KENTUCKY BASS

The "Kentucky" or spotted bass is a largemouth lookalike that has found its home on Cadron Creek. The notch between the dorsal fins is shallow, and the upper jaw doesn't extend much, if any, behind the eye. It has a lengthwise row of dark spots below the dark midside stripe. Although these fish usually weigh between 1-2 pounds Cadron Creek yielded state-record-size "spots" nearing 6-7 pounds. Spinnerbaits, jig and pork frog combinations, live crayfish and crayfish-imitation artificials are among the best baits.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

The largemouth bass occurs in nearly all Arkansas waters and certainly in Cadron Creek. . It has a deep gap between the spiny and soft dorsal fins, and the upper jaw extends far behind the rear margin of the eye. The midside has a dark horizontal stripe. One- to 3-pounders are common, and state waters have produced largemouths over 16 pounds. They'll eat almost anything and are caught on a variety of natural and artificial baits.

BLUEGILLS

Bluegills are the most widely distributed, abundant and sought-after fish in Cadron Creek. . Most bluegills weight 1/2 pound or less, with occasional fish up to 1 pound. They have a small mouth, a solid black ear flap, and their colors vary, running from nearly black or purplish to dark brown, green or gold. Breeding males have a vivid blue head and throat and a bright-orange breast. Bluegills will eat almost anything you throw overboard. And they taste great when freshly cooked on a grill..

FLATHEAD CATFISH

The flathead catfish is most common in deep pools and what it lack in looks, it makes up for in size and good taste. Many weigh 3 to 10 pounds, but 25 to 50 pounders are pretty common. Color is yellow to light brown, usually mottled with dark brown or black. The tail is only slightly forked, and the lower jaw projects out from the flattened head. Most are caught on live minnows, bream or goldfish.

BULLHEADS

Bullheads seldom exceed 1-1/2 pounds, but they are common throughout the watershed and are popular with young anglers. They are short, chubby catfish with a slightly notched tail, and unlike the flathead cat, the lower jaw doesn't stick out noticeably. The yellow bullhead, the most widely distributed species, has white or yellow chin barbels and prefers areas with little current in clear, rock-bottomed streams. Chicken liver and earthworms are the most popular bullhead baits.

CRAPPIE

Both white and black crappies can be found on Cadron Creek The two species look very similar, but the white crappie is paler in colors, with dark spots on the silver sides usually arranged in regular vertical bars. The best way to distinguish the two species is to count the dorsal fin spines. White crappies typically have six, and black crappies usually have seven or eight. Like the bluegills the crappie tastes wonderful when freshly cooked on a grill.

SUNFISH

Cadron Creek also has several other small, less common sunfish sometimes caught by anglers. The orange sunfish is a brightly colored sunfish found spotted primarily in turbid, mud-bottomed pools. It is seldom sought since it doesn't exceed four inches in length. The spotted sunfish is also small, rarely over six inches long, but is occasionally caught in areas with lots of cover.

With nearly 60 miles of floatable stream Cadron Creek Outfitters can arrange a perfect adventure for you. We also provide service to Cove Creek, Archy Fork, East Fork of Cadron Creek, and the South Fork of the Little Red River as may be requested and available. And late summer "Bogoloosha" trips will provide relief from the sun and good fishing.

An adventure awaits....