2001 Wal-Mart Open
FLW Tour Stop #4
Beaver Lake, Ark.
April 25-28
The Wal-Mart Open is one of the most lucrative bass fishing tournaments in the world. The winning pro cashes a check for a whopping $200,000, while the top co-angler banks an impressive $40,000.
Beaver Lake, a beautiful highland reservoir situated in the Ozark Mountains near Bentonville, Ark., is a great tournament site. If the region has typical spring weather, water temperatures should be in the mid-`60s and the bass very aggressive as the spawn gets in full swing. If the water has risen into the bushes, bass will build their nests around the base of bushes situated in the pockets. If the water is low, bass will spawn on gravel-strewn rock ledges, because the wall created by the ledges gives bass a sense of security.
In the clear water found on Beaver Lake’s lower end, anglers will attempt to entice cruising bass with a floating worm or soft plastic jerkbait. For bass actively guarding a nest, anglers will make repeated casts with a tube lure or a variety of small plastic critters to agitate the fish into biting.
Springtime bass also congregate on points before they move into the coves to spawn. Some of the bass even spawn on the points. Crankbaits in a crawfish color are favorite lures for fishing secondary points in the coves and creeks, especially when it is windy. A suspending jerkbait, originally created for fishing on Ozark lakes, is also effective when retrieved across windy points and bluff banks.
If clear water and spawning bass are not your forte, travel up the lake into the White River where you will find dingier water and lots of cover. If the water is up, bass will be in the bushes. If the water level is down, fish the gravel-lined pockets and chunk-rock banks. Power baits such as spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jigs are the favorite lure choices for fishing the river.
Wendlandt’s wisdom
2000 Wal-Mart FLW Tour Angler of the Year Clark Wendlandt of Cedar Park, Texas, won the 1999 Wal-Mart Open in Bentonville.
When fishing Beaver Lake, he likes to work his mojo on bass cruising and spawning in the clear water. But if that isn’t working, he suggests using a Carolina rig or plastic grub to catch bass staging on points prior to actually spawning. Wendlandt also recommends casting a Rapala Husky Jerk for pre- and post-spawn bass congregating in coves and small pockets.
Local attractions
During your stay in Bentonville, tour the Peel House Museum and Gardens. The house is an Italian mansion built in 1875 with a spectacular garden.
Explore the Old Spanish Treasure Cave, which is one of the Ozark’s most historical caverns. You will learn the legends about hidden treasure buried in the cave.
Be sure and eat at Fred’s Hickory Inn, a favorite with locals for over 30 years. The family-owned restaurant features smoked meats. The Kitchen Table is also a local favorite. Located in a quaint neighborhood, the restaurant prepares classic New Orleans French Creole dishes. An extensive wine list and full bar are also available.
Of course, Bentonville is Wal-Mart’s corporate headquarters. So, don’t miss a visit to the original department store where Sam Walton started a merchandising revolution.
Related links:
Top bass anglers gear up for $1 million Wal-Mart Open
Tournament field: FLW Tour, April 25-28, Beaver Lake
Event details