Arkansas Spearfishing Rules - help!

[DangerSeeker]

Hey Folks, I'm gonna be coming into Little Rock sometime during the next month and was wondering if you could point me toward a close by lake that is nice and clear and full of fish to shoot? Also, can you spear NON game fish outside the June 15 - March game fish season??? I'm a free diver and will be pulling my canoe so I'm just looking for some fun while my wife is working in Little Rock. I'm also hauling my three little boys along and we'll do some fishing regardless of the spearfishing aspect of the trip.

Any suggestions or info will be truly appreciated. I'll also offer my assistance to anyone that may be coming to the Nashville/Ft. Campbell area. I've got a few nice rivers around here to point you toward. Maybe I'll even join you for some fun!

Thanks Everybody. Look forward to hearing from you.
Kerr

[Frog_Legs]

Spearfishing - Spearfishing season for game fish is open from June 15 until March 15, sunrise to sunset, in lakes Beaver, Blue Mountain, Bull Shoals, Catherine, Conway, DeGray Reservoir, Erling, Greers Ferry, Greeson, Hamilton, Harris Brake, Millwood, Nimrod, Norfork, Ouachita, Table Rock and impoundments created by the locks and dams on the Arkansas River. Spearfishing for smallmouth bass is not permitted on Lake Ouachita.

Spearfishing for largemouth, spotted or smallmouth bass is not allowed in Lakes Beaver, Bull Shoals, Millwood, Norfork and Table Rock.

Spearfishing season for flathead catfish is open from July 15 until March 15.

Rough fish may be taken by spearfishing all year on the waters mentioned above.

Only catfish, gar, bowfin, common carp, Asian carp, (grass carp, bighead carp and silver carp), sucker (including buffalo) and drum may be taken from June 15 until March 15, sunrise to sunset, on Gillham, Dierks and DeQueen lakes. On these lakes, flathead catfish may be taken from July 15 until March 15.

When spearfishing, half the game fish daily limit (or the lesser number nearest half when the limit is an odd number) may be taken. Spearfishers must abide by length and slot limits and may not have a spear gun in public waters other than those specified above.

Spearfishermen must display a standard diver's flag and spearfish no more than 100 yards from it. The flag must be at least 12 inches square and at least 12 inches above the water.

Spearfishermen must complete spearfishing activities and leave the body of water where fish were taken before cleaning or dressing fish.


www.agfc.com/fishing/anglers-corner/rules-regulations-fishing/definitions-regulations-fishing.aspx


Ouachita or Greers Ferry are both close (about an hour) to Little Rock. Shoot me an IM when you get headed toward town and I'll see if we can hook up.

Frog_Legs standing by...

[DangerSeeker]

Hey Frog Legs, Thanks for the info. I'll definitely let you know when I am heading that way. My wife just told me last night that she wasn't sure if she had to go now! I'm really hoping to check out the famous clear waters of your lakes. We have to sneak around through some fairly murky water for the most part around here. By the way, how is Conway for visibility? Is it good for spearfishing, close to little rock? etc. Thanks again