Beaver, AR Fishing: Scenic Fishing in a Riverside Town

The small town of Beaver is located in northwest Arkansas and part of Carroll County. It is also found near the northern border between Arkansas and Missouri. No more than a hundred people reside in the quaint little community. Before 1847, the area was occupied by several tribes of the Choctaw Indian Nation. Around that time, it was known as Rectors Place. In 1850, Tennessee squire Wilson A. Beaver built a log cabin, a grist mill, and a ferry when he arrived in the area. During that time, Beaver was known as Beaver Ferry. It was eventually named Beaver and was officially established as a township in 1849, four years before the nearby Eureka Springs. Beaver was incorporated in 1981. 

Beaver is nestled among century-old trees on the banks of the westernmost tip of Table Rock Lake, where it meets the White River deep in the Ozark Mountains. Its historical charm and picturesque scenery appeal to locals and visitors alike. Its landscapes have been featured in numerous films such as ‘Elizabethtown’ and ‘The Blue and the Gray,’ which starred Gregory Peck. Beaver is centrally located to all kinds of great things to see and do. One can enjoy its natural beauty and historic architecture and access the shopping and art galleries in Eureka Springs. One can also head to nearby Branson for family entertainment and theme parks. For the keen angler, Beaver lies on the banks of a river and lake filled with plenty of fish. It is also situated near other bodies of water holding plenty of different species.

Beaver Fishing

Any angler coming to Beaver can expect plenty of opportunities to catch freshwater game. With its advantageous location right next to flowing water, it is easy to access bank fishing and offshore fishing. Beaver also provides scenic backdrops while anglers hunt for their next catch.

Adjacent to Beaver is the White River, internationally known as a premier trout fishing and fly fishing destination. The trout species anglers can aspire to hook from its waters are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission introduced the species in the river in the late 1950s following the construction of dams. Every year, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks the river with millions of trout, which grow to trophy sizes. Aside from trout, an angler can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, crappie, tiger muskie, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, and walleye from various sections of the White River. For those targeting trout, the best area to head to is near the Bull Shoals Dam, where trophy-sized fish can be commonly found. For bass fishing enthusiasts, the upper segment of the river is the best place to find plenty of fish. Another fish regularly stocked in the White River is the tiger muskie which grows well in cool, fodder-rich water. The upper section of the river also holds an assortment of catfish and sunfish species. For the angler who wants to wade fish, they can target walleye, which are found near shallow areas where they breed. Other fishing techniques in the White River are spearfishing and fishing from a Jon boat. 

Part of Beaver sits at the head of Table Rock Lake, which the White River feeds. Chasing bass species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass is the most popular way to fish in the artificial lake and reservoir. The best places to find bass are in the lake’s winding creeks, shallow coves, and deep channels. An angler can also find bass in the shallowest and clearest parts of the lake. Crappie is also a popular target for anglers fishing in Table Rock Lake. These fish-like surrounding docks lurk in brush piles, swimming around submerged cedar trees, and hiding underneath structures. Other species to look out for are paddlefish, bluegill, flathead catfish, and channel catfish. Table Rock Lake is a good onshore and offshore fishing spot. Species like spring bass, bluegill, and catfish can be caught from the docks or the shores, while paddlefish and bass are best caught from boats.

Another fantastic fishing spot is Beaver Lake. The man-made reservoir is nationally renowned for its bass fishing, especially for striped bass. Anglers can also find largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, and warmouth in its 30,000 acres of clear water. Bank fishing is prevalent in the lake because it has access to shoreline fishing from all directions. Multiple boat ramps are also available, permitting large fishing and pleasure boat launch. Anglers can also port their kayaks, canoes, and car topper boats in designated areas. Marinas around the lake offer rental boats, mooring, and other services. Beaver Lake’s main water channel flats are the best spots to find striped bass. Another terrific place to find them is in creek mouths. Crappie can be caught by jigging, treading crank baits slowly over suspended brush piles, and running spider rigs.

Top 10 Fish Species in Beaver, AR

The top 10 fish species found in Beaver, AR, are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, crappie, channel catfish, and blue catfish.

Seasonal Fishing

Trout fishing in local waters isn’t much affected by seasonal changes due to river dams controlling water flow. Trout species can be caught any time of the year, and their open season is always in place except in small stretches up by Bull Shoals Dam when they spawn in the winter. Those who want a less crowded environment for trout fishing can go in the springtime. Bass species can also be targeted all year, but March to May are when they’re particularly plentiful. Crappie is a great target for anglers who want to fish in the winter. For conservation purposes, paddlefish can only be targeted between March 15 and April 30. Night fishing in Beaver can have anglers hook various catfish species. Walleye fishing is best in the spring during and after they spawn. Sunfish species like bluegill and redear sunfish can also be caught in the winter months.

A Tour of Beaver

Beaver, the heart of many things to see and do in northwest Arkansas, makes it the perfect place for your next trip.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

With many prominent fisheries surrounding Beaver, fishing guides and charters are readily available for those who want a more enhanced fishing experience. Because local waterways hold a variety of game and sport fish, booking a fishing charter will help alleviate the pressure of having a successful fishing trip. Boat rental services are available as well.

2. Explore the Ozark Mountains

Beaver Park is surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, which possess several natural caves open to the public, horseback riding trails, petting zoos, and the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a rehabilitation park that provides a habitat for large cats such as lions, tigers, cougars, and more. Plenty of cabin resorts and camping areas provide easy access to activities near and in the White River. 

3. Immerse in Beaver’s Landscapes

The Beaver RV Park and Campground have an amazing location, perched right next to Table Rock Lake and the White River. It is open every year from April 1 through October 31. One can enjoy the park’s daytime leisure activities, including swimming, boating, and picnicking. The park also has a direct view of Castle Rogue's Manor, located on the other side of the river. Featured on HGTV's ‘Home Strange Home,’ the castle offers tours of its facilities, and people can also rent it out for special events.