Crooked Creek fish sampling (again).

[Quillback]

Results from Crooked Creek Sampling According to early summer electrofishing surveys, Crooked Creek remains a premier Smallmouth Bass fishery in Arkansas. Numerous Smallmouth Bass were observed between 14 and 17 inches, with 41% of sampled fish exceeding 14 inches. The largest fish captured measured nearly 18 inches and was 8 years old. By collecting age data from a subsample of captured fish, biologists can estimate the population's growth rate. Smallmouth Bass collected from Crooked Creek in 2025 ranged from one to nine years old, which is typical for stream-dwelling Smallmouth Bass in Arkansas. Growth analysis revealed that these fish take just under five years on average to reach 14 inches. This growth rate, combined with relative abundance estimates, indicates a healthy and well-balanced population in the creek. Age data also provides insights into mortality and harvest rates. Moderate harvesting within a population can enhance fish growth by decreasing competition for food and space. However, excessive harvesting can lead to population depletion. On the other hand, insufficient harvesting may lead to overcrowding, resulting in stunted or slow growth. The 2025 sampling revealed relatively low mortality rates for Crooked Creek Smallmouth Bass. Additionally, a 2019-2020 angler reward-tag study showed very low harvest rates, with the majority of fish dying from natural causes rather than angling. Compared to previous studies on Crooked Creek, current growth and mortality rates closely match those recorded in 2009, indicating that growth and mortality have been fairly stable over the last 16 years. While growth rates have increased slightly since 1993, mortality rates have decreased significantly. This is likely due to reduced harvest rates in 2009-2025 compared to the 1990s. By analyzing growth and mortality rates, biologists can evaluate and establish effective harvest regulations. Crooked Creek is currently managed under a 14-inch minimum length limit and a daily creel limit of two fish, with the exception of the Fred Berry Nature Center catch-and-release area (see fishing regulations). Recent research shows these regulations are working well to prevent overharvest while still promoting healthy fish growth. Biologists have routinely sampled Crooked Creek using electrofishing equipment since the 1980s and will continue monitoring the population to ensure this incredible Smallmouth Bass fishery remains available for future generations. For more information on recent Crooked Creek research, we encourage you to check out this recent publication on fishing effort and harvest of Smallmouth Bass in Crooked Creek.

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[gotmuddy]

16 hours ago, Quillback said:

Results from Crooked Creek Sampling According to early summer electrofishing surveys, Crooked Creek remains a premier Smallmouth Bass fishery in Arkansas. Numerous Smallmouth Bass were observed between 14 and 17 inches, with 41% of sampled fish exceeding 14 inches. The largest fish captured measured nearly 18 inches and was 8 years old. By collecting age data from a subsample of captured fish, biologists can estimate the population's growth rate. Smallmouth Bass collected from Crooked Creek in 2025 ranged from one to nine years old, which is typical for stream-dwelling Smallmouth Bass in Arkansas. Growth analysis revealed that these fish take just under five years on average to reach 14 inches. This growth rate, combined with relative abundance estimates, indicates a healthy and well-balanced population in the creek. Age data also provides insights into mortality and harvest rates. Moderate harvesting within a population can enhance fish growth by decreasing competition for food and space. However, excessive harvesting can lead to population depletion. On the other hand, insufficient harvesting may lead to overcrowding, resulting in stunted or slow growth. The 2025 sampling revealed relatively low mortality rates for Crooked Creek Smallmouth Bass. Additionally, a 2019-2020 angler reward-tag study showed very low harvest rates, with the majority of fish dying from natural causes rather than angling. Compared to previous studies on Crooked Creek, current growth and mortality rates closely match those recorded in 2009, indicating that growth and mortality have been fairly stable over the last 16 years. While growth rates have increased slightly since 1993, mortality rates have decreased significantly. This is likely due to reduced harvest rates in 2009-2025 compared to the 1990s. By analyzing growth and mortality rates, biologists can evaluate and establish effective harvest regulations. Crooked Creek is currently managed under a 14-inch minimum length limit and a daily creel limit of two fish, with the exception of the Fred Berry Nature Center catch-and-release area (see fishing regulations). Recent research shows these regulations are working well to prevent overharvest while still promoting healthy fish growth. Biologists have routinely sampled Crooked Creek using electrofishing equipment since the 1980s and will continue monitoring the population to ensure this incredible Smallmouth Bass fishery remains available for future generations. For more information on recent Crooked Creek research, we encourage you to check out this recent publication on fishing effort and harvest of Smallmouth Bass in Crooked Creek.

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CC is a fickle body of water.  had this not been one of the wettest years on record They probably would have found a ton of skinny fish.  I am glad the fishery is doing well. anything that keeps pressure off my local river is good to me.

[Gavin]

It is the same as most others,  I can do better closer to home. No big deal, but I did see live turkey’s tossed from low flying aircraft in Yellville, AR 25 years ago. Not sure if that’s a thing anymore, 

[FishnDave]

18 hours ago, Gavin said:

It is the same as most others,  I can do better closer to home. No big deal, but I did see live turkey’s tossed from low flying aircraft in Yellville, AR 25 years ago. Not sure if that’s a thing anymore, 

[Gavin]

The Turkey Trot Festival used to be a big deal in Yellville. Turkey dinner at the high school, Miss Turkey legs. Bluegrass bands, cotton candy in one hand and a smoked Turkey leg in the other. Children all war painted up would chase down the live turkeys that fell from a low flying Cessna prop plane. The finder got the Turkey and the gift certs/coupons rubber banded to its leg. True story.