May
20
2010
Promotional video for the Bull Shoals Lake, White River Chamber of Commerce. Site seeing and recreation around the Bull Shoals Lake, White River area of the Arkansas Ozarks.
Video Rating: 5 / 5
May
20
2010
Promotional video for the Bull Shoals Lake, White River Chamber of Commerce. Site seeing and recreation around the Bull Shoals Lake, White River area of the Arkansas Ozarks.
Video Rating: 5 / 5
Apr
30
2010
The state of Arkansas is known for its opportunity for outdoor adventures but the state has much more to offer visitors to the state. Here you will find a wide variety of cultural activities, historic landmarks, family fun, and unique, diverse scenery that will awe the whole family. Throughout the year Arkansas hosts events, festivals, and fairs that are sure to be enjoyed by even the most selective of travelers. Whether your going away on a much needed romantic getaway, taking a long overdue family vacation, or wanting to get away with some old friends Arkansas is a place that will please and delight anyone. Fayetteville, to Little Rock, to Eureka there is always something exciting to see or do in Arkansas anytime of year.
With all that Arkansas has to offer to visitors the number one reason so many visit every year is the states fantastic scenery and the outdoor adventures that go with it. Arkansas is home to a total of 600,000 acres of lakes perfect for a variety of water sports and activities. Lakes such as Norfork, Greers Ferry, Bull Shoals, Beaver, Dardanelle, Greeson, DeGray, Catherine, Hamilton, and White Oak are the perfect place to experience scuba diving, fishing, swimming, boating, and relaxing to the sound of the swaying water. For the more adventurous at heart there are numerous spots to enjoy hiking, rock climbing, biking, and caving. For those that enjoy rock climbing the Ozark and the Ouachita Mountains both offer an excellent opportunity. Those visitors that prefer hiking have available to them 250 individual hiking trails throughout the state including the Arkansas River Trail and many others that offer both day and overnight hiking trips. Caving is an exciting opportunity available to visitors to Arkansas as well with 14 caves to be explored including Cosmic Caverns and Mystic Caverns. Bike trails are a popular characteristic of Arkansas scenery too with miles upon miles of tails for all levels of bikers throughout the state. From one end of the state to the other Kansas provides for visitors a vista unmatched by many and visitors come from all over every year to enjoy that spectacular scenery. Now its your turn to see why everyone is so in awe at the beauty of Arkansas.
Arkansas history is another popular reason for so many visitors to the state every year. Native American history in the state dates back as far as 1541 and African-American history as far back as 1721 so not only is the history rich but the cultural diversity as well. Arkansas was also an important state during the Civil War and monuments, museums, and landmarks attesting to the role that the state plated can be found throughout the state. And don’t forget all of the famous people from Arkansas either. Johnny Cash, Al Green, Billy Bob Thornton, and William Jefferson Clinton all at one time called Arkansas home.
Arkansas has so much to offer to such a diverse crowd that no matter who you take your next vacation with they will be sure to enjoy it.
Apr
18
2010
MacMorgan Ranch Outfitters offers night guided pack trail rides in fully trained Morgan Horses. It offers Camp Facility, Swimming, Fishing, Canoeing on rented Boats and Chuck Wagon Steak Dinners.
Trail rides are through the Ranch and the Mena and Albert Pike Recreational areas of the Ouachita National Forest.
Hot Springs National Park is famous for 47 thermal springs providing the Hikers a hot bath. With a coverage of 5500 acres and spectacular scenic beauty all around when you go Hiking on more than 30 miles of trails through the Ouachita Mountains. Scenic Drives, Picnic areas, Campsites and Hot Water Cascade is available here.
Looking for Fishing at a good place, welcome to Bull Shoals State Park, where you see Nature’s best place for Fishing and Boating. The White River has a Dam and it makes a Lake which is spread in 45,440 acres. Anglers find Catfish, Lunker Bass, Trout, Crappie and Bream filled Waters. The Park has many Campsites offering Playgrounds, Pavilions, Trails and Picnic areas. You can also rent a Motor Boat, a Canoe and a simple Boat.
