Lake Hamilton

Lake Hamilton Fishing

Lake Hamilton, AR, is a small 7,200-acre lake located south of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It boasts 300 miles of shoreline and a wooded forest.

Regarding bass fishing, Hamilton Lake has nothing on the likes of Big Lake Ouachita or Lake Catherine. Still, it gains anglers’ attention because there are 30 fish species under the surface.

In this text, we unveil the ins and outs of the Lake Hamilton, AR, fishery, from species to tips and tricks. Keep reading to uncover more facts about this beautiful lake.

Lake Hamilton, AR Fishing Guide

• Largemouth bass;
• Black Crappie;
• White crappie;
• Walleye;
• Redeye;
• Salmon;
• Rainbow trout;
• Snook.

These are the most wanted fish or trophies among anglers. Hamilton Lake is renowned for the numerous tournaments that take place during the open season.

However, many anglers find it a nuisance to outsmart the fish in the lake because they try implementing fishing tactics that cater to Lake Ouachita or Lake Greeson, the more popular lakes in Arkansas.

Fishing in Lake Hamilton

Andrew Hulsey Fish Hatchery did an excellent job stocking the reservoir. The study finds that each acre has at least one striped bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, trout, white crappie, white bass, bream, black crappie, blue catfish, yellow bass, channel catfish, but no smallmouth bass —statistically, no other reservoir in Arkansas names more fish per acre than Lake Hamilton.

However, such fish diversity poses a challenge for even the most experienced anglers, as they must learn everything about the fish before going fishing.

Prime Fishing Time

When it comes to fishing at Lake Hamilton, it’s always prime time. After all, there are many fish in the reservoir.

However, the optimal fishing time is during the fall and winter, as tourist traffic is reduced. The lake is always busier during summer, which can scare off the species.

Lake Hamilton Charter Captains

To see a complete list of excellent Arkansas Fishing Guides, please click here!

Best Lures

The best lures vary depending on the type of fish. Therefore, if it’s a predatory fish like bass, then live baits, such as smaller fish, work the best.

Smaller fish quickly get hooked on worms or live bait in general. However, you may want to consider using sticky baits, such as liver, when targeting catfish.

Best Fishing Spots

The second most important thing to learn for a lucrative fishing session is where to find the best fishing spots.

Facts suggest being cautious during the spring and summer. Also, consider the high or low tide, and listen to the advice of experienced anglers.

Most anglers have a lake pattern they use as a blueprint to fish around the rivers or channels. Let’s review this quickly.

Below Blakely Dam

If you’re a trout or striped bass fishing fan, you should take a position just below Blakely Dam. The water there is crystal clear, so you cannot miss a striped bass if it ever crosses your path.

But, mind the water depth here. It’s pretty shallow, but the current is very swift. You’ll have to consider this when fishing.

As for trout, they like the west shore more than the north. But before you head north, bring some live bait.

Feeder Creeks

Bass fishing is probably the most popular topic among fishers at Lake Catherine State Park, but little do they know that Hamilton Lake has a hidden bass fishery here.

Feeder Creeks is the hidden spot comprising Little and Big Mazam and Hot Springs Creek. This destination is best for bass fish, and all you have to do is find a good position and bring little minnows because your opponent is a predator, too.

Lake Hamilton Map

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