Best Spots to Float, Fish, + Hunt

There's a whole world to explore out there. Start right in our backyard, in the most geographically diverse landscape in the state of Arkansas.

What is it about the water that pulls people in? Perhaps it’s the wild sounds. The roar, splash, and splatter of the water rushing over and between the rocks. In other cases, it may be the lure of breaking the glassy surface of an early-morning fog-covered river or lake. Maybe it’s the quietness of these beautiful waterways.

Either way, the miles of streams and rivers in Independence County offer anglers plenty of chances to land a trophy or catch a limit of various freshwater species. Or, perhaps you’re more of a leisure floater—we have something for you, too.

Running through the heart of Batesville is POKE BAYOU (sometimes known as Polk Bayou, but that’s a debate for another time). It was home to the first settlement in the Batesville area and remains a hot spot for nature lovers today. The bayou winds through Batesville and spills into the White River. Anglers, kayakers, and canoers enjoy the bayou and its recreational opportunities.

The mighty WHITE RIVER offers an assortment of boating adventures, from fishing to skiing. Launch your boat above the dam at Kennedy Park or below the dam on Riverbank Road. Take a walk on the sandbar and skip rocks on the shores of the beautiful White River.

ROWE LAKE , located to the west of the Batesville Community Center, is a 2-acre lake stocked and managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The lake is home to an annual youth fishing derby and a cross-lake pedestrian walkway.

You can find another AGFC-managed waterway just south of the White River. RAMSEY SLOUGH features a boat ramp and a handicap-accessible fishing pier.

Lyon College’s BRYAN LAKE is usually a quiet fishing hole and perfect for walking your dog. But it’s also home to two of the college’s biggest traditions—the freshman raft race and the senior walk. Stop by Lyon to cast a line or walk your dog.

SPRING CREEK OUTFITTERS manages 2,000 acres of quality whitetail, turkey, bear, and upland bird habitat. Adhering to a comprehensive management plan for almost 35 years has allowed the wild game to mature, breed, and improve its stock with each passing year. The Gillihan’s dedication to the hard work required to properly manage, improve, and maintain quality control over their top-tier Ozark resource gives their customers the best experiences year after year.

The JAMESTOWN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA is an AGFC-managed area located on the county’s western side. Hunters can take a variety of species—from whitetail deer, quail, bear, squirrel, turkey, and more.

Visit https://batesvillearea.com/visit/adventure-here/ to see more.