Jim Harris, Author at Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

Jim Harris — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 17:24:51 +0000

August 14, 2025

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Harrison Sullivan of Rogers landed his very first walleye while fishing on Bull Shoals Lake recently. He was guided by Steve Gaston from Southern Walleye. Check out the walleye report on Bull Shoals from Southern Walleye in this week’s report below, under “North Arkansas.”

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Reports are updated weekly, although some reports may be published for two weeks if updates are not received promptly or if reporters say conditions haven’t changed. Contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for current news.

Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk

For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt

For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality

Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

Central Arkansas
North Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas
Northeast Arkansas
Southeast Arkansas
Southwest Arkansas
South-Central Arkansas
West-Central Arkansas
East Arkansas

Central Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation) and Nursery Pond

(updated 8-14-2025) AGFC staff in Mayflower report this week that the lake has reached its lowest point during the lake-wide drawdown for renovation, hitting the 10-foot mark. Boat lane contractors are nearing completion of the mulching portion of the project.

(updated 8-14-2025) AGFC staff report that Lake Conway Nursery Pond the bream in the pond are now big enough to want to keep, and they are plentiful. The staff hears reports of folks catching a slab crappie here and there. Staff weren’t aware of many anglers looking for bass, though there are bass in the pond. In recent months, folks were catching plenty of catfish after they were stocked.

The nearly 70-acre nursery pond has been set up by the AGFC Fisheries Division as an alternative destination while Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation. It is stocked with mature bass, crappie, catfish and bream, as well as rainbow trout for the cold-weather months.

Little Red River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website or by calling (501) 362-5150). Also check the Southwestern Power Administration website to see forecast generation schedule.

(updated 8-14-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Greers Ferry Lake is sitting right at power pool, and we’ve got a change in the generation schedule this week. The Southwestern Power Administration has been running two units starting around 3 p.m. and wrapping up about 8 p.m. As always, it’s subject to change, so it’s worth checking the SWPA Generation Schedule before you head out (see the link above).
With this schedule, the wading opportunities are about as good as they get — you can work the whole river and get a full day on foot. Boat fishing has been just as productive. Focus on those deeper water sections near moss beds, any stretch with a little current, or in the oxygen-rich shoals and plunge pools right below them.

Under an indicator, the hot patterns lately have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, midges, egg patterns and San Juan Worms.

“Whether you’re wading or floating, it’s been a great week to get out. The fish are happy, the flows are favorable and there’s plenty of action to go around.”

(updated 8-7-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the generation has been consistent the past few weeks as they were getting the water down in Greers Ferry Lake. The brown trout bite is good on hair jigs, either in ⅛- or 1/16-ounce size, with falling water. Try an olive or peach pattern for the hair jigs, and fish them in 5-8 feet of water.

Rainbows are reacting well off the ends of the shoals for anglers throwing a pink Trout Magnet worm or a mealworm Trout Magnet. You need to float it about 1-2 inches off the bottom, drifting.

(updated 11-16-2023) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-250-0730) said always check the generation schedule and be aware of unexpected water release. Check before heading to the Little Red River for Greers Ferry Dam water release by downloading the USACE Little Rock app, Corps of Engineers website (swl-wc.usace.army.mil) for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website (swpa.gov) to see forecasted generation schedule.

Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-7-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the fishing hasn’t changed a whole lot from last week’s report. This week, on the lower end of the lake you want to fish for bass around the main lake points, 15-20 feet of water, throwing a Carolina-rigged lizard over those main lake points around brush, rock or the like — the bass are staying close to those areas.

Also, if you can get a straight bluff wall that goes down deep, throw something light like a shaky head with a Zoom finesse worm in watermelon color. Make sure the head is a light one and let it fall fairly slowly — if it does make it to the bottom, leave it there only a second before reeling in; the bite will come on the fall.

Also for bass fishing, on the upper end of the lake (north of the Narrows), look in the deep flooded timber and throw a minnow-style bait and maybe a deep jerkbait.

For crappie, no matter where you are on the lake, fish some sort of natural color crappie jig, like Monkey Milk, around the brushpiles.

(updated 8-14-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake as of Wednesday afternoon was at 462.02 feet msl, a half-foot below normal pool and falling. Not much has changed overall except the water level. Just stay the course. Summertime patterns for sure now. Fish remain scattered all over, but do understand that sport fish (crappie, bass, etc.) now are out deeper.

Some crappie are on the bank while others are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, with crankbaits for trolling 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and 40 feet for the deeper fish. Brushpiles are in play as well as standing timber.

Walleye are scattered everywhere. Some are deep, some shallow and all in-between — and, of course, lake fish are staying put on points, humps, etc. in 10-40 feet. Anglers having best success are trying to drag a jig tipped with minnow or crawler and/or a drop-shot. Big Minnow-style plugs are working trolled.

Catfish are eating really well all over the lake and rivers. Lots of blues have come in. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits, as well as rod and reels. For bream try crawlers, crickets, small cranks and inline spinners. A lot of white bass and hybrid bass are in the 25-43 feet range. Use Road Runners and grubs for shallow fish, spoons and inline spinners for the ones moving deeper now.

Black bass are scattered as well. Some are in the old buckbrush line, while some are still super shallow, and others have moved offshore, and more are just roaming around chasing shad in 12-40 feet around points, humps, etc. Just about any style of bait is working; there are a lot more schooling fish now as well.

Be safe and wear your life jacket.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 8-14-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said an angler this week stopped in with a big crappie in hand, 16 inches in length. The same angler caught a few more crappie but also hauled in a 6-pounds-or-larger catfish.

The crappie he caught and that other anglers managed to catch this past week were being caught in shallow water. Minnows were the bait of choice.

Some people who stopped in last weekend had a big time catching bream on crickets and worms. Bing says they had some fairly nice weather over the weekend that brought out a lot of folks to fish.

Word that she heard from the other side of the lake is that an angler caught 13 crappie in one trip. He posted the outing on his personal Facebook page, noting that he was out in the early morning and caught 11 keepers. That, plus other anglers’ success, tells Bing that crappie are still moving early in the morning.

She didn’t hear much on black bass. However, catfish were biting well on nightcrawlers and baby bream, plus other typical catfish baits. Anglers fishing with their rod-and-reels for crappie ended up hooking some nice catfish, she added.

The water level is normal. There is still a lot of tree pollen on the top.

Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page.

(updated 1-18-2025) Ken Winstead at Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) had no new reports.

Lake Overcup
(updated 8-14-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) said in his most recent report that Overcup’s water is about normal. The clarity is good and the surface water temperature was around 89 degrees.

He reported lots of shad running around the surface during the late evening and early morning, and the bass and catfish were feeding.

Crappie were being caught in 10-14 feet of water about 6 feet down.

Bream were on their beds and are doing well.
“Come see us at Overcup Landing off Highway 9.”

Lake Maumelle
(updated 8-14-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that the fishing for bass, crappie and bream have settled into a steady and fair pattern over the past few hot weeks. The water temperature has heated back up from last week’s below-90s temps, and is now ranging 89-91 degrees. The water level is on a slight fall, now 4.3 feet below normal pool.

Black bass are still fair. Largemouth bass are being found in 10-20 feet of water. Reports rate the bite best early in the morning and late in the evening. Use Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are being found in 12-16 feet of water on brushpiles mixed in with the largemouths. The bite for spots is also best early in the morning and late in the evening. Drop-shots, Carolina rigs with a green pumpkin trailer, jigs and crankbaits are working best.

Matt Hedrick and Brandon Crain sewed up Angler of the Year for WestRock’s Tuesday night black bass tournament series, and their 11.72 pounds for five fish this Tuesday night was good enough for second place behind Brian G. and Ken K., who pulled out a winning 13.55 pounds of bass.
Crappie are fair to slow. At last report they were said to be scattered around brush anywhere from 18-22 feet and biting minnows and jigs. Bream are also fair with reports of them being found on brushpiles in 5-12 feet. Anglers report they’re starting to catch some bigger bream shallow, though. Use crickets and redworms.

Still no reports again this week for white bass and catfish. You might pick up a white bass with a Twister Tail or a crankbait. Catfish should take to smaller bream, liver and worms in these conditions.

(update 7-31-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said that water temps in Lake Maumelle are in the upper 80s to low 90s. Crappie can be found on brush in 18-22 feet of water. Tiny jigs such as the Bobby Garland Itty Bit series and minnows will trigger a bite. Now more than ever, presentation is key! With water temps hovering near 90 degrees, the crappie do not want to work hard for food. Slow and steady wins the race.

Visit www.nsfguide.com or call 501-548-8990 to schedule your guided crappie trip today!

Arkansas River at Morrilton
For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Little Maumelle River
(update 8-14-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said there hasn’t been a whole lot of anglers out the past week or so, but a few have been fishing. The water is normal and clear. Although Ray didn’t have a specific water temperature, he estimated that it was probably near 90 degrees still.

The report isn’t much different than the last few weeks, though: Anglers are still catching a lot of black bass. He calls it pretty much “an early and late game.” The bass are hitting topwater and spinnerbaits, as well as crankbaits. “They’re shallow. You can catch them on just about anything, but mainly a white spinnerbait or a shad-colored topwater bait.”

He noted that one angler rolled in Friday and took advantage of a hot bream bite, catching 40 or so fish. “So, the bream are still biting good,” Ray said. Worms and crickets will work best.

Crappie are still about 8 feet deep and folks are catching them on minnows. He’s not hearing much around the marina about catfish catches, but he says that folks that live around the area on houseboats and catching them around their docks all the time.

“A lot of people are fishing on the main river (Arkansas River above Murray Lock and Dam) because it slowed down. We don’t have as much traffic now on the Little Maumelle,” he said.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
For the real-time water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam and David D. Terry Lock and Dam, as well as the Little Rock pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-7-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river flow has come down quite a bit, with readings on Thursday afternoon of around 25,000 cfs (“pretty slow,” they say). For bass, if you can find some cuts in the jetties on the main river, throw a 5/16-ounce green pumpkin or brown finesse jig into those cuts.

Also, if you’re out in the heat of the day and/or middle of the day, venture into the backwaters and you’ll find the bass will be tight on cover. Focus on a rock pile or stump and throw a spinnerbait right next to that. Also try a balsa square bill.

If you want to fish the jetties, they suggest starting at the top of the pool closer to the dam and throwing a Bandit 200 parallel to the jetty but about 2 feet out from it.

Crappie fishing is pretty much the same. Try a black and chartreuse crappie jig on the mouth of the backwater leading to the main river, and find a rock pool or some sunken brush at that spot. The fish will be sitting on that.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 8-14-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said she’s seen very few anglers lately with the extremely hot weather and dry conditions. The water is low now and stumps are starting to show. This is the time a lot of the regulars refer to as “stump jumping” at Peckerwood, trying to find a main channel.

