Greers Ferry Nursery Pond Outflow Cove

This morning we were assessing the size and condition of the walleye crop in the nursery pond (we released them this weekend). After the work was done, my buddy Matt and I fished the cove that the outflow pipe flows from the nursery pond to the lake. We caught 34 hybrids ranging from 5 to 8 pounds. Man that is a serious fight with light weight tackle. After we had our fill of hybrids, we managed to catch a couple crappie in the cove as well. Then it was back to work.
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Nice fish! They look bigger than 8 lbs.

We didn't have a scale. I was just estimating. I should have said 10 to 15 pounds! That sounds better.

Dude, you got that longarmin down!! WTG on the Hybrids and Crappie. I bet that was a fun fight.

Sweet!

Nice crappie! I'd hate to get one of those hybrids on my trolling poles!

I can guess where the fish from the nursery pond went! Nice catch by the way.

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Originally Posted by NIMROD

I can guess where the fish from the nursery pond went! Nice catch by the way.

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Yeah. We put around 200 Christmas trees in the cove this past winter, in an attempt to provide cover for whatever we release from the NP. I don't think it was enough. We will need to bring in some serious trees to provide enough cover.for.the young fish to escape predators.

I hope you did not put those nasty things back in the lake.

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Originally Posted by creekslick

I hope you did not put those nasty things back in the lake.

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I know that a lot of people don't like hybrids, but man they are fun to catch. Pound for pound they have got to be one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish. Also I don't personally eat hybrid, so yes we threw them back. I know a lot of people just kill them when they catch one. I am not down with that. Plus if I was and I did it, I would be breaking a law and could lose my job. We will begin monitoring hybrid populations this fall / winter to get a better handle on the population. Hopefully after a couple of years of data we can effectively evaluate stocking numbers on the lake.

Nice fish. We got on some hybrids that weren't that big last year. They were fun on our crappie gear. I sure wouldn't want a big one on my stuff.

Beautiful Fish...Good Job.

I grill them over charcoal with garlic butter. They are really good!!!!!

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Originally Posted by D10

I know that a lot of people don't like hybrids, but man they are fun to catch. Pound for pound they have got to be one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish. Also I don't personally eat hybrid, so yes we threw them back. I know a lot of people just kill them when they catch one. I am not down with that. Plus if I was and I did it, I would be breaking a law and could lose my job. We will begin monitoring hybrid populations this fall / winter to get a better handle on the population. Hopefully after a couple of years of data we can effectively evaluate stocking numbers on the lake.

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Originally Posted by D10

I know that a lot of people don't like hybrids, but man they are fun to catch. Pound for pound they have got to be one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish. Also I don't personally eat hybrid, so yes we threw them back. I know a lot of people just kill them when they catch one. I am not down with that. Plus if I was and I did it, I would be breaking a law and could lose my job. We will begin monitoring hybrid populations this fall / winter to get a better handle on the population. Hopefully after a couple of years of data we can effectively evaluate stocking numbers on the lake.

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I think your a good man for putting them back. Wouldn't serve much purpose to just kill them. I doubt that few in the total population is going to make much difference on whatever concern anyone would have. I personally would love to get over that way and catch those dudes. I have a whole freezer full of crappie to eat. If I wanted fish just for food, I'd shop at the store. It would come out a whole lot cheaper in the long run. And yes, I think you underestimated the size just a tad. Good pics.

Looks like a blast! I wouldn't mind catching some hybrids, as long as a fish is at the other end if the pole I'm happy!!!

Great job! Couple of question? When you release fish do you have to dump the whole pond? And how big are the fish that you release? Thanks

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Originally Posted by ZXJONES

Great job! Couple of question? When you release fish do you have to dump the whole pond? And how big are the fish that you release? Thanks

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Yes we have to release the whole pond. Most of the fish hang out in the pond until the last bit.of water drains. Especially walleye. We release walleye at about 1.75 to 2 inches.

What would be your go to place for walleye? I have fished below remel dam and above lake Ouachita with pretty good success.

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Originally Posted by Rookie40

What would be your go to place for walleye? I have fished below remel dam and above lake Ouachita with pretty good success.

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Those are some pretty good places and the main tributaries of Greers Ferry are good in the early spring. But if you want a chance to catch some big ones, I recommend the Spring River. Mojorig could provide you with more specifics to timing and areas. I have seen some really big ones come out of there.

Those hybrids and stripers are good fish to catch. I took my little girl striper fishing on Beaver Lake last week. This time of year they surface so it's a lot of fun. She was much more excited over hooking a striper than any crappie she's ever caught. She's still afraid to hold them by herself though. Sorry the pic is sideways. Not sure how to fix that from my phone

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Originally Posted by D10

Yes we have to release the whole pond. Most of the fish hang out in the pond until the last bit.of water drains. Especially walleye. We release walleye at about 1.75 to 2 inches.

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Thanks for the reply.

Where are these ponds located

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Originally Posted by Shady

Where are these ponds located

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The AGFC utilizes nursery ponds for fish production on most Corps of Engineers reservoirs in Arkansas and in some state owned lakes such as Lake Conway. These ponds are off limits to the public because their sole purpose is fish production.

Thanks I knew the purpose of the ponds. I'm at Greers visiting with my mom and trying to learn some things about the lake and how to fish it. If the weather clears I'm going out on the lake this afternoon. Any help would be appreciated. I'm staying on Peter creek.

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Originally Posted by Shady

Thanks I knew the purpose of the ponds. I'm at Greers visiting with my mom and trying to learn some things about the lake and how to fish it. If the weather clears I'm going out on the lake this afternoon. Any help would be appreciated. I'm staying on Peter creek.

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Gotcha. The NP pipe discharges into a cove that is just east of Mill Creek Access. With the recent rain there should be some flow out of the NP into the cove. Throw a 3 inch white grub within one foot of where the water in draining into the cove and let it free fall to the bottom. If it was a good cast, it will be hit before it hits the bottom. You could also try trolling for hybrids in the mouth of this cove. Also we caught some.crappie in this cove. Hope this helps.

Thanks D10. I took my 8 year old nephew to your hole. We didn't catch any but he had fun anyway and we got to see the other end of the lake. The water was over the pipe and I'm sure this slowed the bite. I've got a lot to learn about this clear water.

Over the pipe? Wow! The lake has risen since I left town. Sorry that y'all didn't get into them.

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Originally Posted by D10

Over the pipe? Wow! The lake has risen since I left town. Sorry that y'all didn't get into them.

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464.98 and rising. It was around 462 when you were up here the other day.