Smallmouth are popular fish on the Upper Buffalo River. The Buffalo National River has clear water which makes it a great choice as a place to fish for bass, perch and catfish. the more you move downstream of Pruitt, you can also pick up Kentuckies (spotted bass) and largemouth. Catfish can be found anywhere on the Buffalo River Fishing from a canoe is, of course, a popular method; however, wade fishing can also be rewarding. Wade fishing accesses near Ponca include up- or downstream of the Ponca low water bridge or at the Steel Creek campground. Out-of-state guests will need a temporary license, which can be purchased online at the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission website. You can also learn current regulations on their website. Looking for Trout? The nearby White River is excellent for Trout fishing. It is home to world class brown and rainbow trout. Just a little north of Harrison you'll find DeVito's Restaurant & Trout Farm, which stocks its clear, cold stream with rainbow trout for your fishing enjoyment. This is great fun for kids and parents alike, plus, everything is included and you only pay for the fish you catch. No licensed needed. The farm operates daily, but you must make a 24-hr advance reservation, which you can make by calling 870-741-8832. The Arkansas River has numerous opportunities for fishing, boating, water sports, and relaxation. Spadra Park in nearby Clarksville has a marina and boat lauch. http://www.arkansas.com/places-to-stay/detail.aspx?id=94105 Lake Dardenelle is nearby with a huge park and wonderful lake. http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakedardanelle/ Ludwig Lake is a small lake but it has good fishing. Located at the base of the Mountains before entering Clarksville. http://www.satelliteviews.net/cgi-bin/g.cgi?fid=75897&state=AR&ftype=reservoir Swimming Steel Creek is a local favorite. To get there, take Hwy 74 S out of Ponca about a mile to the Steel Creek entrance. Go down the mountain (about another mile), where the paved road ends and you can turn left or right. Turn left and go back around to the campground. Park near the end of the campground and walk across the camping area to the tree line, watching for footpaths that lead down to the river. You can also turn right where the pavement ends and drive over to the canoe launch area for swimming. If the water is low and you determine it safe to wade across, you can walk downstream to the pretty gravel bar and pool formed by a bend in the river against Buzzard Bluff. Ponca Access is another favorite and the cool water and summer sunshine are delightful at this Buffalo River swimming hole. Located right on Hwy 43, just south of Ponca. Going the opposite direction to Clarksville and they have a wonderful aquatic park. The outdoor park is seasonal, the indoor pool is open year round. http://www.clarksvilleaquaticcenter.com/ Lake Dardenelle is nearby with a huge park and wonderful lake. http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakedardanelle/ Ludwig Lake is a small lake but it has an excellent swimming area with no cost. Located at the base of the Mountains before entering Clarksville. http://www.satelliteviews.net/cgi-bin/g.cgi?fid=75897&state=AR&ftype=reservoir |