Temps Are Getting Right for Crappie, Bass and More
Meredith Jacks went to the ponds at Bryant's Bishop Park ponds on Saturday, the start of the free fishing extended spring break that runs through March 29, and caught this 4.3-pound bass. Lisa Spencer from Lisa's Bait Shop sent in the photo and said Meredith caught her bass on a brooder minnow.
Lots of fish are in their spawn and pre-spawn (or, in some cases, post-spawn) and with temperatures on the rise this week, bringing the water temps up, fishing should be better than we've seen it in a while, and that's a perfect time to coincide with the free fishing spring break in Arkansas. Residents and nonresidents alike can fish the waters of the state without needing a fishing license or trout permit, thanks to a regulation put into effect last week by the AGFC commissions in cooperation with Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
Along with the lunker bass that was pulled out of Lake Erling in the above Report item, Millwood Lake in southwest Arkansas saw some big bass caught, according to guide Mike Siefert. He says a young angler caught a nice 5- to 6-pound pre-spawn female largemouth bass off the shoreline at Millwood State Park this week, and another angler fishing near there showed off a nice healthy 9.5-pound largemouth with bloody tail from nest-tending near the Millwood State Park.
Remember that while the Army Corps of Engineers may close some campgrounds at its lakes during this coronavirus pandemic to limit its spread, BOAT RAMPS remain open. (That includes the ameneties with those boat ramps, such as bathrooms). AGFC-managed boat ramps on lakes and other waterways remain open. Fishing as a way of being active and having fun while social distancing is being encouraged not only by the AGFC and the commissioners, but by Gov. Hutchinson and his staff.
So, check out this week's fishing report and find a hot spot to visit. There are several as spring has arrived!
