The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Fisheries Division has partnered with McAlpine Christmas Tree Farm in Bismarck for a donation of 200 Christmas trees that can be used by anglers for fish habitat in Lake Hamilton here and Cox Creek Lake near Leola in Grant County.
All anglers need to do is pick up a tree (or trees) from two public pickup spots at those lakes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trees can be picked up at the Andrew H. Hulsey State Fish Hatchery boat ramp on Lake Hamilton in Garland County, or at the Cox Creek Lake boat ramp in Grant County. Trees will be available until the end of January. Any leftover trees will be placed in Lake Hamilton or Cox Creek Lake at marked locations that will be available on the AGFC's fish attractor mapper (apps.agfc.com/mapper).
Fresh Christmas trees offer great habitat for fish and will maintain their foliage underwater for several months, whereas previously sunk trees tend to break down over time and need a boost to the brushpile, especially from anglers wanting to help.
The Fisheries Division suggests these tips for successfully setting up a new Christmas tree habitat:
- Anchor well: Tie a cinder block to the base of the tree using paracord or heavy-duty wire.
- Best to bunch: Habitat sites work best when the trees are grouped together. Sinking them in clusters of at least five trees per area is recommended to create a substantial brushpile that appeals to baitfish and for sport fish like bass and crappie.
- Go deep: Be mindful of the water level and make sure to sink the trees deep enough so they aren't a hazard to navigation, especially during winter drawdowns. For instance, Lake Hamilton is now in a 5-foot winter drawdown and will not be raised to normal pool level until early March.