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Lakeside Escapes:
Boating and Fishing in Rogers
Whether you prefer to fish, float or paddle, use our guide to the best lakes for water activities in Rogers— a quintessential summer pastime.
Tucked in the lush Ozark Mountains, Rogers offers access to two big lakes, making the city a prime location for boating, fishing and other splash-worthy activities. These bodies of water are the perfect places to launch a kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or set up a picnic on the shore. Read on to learn more about where to find the best lakes in Rogers.
Lake Atalanta
This glistening reservoir is conveniently located on 236 acres about 1.5 miles from downtown Rogers. Drop a line in the lake for the chance to catch trout, small and largemouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish, or embark on a paddling adventure on your canoe, kayak, rowboat or stand-up paddleboard (no motorboats are allowed). For landlubbers, Lake Atalanta also has fishing piers, a playground and access to 14 miles of well- maintained hiking and biking trails. Hop on the 2-mile tree-shaded boardwalk trail that loops around the lake or find trailhead access to Frisco Springs Trail and The Railyard Loop to the bike park.
The summer—from June through September—is the best season for boating at Lake Atalanta. That’s when the forecast’s highs are often between 80 and 84° Fahrenheit. While anglers can fish at the lake year-round, the conditions depend on the season and fish species. During summer, fish in the early morning or early evening, when the sun’s rays aren’t as bright, for the best chance of reeling in a big one. Lake Atalanta Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; be sure to check the Rogers Parks & Recreation’s Facebook page, which posts the latest updates on closures.
After spending a morning or afternoon on the lake, head back to town for a cup of single-origin java from Onyx Coffee Lab or a cold lager at Ozark Beer Co. Or grab some grub at a nearby eatery; options include slices and wings at The Rail: A Pizza Company , loaded tacos at Yeyo’s or stacked burgers at Parkside Public and Sam’s Olde Tyme Hamburgers.
Beaver Lake
This sprawling 28,000-acre lake beckons watersports lovers of all ilks, including motor boaters, jet skiers and scuba divers. Whether you’re kayaking, canoeing or sailing on the crystal-clear waters or sunbathing on the shore, everyone at Beaver Lake can take in the breathtaking scenery of the Ozark Highlands. The body of water—known for some of the best bass fishing in northwest Arkansas—is a haven for anglers. In fact, stripers weighing up to 50 pounds have been caught in the water, in addition to loads of crappie, bream, channel, sunfish, catfish and large and smallmouth bass.
The months of June, July, August and September are the best times for boating and watersports on Beaver Lake. Fishing is a year-round activity there, but the conditions depend on the season and fish species. During the summer, get out your rod in the early morning or around dusk, when the surface temperature of the water is cooler and more fish are likely to emerge from the lake’s deeper depths. To inquire about Beaver Lake’s latest conditions, call one of the marinas or the U.S Army Corps of Engineers’ Beaver Lake Project Office (it operates many of the lake’s parks and also offers day passes for swimming).
Looking for food and drink near Beaver Lake? Pick up fried chicken and homestyle sides to enjoy on the shore at Monte Ne Inn Chicken. Or grab a table at the restaurant at Ventris Trail’s End Resort for burgers, sandwiches and other comforting American specialties.
Fishing Tournaments and Events
Want to take your angling skills to the next level? Consider entering a local fishing tournament. Catfish derbies for beginners are held by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission across the state from March 15 through October 31; the next one in Rogers is on September 10 at Mount Hebron Park Pond. Or if you’re a seasoned fisher, sign up for the Beaver Lake Elite Series’ Hook, Line, Sinker event on September 15 at Prairie Creek.
Before you head to the lake, stop by an outfitter such as the Beaver Lake Outdoor Center, Futrell Marine of NWA, or the nearest marina to where you plan to hit the water. The pros at these shops can help you buy or rent a boat, kayaks, canoes and any fishing supplies or other gear.
During the summer, Lake Atalanta and Beaver Lake in Rogers are hot destinations for boating, fishing and other sun-soaked fun. Before you venture to the water, though, be sure to pack accordingly: Plenty of sunscreen, towels and water are among the must-haves. If you plan to fish, review the rules, regulations and licensing requirements set by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.