Lake Ft Smith (Ark) info

[Phil Lilley]

Headed there with the family this week.  Not sure how much fishing we'll do but probably will go blue gill fishing with the kids.

Anyone fish it?

[Quillback]

Once, about 7 or 8 years ago.  Caught some spotted bass on worms.

Beautiful lake, bluffs on one side with lots of timber, other side the banks aren't as steep.  I would think the gill fishing should be good.  

[Phil Lilley]

[Phil Lilley]

This place is a real gem.  Beautiful lake, great amenities and very good rates for what you get.

The lake is full of structure - cedar trees dot the shores.  Both steep and shallow banks.   Info says it has gizzard shad but no mention of threadfins.  No crawfish... my   son in law set traps and didn't come up with anything.

We found brush piles and cedars with fish but couldn't get them to bite very well.  Did catch blue gill, small spots and a few nice crappie.  Tried to buy minnows but everyone was out.

Had the lake to ourselves Wednesday and Thursday and most of Friday... that was crazy.  No structures in view on the lake except the park/put-in... only trees and the Boston Mountains.

The cabins we stayed in were awesome.  2-bedroom 2-bath, big roomy great room with kitchen.  We're booking 4 cabins next fall for a week - at least.  $150 a night - can't beat it.

The lodges were closed due to Covid... so the  whole park was pretty quiet.  The campground was busy but it was on the other side of  the visitor's center.

Hardly any birds in the woods around the cabins... that was strange.   Lots of deer.

[Quillback]

I need to fish it more, bit of a drive for me and it's all on I-49 through the traffic.  

AGFC has stocked walleye fingerlings in there, they were doing about 5,000 per year.  Probably not a lot of them have survived into adulthood, but there could be some good ones in there.