The season opens Sept. 9, and Fort Chaffee is one of the best places in western Arkansas to hunt rabbits. I'm just proud I've never shot a beagle. But cooler temperatures at night will get the bass more active, making topwater lures great choices. With hunters taking to the fields and forsaking the bass boats, the fall months are great times to fish. Lake Ouachita also is a popular choice for Fort Smith area bass anglers in the fall.
Fish tend to school up in the rivers and creeks, and crankbaits and Carolina rigs are top producers.
Fishing at Ouachita also gives one an excuse to eat fried chicken and homemade pies at Shangri-La. Never overlook the food factor when discussing outdoor sports. This river created by a natural spring at Mammoth Spring is the best-kept secret in our state. It's full of trout as well as smallmouth, walleye and all kinds of panfish. While most streams are typically low this time of the year, the Ouachita River is a great choice.