Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

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Education & Classes

Underwater Arkansas

Explore a whole new world in the lakes and streams of The Natural State

Join us for Underwater Arkansas — a series of scuba and snorkel dives that will give you a new perspective of the underwater environment.

Nine sessions will be offered throughout the summer. If you’re a certified diver, you’re practically on the boat. If not, contact Ocean Extreme, SportsCo or Scuba Doo Dive Shop to get certified — it’s easier than you think.

If you love to dive or have always wanted to learn, don’t miss out. Make plans to dive with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission this summer.

2009 dive dates start June 20 at Greers Ferry Lake.  

Click here to print this PDF flyer.

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact:

Lake Ouachita
Kirsten Bartlow • (501) 225-8544 or kpbartlow@agfc.state.ar.us

Greers Ferry Lake
Eric DeVries • (501) 223-6402 or efdevries@agfc.state.ar.us

Beaver Lake
Steve Dunlap • (501) 750-3322 or sedunlap@agfc.state.ar.us

Spring River and Kings River
Steve Filipek • (501) 350-5825 sfilipek@agfc.state.ar.us

For information on scuba certification, contact:

Mike Taylor
Ocean Extreme Dive & Travel, Inc.
North Little Rock • (501) 812-0006

Jack Dick
SportsCo
Springdale • (479) 751-0636

Scuba Doo Dive Shop
Mountain Home • (870) 492-5300

Click here for prices and additional information.

AGFC Eden Isle Marina   Ocean Extreme Mountain Harbor Resort   Eden Isle Marina  Red Apple Inn Scuba Doo

2009 Enrollment Forms

Please note: Your space in the program is not confirmed until required forms and payment are received by AGFC.

Prices and additional information

2009 Dive Dates


Saturday, June 20 • Greers Ferry Lake

Spearfishing and Fish Habitat

Learn to build and place fish habitat and the safety, laws and techniques of spearfishing.

NOTE: We will not spearfish while diving.

Mark Oliver; Assistant Chief - Fish Management; AGFC


Saturday, July 18 • Greers Ferry Lake

Fish Identification and Underwater Survey

Identify native fish species and participate in underwater data collection within different habitat types.

Mark Oliver; Assistant Chief - Fish Management; AGFC


Saturday, July 25 • Lake Ouachita

Aquatic Reptiles and Amphibians

Identify the reptiles and amphibians of Arkansas and their habitat requirements.

Kelly Irwin, Herpetologist, AGFC


Saturday, August 1 • Lake Ouachita

Fish Identification and Management

Identify native fish species and learn about management practices on lakes in Arkansas.

Brett Hobbs, Assistant District Fisheries Biologist, AGFC


Saturday, August 15 • South Fork Spring River

Stream Amphibians, Reptiles and Fish

Collect and identify amphibians, reptiles and fish living in an eastern Ozark spring-fed stream.

NOTE: Snorkeling only.

Stephen O’Neal, Stream Team Coordinator, AGFC and Andy Turner, Stream Team Coordinator, AGFC


Saturday, August 22 • Lake Ouachita

Arkansas Mussels

Learn about the life cycle and history of mussels in Arkansas.

Bill Posey, Malacologist, AGFC


Saturday, August 22 • Beaver Lake

Underwater Fossils

The Ozark Highlands have a rich geologic history spanning millions of years, the story of which is told in the rocks. Divers will be introduced to fossils typically found within the Ozark Limestone, as well as the opportunity to discover long extinct species under the waves.

Steve Dunlap, Regional Education Coordinator; AGFC


Saturday, August 29 • Kings River

River Ecology and Fish Identification

Snorkel with darters, shiners and smallmouth bass of a blue ribbon Ozark river. Learn of its physical, chemical and biological attributes while getting wet.

NOTE: Snorkeling only.

Dave Evans, Stream Team Coordinator, AGFC and Steve Filipek, Assistant Chief of Fisheries, AGFC


Saturday, September 12 • Beaver Lake

Fish Identification and Lake Ecology

Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas has a rich variety of sport fish - bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish.  AGFC fisheries biologists will provide divers a hands-on opportunity to identify fish species, and help them understand how the lake's ecology affects their populations and reproduction.

Ron Moore, District Fisheries Supervisor; AGFC


Can you identify these fish?  

Hold your mouse over the fish for the answer. 

Flathead Catfish

Largemouth BassLongear Sunfish
BluegillRedear Sunfish
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service/Duane Raver Art