Lake Bentonville in Benton County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Arkansas, Lake Bentonville falls inside Benton County. The country round it is farm and woodlot from end to end. This is a pocket water of some 11 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. It is a small entry by Benton County standards. 1.6 miles away sits Bentonville, the nearest town. Springfield sits 78 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Lake Bentonville

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Fish documented in Benton County include largemouth bass, orangethroat darter and bluegill. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Read Lake Bentonville for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 78°F and January near 33°F on the long-run figures. The season stretches long at both ends here. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. On Lake Bentonville that shapes the whole year. Weed growth peaks in late summer and changes where you can fish.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. There is a slipway on the shore, 120 yards from the water we list. You can park half a mile away and walk in from there. There is a jetty half a mile off, worth knowing on a busy day. There is a marked fishing area half a mile from here. There are toilets half a mile off. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Lake Atalanta at 6.8 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Lake Bentonville carry more weight than any list.