Rogers, AR Fishing: Glistening Lakes in the Ozarks

The city of Rogers is considered one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. It is in the Ozarks, specifically in Benton County, Arkansas. It is also part of the Northwest Arkansas Region, which is made up of some of the largest cities in the state within the Ozark Mountains. The city is the 6th most populous in the state, and the NWA Region is the 109th most highly populated country. Rogers was named after the vice president and general manager of St. Louis and San Francisco Railway (also known as the Frisco), Captain Charles W. Rogers. When the Frisco line arrived in 1881, the city and community were established and incorporated that same year. 

Rogers flaunts its spectacular natural beauty and historic sites by claiming that it is the perfect place to experience the nostalgic along with the cutting-edge. Despite being one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Rogers retains the heart and soul of small-town America. Its lively and bustling downtown area is just a stone’s throw away from its outdoor gems and breathtaking vistas. Northwest Arkansas’ great outdoors has so much to offer anglers — from glittering lakes to cascading waterfalls. Pinning Rogers down as one’s next destination to visit will provide an unforgettable experience fishing in Ozark Mountain Country.

Rogers Fishing

Rogers is home to several freshwater lakes where anglers might catch their next trophy fish. These glistening lakes give anglers breathtaking views of the Ozarks that cannot be experienced anywhere else. 

Fishing in Rogers means getting the chance to fish in Beaver Lake in the Ozark Highlands. It features almost 30,000 acres of clear water and offers views of forests, tall bluffs, and crisscrossing meadows. The man-made reservoir is nationally renowned for its bass fishing and is the site of many fishing tournaments. Beaver Lake has given up several 40-pound-plus state-record striped bass. Other species one can find in its waters include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, yellow bass, hybrid striped bass, Guadalupe bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, yellow bullhead,  black bullhead,  rainbow trout, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, longear sunfish, freshwater drum, red drum, common carp, grass carp, muskellunge, and warmouth. One can also find the occasional forage species of shiner, shad, and gar, such as Texas shiner, blacktail shiner, golden shiner, red shiner, threadfin shad, American gizzard shad, alligator gar, spotted gar, shortnose gar, and longnose gar. Anglers who come to Beaver Lake mostly go bank fishing because it has many areas available for shoreline fishing with easy, public access. Boat anglers can also find multiple boat ramps that permit the launch of larger pleasure and fishing boats. The nearest boat ramps from the city are the Prairie Creek Boat Ramp and the Highway 12 Boat Ramp. There are portage areas for kayaks, canoes, and car topper boats. The lake is surrounded by numerous marinas that offer rental boats, mooring, and other services. 

The best fishing areas in Beaver Lake are the flats that surround the main water channel. That is where one can find plenty of striped bass. Anglers also have an excellent chance of spotting striped and hybrid striped bass in creek mouths. Aside from its excellent bass fishery, Beaver Lake holds plenty of black crappie and white crappie. Vertical jigging, pulling crankbaits slowly over suspended brush piles, and running spider rigs over open water are popular ways to lure those fish. In addition to fishing, Beaver Lake’s shoreline made of limestone bluffs and crystal clear waters makes it a terrific place for water skiing, tubing, SUP-ing, boating, scuba diving, wakeboarding, and other water sports. 

Anglers looking for trout can go to Lake Atalanta in the city's east. The lake is strictly for rod and pole fishing and is part of the Family and Community Fishing Program. Its waters are stocked annually with rainbow trout and channel catfish in the summer. Other species anglers can target are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, black crappie, walleye, carp, American shad, bluegill, and redear sunfish. Because it’s heavily fished, baitcasting, spinning, or fly fishing are great ways to hook fish from its waters. Bank fishing is also popular in this lake, with an accessible two miles of paved shoreline and trails. Anglers can also fish from one of its six piers. Only non-motorized ones like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats are permitted for those who want to use boats. 

More scenic fishing can be done at Wa Eagle Creek, located just east of Downtown Rogers. The river is classified as a Class I to II easy-to-moderate whitewater stream. It has been dubbed as the mini version of the Buffalo National River due to its limited access points, being less crowded, and being surrounded by scenic bluffs. The river hosts catfish, bream, perch, and bass species, the main draws being striped bass and walleye. Fishing from the banks at War Eagle Mill and War Eagle Cafe are the best places to start. Anglers can use kayaks or canoes for fishing out on the water.

At the heart of Veterans Park to the east of Rogers is a pond regularly stocked with catfish. It’s perfect for novice anglers and families to have fishing lessons. The pond is for rod and pole fishing only. A pier is also available. The park hosts CARE, a fishing derby catered for children under 16 and disabled adults yearly. 

Rogers hosts several fishing tournaments yearly, most of which are done in Beaver Lake. Most events like the Annual Buddy Bass Tournament and the Beaver Lake Elite Series focus on bass fishing.  

Top 10 Fish Species in Rogers, AR

The top 10 fish species found in Rogers, Arkansas, are striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, rainbow trout, black crappie, white crappie, and walleye.

Seasonal Fishing

The local region, in general, is known for great all-year-round bass fishing. Species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass are best caught in the spring and fall because of the bass’ pre-spawning and spawning seasons. Anglers targeting striped bass should know that early spring and winter are the best times because tracking them in the cooler months is easier. In the summer, striped and hybrid striped bass can be found in creek mouths. Nighttime bass fishing is also preferred in the summer months. November is the fastest-paced month for the sportfish. Catfish species like blue and channel catfish are best targeted in late March, April, and early May. Crappie anglers should chase these fish in the spring, as they like to come out when temperatures start to warm up. Anglers should check the city’s stocking schedules because almost all rainbow trout in local fisheries are stocked annually. Walleye arrive in local waters in the second half of February.

Relaxation and Recreation in Rogers

Rogers is home to plenty of historical sites, cultural events, and beautiful natural landscapes that can satisfy any interest. 

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Rogers is home to plenty of large freshwater fishing lakes. Booking a fishing charter will help anglers navigate these lakes and come home feeling fulfilled following a day out on the water. Local fishing areas are also near boat rental services, marinas, and bait and tackle shops.

2. Tour the War Eagle Cavern

The War Eagle Cavern spotlights an enchanting natural entrance along Beaver Lake’s shores. Touring the cave has been a popular attraction for Roger since being made public in 1978. It is also wheelchair and stroller friendly. The tour offers views of Beaver Lake’s bluffs at Eagle Point, domes and formations inside the cavern, stalagmites, stalactites, and Arkansas crystals that are millions of years old.

3. Stop by the Rogers Historical Museum

One can learn the history of the historic railroad town of Rogers by visiting the Rogers Historical Museum. It is full of hands-on displays that educate people about the city’s rich heritage. The Hailey Ford Building, Key Wing, and Hawkins House feature diverse exhibits and tours. The Greenspace also boasts an apple orchard behind the Key Wing building.