Hunters Should Be Aware of Nebraska Waterfowl Blind, Deer Stand Regulations
September 18, 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. – Fall hunting seasons are starting soon and hunters should understand regulations pertaining to the use of waterfowl blinds and deer stands.
Ted Blume, administrator of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions Law Enforcement Division, said daily waterfowl blinds may be installed on state recreation areas (SRA) and wildlife management areas (WMA) unless otherwise posted. Hunters are responsible for removing those blinds at the end of each hunting day. Hunting blinds and other personal property remaining on a SRA or WMA following the close of hunting each day can be impounded.
Seasonal blinds for waterfowl hunting may be installed and used at Clear Creek WMA at the west end of Lake McConaughy and designated portions of Lake McConaughy SRA; Enders Reservoir WMA, Swanson Reservoir WMA, Red Willow Reservoir WMA, Medicine Creek Reservoir WMA, Elwood Reservoir WMA, Sherman Reservoir WMA, Merritt Reservoir WMA, Calamus Reservoir WMA, and Whitetail WMA in Colfax County. Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for special regulations at Lewis and Clark WMA.
Seasonal blinds on WMAs must legibly display, on the door, the name and address of the owner. The door must be constructed so that it can be opened at all times when not in use. Commission personnel may remove locked blinds at the owners expense.
Blume said just because someone owns a blind they leave on a state-owned area doesnt mean the owner has exclusive rights to its use. The first person to occupy a blind each day is entitled to occupy and use the blind for that day, regardless of who owns it.
Deer hunters may place portable deer stands on WMAs, but must remove them no later than 15 days following the close of the deer hunting season. The first person to occupy a portable deer stand is entitled to occupy that tree stand for that day.
Portable tree stands used on SRAs must be removed at the end of each hunting day. Portable tree stands not removed daily from SRAs are subject to removal by Commission employees.
Permanent or semi-permanent tree stands that attach to any tree with nails, screws, bolts or wire are illegal to use on SRAs or WMAs.
“The blind and stand regulations have been implemented to allow fair and equitable use of hunting areas on the limited state-owned lands available,” Blume said.
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Youth Shooting Clinic at Council Grove, Kansas on October 11
September 18, 2008
Special event designed to encourage youth participation in outdoor shooting sports
COUNCIL GROVE — Youth from Morris and surrounding counties are invited to a free shotgun, pellet rifle, and archery shooting and safety clinic on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Council Grove Reservoir. Sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), the Neosho Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited (QU), the Kansas Wildlife Officers Association, and Morris County hunter education instructors, this special event will provide participants with an opportunity to enhance firearm and archery shooting and safety skills. Controlled live fire instruction will teach safe and responsible shooting techniques.
Participants will be provided safety and shooting instruction by certified firearm and archery skills instructors. All gear and supplies, including shotguns, pellet rifles, ammunition, bows, arrows, targets, and eye and ear protection will be provided by KDWP’s “Pass It On” and Hunter Education programs. Participants should be breaking shotgun targets in the air by the end of the session.
Anyone ages 10 through 16 may participate. Participants are required to pre-register for the event. Students are not required to have completed a hunter education course, but it is preferred. The event will begin at 12 p.m. at the COE-managed area between Marina Cove and Neosho Park, approximately 1/4 mile west of the COE office at the west end of the dam. Check-in and free lunch will be provided by QU from noon to 12:30 p.m. Instruction will begin shortly after and will end at approximately 5 p.m.
Those interested are reminded to pre-register by Oct. 6. To register or learn more about this special event, phone KDWP wildlife area manager Brent Konen at 620-767-5900.
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WDFW Now Accepting Proposals for Nearshore Restoration Projects
September 12, 2008
OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is accepting proposals from organizations seeking state funds for projects that would protect and restore natural shorelines and estuaries in Puget Sound.
Applications and additional information about submitting proposals are available at http://www.pugetsoundnearshore.org/esrp.htm
or by contacting Jenna Norman at 360-902-2658 or ESRP [at] dfw [dot] wa [dot] gov. Completed applications must be received by Oct. 17, 2008.
Funds will be disbursed through the Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP), established by the Legislature in 2006 as part of Gov. Chris Gregoire’s Puget Sound Initiative. WDFW, which manages the program, has distributed $14.5 million in awards to ESRP projects over the last three years.
“We’re looking to invest in exemplary projects that restore and protect the natural functions of Puget Sound’s shorelines and estuaries,” said Paul Cereghino, ESRP program manager. “These projects will benefit the nearshore environment for generations to come.”
Non-governmental organizations and private and public corporations, as well as federal, state, local and tribal governments, are eligible to submit applications to WDFW, said Cereghino.
