Northwest Arkansas sees multiple improvements to fishing access
Sept. 2, 2020
ROGERS — Anglers in Northwest Arkansas will be able to get to their favorite fishing location a little easier with the addition of some much-needed infrastructure improvements, thanks to Marine Fuel Tax funds and contractors with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Catfish ‘leftovers’ mean more fishing opportunity throughout state
Sept. 2, 2020
LITTLE ROCK – Here’s a reason to get excited about leftovers: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Fisheries Division has some summer leftovers that will mean more opportunities for Arkansans to catch catfish.
Dunlap to deliver wildlife resources to teachers through northwest Arkansas nature center
Aug. 12, 2020
SPRINGDALE — Teachers in northwest Arkansas will have a new resource available for class programming and field trips when the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center opens this fall, and some may recognize a familiar name when they call to ask about resources available to help them educate the next generation of hunters, anglers and other conservationists. Steve Dunlap, a 17-year veteran of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Education Division was recently chosen to lead educational programming for the center as well as outreach in the region.
Researchers diving into COVID-19 effects on recreational fishing
July 29, 2020
LITTLE ROCK — Americans seem to have fallen back in love with the outdoors during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. With organized sports, spectator-fueled events and formal schools being shuffled to the side to slow the spread of the virus, time in the outdoors seems to have become a rediscovered gem to many people looking to escape cabin fever during self-imposed quarantines. Rods, reels, canoes, kayaks, mountain bikes and all other sorts of outdoors equipment has flown off shelves so quickly that manufacturers have been unable to keep up with demand.
Bass anglers participate in a catch-and-keep tournament for conservation
July 22, 2020
PLUMMERVILLE — A winning weight of 10 fish for just over 10 pounds would have most bass-fishing tournament directors contemplating a permanent blacklisting of the lake from their schedule, but Jared Pridmore, director of the Lake Brewer Bass Club and owner of JP Custom Baits, was nothing but smiles when he saw the results of his “Tiny Fish Tournament” in April. The only thing that made him happier than the low weight was the sight of the fish-filled cooler where participants turned in their fish instead of releasing them to the water.
Comment on proposed Arkansas fishing regulations changes
July 8, 2020
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking for public comments on possible changes to fishing regulations for 2021. Changes to general fishing rules, rules for commercial anglers and fish farms are all being evaluated before the Fisheries Division formally proposes them to the Commission in August. The AGFC posted a survey to gather public input in May which will close July 17.
Canceled hatchery fishing derbies result in bonus catfish stockings throughout Arkansas
June 4, 2020
LITTLE ROCK — Precautions to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 have forced the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to cancel the annual fishing derbies held at its five fish hatcheries in June, but anglers throughout the state will still be able to enjoy some quality time chasing catfish. AGFC hatcheries are delivering thousands of pounds of catchable-sized catfish to small, publicly accessible ponds throughout Arkansas to prepare for Free Fishing Weekend, June 12-14.