In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. Capt Levi was informative and fun to be with. This is the next step in this deal they call Fishing! 10 Best Bass Waters Off The Beaten Path. Learn about the various ways that you can experience the thermal springs in the Park. It is home to two previous state record catches. Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined): 10 No daily limit on bullhead catfish. This world-class trout stream has 29 miles of suitable trout habitat, created after the completion of the Greers Ferry Dam in the early 1960s. . Mourning, White-Winged and Eurasian Collared-Dove, Arkansas Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement (WRICE), Natural State Landowner Conservation Awards, Endangered Species and Other Threats to Wildlife, Gov. Standard crappie baits like jigs and minnows almost always produce, and fast-paced action is the rule, not the exception, on most visits. When considering trophy-sized slabs, this reservoir stands near the top of our Ozark Mountains waters, with lots of 1 1/2- to 2-pound crappie, and a few even bigger. In the southern part of the state that can be early March, but it may be almost April before Beaver Lake sees those conditions. When you notice the water getting cloudy from plankton and bait fish swarming the light, its time to try vertical fishing with small spoons that are heavy enough to get down to the strike zone. Probably the best of the best is Beaver Lake, Sutton says. The fishing fury caused by freshly stocked rainbow trout eager to bite on a dangling hook makeBull Shoals Lakethe perfect destination forspring tout fishing. For up-to-date conditions, check the Arkansas Game and Fish Commissions (AGFC) weekly fishing reports by visiting the AGFC website and clicking the weekly fishing report option under the fishing dropdown menu. Largemouth and white bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie are among the species with cash prizes ranging from $500 to $15,000 for the largest fish, Big Al.. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Family and Community Fishing locations are open to fishing with rod or pole only. Because of its fairly remote location, word about Cane Creek . Try crank and spinner baits retrieved across riffles or live bait worked in deep holes with structure such as large rocks and fallen trees. Introducing wildlife, fish or plants, including their reproductive bodies, into a park area ecosystem. Hot Springs, AR 71913 Hot Springs, Arkansas becomes the title sponsor of USA Bass and will host major international bass fishing events. But on those days when its nice enough to spend some time on the water, the following waters are among the scores where crappie catching should be outstanding. Or, enjoy the dogwoods blooming aroundBeaver Lakewhile you wet your line in preparation for greatspring bass fishing. Just upstream from Dardanelle, the Arkansas River reaches its northernmost point in a sweeping bend. Take some time to explore, learn what the park has to offer and learn your responsibilities before casting a line or flicking a fly into the water. When power plants burn coal, mercury can travel in the air long distances before falling to the ground, usually in low concentrations. Take a fishing tour of Arkansas in April or May, when you can enjoy fabulousspring bassfishing on Beaver Lake, excellentspring walleye fishingon Lake Ouachita and superbspring trout fishingon Bull Shoals Lake. If we can't match the rate of the other deal because one of the above conditions is I cant write about Arkansas crappie hotspots without including Lake Greeson, a 7,000-acre Corps of Engineers impoundment near Kirby west of Hot Springs. This type of mercury can build up in animal tissues, and it can increase in concentration to harmful levels. Use Fishbrain to view local fishing regulations, read reviews of local fishing spots, and learn what lures are most successful in Hot Springs Village. Its name is from the Osage language, of Siouan derivation; it denoted their related kin, the Quapaw people. Ready to go fishing? You really just dont know what you might catch - largemouth, smallmouth, catfish, crappie, says Sutton. The Hot Springs area is perfect for learning how to fish because of its abundance of fish species. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. Find unique fishing spots, catch locations and more on Fishbrain. Light stimulates plankton that draw shad that draw predator fish., Green lights are best at attracting plankton. Look for crappie in shoreline shallows of oxbows like Midway Lake. If you focus your fishing in areas that dont have too much current, you might catch a few nice crappie anywhere on the Arkansas Rivers 320-mile length in the Natural State. and fishing. Contrary to beliefs, fishing is not just going out on the water and casting a line. Hot summer nights are perfect for catfishing. Studies have shown that fish in some National Park System waters have mercury levels that may be a concern to people who regularly eat a lot of fish. Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. Flathead fishing peaks in October and November when they go on feeding frenzies to fatten up for the winter. Relax at one of the day spas in the area, take the kids to the Magic Springs Amusement Park, or do some trail riding in the Off Road Vehicle Park. Fishermen go to these waters yearly to fish largemouth bass and striper because it is stocked with trout, walleye, catfish, and bass. , Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, Explore Northwest Arkansas: the perfect mix of natures sights and urban delights. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Visiting anglers will find an extraordinary population of 1- to 2-pound-plus slabs. Find a buoy, work a jig or minnow in the brushpile below, and a limit of crappie is almost sure to follow. Turn off 79 onto Arkansas Highway 334, then just follow signs about six miles to Midway Lake Fish Camp where theres a pay-to-launch ramp. For folks fishing for stripers who want to use live bait, remember that live bait needs to be purchased from a certified bait shop or caught in the same water where you fish. Read More >>>. The bundles were sunk along a contour line that corresponds to the depth at which the thermocline usually forms (25 feet deep), with a target elevation of 525 feet above msl (mean sea level). . Digging for bait, except in privately owned lands. Fill your stringer with bream and redear in June, when wade fishing is good. Never had much luck bank fishing at HSV or in Hot Springs either. DeGray is perfect for yearlong fishing due to its numerous coves, islands, and wooded pockets. They often use braided lines and attach a leader onto their spinning reels. Best Fishing Spots Near Hot Springs, Arkansas, Fountain Lake Outdoor Supply Les & Propane, Fishing Rod and Reel Combo, Spinning Reel, Fishing Gear for Bass and Trout Fishing, Great for Kids, Green Swarm Series by Wakeman, PitMaster King 6pc Grill Topper Stainless Steel Pan and Tray Set for Grilling with Tongs and 932F Heat Resistant Gloves, Penobon Fish Grilling Basket, Folding Portable Stainless Steel BBQ Grill Basket for Fish Vegetables Shrimp, Igloo Trailmate Marine 70 Quart, Wheeled Cooler, White and Black Product Review From Walmart, Lifetime 55 Quart High Performance Cooler with Wheels. The fish are always biting somewhere. February precipitation in Little Rock, for example, was 10 inches above the 30-year average, making it the wettest February on record. Even long-time anglers can master all the fishing techniques out there. Some of the top rated are: According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Hot Springs are: Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Hot Springs are: 2023 FishingBooker.com. Want to gowinter trout fishing? The Mississippi River is probably the number one honey hole in the world and then any of the big rivers in Arkansas would be worth targeting. He suggests the White and St. Francis rivers as well as any of the big Corps of Engineers reservoirs. Possessing or using as bait for fishing in freshwaters, live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs or fish roe, except in designated waters. Trout daily limit is five. With the water drawdown, we were able to walk the bank and fish a large area. Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. April brings spawning crappie at locations likeLake Dardanelle. Spot and range targets without wasting valuable seconds switching between gear with Luepold's new rangefinder binocular, the BX-4 Range HD. For intense, top water fun with white bass, try summer bass fishing anywhere clear water is coming into a river, tailwaters of a lock and dam channel, and large man-made reservoirs such asBeaver Lake. Near the dam, fly fishermen often cast for rainbow trout in wadeable shoals. This high concentration can occur in large predatory fish - those often pursued and eaten by anglers. Explore Topics. Rainbow trout and stripers abound at the foot of Carpenter Dam, where the cool water surges below the lakes surface. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, Adventure to the Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks Region, Leaf peeping along Arkansass Great River All-American Road, Mountain Bike Destination: River Mountain Park in Little Rock, Enjoy Fall Scenery along Talimena National Scenic Byway. The nearly 1,700-acre impoundment near the confluence of Cane Creek and Bayou Bartholomew was created specifically to be a fishing and boating destination near Star City. Fishing: Although limited in size and big-fish potential, short stretches of the Ouachita River provides excellent seasonal fishing for rainbow trout. Shad, an important food for adult crappie, feed heavily on plankton, a fact that led to a superb shad spawn in many waters last year as