The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Desoto Lake
Phillips County, Arkansas · about 1,240 acres (1.9 sq mi)
59°F water, calm this morning.
About Desoto Lake
Desoto Lake spreads over about 1,240 acres in Phillips County, Arkansas.
It stretches about 5.3 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 14.5 miles. At about 150 ft above sea level, it warms early in spring. Shelby lies about 13 miles to the southeast.
- Size
- About 1,240 acres (1.9 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 14.5 miles
- End to end
- About 5.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 150 ft
- County
- Phillips County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Arkansas mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 59°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:34 am · sunset 5:00 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Desoto Lake
- Shelbyabout 13 mi southeast
- Clarksdaleabout 13 mi east
- Friars Pointabout 17 mi northeast
- Mound Bayouabout 19 mi southeast
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Questions about Desoto Lake
What fish are in Desoto Lake?
Lakes like Desoto Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Desoto Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Desoto Lake?
About 1,240 acres, with about 14.5 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Desoto Lake?
Shelby is about 13 miles southeast; Clarksdale is about 13 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Desoto Lake today?
The surface was about 59°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Desoto Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