“Diamonds are Forever” Don’t think we are talking about the Bond Movie, Welcome to Crater of Diamonds State Park because it’s the only place in the whole world where the public can go and find any Gem or Diamond and keep it.
The first Diamond found here was in 1906 and the largest found in US a 40.23- carat “Uncle Sam” was found here. Since Crater became a Park in 1972, 20,000 Diamonds have been found here in this 36 acres Park. It offers many Campsites, Gift Shops, Laundry, a CafĂ© and many Trails for hunting Diamonds.
Devil’s Den State Park is in picturesque Valley of Ozark. The range of Mountains culminate and a 8acre Lake before rolling into a spectacular Stone Dam. This Park is open in summer only with cabins with kitchens are made in Nature’s beauty and enchanting Park.
The long trails can also be explored by riding. You can rent Horses and Guides to explore the Park excellently. The Camps are available for Groups and they offer you a standard Pavilion and Mountain Bike’s trails. All Grocery, Snacks and Gifts are available at the Park Shop.
Arkansas River runs through 34,000 acres of Lake Dardanelle State Park that has two Lakes. On the Lake shores they offer barrier-free fishing platform, hiking trails, a Golf Course, picnicking, rest rooms and hot baths.
As the name suggests Cane Creek State Park, 2053 acres, is full of timber trees. The physiographic regions of Arkansas State get together here- the Mississippi Delta and cascading Hills of State’s Gulf Coastal Plain. This is a spectacular place rich in flora, fauna and outdoor activities.
The facilities available here include campsites, picnic camps, barrier free fishing-platform, a standard pavilion and a gift shop.
A natural 20 miles long Lake Chicot State Park is a long and wonderful place. It was cut off after the River Mississippi changed its course. Fully equipped with Cabins and kitchens (many with a fishing dock and lake view), a swimming pool (summer only), picnic sights, laundry, a pavilion and playground.
Visitors can also find a gift shop with food and buy antiques, fuel, bait and launch ramps from the shop at the store/marina.
Arkansas first ecological and environment education can be had at Logoly State Park. 368 acres of natural beauty awaits for students and other groups. Facilities include six group camps, pavilion (free for educationists), picnic sites and trails. The visitor center exhibits exhibitions and an indoor classroom. NOTE: Educational groups are always given preferences on a first come first basis.
Mar
13
2010
In true tradition of the favored sport of the south, Arkansas bass fishing is plentiful and can be the itinerary for a fun family trip or a heated tournament. Either way, there is an abundance of great fishing locations in Arkansas where you can find plenty of bass in good sizes. Here are just a few, summarized for your reference.
Let’s start with Beaver Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impoundment in Northwest Arkansas. This 28,220 acre lake is probably the number one Arkansas bass fishing lake. Fed by the White River, Beaver lake is a favorite place for white bass to spawn due to the high quantities of shad forage that lasts year round. Follow the schools of shad and work your jigging spoons well into April, while the bass are still spawning, and you’ll be golden.
Another excellent choice for Arkansas bass fishing is Table Rock Lake, another watering hole fed by the northerly flow of White River. Because they become stuck at Beaver Dam, the white bass are easy to catch in large numbers at the head of the lake. Use live minnows, and leadhead jigs for the best results, but expect these overcrowded fish battling for food to bite just about anything you can cast.
With a massive 45,440 acres, Bull Shoals Lake is another area that guarantees fantastic Arkansas bass fishing. In fact, this is the home of the two state record white bass catches, coming in at 5 lbs, 4 oz and 5 lbs, 2oz. Two-pounders here are a breeze, and you’ll take home your fill of them every day, and you shouldn’t be surprised by a 4-pounder, either. Use jigs and grubs in 10-15-foot depths during March, and you’ll find many of the fish freshly spawned and hungry for the bait. You can also work the streams branching off the lake with spoons and small crankbaits.
While Lake Norfork also contains an incredible number of white bass, Arkansas bass fishing at this 22,000 acre Corp of Engineers impoundment will yield an excellent outpouring of largemouth and striped bass. Even the white bass come in good sizes here, ranging between two and three pounds. Try using horsehead spinners where the tributaries flow in for best results, and you may find yourself with 50 to 100 fish in just half a day.
