FISH

From page A8

be a few more fish around the tree. If the bite slows, move on.

“Bass are moving shallow and I would assume are getting ready to spawn if they are not doing so now,” Kent says. “Every fish caught on a recent trip was a female and they all still had eggs. The ones caught were caught on 1/2-ounce crappie jigs so maybe minnow imitating baits for the bass fishermen will work as well as spinnerbaits.”

He adds, “We had several incidental bream catches on a recent trip. These were in around the trees. I'm sure a tube of crickets or some redworms would work on catching a mess of bream.”

“Talking with a couple of anglers this past week that were catfishing, it seems it is good and getting better.

The catfish are feeding heavily right now.

Nightcrawlers and 3-5 feet of water were the choices to catch some fish this past week by the ones I spoke with,” he added.

— The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Conservation Education Center (870241-3373) reports that they are still dealing with high water at Cooks Lake.

“It appears the river is slowly falling out, so we may be able to open in the near future. Until then, now is a great time to check out other area lakes.”

Recently, Wil said he was able to sneak away and had a great trip on the Arkansas River pool below David D.

See FISH, page A15 FISH

From page A9

Terry Lock and Dam in Scott. The flow was greatly reduced and bass could be found in less than 3 feet of water out of the current. All fish were still pre-spawn and looking for a protected area to make their beds.

“My most productive pattern was a River Craw finesse jig fished parallel to rip-rap, about 5 feet from the shore. I also caught several fish on small shad colored crankbaits as well as spinnerbaits,” added Wil.

— Tyler Ball, park ranger at Mississippi River State Park (870-2954040), said anglers report catching a few largemouth bass with artificial baits and minnows at Bear Creek Lake. Anglers suggest fishing at depths of 4-6 feet for the best fishing experience.

Some of these bass were reported to still be full of eggs. As the temperature of the water changes, they are expecting certain species of fish to spawn, in return helping anglers have better success.

Meanwhile, very little activity has been reported at Storm Creek Lake. A few blue catfish have been caught with artificial baits.

Anglers report having success fishing in depths of 68 feet.