Due to the scenic beauty of the Ozark Mountains and the hospitable communities of Rogers and Bentonville, Ark., the Wal-Mart Open on Beaver Lake has become a favorite among veteran Wal-Mart FLW Tour contestants. The lake’s excellent fishing found is just icing on the cake.

FLW touring pro John Sisemore of Farmington, Ark., says Beaver Lake has been stable this year. The lake has not fluctuated much beyond two feet this winter. Such stable conditions could be a harbinger of another sight-fishing festival, but Sisemore points out that this year’s event is a week earlier than last season’s tournament.

“The last several years FLW has hit Beaver just as the spawn was coming on,” Sisemore says. “A more lengthy winter and an earlier tournament might mean more of a pre-spawn bite instead of a spawn bite.”

If the last few years are any indication, Beaver’s clear waters will be plentiful with largemouths and spots, as well as a few smallmouth.

Since this is Wal-Mart’s title event, anglers can look forward to cashing in on twice the money. The winning pro will leave with $210,000 cash and the top co-angler will walk away with $40,000.

– Rob Newell

Links:

Nation’s top anglers prepped for $1 million Wal-Mart Open on Beaver Lake
Pro field
Co-angler field