Some crappie and catfish fishing is going on, which is usual here, with a few crappie being caught on jigs. Catfish are a fairly popular species at this time, compared to the others, and just about anything will get their attention, Donna said, though they probably favor liver and hot dogs. “I’m sure bass is still doing good,” she added, though most of the bass fishing is on the northern end of the lake away from Herman’s Landing and she doesn’t get direct reports from anglers on baits.

Bream seem to have slowed, she added, though a couple of anglers did show up recently to bream fish. They didn’t report how they did, though.

North Arkansas

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 8-14-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said the clear, cold water released through Bull Shoals Dam keeps the river habitat perfect for the trout provided by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Trout Management Program. “We are seeing more fluctuation in releases from the dam as it works to supply electrical power and continues to lower the lake to the desired power pool. We’re still 14 feet above the power pool, sitting at 675.03 msl.
“One way we’ve lured those trout away from their perfect habitat this week was with Berkley pink worms, sometimes tipped with a white Power Egg. Fuzzy, peachy eggs are making a splash, too, from Cotter all the way to the dam. They provided a rapid and steady interest from the rainbows. Wiggling live worms are always attractive, and the shrimp/PowerBait combo is a great fallback bait when others aren’t attracting attention.
“High water offers the opportunity to put those big jerkbaits to use. Smithwick and Rapala stick baits move deep to arouse the browns. White bellies and dark backs are the ticket on sunny August days. Keep your spoons and Blue Foxes handy and don’t be afraid to try different baits and different colors; use a wide selection.
“Visit Cotter and find out why we’re called Trout Capital USA. Hope to see you at the river!”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 8-14-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “In the last week we have seen water levels dropping throughout most of the day, with water rising in the late evenings before cresting again early the next morning. Fishing continues to be consistent with the ‘go-to’ silver inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipping the hooks with shrimp, corn or redworms. Some fishermen are reporting success using diving lures such Rapala Countdowns, CD7 or CD9, in rainbow trout and brown trout colors.

“Late last week we received another stocking of 1,000 rainbows. The last stocking put us over 3,800 rainbows in less than a week.”

Bull Shoals Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Bull Shoals Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-14-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level dropped about 4 feet in the past week to 675 feet msl – only 16 feet above normal pool. Water temperature is still about 86 degrees (give or take) with the cooler evenings and shorter days. Continue to take precautions on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking is better, but still most boat ramps and parking areas are underwater though still starting to show back up. Shout out to the marinas and volunteers at the courtesy docks who have been doing a great job of accommodating everyone.

Bass fishing remains fair. Get up early and look for surface activity. Fish topwater with a small popper-style bait or Zara Spoon-style bait in natural colors. Del says he’s a fan of the Lucky Craft Gunfish. Fish around ledges, points, bluffs and swings — the typical summer areas. Largemouth bass are really grouped up. Powerfishing shallow in the creeks has been hit or miss with the dropping water. The baitfish seem to be pushing back toward deeper ditches. You can deep-crank the drains if you find them. Fishing the ol’ Big Red Worm, Texas-rigged, around trees and laydowns and 20-25 feet on points seems to need some stain.
There are always fish to be caught on a Flippin’ Jig or Jewel half-ounce green pumpkin variant pulling off ledges. It’s that time where fish are suspended 25-30 feet with the thermocline and generation schedule.

The offshore guys still have their work cut out for them. The shad are spread out from the backs of the creeks to the main lake. Feeding windows seem to be short-lived; better capitalize on it when it starts. Target larger schools offshore from swings and ledges off the bank with a drop-shot for the bluebird-day, post-frontal suspended fish. Try a smaller 2.8 swimbait or a regular Tater Shad. A half-ounce jigging spoon will come in handy. “Fish the conditions. Summer equals half-day trips.”
Del regularly posts new YouTube videos. Visit his YouTube site (Bull Shoals Fishing Report) or delcolvinfishing.com for more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.

(updated 8-14-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing on the lower end of the lake has picked up a lot this past week. Schools of fish are in the thermocline now. With the drawdown that’s occurring, the fish have moved out of the brush for the most part. Lots of small walleye and a few legal-size walleye are being caught on the outside edge of flooded buckbrush. If the sun is high, fish just a little deeper and away from the boat. Fish are scattered along main lake rounded gravel points with deep water nearby. “We’re fishing the shoreline in 28-33 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler or half-ounce to 1-ounce jigging spoons around the edges of flooded brush.”

When trolling, try a size 7 or 9 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow in 28-35 feet of water. Trolling at speeds of 2.0 to 2.5 mph seems to be a good speed to get a reaction bite.

(updated 8-14-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie anglers should start looking for structure coming into play around 20-25 feet in the creeks and main lake. Crappie are still pretty scattered as far as in and out of the creeks. Minnows have been the ticket of late, and jigs are working on certain days with a small fry bait on a 1/16-ounce jig.

Norfork Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Norfork Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-14-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina and says the lake is at 562 feet msl and slowly falling. The lake is scheduled to reach its normal pool level on Sept. 15.
The stripers are stressed due to low oxygen and hot water. The lake water has been in the high 80s, almost 90 degrees, late in the afternoon. The oxygen level is very low for this time of year, and the oxygen will only get worse as the lake is lower and with no rain. Based on history, the stripers will shut down, and the bite will continue to decline unless the oxygen bubble bursts, which usually happens around Labor Day.
The stripers are beginning to shut down; they keep moving to deeper water, but the oxygen is very low for this time of year. “We are in desperate need of rain and cooler weather to get the water temp down.

“The best opportunity for stripers will be the upper section of Norfork, where the river ends and the lake begins. Cool water continues to flow south, but heavy rains would cause the stripers to migrate as the water cools. Right now, you can entice them using very active live bait. They do not seem to be interested in spoons or swimbaits right now.
“Note: We are now in the catch-and-keep phase for stripers. If you book a trip, expect to keep the fish. No releasing of stripers until the fall.”

Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Beaver Lake Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-14-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake continues to drop ever so slowly. “We are now in the 1,124 feet msl range. Water temps remain hot! Not much has changed, as we are in the meat of the summer heat.

“Stripers are consistently being caught from the Starkey area to Indian creek. The bite is an early proposition. You better have lines out right at sunrise. Live bait is best as usual on Beaver. Right now you can get some action on bluegill/sunfish, as stripers this time of the year feed on them.
“Wallleye are fair, with fish being caught in the Rocky Branch area and Lost Bridge area, also. Crawler harnesses will work, as will trolled cranks if you can get them down to 22 feet or so.

“Crappie are still roaming and can be found in 30-50 feet or water suspended in and near the thermocline at 20 feet or so.

“Spotted bass are good. Look around main lake points and standing timber. There are some fairly large schools of small spots, but they are fun to catch.

“Catfish are good on all methods.

“Lake is in good shape with good clarity throughout. It’s hot, so stay hydrated and stay safe while on the lake. Good luck!”

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 8-7-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “When I stepped outside on Saturday morning to go fishing, man was that nice! Temperature was 62 degrees at my house, with clear skies. I knew for the next few days, we were getting some much-needed relief from the heat. However, enjoy it while it lasts because summer will return, probably by the time you are reading this.
“Now, onto the fishing: The water level is just about at the normal limit and the trout bite is doing very good. Spoons, jigs, soft plastics and dough baits have been the preferred method. As the water level returns to normal, it is time to start moving around and checking those favorite trout holes. The Army Corps of Engineers has been pushing plenty of water, too, so prepare for the flow. If you want to catch some bigger fish, you need to be looking for deeper water. The bite isn’t going to be as quick, but the reward will be greater.
“As we start moving toward the “ber” ending months, start looking for the fish to shift into their fall spawn patterns.

“Remember: For additional updates, follow my Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service). I’m pretty much on the water every week. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Take care, get out and catch some fish!”

(updated 8-7-2025) Hooked on Fishing Guide Service on Beaver Lake (479-244-0039) reports that striper fishing has been really consistent this summer. You have to use your graph to locate these fish because they are pushing down deeper into the thermocline. Fish are holding 30-60 feet down in 40-120 feet of water. Don’t be afraid to fish open, deep water as the bait and the fish are holding in these areas along with main lake points.

Crappie fishing has been good on flats next to a channel swing 15-25 feet of water. You can also catch them under docks and brush this time of year. Water temperature is about 86 degrees.

For additional information, pictures and videos, like and follow us on Facebook.

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 8-7-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that bream have been really good (and they expect a good few days with the full moon). Worms are the ticket. Also, lots of reports of catfish catches have been coming in, and they’re hungry for those worms, as well as Catfish Bait and are biting on jigs, too.

Black bass are good on topwater and some plastics, depending on the day, but it’s more a topwater bite than anything.

For crappie, anglers just have to find them. Catches have been small. Jigs are working best now.

The water looks “nice and stained,” they said. “Dark colors are working for baits.”

Northeast Arkansas

Lake Charles
(updated 8-14-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) reported lots better fishing overall for all species on Lake Charles as the lake’s water was more of a normal to low level over the weekend. Water temperature Sunday was 78.8 degrees.

Bream continue to bite well. They’re shallow and being caught off the shoreline by anglers using worms. Crappie were fair this last week. They seemed to be 4-5 feet deep and, like bream, favored worms.

Black bass are fair and are going after live worms and soft plastic worms. Reports on catfish were good, with trotlines or limblines working best.

Looking ahead to September, Shelly says the “moon times” are forecasting good fishing Sept. 4-10 and best fishing days in the month being Sept. 18-24. August’s best days, according to the “moon time” forecast, should fall Aug. 20-26.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 8-14-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says Lake Poinsett has still been pretty busy with bream and some bass being caught. Many anglers are using bank access; stop by the State Park Visitor Center for a map of locations for bream fishing.

“The shaded, cooler areas have been a popular hangout for several bream species as of late. Primary baits include crickets and redworms. For bass, they too seem to be in shaded areas, likely going after prey there also, and have been caught about 20 feet out from the shore from kayaks and smaller vessels.

“There were also reports of schools of bass in deeper waters in the middle of the lake after viewing them on LiveScopes. Several anglers have also set out catfish lines and have had decent success.
“Overall, Lake Poinsett isn’t as bustling as back in January and February, but it has remained steady and people continue to catch regularly.”

