Exploring the Hidden Wildlife of Beaver Lake: A Divers Guide

A Diver’s Guide to Turtles, Jellyfish, Salamanders & More

When most people think of Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas, fishing, casual diving, and boating likely come to mind. But for avid scuba divers, this deep, clear reservoir tucked into the Ozark Mountains is a gateway to an underwater world brimming with life. From translucent jellyfish to prehistoric turtles and elusive salamanders, Beaver Lake offers a unique opportunity to observe species that few know inhabit these waters.

All of the following species I have seen personally in Beaver Lake from the shallow depths of 10ft, all the way down to 100ft!

Highlights of Beaver Lake’s Aquatic Life

Freshwater Jellyfish

Rare but present, often seen in still coves in late summer / early fall.
Appear as coin-sized, translucent umbrellas near the surface.
Harmless to humans, despite having stinging tentacles.

Turtles

Red-eared sliders are often seen basking and may dart off ledges during dives.
Alligator snapping turtles, though elusive, have been spotted by divers near underwater stumps.
Spiny softshell turtles favor sandy or silty bottoms and may burrow in shallow water.

Salamanders

Best found in cooler, shallow inlets and creek-fed arms, particularly in spring or fall.
They can breathe through their skin! They have the ability to live in water or on land.
Look for Ringed Salamanders and Ozark Zigzag Salamanders in shady, rocky areas or near submerged logs.
This is another species harder to find because they are tucked away in the colder water.

Snakes

Northern Water Snakes may be observed by divers in shallow rocky areas but are shy and nonvenomous.
Most active during warm months. Most of the time they are basking or swimming along the surface and shorelines.
However, they have been spotted at depths of 20ft swimming along rocky lake beds.

How Scuba Divers Can Spot These Species

Scuba diving in Beaver Lake can be a fantastic way to get up-close views of these freshwater creatures, especially if you know when and where to look:

Shore-entry dives near rocky points, shallow coves, and creek-fed arms are best for finding smaller animals like salamanders and turtles.
Deep-water dives along submerged timber and drop-offs may yield sightings of larger creatures like snapping turtles or the occasional freshwater jellyfish bloom near the surface. These are the best places to find salamanders as well. They do love mud!
Dive during late summer to early fall for a chance to spot freshwater jellyfish, which tend to appear when the water is warmest and calmest.
Bring a dive light—many animals like salamanders and turtles rest or hide in crevices and under submerged debris.
Go slow and minimize movement. These creatures are easily startled, and a gentle approach will increase your chances of a good sighting.

Water Temperature & Habitat Preferences

Beaver Lake has seasonal water temperatures ranging from:

40–50°F (4–10°C) in winter (dry suits recommended)
60–75°F (15–24°C) in spring and fall (5mm recommended)
78–85°F (25–29°C) in summer at the surface (but thermoclines drop rapidly below 20–30 feet)

Now spotting these creatures isn’t the easiest, but that’s what makes it so exciting! These temperature zones determine where wildlife are most active:

Species	Preferred Temp	Habitat
Freshwater Jellyfish	77–86°F (25–30°C)	Calm, warm surface water (late summer)
Red-eared Slider Turtle	70–85°F (21–29°C)	Shallow coves, sunny logs
Alligator Snapping Turtle	50–70°F (10–21°C)	Deepwater logs, submerged structures
Ringed Salamander	50–65°F (10–18°C)	Shallow, wooded runoff and springs
Ozark Zigzag Salamander	50–65°F (10–18°C)	Moist, rocky shorelines and ledges
Northern Water Snake	65–80°F (18–27°C)	Warm, shallow shoreline waters

Why Dive Beaver Lake for Wildlife?

While popular dive destinations boast coral reefs or tropical fish, Beaver Lake is a refreshing reminder of the biodiversity thriving in Midwestern freshwater systems. The lake’s unique blend of clear water, rocky terrain, and forested shorelines creates a dynamic environment for life to flourish—often just beneath the surface.

So pack your dive gear, bring a camera, and head to Beaver Lake—not just to explore its submerged landscapes, but to meet the wild, wonderful creatures that call this Ozark gem home.

It’s weird to think that there are some states in the USA that only contain about 2 species of fish! Beaver Lake contains over 25 distinct fish species and many other species of wildlife. This is also just what’s under the water.

Notable Fish Species in Beaver Lake

Here are some of the prominent species you might encounter:

Bass:
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass (Large population)
- Spotted Bass
- Striped Bass
- Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper)
Crappie:
- White Crappie
- Black Crappie
Catfish:
- Channel Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
Sunfish and Panfish:
- Bluegill
- Green Sunfish
- Redear Sunfish
- Longear Sunfish (Large population)
- Warmouth
Other Species:
- Walleye
- Yellow Perch
- Rainbow Trout
- Freshwater Drum
- Common Carp
- Grass Carp
- Yellow Bass
- Black Bullhead
- Redbreast Sunfish
- Texas Shiner
- Blacktail Shiner

All photos were sourced from the National Park Service search engine. Click below to learn more: