Prize-winning crappie aid conservation at Atkins

Oct. 25, 2023

Lake Conway isn’t the only place the Arkansas anglers will find some tagged fish to catch a reward for their fall fishing effort. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists tagged and released dozens of crappie in Lake Atkins last week.

Anglers who catch a tagged crappie on Atkins must remove the tag (regardless of whether or not they keep the fish) and mail it in to claim a reward. Each tag has a unique number that corresponds to a predetermined prize amount ranging from $10 to $100. Anglers should mail or hand-deliver these tags to the AGFC’s Russellville Office (1266 Lock and Dam Road, Russellville, AR 72802) to claim their reward.

The Lake Atkins tagged crappie program has a much different purpose than the one being held on Lake Conway. While the latter is solely an incentive for anglers to enjoy some added fishing action before Conway is drained for a projected 5-year renovation project, the tagged fish swimming in Atkins are part of a scientific study.

“We can use the number of tags returned to estimate the percentage of the crappie population harvested on an annual basis,” AGFC Regional Fisheries Supervisor Frank Leone said. “This information will help determine future management strategies to improve the lake’s crappie population and angler satisfaction.”