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Blue-green algae advisory lifted at Lake Overcup

Blue-green algae advisory lifted at Lake Overcup

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‘ We just want to make sure the public is informed of the toxin and know how to enjoy the lake without avoiding fishing altogether’

AGFC Communications MORRILTON — A health advisory warning against swimming in and allowing pets and livestock to drink from Lake Overcup has been lifted, according to biologists with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

The harmful algae bloom advisory was issued in late May after tests in some portions of the lake showed high levels of cyanotoxins.

Recent tests confirmed this toxin level has dissipated and the advisory has been lifted.

Matt Schroeder, fisheries management biologist for the AGFC, says the advisory may have confused some anglers who became concerned about any health effects of eating fish from Overcup.

Bass fishing“We saw a dramatic decrease in the number of anglers at the lake since the advisory was issued,” Schroeder said.

“But even when a lake has a harmful algae bloom advisory, fishing and eating properly cooked fish from the lake is safe. The toxins are more of an issue for swimmers, paddlers and people’s pets and livestock that may drink from the water directly.”

Schroeder explained that cyanobacteria, which causes the toxin during seasonal blooms in some fisheries, is a natural component in nearly all lakes and rarely causes any issues unless the right conditions are met.

“We just want to make sure the public is informed of the toxin and know how to enjoy the lake without avoiding fishing altogether,” Schroeder said. “In the future, anglers likely will see more of these harmful algae bloom advisories from the AGFC on the lakes we own, as they are very fertile waters. We just need to keep people informed about any temporary issues as they happen.

If you avoid swimming, prolonged exposure to the water itself and don’t allow pets or livestock to drink the water or eat raw parts of fish from the water during these advisories, the risk of having any problems from cyanotoxins is extremely small.”

Lake Overcup Fishing Report

Johnny “Catfish” Banks of Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park (501-354-9007) said Overcup’s water level is up 1 feet above normal, while surface temperature Tuesday was around 72 degrees. Clarity is off merely from the rain and wind. Black bass are doing well on crankbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing also are doing well on jugs and trotlines baited with perch or big trotline minnows. Bream are slow, but they were doing well before the temperature change and the rain.

Crappie are being caught on small minnows and jigs. Some crappie are being found in 3 feet of water and others in 6 feet depth.

Johnny says, “Come see us at Overcup Bait Shop on Highway 9 for all your fishing needs.”

David Hall, owner of Dad’s Bait Shop (501-977-0303), said the lake is fairly clear and the surface water temperature is ranging 70-75 degrees. Water level is high. Bream reports are good. Crickets are working great, and David reports he has crickets in stock.

Crappie are good. They are 12-20 feet deep in underwater brush. Use minnows.

Black bass are good. They are found at 5-6 feet depth and are hitting on top of the water when it warms up during midday. They’re being caught using goldfish, David said “and on jigs.”

Catfish are biting well on jugs and trotlines baited with goldfish.

Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said customers have been telling Lisa they're catching catfish on fresh chicken livers, minnows, bait shrimp and stink baits. Bream are moving up shallow, biting crickets and redworms and brown Rock Hoppers. Bass are doing best in the morning on black salties and floating worms. Crappie fishing has seemed to pick up later in the evening with crappie minnows and pink ones, too. Also with the crappie nibbles.

Lisa said bream have been doing well on crickets and worms in both ponds.

Crappie fishing has been better in the back pond but most have been small to medium sized.Catfish have been biting slow to fair for customers using minnows.

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