Fishing at Bethesda Lake, Polk County, Arkansas

• Overview

  The Polk County entry here is Bethesda Lake, in Arkansas. It sits in oak and grass. At roughly 4 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Polk County list. Supplies mean a trip to Mena, 3.7 miles off. The nearest city of size is Little Rock, 112 miles away. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Bethesda Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists orangebelly darter, largemouth bass and slender madtom. Use it to know what is possible here, not what is certain. At Bethesda Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 38°F in January up to 79°F in July. Cooler months are the productive ones on most of this water. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Bethesda Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Cox Lake at 2.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Bethesda Lake are worth checking on the day.