Barnes Lake Fishing Guide, Monroe County, Arkansas

• Overview

  This water sits in Monroe County, Arkansas. Elevation runs to 180 feet. It lies lower than most water we list in Arkansas. You are 8.9 miles from Brinkley. Des Arc lies 11 miles off, Clarendon another 13 miles. Alternatives close at hand: Upshaw Lake some 7.8 miles off, Lake Greenlee a shade over 10 miles, Little Clear Lake some 11 miles off, Lake Des Arc a shade over 14 miles and Wing Meade Reservoir some 15 miles off. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Barnes Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Monroe County, recorded fish include bantam sunfish, bowfin, orangespotted sunfish, warmouth and spotted gar. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. At Barnes Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 82°F, the coldest about 39°F. Summer heat is the limit here, not winter cold. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. That shapes the year on Barnes Lake. Late summer often means an early start or nothing at all.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. Carp respond to sweetcorn or boilies fished patiently on the bottom near feeding areas. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. The nearest alternative is Upshaw Lake, 7.8 miles out. Signs at Barnes Lake carry more weight than any list.