Hot Springs

[Tbone]

The rainbow trout are biting below Carpenter Dam at Hot Springs, Ark. I went today and caught/released 44 with my fly rod. Quite a few other people were catching them as well. The dam has been in a pattern of shutting off the water release from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., which allows for both bank fishing and wading.

["D"]

Now that sounds like a ton of fun. Way to go! You read this Randy?

[Tracker123]

I sure did Danny. I fish around Hot Springs every Fall for crappie and stripers. The stripers there are HUGE. Lake recored is 53 pounds. Haven't tried below the dams for trout yet though, probably because I don't know how - I am assuming they don't bite shiners . Sounds like big fun. Tbone, is the Carpenter dam between Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine, or between Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita? Beautiful country. The two things I found interesting there - they sell their minnows in three different sizes (which confused me the first time I went), and all the stores I went to don't sell beer in a 24 can case. Only in 30 can cases, which I didn't mind.

[Tbone]

Randy, Carpenter Dam holds Lake Hamilton. When you fish below it you technically are fishing Lake Catherine. Most people who fish from the bank fish on the bottom like they would for catfish or under a cork. They use Berkley Power baits, small marshmallows, or red worms. You can also use a spinning rig and throw Rapalas or other type baits. Or you can use a fly rod. I was using a fly called a "Long Creek" that you can order here <http://www.littlemissouriflyfishing.com/>

I read where the walleye should be moving up towards the dam within the next couple of weeks but I've never fished for them.

By the way, when did you attend A&M? I got my graduate degree there back in the day.

["D"]

Randy,Tbone I'ved also fished a little north of there on the White River.(Cotter, Ar.) Same methods as above. To fish the bottom I rigged carolina stlye with a 1/8 or 1/4 wt. and a leader of 4lb test. You can also bait with corn straight from the can or roll some cheddar into little balls. The power baits are good. I've thrown the rapala's in a broken back, baby trout color and small(tiny)spoons. Last time I went I bought a new fly reel and put $55 worth of string on it, then didn't even try it. Also, the lakes have pretty good bass fishing if you bring your boat.

[Tracker123]

By the way, when did you attend A&M? I got my graduate degree there back in the day.

I graduated in 1986. I was there nine years though going to school part time, working full time as a roughneck paying my dues and bills. Caught my share of white bass in Lake Somerville!

Danny, Tbone - would love to learn how to fish for those trout. Yes, I pull my boat there just because. Here's where we stay:

Lake Hamilton

Nice cabins in the woods, boat ramp, and slips. Very close to Hot Springs. The owner Skip and his wife are excellent people. We normally go during the early fall just to get away. If you want to meet up there, let me know.

[Tbone]

We didn't miss each other by too much. I finished in 1983 in History. I tried the white perch in Somerville a few times around a marina but never had much luck. Did better night fishing for bass on Lake Conroe and catfishing on the Navasota River.