The Ultimate Texarkana, AR Fishing Guide: Your Base Camp From Millwood to Mercer Bayou

Whether you’re chasing a slab crappie through flooded timber or just looking for a quiet bank to drop a line with the kids, Texarkana, Arkansas puts you in some of the most productive fishing country in the South. Here’s everything you need to know to make your trip count.

Why Texarkana Is a Fishing Destination Worth the Drive

You don’t have to travel deep into the Ozarks or burn a tank of gas to find world-class fishing in Arkansas. The Texarkana area, specifically Miller County and the surrounding region, sits at the crossroads of four states, which means anglers from Dallas, Shreveport, Little Rock, and beyond are within easy reach of lakes and waterways that regularly produce trophy fish.

The big draw is Lake Millwood, one of the most celebrated fishing lakes in the state. But the region also includes wild and remote fisheries like Mercer Bayou and the Sulphur River, spring-to-fall park fishing for families, and enough catfish water to keep even the most dedicated bottom-dwellers busy all weekend.

Best of all, Texarkana, Arkansas is where you’ll want to sleep, eat, and restock before you head back out. The Arkansas side has the hotels, the restaurants, and the Walmart Supercenter right off State Line—everything you need for a multi-day fishing trip done right.

Fishing Spots Near Texarkana, AR

Lake Millwood — The Crown Jewel

Distance from Texarkana, AR: Approximately 30 miles southeast via US-71 to Ashdown

If there’s one reason anglers make the trip to this part of Arkansas, it’s Millwood. At roughly 29,000 acres, it’s one of the largest lakes in the state—and one of the best-producing fisheries in the South. The Army Corps of Engineers impounded the Little River to create it, and the resulting mix of flooded timber, backwater marshes, oxbow cutoffs, and open water creates ideal conditions for nearly every warm-water species you’d want to chase.

Species: Largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie (white and black), channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, bream, white bass, striped bass

The fishing: Millwood is best known for its crappie. Fish concentrate around submerged cypress trees and timber year-round, with spring and fall being the prime windows. Jigs and live minnows are the go-to, and fish in the 1.5–2.5 pound range are common. Dawn and dusk produce the most consistent action.

Bass fishing is equally strong. The lake hosts numerous tournaments annually, and largemouth over four pounds are a regular catch. Shallow crankbaits work well around riprap and woody structure; as the fish move deeper in summer and winter, drop-shot rigs, jigs, and big worms take over. Catfish are abundant—channel cats in the 10–20 pound range are typical, and the lake is well-managed for trophy fish.

Getting there and on the water: Millwood State Park on the south shore is the easiest access point. The park has a marina with boat rentals, boat ramp, bait and tackle, and camping. Boat lanes are cut through the timbered shallows to help you navigate. It’s important that you don’t just improvise your own route, especially if you’re running a larger rig.

Fishing guides: If you want to find fish faster and learn the lake, X Series Fishing & Tours out of Ashdown, Arkansas is one of the most reputable guide services on Millwood. Owner Jared Fyock specializes in crappie but also runs bass and catfish trips. Great option for first-timers or serious anglers who want to maximize a short stay.

Sulphur River WMA and Mercer Bayou: Wild and Remote

Distance from Texarkana, AR: 15–20 miles south on US-71 or AR-253

Sulphur River Wildlife Management Area is an 18,000+ acre tract of bottomland hardwoods—the largest such remaining habitat in the Red River valley—located in Miller County, south of Texarkana and west of Fouke, Arkansas. The landscape is old and unhurried. Wildlife biologist Garrick Dugger of the AGFC has said a boat trip here will take you back a hundred years, and that’s not an exaggeration.

Mercer Bayou is a 700+ acre reservoir within the WMA with a long history of excellent bass, crappie, and bream fishing. The bayou meanders through cypress and hardwood bottomland and connects to a paddling water trail managed by the AGFC. Alligators are present, so keep your distance, and the birding is legitimately world-class if you’re into that sort of thing (nesting bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites, tricolored herons).

The Sulphur River itself runs through the WMA for roughly 10 miles and provides seasonal fishing opportunities, primarily catfish and bass. Note that water levels here can fluctuate significantly due to upstream dam activity—check conditions before you go.

Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bream (multiple species), catfish

Access: This area requires a boat and some planning. The main access points:

Canal Access Road/Mercer Bayou boat ramp: South on US-71 approx. 15 miles, take AR-237 east, cross the Sulphur River, continue 2 miles, turn left onto Canal Access Road.
Smith Park/Long Slough ramp: Same AR-237 directions, turn right at Smith Park entrance, travel approximately 2 miles.
Sulphur River bridge ramp: Continue south on US-71 approximately 20 miles to the Sulphur River bridge crossing. Boat ramp located at the bridge.

Maps are strongly recommended. Download the free AGFC georeferenced map before you go. Cell service is limited out here.

Bonus: While you’re in the area, swing through Fouke. It’s home to Monster Mart and the legend of the Fouke Monster —the South’s most famous cryptid. If you drove down from Texarkana and haven’t heard that story yet, someone at the gas station will be happy to fill you in. Check out our monster hunting weekend itinerary.

