Damn Good Degray Lake Fishing Guides

DeGray Lake is the kind of spot where the fishing feels as wild and untamed as the surrounding landscape. Tucked away in the Ouachita Mountains, this 13,800-acre reservoir is perfect for anglers looking for an adventure that blends great fishing with breathtaking views. Whether you're casting from the shore, working a boat through its clear waters, or even trolling in the deeper sections, DeGray offers a diverse range of fishing experiences. The lake's diverse habitat—rocky shorelines, submerged islands, and flooded timber—creates an ideal environment for a variety of species, making it a true gem for anglers who want to get off the beaten path and explore.

For bass anglers, DeGray is a haven. The lake is known for its healthy populations of both largemouth and spotted bass, and fishing here is an experience that’ll challenge your skills. The spring and fall months are prime for chasing bass, especially around the submerged points and deep drop-offs. The bass here are aggressive, and whether you’re working a crankbait along the rocky shore or casting soft plastics into the timber, there’s no shortage of action. What’s great about DeGray is that it’s not just about catching bass; it’s about understanding the water, reading the structures, and adapting your technique. If you love a good challenge, this lake will keep you on your toes.

But bass aren’t the only game in town—DeGray is a playground for other species too. Crappie fishing is incredibly productive here, especially in the cooler months. The submerged brush piles and deeper coves are perfect hiding spots for crappie, and if you're working small jigs or minnows around these areas, you’re bound to reel in a solid catch. And if you’re in the mood for something a little different, catfishing is a rewarding experience at DeGray as well. Channel catfish thrive in the lake’s deeper coves, and night fishing here is particularly enjoyable as the peaceful environment sets the stage for some serious action. With a mix of bass, crappie, and catfish, DeGray Lake is the kind of place that promises variety, challenge, and unforgettable days spent on the water.

Fishing at DeGray Lake is a year-round adventure, and each season brings its own set of challenges and rewards. Spring, for example, is the sweet spot for bass fishing. As the water warms, both largemouth and spotted bass move into the shallows to spawn, making them more accessible and aggressive. This is the time to break out the topwater lures—think poppers, buzzbaits, and even a trusty jerkbait—as bass chase after baitfish along the rocky shorelines and submerged points. If you’re lucky enough to be there during the early spring, you’ll witness the lake come alive with activity, setting the stage for some fast-paced action and a chance to reel in some real trophies.

When summer hits, the pace of fishing at DeGray Lake slows down a bit, but it’s still full of potential for those who know where to look. As the water temperature climbs, bass retreat to deeper, cooler waters, which means you’ll need to adjust your game. This is when techniques like drop-shotting, Carolina rigs, and deep-diving crankbaits really shine. The deeper coves and points are where the fish like to hang out, and patience is key as you work the depths. Crappie, too, are deeper in the lake during the summer months, hiding in brush piles or suspended off ledges. With a little time and the right tools, you’ll be able to land some nice catches despite the heat, especially during the early mornings or late evenings when the bite picks up.

Fall is arguably the best time to fish at DeGray Lake. As the weather cools and the days shorten, the fish become more active, and the lake turns into a feeding frenzy. Bass are aggressively packing on weight for the winter, and you’ll find them moving back into the shallows where they can easily snag prey. Fall is the perfect time to fish around the lake’s rocky points and submerged islands, where bass are chasing baitfish. Crappie fishing also ramps up as they come closer to the surface in search of food. The cooler air, vibrant colors of the surrounding trees, and more consistent fishing conditions make autumn the sweet spot for anglers looking to catch plenty of fish and enjoy some of the best days DeGray has to offer.

DeGray Lake offers up a little something for every angler, and its diverse range of fishing techniques ensures you'll never get bored. Bass fishing is the primary draw here, and there’s no shortage of ways to hook a trophy. For largemouth bass, working the shallows with topwater lures is a must—especially in the spring when the fish are aggressive during the spawn. Buzzbaits and poppers come alive early in the morning, and as the day heats up, you can shift to soft plastics, jigs, or lipless crankbaits around submerged rocks and points. If you’re fishing deeper water, Carolina rigs and deep-diving crankbaits are your best friends for getting down to where the bass like to hang out in the warmer months. The lake's rocky terrain and drop-offs make it an ideal spot to hone your bass fishing techniques and keep things interesting no matter the season.

