Playing Field of Lake Dardanelle Set for Fall Fishing Showdown

SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 3, 2024) – On October 12-13, the Association of Collegiate Anglers will contest the second event of its historic 20^th season.  The no-entry-fee, nationally televised, double points AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open will take place at Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, AR.

The ACA has been hosting major college events at Lake Dardanelle for close to 10 years.  This will mark more than five years in which this tournament has been contested during the fall of the year.

Lake Dardanelle is a 34,300 acre reservoir located along the Arkansas River.  The lake’s 300 plus miles of shoreline is loaded with fish holding habitat for anglers to target.  That abundant cover includes timber, lily pads, grass, and rocks.  Each of these can be home to the winning limit of bass during the fall.

Lake Dardanelle is a great tournament fishery for college anglers because competitors from across the country can fish their strengths on this body of water.  As summer temperatures begin to cool, welcoming fresh fall air, bass begin to push shallow to feed up for the winter.  This makes the bass in Lake Dardanelle easy to target in high percentage areas.

Like any typical fall morning pattern, topwaters will be a great option early.  As the day progresses, shad pattern moving baits and soft plastics will be good options. Each of these styles and presentations will work well around any of the cover that can be found out on Lake Dardanelle.

Weather conditions leading up to the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open are forecasted to remain fairly stable.  Abundant sunshine, with highs in the mid 80’s and lows in the upper 50’s, are what is forecasted for the next 10 days.  Stable weather patterns and no rain will present steady conditions that should allow anglers to easily pattern the fish. Any subtle changes in weather conditions during the event, including wind or rain, could drastically effect how the fish behave.