Thread: Midway and Horseshoe Crappie (pics)

Is that the only ramp on Horseshoe? I was planning on going over there in about 2 weeks during my spring break.

Well, there is another ramp on the eastern side of the lake called Camp Karefree. I'm not for sure, but I seriously doubt if there is even water standing on that end of the lake. The ramp on the western side of the lake is manageable, just be very slow backing into the water.

I know what you mean about the ramps over in that area. There are some good places to fish like Dacus, Horseshoe, Midway, and Island 40 Chute. When fishing over there I was never able to find a place to put a boat in that didn't charge $5 or $6 dollars, and then when you put your boat in at places like Island 40 the trailer would fall off in a pothole. Maybe I'm just cheap but I don't know of any other places in the state that charge to fish like that area.

good looking bunch of fish you got there ceb.

Lookin good Chris. I could not make myself put the boat in the water. Went to watch my daughter play soccer Sat. morning at Muray Park thinking I would drop the boat in the river afterward. My nuts were rattling too much. I am begining to think that you are one of those people I see crappie fishing when I used to duck hunt. Both thinking the other is crazy for being out in that kind of weather.

Originally Posted by Helmslaw

Lookin good Chris. I could not make myself put the boat in the water. Went to watch my daughter play soccer Sat. morning at Muray Park thinking I would drop the boat in the river afterward. My nuts were rattling too much. I am begining to think that you are one of those people I see crappie fishing when I used to duck hunt. Both thinking the other is crazy for being out in that kind of weather.

You're thinkin' right, Mike. I'm that dude that's out there crappie fishing on the coldest nastiest days, and there's nothing that I would rather be doing. There is some hot crappie fishing to be had on those days...

Here's my chain set-up. It was inspired by Steve (BamaFan) from the LA board. It is a great thing to have in winds above 10mph or on any open water. I used my chain on Saturday in wind gusts topping 30mph, and was able to stay on the lake catching fish after fish while most folks had to pack it up. It is a simple set-up...I use a shackle to connect varying lengths of chain. I have a 2.5' and a 3' chain, but plan to get some smaller lengths as well. Using the shackle, you can adjust the drifting speed by adding/removing pieces of chain. I tie a loop knot in the anchor rope and hang it over the motor cowling. Keeping it off the dead center of the back helps keep it trimmed up more and in a straight line with the wave action. This rig really shines on shallower lakes with mud bottoms either clean or stumpy bottom.

Yes, Kamp Karefree landing is dry. The son-in-law and I drove over there first Saturday, but wound up at Streif's. Yes CEB, we were out there in the wind too! Found one pier where we caught about a dozen in 15' on the bottom, and another pier we caught 3. I haven't caught on to the DEEP trolling like some of you guys were doing, but if I keep seeing those pics, I might be inclined to try! I need somebody to give me some lessons on reading my depth finder. I just can't seem to understand where everything is. Most of my fishing is in shallow water, but if I could figure that thing out, I might try more of the deep stuff. But 25'???

What kind of depthfinder do you have, polebender? The fish were in 21-24' of water. Straight out from that house and dock with the red standing seam metal roof. If you have any questions about the slo-trolling method, we'll be more than happy to help you get set-up...

Good job Chris. We are heading down to Greeson this year and staying in Jerry Blakes RV. Really looking forward to another Arkansas adventure. Good to hear Midway filled back up...it was pretty skinny water last year at this time. The Horseshoe water level problem I assume is due to the fact the river doesnt get into it? Is it just rain and run off that keep it full? I know Ive been reading about how low it is for along time now.