Fishing Floating Big Creek

[delta_queen]

We're growing gills waiting for the season to turn in our favor. Yesterday we walked around Big Creek Natural Area. The creek looks swift, floatable and fishable in many areas. Downright beautiful place. I have questions for this group:

1. Is there anywhere we can rent a canoe around Searcy, Pangburn, Heber? We will be buying one some day soon, but would like to rent in the interim.

2. Do any of you have an old canoe under your house that you might consider selling or leasing?

3. Have you floated the Big Creek? What about put ins/ take outs? Falls or dangerous areas to discuss?

4. Any fish stories?

5. How much does this creek disappear in the summer?

Thanks so much in advance for your help. Any input would be appreciated.

~Virginia

April 23, 2008 Trip Complete! Report below...

[RiverRunner]

I've been told that Big Creek gets very low in the summer and runs dry at times. I looked around up there near Wilburn oneday and really couldn't see any decent fish to speak of, but I did see some holes that looked like they might hold enough water year round. I know that when you cross it at McJester road, the creek is full of cypress trees. I don't know of any canoe rentals in this area.

[delta_queen]

Hi RiverRunner,

I also just looked in an AR Canoe forum and there are some reports of smallmouth on this creek. I am pretty sure we are going to float and fish it when the weather warms up and there is still enough water in it. It's a wild creek in our neighborhood .. gotta check it out first hand.

I'll report back here Perhaps someelse might still chime in here.

[delta_queen]

found this on the internet. I'm not the author, but thought I would post for the interest of the greater good

[Ten In]

We're growing gills waiting for the season to turn in our favor. Yesterday we walked around Big Creek Natural Area. The creek looks swift, floatable and fishable in many areas. Downright beautiful place. I have questions for this group:

1. Is there anywhere we can rent a canoe around Searcy, Pangburn, Heber? We will be buying one some day soon, but would like to rent in the interim.

2. Do any of you have an old canoe under your house that you might consider selling or leasing?

3. Have you floated the Big Creek? What about put ins/ take outs? Falls or dangerous areas to discuss?

4. Any fish stories?

5. How much does this creek disappear in the summer?

Thanks so much in advance for your help. Any input would be appreciated.

~Virginia

Virginia check with AAA Rent All in Searcy 268-7475...but if looking for used one to buy check with keith at the corner pawn shop hwy 36 west searcy 268-5003

[hoglaw]

I know that creek, or at least I think I do. There's a creek that comes in on the North side of the river between Pangburn and Ramsey. I've never floated it, but I've paddled up it while fishing the Red. It's always good for a few bass, pickrel, walleye, and crappie. Last time I was there, we got into a whole bunch of smallish crappie on a top right by the confluence. It gets shallow very quickly, and I've never been far up it. In fact, I think it looked dry last time I was there but I can't remember. If it's floatable, I'm sure there are fish in it that don't get any pressure. The LR is full of other species besides trout, and the creek is probably a good hangout for lots of them.

[delta_queen]

we went to the natural area yesterday and the day before; caught some red eyes, small smallies and a striped. (and brrrr, it was chilly) warming up though! Looks like canoe heaven right now that won't last much longer. Still haven't found a rental place, but certain I will find one. Bro will be joining us and we'll go on a weekend float/fish/camp.

Thanks for your help Ten In and Hog Law.

A small canoe outfitter is needed in this county IMHO.

[Ten In]

V.. did you try the places that I told you about with no luck? I just replied and it is up a bit..in this topic..your message is there also..did it wrong I guess.. the ph #'s are there also..look for the rolling eyed smile. 3rd message up.

[delta_queen]

V.. did you try the places that I told you about with no luck? I just replied and it is up a bit..in this topic..your message is there also..did it wrong I guess.. the ph #'s are there also..look for the rolling eyed smile. 3rd message up.

Yup. Tried both places with no luck. Thanks though. I found one outfitter on the lake that rents, but it's steep considering the drive and the fact we want to rent for 2 night/3 days.. Arkansas' state home page touts the LR as being a top canoe destination, but I'm getting the impression it's not. hmm. I'm daydreaming about opening a livery.

~V

[Ten In]

Put an add in the Searcy shopper and the Arkansas Dem Wanted used canoe...and your # That should work...you can do the Dem free online..the shopper charges I think! By the way if you see Bec and I on the river stop and talk! Name is on the boat....Yep you guess it!