Fyi Smallmouth Stocking

[Dan Kreher]

I'd like to see a catch and release only policy for smallies established for at least 10 or 20 miles of at least one of our streams in AR. That would surely grow some big ones. If you're not into releasing, then you can fish somewheres else.

Arkansas also sure could use some of your "Help Create World Class Smallmouth Fishing" informational signs to be posted at accesses.

Lack of information (ignorance) in my opinion is the biggest problem concerning stream conservation around here.

Perhaps MSA can get a similar program going in Arkansas. I know AG&F would be receptive based on my past dealings with them. But, we as yet lack an official Arkansas Smallmouth Alliance to get the local Arkansas tie in. I'm sure it would sell better if we had an actual Arkansas group. Some attempts in past but no one has really taken the ball on that initiative.

Perhaps I'll once again direct some attention to getting that elusive Arkansas Alliance chapter started come this fall/winter. Missouri chapter will certainly provide lots of moral and some financial support as needed.

[creekin bassnerd]

Perhaps MSA can get a similar program going in Arkansas. I know AG&F would be receptive based on my past dealings with them. But, we as yet lack an official Arkansas Smallmouth Alliance to get the local Arkansas tie in. I'm sure it would sell better if we had an actual Arkansas group. Some attempts in past but no one has really taken the ball on that initiative.

Perhaps I'll once again direct some attention to getting that elusive Arkansas Alliance chapter started come this fall/winter. Missouri chapter will certainly provide lots of moral and some financial support as needed.

Dan, youre doing some noble work protecting our wild fishies that float thru the streams and I thank you for it. I hope AR can catch up with MO in the realm of resource conservation.

A simple informational sign posted at accesses would make a world of difference down here. I think there are few folks that will read it and wont care. Most folks that just don't have the information, reading a sign like that as they are putting in their boat, thinking about those facts while they are fishing. I just know they're gonna do the right thing, which in many cases I think could also spawn a curiosity to learn more.

[Creekfisher]

I don't know anything about fish stocking. So my question is: why is stocking smallmouth harmful? Thanks

[Dan Kreher]

Dan, youre doing some noble work protecting our wild fishies that float thru the streams and I thank you for it. I hope AR can catch up with MO in the realm of resource conservation.

A simple informational sign posted at accesses would make a world of difference down here. I think there are few folks that will read it and wont care. Most folks that just don't have the information, reading a sign like that as they are putting in their boat, thinking about those facts while they are fishing. I just know they're gonna do the right thing, which in many cases I think could also spawn a curiosity to learn more.

Probably putting the cart before the horse here, but what is the best reference you've found to locate public stream access points in Arkansas? I used to use a publication called the Arkansas Fishing Atlas that I picked up about 18 years ago at the Wal-Mart in Mountain Home. Still have it minus the cover. But, it's likely that there's been some accesses added and subtracted since then.

For Missouri, we use the MDC's online atlas to locate the MDC controlled access points, USFS and NPS publications for accesses they control and DNR publications for accesses in State Parks as well as the Paddling Missouri book by Oz Hawksley. How good are publications by AG&F on finding stream access points? Judging from Al/Mitch and Andy's recent trip, they had a bit of trouble locating a few of them.

If MSA or an Arkansas affiliate took on such a sign posting project someday, I'd like to have a good resource to determine the accesses to post, directions, maps, etc.

[creekin bassnerd]

what is the best reference you've found to locate public stream access points in Arkansas?

How good are publications by AG&F on finding stream access points?

I'm not sure what the best resource would be for all agfc stream accesses. Its probably a matter of compiling a master list from multiple sources as well. This may be a newer up to date version of the book you already have.

http://www.agfc.com/store/Pages/default.aspx?action=ShowDetails&itemId=10

A friend has told me that this book is a good source as well but may be outdated at this point.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0897325214/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d2_g14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0721J1DKGGRBBZR7KN5E&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

If anyone on here knows of any good sources for agfc stream access points, please post. thanks

[Dan Kreher]

I have the Whitewater book at provides some very good local knowledge but doesn't always distinguish between "official" access points and private/semi-private ones. Helpful but far from comprehensive in my opinion as it lists just whitewater sections mostly and only short stretches of many of the larger rivers.

I have the Gazetteer as well -- probably several years old by now. It certainly shows access points but does not usually give the actual name of the Access making it somewhat difficult to use for compiling a list of accesses, driving directions, etc.

Again, likely puting cart before the horse with regards to my original idea about getting a good comprehensive reference that lists / shows all public accesses on Arkansas several dozen larger SMB streams for purposes of 'someday' posting angler educational signage there similar to what MSA has done in Missouri.

But, as a map guy and planner of float trips in some, far off, distant time -- it's always good to have more materials at my disposal with which to concoct such plans -- much to my wife's dismay.

I'll put this on my list when speaking with AG&F fisheries guys later this summer. Yet another SMB related project to distract me from true responsibilities.

[Greasy B]

I don't know anything about fish stocking. So my question is: why is stocking smallmouth harmful? Thanks

A qualified person could give you a long list of reasons, I can only give you a couple. Each stream system has it's own native wild fish that has adapted to it's environment, when non native genetics found in a hatchery are introduced into a population it often replaces the native fish with fish that are not as well adapted, the result can be smaller, slower growing and shorter lived fish. This is what happened to native trout all across western America, the results have been the destruction of countless uniquely adapted fish populations. The disturbing part of this is that it was done by state and federal agencies. I don't think this this kind of wholesale destruction would take place with SMB but the there's little doubt nothing good will come from introducing non native genetics into native fish. Another reason is economics. It's been proven over and over that stocking fish into a stream that ready contains a reproducing population does not result in more or better fishing. A stream will only support so many fish of a given type based on habitat, spawning areas and food availability. When more fish are introduced than can be supported they generally perish, a waste of money. The fish hatchery industry has some how convinced the angling puplic that dumping more fish into a lake or stream automaticly results in better fishing, in reality that is only the case in unique circumstances where dams have ready eliminated native fish or in closed systems where fish don't have the ability to reproduce on their own or have the ability to escape.

[Wayne SW/MO]

For Missouri, we use the MDC's online atlas to locate the MDC controlled access points, USFS and NPS publications for accesses they control and DNR publications for accesses in State Parks as well as the Paddling Missouri book by Oz Hawksley.

Don't forget Chuck Tryon's book. Once in awhile there is a glitch in it, but nothing serious. It goes beyond the atlas when it comes to smallie water.