Page 6 - Explore Arkansas 2017

6H EXPLOREARKANSAS
WHERE’S THE WATER?
State has vast resources for those looking to enjoy lakes and rivers
BY SPENCER GRIFFIN
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
With more than 600,000 acres of public lakes and over 9,700 miles of rivers and streams, Arkansas is home to a thriving fishing scene, and the state provides ample opportunity for those looking to participate in vari- ous water sports. For activities from an average afternoon fishing with the fam- ily to setting sail on one of the pristine lakes in the area, Arkansas has got adven- ture-seekers covered.
The following is a look at some of the many lakes and rivers around The Natural State that offer ample opportunities for fun in the sun.
LAKE ATKINS
Spencer Griffith, marketing coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission,
said Pope County’s Lake Atkins, ap- proximately 613 acres in size, is typically very productive in trophy bass at this time.
“The high volume of trophy-size bass is being attributed to improved habitat and reduced water levels on the lake during recent years because of maintenance and droughts,” he said.
BULL SHOALS LAKE
As a result of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concrete dam built in 1951, Bull Shoals Lake has the fifth-largest concrete dam in the country. This dam created over 94,000 surface acres of water with more than 1,000 miles of shoreline. Griffith said the lake is best known for its sport fishing and specifically for its lunker bass. In 2012, the Bassmasters voted Bull Shoals Lake a top-100 lake for bass fishing. Griffith added that the body of water has
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM
Arkansas is home to more than 600,000 acres of public lakes and over 9,700 miles of rivers and streams, such as the Buffalo National River, making the state an ideal destination for a variety of water activities.
had some great spawns in recent years and has been very hot lately.
MILLWOOD LAKE
Located near Ashdown, Millwood Lake offers anglers variety. The lake is renowned for its all-around fishing. Because the lake
is made up mostly of flooded timber, the water provides an ideal habitat for a wide range of species. Griffith added that there is a high concentration of alligators in and near the lake.
“Numerous state-record alligators have been harvested in Millwood Lake,” he said.
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