WHERE’S THE WATER?

State has vast resources for those looking to enjoy lakes and rivers

With more than 600,000 acres of public lakes and over 9,700 miles of rivers and streams, Arkansas is home to a thriving fishing scene, and the state provides ample opportunity for those looking to participate in various water sports. For activities from an average afternoon fishing with the family to setting sail on one of the pristine lakes in the area, Arkansas has got adventure-seekers covered.

The following is a look at some of the many lakes and rivers around The Natural State that offer ample opportunities for fun in the sun.

LAKE ATKINS

Spencer Griffith, marketing coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said Pope County’s Lake Atkins, approximately 613 acres in size, is typically very productive in trophy bass at this time.

“The high volume of trophy-size bass is being attributed to improved habitat and reduced water levels on the lake during recent years because of maintenance and droughts,” he said.

BULL SHOALS LAKE

As a result of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concrete dam built in 1951, Bull Shoals Lake has the fifth-largest concrete dam in the country. This dam created over 94,000 surface acres of water with more than 1,000 miles of shoreline. Griffith said the lake is best known for its sport fishing and specifically for its lunker bass. In 2012, the Bassmasters voted Bull Shoals Lake a top-100 lake for bass fishing. Griffith added that the body of water has had some great spawns in recent years and has been very hot lately.

MILLWOOD LAKE

Located near Ashdown, Millwood Lake offers anglers variety. The lake is renowned for its all-around fishing. Because the lake is made up mostly of flooded timber, the water provides an ideal habitat for a wide range of species. Griffith added that there is a high concentration of alligators in and near the lake.

“Numerous state-record alligators have been harvested in Millwood Lake,” he said.

LAKE CHICOT

This Arkansas lake is not only the biggest natural lake in the state; Lake Chicot is also the biggest oxbow lake in North America. An oxbow lake is a lake that is formed as a result of the main stream of a river cutting across the narrow end, ceasing its flow around the bend. Griffith said Lake Chicot is popular for bluegill fishing, but there are sport-fishing opportunities in the cypress, willow, buckbrush, dead timber and docks that surround the lake’s shores.

Along with reeling in the catch of the day, those looking to row their way around the state in a canoe or kayak can do so with the many water trails Arkansas has to offer.

THE BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER

In 1972, Congress designated this river as America’s first national river. The Buffalo National River is currently listed at 150 total miles, all in Arkansas, beginning in the Boston Mountains and flowing through the Ozark Mountains before reaching the White River. Griffith said the Buffalo has a lot to offer those wanting to kayak or canoe.

“The river has massive towering bluffs along the upper section, waterfalls of all sizes, including the 250-food Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls that is the tallest between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains, countless scenic camping spots and three distinct wilderness areas for exceptional wildlife watching,” he said.

He added that the river is good for water sports because of its frequent and well-managed access points.

THE SPRING RIVER

This 57-mile river flows from Missouri into Arkansas and can take those looking to canoe or kayak down a 17mile stretch between Mammoth Spring State Park and Hardy. Griffith said those looking for slower, secluded fishing might want to look at the remaining floatable portion of the Spring River that goes about 30 miles below Williford. He also said the river is fed by 9 million gallons per hour of 58-degree water, which makes the river perfect for floating during the summer.

Adam Davis, assistant superintendent at Mammoth Spring State Park, said the Spring River is special because it is fed by a “Mammoth Spring.” He said the river is never too low to float or fish, and people come from all over the country and different parts of the world to enjoy the river’s constant stream of icy water.

“Our area of the state is a beautiful mixture of rolling hills and fervent pastureland. Lakes and rivers carve through the landscape like something from a movie,” he said. “Some mornings, when conditions are just right, fog covers the water, and it is even more surreal. If you’ve never experienced an earlymorning Ozark Gateway fishing trip, you’ve never been fishing.”

Mammoth Spring Mayor Jean Pace said the town is lucky to have the river.

“We are very fortunate to have the Spring River as part of our tourist attractions. It is an excellent fishing stream and is stocked regularly by Arkansas Game and Fish,” Pace said. “The trout fishing is very popular and is good yearround. Bass, bluegill and crappie are also plentiful. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting are popular on the river.”

CROOKED CREEK WATER TRAIL

As a result of recent construction from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to create a new access on the Crooked Creek Water Trail, people will have an easier time adjusting the length of their float plans. The Mark Oliver Crooked Creek access will be dedicated the first week of June. This is part of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission water trail system.

Along with canoeing and kayaking, Griffith said, the state’s resources offer other water sports for people to enjoy.

“Arkansas has a strong recreational boating culture. Despite the very few number of large lakes with private lake-front access, we still have a large percentage of the population that takes part in these hobbies,” he said. “People come from all across the region to enjoy our cold-water-fed bodies of water. They are clean and clear. They have limited obstructions, and their physical size and numerous fingers and coves allow wakeboarders, water-skiers and other water-sport users to space out safely.”

Griffith added to this sentiment, saying that sailing is popular in the state at Beaver Lake, Lake Ouachita, Heber Springs Lake and Lake Maumelle, due to the water’s good depth, good visibility, limited obstructions and great access points. He said a lot of people might even be surprised to learn that scuba diving is popular in Arkansas.

“Scuba divers and underwater photographers are often surprised about the clarity of our big lakes. Our mountain lakes are among the cleanest in the world. These lakes are constantly fed by coldwater springs and creeks,” he said.

He added that Bull Shoals Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Norfork Lake, Beaver Lake, Lake Dardanelle, DeGray Lake, Lake Greeson, Lake Hamilton, Lake Catherine, Lake Nimrod and Lake Ouachita are all good bodies of water for these activities.