Arkansas GFC Temporarily Closes Blue Mountain Lake to Commercial Fishing for Catfish

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has temporarily closed commercial fishing for catfish on Blue Mountain Lake in western Arkansas. The closure is needed due to the extreme low water conditions and takes place immediately. The lake is located south of Mount Magazine in Logan and Yell counties.

Commercial fishermen will not be allowed to harvest any species of catfish through noon, March 1, 2013. Other commercial fish species such as bowfin under six inches, buffalo, carp, drum, gar, paddlefish, sturgeon, suckers and white amur may still be harvested.

Prior to fishing, commercial fishermen must register with the local AGFC district fisheries biologist and must submit monthly catch records by the 15th of the following month. Only legal-sized or larger gill and trammel nets may be used.

For more information contact the AGFC Regional Fisheries Office in Russellville at 877-967-7577 or by email at blimbird@agfc.state.ar.us.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plays an important role in keeping The Natural State true to its name. During the last 100 years, the agency has overseen the protection, conservation and preservation of various species of fish and wildlife in Arkansas. This is done through habitat management, fish stocking, hunting and fishing regulations, and a host of other programs.