The visitor center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Spring River
(updated 8-14-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said a long dry spell has the area drying out, and the river has slowly begun to clear up and drop river levels. Water level at the Spring is at 380 cfs (350 is average), and water clarity is really starting to clear up after a very wet first of the year.
“We are starting to see them chasing the fly, fun stuff! Still not sure when stocking will start back up. The hatchery is up and running.
“We’re catching plenty of beautiful rainbows, with bead-head olive Woollies most days. The river is still up, so extra weight may help on the hot sunny days to get the fly down. The water has just begun to clear enough for occasional dry fly action. Watch for risers late evening feeding on caddis laying eggs. Plenty of other hatches are going on, just keep an eye on the water just before dusk. If you’re using indicators, try a Hopper/dropper for a fun day.
“The smallmouth bass are hitting hard on bigger streamers fished right on the bottom. If you’re losing flies, you’re in the right spot. Sculpin and crawfish patterns are hard to beat. Leech patterns can work well other days. The Spring River’s native fish are the smallmouth bass and spotted bass. Great fun on the fly!
“The canoe hatch is on, hot and heavy on Saturdays; fish early to avoid the crowd. Sunday and throughout the week are peaceful. The campgrounds are all open and offer great river access for trout and smallmouth bass. Honestly, the campgrounds have some of the best wade fishing on the river. Go through the week and have the area to yourself most days. Be safe wading, a wading staff can help a lot.”

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for updates and conditions on the Spring River.

White River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from the White River stages at Batesville, Newport and Augusta and all other sites within the White River basin in Arkansas, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Southeast Arkansas

Arkansas River (Pine Bluff Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Emmett Sanders Lock and Dam and Maynard Lock and Dam, as well as the Pine Bluff pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-14-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no new reports. Most recently, they said black bass were biting well, especially in the mornings, near flooded woody cover and vegetation in backwaters and near current breaks just off of the main channel. Shad-colored bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and swim jigs were producing well near moving water and/or when the wind was blowing. Dark-colored creatures and jigs worked on the bottom/through flooded cover produced when the wind was calm or there was no current.

Some fish were positioned earlier this month on the artificial brushpiles placed on the sand drops within Lake Langhofer, but they were expected to be holding more as the water continued falling out of the bushes on shore. Flow has gradually fallen to more expected levels, better for small craft fishing (a little over 40,000 cfs on Wednesday).

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 7-31-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said they had one crappie angler recently who caught five or six fishing off of the campers’ dock. He said it’s way too hot to fish very long, however.

Lake Monticello
(updated 8-14-2025) AGFC staff report that people are out fishing and some are catching some big fish, while other days are tough. A couple of 7-pound black bass have been pulled out of the lake since spring.
Anglers are reminded that all fish caught must be released immediately. The Hunger Run Access was opened late last year to boat traffic. All fishing regulations, including catch-and-release-only fishing for all sport fish, remain in place even while the lake is lowered for the city’s repair work on the dam.

Lake Chicot
(updated 8-14-2025) Lake Chicot, part of Lake Chicot State Park, is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, redear sunfish and other bream, in addition to crappie. If you fish Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, or Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam, be aware that crappie shorter than 10 inches must be immediately released and that the crappie daily limit is 20.

Better weather one recent weekend brought quite a few fishing boats and bigger recreational boats to the lake in the later hours of daylight. Most fishing action appeared around the shoreline.

Southwest Arkansas

Millwood Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Millwood Lake Dam, visit the Corps Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-14-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the lake is 2 feet below normal pool due to a usual Army Corps of Engineers late summer drawdown of the lake that will last until Nov. 1. The drawdown is to improve shoreline vegetation and promote sediment compaction. Use extreme caution in navigation during the drawdown. The lake level will be lifted 6 inches around Sept. 15.

During this time, submerged stumps and shallow areas will be more prominent, especially in boat lanes where depth may only be a few inches. Wear your life jacket and utilize your engine’s kill switch during drawdown conditions where stumps and underwater hazards are near reduced surface pool elevation. For more information, contact the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office at 870-898-3343.

Due to the extreme heat wave and humidity, and the effect on fish metabolism, the guide service is running a summer schedule of half-day runs through the end of September. “We encourage catch and keep during the hottest parts of midsummer with surface temps are greater than 85 degrees, reduced O2 levels, and increased stress levels on all species, through August,” Siefert said.
Surface temps are ranging 87 degrees early to 94 degrees later in the day along Little River, depending on location. Clarity along Little River is normal stain and visibility ranges 8-12 inches; typical Millwood lighter stain is found in most locations of oxbows and continues improving as levels stabilize; and visibility in the oxbows ranges 20-30 inches in many locations. Further up Little River from White Cliffs to Cossatot inflow at Wilton Landing remains more heavily stained, muddy and with more current. Numerous areas on Millwood Lake are fully choked with alligator weed mats, and inaccessible for navigation or fishing. The USACE is monitoring.

Siefert had these specifics on the overall fishing this week:

* Thursday night tournaments on Millwood Lake last week produced a couple of heavy weigh-in bags of largemouth bass, including several bass in the 6- to over 9-pound class, which is unusual for this time of year.
Several days over the past few weeks, juvenile largemouth and Kentucky bass have been noted schooling on primary and secondary points in Little River and oxbows. Although the schooling and surface-breaking this time of year is very random and in short duration, one just has to be there when they start herding the shad to the surface, and that can be most any time of day, with dawn and dusk being the best times for the surface-breaking activity. Occasionally you will find a school of white bass mixed in with the largemouths and Kentuckies when the mayhem breaks loose! Keep a clear Baby Torpedo and a quarter-ounce chrome Cordell Hammered Spoon, as well as a ¾-ounce (for distance) chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap on deck, when this action starts! The ⅜-ounce chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap Tail Spinner will work when the action begins breaking in the lily pads at daylight.
Bill Lewis ATV Crankbaits and Square Bills in Tennessee Shad, Pro Green Gizzard Shad and Ghost Minnow have been connecting with random largemouths cruising through flats with stumps and lily pads in the same locations where the Rat-L-Trap Spin Traps are working. The best bite over the past several weeks continues to occur from dawn to around 10 a.m. due to an increase in heat/surface temps after 10 a.m. Numbers of bass from 2-3 pounds each remain concentrated near almost any major creek junction with Little River and proximity nearby, and they’re biting almost anything you can put in front of them. We noted a few largemouths and white bass were schooling together herding shad in front of numerous creek dumps near White Cliffs campground into Little River over the past week.

The reaction bite around vegetation, such as coontail, hydrilla, pondweed and lily pads, is good on buzzbaits, Cordell Crazy Shads, Spit’n Images, Yum BuzzFrogs, Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper silver phantom, and gold pepper shiner colors and Yum Dingers along the Little River. Other surface lures like Ken Pops, Jitterbugs and Baby Torpedoes continue drawing reactions as well. Fair to good numbers of bass will bust crankbaits like the Rat-L-Trap and the Bill Lewis MR-6 early. Carolina-rigged lizards and Southern Pro 4-inch magnum tubes are working along river washouts and cutouts in the river bank. Berkley 10-inch Power Worms in Plum, Black Grape or Cherry Seed are catching good keeper bass from 13-14 inches in length. Peanut butter and jelly colors are working for deeper bass, or suspending bass, on Carolina rigs. A good number of these fish continue moving further out toward points and intersections of creek channel dumps into Little River, where quick access to the 8- to 14-foot and deeper thermocline zone areas are. Jigging Cordell Hammered Spoons and crankbaits worked over the past week for largemouths and whites that were suspended in stumps and timber in the 10- to 12-foot depths on the edge of the river above Jack’s Isle.

The best water clarity is being found upriver. Slow moving or dead-sticking Bass Assassins Shads, Cordell Red Fins, Yum Dingers (wacky-rigged), and skipping/hopping the Yum Buzz or hollow body frogs with rattles or the Rattling Zara Mouse around pads, are randomly taking fish again early and late. Swimbaits are beginning to work for suspended bass around drop-offs next to stumps.
* Several anglers told us they saw fairly large schools of white bass chasing shad and breaking topwater in Little River. They were schooling in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows over the past several weeks in the early morning, mixed in with largemouths and spotted bass chasing schools of threadfin shad. They were catching five to 10 randomly with Chuck’N Spins, Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3-inch white grub and Beetle Spins.
* Crappie are improving now that the current has lessened and water clarity is improved. Best spots along Little River and in the oxbows are over planted brush in 11-15 feet, stacking nicely on your electronics early on live shiners, jigs, smoke grubs and vertical jigging. The bite dies off substantially after 10 a.m.

* No reports on catfish or bream.

For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

Lake Greeson Tailwater
For the most updated Narrows Dam generation schedule from SWEPCO, click here.

Lake Greeson
For the most updated lake level at Lake Greeson, click here.

No reports.

DeGray Lake
For the most updated lake level at DeGray Lake, click here.

(updated 8-14-2025) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) said, “From what I can tell the bass are doing, they are breaking early to midday along with whites. They can be caught on topwater as well as on a small spoon or even a jig minnow. Mid-morning to afternoon they can be caught on Texas-rigged worm working both brushpiles near deep water and outside edges of the moss.”

(updated 8-14-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says that the white bass are schooling and feeding at first light. “We have been using quarter-ounce silver and gold spoons, allowing them to fall 15-25 feet deep. Hot spots have been near the State Park and Alpine Ridge areas.”

(updated 8-7-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz this week that, “If you’re into topwater fishing Lake DeGray is red hot. It doesn’t matter if you put in on the dam side or if you go down to Arlie Moore and put in in the middle of the lake. I’d put in at Arlie Moore and go out there on the main two points. There are a bunch of breaking fish: hybrids, a mixture of Kentucky bass and blacks, it doesn’t matter. Everything is kind of breaking. That has been a big, big hotspot for the last 30 days and it still continues to go on.”

Almost two weeks ago, DeGray gave up a 10-plus pound largemouth bass, caught by angler Randy Plyler. “Floridas were obviously stocked on DeGray … That was a really good one,” Kastner told hosts Trey Reid (of the AGFC) and Mark Hedrick in his appearance on July 29.

Hedrick added to Kastner’s report on air July 29 that he had heard from many anglers that there were schooling fish (bass) on various lakes all over the state. Kastner suggested a big Rooster Tail, either in ⅜- or half-ounce as a good lure for hybrid bass, a cross between a striped bass and a white bass. Also, you can try live bait, though that might be more of a battle, he said. With the topwater action so prevalent now, though, he was favoring a Zara Spook, a shallow-running spoon or a Boy Howdy. “You can catch them multiple ways. You just have to get out there and try.”

De Queen Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from De Queen Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Dierks Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Dierks Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-7-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz this week that Dierks Lake will be the site of the kickoff to the Trader Bill’s High School Trail season on Sept. 13, and topwater anglers might start wanting to check it out as we get deeper into August and then into the cooler months. “It’s one of the best lakes you can go into the fall on. Dierks is a mountain lake that has some of the best topwater fishing you can have in the fall. There are some nice bass in that lake.”

