Cook’s Lake reopens for fishing July 15

East Arkansas & West- Central Arkansas Regional Reports

Arkansas Wildlife Editor Cook's Lake and the AGFC's Potlatch Conservation Education Center near Casscoe (Arkansas County) is a great place for kids 15 and under and mobilityimpaired anglers to have great access to some outstanding fishing. WIth the White River out of its banks for many weeks, however, there has been no fishing at Cook's Lake so far this season. The parking lot at times was inaccessible.

|Wil Hafner, education specialist at Cook's Lake, says the White River has now fallen out enough to be able to open the 2.5-mile oxbow lake, which is in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Unless things change drastically and the river rises again, plans are to open Wednesday, July 15, at 10 a.m.

Only youths and mobilityimpaired can fish Cook's Lake, but up to two adult helpers can come along and fish, too. Fishing periods will be weekly Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A 140-foot mobilityimpaired accessible dock is available, or anglers can launch a boat, but are asked to use trolling motors only.

To comply with current guidelines, call ahead at least a day in advance to register to fish. And, before launching, please check in at the Conservation Education Center and report back before leaving.

Call 870-241-3373 for more information or any unscheduled closures.

With no pressure, the fish might be eager to bite. Wil suggests fishing this lake like any other oxbow.

Black bass should be targeted around cypress trees with square-bill crankbaits or flipping black and red tubes or creature baits.

Bluegill should be good around laydowns with redworms and crickets.

Crappie can be picked off of brushtops using tube jigs.

Fishing Reports from Around the State:

• Lake Catherine — Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 64 degrees with clearing conditions. Heavy rains have stained area lakes, and they take days to settle back to normal. Entergy has scheduled an 11 a.m.11 p.m. generation pattern that has included an open flood gate below Carpenter Dam, which has created a dangerous flow in the tailrace. Boaters are cautioned to remain a safe distance from the dam during this time. Rainbow trout fishing is very slow with the majority of fish migrated away from the dam. The majority of the trout season was lost due to flooding,

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What a Whopper!

Matt Bonner got in some heavy lifting with this 50-pound flathead catfish caught on his Arkansas River trotline baited with a black salty while fishing with his dad, Ross.

Photo courtesy of AGFC FISHING REPORTS (cont.)

much like last year.

Typically, the trout season is over now on Lake Catherine and this year is no exception.

While the white bass spawn is over, good numbers of fish remain in the tailrace and are feeding on shad. The size is running small but these fish are actively feeding and are being caught on jigs, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and live minnows. Walleye are also present from the bridge to the dam and being taken on the same presentations. The hot weather draws these fish to the tailrace to feed on shad and crayfish.

Little topwater action has been observed around the dam this week, which normally marks the feeding patterns of big stripers that migrate in and out of the area to rest and feed.

Hybrid bass often accompany these predator fish and both species can be hooked by casting Super Spooks and weightless jigs in a rainbow trout color.

Flow discharges can change rapidly, and anyone navigating the Carpenter Dam tailrace is urged to stay alert and always wear a life jacket when on the water.

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— Jason Baumgartner, park aquarist at Lake Dardanelle State Park (479-890-7495), said that in the past week they have experienced mostly clear skies with sunshine and humidity.

Daytime heating did generate showers in areas on some days. The National Weather Service forecast expects sunshine and heat for the coming week. A heat advisory is possible on Thursday as a ridge builds over the area through the weekend. With less rains and slower river flow the water has cleared up near the surface and visibility reaches a few feet. Surface water temperature is 82 degrees.

River flow at both Ozark and Dardanelle has been slight at times. Their spillway release has been flowing periodically and then stopping. Powerhouse generation has been periodic as well.

No fishing tournaments were hosted at Lake Dardanelle State Park this past weekend. Lake Dardanelle State Park continues to comply with State and Federal guidelines and directives for social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The status of our facilities continues to be evaluated. In accordance with our governor’s directive, tournament officials are required to submit an event plan and permit application to the state Department of Health before their event.

Tournament officials are also required to present their ADH permit and event plan to Lake Dardanelle State Park and agree to our tournament regulations regarding COVID-19. For details or questions contact our visitor center at (479) 967-5516. Be safe while on the

— Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) reports that the lake clarity is “really clear” and surface water temperature is 87 degrees. Water level is normal. Bream reports continue to be excellent. Anglers are using crickets and minnows with great success.

Catch the bream on the flats. Crappie are excellent, too. The crappie are 6 feet deep and are biting minnows and jigs, specifically Beaver Bottoms. Black bass are biting well on chatterbaits, black salties, and June bug red worm and white/chartreuse colors.

Catfishing is excellent with “just about anything floating on the water” getting eaten, they report.

• Horseshoe Lake — Fishing guide Ronnie Tice (901-687-6800) said Horseshoe has had a lot of wind lately and the bite has slowed up. Bream fishing is excellent around the lily pads and cypress trees on redworms and crickets.

Crappie are slowing down, and Ronnie says he’s been throwing back a lot of small crappie. Try a crankbait for best success.

Black bass are fair. He says he and his groups are usually catching about 20-30 fish per day but now they’re catching about five or so. Catfishing is excellent on stink bait around the piers. “Lots of activities this weekend for the Fourth and the 50th anniversary of Horseshoe Lake.”

• Cook’s Lake — The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Conservation Education Center (870-241-3373) says that the White River has now fallen out enough to be able to open Cook’s Lake for youth and mobilityimpaired anglers. There has been no fishing on the lake this year so there is no accurate report to give.

However, Wil suggests to fish this lake like any other oxbow. Black bass should be targeted around cypress trees. Try using square-bill crankbaits or flipping black and red tubes or creature baits. Bluegill should be good around laydowns with redworms and crickets.

Crappie can be picked off of brushtops using tube jigs. Cook’s Lake is a 2.5mile long oxbow off of the White River, nestled in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge near Casscoe in Arkansas County. This fertile oxbow receives very little fishing pressure due to being used only for education purposes and youth and mobilityimpaired fishing. The scenic lake is full of slab crappie, giant bluegills, largemouth bass and catfish of all species. Due to current guidelines, Cook’s Lake will be open to fishing during normal business hours, starting Wednesday, July 15, with fishing available each Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., water level pending.

Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility impaired, and up to two helpers (who may also fish). Fish from the 140-foot mobilityimpaired accessible dock or launch a boat, but we ask for trolling motors only. To comply with current guidelines, we ask that you call ahead at least a day in advance to register to fish.

Before launching, please check in at the Conservation Education Center and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, please contact the center at 870-241-3373.