Posted on

Hot Cats!!

Hot Cats!!

Share

Arkansas anglers catching them using many methods

Arkansas Wildlife Editor We received several reports for this week throughout the state about the great catfish bite. Catfish were spawning a month or so ago, give or take a week or two depending on location, and now they appear to be hungry again. Charlie Hoke, who owns Charlie's Hidden Harbor at Oppelo, south of Morrilton, says the catfishing in that pool of the Arkansas River is extremely good, especially with good-eating flatheads, bringing out many more anglers than he's had lately, and the catfishing is the best he's seen it in 3-4 years, with 40-pounders being brought in.

The catfish bite also let us feature a style of fishing we rarely see photographed: hogging (also known as noodling), which the foursome of (pictured, left to right) Lee Scallion, JT Whiteaker, Michael Conover and Jayke Throgmartin used to bring in some big cats of all types at Lake Chicot in southeast Arkansas on June 6. Lee, who sent us the photo via askagfc@agfc.ar.gov, added that, 'They will bite you!'

Brian Whitson, our regular reporter from Lake Chicot, says in this week's report that catfish and bream are biting this week there.

Anglers may have to dodge the scattered thunderstorms in coming days, and also may be dodging the nonfishing guests and other anglers out on the lake Saturday for July 4, which Chicot can be very busy with holiday traffic, but 'there's still time to get out there and snag a good fishing spot,' Brian says.

There are opportunities galore for catching catfish and more around Arkansas. A front is predicted to pass through Arkansas before the weekend, so fishing before that front Thursday could also pay off. Look for your favorite spot in this week's Fishing Report to see what's biting.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS FISHING REPORTS

Beaver Lake — Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) says Beaver Lake continues to lower toward normal levels slowly but surely.

The bite has tightened up as of late. Stripers are fair on the clear end of the lake early and late. Crappie are suspended at or near 15 feet and can be caught trolling cranks. Walleye still remain elusive but Jon says he’s still catching a few each trip. Bass are in summer pattern and are fair at best. Bream are good.

Catfish are good, also.

“Typical summer fishing here on Beaver Lake. If you bowfish there are lots of gar in Kelly Creek. You can also look up my Facebook guide page @FishOn Guides Goshen AR. Feel free to call anytime for updates.”

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said bream are fair on redworms and crickets. Crappie are good trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or minnows, and anglers say they are starting to catch some under the lights. Black bass are good on topwaters in the mornings and spinnerbaits and plastics during the day and evenings. Catfishing is good on the juglines baited with minnows or live bait.

The water is very clear and very high, they say. Water, however, is down a foot over last week.

Beaver Tailwater — Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “Fishing these high waters the past couple of weeks has been great, depending on where you were. Most trout have been caught on light terminal tackle with various PowerBaits.

Spoons and Rooster Tails have done the trick, too.

The hot spot has been between Parker Bottoms and the dam, the water temperature there is in the high 40s to low 50s. From Spider Creek to Houseman, the temperature is anywhere from 60-70 degrees.

A few walleye are still being caught as well. Most of them are being caught trolling various crankbaits in the Beaver town area.

No other species were targeted this week.”

Summer is starting to heat up, so make sure you stay hydrated. Have fun and catch some fish! For more information, contact Austin through his Facebook page

Continued on Page 14 FISHING REPORT (cont.)

— Loy Lewis with War Eagle Creek Outfitting (479-530-3262) said War Eagle Creek fishing is going great for smallmouth bass between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Public Access and War Eagle Mills area.

Ned rigs are getting the most consistent bite, along with live minnows.

The War Eagle Creek cove arm going into Beaver Lake, when it intersects with the White River all the way back up to the War Eagle Mills area’s $2 dollar access point, the fishing is excellent for largemouth bass, big smallmouth, crappie, all methods of catfishing, bow fishing, and be expecting any Beaver Lake fish species on the hook! Bass boats have easy access at War Eagle Cove boat ramp off of Natural Walk Road.

At Big Clifty arm cove off Beaver Lake, spotted bass fishing is going great, especially by springs, runoffs and points. Big smallmouth bass have been seen in the same areas. All catfishing methods will provide a good time in the upper arm back halfway. Follow War Eagle Creek Outfitting on Facebook for photos; call 479-530-3262 for guided trips and for free water access and parking.

Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) reports that the water is clear and is about 1 foot below normal. Bream are biting well on worms and crickets.

Crappie are poor. Black bass are good using spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.

Catfishing is good with Punch Bait, stink bait and nightcrawlers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LAST NEWS
Scroll Up