Quillback

Good to hear the number of shorts, bodes well for next year. I don't chase the eyes, but my accidental catches of them this year were definitely down from last year. Best wishes on the knee replacement, had mine done about 10 years ago, so glad I did, I have put a lot of miles on my fake knee.

Raining hard this AM. The really heavy stuff is supposed to roll in this afternoon. This is like a spring storm system.

Can't say that I blame you. Going to be a few boats on the lake this weekend.

Results from Crooked Creek Sampling According to early summer electrofishing surveys, Crooked Creek remains a premier Smallmouth Bass fishery in Arkansas. Numerous Smallmouth Bass were observed between 14 and 17 inches, with 41% of sampled fish exceeding 14 inches. The largest fish captured measured nearly 18 inches and was 8 years old. By collecting age data from a subsample of captured fish, biologists can estimate the population's growth rate. Smallmouth Bass collected from Crooked Creek in 2025 ranged from one to nine years old, which is typical for stream-dwelling Smallmouth Bass in Arkansas. Growth analysis revealed that these fish take just under five years on average to reach 14 inches. This growth rate, combined with relative abundance estimates, indicates a healthy and well-balanced population in the creek. Age data also provides insights into mortality and harvest rates. Moderate harvesting within a population can enhance fish growth by decreasing competition for food and space. However, excessive harvesting can lead to population depletion. On the other hand, insufficient harvesting may lead to overcrowding, resulting in stunted or slow growth. The 2025 sampling revealed relatively low mortality rates for Crooked Creek Smallmouth Bass. Additionally, a 2019-2020 angler reward-tag study showed very low harvest rates, with the majority of fish dying from natural causes rather than angling. Compared to previous studies on Crooked Creek, current growth and mortality rates closely match those recorded in 2009, indicating that growth and mortality have been fairly stable over the last 16 years. While growth rates have increased slightly since 1993, mortality rates have decreased significantly. This is likely due to reduced harvest rates in 2009-2025 compared to the 1990s. By analyzing growth and mortality rates, biologists can evaluate and establish effective harvest regulations. Crooked Creek is currently managed under a 14-inch minimum length limit and a daily creel limit of two fish, with the exception of the Fred Berry Nature Center catch-and-release area (see fishing regulations). Recent research shows these regulations are working well to prevent overharvest while still promoting healthy fish growth. Biologists have routinely sampled Crooked Creek using electrofishing equipment since the 1980s and will continue monitoring the population to ensure this incredible Smallmouth Bass fishery remains available for future generations. For more information on recent Crooked Creek research, we encourage you to check out this recent publication on fishing effort and harvest of Smallmouth Bass in Crooked Creek. Twitter Facebook Instagram Fishbrain

It's crazy, flood watches are out for tomorrow. 2-4 inches in the forecast.

What in tarnation?? I have never caught a smallmouth even close to this color. Supposedly caught in Tennessee.

Been a lot of rain this weekend and it is still coming down. Unusual for this time of year.

It doesn't sound good, as it appears there is no easy fix. This is the hatchery that provides the fish for the White and Norfork tailwaters right? I believe Arkansas does stock some tout in those tailwaters, but it is not comparable to what the feds stock.

Lots of forage is a good thing. Yeti Big Bass deal is next weekend, might be a few boats out there.

Bigguns they are in that lake.

The first Jigfest I went to, you and Rick had some hilarious back and forth banter. I remember when Rick was scooting across the floor in his chair and you asked him - "Is that your walker?". One of those you had to be there deals, but it was hilarious and I'll always remember it when I see you two together.

I want to get over to that gill spot in Eagle Rock, maybe next week. Good luck with the bass!

That's what my Tennessee uncle calls them. He used to fish for them at Tunica Cutoff over in Mississippi every spring. They would dab crickets around cypress stumps. They would run in the 1-2 lb. range. That fishery was ruined by Asian carp. We've got some good ones here in Bella Vista. Here's one Ham caught a few years ago.

If it comes together, I would be happy to mail you one. Not seeing much demand so far.

Those cutts are beauts!

Wow, nice! That one in the 2nd pic looks like a redear.

I did talk a bit to one of the reps at a custom T place. I am thinking of going with a long sleeve, and there are options. Personally, I am leaning towards a performance long sleeve, UPF 50 type deal. A good shirt to wear in the summer while fishing. I'd put the Rileys logo on it, and an Ozark Anglers logo. Something Like "Ozark Anglers - Jigfest XII" on the back. Have text like "Buffalo City" on one sleeve and "Arkansas" on the other. Probably going to run around $25-$30 per shirt. Depends on volume, we would need at least 10. There are less expensive options if using cotton for the shirt. Something high viz too, so you can spot the other guys even if they are 3 miles up the river.

Cool, if not there are places on the web where you can design them and order them. I don't mind doing it if you guys are interested, but don't want to get in the way of your wife if she wants to.

Yeah I used to bushwhack into some small streams when I lived in WA. In some cases I doubt those fish ever saw a fisherman. As noted above you had to be stealthy, but if they didn't know you there they would just launch themselves after a fly. No casting was needed, you could use a cane pole if you wanted. In those tiny streams that in some places you could step across, a 10" trout was a giant.

I think I'll go, assuming no snow/ice on the roads. I have a bunch of jigs I need to put to work. What Jigfest # is this? Has to be something in the 10-12 range. Are you guys interested in a commemorative T-shirt? I think it can be done.