Karen presented all of the changes that have transpired this year, with the Bella Vista Fly Tyers Website.

The goal is to gain more interest and understanding on how to use our wonderful website. Its a wealth of great information on our club's activities and what's happening within the club and surrounding areas of Bella Vista, AR. 

Webpage Categories: 

 • By Laws

 • Calendar of Events

 • Event Pictures

 • Special Members

 • Past Presidents

 • Minutes of Our Meetings

 • Membership

 • Light Hearted Humor

 • Kids Fishing

 • Helpful Fishing 

 • Tip suggestions & Feedback 

 • Fishing Success 

 • Community Projects

 • For Sale or Trade

 • Links

 • Area Conservation Projects

Vice President, Kevin Huels introduced Flip Putthoff, Outdoor Writer, NW Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Flip shared a story about his trip down the Buffalo National River from Ponca to the junction with the White River, a distance of 132 miles.

• Flip presented the 50th Anniversary of the Buffalo River becoming the first National Park in America. 

• Put In – at Ponca

• Trip was made in late spring, with Flip indicating the best time to run the river in mid-April through May as the water level is up and water flow is good.

• Flip averaged approximately 25 miles per day which translates to a trip lasting 5.5 days

• Kye’s Landing – Rapids right before Kyle’s Landing

• Prutt Access- - location where the Little Buffalo merges with the Buffalo

• Town of Gilbert – 2.5 days from Ponca, stop and buy ice

• Buffalo Point – opportunity to buy ice

• Rush – old mill town on the river

• Elephant Head - large rock formation, 4 miles to the White

• Buffalo City – upstream on the white – Put Out option

• Cartney Boat Ramp – downstream on the white – Put Out option

• Tips, What to Take

  • Spare paddle

  • Charcoal lighter for campfire

  • Life jacket

  • Camp stove

  • Good sized milk jug, fill with water and freeze, use in cooler, jug keeps material in the cooler dry

  • Backpack meals as back up

  • Air mattress or foam camping pad – bring battery powered air pump as required

  • Safety – be mindful of flood situations and warnings, stay in the middle of the river

Vice President, Kevin Huels introduced Rick Echols Head of the BV Lakes & Fisheries Department. Rick shared the following update.

• • Hatchery permit issues have slowed the lake system stocking process

  • 2 new aqua culture ponds are green lighted for construction below Lake Loch Lomond dam. If program is successful 3 additional ponds will be constructed.

  • Potential stocking species include Trout, Blue Channel Cats, Red Ear, Bluegill, Crappie, Hybrid Bass & several other species

  • Lake Ann – 4 Flat Heads caught. Other Lakes appear clear

  • Lake Assessments & News

  • Lomond – cover sparse duet to eradication program of Parrot Feather weed. Once Parrot Feather is put down more cover will be allowed to grow.

  • Windsor – Bass appear to be getting larger

  • Bluegill & Red Ear quantity & quality trending down. Think about and encourage voluntarily reducing catch limits to 15.

  • Weather has played a big part of the erratic fishing in all the lakes. Fisherman who are fishing deeper seem to be catching higher quality fish.

  • BVFT supported dock at Windsor - start date June/July

Jerry presented his experience in the Boundary Waters, involving 4 guys fishing Basswood Lake North of Ely, MN in late May 1989, and an interesting experience with Ozark Woodchoppers. 

Phone: 479-855-4454

Chief spoke about the latest Bella Vista Fire Department News.

Chief Steve Sims has been with the Bella Vista Fire & EMS for 26 years.  He is a Paramedic.  He has been Chief for 14 years.  He has served the department in ranks of Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant and Battalion Chief before taking the reins. He also holds an Associate Degree in Fire and Paramedic Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and a Master’s degree in Emergency management.  He keeps his certifications for Paramedic, Community Paramedic, Advanced Medical Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support and Fire Certifications current.

When not on the job he enjoys spending time with his family and fishing.  He also enjoys helping other people through church activities.

Marla Bennett:

I have been Chief Sims Admin. Assistant for five years.  I enjoy working with the Chief and these amazing firefighters, EMT’s and Medics.  They are special people that enjoy giving to others.

Contact Person:

Marla Bennett,  Fire Admin. Assist. to Chief Sims

103 Town Center, Bella Vista AR. 72714

Tel:  479*855*4454

Fax:  479*855*7602

mbennett@bellavistaar.gov

Vice President Kevin Huels introduced our speaker - Tom Judson, COO, BV POA

Tom’s presentation included the following:

• COVID & beyond

• Outdoor activity was and is way up

• 16,000 activity cards in place

• 2020 – 170,00 golf rounds

• 2021 – 173,000 golf rounds

• Boat registrations are up

• Gym usage is way up

• Discussed Metfield renovation

• Overviewed POA Customer Service upgrades and reorganization

• Discussed Riordan Hall renovation

• Discussed POA assessment

• BVFT new fishing dock approved for ’22 budget

• Five aquaculture ponds should be in place by end of 2023

• Addressed member questions

Guest Speaker: Cooper Barshinger

Cooper Barshinger is the recipient of the 2021 Bella Vista Fly Tyers $1,500 Scholarship.  Jack Wingate, member of the BV Fly Tyers Bella Vista, AR, introduced Cooper Barshinger.

Guest Speaker Doug Fowler, Bella Vista City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem.

The Bella Vista Fly Tyers and Conservation Club hosted guest speaker Doug Fowler, Bella Vista City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem. Councilman Fowler's presentation consisted of an update on the following topics:

• New ACC residential white fence ordinance

• Water access, availability, and pressure at the new Public Safety Building. currently under construction

• Mercy Way Bridge - New, fully funded, four lane bridge with bike and pedestrian lane

• Bella Vista City Budget

The meeting was well attended with members and guests filling the meeting space at Riordan Hall. Thank you Councilman Fowler.

Guest Speakers Bella Vista Club Members Jack Kilsdonk and Steve Curtis 

Jack Kilsdonk and Steve Curtis, presenting "Lake Erie Fishing !"