Two options studied for North ForkRiver catch and release
LITTLE ROCK The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is looking at two options for an expanded catch-and-release area on the North ForkRiver below Norfork Dam.
Disagreements have developed between fishermen and businesses in the area over the proposal, which grew out of citizen advisory committee workshops used to develop a fisheries management plan for the tailwater.
The existing catch-and-release area in the trout-rich stream is about a mile long. After input from trout anglers, the AGFC staff recommended expanding the zone to 2.6 miles (slightly more than half of the distance from the dam to the streams junction with the White River at the town of Norfork). Under this plan, the catch-and-release area would extend to six-tenths of a mile below the Ackerman Access.
The other option being studied is to end the catch-and-release area at Ackerman Access, making the area 2 miles. (This is option 2, it allows for the continued use of bait where every other fish dies once hooked.)
The fisheries staff also is recommending allowing the use of artificial lures with barbless treble hooks in the catch-and-release area after hearing reports that there is little difference in harmful effect to trout from artificial lures with single barbless hooks compared to barbless treble hooks.
AGFC commissioners will make a decision at their Sept. 24 meeting in Little Rock. Persons may express their opinions on these proposals in writing before Sept. 17. For more information on the proposals go to http://www.agfc.com/fishing/default.aspx. Letters can be sent to North Fork Trout, Fisheries Division, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission,
You want to select Option 1, it is the one supported by the AGFC Biologists, Management and the Public.It will benefit the rivers by allowing the trout in the proposed catch and release areas the opportunity to grow in size.This was the battle cry from nearly all the representatives on the Tailwater Advisory Committee.In the public meeting, 60 of 65 attendees said that the Norfork Tailwater needed to be treated differently from that of the White River and that much of it should be set aside as a trophy area.There was no objection to the plan at the final public meeting.
The AGFC Biologist have conducted extensive creel studies, the University of Arkansas has conducted two separate studies on quantity and quality of food sources, movement in and out of the Catch and Release Area and the mortality rate in and out of the Catch and Release Areas.At stake is the reputation of the Norfork Tailwater and its ability to grow trophy size trout.
Please help us provide the Norfork Tailwater the opportunity to once again become all that it can be.Write to each Commissioner and send emails to information@agfc.com The addresses of the AGFC members is here Remember a Trophy Trout is too valuable to ONLY be caught once.
