LivewellArkansas · Crawford County · Lake
Lake Fort Smith
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Lake Fort Smith, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
What's safe to eat from Lake Fort Smith
Black Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 16–20" | General population | Limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
| Over 16" | Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury. |
| Over 20" | General population | Do not eat due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are Arkansas's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | 10" min | 30 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 18" min | 4 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Striped Bass | — | 3 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Arkansas — Arkansas Game & Fish