well. Anglers who are familiar with Lake Hamilton are asked to suggest changes using the link above. We mainly guide for Stripers and Hybrid Bass but also have guide recommendations for other species of fish. There are numerous access points, but my favorite place to fish is at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Stripers usually hit top-water baits in April and May. Although it is just a quarter ofthe size of Lake Ouachita, the coastline has been heavily developed, with residences and docks virtually along the entire length of the pond. A trout stamp is also required for all resident anglers between 16 and 64 years of age for trout fishing. Floats can last hours or days and in a canoe you can reach many a prime spot. Xtreme Strike Guide Service provides first class fishing on all area lakes of Hot Springs, AR. NOTE: Many lakes, rivers and streams have unique length limits and daily creel limits for certain species. For the best crappie fishing, however, you must get out on big waters, specifically the Corps of Engineers impoundments in this region. Winter crappie fishingbegins in mid-February. For state fishing regulations go to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website. To set up your hassle free fishing trip with the areas best guides, give me a call. Fishermen can figure out how deep the attractors are by logging on to the Little Rock District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website, clicking the Norfork link on the right, then clicking the Norfork Lake Water Levels link on the left. Report inappropriate content 2. Largemouth bass fishing is quite popular as trophy largemouth, and striped bass is well-known in this region. package offer, etc.). Catfish are popular in summer because they stay in shallower water that time of year and are much easier to find. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including black bass and others here. Drum. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow, Check out what local anglers are reeling in and add your trophy fish, Anglers find these spots highly rated for catching. The young shad were easy pickings for hungry crappie, which gorged on the bounty and thus headed into autumn and winter in excellent physical condition. In the video above, Leopold's Shawn Skipper highlights the features of the exciting new optics with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Failing to return carefully and immediately to the water from which it was taken a fish that does not meet size or species restrictions or that the person chooses not to keep. Good luck! All of Arkansass big lakes are good crappie lakes. Accessible by car in under 5 minutes and by mountain bike or foot too. Aside from sport fishing, angling in Hot Springs is a popular pastime because of the many lakes and the variety of fish that inhabit them. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. An annual permit costs $50, a 3-day trip license costs $16, and a 7-day trip license is $25. different, you still keep your existing reservation including the cancellation policy. Hot Springs 15 million catch locations, advanced fishing maps and depth charts from Navionics- all the fishing intel you need to start fish smarter and catch more. CX Outfitter, 180 gr. Visitors fishing within Hot Springs National Park must follow the fishing license requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Arkansas. Deep Water Fishing for Bass: Picking the Right Lure Deep water bass fishing lures are deemed the sport techuiquie of the champions. Available in 180- and 200-grain sizes. One of the best is 22,000-acre Norfork Lake at Mountain Home. What comes to mind when you think about fishing? Anglers 16 and older must have a valid license to fish. Commercial fishing, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law. . Lake. 12 in. A visit during the spring spawn is sure to put a smile on your face if youre savvy to oxbow angling. The use or possession of fish, wildlife or plants for ceremonial or religious purposes, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law, or treaty rights. 13. modifications. The long answer is multi-faceted, depending on what species and time of year as well as if youre going for size or quantity. From Business: Simmons Bank is a full-service financial partner offering banking products, credit cards, lending, treasury management and more for both our personal and. Browning's Rafę Nielsen shares details on the new X-Bolt Pro LR McMillan hunting rifle with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. WARNING: we ran into 2 water moccasins walking around, 1 with a home in a hollowed log, and another just sunning. November is a great time to float on theupper Ouachita Riverand cast for blue ribbon smallmouths. All year-round, the lake is filled with this type of fish, as well as bream, catfish, and crappie. Consider taking advantage of the crappie spawn and largemouth bass spawn in Cane Creek Lake, Lake Chicot, Bear Creek Lake and Storm Creek Lake. I will share the information with you about fishing near Hot Springs, Arkansas: Species Caught Here:BassAccess: Public PropertyBody of Water Type: StreamArkansas Fishing LicenseLat/Long: 34.407036 -93.086014Edit Details. Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller gets more info from Hawke's Paige Shipe at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Whether you go fly-fishing, on a guided trip, or bank fishing, the experience will always . So, here are some best bets and hot spots to keep in mind each month. About. 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. We also have great deals available in the following cities that match your search criteria. After passing past Smackover and El Dorado, two oil-producing cities in southern Arkansas, the creek enters the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge east of Crossett. TheBookOnGoneFishing.com is a participant in the Clickbank affiliate marketing program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to clickbank offers. Since sauger arent sought by many anglers, Sutton says winter is also an awesome time of year to catch blue and channel catfish. High water also released tons of nutrients, which led to massive plankton blooms in many waters. While it's the same move they make in the spring to spawn, in the fall bass are in search of food. I fished in the area for the first time and really had a great time. Crappie are plentiful in Beaver Lake and can be caught all year long, especially in winter if youre willing to bundle up and brave the elements, says Rance Carter of Huck Fins Guide Service. It is supplied yearly with catfish, trout, and walleye, the same species found in Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton. Arkansas is a great spot to go fishing since you can reel almost everything you desire. This helpful guide will lead you through all the things you should know about Hot Springs fishing. In many areas, the 2018 spawn was the best in years, producing a new year-class of fish that will continue growing and providing great angling opportunities for years. Advertisement. This site is owned and operated by TheBookOnGoneFishing.com. grinnel, is best during warm months in the rivers and oxbow lakes, bayous and swamps of eastern and southern Arkansas. Banks ATM Locations Financial Services. But the best slab-hooking tends to be in some of the rivers bigger pools and oxbows. AGFC guidebooks contain an interpretive summary of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's hunting and fishing regulations and covers only the regulations that most commonly affect hunters and anglers. Together, three friends and I caught and kept more than 60 crappie, each tipping the scales at more than a pound. Other taxa, including amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans (e.g. November is also an excellent time of year for adults to fish for big browns on the White and North Fork rivers. Consider, for example, a recent spring trip I enjoyed there. White bass do the same as walleye. In addition, many anglers like fishing at night. At this point, the stream leaves the Ouachita Mountains and enters what is known in Arkansas as the Timberlands area, also known as West Gulf Coastal Plain. Check out the best fishing spots in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. This small water area covers only 1,940 acres; still, there are plenty of places to go fishing. For more information on how fishing regulations work in national parks, go to the NPS Fish and Fishing website. Public Fishing Areas; Family and Community Fishing Program ; Fishing Derbies; Trout Waters; Fish Attractors; Weekly Fishing Report; General Fishing Regulations; Statewide Lengths and Daily Limits; Master Angler Program; Arkansas Grand Slam; Sport Fish. You have contacted us immediately after booking with all the details of the other deal Hornady's Seth Swerczek goes in depth about the new cartridge with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Remember, however, that crappie less than 10 inches must be released. Nathan Simmons of Browning and Game & Fish's John Taranto take a closer look at both cartridges at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Reach Caddo River Camping by phone toll free at 888-300-8452. . Mercury exists naturally in some rocks, including coal. When I go fishing I am looking for that out of the way secret place if you will fishing spot that the locals know as good if I am only visit the area once in my life. You can catch bass if you learn to utilize spinning gear and get some eight-ounce jig heads and six-inch worms. Enjoysummer walleye fishing with minnows, jibs, crankbaits and spoons in Arkansas. (Photo by Ron Sinfelt). Striped bass fishingis great in September, when these fish chase the shade on the surface. Bream are bedding now and anglers