Jackson pointed to the Willow Beach area on the Arkansas River as promising, describing it as "a big backwater with slow-moving water that has some nice crappie." Reach it off state Highway 165 in eastern Pulaski County.

Jackson also suggests Clear Lake, a privately-owned oxbow on the Pulaski-Lonoke county line, which he estimates at 80 to 100 acres. "It's a pay lake with great reproduction and the numbers of fish are strong," he said. The cost is a few dollars per person.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
"The Angler's Guide to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Lakes," a packet that provides details and basic maps of all AGFC-owned lakes, is only $3. Call 1-800-364-GAME with credit card in hand, or use good old-fashioned cash at your nearest AGFC office.