Newbie To Crooked Creek

[24KGold]

Hey guys, I've lived in NW Arkansas most of my life and have never fished Crooked Creek. I love Smallie fishing and fish the Buffalo and Kings quite a bit. I was wondering where Kelly slab is and where to park to put in and take out in that area. Also, I was wondering if the last 6.5 miles from the bridge to the white river is a good section and if so, where to take out on the White, if that's possible before Buffalo city.

Any specific information about what roads to take for the put ins and take outs would be great. I would really like to finally try Crooked Creek this year, possibly even do an overnighter. Thanks for your help.

Terry

"Catch and release Smallies, and go barbless too."

[hoglaw]

Terry:

Floating to the White River is not an option unless you like carrying canoes for extremely long distances through willow thickets. Kelly's slab is right off of 62/412 (I forget what it's called there). It's well marked with AGFC signs. If you wind up in downtown Yellville, you've gone too far. From the slab to Yellville is the most popular float. It's easy and has good access. Other than that, the access gets trickier and the floats get longer, especially with low water. There are a few good threads in the crooked creek section. I suggest checking out those for the other floats.

[Crooked Creek Angler]

Terry,

Floating the last 6.5 miles is not a big problem if the water is right. I've done it many times. There may be a few tricky places here and there with downed trees and such, but it's definitely doable with only minimal dragging. There is a new AGFC access for the lower end of Crooked Creek a few miles off of Hwy. 101, (turn left and follow the signs before you get the the bridge). You can take out at the White river,Ranchette access also off Hwy. 101, which is only about 2 miles below the mouth of Crooked Creek. A great way to enjoy a little bass fishing and trout fishing in the same trip.

However, the lower end is much different from the upper. The predominant fish is the largemouth although there are a few good smallies here and there.

In the summertime the lower end turns into a series of pools separated by sometimes hundreds of yards of a mere trickle filled with weeds and cottonmouths. I would not recommend this float during low water.

I would bet that the floating would be good right now though. I'd recommend taking at least one baitcaster with a big spinnerbait and heavy line to fish some for the heavy largemouth that live there.

Good luck,

Dan

[hoglaw]

Dan's got more experience on the lower end than me. My warning comes from just a single trip during the low water of the summer, so take that for what it's worth.

[Danoinark]

The county road that goes to Kelly's Slab is across the highway (62/412) from the Marion County Sheriff's Department access road.

Dano