Crystal Lake popular place for fishing and more

Photo by Mike Eckels One area fisherman rows his river dory toward the shoreline at Crystal Lake in Decatur June 26. His fishing partner waited on the boat ramp with truck and trailer, ready to pick up this unique vessel.

Photo by Mike Eckels One area fisherman rows his river dory toward the shoreline at Crystal Lake in Decatur June 26. His fishing partner waited on the boat ramp with truck and trailer, ready to pick up this unique vessel.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

— With temperatures climbing into the 80s and 90s, a trip to the Old City Park pool is a refreshing way to stay cool. But for others, there is only one place to beat the heat and have a blast in the process: Crystal Lake, on the north side of Decatur, off of Arkansas Highway 59. The lake offers visitors a place to hang out and enjoy a wide variety of activities from the more traditional, such as fishing and picnicking, to the more exotic, such as paddle boats and kayaking.

Crystal Lake's primary function is to serve the fishing community, with a boat launch ramp and a fishing dock in Crystal Lake Park. The city of Decatur maintains the grounds around a portion of the lake, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission oversees the lake itself and keeps it stocked with a wide variety of game fish, including perch, catfish and bass.

Fishermen beware! A license, which can be obtained at local sporting goods stores or online at the AGFC site, is required to fish at this facility. And, on occasion, game wardens do visit Crystal Lake and check for licenses.

Nature lovers, too, flock to the lake to watch a wide assortment of summer wildlife, including Canada and Egyptian geese (some are permanent residents), a lone eagle, birds of many colors, deer, squirrels and chipmunks.

This season has seen a rise in families out for an afternoon picnic at Crystal Lake Park, or a long swim in the lake near the boat ramp.

A word of caution to those who enjoy the waters of Crystal Lake: there are no lifeguards on site and signs are posted which read, "Swim at your own risk."

Crystal Lake has seen a rise in small recreational boating over the past two years, as well. It is a "no wake" lake, so motorized boats may not exceed 5 mph. For boating regulations on the lake, contact the AGFC.

In addition to motorized fishing boats, Crystal Lake has become a popular place for using human-powered watercraft such as kayaks, canoes and small paddle boats. And a new craze -- paddle boards -- has also made its way to the lake.

Paddle boards are small fiberglass or air-inflated surf boards upon which a rider stands or kneels, using a single paddle (or arms or legs) as its means of propulsion. And the sport is not confined to summer months. Adults fitted in dry or wet dive suits regularly run the entire perimeter of the lake, from Compton Ridge Park (on the south end) and back again. On occasion, one or two of these riders can be seen using a helmet- or body-mounted camera to photograph the lake, eagles and other wildlife on the water.

A unique style of boat made an appearance along the banks of the lake June 26. This type of boat was used by mariners for centuries as life boats, dinghies and, in this case, a fishing vessel. A retired couple launched their river dory or drift boat early in the morning and fished through early afternoon.

The dory is about 14 feet long and six feet wide. It features a high bow and narrow stern. This particular boat was rigged with a small trolling motor in the stern, but its primary means of propulsion is a person with pair of oars. When it finally came ashore next to the boat ramp, visitors gathered around to take a closer look at this unique pleasure craft.

Crystal Lake in Decatur is a beautiful and peaceful place to get away from the stresses of everyday life. Its scenic bluffs and sparkling waters are an adventurer's paradise. Because of its pristine beauty, visitors are asked to leave the lake as they found it by disposing of their garbage properly.

For more information on Crystal Lake, contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission toll-free at 800-364-4263. For information on Crystal Lake or Compton Parks, contact the city of Decatur at 479-752-3912.

General News on 07/05/2017