Charleston Lake, Arkansas: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Charleston Lake lies within the bounds of Franklin County, Arkansas. Open plain runs right down to the water. Surface area is around 68 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. With about 1.2 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. Most waters listed here for Franklin County are larger. Charleston at 1.3 miles is the nearest place to stop. The big place round here is Little Rock, 106 miles distant. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Charleston Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Across Franklin County, recorded fish include longnose darter, slender madtom and green sunfish. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Take Charleston Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 81°F; by January the average is down near 38°F. Long warm spells define the calendar more than any cold. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Charleston Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. A car park sits roughly half a mile away. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. For a change of water, Darby Lake is 1.6 miles distant. For Charleston Lake in particular, ask before you travel.