Lake Poinsett State Park

Lake Poinsett

State Park

Outdoors Columnist Lake Poinsett State Park is 178 acres of rolling hills and fishing lake. The park is a few miles from Harrisburg, Ark., and about an hour drive from Crittenden County. The park was established in 1963 and the Visitors Center was built in 1985.

The Center is open every day from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.

in the evening and has fishing tackle along with live bait. There are also drinks and snacks. The park has five full time employees under the auspice of the Arkansas State Parks. The office manager is Ome Coleman who began working at the Center when it was first opened 31 years ago. She is the lady that greets you when you first open the door of the Center. I visited with Josh McMasters who is the assistant superintendent who gave me information about the park and all it offered.

The Park has 26 campsites with water and electricity that rent for $20.00, and three primitive camp sites that cost $12 per night.

There are reduced rates for the handicapped and folks over 62. Several kinds of boats may be rented starting with kayaks, canoes, and flat bottom fishing boats with power motors.

Boats may be rented for both half days and full days with prices starting at $10.50 and ranging up to $52 for a full day with a powered fishing boat.

Boats are rented on a first come-first serve system.

Lake Poinsett has always been known for being an outstanding bass lake with very good bream, crappie, and catfish fishing.

The Park offers many fun things to do. There are hiking trails which are outstanding in the fall when the leaves change, a playground, and picnic area.

Tours of the lake and Park guided by Park employees may be scheduled with the cost $12 for adults and $6 for the kids There is a pavilion that may be rented out for $64 for all day or $45 for a half day. A fall festival is scheduled for October. The campers like to gather in the evening at the pavilion and talk about the fish they caught and other wild stories. It’s a great place to visit and make new friends.

The fishing has been slow on Lake Poinsett with the summer heat. Bream are fair early and late, with the catfishing being the best.

Spring and fall are always the best. The bass fishermen tend to be tight mouthed.

To make reservations or more information call: Lake Poinsett State Park 870-578-2064 Lakepoinsett@arkansas.co m Fishing is slow due to the heat, but the bass fishermen are taking a few very early at Horseshoe Lake, mostly on top water baits.

Tommy Gaspard brought in a nice 7 pounder he caught to be mounted.

Take the kid when you go.

He might show you how to fish!

Papa Duck Lakeside Taxidermy 759- 732- 0455 or 901- 482- 3430 or johncriner@ hotmail. com

By John Criner