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FISHING IN
ARKANSAS' OZARKS ---A YEAR-ROUND FAVORITE
by B.W. Lusk
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Fishing in Arkansas' Ozark Mountain Region has long been enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. With two of the state's premier lakes -- Bull Shoals and Norfork -- and three of the states premier fishing rivers -- Buffalo National River, White River and North Fork River -- this region is a favorite destination of anglers of all varieties. You can have your choice of fishing adventures including a variety of bass, trout and pan fish. And for a twist, the area lakes offer great scuba diving and spear fishing.
On May 9, 1992, the late Howard "Rip" Collins went on an impromptu fishing trip with a neighbor, and returned with a 40-pound, four-ounce brown. It still stands as a world record.
Browns are cousins to the rainbow, brook, cutthroat and lake trout and all are part of the action in Arkansas' cold mountain waters. While browns are the largest, rainbows remain the number-one catch. Jim Miller of Memphis, TN, reeled the state-record rainbow from the White River on March 14, 1981. It tipped the scales at 19-pounds, one-ounce.
Trout fishing was virtually unknown in Arkansas until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built dams at Norfork, Bull Shoals, Greers Ferry and Beaver and created an ideal habitat downstream. Since the beginning, National Fish Hatcheries at Norfork, Greers Ferry and Mammoth Spring have supplied stocking trout for one of the state's most successful fishing industries. The combined in-state hatcheries produce over two million trout for Arkansas' waters each year.
Arkansas boasts over 150 miles of trout-filled streams for fishermen. The White River provides over 90 miles of habitat downstream from Bull Shoals. Trout are also found in Bull Shoals Lake.
Fly-fishing is popular in the tailwaters of all the state's big dams, but anglers must stay alert for sudden changes in river stages due to power generation at each site. Johnboats, flat-bottomed rigs with comfortable chairs, are the preferred mode of fishing travel below the larger dams. Guide services, full-service marinas, resorts, camping and cabins are all available in most of the trout zones.
Although fishing on Lake Norfork can be excellent any time of the year and there is no closed fishing season, April is considered a prime month and March is also an excellent time of the year. Summer months find the fish in the deeper waters away from the shores and the preferred time to go fishing is at night. The best white bass time is the winter months with December being the choice of most anglers. For some species, spearfishing is permitted year 'round, but it is recommended that you consult the State Game and Fish Regulations.
And . . . not to be left out, the Buffalo National River is considered a very desirable smallmouth bass stream because of its pristine, oxygen-rich, swift flowing water and clean habitat. It also is laden with the kind of gravel bottoms and boulders that smallmouth seek for bedding. The preferred method of fishing the Buffalo is floating in a johnboat or canoe. Another enjoyed method is positioning your boat or canoe near the head of a swift, deep chute and casting your lure above a boulder bed and allowing patience to work its miracles. Knowledgable local anglers suggest to land the big one, try fishing the fast waters or fish at night working the surface lures.
Though most people fish the Buffalo for smallmouth, it's also perfect for spotted bass, channel catfish and sunfish. Good baits include more traditional fare such as worms, minnows and crayfish or crawdads.
One sure way to know that you will have the best opportunities for a successful fishing adventure, is to secure the services of a qualified guide. The many outfitters, docks and accomodations providers in the region are a great source of information and referrals. Most have a list of the best in their area and can assist you in securing the professional guide services you're seeking. You'll find that prices are very reasonable compared to other areas of the country. One note, if you have special needs such as catch and release, discuss them with your guide upfront before you contract their service.
For
The Record; Arkansas
Sportfishing Records:
(Arkansas's Ozarks holds 9 of the 51 Statewide records)
•
Trout, cutthroat: 9 pounds, 9 ounces, White River, Oct. 6, 1985
• Trout, rainbow: 19 pounds, 1 ounce, White River, March 14, 1981
• Bass, Ozark: 1 pounds, 8 ounces, Lake Norfork, Aug. 8, 1982
• Bass, smallmouth: 7 pounds, 5 ounces, Bull Shoals Lake, March 1, 1969
• Bass, spotted: 7 pounds, 15 ounces, Bull Shoals Lake, March 26, 1983
• Bass, striped: 64 pounds, 8 ounces, Beaver Tailwaters - White River, April
28, 2000
• Bass, white: 5 pounds, 4 ounces, Bull Shoals Lake, April 23, 1984
• Bluegill: 2 pounds, 1 ounce, Boone County, May 2, 1974
• Drum, freshwater: 33 pounds, 12 ounces, Bull Shoals Lake, July 1, 1979
Need detailed fishing information about the area, these contacts may help:
US Army Corp of Engineers,
Bull Shoals/Norfork Lakes
P.O. Box 369,
Mountain Home, AR, 72653-4393,
(870) 425-2700
National
Park Service, Buffalo National River
P.O.
Box 1173,
Harrison, AR, 72601,
(870) 741-5443
Buffalo
District Ranger Office, Buffalo National River
P.O. Box 427,
Jasper, AR, 72641,
(870) 446-5122
Tyler
Bend Visitor Center,
Buffalo National River, Silverhill - Searcy County
(870) 439-2502
Arkansas is serious enough about it's fishing to provide residents and visitors state-wide fishing information by calling one toll-free hotline: 1-800-ask-fish. Marc Kilburn of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission says, "You will find answers to the questions anglers frequently ask."
All rights reserved. ©1999-2004 B.W. Lusk - May be use with written permission and reciprocal link to ShopTheOzarks.com. For more information, contact B.W. Lusk.