South-Central Arkansas

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

West-Central Arkansas

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 8-14-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 63 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is well below flood pool levels with Entergy scheduling round-the-clock generation below area dams to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is now running 6,000 cfs below Carpenter Dam for 10 hours a day during the week, which can be treacherous for boaters and wade fishermen alike. Extreme caution must be used when on the water during this amount of flow. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted on Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website linked above.

Due to the flooding of spring that displaced thousands of rainbow trout far downstream, limited numbers of trout are still present below Carpenter Dam. Under normal circumstances, trout fishing is over by late July. The extreme heat of summer has forced these displaced trout back toward the dam in search of cooler water and increased food supply. Rainbow trout become stressed in water that reaches just over 70 degrees and cannot survive in water over 75 degrees. There is a good possibility that trout numbers will linger into August because of the lack of fishing pressure.

Bank fishermen have had some success using live baits such as redworms and waxworms fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater. PowerBait is a best bet presented in the same manner. Boat fishermen have anchored in and around rock structure or sandbars and have had success casting Rooster Tails in brown or white in a ⅛-ounce weight. Spoon presentations as a Little Cleo or Super Duper will also work in a current situation when rainbows are keying in on injured baitfish.

No matter what presentation is used for trout in the summertime on Lake Catherine, slower results should be expected in numbers, but the size of the trout ranges from 15-18 inches long.

Walleye are still in the area and good numbers remain the tailrace for the summer months. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate crawfish and threadfin shad is a White bass are thriving in the tailrace for the spawn and may remain in the tailrace now. These fish can be caught on 1/16- and ⅛-ounce jigs around rock structure and sandbars. Action will be best during times of generation. Trolling crankbaits that imitate shad will give boat fishermen a good chance to target white bass that are constantly chasing the shad schools in the tailrace.

Blue and channel catfish moved into tailrace for spawning starting in June, and they will provide anglers some wonderful table fare.

Hot temperatures will be the norm with a summertime pattern of extreme heat setting in for the next several weeks. Remember to always wear a life jacket when on the water and obey all park and lake regulations when visiting Carpenter Dam. Trash cans are limited, so please pick up after yourselves and always cooperate with wildlife officials when approached.

Lake Dardanelle
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow and gauge level reports from Dardanelle, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 8-14-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reported in late July, when he was bouncing around lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Hamilton, that the white bass and black bass at Lake Hamilton were feeding early in the morning. “The pattern is surface-feeding at sunrise, then they will retreat to the bottom in 20-plus feet of water. Work a spoon or swimbait across the bottom.”

Lake Nimrod
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Nimrod Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-31-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) said anglers have been catching fish. Some are not that big. But the bream are nice and have been biting like crazy, and the anglers are going crazy over the bream, she said. “Bream was the thing this past week,” she said, adding that she sold a lot of crickets. Anglers are buying up minnows, crickets and worms at her hope.

Crappie, when anglers could find them, were good. She said they were catching a lot of small crappie and small bass and tossing them back, but “eventually they get their limit.” Fishing is, like most of Arkansas’s big lakes, an early morning affair or in the evenings. “There are some diehards still out there in the heat during the day,” she added.

The water looks good in terms of clarity and the level of Nimrod is back to normal.

Carter Cove has a Facebook page, and the email address is cartercovebaitnmore@gmail.com.

Lake Ouachita
For the current lake level at Blakely Dam, click here.

(updated 8-14-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are fair. Try a big Texas-rigged soft plastic or worm near brush. Buzzbaits and frogs are still working, too.

Walleye are good and biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 18-24 feet. Stripers are still good and biting on trolling rigs and live bait on the eastern part of the lake.

Bream are good on worms or crickets in 10-20 feet of water. Crappie are still fair and relating to brush in the 20- to 30-foot range. Catfish are fair on trotlines and jugs with live and cut bait.

Water temperature still ranges 82-85 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 574.10 feet msl and falling. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

Blue Mountain Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Blue Mountain Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

East Arkansas

White River/Clarendon Area
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from Clarendon, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 8-7-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said crappie are biting closer to the bank and also 6-8 feet down and around grassy areas with brush. “With the cool-down, we got great reports from the Dale Bumpers White River Refuge for the bream biting on crickets right off the bank, since the gates have been opened back up.

“Snagging catfish is still going good below the hydroelectric dam on most all baits, but seemingly better on cut bait and catalpa worms.

“Thanks to all our loyal customers for shopping at Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

Cook’s Lake
(updated 8-14-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said he had nothing new to report. With the heat back in full force, he said they have not had anyone give the lake a try in the last week.

Cook’s Lake will be open both Friday and Saturday from 8 to 4:30, but anglers are still encouraged to call ahead (501-404-2321) and let staff know they are coming.

Cook’s Lake is a 2.5-mile-long oxbow off of the White River, nestled in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge near Casscoe in Arkansas County, with black bass, crappie, bream and catfish. This fertile oxbow receives very little fishing pressure due to it being used only for education purposes and youth and mobility-impaired fishing. Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility-impaired anglers who must possess the AGFC mobility-impaired access permit, and up to two guests (who may also fish), during the specified fishing season. Fish from the 140-foot mobility-impaired accessible dock or launch a boat. Fishing will be allowed only on Fridays and Saturdays through August, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., water level pending. Before launching, please check in at the Nature Center classroom and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, please call the center at 501-404-2321.

Note: msl is mean sea level; cfs is cubic feet per second.

The post Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Permit application period winding down for upcoming dove hunting season

Jim Harris — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:12:41 +0000

LITTLE ROCK — Four of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s wildlife management areas will provide the rare opportunity of permit hunting for doves when the season opens Sept. 6. These four WMAs will be open only to permit winners for dove hunts either Saturday or Sunday of the first weekend of the season.

The WMAs — Camp Robinson Special Use Area near Mayflower, Shirey Bay Rainey Brake in Lawrence County, Frog Bayou in Crawford County and Dave Donaldson Black River in Clay, Greene and Randolph counties — will be first-come, first-served among permit winners.

“The permits for the four WMAs are to offer a more unique opportunity to get out on the first Saturday or Sunday and dove hunt where you aren’t going to have to compete with as many hunters around you,” says Brett Leach, the AGFC’s Waterfowl Program Coordinator “Camp Robinson is central Arkansas-focused, and the more northern parts of the state are served by (Dave Donaldson) Black River and Shirey Bay, and then Frog Bayou is on the western portion of the state. This allows us to reach some different populations throughout the state with these opportunities.”

Shirey Bay Rainey Brake and Dave Donaldson’s Brookings Field will have sunflowers to attract doves. Frog Bayou WMA was flooded for quite a while when sunflowers would be planted, so it will have top-sown wheat around its Power Line Field. Camp Robinson was unable to field a sunflower crop, Leach said, and also will be top-sown in wheat. Camp Robinson will have four different fields spread throughout the property that permit holders will have access to; and Camp Robinson and Shirey Bay also provide the largest number of permits, with 25 for each. The remaining 20 permits are split between Frog Bayou and David Donaldson Black River.

Leach encouraged permit-winning hunters to scout out the WMAs in advance to figure out where they would want to be set up on Saturday or Sunday of opening weekend. Dove season starts 30 minutes before sunrise on Sept. 6. Each day’s hunt concludes at sunset.

After the first weekend, those four fields and their total of 108 acres managed specifically for dove hunting will join several of the state’s other WMAs, totaling another 556 acres of managed fields for doves, for public hunting through Oct. 26, and then resuming Dec. 8-Jan. 15.

To gain one of the WMA permits, which allows the winner and one other hunter to hunt together either Sept. 6 or Sept. 7, hunters can apply on the agfc.com website and click on “Apply For A Dove Permit” at the top of the page to be taken to the AGFC license division’s permit application page. Hunters will have until 11:59:59 p.m. Friday, August 15, to apply. There is a $5 application fee.

Hunters may also try for one of the six private dove fields being offered by the AGFC’s Private Lands Habitat Division for hunting on Saturdays in September. Five of the fields will be open for the first three Saturdays; a sixth field is open for the first two Saturdays. Like the WMA fields, the permit winner may bring a guest, but both hunters must hunt together. Two of the private land fields will have designated hunting areas per each party, while the other four will be first-come, first-served.

The daily limit for mourning and white-winged doves is 15 (possession limit is three times the daily limit). There is no limit on Eurasian collared doves, but that species cannot be field dressed.

Leach notes doves beginning to arrive at dove-banding stations throughout the state. Michelle Furr, who coordinates the Private Lands Habitat Division dove permit hunts, noted earlier this month that doves were showing up in southwest Arkansas, where she lives and also hunts for dove. It’s often hard for biologists to predict just how many doves may be migrating through the state in early September, or joining with many of the doves that stay here year-round, but a dry late July and into August, and healthy sunflowers or the addition of top-sown wheat, always helps.

Visit www.agfc.com/hunting/more-game/dove/ for more information on dove hunting and the public opportunities that will be available for the upcoming season.

####

CUTLINES

MAN WITH DOVES
Peyton Dugger with a few doves from a good hunt at Dave Donaldson Black River WMA. AGFC photo.

LADIES HUNT
Two ladies proudly showing a few birds they harvested during a special Womens Outdoor Network hunt. AGFC photo.

MOURNING DOVE
Mourning doves, like the one pictured, are common in Arkansas during September. White-winged doves and Eurasian collared-doves are also legal to harvest during Arkansas’s dove hunting season. AGFC photo.

The post Permit application period winding down for upcoming dove hunting season appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

Jim Harris — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 21:10:17 +0000

August 7, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Jason (no last name provided) from Memphis, Tennessee, was on the Little Red River near Heber Springs when he caught this nice brown trout while fishing with guide Mike Winkler. Mike reports that he and Jason were throwing big articulated streamers toward the bank with an 8-weight fly rod with a 330-grain sink line. The hot fly on this day was a yellow and brown Double Deceiver. “We boated several browns that day. This was the best one of the bunch,” Mike said. Read more of his report from this week on the Little Red below.

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Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk

For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt

For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality

Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

Central Arkansas
North Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas
Northeast Arkansas
Southeast Arkansas
Southwest Arkansas
South-Central Arkansas
West-Central Arkansas
East Arkansas

Central Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation) and Nursery Pond
(updated 7-24-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) reports that in the Highway 89 bridge area, where there is still 4-5 feet deep water at times, an angler reported catching a lot of “little bitty bream” in recent days. A week ago, a catfish angler picked up three cats around the dam area.

The reports they’ve heard from other anglers include one crappie angler picking up 20 slap crappie while fishing Lake Nimrod recently. And, on the Arkansas River, some anglers report catching some really big stripers.

While Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond is open for fishing in the immediate area, with bream and trout being reported among catches of late. The 70-acre pond has been stocked by the AGFC with mature bass, crappie, catfish and bream as well as rainbow trout for the cold weather months.

