creekfreak

You're exactly right. So you feel those complaints are no longer relevant or maybe you don't realize the severity of what was being done? Yes, there is new information.....but what a fool I'd be to release this info on a public forum. Also, so what if it was 2006? Evidently, the AGFC or Judge decided SVA was still competent enough to reverse what was once a public creek to now a privately managed Club which supposedly controls 15 miles from the OK line down.

Evidently, altering/dredging a very sensitive spring fed stream in AR doesn't raise much concern w/ the AGFC. ftp://ftp.adeq.state.ar.us/Pub/WebDatabases/Complaints/006364-comp.pdf ftp://ftp.adeq.state.ar.us/Pub/WebDatabases/Complaints/005000-comp.pdf SVA is in cahoots w/ the AGFC. After speaking with a officer for 30+ min regarding the ridiculousness of the situation, he finally stated they "have big pockets", and left it at that. However, very soon (no later than late fall) this will become a much more public issue. The AGFC needs to be exposed as well as the Club. I also read in their newsletter that the AGFC would be stocking more Brown Trout in Spavinaw in agreement w/ the Club. Evidently, money can makes things happen. I know this has been drawn out since my first post but there will be more to come exposing this issue. Unfortunately, it takes time to get your "ducks in a row".......more to come!

Does anyone know what weight won the tournament yesterday or how the turnout was? Thanks

That was indeed my friend in the picture, Quillback. I was the unlucky friend they mentioned who accompanied him on the trip.

Nice fish indeed!

She hit a finesse worm on a shaky head jig.

Thank you G.B. and Quillback!

A friend and I were fishing this weekend and pulled out this nice largemouth (near 7lbs/near 23"). The fish was released shortly after we got enough pictures and video. We beleive in catch and release on the Elk and its tributaries, as we know enough fish are pulled out of these waters (both legally and illegally) that we hope others get the chance to experience this thrill as well! We've fished these waters for many many years, and to date, this is the biggest largemouth we've landed. What a day! Tight Lines, Creekfreak

There are currently two seperate resolutions in the works to provide access to the trout waters on Spavinaw. However, I can't divulge too much information as it still too early to discuss. I'll keep updates on any pertinent info relating to Spavinaw access. Tight Lines, CF

You are correct, AGFC has not stocked the creek for many years.....that's irrelevant. Let me propose this question, if nobody has "stocked" this creek for 20+ years, how is it they are reproducing? How is it there are trophy trout in this stream (both brown and rainbow) still to this day? Regardless, the AGFC handbook states it's fishable waters. Therefore, if I have permission from a landowner to access the water, there shouldn't be an issue......as long as I stay within the "High Water Mark". As far as having someone in their "back-pocket", That's absurd. My family has had land on spavinaw creek for close to 100 years and I'll be darn if someone is going to tell me they own the water. The AGFC should make it a trophy stream (catch and release only) rather than hem and haw when confronted about access, etc. As I stated in my initial post, there will be a resolution to this one way or another.

As of right now, I can't divulge too many details. However, I feel this is going to be a game-changer on that beautiful stream. The ball is rolling right now.....and it's a big ball! I'll keep you posted on what I can. Thanks for your concern with the situation! Tight Lines!

It looks like there's going to be some legal action pursued shortly on the Spavinaw Creek / access issue. A.) Why would the AGFC print in the 2013 AR trout & fish guidebook (as they have for years) that from it's source downstream to AR 59 bridge a trout permit is required and fish must be released immediately (of which I'm a heavy advocate). B.) On pg.17 of the AGFC trout guidebook as well as the 2013 fishing quidebook pg.47) they discuss Public vs. Private Water stating, the State of AR owns and holds in trust for the public all property below the OWHM (ordinary high water mark) IS NAVIGABLE WATER. The OWHM is the line dividing the bed of navigable water from its banks in waters unaffected by drought; that is, the height of the water at ordinary stages which are common and have had long continued flow for years which can be easily identified. ***********Land beyond the low water mark belongs to the state government********** C.) I doubt the AGFC stocks very many private waters which are deemed non-naviable in hopes of the private land owners profiting immensely off our State's funded fish hatcheries. If that's the case, sign me up! P.S. - Placing material and operating equipment in waters of the State so as likely to cause pollution to benefit your flow and structural dams is ridiculous. Finally, I hate to have to pursue this quagmire of a situation but there have been some issues arise of late that are in the works on being addressed. Somebody's gotta stand up to the greedy out-of-state boobs trying to intimidate fellow fisherman whose families were here 100+ yrs before "Rajah" was going yard. Tight Lines, S.A.