White Oak Lake

White Oak Lake, completed in 1961 about 18 miles northwest of Camden and some 22 miles southeast of Prescott, ranks second in size among the lakes constructed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). Though totaling 2,667 acres, Ark. 347 divides it into an upper lake of 1,032 acres and a 1,645-acre lower lake. Fishing: The lake has a reputation for producing big fish. A state record catfish was taken from White Oak in 1985. Big Largemouth bass exceeding eight pounds, crappie of up to three pounds and bream to 1.5 pounds are not uncommon, according to the AGFC, which attributes the numbers of large fish to a lake fertilization program. In the fall, crappie are both abundant and hefty in White Oak, as are bluegill and redear. The star of the lake is the Florida largemouth bass. The lake has given up several fish over 13 pounds – and most of these big fish are caught in the spring. Most lake veterans favor plastic worms for bass, but slow-rolled spinnerbaits and slowly worked surface lures also have accounted for some lunkers. January and February are considered the best bassing months by many local anglers. Big largemouths are usually around stick-ups, fallen timber and cypress trees on 5- to 8-foot-deep flats with deep water nearby. The AGFC maintains three concrete boat ramps on the lower lake and two on the upper lake, as well as a barrier-free fishing pier on the upper lake. White Oak Lake State Park, located on a western arm of the upper lake, offers 45 campsites, a marina with fishing boat and motor rentals, a barrier-free fishing pier, picnic sites, hiking trails, and a playground.