Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Star of the West.
Hopefully, you've enjoyed our jaunt into extreme western Arkansas during the past weeks. We've discussed several destinations along the way, each and every one well worth experiencing first hand.
Well, I still have one location to cover before we return back to central Arkansas. This location is a little closer to home than the aforementioned lakes and rivers. In fact, the Star of the West Recreation Area is situated no more than an hour and a half from Hot Springs.
Don't allow the fact that I chose it for last insinuate that it is any less spectacular than any of the other locations we have recently visited. The small park is easily located, nestled within feet of Highway 70 west.
The park may be small in comparison to some of the other recreation areas throughout the state, but the outdoor opportunities and scenery awaiting those who choose to stop at Star of the West are surpassed by none.
The facility is perched on the banks of the Little Missouri River at the head of Lake Greeson. As one might suspect, a bountiful river and productive lake are a perfect recipe for fishing opportunities galore.
Although a lack of recent rainfall has had an adverse effect on water levels, one can easily navigate a small craft upstream during normal conditions. The farther upstream one travels, the more scenic the river becomes.
Those who have spent much time on the Little Missouri are familiar with crystal-clear pools contained by huge boulders and rock structures. Each of these super-scenic spots are often separated by cascades rushing through a boulder-laden substrate.
The upper section of the river, in turn, proves an incredible smallmouth bass fishery. Of course, there is some portaging here and there to continue upstream, and it is a great spring and summer destination. But those who are willing to park their boats and meander alongside the shoreline during the winter months are also apt to see their fair share of success as well. And the scenery? It's incredible 12 months out of the year.
The section of the river traveling downstream from the recreation area lends to a totally different setting. Yes, there are still a few rock outcrops along the way, but the river cuts its way through a large flat, and even meanders alongside a cypress stand, which is very unusual compared to most of the rivers in our neck of the woods.
The waterway cuts its way over and around the old highway bridge, which was destroyed and now lies in the riverbed. This spot obviously provides an optimal habitat and ample cover for an array of fish species to thrive.
The river eventually opens up into Lake Greeson, producing yet another change in scenery, that is also pleasant to the eye. The stretch of water heading downstream from the park provides anglers with totally different fishing opportunities than those awaiting up the river.
Smallmouth are not as apt to be found in the lower section of the river. However, largemouth and spotted bass thrive in this particular environment. And although the brunt of winter still lies ahead, this section of water is super productive during the spring.
White bass will head upstream by the droves in April. And we must not forget that the lake sports its share of walleyes as well, and these magnificent-tasting fish will head upstream in late March and early April for their annual spawn.
With excellent fishing opportunities awaiting downstream and equally impressive fishing lurking up the river, it only makes sense that Star of the West can be a happening place during certain times of the year.
Judging from the limb-lines dangling from bushes during a previous visit to the facility, I would suspect catfish frequent the river, as well. However, I must suggest at this point that those who choose to limb-line this area should retrieve all of their lines at the excursion's end.
I have good reason to make such a suggestion, as we rescued a Blue Heron that unsuspectingly flew into a limb-line that had been put out during high waters and was left hanging when the level receded leaving the hook exposed above the water.
Fortunately, we happened to be just around the bend and heard the commotion when the beautiful specimen got entangled and hooked on the line. And the large bird was even more fortunate that my wife is a veterinarian and was prepared to treat him immediately upon our arrival at the clinic.
The previously mentioned low-water levels have certainly thrown a wrench in floating this section of the river. However, I was somewhat pleased at the conditions during our most recent visit. It lent to a perfect opportunity to walk along sections of the riverbed that under normal circumstances would be submerged.
It was a perfect time to get a better look at the substrate and make mental notes of structure where fish might normally take cover. The scenery was also very impressive as gravel beds stretched practically as far as the eye could see.
Speaking of seeing, those who visit Star of the West during the winter months should not rule out seeing a bald eagle or two soaring overhead, as several winter along the edges of the nearby lake. In fact, I'm pretty sure a pair has decided to become year-around residents for the past few years and actually raise their young on Lake Greeson.
I'm not much on searching for relics, but wouldn't be the least bit surprised if those who carefully scan the dried-up section of riverbed during low-water conditions happened upon indications that Native Americans once roamed, lived and hunted along this section of the Little Missouri.
Although most folks have no interest in embarking upon overnight excursions during the winter months, one might bear in mind that 21 RV/tent sites will be accessible with the return of spring. These sites, however, have no water or electrical hookups.
A picnic can prove a pleasant experience, even on a cold day. And fortunately, several picnic tables are located within the facility's premises. Ground grills are also on site, as is a vaulted toilet.
I'll be the first to agree that spending time amid Mother Nature during the winter months poses its share of issues. But those who dress properly and are willing to brave the cold, at least for a short period of time, might just find Star of the West Recreation Area a great destination.
To get to the Star of the West Recreation Area from Hot Springs, take Highway 70 west, go through Glenwood and turn right onto Highway 70 west at Kirby. Continue on the highway and turn left into the entrance immediately before crossing the Little Missouri River Bridge.
Local on 12/09/2016