July

Be lazy at Beaver Lake

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

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When the July sun beats down on Northwest Arkansas, thousands of folks beat feet to Beaver Lake.

Stretching roughly 30 miles in Washington and Benton counties - from the White River's headwaters near Goshen north to Gateway, near the Arkansas-Missouri line - the lake covers about 28,300 acres.

Scattered along its 449 miles of shoreline are a dozen parks, developed and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Amenities include swimming beaches, picnic areas, boat ramps and campsites with or without electricity.

For those who like to camp out along or near the shoreline, the parks offer plenty of spots. The largest is Horseshoe Bend Park, with 188 campsites. It's located off Arkansas 94 on the lake's southern end. There's also Prairie Creek Park, another big layout just 10 minutes east of Rogers on Arkansas 12 in the mid-lake area. Options on the north end of the lake include Indian Creek and Dam Site parks, the latter of which offers camping both above and below Beaver Dam.

Watersports fans can find plenty of clean, open water for boating, skiing or tubing from Hickory Creek Park on the lake's south end to the dam. There also are numerous places to swim from one end of the lake to the other.

Anglers speak fondly of the lake's variety of fish, which include everything from small members of the perch family to tackle-busting striped bass and catfish.

Beaver Lake was the site of the first big-money bass tournament ever in 1967 and remains popular with bass fishermen of both the competitive and recreational persuasions. Species include largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, along with the occasional meanmouth - a natural hybrid cross of a spotted bass and a smallmouth.

In July, bass action is best during the first and last couple of hours of daylight and throughout the night. During those dawn and dusk hours, schools of bass are known to surface over the lake's many points and can provide some fast and fun action on topwater lures. At night, dark-colored lures such as jigs, plastic worms and spinner baits in black are the choices of area experts.

Perhaps the lake's biggest draw, especially for visiting anglers, is its big population of striped bass. Trophy-sized fish of 30 pounds and bigger are fairly common, and a number of area guides offer charter trips that include all tackle and bait.

Beaver Lake also holds big numbers of tasty crappie, which in July can be caught in good numbers from deep water, and there's a rapidly growing population of walleye.

Insider Tips

1. Keep an eye on the sky when near or on Beaver Lake. July is prime time for thunderstorms. Although most prevalent in afternoon or evening hours, storms can develop quickly at any time of day or night and produce hazardous conditions, especially lightning.
2. Start your search for the perfect campsite online. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers comprehensive information at swl.usace.army.mil/parks/beaver/ that includes the ability to make online reservations.
3. When boating on Beaver, look out for obstructions above and below the surface. The area has unique rock formations that add to the lake's natural beauty, but those who boat carelessly can have their outing ruined quickly. Many underwater obstacles, especially on the lake's main body, are marked by buoys. However, there are plenty of unmarked hazards in coves and creek arms.
4. Tackle some rainbow or brown trout in the chilly waters below Beaver Dam. The fish are meticulously stocked and monitored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and offer year-round action for anglers of any skill level.
5. Seven marinas offer varying levels of service, including fuel and boat rentals. Those wishing to rent boats or other watercraft should make reservations ahead of time.
6. Area sporting goods stores can be valuable sources of fishing information for those looking to wet a hook. Locations catering to anglers include Hook, Line & Sinker stores in Bella Vista and Rogers, along with Southtown Sporting Goods in north Fayetteville.
7. Take a hike. Many of the parks around Beaver Lake offer nature trails, including some very popular loops at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. The park is 10 miles east of Rogers on Arkansas 12. Be sure to take along plenty of water, liberally apply insect repellent and be on the lookout for poisonous snakes and plants.
8. Thinking of going after some of the big striped bass that swim in Beaver Lake? Consider hiring one of several professional guides in the area. Stripers are extremely mobile, often moving miles in a day's time in search of new food sources. Guides keep track of their locations and have a healthy success rate of putting clients on the fish.

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