Arkansas · Public land & water · No lottery
Wells Lake
Channel catfish, bream and seasonally stocked rainbow trout
Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Wells Lake using the agency's named-water access information.
- Area / county
- Fort Smith
- Access
- Open during listed seasons
License and access permit
Anglers 16 and older need a fishing license; retaining trout also requires a trout permit. These permits are direct purchases.
When you can go
Catfish stocking is seasonal; trout are a winter opportunity. Stocking does not guarantee fish availability.
Area restrictions
Handheld rod or pole only; largemouth bass must be released. Listed program limits are 3 catfish, 5 trout and 25 bream per day. Electric trolling motors only. Check local hours and any youth-only signs.
Plan with the official agency
The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.
No lottery is required for the described access and species. Other hunts on the same property may require a drawing. Check current seasons, closures, check-in and capacity before traveling; open access does not reserve an exclusive spot.
Agency sources reviewed 2026-10-07. No-draw classification is an inference from the official public-fishing listing and ordinary fishing licensing rules. Use only the public access shown by the agency; a listing does not authorize crossing private shorelines. Public entry is arranged with the agency, with no Back40 booking fee.
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