The Puget Sound Nearshore Partnership assists in project selection and its executive committee endorses the final spending plan. The nearshore partnership, which is a regional consortium working to develop a comprehensive nearshore ecosystem restoration plan for Puget Sound, is co-chaired by WDFW and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It includes representatives from seven federal agencies, tribes, local governments, state agencies and non-governmental organizations.
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Alabama Scenic River Trail Announces 631 Prizes
August 22, 2008
Officials of the recently-opened Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) announce the 631 Prize, including $1,000, which will be awarded to the first canoeist or kayaker to start on or after October 1, 2008, and complete the 631-mile trail, the longest such river trail in a single state. The ASRT begins in the Coosa River at the Georgia state line east of Cedar Bluff, Ala. and ends 631 miles downstream at historic Ft. Morgan where Mobile Bay joins the Gulf of Mexico.
In addition to the chance of winning the prize, paddlers will enjoy a variety of beautiful scenery from the mountains of northeastern Alabama to the tranquil waters of the Delta, the second largest river delta in the United States.
The Alabama Power Company and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have worked with the Alabama Scenic River Trail Association to create and mark portages around the power company’s six dams on the Coosa River and the Corps’ three dams on the Alabama River.
The basic rules of the competition for the 631 Prize are as follows:
- Paddlers vying for the 631 Prize may not start down the ASRT rail before 9 a.m. October 1, 2008.
- Each paddler must register with the ASRT in advance of the trip and must comply with any requirements of property owners and legal authorities along the route.
- To evidence having paddled the route, paddlers will be required to submit evidence of having completed the trip as stated in the 631 Prize rules.
Details regarding the rules, maps, required entry forms and trail guides for the four sections of the ASRT are available by clicking on “Paddle Alabama” at www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com.
The ASRT has been designated as a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and was created with the cooperation and support of many different agencies, organizations and individuals, including the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
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Coal Hill Small Game Cooperative Area Formed
August 14, 2008
RUSSELLVILLE – Littering, illegal dumping and habitat destruction from off road vehicle traffic are prompting agencies responsible for the Dardanelle Wildlife Management Area to construct two gates to control unauthorized traffic just west of Black Point Island. Taking it a big step further, the agencies will form the Coal Hill Small Game Cooperative Area.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, will erect the gates and attempt to reverse problems with rutting in fields and damage to preferred vegetation by improving a 350-acre tract of open grassland for rabbits, ground nesting birds and migratory bird species. AGFC will eradicate non-native grass species and restore native vegetation to enhance wildlife habitat.
Although motorized vehicles are prohibited, foot traffic is welcome. A parking area will be developed to provide access to the small game area. The Corps’ Little Rock District manages Lake Dardanelle and the surrounding public lands to meet the needs of human and natural communities for present and future generations.
For more information, call the Corps’ Russellville Project Office at (479) 968-5008 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Mobility Impaired Hunting Applications Due Aug. 15
August 14, 2008
RUSSELLVILLE - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is taking applications through Aug. 15 for special 2008 deer and duck hunts designed to provide accessibility to hunters whose mobility is permanently or severely impaired by paralysis or amputation.
These special hunts on federal property are being provided through a partnership with the Corps’ Little Rock District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. Applicants will have a choice of 13 hunting locations in Arkansas, Missouri and Louisiana this year.
To obtain an application or more information, contact Greg Moe at the Corps’ Russellville Project Office at (479) 968-5008, extension 268.
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Handicapped Hunters Are Key Players in Goose Island Conservation Plan In Wisconsin
July 31, 2008
LA CROSSE – A popular and effective two-day gun deer hunt for people with disabilities returns for a third year this December to Goose Island on the Mississippi River.
Wildlife officials said the 2006 and 2007 managed deer hunts earned high marks from the participants and the public as well as from local, state and federal officials who designed and monitored the hunts.
“I get excited about the Goose Island hunt,” said Ron Lichtie, wildlife biologist with the Department of Natural Resources. “It’s like a larger version of deer camp. Besides accomplishing our ecological goals, we are making new friends and sharing the special bond that develops during a hunt.”
This year’s hunt takes place Dec. 13-14. The deadline for applications is Oct. 31. About 25 participants will be randomly selected for the hunt with preference going to applicants not drawn last year. Those selected will be contacted in early November.
The managed hunt is administered by a locally based, non-profit organization, the North American Squirrel Association. The association, which provides opportunities for the physically challenged to enjoy outdoor recreational opportunities, will be collecting applications from anyone who carries a Class A, Long-term B or Class C disabled permit. Applications can be found at North American Squirrel Association under the event updates tab.
Goose Island is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Part of the island is leased to La Crosse County and is managed as a county park and campground. The remainder is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.
