Millwood more than great fishing destination
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Millwood State Park.
Located in southwestern Arkansas, Lake Millwood is home to a very diverse and interesting environment. The 29,960acre impoundment is thick with standing timber and aquatic vegetation.
I’ll be the first to agree that navigating such waters can prove somewhat burdensome. There are sections of the reservoir that are far too grown up with weeds and lily pads to use a standard outboard.
But with these obstacles comes a habitat where fish and other critters can thrive. Those who spend a significant amount of time on the body of water rig their boats with motors that are designed specifically for this type of water.
Fortunately, there are other sections of the lake where one can use a regular outboard with little trouble, if they are aware of and take steps to avoid standing timber and submerged logs lurking in the murky waters.
The reasons I have spent little time on this lake are twofold. First and foremost, Millwood Lake is situated a couple of hours away from home. Secondly, I try to avoid unfamiliar waters where I might damage my lower unit.
I have, on the other hand, navigated these waters via kayak and canoe a few times, and have used my flat bottom, rigged with a 15-horsepower outboard, during earlier duck seasons.
But I have experienced the greatest success and enjoyment upon tagging along with friends who are familiar with the boat lanes and have crafts with motors designed specifically for this lake. In fact, these excursions have proved so exciting that I have considered purchasing yet another boat and rigging it with an air-cooled outboard with a lower unit capable of cutting through heavy vegetation and withstanding the hard knocks of shallow and structure burdened waters.
I can recall one evening when we arrived a couple of hours before dark. We were prepared to stay on the water ‘till the wee hours of the following morning, or at least ‘till we limited out on bullfrogs. But I was also eager to try my hand at coaxing a few largemouth bass from the waters before the falling sun gave way to darkness.
Bass fishing was good, but I was most impressed with the other wonders of nature that we saw as the evening progressed. The plant life was abundant, as many aquatic species took root in the muddy substrate beneath the water’s surface and reached toward the sky. And I was awe-struck by lily pads that produced leaves nearing 2 feet in diameter.
Hoards of water-loving birds waded and browsed along the water’s edge for their next potential meal. I recognized several species, as they were also common in the Ouachitas. But there were also those with which I was not familiar.
I grew most excited upon noticing a huge alligator swimming across a large opening. I would eventually grow accustomed to seeing them, however, as they were plentiful in the large flat where we opted to catch frogs.
And speaking of bullfrogs, I have never seen so many congregated in one general location. I would suspect we saw 200 or
300 of various sizes. The three of us each managed to bag near our limits of colossal specimens and were already en route home before midnight.
Such an environment is not for all to enjoy. But many other outdoor enthusiasts would share my passion for such an interesting and uncontrolled environment, as well. In fact, the lake is renowned far beyond Arkansas as a great fishery, and for good reason.
The lake has been known to cough up many largemouth bass exceeding 10 pounds throughout the years, while bass in the
5-pound class are common. In turn, the reservoir is a popular bass tournament destination.
Millwood is also revered as a productive fishery for bream and crappie, as well. And let’s not forget about the bountiful catfish population swimming within the perimeters of its shorelines.
Many birding enthusiasts consider the lake as a productive destination. Millwood is plentiful with birds throughout the year. Native birds are always abundant. And a slew of other species frequents the area during their annual migrations. More than 300 bird species have been recorded on this body of water.
Those who are intrigued with reptiles and amphibians should have no issues remaining occupied during their visits and those with a passion for wild plants will have no shortage of specimens to admire.
I suspect anybody with an inquisitive mind and an interest in the outdoors would consider Millwood Lake worth a visit. It only makes sense that a public facility be found on the banks of the reservoir.
That in mind, Millwood State Park is situated along the shoreline of the body of water.
I found it somewhat strange that the 829-acre facility does not have a dedicated visitor/interpretive center on site, as there are worlds of interesting facts to be learned about the reservoir and its inhabitants.
A marina, however, is found within the perimeters of the state park, as are several other amenities. Of course, one can get the most up-to-date fishing report at the marina. And I’m certain they carry a variety of snacks and the most productive lures.
But the facility also rents canoes, flat-bottom and pedal boats to those who wish to strike out and explore these bountiful waters. And of course, anglers can try their hand at coaxing a few fish into biting from these crafts, as well.
One doesn’t have to be a water enthusiast to enjoy this park, as there are more than enough designated trails to introduce hikers to the environment. The Waterfowl Way self-guided hiking trail meanders through a 600-acre wildlife sanctuary, lending to ample opportunity for one to see native wildlife going about its everyday rituals. Of course, native plants also grow alongside the trail.
I have yet to experience a journey along the Wildlife Lane Trail. But, rest assured, I will return soon, as the 4-mile route welcomes mountain biking enthusiasts as well as hikers. According to information posted on the Arkansas State Parks’ website, the path winds through lowland bottoms and alongside the lake’s edge.
One would suspect that an array of native critters can be seen from the trail. And just the thought of seeing a native gator basking in the sun is more than enough to beckon a ride along the path.
The facility is also geared with camping in mind. There are 45 campsites in all: 27 Class AAA; two Class AA; 13 Class B; and three primitive campsites await those wishing to embark upon an extended stay amid Mother Nature.
Millwood Lake certainly produces a habitat far different from the reservoirs in the mountainous areas of the state. That in mind, I eagerly await my next opportunity to get better acquainted with this special location situated in the southwestern section of the state.
To get to Millwood State Park, from Hot Springs, travel south on Highway 7 and take the I-30 exit at Caddo Valley and head west. Take Exit 30 (Highway 278 toward Nashville), travel 2 miles and take a left onto Highway 73. Travel 19 miles and turn right onto Highway 355 north. Go 0.6 mile and continue onto Highway 32 west for 8.7 miles to the park’s entrance.