(updated 8-7-2025) AGFC staff report that Lake Conway Nursery Pond the bream in the pond are now big enough to want to keep, and they are plentiful. The staff hears reports of folks catching a slab crappie here and there. Staff aren’t aware of many anglers looking for bass, though there are bass in the pond. In recent months, folks were catching plenty of catfish after they were stocked.

(updated 8-7-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “A consistent generation schedule this week has created excellent fishing conditions. This past week, the Southwestern Power Administration has been releasing two units of water usually starting at 9 a.m. and running till 9 p.m. This schedule creates limited wading opportunities unless you start early in the morning on the upper sections and go downriver as the water falls out.
“As far as drift-fishing from the boat goes or throwing streamers for trout, this schedule is excellent for both techniques. The nymph bite has been good while fishing underneath an indicator. Hot flies have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, San Juan Worms and egg patterns.

“Streamer fishing has been good, especially on cloudy overcast days or early mornings or evening while fishing from the boat. Pound the banks with big articulated streamers and go after the brown trout laying near the banks.”

Rainbows are reacting well off the ends of the shoals for anglers throwing a pink Trout Magnet worm or a mealworm Trout Magnet. You need to float it about 1-2 inches off the bottom, drifting.

Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Also, if you can get a straight bluff wall that goes down deep, throwing something light like a shaky head with a Zoom finesse worm in watermelon color. Make sure the head is a light one and let if fall fairly slowly — if it does make it to the bottom, leave it there only a second before reeling in; the bite will come on the fall.

Also for bass fishing, on the upper end of the lake (north of the Narrows), look in the deep flooded timber and throw a minnow-style bait and maybe a deep jerkbait.

For crappie, no matter where you are on the lake, fish some sort of natural color crappie jig, like Monkey Milk, around the brushpiles.

(updated 8-7-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake as of Wednesday afternoon was at 462.81 feet msl, about quarter of a foot above normal pool and falling with generation. Two units have been generating round-the-clock at the dam to lower the lake to normal pool level. Not much has changed overall except the water level. Just stay the course. Summertime patterns for sure now. Fish remain scattered all over, but do understand that sport fish (crappie, bass, etc.) now are out deeper.

Be safe and wear your life jacket.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 8-7-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said that in the last couple of weeks, people had caught some crappie and catfish from the boat fishing deep. Make sure to go by the big island in the lake; that’s where the action was. Minnows and worms were used for both crappie and cats.

Also, a couple of days ago, an angler said he caught a few crappie at night on the dock behind the bait shop. Bing said it’s the first time she’s heard of any crappie catches at night from that spot.

Anglers who rented a boat from the shop caught a few bass really nice-sized largemouth bass in the past week. Watermelon color and June bug color baits were both working. They also caught some bream.

Last week was nice in terms of weather, and she noted a lot of people taking advantage coming out to the lake to fish.

The water looks muddy with a lot of pollen. The water level is normal.

Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page. There will be a fireworks show over the lake on Friday night.

Lake Overcup
(updated 7-24-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) said the Overcup’s water is about normal. The clarity is good and the surface water temperature is around 89 degrees.

There are millions of shad running around the surface during the late evening and early morning, and the bass and catfish are feeding.

Crappie are being caught in 1014 feet of water about 6 feet down.

Bream are on their beds and are doing well.
“Come see us at Overcup Landing off Highway 9.”

Lake Maumelle
(updated 8-7-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports little change in the fishing, with most species biting fair now. The water level has dropped to 4 feet low and there is color to the lake. The surface water temperature has been ranging 86-89 degrees.

The black bass remain fair. Largemouth bass are being found in 10-20 feet of water. Reports have the bite being best early in the morning and late in the evening. Use Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are being found in 12-16 feet of water on brushpiles mixed in with the largemouths. Like their kin, the bite is best early in the morning and late in the evening. Drop-shots, Carolina rigs with a green pumpkin trailer, jigs and crankbaits are working best.

The winning weight in Tuesday night’s black bass tournament was just 11.70 pounds by Josh Jeffers and Aaron Presser, who also pulled in the Big Bass of 4.01 pounds. Matt Hedrick and Brandon Crain were runners-up with 10.79 pounds.

Crappie are fair to slow. At last report they were said to be scattered around brush anywhere from 18-22 feet and biting minnows and jigs. Bream also are fair with reports of them being found on brushpiles in 5-12 feet. Anglers report starting to catch some bigger bream shallow, though. Use crickets and redworms.

No reports again this week for white bass and catfish. You might pick up a white bass, however, with a Twister Tail or a crankbait. Catfish should take to smaller bream, liver and worms in these conditions.

Visit www.nsfguide.com or call 501-548-8990 to schedule your guided crappie trip today!

Arkansas River at Morrilton
For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Little Maumelle River
(update 8-7-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the anglers are catching a lot of good black bass. “Real good” is how he terms the action. “They are catching them on topwater and spinnerbaits.”

A white spinnerbait will be a good approach, or a bream-colored topwater bait. The bass are being caught mainly around the lily pad areas, which is about 3 feet of water, he said.

A few crappie are being caught, but they are 8-9 feet deep in the channel, and biting solely on minnows now. Bream, though not big, are biting well on crickets and redworms, as usual.

He hasn’t heard much on the catfish bite.

The water is normal, clear and a “hot bath water” surface temperature of 89-90 degrees. “It’s an early and late game now,” he said, noting that no one is staying out fishing all day in this heat, which had returned in full force Thursday.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-31-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river flow has come down quite a bit, with readings on Thursday afternoon of around 25,000 cfs (“pretty slow,” they say). For bass, if you can find some cuts in the jetties on the main river, throw a 5/16-ounce green pumpkin or brown finesse jig into those cuts.

If you want to fish the jetties, they suggest starting at the top of the pool closer to the dam and throwing a Bandit 200 parallel to the jetty but about 2 feet out from it.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 8-7-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said anglers catching bass, catfish and bream. Crappie anglers were having success trolling and spider-rigging.

Catfish are going for worms, hot dogs and liver. “When they are on they will hit anything,” she said. For bream, it’s the usual crickets and worms. Bream are up shallow during the full moon.

North Arkansas

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 8-7-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said trout fishing from Cotter on the tailwater of Bull Shoals Dam delivered a good quantity of fighting browns and healthy rainbows this week. The morning temperatures have been blessedly cool — low 70s, blue skies — ushering in warmer afternoon temps.
Generation continues round-the-clock with a steady output of at least 12,000 cfs early on, then higher in the late afternoons. Bull Shoals Lake level is still 18 feet above power pool but dropping as it approaches that desired seasonal elevation goal of 661 feet msl.

“This week, a mixture of baits was called for: One day we had luck with the silver Cleo, the next day the red/gold spoon won the bite, then white Rooster Tails; so keep a variety of smaller artificial baits on hand. Always be ready with some shrimp and scented egg pattern baits for a good limit of rainbows. Try adding a little garlic and salt to your shrimp for variety. The guides still like the Berkley Pink Worm — better when drift-fishing from a boat — on high water. Live worms are great when the water first comes up in the afternoon.
“The brown trout bite has been exceptional for August, with catches in the double-digits some days. Shiner river minnows have been the ticket this week with several good browns reeled in.

“Keep your sunscreen away from all baits and tackle, stay aware of your surroundings with the higher water, and keep on angling. We look forward to seeing you here in The Natural State.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 8-7-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “The last few days we are seeing more consistent water flows from Bull Shoals Dam, with Norfork Dam reducing generation overnight and increasing again in the morning. As a result, we aren’t seeing drastic differences in water levels. We are seeing water levels dropping overnight and then rising again when the Norfork Dam water reaches us.

“Fishing continues to be consistent with the ‘go-to’ silver inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipping the hooks with shrimp, corn or redworms. Some fishermen are successful using diving lures such Rapala Countdowns, CD7 or CD9, in rainbow trout and brown trout colors.

“I talked to one fisherman who had success throwing quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold by adding a split shot 8-12 inches up the line to allow the spoon to drop lower.”

Monday morning the Norfork Hatchery stocked 1,200 rainbow trout at Calico Rock and another 1,200 at Chessmond Ferry. Wednesday morning the Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery stocked 1,600 rainbows at Calico Rock, 800 at Red’s Landing and another 1,200 at Norfork. Give them a couple of days and they will be hungry and biting well.

Bull Shoals Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Bull Shoals Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-7-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level has fallen to 679 feet msl – still 20 feet above normal level but on a fast drop last week. Water temperature is starting to drop as well, sitting now at 86 degrees (give or take) with the cooler evenings. Continue to take precautions on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking is getting better as most boat ramps and parking areas rare starting to show back up. Shout out to the marinas and volunteers at the courtesy docks who have been doing a great job of accommodating everyone.

Bass fishing is still fair. Get up early and look for surface activity: ledges, points, bluffs, swings — typical summer areas. Largemouth bass are really grouped up. Powerfishing shallow in the creeks has been hit or miss with the dropping water. The baitfish seem to be pushing back toward deeper ditches. You can deep-crank the drains if you find them. Fishing the ol’ Big Red Worms, Texas-rigged, around trees and laydowns and 20-25 feet on points seems to need some stain.
There are always fish to be caught on a Flippin’ Jig or Jewel half-ounce green pumpkin variant pulling off ledges. It’s that time where fish have been suspended 25-30 feet with the thermocline and generation schedule.

The offshore guys have their work cut out for them. The shad are spread out from the backs of the creeks to the main lake. Feeding windows seem to be short-lived; better capitalize on it when it starts. Target larger schools offshore from swings and ledges off the bank with a drop-shot for the bluebird-day, post-frontal suspended fish. Try a smaller 2.8 swimbait or a regular Tater Shad. A half-ounce jigging spoon will come in handy. “Fish the conditions. Summer equals half-day trips.”
Del regularly posts new YouTube videos. Visit his YouTube site (Bull Shoals Fishing Report) or delcolvinfishing.com for more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.

(updated 8-7-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much. Schools of fish are settling in the thermocline now. With the drawdown that’s occurring, the fish have moved out of the brush for the most part. Lots of small walleye and a few legal-size walleye are being caught on the outside edge of flooded buckbrush. If the sun is high, fish a little deeper and away from the boat. Fish are scattered along main lake rounded gravel points with deep water nearby. “We’re fishing the shoreline in 28-33 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler or half-ounce to 1-ounce jigging spoons around the edges of flooded brush.”

When trolling, try a size 7 or 9 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow in 28-35 feet of water. Trolling at speeds of 2.0 to 2.5 mph seems to be a good speed to get a reaction bite.

