Maumelle Lake Fishing Report Guide
Maumelle Lake Fishing Report Guide
Welcome, folks! Today we’re diving into everything you need to know about fishing at Maumelle Lake in Arkansas. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this guide is packed with tips, tricks, and everything you need to know for a fantastic fishing adventure.
About Maumelle Lake Fishing
Maumelle Lake is a picturesque reservoir located in central Arkansas, just a short drive from Little Rock. This beautiful lake, created by the damming of the Big Maumelle River, is known for its clear waters, scenic surroundings, and fantastic fishing opportunities. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, it offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Maumelle Lake Fishing Details
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details about Maumelle Lake. Here’s a handy list of key information:
- Water Surface: 8,900 acres
- Shoreline: 70 miles
- Average Depth: 50 feet
- Max Depth: 82 feet
- Surface Elevation: 329 feet
- Location: Central Arkansas, Pulaski County
- Coordinates: 34.8442° N, 92.4765° W
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car with multiple boat ramps
- Type of Lake: Man-made reservoir
- Lake Amenities:
- Boat ramps
- Fishing piers
- Picnic areas
- Restrooms
- Hiking trails
- Camping areas
Types of Fish in Maumelle Lake
Maumelle Lake is teeming with a variety of fish species, making it a hotspot for anglers. Here’s a rundown of the main types of fish you can find and where they usually hang out:
- Largemouth Bass: Often found near submerged structures, vegetation, and drop-offs. Best times to catch them are early morning and late evening.
- White Bass: Frequently seen in open waters and near schools of shad. Look for them during the spring spawning season near the river mouths.
- Crappie: Typically found in deeper waters around brush piles and underwater structures. They are most active during the spring and fall.
- Catfish: Commonly located in deeper parts of the lake, especially near the bottom. Look for them around channels and submerged logs.
- Bream: Found in shallow waters near the shore, especially around docks and piers.
- Striped Bass: Usually in open waters, chasing schools of baitfish. They’re more active during cooler months.
Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle
Choosing the right bait and tackle can make a big difference in your fishing success. Here are some recommendations for each type of fish in Maumelle Lake:
- Largemouth Bass:
- Baits: Live minnows, plastic worms, and crankbaits
- Lures: Spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater lures
- Tackle: Medium to heavy rod with a fast-action reel
- White Bass:
- Baits: Small live shad and minnows
- Lures: Jigging spoons, crankbaits, and spinners
- Tackle: Medium rod with a fast-action reel
- Crappie:
- Baits: Minnows and small shad
- Lures: Crappie jigs and small crankbaits
- Tackle: Light rod with a sensitive tip and spinning reel
- Catfish:
- Baits: Chicken liver, stink bait, and cut bait
- Lures: None, focus on natural baits
- Tackle: Heavy rod with a sturdy reel and strong line
- Bream:
- Baits: Worms, small insects, and bread
- Lures: Tiny jigs and micro-spinners
- Tackle: Ultralight rod with a small spinning reel
- Striped Bass:
- Baits: Live shad and herring
- Lures: Spoons, swimbaits, and topwater plugs
- Tackle: Medium to heavy rod with a fast-action reel
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- BERKLEY POWERBAIT POWER MINNOW FRESHWATER SOFT PLASTIC BAITS: Featuring lifelike details, these pre-rigged Power Minnow baits have 3D eyes and holographic inserts to attract attention, making them an essential tool for any angler.
- ULTRA-SHARP OWNER HOOKS – Equipped with sharp high quality OWNER high carbon steel hooks and built-in magnet, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while Reduce the odds getting hung up when fishing, thus saving your bait for future use.
- ✅ Purpose and Size: These grubs for fishing attract a wide variety of fish including trout, crappie, panfish, bluegill, bream, roach, carp and more. Using grub fishing lures that imitate worms offers many advantages over live worms or minnows. These crappie lures are equipped with an optimal size hook and a rubber grub. The hook dimensions are 10 mm wide and 25 mm long, and the length of the larva itself is 22 mm.
Best Fishing Spot Locations
Finding the right spot can be the key to a successful fishing trip. Here are some of the best fishing spots around Maumelle Lake:
- The Dam Area: Great for striped bass and catfish. The deep waters near the dam provide an ideal habitat for these species.
- North Shoreline: Known for largemouth bass, especially near submerged structures and vegetation.
