Arkansas River

[ictalurus]

I was able to view some preliminary data from a habitat study by Mississippi State U. that indicated approximately 9,000 acres of aquatic habitat has been lost on the Arkansas in Arkansas since 1973.

The good news is that AGFC, USFWS, and the Corps are working to conserve and restore aquatic habitat on the river by notching most of the dikes on the system, constructing islands to create backwaters and side channels, and dredging channels into oxbows and sloughs that have shallowed or filled. If they get the money they need to the job we could see substantial improvements to the fishery over the next 4-6 years that will yield benefits for years to come or even decades.

We should see more fish, more habitat to fish, and more vegetation and woody debris for the fish. Good times are ahead for the Arkansas.

I started this thread for any and all discussions about the Arkansas River, one of the greatest fisheries in the U.S.

[jtrew]

In addition to notching the dikes, the Corps and AG&F are increasing wetlands and backwaters along the Arkansas River. Here is some information on the expected results:

Fishing and Floods

What effects did the 1993 flood have on fishing success? That depends on the time perspective of the question.

During the Flood

Fish were able to access the entire river floodplain for feeding, spawning, escape and growth. Big river fish have evolved their reproductive cycle to the natural occurrence of floods. They rely on floods to successfully spawn and for the young to survive.

That's why the Flood of 1993 was so beneficial to fish. In the past, what would be considered a "normal flood" (i.e. much smaller magnitude than '93 flood) would flood bottomlands and benefit the fish. Over time, construction of levees has prevented this from happening.

Spawning and nursery areas were created as the water saturated the vegetated floodplains. Big river fish could move into these areas, away from the strong current, to spawn and rear their young. The flooded bottomlands provided protected homes to young growing fish which returned to the river when levels dropped.

A few fish were stranded as waters receded, and died. Most, however, found their way back to the river safely.

Little sport or commercial fishing could take place. Access to the rivers was restricted by blocked roads and damaged ramps and parking lots. Also, the Coast Guard and the Corps officially closed the rivers to recreational and commercial activities because of the danger to levees.

Fish populations experienced little angling pressure, growth was excellent, and reproductive success was the best that it had been in years.

After the Flood

Fish were able to take advantage of the new habitat created "off-channel." This enabled them to continue accelerated growth and reproductive success. The 1995 floods will make new blew holes and create even more habitat.

More and larger game and non-game fish were available for anglers who have enjoyed the "bounty" of the 1993 flood.

If we are successful in protecting and preserving habitats for aquatic life created by the flood, we will see improved fishing on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers for years to come.

BIG RIVER HABITAT

Have you ever wondered why some anglers catch more fish than others? Usually it's because the successful anglers are familiar with the habitat they fish. The Missouri and Mississippi rivers have many varieties of habitat. Learning about them wil l increase your ability to catch the fish that live there.

Tailwaters

The tailwater is that reach of deep, swift water extending for one-half mile below each Upper Mississippi River lock and dam. Water passing through the dam is rich in food attractive to small forage fish, which attract larger fish. Gizzard shad, freshwater drum, walleye, sauger, channel catfish and white bass frequent the swift water below each upper Mississippi River lock and dam.

Wing Dikes

Wing dikes are rock structures extending from the river bank perpendicular to the river's current. The Corps built them to prevent the main channel from filling by directing the river's current away from the bank and into the channel.

Trail dikes

Constructed along outside bends of the channelized Missouri River, trail dikes are positioned to protect against bank erosion. Similar to wing dikes, trail dikes provide rock habitat and dee p holes, which attract many fish species.

