Beginning as a trickle in a rocky ravine deep in the Arkansas Ozarks, the famous White River slowly gains strength from thousands of natural springs and mountain creeks as it rushes northwest, briefly touches southern Missouri, then descends southward across the eastern Arkansas Delta to join the mighty Mississippi.
Water is a key ingredient for many outdoor recreational activities around the world. Campers are drawn to it, hikers prefer to walk near it, most resorts rely on it, and millions of water-sports enthusiasts revel in it.
When it comes to fishing in Arkansas, "The Land of Opportunity" -- a former state motto -- remains an apt description. The state's more than 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,700 miles of streams offer anglers numerous chances to land a trophy or catch a limit from a variety of freshwater species.
The late Howard "Rip" Collins of Heber Springs went on an impromptu fishing trip with a neighbor on May 9, 1992, and returned with a 40-pound, four-ounce brown from the Little Red River. It still stands as a world record.
MURFREESBORO -- It wasn't until a couple of days after I'd waded out of the Little Missouri River that I realized this quintessential trick of fly-fishing for trout: there is a moment -- a Zen moment -- when the trout strikes the fly and the fisherman, purely attentive to present circumstances, manages to set the hook.
It's easy for Arkansans to take for granted the state's vast fishing opportunities. Lakes and reservoirs cover more than 600,000 surface acres in The Natural State, which also boasts more than 9,700 miles of rivers and streams. Throw in ponds, which make for some of best fishing holes, and suddenly Arkansas's fishing menu can make for hard decisions.
Bull Shoals -- The fishing fury caused by freshly stocked rainbow trout eager to bite on a dangling hook is celebrated each spring during Trout Madness, which will take place April 12-20 at Bull Shoals Lake in north-central Arkansas.
LAKE OUACHITA -- "Keep both hands on it," John T. Hall, our fishing guide for the day, instructs. "That's a $300 rod and reel, and a striper will jerk it into the water before you know it."
It's just a coincidence that the upper section of the White River is shaped like a giant fishhook, encircling the heart of the Ozarks before flowing a total of 720 miles to the Mighty Mississippi. However, for untold centuries, the intriguing White has served as a lifeline, food source, passageway and recreational haven for both residents and visitors.
HEBER SPRINGS -- The world renowned trout fishing in Arkansas just got better for youngsters and persons with disabilities. The Collins Creek trout fishery project, located below Greers Ferry Dam, was officially opened during ceremonies Oct. 1.
full story
printer version