want to focus on the days before and after the full moon from now through the end of summer, says Zellers. Many folks believe Greeson crappie fishing isnt much good in February and March before the panfish start moving shallow to spawn. Advertisement If You Go Golden Outdoors at 1520 Bypass Rd., is the major tackle supplier in Heber Springs. Cold water releases from Blakely Mountain Dam (Lake Ouachita) and Carpenter Dam (Lake Hamilton) provide good cool season fishing for put-and-take rainbows for short stretches below each dam, from the bank or from a boat. Check out ourFishing Timeschart to determine when the fish will be most active. Mercury is an example of a toxin originating outside a park that can find its way into a park. data-event-category="Navigation header guest", Full list of top fishing charters in Hot Springs, FishingBooker has a Shopper Approved rating of 4.8/5 based on 25793 ratings and reviews. Voted the best mountain bike trails in Arkansas two years in a row. 1942 Millcreek Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71901. Youll see lots of anglers casting ultralight rigs toward nearshore cover then, but the best fishing usually centers around Greesons many manmade fishing attractors. Followers 327 And, finally, let me suggest a visit to the Coal Pile, a backwater area near the rivers lower end in Desha County. Food. You must have a fishing license if you are 16 years of age or older. Located just outside of Little Rock, the lake is a popular boating and fishing destination. Except as provided below, fishing shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Arkansas (36CFR2.3). Lake Ouachita is the first in its series with three artificial lakes. Re: Bank fishing around hot springs? South Arkansas. For more information, visit www.mountainharborresort.com. When I go fishing I really enjoy having the peace, quiet and some space to myself. Hot spots include the White River at Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area in Bald Knob and directly below dams of the Arkansas River. Southern Arkansas fishermen flock to the Felsenthal refuge because it is one of the best fishing spots in the area. FishingBooker.com. These oxbow lakes provide great year-round crappie action and are worth visiting any time youre looking for a back-to-nature setting in which to enjoy some first-rate slab hooking. This place is also a fishing community, as many people are eager to share their expertise and enthusiasm for the sport with others. We invite you to visit theFish and Fishingwebsite for more information about fish and fishing in the National Park Service. Published: January 5, 2023 STATE COLLEGE, PA - USA Bass is thrilled to announce that Hot Springs, Arkansas has agreed to become title sponsor of USA Bass for 2023 - 2026. Each is composed of 30 or more bundles of trees and covers an area approximately 40 feet wide and 300 feet long. At 5,300 acres, Lake Chicot in Chicot County is the states largest natural lake and also one of Arkansas most popular crappie-fishing holes. Anything that looked like a minnow worked well. Anglers have logged in Fishbrain over 2,970 catches for Largemouth bass, 655 catches for Spotted bass, 525 catches for Bluegill and many more species in the Hot Springs Village area. Lake Conway, White River oxbows, and Delta reservoirs like Peckerwood Lake should be hot. Hot Springs National Park allows fishing as a means of providing for public enjoyment, and customary and traditional use, and regulates fishing to ensure that it is managed in a manner that avoids unacceptable impacts to park resources. The striped bass limit on Lake Ouachita is three fish. Shoes or boots and keep your eyes peeled. The conditions of your booking with us still allow penalty-free cancellations and Includes. Few fish are what anglers consider slabs (2-pound crappie are rare), but as far as numbers of crappie, Horseshoe has as many as any lake its size. The run up the west fork of the White River is prime for big three pounders that time of year. No matter what time of year, remember that thebest times to fishare whenever you have the time. Please note, that these arent ranked in any particular order, but we have mentioned some of the fish youre most likely to catch. You can make a difference. Run spider rigs over open water to find a school of fish, throw out a marker buoy, then start working the area by vertical jigging. Lake DeGray is just south of Hot Springs in south-central Arkansas. Arkansas is a state in the southern region of the United States, home to over 3 million people as of 2018. The Felsenthal refuge is one of southern Arkansas's most renowned fishing venues. Learn about the natural resources at Hot Springs National Park. Related activities. Its the time when two predators try and Catching a Bass with a Drop Shot: What Lures Do You Need? Anglers in Arkansas know that there are no best times to fishgo whenever you feel like it. Bream