Fishing the Region: Texas-Side Waters

The Texarkana area sits at the intersection of four states, which means the fishing doesn’t stop at the state line. Wright Patman Lake, Lake Bob Sandlin, and Caddo Lake are all within a reasonable drive and worth building into a longer trip.

Wright Patman is the closest, located in Texarkana, Texas, and shares the same watershed as Millwood. Bob Sandlin is about 45 minutes south near Mount Pleasant. Caddo Lake, the iconic cypress swamp straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, is about an hour and a half east and fishes unlike anything else in the region.

That’s a lot of water within reach of one basecamp. Texarkana, AR puts you at the center of all of it, with hotels, restaurants, and everything you need between days on the water.

If you’re planning to cross over to fish on the Texas side, you’ll need a Texas fishing license. One exception worth knowing: fishing from a bank or pier inside a Texas State Park doesn’t require a license for anyone. So if you’re fishing at Atlanta State Park on Wright Patman, you’re covered without a license.

Family and Casual Fishing at Local Parks

Not every fishing trip needs to be a full expedition. For families with kids, beginners, or anyone who wants to wet a line without launching a boat, Texarkana’s local parks offer accessible, low-stakes options.

Bobby Ferguson Park—Lake Dieffenbacher

Right in Texarkana, AR, Bobby Ferguson Park is home to Lake Dieffenbacher, a four-acre fishing lake stocked by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with over 3,000 pounds of catfish. There’s a dedicated fishing pier, walking trail, and picnic pavilions, no boat required. It’s located just south of I-30 at the Four States Fair Parkway exit, and a five-minute drive from most Arkansas-side hotels. If you’re bringing kids, this is your spot. The park also hosts fishing derbies throughout the year, including the annual Aaron La Van Bruce Fishing Derby each December.

Nearby on the Texas Side

Spring Lake Park (Texarkana, TX): A spring-fed lake in the heart of Texarkana with fishing piers and walkable trails; Texas Parks and Wildlife stocks it with rainbow trout in winter, making it a surprisingly good cold-weather option for casual anglers.
Bringle Lake Park (Texarkana, TX): Split into East and West sections connected by a boardwalk, Bringle Lake has multiple fishing piers, a no-wake boat ramp, and largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, with no night fishing allowed.

What You’ll Catch: Species Quick Reference

Largemouth Bass

Found throughout the region, Millwood and Mercer Bayou are the top producers. Spring through early summer is peak season. 4+ pound fish are common at Millwood.

Crappie

Millwood is one of the best crappie lakes in Arkansas, full stop. Target flooded timber and cypress trees. Jigs and minnows, shallow in spring, follow them deep in summer. Fish the 8–12 foot range as the season transitions.

Catfish

Channel cats in the 10–20 pound range are typical at Millwood. The Sulphur River and waterways downstream of Millwood Dam have no daily limit on blue and channel catfish per AGFC regulations—a major draw for dedicated catfish anglers. Trotlines and yo-yos are popular methods.

Bluegill and bream are present in all area waters — easy, fun fishing for all ages, and especially productive at Mercer Bayou.
Photographed at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery in Yankton, SD by Sam Stukel (USFWS)

Bream/Bluegill

Present in all area waters. Easy, fun fishing for all ages. Mercer Bayou is particularly good for bream.

White bass (Morone chrysops) held in hand showing distinctive horizontal stripes, caught in shallow water — White bass run hard at Millwood in the spring. When they’re feeding, it’s some of the fastest action on the lake.

White Bass and Striped Bass

Present at Millwood; white bass are especially active in spring feeding runs.

Arkansas Fishing License: What You Need to Know

Any angler 16 or older fishing in Arkansas public waters needs a valid Arkansas fishing license. Licenses are available online at agfc.com, by phone, or in person at retailers including Walmart and bait shops.

Where to buy in Texarkana, AR: Walmart Supercenter at 133 Arkansas Blvd. sells Arkansas fishing licenses in-store and is the most convenient stop before heading out.

Trout permit: Not needed for Millwood or the Sulphur River watershed—this area has no trout fishery. Trout permits are required only for designated trout waters (White River tailwaters and similar).

Mercer Bayou special note: Per AGFC regulations, there is no daily limit on game fish from Mercer Bayou (Sulphur River WMA). Verify current rules at agfc.com before your trip, as regulations can be updated. Visit the AGFC website for the most current regulations.

Free Fishing Weekends: The state of Arkansas hosts a Free Fishing Weekend each June when no license is required for anyone, resident or non-resident. All regulations still apply. It’s one of the best weekends of the year to bring someone new to the water. The state of Texas has its own free fishing day in June, if you’re planning on fishing on the Texas side.

Plan Your Trip: Where to Stay and Eat

Texarkana, Arkansas is your basecamp. Hotels, restaurants, and everything you need to restock for another day on the water are all here.

Before You Go: Quick Checklist

Arkansas fishing license purchased (agfc.com or Walmart on Arkansas Blvd.)
If you’re planning to cross over to fish on the Texas side, you’ll need a Texas fishing license.
Check AGFC fishing report for current conditions
Download AGFC georeferenced map for Sulphur River WMA if heading to Mercer Bayou
Life jackets on board (required for all, and children 12 and under must wear them at all times per Arkansas law)
Bug spray—especially for Mercer Bayou in spring and summer
Check Sulphur River water levels before launching at the WMA—levels fluctuate with dam releases.