Arkansas Lake Evening Catfish Noodling Adventure

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lockesburg, Arkansas, USA
$575 - $2,400 price range

Summary

Want to try something wild? Join us for an evening of catfish noodling on Arkansas Lake. This 3-hour trip is perfect for small groups looking to get their hands on some big cats. We'll head out around 6 PM when the fish are active in shallow waters. Your guide knows all the best spots and will show you how to safely catch catfish using traditional hand-fishing methods. Don't worry if you're new to noodling - we provide all the gear and know-how you'll need. It's a unique way to experience local fishing culture and create some unforgettable memories. Whether you're bringing the family, some friends, or just want to try something different, this trip offers a real taste of Arkansas outdoor adventure. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to get a little muddy and have a lot of fun!

Arkansas Lake Evening Catfish Noodling Adventure

Noodling Night Catches

Blue catfish caught while fishing in Lockesburg

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Four anglers enjoying a fishing trip in AR

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Noodlin' for Catfish: Evening Arkansas Adventure

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into some real Southern fishing action! Our evening catfish noodling trip on Arkansas Lake is the perfect way to cap off your day with a splash of excitement. If you've ever wondered what it's like to catch a monster catfish with your bare hands, this is your chance to find out. We'll teach you the ropes of this time-honored Arkansas tradition, and trust me, once you feel that first catfish wiggle in your grasp, you'll be hooked for life!

Trip Rundown

We kick things off right as the sun starts to dip, around 6 PM. That's when the big cats start cruising the shallows, making it prime time for noodling. Our seasoned guides know all the best spots where these whiskered giants like to hang out. We'll spend about three hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to get comfortable with the technique and hopefully land a few impressive catches. This trip is perfect for small groups of up to four people, so grab your buddies or bring the family for an unforgettable evening on Arkansas Lake.

How We Noodle

Noodling ain't your grandpa's rod and reel fishing – it's a whole different ballgame. We'll start by showing you how to safely approach underwater catfish holes and identify promising spots. You'll learn to use your hands and feet to feel for fish, and when you find one, it's all about staying calm and making the grab. Don't worry, we provide all the gear you need, including gloves to protect your hands. Our guides will be right there with you, offering tips and making sure everyone stays safe. It's a bit like underwater wrestling, but way more fun!

Why Folks Love Noodlin'

There's something special about noodling that keeps people coming back for more. Maybe it's the adrenaline rush of feeling a big cat brush against your leg, or the pride of hauling in a monster with nothing but your bare hands. Whatever it is, noodling has a way of bringing people together. It's a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature – and each other. Plus, the stories you'll have after a night of noodling? Priceless. Just ask any of our regulars, and they'll tell you there's nothing quite like it.

Catfish Crew

On our trips, we target three main species of catfish, each with its own quirks and challenges. Let's break 'em down:

Channel Catfish: These are often the first fish folks noodle, and for good reason. They're plentiful in Arkansas Lake and tend to hang out in more predictable spots. Channel cats usually weigh between 2-10 pounds, but don't be surprised if you snag a 20-pounder! They're known for their forked tails and tendency to put up a good fight. Channel cats love hanging out near sunken logs and undercut banks, so that's where we'll start looking.

Blue Catfish: Now we're talking about some real bruisers. Blues can grow to massive sizes, with some Arkansas Lake monsters tipping the scales at over 50 pounds. They're less common than channel cats, but landing one of these bad boys is a real trophy. Blue cats prefer deeper holes and tend to be more active at night, which makes our evening trips perfect for targeting them. Keep an eye out for their slate-blue coloration and straight-edged tail fin.

Flathead Catfish: These are the kings of the noodling world. Flatheads are known for their wide, flat heads (shocking, right?) and can grow to over 70 pounds in Arkansas Lake. They're ambush predators, so you'll often find them tucked away in the darkest, tightest spots. Noodling for flatheads takes some serious guts – they're strong, ornery, and not afraid to put up a fight. But man, when you pull one of these monsters out of its hole, it's a feeling like no other.

Ready to Get Your Feet Wet?

If you're itching to try something new and get a real taste of Arkansas fishing culture, our evening catfish noodling trip is just what the doctor ordered. It's a chance to challenge yourself, make some memories, and maybe even catch the biggest fish of your life – all without a single hook or line. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to mix things up or a complete newbie ready for an adventure, we've got you covered. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to commit, we're ready to show you the time of your life. So what are you waiting for? Let's go noodling!

Learn more about the species

Blue Catfish

Blue catfish are the heavyweight champs of Arkansas Lake. These bruisers can top 50 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 100. Blues like deep, moving water, so we target them in the main lake channels and near drop-offs. They're most active in spring and fall when the water's cooling down. Folks love going after blues because of the sheer size and the epic battles they put up. It's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen. For bait, we use fresh-cut shad or skipjack herring. Here's a pro tip: use a big circle hook and let the fish hook itself when it takes the bait. Blues have tough mouths, so setting the hook too early often just pulls it out. Patience is key with these big boys.

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are the bread and butter of Arkansas Lake fishing. These whiskered critters usually run 2-10 pounds, but 20-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them hanging out near the bottom in deeper pools and channels. They're most active at night, making our evening trips prime time to land a big one. Channel cats put up a good fight and taste great fried up fresh. To catch 'em, we use stinkbait or cut bait on the bottom. The smell drives 'em wild. A local trick is to soak your bait in garlic and letting it get nice and ripe in the sun for a few hours before fishing. Channel cats can't resist it. Just watch out for those sharp fins when you're handling them - they can give you a nasty poke if you're not careful.

Flathead Catfish

Flathead catfish are the ambush predators of Arkansas Lake. These ugly-but-tasty cats can grow over 50 pounds, lurking in deep holes and around submerged logs. They're most active at night, especially in summer. Flatheads are prized for their firm, white meat - the best-eating catfish if you ask me. To catch 'em, we use live bait like bluegill or shad. Flatheads want their dinner kicking, so keep that bait lively. We'll often set up near a deep hole and wait patiently. When a flathead hits, hang on tight. They'll try to dive back to their hidey-hole, so you've got to turn them quick. A local secret is to use small live goldfish as bait - flatheads can't resist 'em. Just don't tell anyone where you heard that trick!

About the Cat Snatcher Noodling Guide

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 8

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Ready for a wild evening on Arkansas Lake? Join us for a 3-hour catfish noodling adventure as the sun starts to set. Our expert guide will show you the ropes of this unique hand-fishing technique, perfect for groups of up to four looking to try something new. We'll head out around 6 PM when the big cats are most active in the shallows. Don't worry about gear – we've got you covered with all the equipment and know-how you'll need to safely wrangle these whiskered giants. It's a great way for families, friends, or small groups to bond over a truly Arkansan experience. Whether you're noodling newbies or seasoned hand-fishers, you'll love getting up close and personal with these slippery critters. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so gather your crew and get ready for a evening of splashing, laughing, and hopefully, some impressive catches!

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