Blue-ribbon small mouth stream

Described as "the blue-ribbon smallmouth stream of the state," Crooked Creek originates near Marble Falls in Newton County, flows north and then east through Boone County and continues east across Marion County where it empties into the White River. Deep pools, fast chutes and clear water characterize Crooked Creek. Along the way, it passes through the communities of Harrison, Pyall, and Yellville, but most of its journey travels through rural countryside featuring rolling hills, cedar glades, bluffs, bottomland thickets and lush pasturelands.

In addition to its nationally known smallmouth fishery, Crooked Creek also provides habitat for many other species including channel catfish and several varieties of sunfish. Crooked Creek also provides a rich habitat for beaver, mink, deer, water-oriented birds including kingfishers, ospreys and great blue herons.

While the stream's upper reaches offer opportunities for wade-fishing and occasional float trips, most recreational use along Crooked Creek occurs in the lower 50 miles blow Pyatt. A favorite of many smallmouth anglers is the Pyatt to Yellville section on Crooked Creek. See our Fishing section for more details on fishing Crooked Creek.

Nearly every acre along Crooked Creek is privately owned. Floaters should take special care to avoid potential trespassing problems.