(updated 8-7-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are still on the move as the water is dropping fast. Key on any structure in that 20-25 feet range. “I have literally caught fish from the backs to the main lake. May be the most scattered I’ve ever seen the crappie. Minnows have been working best as of late. Definitely be patient as the bite seems to be finicky at times.”

Norfork Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Norfork Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-24-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina and reports that the lake is at 571 feet msl and slowly falling. The lake is scheduled for the normal pool Sept. 15.

The stripers have moved to the lower end of the lake near the dam. There are two distinct bites: at first light, small stripers and good-sized hybrids are in the upper layer of the lake, from 25 feet to the surface, and are very active. They are only hitting live bait, trolled long-line, and a split shot. You will get bitten on downlines set at 15 feet, but not as often as the long lines. As the sun rises, the fish disappear, and then the bite is on the flats starting at 60-80 feet on downlines. The fish are hugging the bottom, feeding on crawfish. The stripers are not overly active, but you can entice them using very active live bait. They do not seem to be interested in spoons or swimbaits right now. All the artificial guides are having a tough time getting the fish to bite.
Note: We are now in the catch-and-keep phase for stripers. If you book a trip, expect to keep the fish. No releasing of stripers until the fall.

Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Beaver Lake Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-7-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake’s level is dropping and now sits at 1,125.7 feet msl. Water temperature is hot. Summer fishing patterns remain intact. Early and late are best options.

Stripers remain good, with fish being caught in the first hours of the day, and they are being caught on live bait, which is typical for Beaver Lake. Good places to start looking are points 5 and 3 and down into the Indian Creek area.

Crappie are suspended in water 40-50 feet deep suspended at about 17-20 feet. A good method for these crappie is pulling a crankbait such as a Lucas deep diver or a Bandit 300. “You should be trolling these baits anywhere from 1.8 to 2.2 mph, depending on the day and cloud cover. If you’re marking fish at that 15-foot level, well, you’re not going to want to put out more than 70 feet of line trolling a speed of 2 mph or less. If you change lines out and speed and color of your cranks, you should be able to put together a limit of crappie.”

Walleye are fair at this time with most fish being caught in 20 feet of water on crawler harnesses. Catfish as always are there if you target them.
“Good luck and, as always, stay safe while on the lake.”
Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 8-7-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “When I stepped outside on Saturday morning to go fishing, man was that nice! Temperature was 62 degrees at my house, with clear skies. I knew for the next few days, we were getting some much-needed relief from the heat. However, enjoy it while it lasts because summer will return, probably by the time you are reading this.
“Now, onto the fishing: The water level is just about at the normal limit and the trout bite is doing very good. Spoons, jigs, soft plastics and dough baits have been the preferred method. As the water level returns to normal, it is time to start moving around and checking those favorite trout holes. The Army Corps of Engineers has been pushing plenty of water, too, so prepare for the flow. If you want to catch some bigger fish, you need to be looking for the deeper water. The bite isn’t going to be as quick, but the reward will be greater.
“As we start moving toward the “ber” ending months, start looking for the fish to shift into their fall spawn patterns.

Crappie fishing has been good on flats next to a channel swing 15-25 feet of water. You can also catch them under docks and brush this time of year. Water temperature is about 86 degrees.

For additional information, pictures and videos, like and follow us on Facebook.

Black bass are good on topwater and some plastics, depending on the day, but it’s more a topwater bite than anything.

For crappie, anglers just have to find them. Catches have been small. Jigs are working best now.

The water looks “nice and stained,” they said. “Dark colors are working for baits.”

Northeast Arkansas

Lake Charles
(updated 8-7-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said this week’s fishing showed little change from recent weeks on Lake Charles. Bream still are biting well for anglers, with the fish found shallow. PowerBait and worms were getting the most bites. Crappie are deep, she said, and there were no reports of catches. Black bass are biting fair, with worms working best. Catfish are good. Try using Catfish Pro or worms. There were no reports on white bass.

The water level is normal and the clarity is the usual Lake Charles murky. Water temperature on Sunday was 79.3 degrees. The “moon times” indicate that good fishing should be experienced through Aug. 12. The best days this month are forecast for Aug. 20-26.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 7-24-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says Lake Poinsett has slowed down with the heat, but the few anglers that have ventured out have still been catching plenty. Some that came to speak with Lake Poinsett State Park staff mentioned they were fishing from kayaks in 10-15 feet of water and catching bass. They were fishing early morning before the heat really kicked in. Others have been coming by just for an hour or two to bream fish before the heat got to them. Bream from the bank still seem to be doing well using crickets.

Jonathan also recently noted that there have been several people asking about setting out lines for catfish. As long as you are compliant with AGFC regulations on the lines/noodles/jugs/etc., then yes, you are allowed to use those on Lake Poinsett. It is recommended that if you will be out later at night setting/checking lines that you use the AGFC dam boat ramp parking area or the Deckleman Road access as Lake Poinsett State Park closes to noncampers at 10 p.m. daily.

The state park visitors center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Spring River
(updated 7-3-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are at 500 cfs (350 cfs is average), and water clarity depends on recent rainfall. Plenty of small storms moving through weekly has kept the Spring River above average flows for most of the spring and so far this summer. We all know it will dry out soon. Dam 3 access and all campgrounds are open. The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery area is closed to the public as the hatchery gets back up and running following the April flood.

“Plenty of rainbows are in the river. It’s kinda hard to catch other species with the high water. Starting to catch smallies when the water clears and gets down. Big Woollies are working great on the fly. Heavy bead-head or dumbbell eyes help get to the bottom. Sink tips would help. I prefer a longer leader and high-sticking the fly.

“When the water gets right, plenty of bugs are hatching, from damsels to caddis and mayflies on other days. Always carry a few dry ones just in case in the evening hours; a big one might be found feeding.
“For spin fishing, gold and silver spinners are doing well; D2 jigs and trout cranks can work for chasing the bigger fish. The Trout Crank will get down to the fish and might catch a walleye with the rainbow trout crank. And the D2 jigs in olive and black in heavy sizes will get down to the fish.

“The canoe hatch is on. Saturdays are busy with floaters, but it’s a great time to fish on Sundays and through the week. With the heat on, the river is a cool place to get away at 58 degrees year-round.
“Fish early and take a break during the heat; if you are hot and miserable, so will be the bite!

“River levels have remained up, so be careful out there. The Spring River is a beautiful river to fish and canoe. If you can’t swim, please wear a life jacket! Wading can be tricky in some areas — a wading staff can really help out. Be safe and watch out for each other!”

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for updates and conditions on the Spring River.

Southeast Arkansas

(updated 7-31-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reports that water temperatures in the upper 80s. Visibility up to 12-16 inches in protected backwaters, near zero on the main channel. Water level is slightly elevated but has been slowly falling. Strong flow continues on the main channel.

Black bass are biting well, especially in the mornings, near flooded woody cover and vegetation in backwaters and near current breaks just off of the main channel. Shad-colored bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and swim jigs are producing well near moving water and/or when the wind is blowing. Dark-colored creatures and jigs worked on the bottom/through flooded cover are producing when the wind is calm or there is no current.

Some fish are positioned on the artificial brushpiles placed on the sand drops within Lake Langhofer, but they should begin holding more as the water continues falling out of the bushes on shore.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 7-31-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said they had one crappie angler in recently who caught five or six fishing off of campers’ dock. He said it’s way too hot to fish very long, however.

Lake Monticello
(updated 8-7-2025) AGFC staff report that people are out fishing and some are catching some big fish, while other days are tough. A couple of 7-pound black bass have been pulled out of the lake since spring.
Anglers are reminded that all fish caught must be released immediately. The Hunger Run Access was opened late last year to boat traffic. All fishing regulations, including catch-and-release-only fishing for all sport fish, remain in place even while the lake is lowered for the city’s repair work on the dam.

Lake Chicot
(updated 8-7-2025) Lake Chicot, part of Lake Chicot State Park, is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, redear sunfish and other bream, in addition to crappie. If you fish Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, or Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam, be aware that crappie shorter than 10 inches must be immediately released and that the crappie daily limit is 20.

Better weather one recent weekend brought quite a few fishing boats and bigger recreational boats to the lake in the later hours of daylight. Most fishing action appeared around the shoreline.

Southwest Arkansas

Millwood Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Millwood Lake Dam, visit the Corps Little Rock office website.

(updated 8-7-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Millwood Lake has already reached the summer drawdown level of 24 inches below normal pool. The Army Corps of Engineers does this drawdown to improve shoreline vegetation and promote sediment compaction. Use extreme caution in navigation during drawdown.

The AGFC requests the drawdown annually to allow planting of Japanese millet for the upcoming waterfowl season. The Southwest Arkansas Water District, which owns the conservation pool rights, has approved the use of its storage to support the request. The drawdown will expose a large area of shoreline for revegetation. Planting millet will help improve water quality, boost fish production and provide valuable habitat for wintering waterfowl. The Corps will raise the lake 6 inches by Sept. 15, then will take the lake to normal pool by Nov. 1.

Boaters are encouraged to wear a life jacket and exercise caution during the drawdown, as submerged stumps and shallow areas will be more prominent, especially in boat lanes where depth may only be a few inches. Wear your life jacket and utilize your engine’s kill switch during drawdown conditions where stumps and underwater hazards are near reduced surface pool elevation.

For more information, contact the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office at 870-898-3343.

Surface temps are ranging 85-95 degrees along Little River this week, depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River is normal stain; typical Millwood lighter stain is found in most locations of oxbows of Little River, with river clarity ranging 8-12 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows continues improving as levels stabilize, and visibility in the oxbows ranges 20-30 inches in many locations.
Siefert had these specifics on the Millwood fishing:

* Thursday night bass tournaments on Millwood Lake this last week produced a couple of heavy weigh-in bags of largemouths, including several bass in the 6-pound to over 9-pound class, which is untypical for this time of year.
Several days over the past few weeks, juvenile largemouth and Kentucky bass have been noted schooling on primary and secondary points in Little River and oxbows. Although the schooling and surface breaking this time of year is very random, and in short duration, one just has to be there when they start herding the shad to the surface, and that can be most any time of day – dawn and dusk being the best time for the surface-breaking activity. Occasionally, you will find a school of white bass mixed in with the largemouths and spots when the mayhem breaks loose! Keep a clear Baby Torpedo and a quarter-ounce chrome Cordell hammered spoon, and a ¾-ounce (for distance) chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap on deck when this action starts. The ⅜-ounce chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap Tail Spinner will work when the action begins breaking in the lily pads at daylight.
The best bite over the past several weeks continues to occur from dawn to around 10 a.m. due to increase in heat/surface temps after 10 a.m. Numbers of bass, from 2-3 pounds, each continue concentrating near almost any major creek junction with Little River and close proximity nearby and biting almost anything you can put in front of them. This is especially true with manageable current conditions along Little River now, and deeper sections, points and washouts in Little River from 10-15 feet. We noted a few largemouths and white bass were schooling together herding shad in front of numerous creek dumps near White Cliffs campground into Little River over the past week.

