybrid stripers are a top draw, known for their powerful runs and exciting battles. Anglers often find success by trolling crankbaits, using live bait, or casting topwater lures, especially during the spring and fall. The lake’s deep, clear waters provide excellent habitat for these hard-fighting fish.

Largemouth bass, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass (collectively known as black bass) are also abundant. Largemouth bass are typically found around submerged timber, rocky points, and creek channels, responding well to soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Spotted bass offer consistent action, while smallmouth bass can be found in rocky areas, particularly around the Caddo River arm. DeGray Lake is a popular venue for bass tournaments, attracting anglers seeking both quantity and quality.

Crappie, Walleye, and Catfish Opportunities

Beyond its renowned bass fishing, Lake DeGray provides excellent opportunities for other popular species. Crappie fishing heats up in the spring and fall, with anglers targeting brush piles, submerged structures, and creek channel edges using minnows and jigs. These panfish are a favorite for their delicious fillets.

Lake DeGray is also known for its walleye, a unique offering in Arkansas. These prized game fish are often caught by trolling deep-diving lures or jigging around humps and ledges, particularly in the cooler months as they move towards the spawning grounds on the Caddo River.

For those who enjoy catfishing, Lake DeGray offers solid action for channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Deeper holes, the main river channel, and inflow areas are productive spots, especially during warmer periods, with cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits proving effective.

More Than Just Fishing: Arkansas’s First Resort State Park

Lake DeGray offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and resort amenities. As Arkansas’s first resort state park, it provides a full-service marina, an 18-hole championship golf course, a lodge with stunning lake views, numerous campgrounds, and a variety of interpretive programs. The clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and a wide range of boating activities, including sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Miles of hiking and biking trails weave through the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful communion with nature.

Go With a Local Fishing Guide

To maximize your fishing success on Lake DeGray, consider hiring a local fishing guide. A seasoned guide brings extensive knowledge of the lake’s seasonal patterns, prime fishing locations, and the most effective baits and techniques for each species. They provide quality gear and ensure a safe, enjoyable, and productive day on the water, whether you’re targeting a trophy hybrid striper or a cooler full of crappie. A guided trip is an invaluable experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Ready to Fish Lake DeGray?

Come experience the unparalleled beauty and fantastic fishing of Lake DeGray, Arkansas. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a hard-fighting hybrid striper, the excitement of a bass bite, or simply enjoying a relaxing day amidst stunning scenery, Clear Water Outfitters will help you get on the fish and make your day on the water a resounding success.

Book your Lake DeGray trip today and discover why anglers keep coming back!