Andrea Akins

Texarkana Office

Kayaking & Canoeing the Buffalo River: I love the stretch between Tyler Bend and Grinder’s Ferry, it’s perfect for families—easy current and beautiful views. If you pull off and want to commit to the Big Bluff/Goat Trail trek, there’s a 500-foot drop overlooking the river that will shock and awe. It’s one of the most “Instagrammed” spots in Arkansas for a reason.

For a Family-Friendly Hike I highly suggest checking out Lost Valley Trail near Ponca, AR. A short, trail with a hidden cave, natural bridge, and Eden Falls. A 50-foot waterfall you can safely stand under.

Swimming & Hiking Albert Pike Recreation Area: Little Missouri Trail is a must. Forest, waterfalls, and swimming holes make up a 16-mile escape from reality. The Winding Stairs or Little Missouri Falls are ideal for families -crystal-clear water, natural rock slides, and crystal clear pools for swimming and floating. Hike upstream a bit and find deep green swimming holes tucked into rock canyons. So much fun to explore.

Last, but not least, is the heart of my hometown… Millwood Lake in Ashdown.  Formed by the damming of Little River in southwestern Arkansas, It’s now nationally ranked for largemouth bass. 5-10 pound bass are caught regularly, especially in spring and early fall. Throw chatterbaits or spinnerbaits near the lily pads...You can thank me later :)

If you’re into catfish, Millwood is the place and the dam is my go-to. It’s not uncommon to catch blues or flatheads and they can get massive! Catching catfish between 20-30lbs is common, but we’ve seen them come off poles and trot lines anywhere between 67-100lbs.  

Anytime you’re on the lake, keep an eye out for the gators. While catfishing at night along the dam, you’re almost guaranteed to see a minimum of 20 pairs of gator eyes scattered along the water. Millwood is home to one of the highest concentrations of alligators in the state. The heaviest alligator recorded in Arkansas came out of “lost lakes”, an area below the dam, in 2012.  He was 13ft 3in long and weighed 1,380lbs. 

Hometown tip: If you find yourself with a gator on your bass hook, just cut the line and let him have it. Fighting with em’ is pointless.  Lake, river, or stream—no matter where you are or what you’re doing—respect the water.

Arkansas is blessed with some of the most breathtaking waterways. But make no mistake, they can be as ruthless as they are beautiful. Many people—myself included—learned the hard way. Never underestimate the water. Respect it and it’ll respect you.

 

Emily Wyrick

Hot Springs Office

Lake Hamilton has always been a part of my life. I grew up spending summers here with my grandparents, and now my husband Kelvin and I live on the lake—just like my dad still does. It’s a place full of memories and new moments.

We love the peaceful side of lake life—taking our Tritoon out in the evenings to relax in Moonlight Bay, talk about our day, and watch the sunset. Saturdays are for fun: we gather friends and family, cruise to Remmel Dam (where the water is crystal clear and ice cold!), and cool off from the summer heat.

Lake Hamilton is definitely a social lake. We’ve made so many friends here and love seeing familiar faces out on the water. Whether we’re boating to dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf, Back Porch Grill, or Cajun Boilers, or floating with a cold drink, it’s always a good time. And don’t get me wrong—it’s not all quiet! We often swing by Family Cove, Party Cove, or Skinny Dip Cove for a little more excitement and music.

One of our favorite things is cruising near the shoreline to check out new homes and renovations—it’s surprisingly entertaining and always sparks conversation. Lake Hamilton offers the perfect mix of relaxation, social connection, and fun.

 

Rodger Morris

Hot Springs Office

My favorite lake to fish since moving to Arkansas is Lake Ouachita. Lake Ouachita is considered a diamond lake because of how clean and clear it is. Lake Ouachita is the largest lake in Arkansas that has 690 miles of shoreline and covers 40,000 acres of water. It is surrounded by the Ouachita Mountains which causes the lake to constantly change depths. I have seen water as deep as 160 feet in numerous spots on the lake.

You can camp on islands in the middle of the lake, it's just a beautiful place. I love to fish for crappie and walleye and Lake Ouachita grows some big ones. Sometimes I just enjoy being on the lake and enjoying nature, you may see deer but the best is watching the bald eagles. I have had a bald eagle flying beside my boat and watched it extend its talons into the water and grab a fish out while we both were doing about 35 mph. It is amazing

 

 

Ryan Parrent

Jonesboro Office

Hunting is a passion not a hobby.  I started going on duck hunts when I was around 6 years old.  My uncles would let me shoot the decoys with my BB gun.  I can remember when I turned seven I got to shoot my first real gun a 4/10 single shotgun.  The love has never wavered.  The land I hunt has been in my family since 1883 and touches “Dave Donaldson “ one of the largest wildlife management  areas in Arkansas.  I could tell stories for days, but i will tell one from last year.  

Last year it was snowing and about 20 degrees.  Four friends were supposed to go, but all backed out do to the weather.  So it ended up being me and my black lab blue.  To explain how cold it was, his hair and my beard were completely frozen in ice.  We made quick work of getting a limit of ducks.  I will never forget sitting with Blue when we were done just taking in how beautiful it was with ducks landing all around us.  Hunting is more than killing.  It is about hard work and spending time with your friends and family.  And spending as much time in the outdoors as possible.