Whites and hybrid stripes are the catch found at Greers Ferry Lake, especially around the four forks of the Little Red River that feed in – the Devil’s, Archey’s Middle, and South Forks. Here, you’ll find mostly jumbo white bass, but Arkansas bass fishing here can also produce a number of striped bass. If you want a chance at these babies, trade in the ultralight tackle you use for whiteys and get something more heavy duty.
Mar
10
2010
On the whole, Arkansas does not appear to have much to offer in the way of walleye fishing. This is not all together discouraging. The state record walleye came out of Greers Ferry Lake weighing in at a whopping 22 pounds, 11 ounces. This is just 2 pounds shy of the world record walleye.
Where to Find Arkansas Walleye
Out of the initial limitations come great bodies of water for producing Arkansas walleye. Starting with where the state record walleye was found, Greer Ferry Lake. This 32,000 acre lake is situated in north-central Arkansas approximately 80 miles north of the popular hot spot of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Another walleye hot spot is Bulls Shoals Lake located in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Standing at a massive 45,000 acres, the lake sits in the northern center portion of the state. Rounding out the top three walleye hot spots in Arkansas is Lake Ouachita. Just 25 miles north-west of Hot Springs, this lake consists of 40,000 acres.
Outside of lake structures, there is one key river that offers prime walleye pickings for Arkansas. This is the Saline River tucked away among highway crossing, county roads and various ferry boat sites. All work together to provide unlimited access to this river. Adding to its accessibility, the state game and fish commission created several access points around the river. These access points are on land and water.
The Saline River is by far is Arkansas’ tucked away little walleye fishing secret. In addition to a healthy walleye stock, there are channel catfish swimming the waters as well. Many fishers who are aware of all that the river has to offer practice a technique of wade a little, fish a little.
This calls for unconventional fishing methods. For starters, canoes take the place of standard fishing boats on open waters. Standard boat motors will not do much good either. Small trolling motors can provide useful in trolling situations.
Northern Arkansas is home to several viable walleye locations. Among these are the Eleven Point, Upper White Beaver Dam, Middle White River and Black River. Other portions of the state are just as popular with walleye. Lake Hamilton, Lake Catherine and Lake Greeson all boast healthy walleye populations. Off the wall drainage systems have provided unique opportunities to come across separated walleye who may have taken awrong turn somewhere along the way.
Arkansas Walleye History
The attribution of walleye population emerged onto the Arkansas radar is linked to the White River drainage system. Larger populations resided in rivers, streams and lakes with warmer temperatures. It is believed that the walleye did not migrate to downstream locations because of the cooler water temperatures.
Walleye Preferences
Walleye do not require fancy dishes on their culinary menu. For the most part, this toothy fish will each virtually anything dangled in front of them. Ideal meal choices are small in nature. This includes small crawfish, worms and insects. Minnows are their absolute favorite.
In terms of location, walleye prefer the safety afforded by deep waters. The best times to fish for walleye are typically from sundown to midnight. This is when they feel safe moving about under the cover of darkness.
Feb
18
2010
You don’t have to go far to look for a good place for Arkansas crappie fishing. According to anglers in the state, almost every resident in the state lives within an hour of a choice fishing spot. The state is divided into ten fishing districts, each of which is littered with lakes and rivers where schools of crappie swarm, always offering fishermen a guaranteed good catch. However, each district has its own top lake or river for Arkansas crappie fishing, where you’re sure to catch some whoppers. I’m going to go over the 4 best in this article.
District 1 in the northwest has several lakes to boast with great Arkansas crappie fishing. However, Beaver Lake is known for containing a lot of great habitat for crappie in its 28,000+ acres. Though the size of the lake may cause difficulties in locating the schools of crappie, once you find them, you shouldn’t be surprised to get several trophy-worthy slabs. Situated in the Ozarks, Beaver Lake is also a beautiful location for Arkansas crappie fishing. In the spring, you might also try Coose Creek or Esculapia Hollow in the Pine Creek area.
