Two private fishing ponds, a dock and a canoe

Your own fishing hole in the Ozarks

Few cabin rentals near Jasper come with water of their own. Bearly Earth has two private ponds tucked into its 70 acres. The lower pond is stocked for catch-and-release and has a private dock and a canoe, so you can work the banks on foot or paddle out to the middle. The upper pond is quieter and wilder, and on cool mornings it holds a layer of fog that photographers love.

It's an easy place to hand a kid a rod for their first fish, or to cast alone while the rest of the group sleeps in. Since the ponds are private, there are no boat ramps, no wakes and no one else on the water.

Catch-and-release, please

To keep the pond healthy for every guest, fishing is catch-and-release. Barbless hooks, wet hands and a quick release give the fish the best chance. Pack your own rod, tackle and favorite bait, and keep a pair of pliers handy.

No fishing license needed on the property

The ponds at Bearly Earth are private, so no fishing license is required to fish them. Bring a rod and start casting the minute you unpack. Bass and bluegill are the usual catch, and kids can rack up a dozen sunfish in an afternoon.

Planning to fish public water too? On the Buffalo National River and other public lakes and streams, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission rules require anyone 16 or older to carry a valid Arkansas fishing license. Short-term nonresident trip licenses are sold online through AGFC, so buy one before you lose signal on the mountain.

Fishing the Buffalo National River

When you want moving water, the Buffalo National River is one of the best smallmouth bass streams in the region. Pruitt Landing is about 40 minutes from the cabin, and Steel Creek and Ponca on the upper river are about 50–55 minutes. Wade the gravel shoals, or rent a canoe or kayak from an outfitter and fish the pools below the bluffs. River levels change quickly with rain, so check current conditions first.