Excessive deer numbers on the island have resulted in undersized, malnourished deer and damage to wildlife habitat caused by heavy browsing. At public meetings, a clear majority of people said they would prefer to see healthy deer over high numbers of deer.
The Goose Island deer management plan is the result of a collaborative effort by representatives from the county, the Town of Shelby, the two federal agencies and the DNR.
On the first day of the 2006 hunt, 28 physically challenged hunters harvested 18 deer. On day two, 21 hunters harvested 19 deer. Of the 37 deer taken, 29 were does or fawns. Four of the 8 bucks harvested had already shed their antlers, a sign of stress on the herd that can be attributed to overpopulation. Half the bucks were 30 or more pounds under average weights and most does were underweight, some by more than 40 pounds.
During the two-day hunt in December, 2007, a total of 24 physically handicapped hunters harvested 26 deer, 23 of them antlerless.
Lichtie said these deer appeared healthier than those from the 2006 hunt but were still generally underweight. The inter-agency task force has determined that another hunt this year will be beneficial to herd management.
“Thanks to the Badger State Sportsman’s Club and other volunteers, we have enough information to develop a long-term management plan,” Lichtie said. “I’ve enjoyed seeing these volunteers come together and give their time to accomplish this managed hunt. The participants and volunteers make it work.”
The flat terrain and the roads and trails associated with the campground create an ideal opportunity for physically challenged hunters, Lichtie said. The special hunt is well managed and no concerns about safety arose from the earlier hunts, he said.
The early morning hunts come to an end each day at 11 a.m. and by noon the island is re-opened to the public.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Lichtie, (608) 785-9992 or Randy Hansen, North American Squirrel Association (608) 781-2026
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Arkansas Weekly Fishing Report - 7/30/2008
July 30, 2008
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Randy Zellers (501) 223-6406, e-mail: rdzellers [at] agfc [dot] state [dot] ar [dot] us
To sign-up for this newsletter, visit http://www.agfc.com/enews/default.aspx
This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for July 30, 2008. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please call or e-mail us with information on possible sources for that lake or river.
Fishing Tip: Although it may seem strange, wearing a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and lightweight pants during the summer can keep you out on the water longer when the sun is beating down. The extra coverage gives protection from sunburns and keeps your skin out of the heat of direct light.
Arkansas River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Tuesday the Arkansas River stages are:
Trimble Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 13): Headwater – 391.49 feet, Tailwater – 379.25 feet, Flow – 66,524 cubic feet per second
Ozark Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 12): Headwater – 371.78 feet, Tailwater – 344.83 feet
Dardanelle Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 10): Headwater – 337.53 feet, Tailwater – 291.52 feet
Ormond Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 9): Headwater – 285.99 feet, Tailwater – 271.46 feet
Toad Suck Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 8): Headwater – 258.61 feet, Tailwater – 265.93 feet
Murray Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 7): Headwater – 248.62 feet, Tailwater – 232.11 feet, Flow – 54,047 cubic feet per second
Terry Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 6): Headwater – 230.35 feet, Tailwater – 217.45 feet, Flow – 69,044 cubic feet per second
Sanders Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 4): Headwater – 195.47 feet, Tailwater – 185.55 feet
Hardin Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 3): Headwater – 181.75 feet, Tailwater – 171.60 feet
Mills Dam (Dam 2): Headwater – 162.88 feet, Tailwater – 137.51 feet, Flow – 64,390 cubic feet per second
White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Tuesday the White River stages are:
9.6 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage – 19 feet)
10.4 feet at Batesville (flood stage – 15 feet)
12.8 feet at Newport (flood stage – 26 feet)
25.1 feet at Augusta (flood stage – 26 feet)
14.9 feet at Georgetown (flood stage – 21 feet)
23.5 feet at Clarendon (flood stage – 26 feet)
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Program Report: Channel catfish have been stocked in all program ponds and are biting well on worms, liver, hot dogs, bait shrimp and paste baits. Channel catfish are being caught with more success in early mornings and late evenings because of warmer weather. Bream are still biting well on crickets, wax worms and redworms in shallow water and near brushy cover. For more information on catfish stockings, call toll free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS:
Lake Conway: Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the water is clear and low. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Bass are fair on plastic frogs. Catfishing is good on live bait.
Dan at Gold Creek Landing (501-607-0590) said bream are bedding near the banks and are biting well on crickets and redworms. Bass are doing well early and late in the day off pads and edges of creek channels on frogs, buzzbaits and crankbaits. Crappie are slow, but a few have been caught deep in the lake. Catfish are good on trotlines.
Palarm Creek: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said catfishing is excellent on limb lines and trotlines with shad or cut bait.
Little Red River: Lindsey’s Resort (501-302-3139) said water conditions are normal with 2 units running around the clock. Trout fishing has been very good drift fishing on the bottom with white or chartreuse Power Eggs, pink Power Worms, red worms and Carolina rigs.
Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Power House is still generating around the clock with both generators, but there should be a reduction to 12 hour generation schedules if the weather holds. Aquatic insect hatches have been few and far between in the high water. Our daily midge hatches are occurring but blue winged olives and sulphur mayflies are scarce. This time last year, we had low water and tons of bugs. Blue wings, pale morning duns and sulphur mayflies along with midges were abundant. If you try to fly fish in high water, you will need to get your fly down to the streambed with plenty of leader length and weight using a strike indicator large enough to float it all. The best fly has been the San Juan worm in sizes 12-16 in orange, cerise, worm brown or red. Bait and spin casting fishermen are in their element in high water.
Greers Ferry: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 466.04 feet MSL.
Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water is still falling and is close to normal pool. Hybrid and white bass fishing continues to be hit-or-miss. Stay on the move looking for baitfish with your electronics and keep your bait wet. Bass fishing is fair and should improve once the water stabilizes. Fish main lake points and small secondary points with football head jigs, Carolina-rigged lizards and Texas-rigged worms. There’s also a small topwater bite early and late in the day along the same places. Bream fishing is fair around docks on crickets and worms. Crappie are so-so, with most fish being taken on a jig tipped with a minnow and set at 15 to 20 feet deep over pole timber in 60 feet of water. Walleye are slow. Catfishing is good all over the lake, even on artificial baits. Liver, cut bait and live bait are all working well.
Shiloh Marina said all fishing has been slow.
Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said the water is high with a 90 degree surface temperature. Bream are picking up on crickets and worms. Bass are biting well at night on top-water lures. Catfishing is good at night and liver and cut bait.
Lake Beaverfork: The City of Conway Parks and Recreation Department said the water is murky and at normal level with a surface temperature in the high 80’s. Crappie are biting well on jigs and minnows. Catfishing are fair on liver and nightcrawlers.
Lake Overcup: Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said water conditions are normal. Catfishing is good on shad and nightcrawlers.
Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature at 95 degrees. All species are slow.
Brewer Lake: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said all species are slow.
Sunset Lake: Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is low and all species have been slow.
Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is murky and low. Bream are fair on crickets. Bass are fair on top-water lures.
Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley’s Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said the flows keep dropping and the water is starting to clear up. Bream are biting well around rocks on crickets. Late in the afternoon, black rooster tails seem to working good too. Some white bass have been schooling early on shad colored crankbaits. Black bass are biting well on blue and black Jig & Pigs near drop-offs. Catifsh are biting well early with whole shad. Stripers are good in the evening at Lock 9 on live shad.
Arkansas River in Little Rock: Vince Miller from Fish ‘N Stuff said water conditions are almost back to normal. Bass fishing has been fair around rocky points on jigs and shallow running crankbaits.
Little Maumelle River: Josh Jeffers at Pinnacle Mountain State Park (501-868-5806) said the water level is receding and the surface temperature ranges from 85 to 90. The water visibility and clarity is low. Bream are biting fair on crickets and worms. Crappie are biting slow on shiners and black/chartreuse 1/8-oz. crappie jigs. Bass are fair, and are being caught on small top-water baits and frogs (early in the mornings and late in the afternoons), Texas-rigged creature baits are working well around thick grass and vegetation in the heat of the day, and small crankbaits and jigs are producing good fish around ledges and drops. Catfish are biting fair on nightcrawlers and different types of stink bait around ledges and drops.
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said bream are biting well in pad beds on crickets and wax worms. Bass are biting well early and late on top-water stick baits and 6 inch black core worms. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
Lake Valencia: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said catfish are doing well on chicken hearts and nightcrawlers.
Big Maumelle River: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said bream fishing is good on crickets and wax worms. Bass are fair on black or red 6 inch worms. Catfishing is excellent on cut bait and chicken hearts.
Fourche La Fave River: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are good on jigs and brown craw worms. Catfishing is excellent on cut bait and chicken hearts.
Lake Maumelle: Jolly Roger’s Marina said the fish are deep due to the hot weather. White bass are schooling around Jim’s Island and in front of the old Jolly Rogers cove. A CC spoon cast into the schools is working well. Black bass are good despite the heat. It is still taking 7 to 9 pounds to win the Tuesday or Friday tournaments. The Blacks and Kentuckys are about 20 to 25 feet deep hitting on drop shot, jigging or using plastics. Bream are hitting crickets in about 15 feet of water. Catfish are good in about 15 to 20 feet of water using prepared bait.
Murray Lock and Dam: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said catfish are the best thing going on shad and rice slicks.
Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is muddy and low. Bream are fair on crickets. Bass fishing is fair on dark crankbaits. Catfishing is good on any bait.
Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said all fishing is slow.
Peckerwood Lake: Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is clear and dropping. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs. Catfishing is good on any bait.
NORTH ARKANSAS:
White River: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the water flows on the White have been consistently high. Overall, the fishing has been excellent on the White River. It has at times been spectacular, particularly at the Catch-and-release section at Bull Shoals Dam and the adjacent state park. The hot flies have been San Juan worms (in tan, orange and red), and brightly colored marabou jigs. Jigs have the added advantage of riding hook point up which makes them virtually weedless. Another hot spot was Rim Shoals. Here again the most action was encountered using brightly colored San Juan worms and eggs. Those fishing just outside the catch-and-release sections had good results by using black zebra midges and copper johns as droppers. The best fishing has occurred in the Red Bud area. The hot fly there has been brightly colored marabou jigs.
Sportsman’s White River Resort said water conditions are normal with 8 generators still running. Trout fishing has been excellent on red or pink 3 inch power worms, buoyant spoons, Little Cleos, woolly buggers and San Juan worms.
Mountain River Fly Shop said generation continues on the White, but it’s nice to see some progress being made on drawing down the lake. Guides and their clients are reveling in the conditions. We keep getting reports of “fat and sassy” browns and rainbows being caught, with the average fish size increasing every month. These fish are fighting with some strength after being toned up in the White River treadmill. San Juan’s and Dynamite Worms, with or without an attractor egg leading the way, has been the fly of choice. Bigger scuds and sowbugs have had their followers and have caught some nice fish. The Midge bite has been up and down but White Tail Super Midges, Cadion Midges and Clint’s Tungsten Black Midge have caught fish. The streamer brigade are doing well, one of our mates Ken Richards telling us on a day out on big black woollies, on a bright sunny day no less, whacking trout through the middle of the river.
Ken Richards with www.justfishinguides.com says the high water has not put off the fishing. Some of the best trout fishing is going on right now. Fly fishing with streamers and sink-tip lines have brought many large browns to hand. Black weighted streamers sizes 4 to 8 of various types; woolly buggers, matukas, leeches, etc. have been working when pounding the banks. Short stout leaders are best. Several browns in the 5 to 6 pound range have been caught from the Dam area down to Buffalo City.
Kings River: Ken Richards with www.justfishinguides.com says the fishing has slowed in the middle of the day for smallmouth since the really hot days have arrived. Fly fishing with medium white poppers have brought up several nice fish in the 16 inch range. They must be fished actively. Spin fishermen are having luck with Carolina and Texas rigged 4 inch lizards in green pumkinseed and watermelon. Smaller lures and flies have been racking up large numbers of sunfish.
Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 689.71 feet MSL.
Lake Norfork: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 574.74 feet MSL.
101 Grocery and Bait said fishing has been fair. The early morning has been the best time of day to be fishing. Top-water fishing is still good until about 8 a.m. After that, you will need to fish deep. Bluegill fishing is very good using worms and crickets fished around 20-30 feet deep. Striper fishing has been fair. A few are being caught on small live bait. Mid-lake and toward the dam have been the better areas to fish for stripers. They are hanging in 40 feet of water and deeper. Walleye fishing has slowed, but a few are being caught on live bait. Try fishing around the thermocline (18-25 feet deep). Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing are fair. The bass are still being caught around the trees and along the bluffs. Crappie fishing is slow. White bass fishing is fair. White in-line spinners are still the choice lure. Catfish are still hitting live bait on limb lines.
Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said all fishing is slow.
Norfork Tailwater: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the Norfork has been spectacular on low water. Anglers reported great success with black zebra nymphs, olive scuds, and black Norfork bead heads all in size 18. Other good flies were olive woolly buggers, partridge and orange soft hackles, and worm brown San Juan worms. The top producer was the green butt soft hackle. There have been some sparse sulphur hatches in mid morning and this was the key to success. In the afternoon, on higher water, fishing slows a bit. Use conventional high-water techniques, and if you are not fishing a catch-and-release area consider using a dropper tied to the lead flies. Dry Run Creek has been a local hot spot. This is a great place for you to while away the summer with your children or grand children. It is also a great place to beat the heat.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,128.74 feet MSL.
JT’s Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass have been on the small side, but they continue to bite. Best places have been off main lake points and humps early and late in the day. Finesse tactics have worked best. A buzzbait or a spinnerbait has worked when fished along the flooded cover at dawn and at dusk. Crappie are suspended 15 to 25 feet under shaded docks, bluff walls, standing timber and in open water on flats. Minnows, tubes and shineee hineee jigs have been effective. Small crankbaits have worked on the flats from Hickory Creek south into the rivers. White bass are scattered but can be found at night along deep bluff walls. Fish minnows under lights 10 to 30 feet deep. Stripers have been found on the downstream end of the lake in deep water. Try trolling an umbrella rig 30 to 40 feet deep. Catfish again have been biting well all over the lake. Liver, goldfish, worms or stink bait have all worked well. Bluegill are taking crickets and worms 4 feet deep around rocks and docks.
Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is murky and high. Bream fishing is fair on crickets. Crappie are biting well around docks on minnows. Bass fishing is good early on top-water lures and crankbaits. They are also good at night on plastics, jigs and spoons. Catfish are fair jug fishing with cut bait.
Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said all fishing is slow.
Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said water conditions are normal. Fishing has been slow due to few anglers, but a few crappie have been caught on road runners.
Sugarloaf Lake: Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) said the water is clear and low. All fishing has been slow.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Charles: Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the water level is normal and the temperature ranges from 70 to 72 degrees. The water clarity is about 10 inches. Bream are biting on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow on minnows, jigs, and worms. Bass are slow on spinners and crankbaits. Catfish are fair on carp minnows.
Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature in the high 80’s. Bream have been excellent on crickets and beetle spins. A few crappie are being caught deep on jigs and minnows. Bass are biting well early and late on top-water lures and crankbaits. Catfishing is excellent on stink bait, shrimp, liver and shad.
Lake Frierson: Lake Frierson State Park said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets. Catfish are being caught on worms and nightcrawlers.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Monticello: Greg Gulledge with Basshunters Custom Crankbaits said Lake Monticello is finally settling into the summer pattern. Hot weather has put the bass on drops in 10 to 22 feet of water. Nice bass have been caught this week, including a 9 lb. 3 oz. toad on Fishboy plastic worms and tubes. There are schoolers to be caught if you are lucky enough to be in range of them before they go back down. Topwaters and crankbaits have been catching the schoolers. The frog fishing has been very spotty with a few nice bass being taken on the Spro Bronze Eye Frog.
Lake Chicot: Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said the water is murky and low. All fishing has been slow.
Grand Lake: Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said all fishing is slow.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Millwood Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 259.28 feet MSL.
Millwood Lake Guide Service says largemouth bass remain best early and late in the day or during periods of lowest light and heat. Fishing is tough from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The current if Little River has decreased from last week and the Millwood is at normal level and falling. Topwater toads and plugs, Bass Assassin shads, 10-inch to 12-inch worms, and swim baits, all continue working well for bass. The water clarity along the main lake and also in Little River improved this week. Some high density, broken vegetation and floating mats remain in Little River. Corps of Engineers crews have replaced many damaged or missing river buoys in Little River in the clear cut main lake area and up the river. The main lake and Little River’s water surface temp range from about 85 to 91 degrees, depending on location and time of day. White bass remain nomadic and sporadic. The white bass bite is full on or full off, between White Cliffs and Cemetary Slough, along Little River using Little Cleos, Little Georges, Roostertails and Rocket Shads in white, red and chrome colors. Best depth zones run 12 to 18 inches. Times best last week continue from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The crappie bite has improved slightly. The most consistent bite remains on live shiners, smoke grubs on light wire jig heads and Mizmo tubes. Blues and channel cats continue to hit well on trotlines and can be found in current in Little River. Cut shad, Catfish Charlie, cottonseed mill cake, and chicken hearts and livers have been working well. Try yo-yo’s hung from cypress trees in about 10 feet of water near current. Bream continue to bite well along the banks on crickets and red worms around docks and cypress trees. With the mayfly hatch dwindling down, bream and redears can still be caught under a single cypress or willow tree on ultra light or spin cast tackle on smoke colored tubes, jigs, crickets, red worms, and also on white and chartreuse-colored popping bugs.
Cossatot River: Davy Ashcraft at Cossatot River State Park (870-385-2201) said USGA states that the water level is 1.83 feet, with the surface temperatures ranging from 75 to 80 degrees. With the ever increasing heat and lack of water, algae is beginning to grow rapidly all over the river, causing the fish to be less aggressive. Early and late in the day are the best times to try your hand at the fish in the river. Bream are biting great on worms and crickets in 3 feet of water. The smallmouth bass are biting well early and late on green pumpkinseed finesse worms and crawdad crankbaits around structure in the deeper pools at 4 to 5 feet of water, small dark colored grubs are doing well too. Catfish are hit and miss; most are being caught at night on nightcrawlers.
Lake Columbia: Steve’s Marine (870-234-2222) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfishing is good on nightcrawlers.
Lake Erling: Steve’s Marine (870-234-2222) said the water is clear and low. Bream fishing is good on crickets and red worms. Crappie are fair on shiners. Bass are fair on artificial baits. Catfishing is good on nightcrawlers.
