AGFC hosts public comment meeting on Grand Lake

Jan. 21, 2020

Randy Zellers

Assistant Chief of Communications

EUDORA — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will hold a special public comment meeting to discuss water level and fisheries management on Grand Lake in Chicot County from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the Eudora Chamber of Commerce Building. The building is at 125 South Main St. 

Discussion at the meeting will focus on water levels and their effects on anglers, landowners, the Grand Lake Watershed, and public access to the lake.

Kris Nault, AGFC District Fisheries Supervisor in Monticello, says the meeting is part of the AGFC’s continued efforts to include the public in communication about the management of lakes in southeast Arkansas.

“We encourage anyone that has a vested interest in Grand Lake to attend,” Nault said. “Although the lake is owned by the State of Arkansas and serves additional purposes than angling, the AGFC manages the fishery and fluctuating water levels are one of our largest challenges with this body of water.”

Grand Lake is an oxbow that once was part of the Mississippi River. It covers approximately 1,138 acres with an average depth of 8 feet. Crappie are the most popular species pursued by anglers, followed by largemouth bass, catfish and bream. The current fishery management plan for Grand Lake is available at www.agfc.com/scientific-reports-fisheries.