Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Little Bear Creek Lake.
Many years have passed since I purchased my first kayak. It was a cockpit-style craft, and only stretched 10 feet. Although it was far lighter and noticeably easier to navigate along small rivers than my canoe, it did have its drawbacks. I was not impressed with the storage, or lack thereof, and crawling in and out of the boat was somewhat burdensome.
Well, I eventually pulled the trigger on a sit-on-top model, and was far beyond satisfied with my choice. At 12 feet in length, the unit was still light enough that I could easily load and unload it from atop my rig. I was pleased with far more storage, and getting in and out of the boat was a dream. Let alone the fact that it seemed to be far more stable.
I still own and use the craft today. However, kayaks have certainly changed since my purchase. And with these upgrades, bells and whistles, it appears that kayak fishing has also progressed in popularity. In fact, there are those who even opted to sell their bass boats and resort exclusively to fishing from yaks. And there are actually clubs that have been formed exclusively for kayak anglers.
Let's not forget that there are also many out there, who although not fishing enthusiasts, relish the opportunity to simply get out and paddle their crafts in the midst of the outdoors. Although not sharing my passion, I would suggest that they enjoy their crafts as much as I do mine. And I can't think of a better time of the year to get out and do a little paddling.
That all being said, I thought this would prove an opportune time to cover a few destinations where one can enjoy their crafts.
Of course, our area lakes are not off-limits to paddlers. However, it is worth mentioning that there will be hoards of powerboats on these bodies of water throughout the upcoming months. And although a majority of the boaters on our waters are responsible and careful, I'll say from experience that paddling a kayak in the midst of powered boats can sometimes prove nerve-wracking.
Of course, we have miles and miles of floatable rivers in fairly close vicinity of Hot Springs, all of which host their fair share of paddlers on a consistent basis. And I plan to cover several of these sections of water in the months to come.
However, I feel compelled to share some other, less-popular destinations during the next three or four weeks. I'm not referring to spots where one must be shuttled from point A to point B. Nope, I'm talking small reservoirs where one can spend the portion of a day fishing, or simply pleasure paddling and return back to the vehicle at the excursion's end.
There is a slew of small reservoirs throughout the state that are not remotely as publicized as our area lakes. Most of these bodies of water are designed as a means of flood control along small rivers during torrential rainfall.
And although they certainly have a purpose, these lakes are often nestled in the midst of sheer beauty and provide the optimal habitat for native fish to thrive. In turn, they are great destinations for owners of smaller crafts, including canoes and kayaks.
A number of these small reservoirs are situated within an hour or so of The Sentinel-Record's coverage area. Some are nestled close to major and well-traveled roadways, while others are secluded a little farther off the beaten path.
But regardless of their location, most of them can be accessed via a road that is, at the least, accessible with an SUV or pickup. Just right off hand, I can think of four different flood control reservoirs, all of which are situated within 20 or 30 minutes of each other. Located in the vicinity of the Hollis community, these lakes are all destination which I have visited a number of times throughout the years. And I'm thinking that we might just dedicate the next few articles to these particular bodies of water.
Well, I suppose I'll begin with the destination that is closest to Hot Springs. However, this is also the hardest of the four lakes to access. The drive to the dam is extremely easy, and can actually be embarked upon in a car. But a four-wheel drive will prove practically essential to one's plan to back their vehicle down the steep road leading to the water's edge. Or I suppose those who are still young, energetic and in good physical condition can carry or drag their craft up and down the steep incline.
As suggested, this destination is not too hard to find. Head north on Park Avenue from Hot Springs and turn left (north) onto Highway 7, just past Fountain Lake School. Remain on Highway 7 for about 25 miles and take a right onto the dirt road just before crossing the Little Bear Creek Bridge, 2 miles south of Hollis. You can hardly miss Little Bear Creek, as they are in the process of building a new bridge spanning the waterway.
Take a right on the dirt road just before reaching the construction zone, and continue along the route for a short distance, as it winds around and eventually crosses the dam.
The view, to the right, from the dam lends to a beautiful scene of the 30-acre U.S. Forest Service reservoir nestled deep in the valley below. This is a great location where photography buffs might consider capturing a few photos. In fact, I have actually taken night sky photos from atop the dam, as light pollution is sparse and one has an unobstructed view.
The road continues across the dam and ends at a large clearing shortly thereafter. Although one can actually camp at this spot, and I have on occasion, bear in mind that the lake's shoreline is situated many feet down the steep mountain.
Now let's focus on getting to the water's edge. Simply backtrack and look for a dirt road on the left, just before crossing the dam. This road is steep, and should not be tackled with anything less than a four-wheel drive.
However, those who do manage to get their boat to the water's edge will be rewarded, as this lake obviously sees far less fishing pressure than those which can easily be accessed. And the scenery from the lake is impressive, as well.
I have caught my fair share of bass from this reservoir throughout the years, several of which fell within the 3- to 4-pound class. The banks leading to the back section of the lake are fairly steep. However, those who continue paddling toward where the creek feeds into the reservoir will eventually enter a large flat.
In all honesty, although fishing every foot of the shoreline, the large flat is the location that always proves most productive.
I have experienced the greatest success while casting top waters when the sun is low on the horizon during early morning and late evening. That being said, I have never tried live bait. And I would suspect that those who choose to cast a cricket or soak a night crawler along the edge of the entire shoreline are apt to stay occupied catching bream. Or one might even manage to coax a few catfish into biting.
Yep, I'll be the first to admit that the shoreline at the Little Bear Creek Lake is not the most easily accessible. However, I will go out on a limb and suggest that those who do go to the trouble will experience a beautiful and serene setting. And who knows, one might even manage to coax a reputable mess of fish into biting.
Local on 05/31/2020