Lake Erling and Lake Columbia

Hello folks. I used to post on the Louisiana forum but had to quit fishing a few years ago when the Lord moved us into a new ministry. So, when I quit fishing, I quit posting. However, I have recently moved to southwest Arkansas, just 15 miles south of Magnolia. Lake Erling and Lake Columbia are only 20-30 minutes away and I plan to start fishing again very soon. I'm not asking for anyone's hotspots or GPS coordinates, just some general information on these two lakes. Any information such as safety issues or information on boat launches will be greatly appreciated. I also look forward to meeting some of you out on the water. Anyone catching fish right now on these lakes. Winter is my favorite time to fish. Thanks, in advance, for your help.

A slave to the Master, Pastor.

Hey pastor welcome to Arkansas. I have only fished Lake Erling one time three or four years ago and we caught some nice sized fish. I have heard recently that the lake had become infected with Sylvania grass and in a effort to control that stuff they had lowered the water level quite a bit. However I think they are still catching fish there. I don't know how reliable it is but there is a weekly fishing report on the Arkansas game and fish website for Erling, Check it out. Again, welcome to Arkansas and glad you are able to start fishing again.

Glad to see you back pastor been wondering what became of you Lake Erling is on about 5.5 foot drawdown but the agred boat ramp is still usable and the fishing has been picking up i am still on walkers creek but my boat is in the garage boat house is high and dry but getting a few repairs done while lake is down beware of the stumps even in the boat roads they are really some tough ones out there and will destroy a lower unit.

The fish were starting to bite last week when it was warmer. If you go to Erling you will probably get the Salvinia weed on/ in your boat and gear. Not sure about Columbia.
Be careful, pull your plugs at the ramp on the way out.


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Almost forgot. Erling is going to have 10”” minimum length on crappie and limit of 15 per day. For 2023 . Not sure about Columbia. Check the regs close. Lots of changes.


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Thanks for all of the replies folks. A lot of useful information. However, fishing is going to have to wait a little longer; doctor says I need back surgery on February 21. I hope to see some of you on the water as soon as I can recover.