Lake Bailey at Petite Jean State Park

[drummer11674]

Hello fellow fishermen. I am writing this from Shreveport, La. My wife and I are going to Petite Jean state park this weekend, and I was thinking about bringing my boat and try a little fishing on Lake Bailey. I really can't find any kind of fishing reports on the net, so I was trying to find out any info on this lake from the Arkansas forum. I would love to find some crappie hot spots or some bass spawning spots. Any information would be greatly appreciated. The crappie fishing has been pretty hot around here lately, so I am hoping to find the same thing up there! Hope everyone is having a great week.

Kevin
drummer11674

[NIMROD]

I hear it is a good lake but no new reports. I think it's electric motors only so I'd check first. Good luck.

[$hane Ghent]

There are a couple of fishing holes there but I believe Ca is correct!

[jt1970]

According to their website, you can use an outboard, but they have a 10hp limit. I was looking up the info myself cause I was planning a trip there. I love staying there. I usually get one of the cabins. BTW, try the chicken fried steak at the restaurant there. It's the best I ever had. I've only fished from the pier there, so don't know much about the lake.

Arkansas hiking trails and Arkansas waterfalls at Petit Jean

edit - I just remembered something. The bait shop don't open until Memorial day I think. There's a little country gift shop back toward Morrilton from the park that sells red worms for bream fishing, but if you want something like minners, you'll have to plan ahead. I know there are bait shops within about 5 miles at both Lake Overcup put-ins (highway 9 and I think 89), but not sure about anything closer. But do stop at that little shop and sample some of the fudge they sell.

[drummer11674]

I looked at their website, and they said nothing bigger than a 10 hp. motor. I have a 9.9, so I am good on that, just hope I can find some good spots when I get there.

[drummer11674]

According to their website, you can use an outboard, but they have a 10hp limit. I was looking up the info myself cause I was planning a trip there. I love staying there. I usually get one of the cabins. BTW, try the chicken fried steak at the restaurant there. It's the best I ever had. I've only fished from the pier there, so don't know much about the lake.

Arkansas hiking trails and Arkansas waterfalls at Petit Jean

JT, this will be our second visit to the park. We went about 4 years ago and I remember how beautiful it was. The cabin was great. We didn't eat at the restaurant last time, but are planning to this time, so I might have to try the chicken fried steak. If I can't find any info on the crappie, I might stick with pockets and coves and try to get some spawning bass. I have had success with that on Toledo Bend lately.

[jt1970]

Good deal. Let us know if you find 'em. I don't claim to be good at fishing, but I'm am most excellent at relaxin, and that's a good place to do it. I think Arkansas charges too much for their fees at state parks (I think it should be more accessible--at least for the camp spots), but honestly, the cabins are pretty reasonable.

[drummer11674]

Will do. I enjoyed the cabin we stayed in last time. We were going to bring our dogs this time, but they wanted $40 per dog for them to stay. That is a little much for me, especially since my wife's dog only weighs 3 lbs! I am excited about hiking as well, we saw some awesome scenery last time. Of course, I would be content sitting on the porch and relaxing!

[constructskeeter]

We have a 4LB Yorkie and a 7LB poodle so I know what you mean about the dog issues but they are like kids to us. Me and my wife wanted to go up there for our anniversary last time but they were closed due to renovation so we hit Branson again with hopes of going once it opened back up.

[drummer11674]

We have a 4LB Yorkie and a 7LB poodle so I know what you mean about the dog issues but they are like kids to us. Me and my wife wanted to go up there for our anniversary last time but they were closed due to renovation so we hit Branson again with hopes of going once it opened back up.

Tomorrow is our anniversary, so that is why we are heading there this weekend. I was in the hospital due to an emergency appendectamy last year on our anniversary, so this one HAS to be better! haha We have a 3 lb. chorkie, and I think she would love it up there. I also have a larger pound puppy who loves to walk, so I know she would love it. Oh well, maybe next visit.