First-class fishing isn’t all Lake Frierson State Park offers
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Lake Frierson State Park.
Although I spend far more time in other sections of the state, that is no indication that northeast Arkansas has nothing to bring to the table. In fact, I have no issues finding outdoor destinations when I do embark upon an excursion in that particular direction.
Several state parks are situated fairly close to the Jonesboro area, most of which are nestled on Crowley’s Ridge. Speaking of Crowley’s Ridge, it is a unique geological phenomenon beginning at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and stretching in the neighborhood of 150 miles prior to ending at Helena, Arkansas.
The ridge rises around 250 feet above the otherwise flat Delta and is about 10 miles wide at some points. It is also unique in the sense that the tree species taking root in the substrate are not necessarily the norm in comparison to other sections of the state. In fact, according to encyclopediaofarkansas.net, “many of the trees that make up the forest on Crowley’s Ridge are similar to those found in the western Appalachian Mountains.” The article continues, “The ridge is covered with a lush mixed forest including oak and hickory and uncommon hardwood trees such as American Beech, Sugar Maple, and tulip tree or yellow poplar.”
That all being said, one might consider the opportunity to get better acquainted with Crowley’s Ridge more than enough reason to embark upon a drive to northeast Arkansas.
However, the ridge is but one of many perks awaiting those who choose to make a visit. In fact, eight different state parks are located within an hour of Jonesboro, let alone a handful of others that can be reached from the college town in less than an hour and a half.
So, those with an interest in the state’s rich history and natural beauty might certainly consider a drive to this particular section of Arkansas. In fact, one might even consider lodging for a couple of days.
Well, that’s exactly what we did during our most recent excursion to the Jonesboro area. And today’s article will feature one of the destinations we visited during our journey.
Lake Frierson State Park is situated only 10 miles north of Jonesboro and on the eastern shoreline of a 335-acre reservoir. As one might expect, fishing is a popular activity at the facility.
Lake Frierson is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and is considered by the locals as a reputable fishery. The park brochure suggests that anglers coax impressive catches of bass, bream, crappie and catfish from her timber-laced waters on a fairly routine basis.
Of course, most anglers are more than satisfied with fishing for the aforementioned species that are commonly found throughout the state. However, one might find it intriguing that they stand a chance of tying into a hybrid species that is not quite as common.
A product of crossing walleye with sauger, saugeye are touted as “first-class table fare” and can be found swimming within the perimeters of Lake Frierson. According to what little research I have done, this particular hybrid species tends to gravitate to a rocky substrate to spawn during late March and early April and moves into deeper water when the annual process is completed.
Of course, anglers are more than welcome to fish from their personal boats, as a launching ramp is located within the perimeters of the park. But those non-boat owners will also have ample opportunity to fish her waters thoroughly, via a boat rental service at the visitor center.
Folks have the option of fishing boats, with and without motors, and kayaks. And those who are more into a fun day of simply enjoying the environment might even consider renting a pedal boat.
OK, maybe you’re not an avid fisherman, and perhaps the chance of coaxing a saugeye into biting is not necessarily intriguing. In fact, a pedal boat might even seem a little out of one’s comfort zone.
Well, worry not. It just so happens that Lake Frierson State Park is designed with other outdoor-related activities in mind, as well. Of course, a lot of folks are more than content with simply breaking bread at one of the picnic tables overlooking the reservoir.
The designated picnic sites are equipped with tables and grills. And one is apt to appreciate the fact that water and restrooms are situated nearby. And those with children might find the barrier-free playground a perfect means of allowing the young to burn off energy prior to calling it a day and heading back home.
The park is also a great destination for those who enjoy watching wildlife. Of course, one can get an interesting perspective from a watercraft. But one might also see their fair share of native critters by simply walking along the shoreline.
I suppose one might still stand a chance of seeing migratory waterfowl, at present. But as the spring season continues to near, one could expect to see water-loving birds that are native to the state going about their everyday rituals.
Ospreys, herons and kingfishers likely frequent the reservoir throughout all seasons. And other native animals, including snakes, frogs and turtles will likely become more plen
tiful along the lake’s edge, as the temperatures increase. And the shoreline will become noticeably more active after dark during the brunt of summer, when the daytime highs grow intense.
Dogwood Lane Trail might also prove a great destination for nature lovers, as well, especially during the spring and early summer months, when the native wildflowers are making a showing. Let alone the fact that those who tread lightly are also apt to see native critters unsuspectingly going about their everyday business.
Whitetails frequent the park, as do other mammals including squirrels, possums, raccoons, foxes, snakes, turtles and lizards, to name a few.
The self-guided interpretive trail is approximately 0.5 miles in length, with an extra eighthmile spur leading to the visitor center. One is apt to see their fair share of dogwoods blooming within sight of the trail during the early spring season. In fact, the facility is touted to have more dogwood trees than any other state park of its size throughout Arkansas. And as earlier mentioned, this is the only section of the state where tulip trees occur naturally.
Although the park is rather small in comparison to some of the larger of Arkansas’ state parks, that is no indication that it doesn’t cater to camping enthusiasts. In fact, seven campsites are available throughout the facility.
Four of the designated sites are designed to accommodate RVS and camping trailers with electric and water hookups. The remaining three are geared specifically for tent camping. All of the sites are equipped with a table, grill and lantern hanger.
The Visitor Center is also likely a popular spot for visitors, as necessities, including ice, wood, charcoal and fishing tackle are available. And one might also purchase a souvenir, as well.
Granted, Lake Frierson State Park is a pretty good stretch from our neck of the woods. However, it does have plenty to offer to those with a passion for the wonderful outdoors. And it is a destination one might consider during their next excursion to the northeastern corner of Arkansas.
To get to the state park from Hot Springs, take Highway 70 east for approximately 18 miles and exit onto Interstate 30 east, toward Little Rock. Remain on I-30 for 26 miles and veer right onto Interstate 440. Travel 10 miles and keep left on Arkansas 440 east.
Drive 4.6 miles and keep right onto Highway 167 north. Travel 113 miles and take Exit 121 onto Highway 63, toward Hoxie. Go 0.5 miles and turn right onto Highway 63 toward Jonesboro. Drive 6.7 miles and take a left onto Highway 228.
Remain on 228 for 3.1 miles and turn right onto Highway 168. Travel 6.1 miles and turn right onto Highway 141. Go 1.5 miles, turn right and travel 90 feet to the destination.