Ouachita Survey...of sorts...

[Arkie John]

All you folks that fish Ouachita, in your opinion, what creeks are the best producers in the fall and in the spring?

In particular, what do you think of Pollard Creek and the creeks of the Crystal chute? Never fished Pollard myself but I was doing a map recon last night and it really looks like it could be a crappie magnet. And...I know the points along the chute are good for walleyes and it only seems the specks would be suspending there just prior to the spawn and the fall feed.

Out of pure habit, I've most always fished the north bank.....way up in the big creeks (the Blakelys, Cedar Fouche etc) but never have concentrated on the south shore or to the west. Any advice will be appreciated. I'm tryin' to save fuel and fish more locally if the crappie fishin is anywhere near what it is in Cedar Fouche etc. (I live 15 miles south of Crystal)

Some say, "The grass is always greener on the other side." But what say ye? <><

aj

[10fish]

Where is the most submerged cover in the lake? I have heard that the cedar fouche area has alot of deep submerged cover. Do you know if this is true?

[Arkie John]

Geeezee, I dunno. I have not fished Cedar Fouche in many, many years. But I was talkin to my brother yesterday while puttin' out some tops, and he wants to make a trek up there this spring.

Our Daddy once took us up to Cedar Fouche with regularity but that was a long, long time ago when there was still LIVE cedar protruding from the water!! I wish, as a little kid, that I had paid better attention to where Daddy fished and just how he did it.

I know that Ouachita is a different lake now than it was in the 50's and 60's but I reallly wish I had taken better note and I wouldn't be struggling with the lake now.

Because I live 15 miles from Crystal Springs, I have concentrated on the souht side of the lake. The gasoline crunch has hit us all. I know of people who once just ran the lake in a day's time looking for fish, but not anymore. Going from the Blakelys to Denby is just out of the question for most folks now.

The lake is changing complexion for many reasons, but the fact that gas prices are so high forces local fishermen to fish local. Well, in the more populated areas the fish are thinned out quicker nowadays than ever before because of that fact. So, we have to monitor the situation and adjust our tactics. I reckon that a trip or three may be in order to Irons Fork or Cedar Fouche area. I just have not fished those areas since I was a young lad (I am 60 now) and I don't know where to begin/ So, any assist will be appreciated. <><

aj

[winghunting]

Arkie.....Wish I could help you out some, but I don't think I can. I fish over there some during the spring. My dad has a place at Shangri La, and he fishes over there alot. He cannot seem to do real well during the summer months for some reason. He catches them well in the spring and the fall. There is a guy that has a place down from my dads that can catch them every day of the year, but he won't divulge his secrets (believe me, I have tried). We sunk alot of christmas trees in the years past in places, but now just seem to fish drop offs, moss flats, and structure that we have found.

[DRPEPPER]

The Crystal Springs area is the only area I really know on Ouachita. My only experience fishing there is late Spring to late Summer. I can catch a few crappie on the west side of the submerged island just past #9 and #10. They are usually about 200 yards just to the right of the west bouy. Most of my experience has been with the bull bream. I catch them with roostertails in the spring off of their beds. In the heat of the summer, I fish the outside of the grass right where I can see it starting on my graph in 18' to 22' of water.
DP

[Arkie John]

The Crystal Springs area is the only area I really know on Ouachita. My only experience fishing there is late Spring to late Summer. I can catch a few crappie on the west side of the submerged island just past #9 and #10. They are usually about 200 yards just to the right of the west bouy. Most of my experience has been with the bull bream. I catch them with roostertails in the spring off of their beds. In the heat of the summer, I fish the outside of the grass right where I can see it starting on my graph in 18' to 22' of water.
DP

One day I might be able to put it all together but as for now, I'm glad I don't have to depend upon my Ouachita creel to live on!

I have chalked up fishing for a while and am now placing a few tops until the water gets cooler.

Last Saturday we did catch some bass off the points in the Twin Creeks area after we placed a few tops. They were much fun on ultralights...all short.

The reason those old men catch fish consistently is because the have been at it so long. Maybe I can join their ranks one day, should I live so long.

Taking the granddaughter (11 years) this week-end and maybe she will be able to catch herself some deep-water bream.

Thanks for posting. <><

[Arkie John]

Arkie.....Wish I could help you out some, but I don't think I can. I fish over there some during the spring. My dad has a place at Shangri La, and he fishes over there alot. He cannot seem to do real well during the summer months for some reason. He catches them well in the spring and the fall. There is a guy that has a place down from my dads that can catch them every day of the year, but he won't divulge his secrets (believe me, I have tried). We sunk alot of christmas trees in the years past in places, but now just seem to fish drop offs, moss flats, and structure that we have found.

I'm on the waiting list to get a boat slip at Shangri-la and at Crystal Springs. I like the water over in that area because it is diverse. A guy can fish pretty much, the whole west end of the lake from there with no problem.

Man, I'd like to find a year-round honey hole or two on that lake. The lake consumes a lot of my time already. This fall I will be fishin' and bow huntin' turkeys when I need to get out of the boat and stretch donchaknow.

Thanks for posting. All help appreciated. <><

aj

[winghunting]

Arkie.....My dad has a slip at Shangri-La. I will tell him to keep an eye out for you. There are some really good folks that stay in those trailers over there next dads. I mainly fish the lake in the spring and usually do pretty good. I also chase those turkey's quite alot. Matter of fact, one of my main crappie spots is also a good place to hear a turkey gobble in the morning time. I did seem to find me a good turkey hunting area last year that I heard a bunch of turkeys in. I sure would like to ease over there this fall and stick one with my bow also.

[Arkie John]

Arkie.....My dad has a slip at Shangri-La. I will tell him to keep an eye out for you. There are some really good folks that stay in those trailers over there next dads. I mainly fish the lake in the spring and usually do pretty good. I also chase those turkey's quite alot. Matter of fact, one of my main crappie spots is also a good place to hear a turkey gobble in the morning time. I did seem to find me a good turkey hunting area last year that I heard a bunch of turkeys in. I sure would like to ease over there this fall and stick one with my bow also.

Well, maybe some day we can get together and double team-'em -- the crappies AND the toms. I strictly bow hunt and I can't seem to find the time to do both as much as I want, so I do what I can.

I will be buying my boat in October and maybe by then I will be able to find a slip over there at Shanglri-La. It'd be nice meetin' your Dad some day. I'll bet he's got some stories to tell!

Blessin's to you and yours and keep in touch! <><

aj