Chasing the night bite on Arkansas lakes

HOT SPRINGS — The “dog days” of summer may be behind us, but Arkansas has plenty of hot days ahead before fall arrives. Night fishing on The Natural State’s large reservoirs can be an exciting way to beat the heat and experience our lakes in a whole new way.

As rewarding as nighttime angling is, it presents interesting challenges — visibility is reduced, hazards may be hidden and even experienced anglers can find themselves in precarious situations after dark. Keep safety at the forefront and enjoy the best that night fishing has to offer as we get through these last hot weeks of summer.

Why go night fishing? The most common reason is to beat the heat! Night fishing lets you avoid those midday scorching hot temperatures. Cooler air after sunset not only keeps you comfortable but can also trigger fish to feed. Game fish often move into shallower water after dark to forage, making the evening prime time for topwater techniques and aggressive strikes. Fewer boats on the water at night means less noise, more solitude and, best of all, less pressure.

A successful nighttime fishing trip all comes down to preparation. Set up your gear at home or in the parking lot before you launch. Organize your tackle, set up your rods and double-check everything you’ll need. The last thing you want is to be fumbling around in your boat searching for a misplaced lure or flashlight.

Speaking of lights, make sure your navigation and safety lights work before you head out. Many Arkansas anglers may be surprised to hear that on federally controlled waters (like Army Corps of Engineers lakes), boats must have U.S. Coast Guard-approved anchor and navigation lights operating at all times after sundown, even when the boat is no longer underway. Accidents can occur when anglers are fishing “stealthily” without lights. Don’t risk it!

Use headlamps and flashlights sparingly; they attract insects and can actually hinder your night vision. Just let your eyes adjust to the darkness. According to federal law, navigation lights should be the only ones visible above the waterline. Other boaters need to see that red and green to know what direction you’re facing. Skip the fancy floodlights and rope lighting, and you’ll not only save money, you’ll save yourself a ticket.

Life jackets become even more important when fishing in the dark. Wear a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times. Arkansas law requires children under 12 to wear life jackets anytime they are on board a vessel unless they are in properly enclosed areas. Adults should model safe behavior. Unexpected impacts or slips are more likely in low light. It’s also important to let someone know your plans — where you’ll be fishing and your expected return time. Always keep your phone or emergency device charged nearby.

Reduced visibility means floating debris and submerged obstacles are much harder to spot. Slow down and use your trolling motor, and stick to areas you know well. Familiarity reduces your risk of encountering surprise hazards at night. Pay close attention to changing water conditions from recent weather events, which can affect current, depth and hazard locations.

And yes, it may be a few degrees cooler at night, but still plenty hot enough to sweat. Bring plenty of drinking water so you don’t become dehydrated. Similarly, those nighttime temps don’t change the water temperature much, which means the heat can still stress the fish. Be sure to care for your catch; if you plan to release fish, use your livewell and add ice just as you would during the day.

Now for the fun part: nighttime fishing techniques. Use large, dark-colored lures that create vibrations — large black spinnerbaits, jigs, topwater plugs and worms all work well. Buzzbaits and spinnerbaits are easy to fish and less likely to cause accidental injury compared to complex treble-hook lures. Be extra cautious when removing hooks at night. If it’s tricky during the day, it’s even tougher after dark.

Night fishing offers some of the most exciting action of the year and is a great way to enjoy Arkansas’s beautiful reservoirs. With careful planning, a mind on safety and an emphasis on responsible angling, you will experience a whole new side of fishing and have stories to share for many moons to come.

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CUTLINES: 

WOMAN WITH NICE FISH
Many anglers opt for the relatively cooler evening temperatures during the hottest months of the year. Photo courtesy Robert White.

MAN WITH BASS ON BOAT
Life jackets are an essential part of a night angler’s equipment. Photo courtesy Robert White.

MAN WITH BIG FISH
Some of the largest bass of the summer are caught after dark, like this 8.64-lb. Fish pulled from Lake Maumelle by angler Matt Hedrick. Photo courtesy Mark Hedrick.

LURES
Black, large-bladed spinnerbaits, commonly called “spiders,” are ideal lures to fish at night because they put out a lot of vibration and don’t tangle up with multiple hook points. Photo courtesy Philip Kastner at Trader Bill’s Outdoors.