Cricket Creek Goggle eye

[Devan S.]

Does anyone have an tips or information on Goggle eye? I'm specifically looking in the Cricket Creek area and need to stay south of the MO/ARK line. I never really see anything posted from that area and could go catch them about mid-lake if I want too but I need to be in Arkansas. 

I really just need confirmation that finding big ones in that area is possible before I drive the hour plus over three or 4 times looking for them. 

[FishnDave]

Is there a good story about your banishment from Missouri? 😜

[Bill Babler]

Devan. CC is not a good place for Gog’s. I’m going to say old 86 C. Ground to point 9 on the White River. I will tell you it has NOT been a good year for Goggle Eye and this has been discussed here on the forum at great length.

On a brighter note I did get all over them a couple of days ago on the flat across from Big Creek, which is notably up stream from where I mentioned as a cut off. 

I think I had 9 and was not targeting them in the least. I was fishing a split-shot rig with a 4 inch Yamamoto slim senko for bass. 

They were huge and I tossed them all back.  Full of eggs and I believe they were spawning on that flat.   Perhaps the Gog’s are just running late as the water is still mid  60’s.  

They were in the 12’ to 18’ depth range mixed in with the spotted bass. 

On another note, yesterday we caught spotted bass that were spawning up the Janes 8’ to 15’. Full of eggs with red tails and extended business. We were on a flat that was just covered with them, so they are still actively at work.

And if you can go anywhere THIS year and catch them you are the man,  as THIS year they have been EXTREMELY scarce. 

Good Luck. 




 

[Devan S.]

Unfortunately no. 

I'm just looking for an Arkansas Master Angler in the Bream category. I know I've caught several good goggle eye in Table Rock over the years but they are almost always mid-lake area. They get far bigger on average in the lake than rivers where its more a needle in a haystack. 

[Devan S.]

Thanks Bill. I may just stick to the rivers when they come down a bit. 

I knew it was a long shot.

[FishnDave]

@Devan S. Good luck in your quest! 👍

Interesting program.  I'm surprised the AR program doesn't have qualifying lengths, along with the qualifying weights (like many other states do).  I carry a tape measure, but not a scale.  Fish weights can vary considerably by season and most recent meal.  Lengths generally only go one direction in a fish's lifetime.  

[Devan S.]

In my discussions with the AGFC, its fairly loose requirement and ultimately up to their fisheries biologist. I know they will accept length only measurements as well just not published so I wouldn't be afraid of submitting a fish on length alone using best judgement.

Of course I carry a scale and tape measure and have most of my nets measured for quick checks. 

[TableRockBoater]

Except for this year, I always have goggle-eye on my brush piles off my dock this time of year. I have always had success with a pumpkin seed double tail grub, both here and on the Eleven Point River.  My BIL lives on the Eleven Point, so he knows everything there is to know about it, but he couldn't believe how they kept hitting that grub.