As water is forced around and over a wing dike, it carves deep "scour holes" at the tip and downstream of the dike. The holes provide important winter and summer habitat for flathead catfish, blue catfish and channel catfish. The rocks of a wing dike also provide spawning and rearing habitat for catfish. Other big river fishes, such as carp, walleye, bluegill and largemouth bass, use the rock as shelter to avoid the constant force of the river's current.
Notched Dikes

Below St. Louis, several wing dikes have had sections removed to allow water,to flow through, creating deep water holes below each notch. These modified wing dikes are called "notched dikes," and often attract flathead, channel and blue catfish, gizzard shad, freshwater drum, walleye, sauger and white bass.
Cut Banks

Another habitat sought out by river-wise anglers is the deep water associated wi th a cut bank, where the erosive force of the current scours deep areas that attract many fish. Cut banks frequently occur along outside channel bends, on the back side of islands and along non-reveted (unrocked) banks.

Sandbars

Fishing in the deep, slow moving current downstream of a submerged sandbar can be productive. Fish tend to collect here, out of the swifter main channel current. Sandbars are abundant along the Missouri River and unpooled Mississippi River. Channel catfish often frequent sandbar habitat.

Off-Channel Waters

Oxbow lakes, sloughs, side channels, blew holes and chutes are located off the river's main channel. In these habitats, the river's current is slow to nonexistent, providing essential spawning and rearing areas for several fish species. Off-channel waters usually have abundant cover - fallen trees, submerged vines and tree limbs - that provides shelter for young fish.


I seem to remember seeing a Corps map online somewhere showing the location of notched dikes on the lower Mississippi River; has anyone seen such a map for the Arkansas River?

[ictalurus]

The Corps is proposing a website to show the habitat improvement project sites, notches, islands, etc. It will be decided within the next month or two whether to spend the money on the site or not. I will keep you posted of the decision and the website address.

[TOPS]

When there is no current on the river the fish bite very slow.

[DorianGre]

Anyone have a report on the central ar. parts of the river?

[DorianGre]

Oh, and which dam is best to fish?

[janton311]

Thats good to hear. The Arkansas runs about 2 miles from my house in Wichita..

[SeedTick]

Hey Keith, I ain't been to the river in a couple of weeks but it had been slow for me. They are giving us any water now and I haven't figured out how to catch them without some current. Anyway, welcome to the Brotherhood. It's alway good to have more Arkies in the family. What part of the state do you live in?

ST

[DorianGre]

I live in Conway, but am willing to travel anywhere within a reasonable distance to go fishing. I spent 3 hours at Toad Suck last night and came home empty handed.

[TOPS]

Keith, Greg [seedtick] is also from Conway. I have fished with him on a couple of occasions. We only caught a few small ones but had fun never-the-less.

[SeedTick]

Hey Keith, you are better than just an Arkie you are a Conway Arkie. Maybe we can hook up sometime. You know I've lived here a year now and I haven't even been over to Toadsuck yet.

ST

[Cause They're Big]

Hey Seedtick, just starting to fish Toad Suck like it should be fished. I'm gonna go out this weekend and see if I can't figure something out. Let me know if you're ever looking for company out there. My buddy Circle Hook (new BOC guy) is comin' down this weekend to see if we can't get on top of 'em.

[SeedTick]

Hey Seedtick, just starting to fish Toad Suck like it should be fished. I'm gonna go out this weekend and see if I can't figure something out. Let me know if you're ever looking for company out there. My buddy Circle Hook (new BOC guy) is comin' down this weekend to see if we can't get on top of 'em.

Hey Duell, Welcome to the Brotherhood. It's good to have another Conway Brother. I'm sure wanting to get back out on the water but it has been to hot for me. It's suppose to cool off some this weekend and I am ready. I usually fish the river out of Palarm Creek at Mayflower but I haven't got into the good ones so far this year. I went over to the dam on the lake and looked around today. I was hoping to find some easy pickens on some shad but I didn't find any. It looks like they have dropped around 2 feet or so of water.

ST

[samh]

shouldn't the water coming out of Conway put a little current from the mouth of Palarm creek down aways, with hardly any current in the Arkansas River now I've been thinking of put'n in at Parlam this weekend and see'n if the current from the creek might turn something on.

[Cause They're Big]

You would think so. Let us how you did if you go. I've never fished there, but have heard some good things.

