Spring River Fishing between Mammoth Springs and Hardy

[danimal2]

Hi all,

I'm vacationing in Cherokee Village, AR over the 4th of July and plan to get some fishing in. Most likely we will hit up the Spring River, and nearby Lake Sequoyah, and Lake Thunderbird. I've heard Spring River presents the best fishing opportunities - correct me if I'm wrong. I won't have access to a boat the whole time, so I may be doing just shore fishing mostly. I'm interested in trout, and I've heard there is walleye, crappie, and small mouth bass too in the Spring River.

Here's a few questions:

1) Good areas to go on the river or lakes.
2) how is the fishing during this time of year?
3) what lb test line is recommended for the river, 6 or 8?
4) what lures, bait seem to work well for either trout, walleye or bass, crappie, etc?

Add in any other pointers you think might be helpful. Thanks, and I certainly appreciate your help! Looking forward to my stay. I'm glad I found this forum!

Dan

[Friend]

Dan,

I can't help with your specific questions but I share them with you. Could someone out there give a run down on what's in the CV lakes to get and what Spring River has to offer? Thanks.

[Steppen]

Light tackle in the lakes if fishing for anything except catfish. If all else fails, put on good stink bait and cast it way out on the bottom and wait. You can get huge catfish. I mean real big. I don't know much about the river, but it is supposed to be great fishing if you know what you're doing. This time of the year on the lakes go deep or fish at night because the water is warm. The rivers are spring fed so they're always the same cool temp.

I don't think I have to tell you to not bother fishing on July 4th on Sequoyah or Thunderbird. The lakes will be filled with boats and tubing. Not very good for fishing on that day if the weather is good.

[Friend]

Stephen,

I really appreciate the advice. What about bass in the lakes? Which lakes do you like fishing best? As for 4th of July, I sure get your point. Maybe on one of the lakes that don't take power boats you might get a cast or two with a chance! So far for me, nothing but bluegills. But I've been fish off the shore and it has been hot. Thanks again for the response.

[danimal2]

Steppen, thanks for your reply.

Yes I can understand the 4th is NOT the day to even try to fish as the lakes will be busy. My nephew will be making too much noise on the boat, lol.

The catfish technique sounds like a good idea. They are fun to catch as they fight like hell. I'm sure the lake temps are very warm right now, so yeah I'll likely fish early morning or at night.

I'll try the Spring River also, I've got plenty of spinners, light tackle to try out. I'm mostly a catch n release type, but trout or walleye would be nice on the plate.

Friend, I hope this is helpful to you too.

Dan