about the challenge

​The Little River County Chamber of Commerce in Ashdown, Arkansas is hosting the first Millwood Fishing Challenge!

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The challenge will take place on Millwood Lake in Ashdown, Arkansas and will begin at 6 a.m. February 1, 2021, and end on April 15, 2021, at 5 p.m. CST.

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There are over 100 prize fish—including the $10,000.00 “BIG MILLIE” grand prize! The prize fish will all be wearing 2021 yellow tags and will be released into Millwood Lake just prior to the challenge start date.

The Little River County Chamber of Commerce is conducting the challenge in cooperation with the AGFC. 

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The location where Big Millie, which could be any of the three species of fish in the Challenge, will be documented, although the person(s) who releases him will know exactly where the release took place.

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One clue per week will be posted here on our web page, starting March 22, 2021 on the whereabouts of Big Millie, if she has not already been caught.

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​​The challenge provides anglers the opportunity to catch yellow-tagged fish that can be redeemed for cash prizes. 

how it works

Over 100 yellow-tagged fish will be released in Millwood Lake. The yellow tags will have a phone number and a prize number on them. If a fish is caught the angler must call the number and present the fish with the yellow tag attached, along with the badge number. All official rules must be complied with.

The fish will be tagged by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and released into Millwood Lake. No one will know the exact location of the release points except this individual(s). 

No cash prize(s) will be awarded to any participant presenting a tagged fish that has been caught other than during the fishing period. Tags must be presented during the fishing period to be redeemed. All tagged fish must be caught in accordance with all state and local laws, codes, rules and regulations. Rules and regulations can be found here. No cash prizes will be awarded to any participant who does not comply with state and local laws, codes, rules and regulations. 

release of prize fish

The grand prize fish, Big Millie, will be worth $10,000.00 cash to anyone who can reel her in!

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There are 100 more chances to win prize money, Big Millie—the $10,000 prize fish, will swim the full 74 days of the challenge with additional $5,000 and $10,000 fish every Saturday and Sunday (see dates below). Fish worth $250, $500 and $1,000 will be valid the full 74 days of the challenge with Big Millie. The $5,000 and $10,000 fish not caught on the specified weekend will have a consultation prize of $100.

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February 6th-7th: $10,000 (prize fish up for grabs)

February 13th-14th: $5,000 (prize fish up for grabs)

February 20th-21st: $10,000 (prize fish up for grabs)

February 27th-28th: $5,000 (prize fish up for grabs)

March 6th-7th: $10,000 (prize fish up for grabs)

March 13th-14th: $5,000 (prize fish up for grabs)

March 20th-21st: $10,000 (prize fish up for grabs)

March 27th-28th: $5,000 (prize fish up for grabs)

April 3rd-4th: $10,000 (prize fish up for grabs)

April 10th-11th: $5,000 (prize fish up for grabs)

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The prize fish will be bass, catfish (of any kind) and crappie. ONLY bream will be tagged for the youth angler challenge. 

eligibility and badges

The contest is open to anyone with a valid Arkansas fishing license and a valid badge that can be purchased from the following locations for $15.00.

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• Bogey's

• Fish Bowl

• Gumflats Custom Imaging

• MilWay Federal Credit Union

• The Nutrition Box

• Red River Oil

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Director of the Little River Chamber of Commerce, Jana Smith, along with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are ineligible to win cash prizes.

Challenge rules:

All tagged fish must be checked-in alive and with yellow tag in place—DO NOT REMOVE TAG.

• You must have in possession a current badge at the time of the catch. Badges can be purchased at any gold sponsor.

• Awards and prizes are NOT transferable. 

• No commercial fishing equipment allowed (NO NETS).

• You must obey all State Fish and Game Laws.

• No guided fishing trips allowed. 

• You must be willing to take a polygraph test if requested by the Chamber Director.

• All decisions of the Chamber Director are final. 

Youth Anglers weekend: April 17th & 18th

​Youth anglers, ages 15 and under, are eligible to participate in the youth anglers weekend event.

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Over 100 yellow-tagged prize bream will be released at Millwood State Park this weekend. The prize fish will be contained in a specific area that will be announced at a later date. Kids will be able to catch the fish easily! The grand prize, "Little Millie", is valued at $100.00!

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Registration badges are not required for this weekend.

Bream will be tagged for cash and prizes!

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Youth anglers may fish starting at 6 a.m. April 17, 2021 until 5 p.m. April 18, 2021.

Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided for youth anglers at 5 p.m. on April 18, 2021 along with prizes to give away at Millwood State Park. 

Contact us

For questions, please contact Jana Smith at the Little River County Chamber of Commerce: 870-898-2758 or director@littlerivercoc.org.

publicity release

Each angler who catches a prize fish grants Little River Chamber of Commerce the rights to use their name, likeness, biographical information, and photographs, without compensation, in any and all media without limitation for advertising and promotional purposes.