Northwest Arkansas angling: Spring spawn is imminent

Warmer weather arrives, time to hit the water

By Jim Harris

Arkansas Wildlife Editor

Northwest Arkansas has seen some up-and-down temperatures over the past several weeks, but it looks like, with spring just a couple of weeks away, we are going to see warmer weather for the forseeable futrure.

Northwest Arkansas Fishing Reports

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— Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake remains at a stable level, but that may change with some rain in the next couple of days. Right now, lake color is good from river arms all the way to the dam.

Water temperature is a crazy 60 degrees in most southern parts of the lake, and was actually 62 up in the White arm yesterday.

Stripers are fair, with fish being caught from Coppermine area all the way up to the High Wires on the War Eagle. Stripers will continue to move towards Point 12 as the spawn is coming up soon.

And on the subject of Point 12, there has been some white bass blowing up shad, which is typical for this time of the year. Crappie are all over also, with some fish very shallow and some in brush from 8-15 feet of water. As usual, jigs and minnows will work. Walleye are still holding back and waiting for some water flow.

Look from Friendship Creek back to the Pinhook area.

Jerkbaits, jigs and minnows will work.

“If we get that river rise, it will be on! Same thing with the white bass. Everything will benefit from some fresh moving water on the south end. Good luck and be aware of hazards.”

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates, FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

• Beaver Tailwater — Guide Austin Kennedy (479-2440039) says, “Well, the river water level is going up and down and the Army Corps of Engineers is not generating that much. The walleye bite has slowed a bit, but if you look for them you can find them. There have been a few decent fish caught, but we are still a week or two away from what I’m hoping will be a great spawn run. Most of the fish being caught now are juvenile males and a few over that 18-inch mark. Try fishing the deeper water and deeper holes. Obviously, if you have electronics on board, use them. The Pautzke Fire Minnow has produced some nice fish this past week. Work the minnow from the shallow end to the deep water.

See FISH, page A9

Photos courtesy of AGFC FISH

From page A8

“As far as the trout are concerned, we have had some really nice numbers in the past week or so. Using light terminal tackle with Fire Bait has produced the best numbers. Parker Bottoms has been a hot spot this week, down to Spider Creek. Also, quarter-ounce spoons, with a little Trout Fire Gel, have also produced nice numbers.

“I know it is that time of year where a lot of folks get that walleye fever.

Once again, let’s be courteous and mindful to other anglers, both on the river and at the boat ramp. I have already seen actions and incidents that are easily avoidable. We all have to share this awesome fishery, but let’s try to keep our ethics and morals intact — most of all, being safe! I hope you’re able to get out, have some fun, enjoy some of this nicer weather, and catch some fish!”

Follow Austin’s fishing Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service) for updates.

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— Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) says the fishing is going great. Crappie, black bass, white bass and even some carp are biting well.

Anglers are throwing topwater and the classic baits for the hungry white bass on the move.

Minnows are beginning to work well on crappie. Just about everything a black bass likes is working for them.

The water is good in depth and clarity.