Thread: Question for D10 (Matt)

Matt, been following a thread on fisherman's rights regarding docks, land, etc. Could you spread some light on Arkansas laws for all of us?

It all depends on who owns the lake. On AGFC lakes, there is a buffer zone (width is different from Lake to lake) that borders the lake that is public property and can be used by anyone as long as you do not trespass to get there. In other words, if you are at a public access, you can legally walk and fish the entire shoreline of the lake. Piers behind people's houses are private property and off limits to the public. Different rules may exists for lakes owned by other government agencies. Rivers and creeks are a whole different can of worms.

On lake Conway there are a lot of Docks I would not want to get onto any ways, they are pretty rotten and not safe if you hit them with a 3/8 ounce spinnerbait they shake. There are a lot of boat houses and Docks that are real eye sores LOL! I often think the fish are even afraid to hide underneath them.

Originally Posted by Lkconwayguru

On lake Conway there are a lot of Docks I would not want to get onto any ways, they are pretty rotten and not safe if you hit them with a 3/8 ounce spinnerbait they shake. There are a lot of boat houses and Docks that are real eye sores LOL! I often think the fish are even afraid to hide underneath them.

An eye sore is an uderstatement...
We hope to take care of as many of these as we can when we have a drawdown.

Grappling hook, steel cable and a jet boat. Clean sweep on the trashy docks

Chris

I'll drive!

If they are condemed , a match would be easiest. but dock owners not maintaining docks should lose permit and be charged to tear them down .

Originally Posted by NIMROD

If they are condemed , a match would be easiest. but dock owners not maintaining docks should lose permit and be charged to tear them down .

If it were only that easy.

Originally Posted by D10

If it were only that easy.

Don't they have to reapply for permit every few years or something ?

Originally Posted by NIMROD

Don't they have to reapply for permit every few years or something ?

They are supposed to renew their permit every year. Not too bad of a problem on Harris Brake and Overcup now. Conway is another story. Some structures have never been permited. My guess is that less than 25% have the current years permit. Might be much less. Unfortunately fisheries biologists do not have the power to enforce pier and boathouse violations.