Dive Sites in Arkansas - Scuba Diving at its Best!

Diving Overview for Arkansas

Arkansas is a land-locked state in the Southern region of the US with the beautiful Interior Highlands, clear lakes and the Mississippi River.

There are several big lakes that make popular diving locations in Arkansas. Lake Ouachita is the largest lake at 31 sq miles. Visibility is clear towards the central area by the Brady Mountain Resort reaching 8m on a good day, whereas the West aspect, near the mountain harbour, may range from 2-3m. The surface water temperatures can reach 25-30C in good weather but expect a dramatic drop to around 12C and dropping as soon as you hit the thermocline -it is worth it as visibility improves tremendously (up to 15m). Expect to see freshwater species including different bass, catfish, perch, bream, crappies and walleye. There are some nice rock formations with quartz veins, upright tree forests and the odd fishing boat to explore. Spearfishing is permitted between mid-June - mid-March, contact your local dive centre to purchase your fishing license.

Bull Shoals Lake has good visibility ranging from 6-12m all year, average water temperatures can reach 27C in summer, 10-12C in winter. There is a 9 month spearfishing season with walleye being the main attraction, expect to find catfish, crappie, carp and other freshwater fish. There are plenty of dive sites to choose from dropping down into a huge underwater forest full of hickory, oak and some willow trees, sunken farming equipment and a few small wrecks including a Destroyer Escort, the S. S. Minnow and even a submarine!

Greers Lake is also popular for spearfishing. Expect to see some rock boulders, trees, a few small wrecks, rocky walls and even a few little coves.

Lake Norfolk has about 30 dive sites including the wreck of a 30ft cruiser, some farming equipment, a dynamite shack a few small rocky caverns to explore.

Diving is possible all year round, visibility ranges depending on the weather conditions and check with your dive centre for fishing permit information.

Videos of Arkansas