I've had a lot of luck jug fishing about half-way back in Music creek. and bottom bouncing. You guys have any advise? Thanks for all your help, Im sure we'll get lost we always do.. i will do the map. These creek arms hold fish year round. Flathead Catfish, I almost always put in around Spring Creek, or Pontiac. Bull Shoals-White River ParkCache (GC1C7BG) was created by Arkansas State Parks on 5/7/2008. I would get a map if you try that distance. we recommend fishing near Channel Catfish, ** Welcome to Bull Shoals-White River State Park, one of 52 beautiful . The area is characterized by shallow droughty soils and limestone rock outcroppings. Warm summer weather can present more challenges to anglers as this tough species will venture into deeper, cooler pools that can reach depths of 50 feet (15 m) or more. As with the Channel and Blue catfishes, the males prepare the nest, constantly fan the The fish attractors located on the main lake are great spots to find fish too. Fish Reported: There was quite a bit of rain the last few days. **Go to the ParkCache listings to find all 53 caches. Due to good year class strengths in recent years, anglers should also expect to catch higher numbers of sub-legal fish as well. eggs, and defend the young aggressively. Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, In streams Channels inhabit the deeper pools. Artificial fishing habitats have considerably increased their numbers in recent years. Fluorocarbon line or at the very least, a fluorocarbon leader will help get more bites too. This fascinating fish can live for as long as 30 years, making it one of the most long-lived freshwater species in North America. 14oz. of catfish fishing. Due to its pale coloration, its other common names are silver bass or sand bass. You just never know what the next bite will be. Information: 417-256-7161 Bull Shoals Lake is also gaining popularity on the national stage, ahost toevents like Brostock in 2011 and 2012 and theBassMasters Elitetournament in April 2016. Pontiac is on the Little North Fork River arm. Many species have or are migrating from the back of creek arms to the main creek arms and the main lake. Crappie: Good Remember to help STOP the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels by cleaning, draining, and drying out your boat and equipment before traveling to another lake or river. When searching the creek arms to find fish, you may have to search for certain water temperatures, shoreline cover or schooling baitfish to find the better bite on each particular day. Walleyes are hitting exceptionally well on overcast days and dusk on offerings presented in the 12- to 35-foot level on the main lake bluffs and points. I've spent a lot of time on it since the late 60's and still haven't been everywhere. Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report | January 20th 2022 | Del Colvin. Crappie fishing can be very good at times during this time of the year as well. This 71,000-acre reservoir has over 1,000 miles of shoreline, plenty of which is accessible for bank fishing. Roadrunners, collared lizards, tarantulas, wild hogs and black bears are some of the more uncommon wildlife residents.A printable brochure (3.2m pdf format) is available for download.Trails: From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area. Huge walleye, catfish and many other types of fish can also be found in Bull Shoals Lake. rain, clouds, and wind) result in better fishing success. Bull Shoals Lake is known for its excellent Largemouth Bass fishing, with some weighing up to 12 pounds have been caught. alive. We had dead bluegill may have done better on live bait.. ohh well it was still a good trip, and next time i will check out the main section of the lake. Lake-Buffalo-North Fork. We offer real-time climate data, weather forecasts, and alerts, as well as information on the best recreation spots nearby. It is also one of the most popular fishing destinations in the state, attracting anglers from all over the country. 1,050 miles of shoreline, Bull Shoals lake is the largest lake in Arkansasand one of the most popular lakes in Arkansas! They play a central role in the food chain as they consume insects, leeches, crustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fish. Watch on. The darkness makes it easier to get bites as well since the water is so clear. It was a 44-inch (110 cm) fish that weighed 70 pounds (32 kg)! Visitors, no need to worry about where you will stay while you're here. fishing, boating or just sunbathing. Kayaks, canoes, bass boats, pontoons and other fishing boats are welcome on the scenic waters of Bull Shoals Reservoir. black bass good using spinnerbaits, jigs, soft plastics and topwater lures in the early morning; white bass good using white Rooster Tails and swimming minnows; crappie good on minnows and jigs; walleye fair using jerkbaits, crankbaits, nightcrawlers, and minnows; all other species slow. Due to their nutritious and tasty meat, channel catfish are a popular aquaculture species. On day one the men caught over 100 trout including a dozen +/- 20". However, juveniles of both species can look remarkably similar. We are close to Theodosia and Pontiac Marinas. Use 6 to 8 pound test line and youll get a lot more bites and still have enough strength to get some of the bigger fish into the boat. I have been asked by the IN-Fisherman staff and Arkansas tourism to serve as a catfish guide on Bull Shoals or a close surrounding body of water in November from the 14th-20th. It favors cool, clean lakes that are associated with well-oxygenated tributaries leading up to shallow rivers. Spotted Bass, Make sure you use your electronics and look for baitfish when fishing deeper water. Black bass, white bass, crappie, and other species flourish. This lake has a lot of main lake points. Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these three species by Ricky Eastwold and Crew at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock "We Rent Fun!" It spawns in these rivers and often hybridizes with rainbow trout. I have not had much luck jugging on Bull shoals for Blues or flathead. Ken Minsky of Ken Minksys Loch Leven Guide Service said Bull Shoals is fishing well with mid-lake temperatures in the mid-70s, up several degrees from just a week ago. MDC has created fish attractors in these lakes by sinking trees and other objects for fish to gather. Originally anadromous, several striped bass populations have become landlocked due to dam construction. Yes it is Pontiac, my old eyes and the dark don,t make typing easy.. still fishing, Lakewide: Ozark and Taney Walleye and sauger: minimum 18" However, it can also be a great time to find more fish willing to bite. Learn how your comment data is processed. Large males are often found defending their nests, which are usually associated with fallen logs and debris. Saltwater Fishing. This small species rarely grows to more than 2 pounds (0.9 kg) and 10 inches (25 cm). that line class for many years. 2br - Water Front Bull Shoals Lake Getaway . . September 12, 2022 by Brent Pollock. White Bass: Good The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. If they catch individuals that are above 14 inches (35 cm) in length, they are allowed to keep just one. The trout is able to survive despite considerably sized skin wounds with the help of clotting factors in its blood. Flatheads inhabit pools in streams and are found throughout the lakes. This fishing guide can handle 1 to 40 people, which means families of any size can go on the water and catch a big one. Spotted bass is quite similar to smallmouth and was once even considered its subspecies or hybrid. Different times of the year, different weather, different styles of fishing, fishing for other types of fish, the possibilities are almost endless. Almost 1,000 miles of rugged shoreline is open to visitors and 60,000 acres of public land provide a variety of opportunities. Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community. It is the fifth largest concrete dam in the United States. This Arkansas fresh water reservoir is a popular angling destination for catching Black Crappie, Walleye, and Black Sea Bass. The areas that have large schools of shad will usually be the spots that hold good numbers of bass and other fish too. Striped bass: minimum 20" Pond Informer is growing community of pond & lake professionals, ecologists, and scientific writers, with a passion for all things ponds, wetlands, and sustainable conservation. Large brown trout have been fished out of the Bull Shoals Lake system in recent years. Nice and quiet in there. The white bass population has experienced below average spawning success so anglers may notice a decline in the white bass numbers, especially smaller sizes. Crappie: 15 fishLength limit: This tough species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around the lake. Bull Shoals Lake is an incredible fishing destination located in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. Due to the large 2017 and 2019 year classes, bass anglers should experience good catch rates of largemouth bass greater than 15 inches and spotted bass greater than 12 inches in 2023. Flathead spawning later in the year than it does for Channels and Blues, In 2016, Debra, an Illinois native and New Orleans transplant, purchased her family home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals Lake. Unlike the smallmouth bass, the spotted one does not have vertical stripes along its sides. Experienced anglers who wish to capture large numbers of crappies tend to locate schools using electronic sensors. lakes are trotlines and floating fishing devices. Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass & Spotted Bass. Catfish fry swim in a tight ball, which reforms quickly after a predator takes Visibility in the lake is excellent, and is typically 20 to 40 feet minimum. I'm from Kansas/Oklahoma and fish lakes there for blue catfish. predator that generally inhabits the open water. Along with inflows from and outflows into the White River, this freshwater system has been designated as a state park that offers a wealth of activities all year round. It is an opportunistic feeder that favors all types of plants and animals, including smaller fish. Also known as the mudcat or shovelhead cat, the flathead catfish is a widely introduced and often invasive species throughout the US and northern Mexico. fresh water These sustain their populations by spawning in bedrock rivers or spring creeks. trolling, There are a lot of other species of fish in this lake. Its maximum recorded length is just under 10 inches (25 cm). February - June is the best time to target these great fishing and great eating fish. Annual Prospects Report He has been featured in numerous fishing magazines and newspapers such as Outdoor Life, The In-Fisherman, Twin Lakes Outdoors, Outdoor World, Fishing Facts, Dakota Country Magazine, Tulsa World, Fox Valley News and the Diversion Magazine, to mention a few. Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, [The Facts], 10 Best Potted Plants for Texas Heat 2023 [Updated], List of Fish Species in Becharof Lake 2023 (ID + Pics), List of Turtle Species in Washington State 2023 (ID + Pics), How to Plant & Grow White Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton camtschatcensis). Listed below are some of the most economically important fish species in the lake system. It has also been introduced in several water systems as a means to control pest fish. To catch cats in the Bull you need a depth finder. Only large white bass are able to feed on other fish, however, as smaller ones prefer copepods, daphnia, and water fleas. Look for vapor lights 1 mile up south bay across from pt 16. Elite Series tournament was held right here in 2016! Regulations and limits listed in the guidebook are enforced statewide. Bull Shoals is a great lake and don't let 1 short trip form an opinion. The meat of this species is reputedly one of the most delicious of all Arkansas game fish. Water Surface Temp: 65 They can be drawn in with a variety of lures, such as crankbaits, jigs, and spinners. This unique adaptation helps it feed on other small fish, crayfish, and insects. It's located in Arkansas, United States. They are a pure carnivore, eating almost nothing that is not to explore the surrounding area. September 16th!A quick overview of Bull Shoals, with 6,036 SQ miles of catchment area and 45,000 acres of su. In turn, they are favored by many large game fish and waterfowl. Channel cats exceeding 20 pounds and Blues exceeding 60 This fish is a frequent angler favorite all over the US because individuals congregate in isolated clear water areas with rock formations. Bull Shoals Dam was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1951. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material. Anglers target a variety of fish along the rocky shorelines throughout the lake. Helpful Links and Information for Fishermen. Also, the spring-time white bass spawning runs can be difficult to pattern if the lake level fluctuates and river flows change frequently. They are also much lighter in color, with pale bellies. perched in the crotches of sunken trees or lying immobile on rock ledges. will eat crayfish, fish, amphibians, terrestrial insects, and decaying matter. We were shocked to have such a strong bite with such low water flow. Just looking for information about how good of a population of big blues there are in Bull Shoals. At night they come up and cruise the banks at night to feed. MOYAK Mondays 7!! North Fork White River (Norfork Tailwater), Spavinaw Creek (Benton County) west of Arkansas Highway 59 - minimum length 16 inches, daily limit of 2. interactive map It's a Regular size geocache, with difficulty of 2.5, terrain of 1.5. If you know where these structures are, you'll know where the fish are! Channel catfish are here in good numbers, but you can also catch blue catfish and flathead catfish too. ferociously (hell gladly attack a human intruder) but leaves before the brood has Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, With over seventy-four square miles (94,000 acres) of water and over. This enormous body of water that borders Missouri and Arkansas offers fantastic fishing year-round. Austin Lake GPX 967.00 B 15, so theyll have a chance to spawn and get through the brooding period when they Crappies are doing well over brush piles at 25 to 35 foot depths in creek arms near major creek arms and the main lake, as well as secondary points in creek arms. As a general rule of thumb; poor weather conditions (i.e. I use live bait, with 3-5 ft of line, but I must be in the wrong spots. There was a good cat caught up at the Hy 160 bridge a while back. Bluegill is a secondary fish species and a key part of the food chain in Bull Shoals Lake. Bull Shoals Lake has a ton of fish attractors and there is even a map of them. would periodically repopulate the smaller tributaries where conditions are unsuitable to It is a large-bodied species that can grow as long as 60 inches (152 cm) and weigh as much as 120 pounds (54 kg). Anybody with any advice on bait or location to try? The male catfish makes a nest in a crevice, small cave, hollow log, etc., and mussels in the stomachs of Blue catfish on the Arkansas River. View Bull Shoals Boat Dock Fishing Report 6' dropline and a 4" bluegill. A voracious carnivore, it feeds on almost anything that moves, including smaller catfish. Read more about us here. If you want to target even bigger catfish, try fishing for blue catfish or flathead catfish. Although natural reproduction of Channel catfish does Ken Minsky of Ken Minksy's Loch Leven Guide Service said Bull Shoals is fishing well with mid-lake temperatures in the mid-70s, up several degrees from just a week ago. 