Due to its bountiful water resources, the refuge is a popular destination for sport fishing, crawfishing, and frogging. Largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish are some of the most popular gamefish that occur within refuge waters. Anglers have access to several improved boat ramps and fishing piers.
Refuge waters include the Ouachita River, Saline River, Lapile Creek, a 15,000-acre impoundment that seasonally floods to 36,000 acres, several oxbow lakes, and numerous smaller sloughs and creeks. Recreational fishing in the Eagle Lake and Woodland Trail ponds is open to youth 12 and under, to individuals with disabilities, and to seniors 65 and older. The ponds are also used for special fishing events.
Anglers that wish to commercially fish or host a fishing tournament on the refuge are required to obtain a Special Use permit. Permits may be obtained by contacting our refuge headquarters with a formal request. All Special Use permit applications are subject to a two-week turnaround time.
Caution: Due to elevated levels of mercury in fish, the Arkansas Department of Health advises caution in the consumption of certain fish species harvested from refuge waters. Call 501-661-2000 for more information.
To obtain a georeferenced map of the refuge for all of your hunting or fishing needs, click the map below.