Largemouths are good on buzzbaits, Cordell Crazy Shads, Spit’n Images, Yum BuzzFrogs, Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper silver phantom, and gold pepper shiner colors and Yum Dingers along the Little River. Other surface lures like Ken Pops, Jitterbugs and Baby Torpedoes continue to draw reactions as well. With early morning activity, fair to good numbers of bass will bust crankbaits like the Rat-L-Trap and the Bill Lewis MR-6. Carolina-rigged lizards and Southern Pro 4-inch magnum tubes are working along river washouts and cutouts in the river bank. Berkley 10-inch Power worms in Plum, Black Grape or Cherry Seed are catching good keeper bass from 13-14 in length. Peanut butter and jelly colors are working for deeper bass, or suspending bass on Carolina Rigs. A good number of these fish continue moving further out and to points and intersections of creek channel dumps into Little River, where quick access to the 8-14 foot and deeper thermocline zone areas are. Jigging Cordell hammered spoons and crankbaits worked over the past week for largemouths and whites suspended in stumps and timber in the 10- to 12- foot depths on the edge of the river above Jack’s Isle.

The best water clarity is being found upriver. Slow moving or dead sticking Bass Assassins Shads, Cordell Red Fins and Yum Dingers (wacky rigged), and skipping/hopping the Yum Buzz or hollow body frogs with rattles, and the Rattling Zara Mouse around pads, will randomly take fish again early and late. Areas of lily pads, hydrilla and pondweed – where the vegetation is growing in close proximity to stumps in deeper water – will produce good catches. Swimbaits are beginning to work for suspended bass around drop-offs next to stumps.
* Several fishermen told us they saw fairly large schools of white bass breaking topwater in Little River, and they were schooling in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows over the past several weeks. The morning schooling bass were chasing schools of threadfin shad. Anglers were catching five to 10 fish randomly, with Chuck’N Spins, Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3-inch white grub and Beetle Spins.

* The crappie bite continues improving now that the current has reduced and water clarity is improved. Best spots along Little River are over planted brush in 8-10 feet and stacking nicely on your electronics, early, on live shiners, jigs, smoke grubs and vertical jigging tiny (1/32-ounce) Beetle Spins in white/red dot or catalpa colors. The bite dies off substantially after 9-10 a.m.
* The channel catfish bite slowed somewhat over the past few weeks with the reduced current in Little River. Blues and channel cats are biting best on cut shad, catalpa worms and Catfish Charlie, by either anchoring and tight-lining, or trotlines, along Little River and in Mud Lake or Horseshoe oxbows, on yo-yo’ hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 9-15 feet depth. Two fishermen told us they had better luck with their cats when they chummed the area the day or night before they went out.

For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

Lake Greeson Tailwater
For the most updated Narrows Dam generation schedule from SWEPCO, click here.

Lake Greeson
For the most updated lake level at Lake Greeson, click here.

No reports.

DeGray Lake
For the most updated lake level at DeGray Lake, click here.

(updated 8-7-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz this week that, “If you’re into topwater fishing Lake DeGray is red hot. It doesn’t matter if you put in on the dam side of if you go down to Arlie Moore and put in in the middle of the lake. I’d put in at Arlie Moore and go out there on the main two points. There is a bunch of breaking fish: hybrids, a mixture of Kentuckys and blacks, it doesn’t matter. Everything is kind of breaking. That has been a big, big hotspot for the last 30 days and it still continues to go on.”

Hedrick added to Kastner’s report on air July 29 that he had heard from many anglers that there were schooling fish (bass) on various lakes all over the state.
Kastner suggested a big Rooster Tail, either in ⅜- or half-ounce as a good lure for hybrid bass, a cross between a striped bass and a white bass. Also, you can try live bait though that might be more of a battle, he said. With the topwater action so prevalent now, though, he was favoring a Zara Spook, a shallow-running spoon or a Boy Howdy. “You can catch them multiple ways. You just have to get out there and try.”

(updated 7-24-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been fishing lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Hamilton lately. He says, “White bass and black bass are feeding early in the morning. The pattern is surface-feeding at sunrise, then they will retreat to the bottom in 20-plus feet of water. Work a spoon or swimbait across the bottom.

De Queen Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from De Queen Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Dierks Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Dierks Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

South-Central Arkansas

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

West-Central Arkansas

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 8-7-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 63 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is well below flood pool levels due to Entergy scheduling round-the-clock generation below area dams to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is running 6,000 cfs below Carpenter Dam for 10 hours a day during the week, which can be treacherous for boaters and wade fisherman alike. Extreme caution must be used when on the water during this amount of flow. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted on Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website linked above.

Due to the flooding of spring that displaced thousands of rainbow trout far downstream, decent numbers of trout are still thriving below Carpenter Dam. Under normal circumstances, trout fishing is over by early July. The extreme heat of summer has forced these displaced trout back toward the dam in search of cooler water and increased food supply. Rainbow trout become stressed in water that reaches just over 70 degrees and cannot survive in water over 75 degrees. There is a good possibility that trout numbers will linger until sometime in early August because of the lack of fishing pressure.

Bank fishermen have had some success using live baits such as redworms and waxworms fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater. PowerBait are a best bet presented in the same manner. Boat fishermen have anchored in and around rock structure or sandbars and have had success casting Rooster Tails in brown or white in a ⅛-ounce weight. Spoon presentations such as a Little Cleo or Super Duper will also work in a current situation when rainbows are keying in on injured baitfish.

No matter what presentation is used for trout in the summertime on Lake Catherine, slower results should be expected in numbers, but the size of the trout will range from 15-18 inches long.

Walleye are still in the area and good numbers remain the tailrace for the summer months. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate crawfish and threadfin shad are a proven technique to cover water and tempt walleye into feeding.

White bass are thriving in the tailrace for the spawn and were expected to remain in the tailrace as July ended. These fish can be caught on 1/16- and ⅛-ounce jigs around rock structure and sandbars. Action will be best during times of generation. Trolling crankbaits that imitate shad will give boat fishermen a good chance to target white bass that are constantly chasing the shad schools in the tailrace.

June brought blue and channel catfish into the tailrace to begin their spawning run and provided angers some wonderful table fare.

Despite the numerous storms passing through our area, hot temperatures will be the norm with a summertime pattern of extreme heat setting in for the next several months. Remember to always wear a life jacket when on the water and obey all park and lake regulations when visiting Carpenter Dam. Trash cans are limited so please pick up after yourselves and always cooperate with game wardens when approached.

Lake Dardanelle
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow and gauge level reports from Dardanelle, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 7-24-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been fishing lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Hamilton lately. He says, “White bass and black bass are feeding early in the morning. The pattern is surface-feeding at sunrise, then they will retreat to the bottom in 20-plus feet of water. Work a spoon or swimbait across the bottom.

Lake Nimrod
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Nimrod Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-24-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) said anglers have been catching fish. Some are that big. But the bream are nice and have been biting like crazy, and the anglers are going crazy over the bream, she said. “Bream was the thing this past week,” she said, adding that she sold a lot of crickets. Anglers are buying up minnows, crickets and worms at her hope.

Crappie, when anglers could find them, were good. She said they were catching a lot of small crappie and small back and tossing them back, but “eventually they get their limit.” Fishing is, like most of Arkansas’s big lakes, an early morning affair or in the evenings. “There are some diehards still out there in the heat during the day,” she added.

The water looks good in terms of clarity and the level of Nimrod is back to normal.

Carter Cove has a Facebook page, and the email address is cartercovebaitnmore@gmail.com.

Lake Ouachita
For the current lake level at Blakely Dam, click here.

(updated 8-7-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are fair. Try a big Texas-rigged soft plastic or worm near brush. The buzzbait and frog bite is still working, too.

Walleye are good and biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 18-24 feet.

Stripers are still good and biting on trolling rigs and live bait on the eastern part of the lake.

Water temperature ranges 82-85 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 574.64 feet msl and falling. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

Blue Mountain Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Blue Mountain Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

East Arkansas

White River/Clarendon Area
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from Clarendon, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

“Snagging catfish is still going good below the hydroelectric dam on most all baits, but seemingly better on cut bait and catalpa worms.

“Thanks to all our loyal customers for shopping at Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

Cook’s Lake
(updated 8-7-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said he didn’t have much to report from Cook’s Lake. “We have had very few anglers, and those that have fished have not had much luck. We will be open this Friday and Saturday during normal business hours for youth and mobility-impaired anglers.

“As far as the rest of the White River National Wildlife Refuge goes, more roads and lake accesses are opening as the White River falls and roads are able to dry and be cleared out. For road updates, you can call their hotline at 870-282-8200.”
Wil said he had been able to pick up a few Kentucky bass, some largemouths and a white bass here and there while fishing the refuge, but that overall not much was happening.

Cook’s Lake will be open both Friday and Saturday from 8 to 4:30, but anglers are still encouraged to call ahead (501-404-2321) and let staff know they are coming.

Note: msl is mean sea level; cfs is cubic feet per second.

The post Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

Jim Harris — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 21:03:41 +0000

July 31, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Miller Scott holds a terrific catch, a Spring River rainbow trout, while fishing recently with guide Mark Crawford. Kudos to Miller for the catch and to Mark for getting such a detailed and colorful photo from the river.

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Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk

For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt

For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality

Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

Central Arkansas
North Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas
Northeast Arkansas
Southeast Arkansas
Southwest Arkansas
South-Central Arkansas
West-Central Arkansas
East Arkansas

Central Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation)
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.

(updated 7-24-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) reports that in the Highway 89 bridge area, where there is still 4-5 feet deep water at times, an angler reported catching a lot of “little bitty bream” in recent days. A week ago, a catfish angler picked up three cats around the dam area.

(updated 7-31-2025) AGFC staff report that Lake Conway Nursery Pond the bream in the pond are now big enough to want to keep, and they are plentiful. The staff hears reports of folks catching a slab crappie here and there. Staff aren’t aware of many anglers looking for bass, though there are bass in the pond. In recent months, folks were catching plenty of catfish after they were stocked.

(updated 7-31-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Well, the temperatures in Arkansas this week have been in the upper 90s and up to 100 degrees, and heat indexes hovering around 110 degrees on most days. Needless to say, it’s hot out. Som if you’re fishing, get out early and beat the heat.
“The Southwestern Power Administration projected releases have been spot on with 24/7, round-the-clock generation of two units. I think the current generation schedule will remain in effect till they get Greers Ferry Lake down to normal power pool. Let’s see what happens as it gets closer to pool.

