Fishing Loch Lomond

Species in Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is consistently noted as hosting the best largemouth bass population in the Bella Vista POA lake system. The combination of the lake's size (477 acres), its depth (up to 80 feet), the diversity of habitat from main-channel structure to shallow cove areas, and the POA's active fish habitat improvement program during annual drawdowns creates conditions that support a healthy, reproducing bass fishery. Tournament anglers from across Northwest Arkansas fish Loch Lomond specifically for bass, and the results are competitive.

Beyond bass, Loch Lomond holds:

• Bluegill: present throughout the lake, concentrated in shallow cove areas and around dock structures. Excellent spring and summer panfishing from a dock or kayak.
• Redear sunfish (shellcracker): a POA favorite for shoreline anglers. Redear are particularly productive during their late spring spawn when they move to shallow sandy or hard-bottom areas.
• Crappie: sizable crappie inhabit Loch Lomond's brush piles, dock pilings, and deeper structure. Spring spawn brings them to shallower water; vertical jigging over main-channel structure works in summer and fall.
• Catfish: Loch Lomond is noted for extremely large catfish. Both channel catfish and flathead catfish inhabit the lake. Night fishing with cut bait or live bait along deeper channel edges produces consistent results for catfish anglers.
• Grass carp: the POA uses grass carp for vegetation management and specifically requests that anglers harvest them when caught, as they serve a management purpose when removed from the system.

Regulations: Arkansas License and POA Rules

Anyone aged 16 or older must have a valid Arkansas fishing license to fish on Loch Lomond. This applies to all Bella Vista lakes regardless of POA membership status -- the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations and harvest limits govern all POA waters. No special permit beyond the standard Arkansas fishing license is required for species that are covered by AGFC statewide regulations.

The POA has its own supplemental rule for shoreline fishing: it is not permitted from certain areas, specifically including the shoreline near Lakepoint. The covered fishing dock at Lakepoint Marina is the designated shoreline fishing structure -- it is a benefit of the full-service marina facility and accessible to members with Activity Cards. Check current posted rules at each access point for any area-specific restrictions.

Tournaments on Loch Lomond are permitted but require POA advance coordination and approval. Contact the Lakes Department at (479) 855-5067 to discuss the requirements and scheduling process for organized fishing events.

Access Points for Fishing

Loch Lomond has multiple access points for anglers, each offering different fishing opportunities:

• Granton Park boat ramp: launches directly into the main body of the lake with immediate access to deeper water structure and the main channel. Good for bass and crappie anglers targeting depth.
• Tiree Park boat ramp: provides access to the mid-lake section with both main channel and cove fishing within easy range. Fishing piers at Tiree make this a good option for shoreline anglers.
• Stoneykirk Drive boat ramp: the third launch option, positioned near the north end of the lake and useful for accessing that section's coves and structure.
• Lakepoint Marina covered fishing dock: the POA maintains a covered fishing dock at the marina with a fish cleaning station adjacent. This is the main hub for dock-based fishing on Loch Lomond and is a genuine amenity -- a covered structure over productive water, with the cleaning station immediately at hand.
• Private docks: waterfront homeowners fish directly from their own docks, accessing whatever depth is immediately available off their shoreline. Dock fishing is particularly productive for crappie around pilings and panfish in the evenings.
• Kayak and canoe fishing: the no-wake coves on Loch Lomond are excellent kayak fishing terrain. Quietly working a kayak along the shoreline of a protected cove in early morning is one of the best ways to catch bass on Loch Lomond without competing with boat traffic.

Seasonal Patterns on Loch Lomond

Fishing on Loch Lomond follows seasonal patterns common to Ozark warm-water lakes. Spring (April–May) is peak season for bass spawning activity in shallow cove areas -- fish are aggressively feeding pre-spawn and then protecting beds during spawn. Crappie also spawn in spring, moving to shallow brush and dock structure. This is when the lake's fishing is most productive and most accessible for anglers of all skill levels.

Summer (June–August) pushes fish deeper as surface temperatures rise. Bass retreat to structure at 15–25 foot depths during the heat of day and move shallow at dawn and dusk. Early morning and evening bites are productive; midday fishing from a pontoon with live bait or deep-diving lures is the practical approach. Catfish become more active after dark in summer -- night fishing with a lantern over the dock is a Loch Lomond summer institution.

Fall (September–October) is the second prime fishing window. Bass feed aggressively as water temperatures drop and fish begin building winter reserves. Crappie move back toward accessible depths. The absence of heavy recreational boat traffic on weekdays makes fall weekday mornings feel like private lake conditions. This is when most serious fishing is done by local anglers who know the seasonal calendar.

Winter fishing continues on Loch Lomond even during the drawdown period. Bass enter a winter pattern at deeper structure, and slow presentations at depth can be productive for patient anglers. The reduced water level during drawdown actually improves access to structure that is normally under too much water to fish effectively from shore.