For a change of pace, crappie fishing at DeGray is a whole different experience, and it's as productive as it is relaxing. These fish love the structure—brush piles, submerged timber, and creek channels—so you’ll want to slow things down and work your jigs or minnows through these areas. Vertical jigging is a great technique to use when you’re targeting crappie around deeper structures, but you can also cast and retrieve small soft plastics when you’re fishing in shallower waters. The cooler months are prime time for crappie as they move closer to the shore in search of food. With a little patience and finesse, you’ll find that DeGray is loaded with these tasty fish, making it the perfect spot for a more laid-back day on the water.

And if you're in the mood for something a bit more adventurous, DeGray’s catfishing scene is hard to beat. The lake is home to both channel and blue catfish, and the deeper coves and creek mouths provide the perfect habitat for these bottom dwellers. Night fishing for catfish is a favorite pastime, and it’s where you’ll really get to feel the thrill of the catch. A solid bottom rig with live bait like shad or worms will do the trick. Setting up along the lake’s deeper channels and letting your bait sit as you wait for that unmistakable tug is an experience that can really make your trip unforgettable. DeGray Lake’s mix of bass, crappie, and catfish ensures that no matter your style, there’s always a technique to try and a fish to catch.

DeGray Lake is a paradise for anglers, and its diverse array of species ensures that no matter your preference, there's always something worth chasing. The star of the show here is the bass, particularly the largemouth and spotted varieties. These fish are plentiful and ready to put up a fight, whether you're casting topwater lures along rocky shorelines or working deeper structures with jigs and crankbaits. Largemouth bass are particularly aggressive during the spring, as they move shallow to spawn, making it prime time for fast-paced action. If you’re after a challenge, spotted bass tend to hang out in the deeper, cooler waters of the lake, requiring a little more finesse and a shift in tactics. Regardless of which you target, the bass in DeGray are sure to test your skills and give you plenty of excitement on the line.

If you're looking for something a little more laid-back but equally rewarding, crappie are abundant in DeGray Lake and provide a perfect break from chasing bass. These tasty fish can be found around submerged structures like brush piles and standing timber, often in the deeper waters or suspended at varying depths. They’re best caught with light tackle and small jigs or minnows, especially in the cooler months when they tend to move back into the shallows. Whether you’re casting from a boat or fishing from the shore, crappie are a great option for those who prefer a more methodical, relaxed approach to fishing, while still reeling in a respectable catch.

And if you’re feeling the pull of something a little more patient, catfish in DeGray Lake are an excellent option for anglers seeking a quieter experience. The lake is home to both channel and blue catfish, which thrive in its deep coves and creek mouths. These bottom dwellers are perfect for night fishing, where you can set up along the shoreline and wait for the unmistakable tug. With the right bait—live shad or worms—and some patience, you can hook into some serious catfish that will put up a memorable fight. Whether you're after bass, crappie, or catfish, DeGray Lake offers a variety of species that will keep your lines tight and your days on the water full of excitement.

DeGray Lake is a place that lives up to the hype for any angler looking for a little adventure mixed with a whole lot of fishing. With its 13,800 acres of water nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, this lake is one of those spots where you can get lost in the cast and the quiet, and still come home with a solid catch. The clear, deep waters and varied terrain make it a great location for fishing year-round. Whether you’re targeting aggressive bass in the spring, trolling for crappie, or setting up for a peaceful night of catfishing, the lake offers a little something for everyone. The mix of rocky points, submerged timber, and steep drop-offs create prime habitat for a variety of fish, making DeGray a top choice for both casual anglers and those looking to push their skills.

Bass fishing is where DeGray truly shines, especially for those chasing largemouth and spotted bass. These fish are plentiful, and the lake’s structure offers plenty of places to find them—whether it’s in the shallows during the spawn or down deep during the summer heat. The lake’s clarity gives you a good visual advantage, and with the right tackle, you can work the shoreline or target deeper waters where bass tend to hide. Whether you’re flipping jigs, throwing crankbaits, or working soft plastics, the bass fishing at DeGray is the kind of action that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re the type who loves a good fight on the line, DeGray’s bass will deliver in spades.

But it’s not just bass that make DeGray Lake a must-visit—it’s the versatility of the fishing here. Crappie are abundant, especially in the cooler months, and you’ll find plenty of structure to target them with light tackle. If you’re after something a little more deliberate, catfishing on DeGray’s deep waters provides a unique kind of satisfaction. Channel and blue catfish are common, and the peaceful environment of the lake offers a quiet place to fish after dark. With its mix of species, solid fishing year-round, and beautiful surroundings, DeGray Lake is one of those spots you can visit again and again, always discovering something new about the lake and the fish that call it home. So, is DeGray Lake good for fishing? You bet it is—it’s a place where memories are made, and fish are caught.