Expert Anglers Offer Fishing Tips

Many folks are moving to northwest Arkansas, and a lot of those people are used to fishing small lakes in other states that may be up to 50 feet deep. They come to Northwest Arkansas and have trouble catching fish in Beaver Lake, which can be as deep as 200 feet. Flip Putthoff, reporter for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has put together a sterling panel of three fishermen who will tell you how to get that deep bend in your rods.

Springtime is fishing time at Beaver. Flip’s panel of expert anglers have years of experience specifically fishing at Beaver Lake. They will offer tips for catching black bass, crappie and striped bass on the big reservoir during spring and into summer.

Bob Ross has been fishing at Beaver Lake since it was created in the 1960s. He’ll discuss how to catch the three species of black bass — largemouth bass, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass. Tiffany Usrey will reveal her tried and true ways for catching crappie during the spring spawn and beyond. She and her husband Payton fish for crappie all year and know how to put limits in the boat during any season. Tony Castro prowls the lake for striped bass, which are some of the biggest fish in Beaver. They can reach 50 pounds or larger. Castro will discuss how to fish with live bait and lures to catch trophy stripers during spring and summer. Putthoff will serve as the program moderator.

After the presentations, the panel will answer questions from the audience to help them learn the joy of fishing. If Mother Nature has cooperated the day before the panel discussion, and the group has caught some fish, the program will be followed by them demonstrating the proper way to filet fish. Do not miss this free opportunity to learn from the pros on how to catch fish in Beaver Lake.

This panel of experts will begin their presentations with Flip at 2 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 29, at the visitor center. The public is invited at no cost.