I’ve always caught small bass and catfish from some of the lakes but never seen any big crappie or bream. Does anyone have any knowledge of these places? I catch my small fish at Engineer Lake and Christmas Lake. I know Darby has some big fish in it but I’ve never fished it.
I can’t speak for those lakes since I’ve never fished them but I CAN say Vache Grass sucked today. Since I live in Fort Smith and didn’t have time to go to Blue Mountain, I figured I would try it. [emoji107]
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I live pretty close to Vache and I haven’t been there in years. It used to be really good crappie fishing.
I may have not had very good conditions. River was flooded two days prior and dropped quick. Plus the water was really muddy.Quote:
Originally Posted by ramboc
Hi all!
My wife and I are going to be camping this weekend at Springhill COE in Ft. Smith, and were thinking of taking our fishing gear. Where might be a good place to bank fish in the Ft. Smith/Van Buren area? crappie, bluegill, etc.
Jeff
You mean in Barling.. right outside of Fort Smith? People bank fish all down the bank of that park. There are places to fish backwater, which would be great for bluegill, and open river channel all through that park. I fished out of my boat for catfish there Saturday evening. The water was running a little faster than I was prepared for and we only ended up with three nice catfish.Quote:
Originally Posted by ruckmanite
Yes sir, right there in Barling....I was wondering if that backwater area there at the park would be good for fishing off the bank, we will give it a try! thanks!!
Jeff
Many years ago, I fished the lakes and ponds of Ft Chaffee, both east & west of Hwy 96. I can tell you for sure the best fishing was in ponds located within the impact area. As far as Engineer and Darby lakes are concerned, good fish can be found in both. On the western side of Darby, when you reach about 8’ of water, cast your jig towards the shallower water & you’ll find where the crappie are spawning. The game wardens used to sink Christmas trees and branches right in the middle of Engineer Lake - I had good luck about 10-12’ deep right above that cover.