[Pastor E]

how would I get to palarm creek from BeeBe I have heard of palarm creek but don`t know where it is Iwant to put in my note book for later

[samh]

Take the Mayflower exit of the freeway just south of Conway, hit highway 64 south til you cross Palarm creek, ramp just off 64.

[SeedTick]

shouldn't the water coming out of Conway put a little current from the mouth of Palarm creek down aways, with hardly any current in the Arkansas River now I've been thinking of put'n in at Parlam this weekend and see'n if the current from the creek might turn something on.

Hey Sam, There is some current I don't know if it is enough but it's more than we've had in a while. I'm hoping to try em the first of the week. Good luck and let us know how you do.

ST

[TOPS]

Shep and I will try the river out of Piney Bay. I have caught some nice blues over at the barges. I hope the wind cooperates with us.

[rivercatsc]

Good luck and take some good pics.

[TOPS]

James, Here you go! These cats were caught 8 March 07 on the Arkansas river out of Piney. Cut Skip Jack was bait rigged Carolina style. My fishing partners were Shep and J.J. The wind was tough but we managed to find a spot out of the wind.

[CNTRYBOY]

Well, i finally got my boat out on the water. It did really well, except for a few minor things i have to work on. For one , I have got to get some rod holders in it!!!!

Myself, Gatrdenhawk(Kimber), Kareokecatfish(Paul), and Kimbers son Lee went out to Toad Suck yesterday. We put in at Toad Suck and worked our way down to Bigelow and back up. We fished several points off of the dikes and off the bluffs up by the dam.

We stayed out on the river from about 9 a.m until around 4 p.m. The fish was biting very little, and when they did they just played with the bait and went on their way. We did not catch anything, but had fun never the less. It was great to get out on the water and do some fishing with some great friends. The only regret was not being able to get Jerry Trew out there with us. Jerry was gonna go, but did not feel up to it.

[777]

Sounds like you had a fun trip. Glad the boat performed well for you. It's tough fishing without those rod holders.

[TOPS]

My buddy Shep Caught 10 nice cats from our honey hole on the river. They were caught 12 March 07. The bait of choice was cut skips. He took his wife out, Thay had a good time.

[TOPS]

http://www.catfish1.com/forums/showpost.php?p=586330&postcount=24

Here are the fish from the above link!

[CNTRYBOY]

That's qa lot better than what my bunch did below Toad Suck!! Nice eating size Kitty kats!

[Angelkitty]

Nice looking cats. Thanks for sharing.

[TOPS]

My buddy Shep and I hit the honey hole again. We caught 6 nice eaters, arranging from 4.5 pounds down to 1 pound. Cut Skip jack still out produced all others! Rods rigged slider sinker style. Water temp was 59 degrees, fishing in 40 foot of water.

[rivercatsc]

Nice pics looks like yall have been having a good time catching those good eaters. I reckon the weather has been warming pretty fast there. Thanks for the pics.

[poisonpits]

nice cats top.what kind of flow do they have on the river.going sat nite and havent maide up my mind where to go.thinking about dumas,outlet or singleton.johnnie

[TOPS]

My buddy shep and his wife fished the Honey hole on the Arkansas river today 24 March 07. Shep caught his personel best on a rod today, a 12 pound blue. The fish were caught on frsh shad. The skips did not produce a fish. Give Shep a big atta boy for his personal best.

[Stainless]

We went out below Lock 13 yesterday evening and did pretty good right about sunset. We only threw ten jugs out because we weren't having much luck catching any shad. A nice guy pulled up and offered us what he had left and we willingly took them. We ended up catching seven pretty nice fish. One flathead, two channels and four blues. It's weird how when those fish bite, they bite good but only in a limited amount of time. We had about a one hour span and then everything just went quiet again.

http://www.bjhmemories.com/test/3.24.2007.jpg

[CNTRYBOY]

I went out yesterday myself. But, I came up empty handed! Nice looking cats. I was fishing up river from Maumelle!

