| Lake Atkins regulation changes go into effect |
 ATKINS
- A recent regulation change at Lake Atkins is aimed at producing a
trophy largemouth bass fishery in western Arkansas. A 16 to 21-inch slot
limit on largemouth bass was approved by commissioners with the Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission last week.The lake has been completely renovated due to the over-abundance of buffalo and the declining sport fishery. Due to the fast growth experienced by the first stocking of fingerling Florida largemouth bass, the AGFC wants to protect these fish until they reach trophy size. The majority of the bass initially stocked are now measuring over 15 inches in length. The trophy slot length limit allows for the harvest of bass less than 16 inches (3 fish) and the harvest of one over 21 inches, for a total creel limit of 4 fish. Some harvest is necessary for most regulations to work properly. A 15-inch minimum length limit was placed on the lake to allow the bass to reach spawning size before fishermen were allowed to harvest them. The 15 inch minimum allowed a few fish to be harvested, since most of the fish prior to this year were less than the 15 inch minimum length. Lake Atkins was the first Arkansas lake partially financed under the Dingell-Johnson Act with funds from federal excise taxes on fishing equipment. The lake was built on Horsepen and Ten Yard creeks, and is filled with stumps and logs that provide excellent fish habitat. Boat lanes are cut through the timber in various locations, but boaters should watch for submerged stumps. The lake is located just south of Atkins in the Arkansas River Valley. |
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