- East Cove: A hot spot for crappie, particularly around brush piles and underwater structures.
- The Mouth of the Big Maumelle River: Excellent for white bass, especially during the spring spawning season.
- Marina Area: Ideal for bream and bluegill, with plenty of shallow waters and docks.
- Open Waters: Best for white bass and striped bass, often chasing schools of baitfish.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations
Here are some general tips to help you make the most of your fishing trip to Maumelle Lake:
- Early Morning and Late Evening: Fish are generally more active during these times, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Seasonal Patterns: Pay attention to the seasonal movements of fish. For example, crappie spawn in spring and are more active near shallow waters during this time.
- Use the Right Gear: Make sure your tackle matches the type of fish you’re targeting.
- Weather Matters: Overcast days can be particularly good for fishing, as fish are more likely to be near the surface.
- Be Patient: Sometimes fish need time to bite, so find a good spot and wait quietly.
- Stay Quiet: Fish are sensitive to noise, so try to minimize loud sounds and movements.
- Check Local Regulations: Make sure you’re aware of any fishing regulations or restrictions in place.
Maumelle Lake Fishing Reviews
Here are five positive reviews from anglers who have enjoyed fishing at Maumelle Lake:
- John D.: “Maumelle Lake is a fantastic spot for bass fishing! I caught a couple of big largemouths near the north shoreline. The scenery is beautiful, and the facilities are top-notch.”
- Sarah M.: “I love taking my kids to Maumelle Lake. The bream fishing near the marina is perfect for beginners, and we always have a great time.”
- Mike T.: “The crappie fishing here is amazing. I had a great day fishing in the east cove and caught my limit in just a few hours.”
- Emily R.: “Catfishing at Maumelle Lake is unbeatable. I had an awesome time fishing near the dam and landed several big catfish.”
- Tom B.: “This lake is perfect for a peaceful day of fishing. The scenery is beautiful, and the fish are plentiful. Highly recommend!”
Top-Rated RV Parks, RV Resorts, and Campgrounds Near Maumelle Lake
If you’re planning to stay overnight, here are five top-rated RV parks and campgrounds near Maumelle Lake, along with their features and amenities:
- Maumelle Park
- Features: Located along the Arkansas River, close to Maumelle Lake
- Amenities: Boat ramps, restrooms, showers, picnic areas
- Hookups: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer)
- Distance to Lake: 2 miles
- Downtown Riverside RV Park
- Features: Scenic views of the Arkansas River, close to Little Rock
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, restrooms, showers
- Hookups: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer)
- Distance to Lake: 10 miles
- Burns Park Campground
- Features: Located within a large city park, hiking trails, golf course
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas
- Hookups: Water and electric
- Distance to Lake: 7 miles
- Toad Suck Campground
- Features: Scenic views, boat ramps, fishing spots
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas
- Hookups: Water and electric
- Distance to Lake: 15 miles
- Petit Jean State Park
- Features: Stunning mountain views, hiking trails, waterfalls
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, camp store
- Hookups: Water and electric
- Distance to Lake: 35 miles
Maumelle Lake Fishing Summary
Maumelle Lake is a fantastic destination for anglers of all ages and skill levels. With its variety of fish species, beautiful surroundings, and excellent facilities, it’s the perfect spot for a day of fishing or a weekend getaway. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, bream, or striped bass, this lake has something to offer everyone. So pack your gear, head to Maumelle Lake, and enjoy a memorable fishing experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions anglers have about fishing at Maumelle Lake:
- Q: Do I need a fishing license to fish at Maumelle Lake?
- A: Yes, a valid Arkansas fishing license is required for all anglers aged 16 and older.
- Q: Are there boat rentals available at Maumelle Lake?
- A: Yes, there are boat rentals available at the lake. You can rent rowboats, paddleboats, and small motorboats.
- Q: What are the lake’s operating hours?
- A: The lake is open from sunrise to sunset. However, it’s always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or special events.
- Q: Is there a fee to enter or fish at Maumelle Lake?
- A: There may be a small entry fee for vehicles. Fishing is generally free, but you need to have a valid fishing license.
- Q: Can I bring my dog to Maumelle Lake?
- A: Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash at all times, and you must clean up after them.
I hope this guide helps you plan your next fishing trip to Maumelle Lake. Tight lines and happy fishing!
