Millwood Lake Fishing Report Guide
Millwood Lake Fishing Report Guide
Welcome, folks! Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know about fishing at Millwood Lake in Arkansas. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this guide is packed with tips, tricks, and all the details you need for a fantastic fishing adventure.
About Millwood Lake Fishing
Millwood Lake is a stunning reservoir located in southwestern Arkansas, near the town of Ashdown. This expansive lake, formed by the damming of the Little River, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, excellent fishing opportunities, and beautiful natural surroundings. Surrounded by lush forests and wetlands, Millwood Lake offers a serene and scenic escape for anglers and nature lovers alike.
Millwood Lake Fishing Details
Here’s a quick rundown of the essential details about Millwood Lake:
- Water Surface: 29,500 acres
- Shoreline: 65 miles
- Average Depth: 8 feet
- Max Depth: 50 feet
- Surface Elevation: 259 feet
- Location: Near Ashdown, Arkansas
- Coordinates: 33.6765° N, 93.9299° 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 Millwood Lake
Millwood Lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it a prime destination for anglers. Here’s a detailed look at the main types of fish you can find and where they usually hang out:
- Largemouth Bass: Often found near submerged structures, fallen trees, and vegetation. They are most active during early morning and late evening.
- Crappie: Typically located in deeper waters near submerged brush piles and ledges. They are most active during the spring and fall.
- Catfish: Found in deeper parts of the lake, often near the bottom. Look for them around channels, drop-offs, and underwater structures.
- Bream (Bluegill and Sunfish): Usually in shallow waters near the shore, especially around piers and docks.
- White Bass: Frequently seen in open waters and near schools of shad. They are more active during the spring spawning season.
- Flathead Catfish: Often found near submerged logs and structures in deeper waters.
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 Millwood 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
- 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 (Bluegill and Sunfish):
- Baits: Worms, small insects, and bread
- Lures: Tiny jigs and micro-spinners
- Tackle: Ultralight rod with a small spinning reel
- White Bass:
- Baits: Small live shad and minnows
- Lures: Jigging spoons, crankbaits, and spinners
- Tackle: Medium rod with a fast-action reel
- Flathead Catfish:
- Baits: Live bait such as bluegill or shad
- Lures: None, focus on natural baits
- Tackle: Heavy rod with a strong reel and durable line
- 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 Millwood Lake:
- The Dam Area: Great for catfish and white bass. The deep waters near the dam provide an ideal habitat for these species.
- Cypress Bayou: Known for largemouth bass, especially near submerged structures and vegetation.
- Bee Lake: A hot spot for crappie, particularly around brush piles and underwater structures.
- Mud Lake: Excellent for bream and sunfish, with plenty of shallow waters and docks.
- Little River: Ideal for flathead catfish and white bass, especially during the spring spawning season.
- Main Lake Points: Best for largemouth bass and crappie, often found near points and drop-offs.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations
Here are some general tips to help you make the most of your fishing trip to Millwood 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.
Millwood Lake Fishing Reviews
Here are five positive reviews from anglers who have enjoyed fishing at Millwood Lake:
- John D.: “Millwood Lake is a bass fisherman’s paradise! I caught several big largemouths near Cypress Bayou. The scenery is beautiful, and the facilities are excellent.”
- Sarah M.: “I love bringing my family to Millwood Lake. The bream fishing near Mud Lake is perfect for kids, and we always have a blast.”
- Mike T.: “The crappie fishing here is fantastic. I had a great day fishing in Bee Lake and caught my limit in just a few hours.”
- Emily R.: “Catfishing at Millwood 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 stunning, and the fish are plentiful. Highly recommend!”
Top-Rated RV Parks, RV Resorts, and Campgrounds Near Millwood Lake
If you’re planning to stay overnight, here are five top-rated RV parks and campgrounds near Millwood Lake, along with their features and amenities:
- Millwood State Park
- Features: Located right by the lake with scenic views
- Amenities: Boat ramps, restrooms, showers, picnic areas
- Hookups: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer)
- Distance to Lake: Adjacent to the lake
- Pine Ridge Campground
- Features: Spacious sites, pet-friendly
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, restrooms, showers
- Hookups: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer)
- Distance to Lake: 10 miles
- Queen Wilhelmina State Park
- Features: Stunning mountain views, hiking trails
- Amenities: Picnic areas, restrooms, showers
- Hookups: Water and electric
- Distance to Lake: 30 miles
- Lake Greeson RV Park
- Features: Beautiful lakeside setting, boat ramps
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, camp store
- Hookups: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer)
- Distance to Lake: 35 miles
- Ashdown City Park
- Features: Convenient location in Ashdown, playgrounds
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas
- Hookups: Water and electric
- Distance to Lake: 5 miles
Millwood Lake Fishing Summary
Millwood 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, crappie, catfish, bream, or white bass, this lake has something to offer everyone. So pack your gear, head to Millwood Lake, and enjoy a memorable fishing experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions anglers have about fishing at Millwood Lake:
- Q: Do I need a fishing license to fish at Millwood Lake?
- A: Yes, a valid Arkansas fishing license is required for all anglers aged 16 and older.
- Q: Are there boat rentals available at Millwood 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 Millwood 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 Millwood 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 Millwood Lake. Tight lines and happy fishing!