daily limit is 25. Bowfin, a.k.a. Offers half-day fishing guide services and fishing trips on Lake Hamilton and Lake DeGray. This beautiful backwater offers ideal crappie habitat, with plenty of cypress trees, logjams, rocks, channels and flats to fish, and thanks to recent work by the AGFC, theres now easy access from Highway 212 near Pendleton. CLOSED NOW. With 26 miles of hiking trails in the Park, you can find great views, beautiful forest scenery, and feel like you're not in the City. Baits carry scent and smell further in summertime too because water is warmer, so that makes it easier to catch whisker fish, Sutton adds. Others dab jigs or minnows around boat docks, downed timber and underwater brushpiles. Crappie go deep in the winter and around structure. If you're in search ofvacation fishing trips, look no further than The Natural State! Hey Guys! The names of some bass fisheries resonate with anglers on a national scale: Okeechobee, Kentucky Lake, Guntersville, Havasu, Clear Lake, Lake Fork,. Camden, a town known for its Civil War history, lies on the river's path. Lake. At SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. In fact, Lake Hamilton produces 50-pound class striped bass annually. Bundle up and head to Lake Norfork to fish for stripers. Fishing from motor road bridges, from or within 200 feet of a public raft or float designated for water sports, or within the limits of locations designated as swimming beaches, surfing areas, or public boat docks, except in designated areas. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, fishing license with Arkansas Game & Fish, Gaston's White River Resort: first-class trout fishing, Explore the Hot Springs and Diamond Lakes Region. Chumming or placing preserved or fresh fish eggs, fish roe, food, fish parts, chemicals, or other foreign substances in fresh waters for the purpose of feeding or attracting fish in order that they may be taken. The fee for a trout angling license for non-residents is $12. Whats more, there will be contests and prizes to be won. CoinFlip Bitcoin ATM. All four diamond lakes near Hot Springs have good white bass runs, as does Lake Maumelle in Central Arkansas. Lets make the best of the time in Hot Springs, Arkansas. (6 reviews) Anyone interested in fishing Lake Hamilton or waters within the wider area around Hot Springs should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Unlike most fish, sauger spawn during the winter, moving up below the dams mostly in the Arkansas River. Albright fishes out of Mountain Harbor Resort, which offers food, lodging and full marina services. Come experience the joys of fishing in Arkansas and get hooked! Fish is part of a healthy balanced diet, but eating wild fish and shellfish caught in park waters is not risk free. Buyer Guide Fishing Poles and Reels This Holiday Season Walmart, Buyer Guide Tackleboxes This Holiday Season Walmart, Buyers Guide To Cuda Fillet Knives & Accessories From Walmart, Buyers Guide To Holiday Shopping For Tackle And Bait At Walmart, Buyers Guide For Boat Batteries Updated 7/2021, Buyers Guide To Boat Trolling Motors Updated 7/2021, How To Choose The Right Fishing Line (Updated 8/13/2021). Arkansas is loaded with fishing hot spots, but some are only accessible by boat. The Hot Springs Northwoods Trails include 26 miles of hiking and biking trails in the Northern section of Hot Springs. These fishing regulations apply, regardless of land ownership, on all lands and waters within the park that are under the legislative jurisdiction of the United States. Cypress trees, buckbrush and willows line the shore, and big crappie are plentiful. Our party of two adults recently visited Hot Springs for the umpteenth time and finally did fishing charter in the area. Explore, Learn, and Relax! Toward evening, boat after boat will return with limit or near-limit catches. Midway Lake, just a few miles south of Horseshoe, covers 1,000 more acres of productive crappie habitat. Hamilton Lake Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Four of Hot Springs's diamond lakes - Catherine, Hamilton, Ouachita and DeGray - offer good bass fishing in April. Hybrid stripers and white bass gorge on shad in early spring offering a couple weeks of frenzied fun. Prime waters are Crooked Creek, Little Missouri River, Kings River, Big Piney Creek and the Buffalo National River. Over hundreds of years, as the Mississippi River has changed its course, big U-shaped bends have been left behind. While it's not an often sought fish by most anglers, it can add some hot action to the middle of your day when panfishing action tapers off. For more information on how fishing regulations work in national parks, go to the NPS Fish and Fishing website. Re: Bank fishing around hot springs? While drum arent necessarily a popular fish to catch, when nothing else is biting on a hot day, they put up a fun, feisty fight, are often large, and good to eat.