Lake Avalon Drawdown
The Bella Vista Property Owners Association will begin drawing Lake Avalon down on November 14, 2022, to a level 4 feet below full pool. It may be necessary to briefly drop the lake to 6 feet below full pool pending assessment of the beach area. The lake will be lowered at the rate of 3 inches per day and should be down by December 1, 2022, barring excessive rain. The lake will be allowed to refill beginning on March 6, 2023.
The purpose in lowering the lake is to allow homeowners a chance to build / repair docks and seawalls. It also gives homeowners the opportunity to dredge and remove debris from the lake in front of their property. Property owners need to obtain any necessary permits for work being completed during this time. Docks and seawalls will need permits from the City of Bella Vista and the ACC. Dredging projects will need a Permit for Common Property from the Bella Vista POA. The POA will also be doing maintenance work at the spillway, removing a gravel bar near the boat ramp, and dredging at the beach area. Fish habitat improvement projects will also be conducted at that time.
The lake will be drawn down slowly as recommended by the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission. Although rain may slow efforts to lower the lake, we will monitor progress daily and adjust as needed. Normal spring rainfall and underground springs should refill the lake in a timely manner, but nothing date specific is guaranteed.
We appreciate your patience and support of our current maintenance on Lake Avalon Direct questions to Rick Echols – Lakes and Parks Superintendent at 855-5068 or Mike Taggart – Director of the Maintenance & Construction – Water Utility Division at (479)855-5060.
Contractor List Docks and Storage 2022
Loch Lomond Drawdown
The draw down is scheduled to begin on November 24, 2021. The lake should be down 4 feet by December 10 at the anticipated rate of 3 inches per day. Gates will be closed and the lake allowed to return to full pool on March 1, 2022.
A list of contractors doing work on our lakes can be viewed by clicking below. This list is not an endorsement.
Rayburn Drawdown
The draw down began on November 9. The lake should be down by December 4 and allowed to start refilling by March 1. The goal is 3 inches per day and 6 feet overall.
During the Lakes Committee meeting on September 9, 2020, we were asked to provide a list of contractors who do dock work and can provide other services during the draw down. This list is not an endorsement.
- Contractor List
Additionally, previously provided information regarding permits and other topics is found here.
Tips to Help Ensure the Survival of Released Fish
By Rick Echols
There are few things more disheartening to a fisherman than to kill fish that are intended for release. Don’t get me wrong, it is perfectly fine to catch a limit of 12-inch bass and take them home for dinner. As a management practice here in the Bella Vista lakes, it is even encouraged. If you want to harvest fish, they should go directly on ice as they are caught. Fish that are intended for release are often unintentionally killed when anglers make a few common mistakes.
Generally, larger fish are more susceptible to mortality after being caught than small fish. To avoid mortality, bring the fish in quickly and do not play the fish to exhaustion. Ultralight rods and line rated for small fish should be avoided as it prolongs the fight. Exhaustion and excessive handling causes the release of cortisol (stress hormone). This in turn compromises the immune system and encourages infection.
It is best to leave fish in the water as the hook is removed. If this is not possible, handle the fish with wet hands. Towels and abrasive boat carpeting should be avoided because it rubs off the protective mucus coating and lets pathogens in. Fish rubbing against the sides of a live well for hours before being released can have the same effect. On hot summer days, live wells can more appropriately be named “death traps”. Fish that are released in seemingly good condition can succumb up to two weeks later from infection.
To ensure the release of healthy fish, make sure you have all equipment to record a memorable moment including a camera, scale, and measuring device. Avoid exposing the fish to air for longer than 30 seconds especially on warm or windy days. Recording the event and releasing the fish quickly will result is its best chance for survival. Large fish can be hard to come by. With proper care, they can be “recycled” for the enjoyment of other anglers.
“Keeping Bass Alive” by Gene Gilliland and Hal Schramm is an excellent resource on the subject. Useful excerpts are available at: https://www.bassmaster.com/sites/default/files/bassmaster2011/imce/KeepingBassAlive_guidebook%20comp.pdf