Old Town Lake
- Access
From Helena-West Helena, take Biscoe St 3 miles to AR-20 W. Then, take AR-20 W for 16 miles and turn right onto County Road 419.
- Aquatic Vegetation
Wild rice, cattails, coontails, water lilies
- Area Specific Regulations
- Handicapped-accessible fishing pier is available.
- Read special rules for AGFC lakes and access areas.
- Area Type
Oxbow Lake
- Bottom Features
Creek channels; mud, silt bottom
- Constructed
N/A
- Depth
3 to 6 feet
- Description
Old Town Lake is an oxbow lake of the Mississippi River, cut off by the construction of the Mississippi River levee. The lake is characterized by stands of cypress trees and offers beautiful natural views amidst the surrounding Delta lands. Anglers have a good chance of catching largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. Anecdotal reports suggest that weigh-ins at bass tournaments can exceed 20 pounds while the channel catfish fishery is considered high quality, according to AGFC biologists. An annual catfish derby is also held in June on the lake, offering a positive fishing experience for children, senior citizens, and physically challenged individuals.
- District Information
Fisheries District 4
1201 N Highway 49
Brinkley, AR 72021
877-734-4581
- Fish Forage
Shad
- Location
Phillips County
19 miles SW of Helena-West Helena
- Major Sportfish
Blue catfish, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, flathead catfish, largemouth bass and redear sunfish
- Management Plan
None completed
- Other Fish
Bowfin, buffalo, bullhead, chain pickerel, common carp, drum, grass carp, green sunfish, hybrid bream, longear sunfish, longnose gar, warmouth and yellow bass.
- Ownership
State of Arkansas
- Points of Interest
- Medical services, camping supplies, and some restaurants can be found in nearby Helena-West Helena.
- The Great River Road winds along the Mississippi River, offering several pristine views of the Mississippi River Delta.
- Size
1,425 acres
- Visible Cover
Cypress trees/knees, stumps, docks, fishing pier