On August 7th and September 2nd, AGFC stocked additional Florida Bass into Lake Atkins in Pope County. Approximately 5,150 advanced fingerlings were distributed throughout the lake near suitable habitats by boat and access point stocking methods in August, then an additional 9,550 advanced fingerlings were stocked by access point stocking in September.
Advanced fingerlings, approximately six to eight inches in length, have been stocked annually in Lake Atkins in an effort to increase the recruitment of Florida genetics within the population and improve trophy bass potential within the fishery. Lake Atkins has long been regarded as the trophy bass lake of West-Central Arkansas, with a history of producing numerous double-digit bass.
The recent announcement of AGFC’s new Legacy Lunker program provides anglers yet another reason to explore Lake Atkins for the opportunity to catch and donate a 10-pound or larger bass January 1st through March 31st. Anglers who submit a qualifying bass into the program will also receive a prize package and a chance to win a 21-foot Xpress Boat with a 250hp Yamaha outboard.
And trophy angler or not, be sure to add fishing Lake Atkins to your bucket list!