Crooked Creek, a Smallmouth Angler’s Dream Stream - by: Glenn W. Wheeler

Story by: Guest Contributor

First posted on 03-13-2007

One of the many jewels in the Harrison, Arkansas area is the famed Crooked Creek. Beginning its journey south of Harrison near the Boone and Newton County lines, Crooked Creek lives up to its name making endless twists and turns through Boone and Marion Counties before arriving at its final destination, about 80 miles later, the famed White River.

Crooked Creek has long been known as one of the best smallmouth fisheries in the country, but most of the attention is given to the lower 40 or 50 miles. The upper end, closer to Harrison, affords some great fishing as well but mostly in the form of wading or bank fishing. Water levels are rarely sufficient for a good float fishing trip in the upper reaches. This can be inconvenient for covering lots of water, but also helps keep the crowds away.

One definite thing to keep in mind when fishing any part of Crooked Creek is that almost all of the surrounding land is private property. Remembering and respecting that will not only help keep you out of trouble, but will keep the landowners happy as well. We need to remember to respect their rights to reflect well on ourselves and other anglers.

Near Harrison, there are many places where county roads or state highways cross the creek, allowing access. A good county road map of Boone or Marion Counties will help you find such spots. Try to find the crossings a little further out of town to find the less fished spots.

Nice smallmouth can be caught any time of the year, but mid spring through late fall are typically best. There are many offerings that can produce, from live bait to small crankbaits (Rebel Craws being a top choice), to small plastics and jigs. Late in the evening, throw a small crankbait or spinner above and along the edges of the faster moving shoals and keep a keen eye for cover or structures that allow for hiding spots or current breaks.

Check the Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau website for more information on fishing in the area along with great places to eat and nice lodging facilities. Check them out at http://www.harrisonarkansas.org. Also be sure and visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s site at http://www.agfc.com for the latest in fishing regulations.