The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is updating its Reservoir Black Bass Management Plan again this year to continue improving the species’ population, while at the same time, responding to the needs and wants of anglers throughout the state. For over a month, the commission has held a series of public forums to allow anglers to give their input, and one meeting was held at the Donald W. Reynolds Library in Mountain Home.
Fisheries biologist Jeremy Risley, who also serves as a committee member, was among Game and Fish personnel conducting the local meeting. Risley says the forum was unique from what the commission normally does.
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According to Game and Fish, the goal is to use the most recent scientific knowledge, management techniques and programs to enhance bass fishing opportunities in Arkansas. The newest version of the plan focuses not only on largemouth bass, but also spotted bass and smallmouth bass in the state’s reservoirs and lakes. More information on the plan and an online comment site can be found by going to Game and Fish’s Black Bass Program page.
Risley says the information was well received at the recent Mountain Home forum. The most common concern among those attending the meeting was angler access due to water levels.
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The last public forums in Arkansas are being held this week. The commission’s final approval of the plan is expected by the end of this year.
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