* The AGFC recently partnered with members of the Lakeside Fishing Team (photo, right) to place fish habitat structures into Lake Hamilton at Hot Springs. The Lakeside Fishing Team had previously constructed the fish habitat structures with PVC and other donated materials. The structures were assembled and concrete weights allowed to cure before they made the drops. Team members chose locations to place the habitats, and club members were making plans to return to these sites for a later evaluation with rod and reel.
* AGFC Fisheries staff in western Arkansas recently completed a spring black bass electrofishing sample on Lake Hinkle near Waldron in Scott County. The staffers report that catch rates were good and the size structure of the largemouth bass population was excellent. Quite a few of the threadfin shad that were stocked last fall were observed. These shad will not only benefit black bass, but will also make great forage for the lake’s crappie population.
Anglers should consider Lake Hinkle for a fishing destination this May. In addition to largemouth bass, you’ll find good populations of spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish. The AGFC maintains three boat ramps for access to Lake Hinkle, and the U.S. Forest Service has a recreation area on the lake. Little Pines Recreation Area offers camping, a boat ramp and a fish cleaning station. Whether it’s a day trip or a long weekend, you’ll find all the amenities you need for a great visit.* Thousands of channel catfish from AGFC hatcheries are being stocked at several locations around the state, and a select few carry a “bonus prize” if you catch them.
Each of the AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program stocking locations have catfish wearing a brightly colored tag just behind the dorsal fin. Anyone who catches a tagged fish can send in the tag, regardless of whether they keep the fish or not, for a chance at Bass Pro Shops gift cards ranging from $200 to $800 as well as one of two grand-prize guided fishing trips on Beaver Lake, courtesy of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.
The annual tagged fish promotion began in 2012 and has been a huge success. Originally used to gauge the angling effort and success on these locally stocked fishing ponds, the tagged fish promotion has grown into a useful tool to promote additional anglers at some locations.
Should you catch a tagged catfish, send the tag to the AGFC Family and Community Fishing Program, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. Include your name, address, phone number, location and date of catch. Only one entry per person. Tag returns must be postmarked by June 30. The drawing will be held live on the AGFC’s Facebook page at 10 a.m., July 14.Click the red button below to learn more about locations where these special stockings have been conducted.
