Abundant crappie await anglers who fish the beautiful oxbow lakes within Arkansas’ Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. These popular panfish are caught using a variety of techniques, including wade fishing, vertical jigging, spider rigging and casting beneath shallow-water cypress trees. (Photo: Keith Sutton)
Destination: Arkansas’ White River National Wildlife Refuge
by Keith Sutton
I have been fortunate to fish many of our country’s best crappie lakes. I’ve caught 3-pound slabs in Mississippi’s Grenada Lake, stringers full of 2-pounders in Oklahoma’s Lake Eufaula, and coolers full of eaters in lakes from Texas to Florida and points between. Yet, amid these well-known crappie waters, one place stands out – not for its reputation, but for its raw, untouched beauty and the incredible fishing opportunities it offers: the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
This vast tract of bottomland hardwoods spans more than 160,000 acres across Arkansas on Desha, Monroe and Phillips counties Within its boundaries are more than 300 oxbow lakes, some of the most scenic and productive crappie waters you’ll ever find.
On my last trip there, a friend and I donned waders and slowly made our way through the shallow spring floodwaters on Frazier Lake, watching for little swirls and splashes made by crappie that were preparing their nests and laying eggs. Using long poles, we dropped jigs near each disturbance, and hooked each panfish that darted out to strike our lures. Within a couple hours, each of us had caught a limit of 30 crappie – enough for dinner that night with several left over to freeze for future meals.
The Allure of Fishing Among the Cypress
The ancient cypress trees add to the magic of these lakes. Some have stood for over a millennium, their broad, gnarled trunks like nature’s own sculptures. On a sunny spring or summer day, fishing in their shade is a great way to stay cool and escape the crowds. The tea-colored waters ripple as you drop a jig near a knee or into a hollow, and before long, your line tightens with the familiar tug of a crappie.
Because many of these lakes are remote and difficult to access by boat, they see little fishing pressure. It is possible to spend days on the water without encountering another angler. In this solitude, dropping a minnow or jig around the cypress trees or buckbrush thickets often leads to catching fish after fish. Crappie from 1/2 to 1-1/2 pounds are common, and on a good day, it is possible to haul in more than 100 fish. Bigger slabs appear occasionally, but if you’re after 2-pounders, you may want to fish elsewhere.
Best Techniques for Catching Crappie
The oxbows of White River NWR offer a variety of crappie fishing opportunities. Some of the most effective techniques include:
- Vertical Jigging – Using a lightweight jig (1/16 to 1/32 ounce) tipped with a minnow or soft plastic is highly effective, especially in the shallow cover-filled waters where crappie spawn, usually in late March or early April. Varying the colors of jigs until you find a productive hue can help dial in what the fish want.
- Single-Pole Dipping – Anglers using a cane pole or jigging pole can methodically fish around the buttresses of cypress trees in deeper water, picking off crappie that hide in the structure.
- Slow-Trolling (Spider Rigging) – Covering more water by slow-trolling multiple rods at different depths with small jigs or minnows is a productive way to locate scattered fish, especially in open-water sections of the oxbows.
- Casting Soft Plastics – Curly-tail grubs, tube jigs and paddle tails work well when cast near shaded areas around cypress trees or dense brush pockets. Light spinning tackle with 4- to 6-pound-test line allows for precise casts and a natural presentation.
Each of these techniques’ shines in different conditions, whether you’re working tight cover in the shallows, probing deeper stumps and tree roots, or covering open water for scattered fish.
Notable Fishing Spots in the Refuge
With its 300-plus lakes, there’s more fishing here than one could experience in a lifetime. Visiting some backcountry lakes requires trudging through wild swampland, but many excellent spots are accessible by road. If you study the Dale Bumpers White River NWR Access Map (available online), you can find several productive lakes frequented by local anglers, including:
- North Unit (north of Highway 1): Buck, Goose and Hog Thief lakes
- South Unit (south of Highway 1): Belknap, Moon, Escronges, Columbus, H, Frank’s, Frazier and Price’s lakes
Small jon boats, canoes and kayaks work best for navigating these shallow, vegetation-filled waters.
More to Enjoy at White River NWR
Beyond the fishing, White River NWR offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. The refuge is home to an incredible array of wildlife, from black bears lumbering about in the river bottoms to bald eagles soaring overhead. The area has been designated a Wetland of International Importance and a Globally Important Bird Area in recognition of its importance as a wintering locale for mallards, wood ducks and other waterfowl.
Visitors can explore scenic river bottoms, hike the 1.2-mile trail to Arkansas’ champion cypress tree or visit the refuge’s visitor center in St. Charles, which provides educational exhibits. Seasonal hunting opportunities, including waterfowl and deer hunting, make the national wildlife refuge a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Planning Your Trip
Before heading out, anglers should check for road and area closures by calling the refuge office at 1-870-282-8200, ext. 1. The White River’s fluctuating conditions can impact accessibility, and seasonal closures may apply to certain areas.
Be prepared for a true wilderness experience—bring insect repellent, keep an eye out for local wildlife and stay aware of changing river and weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
A Destination Worth Exploring
White River NWR is a crappie-fishing paradise, offering stunning natural beauty and unparalleled solitude. Whether you’re dipping a jig beside ancient cypress trees, paddling through the quiet backwaters or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of this extraordinary refuge, every trip here is a memorable one.
If you haven’t explored these waters yet, now’s the perfect time to plan a trip. Cast a line, soak in the scenery, and discover why White River NWR is a true crappie fishing paradise.
You can read more about 4-wheeling & fishing in Dale Bumpers in this previous CrappieNOW article.
More Info
An Annual Public Use Permit is required to hunt, fish, launch boats and use campgrounds on Dale Bumpers White River NWR. The permit costs $20 for those 16 and older and is free for those 15 and younger.
Fishing is permitted year-round on most waters north of Highway 1, while those souths of Highway 1 are open to sport fishing from March 1 through November 30.
Visitors should review the Public Use Regulation Brochure before entering the refuge. For additional information, visit the refuge website.
Keith Sutton is editor of our sister magazine at CatfishNOW.com. He’s been an avid crappie angler for more than half a century, pursuing his favorite panfish on waters throughout the United States. His fishing stories have been read by millions in hundreds of books, magazines, newspapers and Internet publications. In 2021, he was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame.
