Holla Bend provides brisk bass fishing action

Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The SentinelRecord. Today, Deary writes about Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge.

Located 8 miles downstream from Dardanelle, Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge was established nearly 60 years ago. The facility is nestled along a previous stretch of the Arkansas River that was rerouted in 1954 as a means of flood control.

In turn, long pools resulted. These narrow bodies of still water were located in the Mississippi Flyway. What better place to provide migratory waterfowl a location where they could safely winter?

To ensure the refuge met its full potential, the management practices of the surrounding land became essential. Several thousand acres would be dedicated to planting crops that would provide a perfect food source and habitat for many animals. Bottomland forest would be as important to others. These environments, with a significant and dependable water source nearby, proved the perfect recipe for a plethora of animals to thrive.

Animals were not the only living beings to benefit from the refuge. Holla Bend is also a popular destination for those with a passion for nature. The facility is a hot spot for bird watchers, as a variety of new species show up during the annual migrations.

Even hunters are drawn to the refuge. Deer, turkeys, rabbits and squirrels can be hunted by adults with archery. And dates are also set aside for youths to hunt these deer and turkeys with modern guns. Those planning a hunt at the Holla Bend NWR should be aware, however, that the number of days allotted to each of these hunts are significantly smaller than the norm.

As far as fishing, these waters also provide an optimal habitat for many of our native fish species to thrive. Bass are plentiful, as are cats and panfish. In turn, these waters are open to anglers during times of the year when their presence will not be detrimental to the refuge’s purpose of providing a stopping point for migratory

The waters are open to fishing from March 1 to Oct. 31, from sunrise to sunset. Although the time nears, anglers still have a small window when they can try their hands at coaxing fish from these waters before the annual winter closing.

That in mind, Hack and I recently loaded our kayaks and embarked upon a drive to this destination. Arriving right at daylight, we were welcomed with an open gate, and eagerly anticipated what might transpire in the hours to come.

Having fished the Old River Channel section of water last year about this time, I was aware that bass fishing could be reputable. With a little luck, we would have ample time to try our hand at casting into the other two sections of water located on the premises before the day’s end. Judging

waterfowl. from the map, Lodge Lake and Long Lake were both significantly smaller. But that was OK, as there would still be ample water to hold impressive numbers. And, with a little luck, a few “big ones” would be lurking in these shallow and murky lakes.

Judging from the map, these two bodies of water were connected. But that wasn’t a sure indication that floatable water was present between the two pools. With a little luck, though, we could slide the kayaks in at the Lodge Lake ramp and be able to also access long lake without having to get back out of the water.

Paddling into a heavy fog, we could not distinguish the size of this particular body of water. But as the sun continued to rise, the blanket of damp air lifted, lending to our first opportunity to see the terrain we were fishing.

It was a beautiful scene, and much like what I had expected. Judging from the shoreline, the small reservoir was shallow. But there was obviously ample cover to provide the needed habitat for bass to thrive, as the banks were thick with buck brush.

Watching larger species chase small baitfish as they sporadically danced across the surface, I opted to tie on a chugger. Although the sunlight would intensify as the morning progressed, I was confident this presentation would prove effective as long as the fog hovered overhead.

Within a couple of casts, a large bass rushed to the surface and hit the lure. But despite a good, hard jerk, the fish managed to swim away unscathed. Continuing within casting distance of the heavy cover taking root along the shoreline, I eventually coaxed a couple more into to hitting the lure. But each attempt to set the hook was unsuccessful.

Evidently they were hitting short. And since the sun had already burned through the fog, I opted to change my approach. Rigging a floating worm, wacky style, I cast toward a short section of rocky bank.

Sure enough, the lure had not yet reached the substrate when the line began cutting through the water. Planting my feet, I set the hook, and the fight was on. It was a reputable bass, and hopefully an indication of what was to come.

Nearing the upper end of the small reservoir, I had already determined a pattern. I had fished the hole thoroughly and every bit of action had transpired on small points. That in mind, although still covering the entire shoreline, I certainly dedicated the most attention to the type of water that had proved productive.

Paddling to where the upper end of the pool narrowed, I was happy to see that I could easily paddle around a sharp bend to the mouth of Long Lake.

This reservoir lent to a terrain comparable to the waters I had been fishing throughout the morning. There was a stretch of water in the distance, however, that looked strikingly different. The shoreline appeared fairly steep and the hillside overlooking the water was covered with hardwoods.

Occasionally casting between strokes of the paddle, I eagerly made my way to what I thought would prove a great section of water. But contrary to my thoughts, I didn’t experience as much as a bump.

Eventually returning to the type water that had already proven productive, I once gain found myself in a pretty good battle upon casting next to a dead tree that lied partially submerged across a point.

Before long, I reached the end of this hole, as well. Backtracking to the launching ramp, I experienced very little action, even on the points that had proved effective earlier in the morning.

Loading the boat as the noon hour neared, I was satisfied with the success we had experienced. Of course, the action could have been more intense. But then again, we had ample bites to keep us occupied while getting better acquainted with a terrain much different from what we were accustomed to in the Ouachitas.

To get to the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge from Hot Springs, travel north on Highway 7. Turn right onto Highway 155 east, at the Holla Bend NWR sign, 6 miles south of Dardanelle. Stay on Highway 155 until seeing the NWR entrance, located on the left- hand side of the road.