Cleburn County, Arkansas -- Greers Ferry Lake is undergoing an exciting turnaround of late in its fishing. Since winter, the smallmouth bass fishing at Greers Ferry Lake has changed the narrative, and the results of the tournament held March 22 were a strong confirmation. Drew Freyaldenhoven (left in photo) and Matt Lea won the "Hooked on Band" black bass tournament supporting the Conway School Band Program with a limit weighing 17.59 pounds, made up entirely of smallmouth bass. A hefty 4.61-pound smallmouth topped their noteworthy haul.
* Bullfrog season, which is managed by the AGFC Fisheries Division, was changed by regulations passed last spring, but regular bullfrog season lovers may be unaware of the change that officially went into effect for 2025. The season used to open April 15; because of a concern that bullfrog populations might be on the decline, the Commission voted to reset the opening night of the bullfrog season to June 1. Calls have been received at the headquarters as to the start date, indicating some possible confusion. You have another month-and-a-half wait until the frog hunting starts.
Frog-gigging can be one of the most exciting adventures available for outdoors enthusiasts on a late spring night. The Commission had heard many comments and concerns over a perceived decrease in bullfrog populations in some areas of Arkansas; so, in an abundance of caution to conserve bullfrog populations, the AGFC’s Fisheries Division staff recommended a delayed start to the season to protect the mating season.
According to Dr. Amanda Bryant, the AGFC's herpetologist, bullfrog reproduction typically begins in mid-April through early May and peaks around June. Protecting frogs for an extra month and a half helps contribute to successful reproduction, which in turn can help stabilize wild populations.
“Surrounding states have similar season start dates,” Bryant said. “Missouri opens on June 30; Tennessee opens on July 1, and Louisiana does not allow take of bullfrogs in April or May to allow them to mate and lay eggs before harvest begins.”
The season still closes at midnight Dec. 31, and all other regulations concerning frogs remain in place. Only bullfrogs may be harvested, and a valid fishing license is required. The limit is 18 frogs per day (a day being measured from noon one day until noon the next day). Hunters may use bow-and-arrow, hook-and-line, a long multi-tined spear called a gig, or they may simply snatch them up by hand. Bullfrogs may not be sold except by fish farmers with a valid commercial bullfrog permit.
Visit https://go.agfc.com/e/993772/2025-04-10/489yyv/1143471094/h/2UJPHFm-SckCSOhr0l2CCrA6NHnFPqMRMtBCYEsGvboeducation/alternative-fishing-methods for more information on regulations concerning frog gigging and other alternative methods of fishing.
