The 1957-61 Sport Fishery In An Arkansas Water Supply Reservoir

A year-round creel census was conducted on Lake Fort Smith, Arkansas from August, 1957 through December, 1961. Typically, maximal fishing pressure began in March and April and terminated in May when turbidity from heavy runoffs made the lake less desirable for fishing; substantial pressure returned in July but dwindled by October. Yearly pressure varied from 12.72 to 28.70 man-hours/acre/year; largemouth bass dominated the catch. Fishing pressure was correlated with fishing success indicating the localized nature of the fishermen using the lake.