[CIBE2001]

Howdy all. Moved to booneville from fort worth tx. Havent had a chance to go cat fishin yet. New to the arkansas area. :cool2:

[Stoo]

Welcome to the area CIBE. Below the dam in Ozark is a good place to start. Also Sixmile Creek at Okane should be good for channels right now, as well as Spadra creek. Good luck!

[jtrew]

Welcome to the BOC and Arkansas!

[r_corter12]

ME AND A COUSIN WENT FISHING FRI AND SAT NIGHT AT THE MURRY HYDRO AND DAM.FRI NIGHT WE CAUGHT 11 CATS 1-10 LB BLUE COUPLE 4OR5 LBS THE REST WERE 1-2LBS,ONLY ONE CHANNEL REST WERE BLUES ALL ON CUT SKIPS BELOW HYDRO PLANT.SAT NIGHT WE CAUGHT 12,10 BLUES,1 CHANNEL,1FLATHEAD,ALL ON 6-7 INCH SHAD HEADS.ONE OF THE BLUE WAS 35 LBS MY COUSIN CAUGHT IT IT WAS THE BIGGEST MY BOAT HAS EVER SEEN,HE HUNG ANOTHER THAT WAS BIGGER BUT IT GOT OFF 10 FT FROM THE BOAT.I CAUGHT ONE 12 LB BLUE.WE WERE FISHING RIGHT BELOW THE DAM AT THE #5 GATE FROM THE NORTH SIDE THE WATER WAS IN AN EDDIE CAUSE THE OUTSIDE GATES WERE OPEN MORE THAT WAS CAUSEING ARE BAITS TO FLOAT UP AGAINST THE DAM THATS WERE WE HUNG THE BIG ONES.ILL BE BACK MABEY IL SEE YOU THERE.

[TOPS]

Linda, the wife of my buddy Shep has out fished him on the last two outings. Way to go Linda! Tell Shep you would like to Join the B.O.C. also and teach us how to catch those nice stringers of fish!!

[r_corter12]

SORRY GUYS HAD TO RESIZE THOSE PICTURES.THESE ARE THE PICTURES FROM AR RIVER AT THE MURRY DAM.

[CNTRYBOY]

Nice looking cats you got there!

[Big Sam]

:confused2: Cats are agressive around spadra we bagged our limit in no time off the main channel in some back ups.....still no shad around in the area gotta bring your bait with ya:smile2: The river is up and the gar were every where. talked to some campers at caine creek and they are having to go to dardnell to get there shad. The fish we caught were eating small mussels and skinny. the bigger blues were eating bigger mussels.They had zero shad in them. Probably cause there is none for them to eat:confused2:

[boliver]

i haven't been catching my limit but caught several below 13, like big sam said they are skinny and had little in their belly. their hit has be as agressive as i have ever seen. boliver

[Shep]

Sam i have been getting shad below the bridge at Morrison Bluff go out to where the big culvert goes under the road. Shep

[Cause They're Big]

Nice fish. Keep 'em comin.

[Big Sam]

Went fishing saturday above the dam at ozark. Saw several folks that could not get bait to fish with. Me and the wife ran some noodles and pole fished a little bit. The noodles were hot we filled up the live well pretty quick once we hit the right spot. The water temp was 68 and the weather felt like summer to me. I did catch my bait elsewhere very few shad were flipping:roll_eyes:

[Shep]

Linda Faye and I went out of Piney today and bobbed around like a cork she caught 2 dinks and all i got was wind burnt now its supposed to rain the rest of the week Shep

[777]

Went fishing saturday above the dam at ozark. Saw several folks that could not get bait to fish with. Me and the wife ran some noodles and pole fished a little bit. The noodles were hot we filled up the live well pretty quick once we hit the right spot. The water temp was 68 and the weather felt like summer to me. I did catch my bait elsewhere very few shad were flipping:roll_eyes:

Since Sam's not going to tell the whole truth, The Paul Harvey rest of the story is his wife kicked his butt:lol: Saturday on the rods.

[Big Sam]

Well nothing like a LITTLE input from your good friend's{777}:beat_brick: