Quillback

A couple of lakes here in Bella Vista have it. Loch Lomond, the biggest lake, I think around 700 acres, got it pretty bad a few years ago. Grew right up to the top of the water, but the lakes group runs mowers on it, kills it around docks, and introduced a bunch of grass carp. They over did it last year and just about wiped it out. However, the bass population exploded on Lomond. I was having great days fishing 1/4 oz kastmasters over the weeds, perfect size to imitate the small shad whose population also exploded. Very healthy fish in the 1-4 lb. range, a blast on spinning gear. And the best bite was in late August through September when all the other lakes around here are slow. Well last year wasn't so good once the milfoil was gone. Plus word got out and the pressure was unreal. Sure was a hoot while it lasted.

That's interesting that people are releasing them. Hopefully over time the other species will adjust to them and won't be such easy prey, because it doesn't sound like the snakeheads are going away or can be exterminated.

HAHA good one!

Never found any bones there. It was probably a village site where they lived as that whole area flooded annually in the spring. The mound is gone now, farmers in that area have manicured their land to where it is as flat as a pool table. Used to be quail on the farm that lived in the fence rows, but the fence rows are all gone too. My grandad had 200 acres, grew cotton and soybeans and made a good living doing so back in the 50's and 60's.

I remember that Blackwater being mentioned and the article said pretty much what you are saying - to get to the good snakehead fishing you needed a kayak. Didn't realize fishing for them had gotten popular, but makes sense, they fight hard and are good eating.

Not a big trout fan myself from an eating standpoint. As far as baked, I would cut up lemons and onions, put into the body cavity (whole trout, gutted with head on), put some butter pats on one side with some more lemon and onion slices, then sprinkle some paprika on it. Wrap it up in aluminum foil, bake at 450 until done, might take 20-30 minutes. You can also put them on charcoal or on a campfire and cook them that way. If you leave the head on, when done you can scrape the meat off one side, then lift out all the bones in one piece by lifting the head and pulling them out.

I recently saw or read something about snakehead fishing in that area and they mentioned some places on the eastern shore that were pretty good fishing for them, dang it wish I could remember where I saw it. Anyway it sounded like they might be worth chasing and provide some good eating material.

I agree. Just doesn't seem to be taking hold on Beaver.

My grandad has a farm in SE MO that had an Indian mound on it. The mound wasn't high, kind of a rise in the ground. Used to pick up broken arrowheads there when I was a kid. My uncle, when he was a kid, picked up a shoe box full of nice points, when he went off to college my grandma tossed them. She was a practical woman, those points were just junk to her. My uncle never forgave her for that. 😄 Found a few broken ones here and there while chukar hunting in Washington. Also found a few places where they flaked points - flakes and chips all over the place but no points.

The slime is showing up on the lower end of Beaver too. Water is real clear this year. Also getting some milfoil, the milfoil doesn't seem to do to well, it's been around for a few years but it has been pretty sparse.

Wishful thinking on my part.

Yeah, my biggest expense would be gas money to drive up there. Have to have some huge deals on stuff I want for it to be worthwhile. Shimano Stellas for $50 or something like that. 😃

Thanks Bill, that does help.

Nice fish! How clear is the water where you are fishing? I might try and get over to Beaver soon, clarity by the dam is pretty good, you can see bottom in 20 FOW. Mainly I am wondering if the colors you are fishing with were getting them in clear water.

Cool - I'd really like to know what you think of it once you've gone.

Just stumbled across this today. There are some seminars I would like to see, just wish it was closer. Would like to know what some of the sales are, hate to go up there and see a bunch of stuff that I don't want. If anyone goes first day, I would like to hear what they have on sale. https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/worlds-fishing-fair-fishing-events

Happy Birthday Snagged!

Grand gets beat pretty good too.

That is a great day!

That would be awesome if you and your better half can make it next time.

I noticed the appearance and grain of the wood was different this year. It makes for a very nice plaque.

That is a Mongo! Congrats!

We missed you, had someone ask "Where's Daryk"? Certainly Disney World with the family has priority.

A great day to fish, a bit cold early but things warmed up and it was a nice day for mid-March. JayBill defended his title and took another plaque home with a 3.65 largemouth. Runner up was Louisiana Boy with a 2.8 largemouth. The guys reported good numbers of fish caught on Rock Crawlers, jerk baits, jigs and the Ned rig. Lots of fishermen out on the lake. Someone asked me how many of these have we done, and this was #7 with one year cancelled due to COVID. If you haven't attended one of these, come on out next year, we need some more people to help us eat all the cookies and brownies, we sure had a lot left over! Some great Jalapeno dip too. We raised $160 for CAM, that will buy quite a bit of food, thanks guys! Runner up: The winner!