Fishing: Early or Late?

S ummer officially started on June 20 and we are already having some very hot and humid days that will last until October. We still want to fish but what is the best time to catch fish?

There has always been the debate as what is the best time for summer time fishing. The two schools of thought are early morning or late afternoon.

Most fishermen have had success or failure at both times, so it evolves into preference. For most waters the early morning fishing is usually better, but on certain days the bite starts when the shade starts. For summer fishing, the shade that cools the water is where the fish are. Late afternoons, about an hour or so before dark, is usually a peak catch time.

Midway Lake is a good example of very good afternoon bream fishing along the levee side of the lake.

Some fishermen are early risers and others are late sleepers. Your preference of “get up time” is probably the deciding factor of when the best fishing is. The answer is just go and enjoy it. The overall fishing has been good in our local lakes. Horseshoe is the most poplar lake and the bream and crappie are still biting, not as good as a month ago, but well worth going. It seems that catfishing is always good just about anyway it is done and with almost any bait. Cats are just not very picky about what they enjoy eating. There is a lot of pressure on Horseshoe from the weekly bass tournaments and pleasure boaters not counting the bream and crappie fishermen. Wapanocca continues to produce very large bream in the trees and lily pads, but the time draws neigh for the moss to take over and make fishing almost impossible. Bear Creek is a beautiful lake on the ridge near Marianna.

The AGFC ramp is open but the water level is still low.

The fishing is good but the fish tend to be small. Be careful backing down the ramp and there is a 10 horse power limit.

Burnt Cane on the way to Forrest City, is in good shape and the fishing is good but also has small fish being caught. A lot of shade can be found at both lakes. Tilden Rodgers and Marion Rec draw good crowds catching mostly state stocked catfish and bream. A few crappie and bass are also being taken.

Midway Lake behind the levee is stable. Fishermen are taking good numbers of bass, bream, and white bass. The best crappie fishing is trolling. Midway is known for its “big black river brim” caught on crickets. The bait store is open and has bait, drinks, snacks, and ole fashion “‘loney and cheese” sandwiches. The fee is $5 for pier fishing and boat launch.

It is not long until the 4th of July weekend and all the lakes will be busy. Bonds store at Horseshoe has outstanding BBQ ribs, butts, and chicken along with great slaw and beams. All the cooking is done at the store and the supply is limited so call Natalie at Bonds’ Store and reserve your BBQ. The number is 870-339-2464.

Horseshoe Lake is having its 50 Year Celebration on Saturday July 4th and there will be day long events taking place. A list of the events will be in next week’s story. There will be a free dark thirty Fireworks display.

Many of us enjoyed Father’s Day with our families. Colleen cooked a big ham with all the trimmings that we feasted on after church.

Papa Duck enjoyed fishing with Dr. Keith Sunday afternoon. It was warm and humid, but the fishing was good enough to overcome the discomfort. We caught a nice bunch of bass and bream. Since we did not want to clean fish, all were released to be caught again.

Keith gave me a couple of new ultra light reels that will get tested this week. It was truly a blessing to be with my wife and boy. Thank you Good Lord!

These are not the best of times, but take the family out and enjoy Mother Nature. Papa Duck never saw a riot on the lake and masks are optional. Take plenty of pictures and some information and send them to Papa Duck. Lakeside Taxidermy needs some fish and birds to mount at a reasonable price, quick service, and you will love that beautiful trophy on the wall.

Papa Duck Lakeside Taxidermy 901-482-3430 jhcriner@hotmail.com

Clark Stewart, granddaughter of Gary Clark, caught her first trout on the White River near Mt. View last weekend.

Submitted photos

Jack Stewart, grandson of Gary Clark, caught this nice cutthroat trout at Norfork last weekend.

Tevin East, with daughter Reagan, enjoying Tilden Rogers Park with Juicy the Dog.

Joshua and Samantha Tolleson with twins Ansleigh and Lora Leigh enjoying a family fishing day at Tilden Rogers Park.

John Criner

Outdoors Columnist