Lake Wapanocca

[tommyboyrn]

Anyone ever fish this? Its managed by the USFWS and it shows to have a boat ramp but I have not heard much about it.

tommyboy

[fishingpox]

Last I heard the state had drained the lake. Though they have drained it many times. I'm sure the lake is closed for the winter. There is a boat ramp off Hwy.77 north here is a link you can check out. It was last updated in Sept. 08

Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

[tommyboyrn]

Thanks fishingpox,
the website said that the fisheries "have declined", so thats probably why we have not heard much about it......
Thanks for the information, I appreciate it
Tom

[MaggiesMaster]

I had heard they had restocked the lake last year, and was all hot to go. Called the refuge manager, and he said the extremely dry weather had lowered the lake so much that the herons had eaten all the fish and they were going to drain and restock it. Lost interest and haven't gotten any info. since.

This is a real shame, since the lake was one of the best fisheries in Eastern AR back in the early '80's.

[tommyboyrn]

I contacted the refuge manager and he gave this response

"The lake rehabilitation began in 2004 with restocking taking place in 2006. Unfortunately, drought conditions in 2007 caused low lake levels and many of the fish were lost. We did get the lake back to full pool in spring 2008 and a fish survey in summer 2008 showed some fish in the lake, but very few game fish and mostly rough fish. Currently, we are working to ensure more stable water levels in the lake at which time we will most likely restock"