Lake Conway is a 22,000-acre reservoir in the heart of central Arkansas with solid largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie populations

Lake Conway sits about 30 miles northeast of Little Rock and serves as both a water supply and a recreational fishery. The lake stretches across Faulkner and White counties and holds enough depth and structure to support year-round fishing. You will find largemouth bass in the 2- to 5-pound range regularly, channel catfish and flatheads in the deeper channels, and white crappie that school heavily in spring and fall.

The lake's main draw is accessibility. Multiple public boat ramps, a state park, and a wildlife management area mean you can launch from several points without a long drive from Little Rock. The water is relatively clear in normal conditions, and the shoreline mix of timber, creek channels, and open water gives you options depending what species you are targeting and what time of year you fish.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Conway holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and white crappie, with bass and catfish available year-round and crappie best in spring and fall.
  • Public boat ramps operate at Cadron Creek Wildlife Management Area, Lake Conway State Park, and several county access points, all free or low-cost.
  • Bass fishing peaks in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), while catfish bite consistently from May through October.
  • Arkansas fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older, and Lake Conway follows standard state regulations with no special restrictions beyond those.
  • The lake sits 30 miles northeast of Little Rock, making it a half-hour to 45-minute drive from the city for day trips.

Where to Launch and What Access Looks Like

Cadron Creek Wildlife Management Area operates the most heavily used public ramp on the north end of the lake. The ramp is free, has a gravel lot with room for 20 to 30 vehicles, and sits in a quiet cove away from the main lake body. From here you can reach the creek channels and timber flats that hold bass and catfish. The facility has no fuel, food, or lodging, so plan accordingly.

Lake Conway State Park sits on the south end and offers a paved boat ramp, a larger parking area, and amenities including a picnic area and restrooms. There is a small launch fee (typically $3 to $5 per vehicle), and the ramp sees more traffic than Cadron Creek, especially on weekends. From the state park ramp you have quick access to open water and the main lake basin where larger catfish and schooling crappie often hold.

Faulkner County operates a third ramp at the lake's west end near the dam. This ramp is free and less crowded than the state park but has minimal facilities. All three ramps are usable year-round, though winter water levels can occasionally affect launch conditions—call ahead if you are visiting in December or January.

Bass Fishing Seasons and Tactics

Largemouth bass on Lake Conway respond to seasonal patterns tied to water temperature and spawning cycles. Spring (March through May) is the most productive period. Water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the timber, fallen trees, and shallow creek arms with crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures in early morning and late afternoon. A 6- to 7-foot medium-power rod with 12- to 15-pound monofilament or braided line works well for this cover.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite as bass move to deeper structure and shade. Fish the creek channels, submerged timber in 12 to 20 feet of water, and the dam face. Early morning and evening remain best; midday fishing is slow. Jigs, Carolina-rigged soft plastics, and deep-diving crankbaits produce better than shallow presentations.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water cools and bass return to shallower feeding zones. Fish similar areas to spring but expect more aggressive strikes. Crankbaits and swimbaits work well as bass chase baitfish in preparation for winter.

Winter (December through February) is slowest overall, but catfish bite better than bass during this period. If you target bass in winter, focus on the deepest holes and fish slowly with live bait or large soft plastics.

Catfish and Crappie Throughout the Year

Channel catfish and flathead catfish are present year-round on Lake Conway, but the bite is strongest from May through October when water temperatures stay above 60 degrees. Fish cut bait (shad, bluegill, or skipjack), chicken liver, or live bluegill on the bottom in deeper channels and near the dam. Flatheads prefer live bait and are most active at night. Use a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 20- to 30-pound line and a three-way rig or simple slip sinker setup. Catfish in the 15- to 40-pound range are common; larger fish are possible but less frequent.

White crappie school heavily in spring (March through May) and again in fall (September through November). Fish brush piles, submerged timber, and creek channels in 8 to 15 feet of water. Small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce), live minnows under a bobber, and small crankbaits all work. Crappie average 8 to 12 inches, and limits are achievable during peak season. Summer and winter fishing for crappie is slow.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

Arkansas requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years old and older. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website or at most sporting goods stores and bait shops near the lake. License fees vary by residency status; residents pay less than non-residents.

Lake Conway follows standard Arkansas state regulations. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit with a daily bag limit of six fish. Channel catfish have no minimum size and a 25-fish daily limit. Flathead catfish have no minimum size and no daily limit. White crappie have a 9-inch minimum length and a 30-fish daily limit. These regulations can change, so check the current Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations before you fish.

No special permits or stamps are required beyond the standard fishing license. Boat registration is required if you own the boat; rental boats at the state park come pre-registered.

What to Bring and When to Fish

Lake Conway is a full-sun, open-water fishery with little shade once you leave the shoreline. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Wind can pick up in afternoon, especially in spring and fall, so morning trips are often calmer. The lake has no rental facilities, so bring your own boat or arrange a rental through the state park office in advance.

Bait and tackle shops are located in Conway (the town) and Little Rock, about 20 to 40 minutes from the lake depending on your launch point. Stock up before you arrive. The nearest gas station is in Conway, roughly 15 minutes from the north ramps and 20 minutes from the state park.

Weather changes quickly in Arkansas. Spring and fall can bring sudden thunderstorms, so monitor the forecast and be ready to leave the water if lightning threatens. Winter mornings are cold; dress in layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Lake Conway without a boat?

Limited shore fishing is possible from the state park and wildlife management area, but most of the productive water requires a boat. The shoreline is mostly wooded and difficult to access on foot. If you do not have a boat, contact Lake Conway State Park about rental options or consider hiring a local guide.

What is the best time of year to fish Lake Conway?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most productive for both bass and crappie. Summer is slower for bass but catfish bite well. Winter is the slowest overall, though catfish remain active. Your choice depends on which species you want to target.

How far is Lake Conway from Little Rock?

Lake Conway is about 30 miles northeast of downtown Little Rock. The drive from the city center to the north ramps (Cadron Creek) takes roughly 45 minutes; the state park on the south end is about 40 minutes away depending on traffic.

Are there guides available on Lake Conway?

Yes, several guides operate on Lake Conway and specialize in bass, catfish, and crappie. Search online for "Lake Conway fishing guides" or ask at the state park office for current recommendations. Guide rates and availability vary by season.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Largemouth bass average 2 to 4 pounds, with occasional fish to 6 or 7 pounds. Channel catfish run 5 to 20 pounds; flatheads can reach 40 pounds or more. Crappie average 8 to 12 inches. These are typical ranges; individual fish vary.