White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park said the water level is dropping from lack of rain. The water is clear and the water temperature is high. Most fishing is slow. Bream are hitting on crickets. Bass are in the deeper, cooler water hitting artificial baits. Catfish are slow on jugs and trotlines.
Lake Greeson: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 544.66 feet MSL.
Darryl Morris at Family Fishing Trips said the water surface temperature is 92 degrees. Stripers are being caught early in deep water near the dam. Bream are biting well on crickets fished 8 to 12 feet deep over brush in 15 to 18 feet of water. All other species are fair early in the morning and poor during the day.
Lakeside Grocery said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature at 93 degrees. All fishing has been slow.
DeGray Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 405.90 feet MSL.
DeGray One Stop (501-865-3511) had no report.
Charles at Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina said largemouth bass are biting fairly well on redbug and cherryseed colored worms fished on the deep side of moss points. Some fish are schooling very early and late and can be caught on Zara Spooks, Rooster Tails and Tiny Torpedoes. Kentucky bass are slow on live crawfish fished 20 to 26 feet deep on points and dropoffs. Hybrids are biting well on live shad, topwaters and jigging spoons in 35 to 45 feet of water. The best areas have been around the dam and Caddo Bend. Crappie are slow, but a few are being caught on Tennessee Shad grubs and live minnows fished slowly around moss points with brush piles set 18 to 22 feet deep. Catfish are biting well on trotlines and jugs baited with minnows or cut shad. Bream are biting well on crickets and nightcrawlers fished 10 to 20 feet deep near points.
WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Dardanelle: Eric Pratt at Lake Dardanelle State Park said river flow is expected to fall to around 35,000 CFS by mid-week. The small craft advisory has been lifted and this Friday, Saturday and Sunday fishermen are going to be hitting the Arkansas River in search of monster largemouth bass for a chance to win $100,000 in the Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza. With air temperatures pushing 100 degrees and water temperature at 86 degrees, fishing for most species has become challenging. Bass can be caught in about 12-15 feet of water on humps and points on crankbaits and Texas-rigged plastic worms. Early morning fishing is good with top-water baits such as frogs and buzz baits. Bream are doing well in the first few hours of the morning on crickets and worms. Catfishing seems to be doing well at night on cut shad, nightcrawlers and artificial baits.
Bill’s Bait and Tackle (479-754-6354) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets and nightcrawlers. Bass are fair in deep water on crankbaits and worms. Catfish are biting well on stink bait.
Blue Mountain Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 386.41 feet MSL.
Booneville Bait (479-675-9038) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair around the spillway on crickets. Crappie are being caught on minnows. Catfish are fair on worms.
Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said the water is clearing up and starting to slow down. Bream are fair on nightcrawlers and crickets. A few crappie have been caught deep on minnows and jigs. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing is good on liver, nightcrawlers and cut shad.
Lake Ouachita: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 575.24 feet MSL.
Larry Hurley from Poorman’s Guide Service said the bite has actually been pretty good with good breaking action in the mornings and bass and stripers running together chasing shad. Topwaters have produced, but the best bite has been on shallow-running crankbaits and jigging spoons. After the morning bite is over, fish a 10-inch worm on a 3/8-oz. weight and target the outside edge of the grass in 25 feet of water.
Mountain Harbor Resort said the water is clear and ranges from 86 to 90 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged worms and shakey head worms. Drop-shot rigs are also working fairly well around river channel drops near brush. Walleye are biting well on spoons fished over brush on main lake points. Some quality fish are also being taken on bottom bouncers rigged with a spinner rig and crawler harness. Stripers are biting well on live shad or trotline minnows. Bream are biting very well on crickets and worms in 18 to 25 feet of water. Crappie are biting fairly well over grass and brush in 20 to 30 feet of water. Catfishing is good on cut bait and live bait hung from jugs and trotlines.
Trader Bill’s said the hot weather has moved everything to the deep edge of the moss. Some good bass are being caught on Texas-rigged 10-inch worms, large brush hogs and jigs pitched to the deep weed edge but it’s slow. Frogs will work once the grass tops out. If you find some matted grass, try fishing a swimbait along its edge or pitching a heavy jig such as an Oldham’s grass jig to punch through the surface to reach fish below.
Lake Hamilton: Larry Hurley from Poorman’s Guide Service said bass fishing is very good at night using 10-inch Berkley worms with small weights 12 to 18 feet deep.
Trader Bill’s said white bass, Kentuckies and largemouths can be caught early in the morning on live bass minnows tailhooked and freelined in front of Stokes, Williams and Hot Springs creeks and Scully Basin. Night fishing with Zara Puppies and dark-colored soft-plastics is good during the first 2 hours of the evening and again after midnight.
Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that the extreme summer heat has limited the anglers at Carpenter Dam. Most of the fishing has taken place in the early morning hours or right before nightfall. Rainbow trout continue to be very slow with some fish being caught on nightcrawlers and Power Bait near the dam. The limited numbers of trout in the tailrace make fishing very difficult and getting consistent bites is out of the question. Restocking will begin again in November. Striper and hybrid activity has been hit-or-miss as the threadfin shad schools move in and out of the tailrace. Fishermen need to monitor the movements of the baitfish as their presence will dictate whether or not the striper and hybrid bass will be in the immediate area. Carpenter Dam can be alive with schooling fish one day and no fish at all the next. Large brood and gizzard shad fished under a balloon rig will target the larger fish, but casting Super Spooks and C-10 Redfins has taken many 10- to 12-pound fish. Soft plastic presentations from 6 to 9 inches long are excellent for enticing fish to strike when they refuse hard-sided baits.
Diamond Head Marina said water conditions are normal with water temperature in the high 80’s. Bream are biting well around drop-offs on crickets. Crappie are fair in deep water on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair around shore lines on plastic worms. A few walleye have been caught on minnows.
Lake Hinkle: Bill’s Bait Shop (479-637-4719) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. A few crappie have been caught deep on minnows. Bass fishing is good on top-water lures and crankbaits. Catfishing is good on worms, liver and shad.
Lake Atkins: Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said the water is clearing up and at normal level. Bream are biting well in deep water on crickets and worms. Catfishing is excellent on crickets and large minnows.
SOUTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Moro Bay: Moro Bay State Park said the Ouachita River remains at summer normal which is 65ft above sea level. Bream are being caught on crickets and worms in the lake and in the bay. Even bank fishermen are catching bream in the park on crickets. Experienced crappie fishermen are catching some crappie on shiners and jigs in the bay but most fishermen aren’t catching any crappie. Small bass (less and 1 ½ pounds) have been caught on plastic worms, buzz baits, and small crank baits near cypress trees in the bay. One fisherman reported catching some good catfish on jugs in the lake. Several fishermen reported doing well tight lining with bream in the main river channel.
EAST ARKANSAS:
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): The Tackle Box (870-534-1498) said the water is muddy and at normal level. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and black or chartreuse jigs. Bass are excellent on crankbaits, plastic worms and buzzbaits. Catfish are picking up on worms and cut bait.
White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is clear and high. Bass are biting well on soft plastics and crankbaits. Early in the morning they are biting well on top-water lures and buzzbaits.
Maddox Bay: Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said water conditions are normal. A few bream have been caught on worms.
Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said all fishing is slow.
Horseshoe Lake: Local angler Clyde Gregory said bream are biting well around lily pads on crickets and redworms. Crappie are fair near piers on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair around lily pads on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is excellent on worms and chicken liver.
Island 40 Chute: Daily’s Boat Dock (870-739-3478) said the water is murky and low. A few crappie have been caught on jigs. Catifsh are fair on chicken liver and worms.
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Arkansas Weekly Fishing Report - 7/23
July 23, 2008
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Randy Zellers (501) 223-6406, e-mail: rdzellers [at] agfc [dot] state [dot] ar [dot] us
To sign-up for this newsletter, visit http://www.agfc.com/enews/default.aspx
This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for July 23, 2008. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please call or e-mail us with information on possible sources for that lake or river.
Fishing Tip: Although it may seem strange, wearing a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and lightweight pants during the summer can keep you out on the water longer when the sun is beating down. The extra coverage gives protection from sunburns and keeps your skin out of the heat of direct light.
Arkansas River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Tuesday the Arkansas River stages are:
Trimble Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 13): Headwater – 391.49 feet, Tailwater – 379.25 feet, Flow – 66,524 cubic feet per second
Ozark Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 12): Headwater – 371.78 feet, Tailwater – 344.83 feet
Dardanelle Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 10): Headwater – 337.53 feet, Tailwater – 291.52 feet
Ormond Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 9): Headwater – 285.99 feet, Tailwater – 271.46 feet
Toad Suck Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 8): Headwater – 258.61 feet, Tailwater – 265.93 feet
Murray Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 7): Headwater – 248.62 feet, Tailwater – 232.11 feet, Flow – 54,047 cubic feet per second
Terry Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 6): Headwater – 230.35 feet, Tailwater – 217.45 feet, Flow – 69,044 cubic feet per second
Sanders Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 4): Headwater – 195.47 feet, Tailwater – 185.55 feet
Hardin Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 3): Headwater – 181.75 feet, Tailwater – 171.60 feet
Mills Dam (Dam 2): Headwater – 162.88 feet, Tailwater – 137.51 feet, Flow – 64,390 cubic feet per second
White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Tuesday the