ROGERS, Ark. -- Just when the water is warming up and boating season is about to start, many people may be shying away from a weekend on Beaver Lake.

Flooding Fears, Scaring Away Lake Visitors?

The lake is high, but the boat ramps, swim areas, and many camping areas, both public and private, are still open, though two campgrounds are still under water.

Lake managers are hoping flooding fears do not scare tourists away.

"We've been here almost two weeks," said tourist Barbara Larson

Larson's mailing address is in Denver, Colo., but it is what's beneath the surface of Beaver Lake that brings them here.

"It's known for it's large stripers," Larson said. Striper fishing brings many anglers to Beaver Lake every year.

Even with the muddy, murky, high water, they have ve been reeling them in.

"It's the only lake my husband is drawn to, Beaver Lake,” Larson said.

Park rangers are hoping more people like the Larsons visit the lake, even though rangers said levels may be high for another two months.

"Until flooding subsides on the Arkansas, the lower White, and the Mississippi, we'll have to hold our water,” said ranger Alan Bland.

Right now there are dangers for boaters on Beaver, J.J. Bauman sells and services boats for a living.

"There are a lot of timid boat owners because of high water,” Bauman said.

Rangers said the lake is open for those who are ready to wash away their spring fever.

"High water, that means high water, but the swim beaches are ready. We're waiting for people to come out, and hopefully it won't affect tourism,” Bland said.

But in the end, it could be the price of fun that keeps many off the lake.

Boat fuel prices are really high right now, but rangers said Memorial Day weekend is traditionally their busiest day of the year. They said several campgrounds have been reserved for the holiday already.

Once the water recedes, officials will make repairs on recreation areas that are now under water.