Locals Likely to Dominate Arkansas River

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — The Arkansas River is where many Elite Series pros cut their angling teeth, and they’re better off for it. The river can provide a bounty of bass just as quickly as it can seem barren. The second Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open should lie somewhere in the middle of these extremes, says Talala, Okla., native and Elite Series pro Terry Butcher.

“It can produce 25-pound bags in the spring, but for now, I think that 15 or 16 pounds a day will be pretty good,” Butcher said. “I think that it’ll fish pretty decent. Also, I think it can be won from...