While District 2 in the northern Ozarks is probably not the optimal part of the state for Arkansas crappie fishing, a trip to the upper end of Bull Shoals Lake can reap some rewards. Don’t bother with the lower areas of the lake; it seems the best spawn are found in the upper reaches of the 45,500-acre Corps reservoir, with most catch averaging around 1/2 of a pound and a few reaching two pounds. Search for sunken brush piles in Tucker Hollow or West Sugar Loaf, also, as there is very little visible cover for crappie in these areas.
In District 3 in the northeast corner of Arkansas, crappie fishing is good. There are several large popular lakes, but it’s little Lake Hogue, hidden away in the delta farm country, that contains some of the largest slabs. This lake was completely renovated in 1985 and has been stocked with big fish that produce MORE big fish. Though it’s only about 280 acres, it’s full of great cover for crappie.
District 4 is probably one of the best areas for crappie in the entire country. Arkansas crappie fishing here encompasses several excellent lakes, including Midway, Old Town, and Mellwood Old River Lake. Though Midway and Old Town are both great crappie fishing spots, Mellwood Old River Lake known for producing a day’s limit of 50 2-pounders for many fishermen.
Just focusing on these 4 districts while crappie fishing in Arkansas will put you in the best position to catch a ton of crappie – and isn’t that what it’s all about?
Feb
16
2010
Feb
11
2010
Feb
6
2010
Feb
5
2010
To a visitor in Arkansas, Walleye fishing wouldn’t seem to be a major activity in the state since most of the locations for walleye fish is in the north. Lake Greers Ferry happens to be the best spot for walleye fishing in the state, where the largest walleye ever caught in the state fell short by just a mere two pounds from the world’s heaviest walleye ever caught.
Locations
Located 80 miles north of Little Rock, Arkansas, you will find the expansive 32,000 acre Greer Ferry Lake that is famous for being the place where the state’s biggest and heaviest walleye fish was caught. It’s the number one walleye fishing hot spot in the state. Situated in the northern center of Arkansas is the massive 45,000 acre Bulls Shoals Lake that happens to be also among the top hot spots for walleye fishing in Arkansas. Lake Ouachita is also as big as 40,000 acres in size located about 25 miles north-west of Hot Springs, and is categorized as being among the top three most famous walleye fishing hot spots in the state of Arkansas.
Apart from the three popular walleye fishing hot spots in Arkansas i.e. Greer Ferry Lake, Bulls Shoals Lake as well as Lake Ouachita, the other fairly good spots for walleye fishing include the River Saline that happens to be quite well connected by several links such as the ferry boat sites, county roads as well as a highway crossing that connects so well to another good home for walleye fish in Arkansas. Referred to as the walleye fishing secret, the Saline River also happens to be another great home to not only walleye fish but also channel catfish, making it more prolific to the fishing industry of the state.
The methods used for walleye fishing are somewhat unconventional in nature wherein the fishing boats are substituted by canoes, and the smaller trolling motors are replaced by the normal standard boat motors in certain situations that warrant trolling. Most of the feasible walleye locations are mainly found in the northern part of Arkansas. Some of the popular ones apart from the top three are: Black River, Middle White River, White Upper White Beaver Dam, and the Eleven Point. Other fairly popular spots with a fair quantity of walleye include Lake Greeson, Lake Catherine and Lake Hamilton.
The White River drainage system contributed a lot towards the high figures of walleye in the state of Arkansas. Since walleyes prefer warmer temperatures, the majority of the walleye population is found in lakes, streams and rivers, which explain why the other places downstream are devoid of walleye population.
The walleye menu is quite simple and small in nature. On the most part, the walleye fish will always eat anything thrown at them though their preference lies with the size of the food; the smaller the better. For this reason insects, worms, as well as crawfish happen to be their most preferred food. Their best preference happens to be the minnows. Deep waters are the most favored locations for walleye for safety reasons. Choosing their locations based on safety, catching the walleye means that the timing is critical. Therefore, the best time to go fishing is from dusk to midnight. That’s when the walleye feel most safe with the cover of darkness.