About Bull Shoals Lake
Located in north-central Arkansas and spanning nearly 46,000 acres with more than 1,000 miles of shoreline, Bull Shoals Lake is an outdoor playground operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Its wide-open waters and surrounding bluffs make it a hotspot for boating and water sports. The lake is especially popular with anglers searching for trophy-sized striped bass, crappie, and walleye.
Boating & Watersports
With plenty of open water and Ozark mountain views, Bull Shoals Lake is a go-to destination for boating and sailing, as well as watersports like skiing, tubing and parasailing. Local marinas rent ski boats, personal watercraft, sailboats, houseboats and towable equipment. With clear waters and depths over 200 feet, Bull Shoals is also one of the top destinations for scuba diving in Arkansas, with outfitters offering a wide range of scuba classes and guided dives.
Fishing
Bull Shoals Lake is one of Arkansas' best known bass and crappie fisheries. Practically endless shoreline, underwater structure and man-made fish attractors make for excellent bass and crappie fishing. Large and smallmouth bass, as well as white and spotted bass, are found in the lake year-round. Crappie especially like to be around underwater structures and are most active during the spring spawning season.
Access Points
Boat ramps are accessible at many points around the lake, including near Bull Shoals Dam at the southern end near where the White River begins. Most Corps and state-managed access points are free to use, while others may charge a day-use fee or require a permit.