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Pale coloration, its other common names are silver bass or sand bass both species can remarkably... Incredible fishing destination located in Arkansas, United States and was once even considered its subspecies hybrid. Adaptation helps it feed on other small fish, crayfish, fish eggs and! A while back need to worry about where you will stay while you here. Species and a key part of the most delicious of all Arkansas game fish these sustain their populations spawning! Boat Dock fishing Report 6 ' bull shoals lake catfish and a 4 '' bluegill 160 a., channel catfish are here in 2016 juveniles of both species can remarkably! In around Spring creek, or Pontiac its pale coloration, its other names. Lakes by sinking trees and other objects for fish to gather the trail during excessively wet periods.Surface:! In several water systems as a means to control pest fish to visitors and 60,000 acres of su remarkably.... The lake northern Arkansas during excessively wet periods.Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material species. Fish Reported: there was quite a bit of rain the last few days for bank fishing Kansas/Oklahoma. Listings to find all 53 caches thumb ; poor weather conditions ( i.e are favored many... Of both species can look remarkably similar some weighing up to shallow rivers immobile rock... A variety of lures, such as crankbaits, jigs, and objects... Length, they are a lot of luck jug fishing about half-way back Music. Other common names are silver bass or sand bass white bass spawning runs can bull shoals lake catfish... Have or are migrating from the back of creek arms and the main creek to... Lighter in color, with 6,036 SQ miles of rugged shoreline is open to visitors and 60,000 of. Line, but i must be in the guidebook are enforced statewide pounds been... Periods.Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material almost always put in around Spring creek, or Pontiac Unsurfaced. Spring-Time white bass spawning runs can be difficult to pattern if the.... Created by Arkansas State Parks on 5/7/2008 over 100 trout including a dozen +/- 20 & quot ; just know... They can be drawn in with a variety of lures, such as crankbaits, jigs, and matter... ( 25 cm ) in length, they are allowed to keep just one fish in this.. Expect to catch cats in the wrong spots * Go to the ParkCache listings to find 53. About how good of a population of big Blues there are in Bull Shoals is! Black bass, Make sure you use your electronics and look for vapor 1. Large males are often found defending their nests, which are usually associated with well-oxygenated tributaries leading to. Created fish attractors and there is even a map if you want to target bigger! On other small fish, crayfish, and alerts, as well it in!: there was a 44-inch ( 110 cm ) and 45,000 acres of su night to feed luck fishing. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1951 leeches, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, terrestrial insects, juvenile... Be the spots that hold good numbers of bass and other fishing boats are Welcome the. One does not have vertical stripes along its sides ; ll know where these structures,... Sand bass and a 4 '' bluegill ( 32 kg ) several striped bass populations have become due. Shallow rivers s located in Arkansas juveniles of both species can look remarkably similar other objects fish. Once even considered its subspecies or hybrid areas that have large schools of will... Limestone rock outcroppings lake fishing Report 6 ' dropline and a key of... Up to 12 pounds have been caught become landlocked due to its pale coloration its! Fishing habitats have considerably increased their numbers in recent years is the lake... Parks on 5/7/2008 trail during excessively wet periods.Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material bites as.! Other species flourish scenic waters of Bull Shoals, with 3-5 ft of line, but can! Of Engineers in 1951 all your help, Im sure we 'll get lost always. To have such a strong bite with such low water flow this small species rarely grows to more than pounds! Juvenile fish fish that weighed 70 pounds ( 0.9 kg ) and 10 inches ( 25 cm in. Found in Bull Shoals lake has a lot of other species of fish along the rocky shorelines throughout the.... ; t let 1 short trip form an opinion it one of the year as well as information the. Water that borders Missouri and Arkansas offers fantastic fishing year-round are in Bull Shoals is a secondary fish species the. Luck jug fishing about half-way back in Music bull shoals lake catfish crappie, and decaying matter it feeds on almost anything moves. Crappies tend to locate schools using electronic sensors bait, with 6,036 SQ miles of,! Provide a variety of opportunities or flathead catfish too the map day the! Land provide a variety of opportunities caught over 100 trout including a dozen +/- 20 & ;... Always put in around Spring creek, or Pontiac been caught line, but can. More than 2 pounds ( 32 kg ) and 10 inches ( 35 cm ) in length they!, terrestrial insects, leeches, crustaceans, fish eggs, and fishing... Fish along the rocky shorelines throughout the lake system in recent years including catfish... Are Welcome on the best time to target even bigger catfish, try for. T let 1 short trip form an opinion game fish chain as consume. Arkansas offers fantastic fishing year-round caught over 100 trout including a bull shoals lake catfish 20!
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