“With two units being generated 24/7, be careful out there while running your boat. If you’re not experienced running the river in these conditions, don’t go out, or hire a guide as they will put you on the fish. There’s been a few boaters who have gotten in trouble and flipped their boats in these higher flows.
“As far as wade fishing goes, there’s no opportunities really to be had unless you fish the boat ramps or up at JFK Park and fish the discharge pipes coming off the hatchery. Fishing from the boat is going to be your best option for fishing the current generation schedule.

“When it comes to nymph fishing from underneath an indicator, a deep water nymph rig set from 6-12 feet deep with split shot to help get it down will do the trick. Try fishing toward the banks about 6 feet, then set the indicator deeper and fish the middle.

The hot flies have been attractor patterns like eggs, San Juan Worms and marabou jigs.

We are still catching fish in the higher flows and the bite’s been good considering two-unit water.
“Streamer fishing from the boat on two units can be great, especially on cloudy overcast days, in the mornings and evenings. It can be tough when it’s 100 degrees out midday on bright sunny days, so get out there early or go in the evenings before the sun goes down.”

(updated 7-24-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the brown trout bite is good on hair jigs, either in ⅛ or 1/16-ounce size, with falling water. Try an olive of peach pattern for the hair jigs, and fish them in 5-8 feet of water.

Rainbows are reacting well off the ends of the shoals for anglers throwing a pink Trout Magnet worm or a mealworm Trout Magnet. You need to float it about 1-2 inches off the bottom, drifting.

Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-31-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake as of Wednesday afternoon was at 464.30 feet msl, or just 2.14 feet above normal pool; two units have been generating round-the-clock at the dam to lower the lake to normal pool level. Not much has changed overall except the water level. Just stay the course. Fish remain scattered all over, but realize that sport fish (crappie, bass, etc.) will be close to the point of bushes as the last of the third shad spawn comes out and will be set up to ambush as they do.
Some crappie are on the bank while others are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, with crankbaits for trolling 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and 40 feet for the deeper fish. Brushpiles have come into play as well as standing timber.

Catfish are eating really well all over the lake and rivers. Lots of blues have come in. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits, as well as rod and reels. For bream try crawlers, crickets, small cranks and inline spinners. A lot of white bass and hybrid bass are in 25-43 feet. Use Road Runners and grubs for shallow fish, spoons and inline spinners for the ones moving deeper now.

Be safe and wear your life jacket.

(updated 7-31-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the largemouth bass, spots and smallmouth all are biting around main lake points for anglers throwing a Carolina rig with a watermelon soft plastic. Around deeper flooded timber, use spoons like the Dixie Jet spoon or a Yamamoto Scope Shad on a little jighead for largemouths and spots.

If you can catch the lake during or right after a rain and there is runoff, you can fish that runoff for any bass species with a swimbait, like a Keitech 3.8.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 7-24-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said been a bit too hot for fishing. Some big crappie have been caught from out on the lake; one angler is fishing 9-10 feet deep for catching his limit. One was 15 inches. Minnows are the bait of choice. The key is starting around 7 a.m.

A couple of anglers caught a few largemouth bass in shallow water around the big island. They didn’t share the baits used. They posted their catches on Facebook.

Some bluegills have been caught on redworms and crickets lately. The fish are in the shallow area along with some big bream that were caught. Most catfish are being caught on trotlines with bigger minnows or baby bluegill.

The fishing overall is hit and miss for anglers with the heat, though. Water is normal. Clarity is “kinda muddy,” Bing reports.

Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page. There will be a fireworks show over the lake on Friday night.

(updated 1-18-2025) Ken Winstead at Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) had no new reports.

There are millions of shad running around the surface during the late evening and early morning, and the bass and catfish are feeding.

Crappie are being caught in 1014 feet of water about 6 feet down.

Bream are on their beds and are doing well.
“Come see us at Overcup Landing off Highway 9.”

(updated 1-18-2025) Lakeview Landing on Arkansas Highway 95 (501-252-1437) said GONE?!

Brewer Lake
(update 4-25-2025) AGFC staff visited Brewer Lake recently. Surface water temperature is low- to mid-60s and the water level is at full pool. The pollen has put a green tinge to the surface, but other than that, the water is fairly clear with about 2 feet of visibility. Crappie were beginning to move shallow to the flooded brush and should be spawning now. Focus on coves in the northern portion of the lake. Largemouth bass were biting fairly well on secondary points and isolated brush in 7-11 feet of water. Slow-rolled spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits and Carolina-rigged lizards were working well. Fishing the brushline with a wacky-rigged Senko or Texas-rigged lizard will also pick up a few smaller bass. Most of the large fish were still a cast-and-a-half offshore waiting to move up, and may be up now.

No report on catfish or bream.

Brewer Lake has a new regulation for 2025: The 13- to 16-inch black bass slot limit on Brewer (as well as Lake Barnett in White County) has been replaced; now, anglers may keep up to 10 largemouth bass, but only one of those may exceed 16 inches.

(update 1-1-2025) David Hall at Dad’s Bait Shop (501-289-2210), a 24/7 self-serve bait shop at the lake, had no change in the reports, but most recently said that anglers were having the best luck for crappie and catfish around the dam area. Bass fishing was reported to be best in the late afternoon or evenings. For crappie the tri-color jigs were doing the trick for most anglers on the boats, with a white Rooster Tail working for bass.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 7-31-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that fishing slowed down this week. Water temperature hit the 90s this week, ranging 89-92 degrees. The water level continues to fall slightly and is now down to 3.6 feet below normal pool.

The black bass bite was fair. Largemouths could be found in 10-20 feet of water, with reports of the bite being best early in the morning and late in the evening. Try using Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) were also fair, with reports of them being found in 12-16 feet on brushpiles mixed in with the largemouths. And like the largemouths, the bite is best early in the morning and late in the evening. Drop-shots, Carolina rigs with a green pumpking trailer, jigs and crankbaits have been working best lately.

The falling-off bite was reflected in the Tuesday night black bass tournament, too, as Matt Hedrick and Brandon Grace could only pull in 12.35 pounds of bass, but that was enough to win the event, edging Noah and Greg White’s 12.14 pounds. Robert and Tracey White landed the Big Bass of 4.83 pounds.

Bream, like the bass, were just fair this last week. Reports had them being found on brushpiles in 10-15 feet, and anglers were catching a bunch of small ones. Try crickets or redworms for them.
Crappie are slow. The last report had them scattered around brush and rock piles and biting in 15-25 feet depth on minnows and jigs.

There were no reports this week on white bass or catfish.

(update 7-31-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said that water temps in Lake Maumelle are in the upper 80s to low 90s. Crappie can be found on brush in 18-22 feet of water. Tiny jigs such as the Bobby Garland Itty Bit series and minnows will trigger a bite. Now more than ever, presentation is key! With water temps hovering near 90 degrees, the crappie do not want to work hard for food. Slow and steady wins the race.

Visit www.nsfguide.com or call 501-548-8990 to schedule your guided crappie trip today!

Arkansas River at Morrilton
For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Little Maumelle River
(update 7-24-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the fishing has been good. “Bass are the hottest thing right now,” he said. Water was 87 degrees on Sunday; it’s clear and at a normal pool. The fish will bite from early in the morning until midmorning, then again late in the afternoon. Topwater and spinnerbait are the best approaches now.

Try a white or white/black spinnerbait. The best topwater is something like a Rebel Pop-R, or anything similar in a bream color or chartreuse. Soft plastic worms are working for some anglers.

Catfish are good a night. Try chicken liver or cut bait.

He’s heard nothing on bream lately. “It’s hot, and not many people are out,” Ray added.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)

For the real-time water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam and David D. Terry Lock and Dam, as well as the Little Rock pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-31-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river current is flowing about 60,000 or less cfs this week, as of Thursday. It’s fishing pretty good for bass mainly on the main river. Bandit 200 crankbaits on the jetties that parallel the bank. Make sure you’re pulling the crankbait with the flow downriver.

Also, on any of the eddies where there is flow coming through, black and blue finesse jigs have been working really well. Early and late in the date, there is a buzzbait, the Brazalo Weewacker, that has been producing well.

Crappie have been doing pretty good, not as well as bass, but they have been biting. On the main river, target rock piles close to the jetties. Throw a Crappie Magnet in black/blue. In the backwaters, in the middle of the day, they are sitting close to stumps or whatever cover you can see.

(updated 1-1-2025) Hatchet Jack’s Sports Shop in Crystal Hill off I-40 (501-758-4958) said

(updated 1-1-2025) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) had no new reports.

Clear Lake (off Arkansas River-Little Rock Pool)
(updated 1-1-2025) McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) says

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 7-31-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said they anglers were doing well on bass, catfish and bream this past month. Crappie anglers were having success trolling and spider-rigging.

Catfish are going for worms, hot dogs and liver. “When they are on they will hit anything,” she said. For bream, it’s the usual crickets and worms. Bream are up shallow during the full moon.

North Arkansas

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 7-31-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, Bull Shoals Lake is 20 feet above power pool at 682.93 feet msl. The lake continues to drop and water levels on the White River have remained steadily high at around (12,000 cfs or four units) round-the-clock. Late mornings show an uptick in generation, often nearing seven generation units being discharged.
“Our rainbows are chasing shrimp, especially when paired with a small piece of pink or white PowerBait or an orange fuzzy egg pattern. Bubblegum pink Berkley Mouse Tails are still a favorite and have been very successful over the summer. In the high water, orange or pink baits are best at getting the attention of the always-on-the-move trout.

“Some folks prefer casting hard baits: the Vibrax Blue Fox spinner, three-sixteenth-ounce gold, or ones fitted with a pink bell, was providing a steady catch of 12- and 13-inch rainbows. Best advise: Float your bait just above the bottom or near the bank in the swift water.
“The brown bite has been unexpectedly decent for a summer of high water. It’s been difficult to locate fresh sculpins, but when you can, the browns will thank you with a long and hard play. When a sculpin isn’t handy, pump some air into a lively nightcrawler and dance it near the bottom (the browns love to stay under the fray of the running rainbows.)
“Enjoy these cooler mornings and sunny days on the river; stop by and share your latest fish story.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-31-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “This week we saw water levels cresting around 10.5 feet in the mornings and dropping throughout the day before starting to rise again late in the afternoon. Norfork Lake remains over 12 feet above the power pool, with Bull Shoals Lake over 21 feet above the power pool. The current prediction is the lakes will reach their power pool levels by mid-September.

“The ‘pro’ of the fluctuation in water levels is it stirs up the bottom, resulting in good food choices for the trout; the ‘con’ is ‘trashy’ water with moss in it. Fishing has been better in the morning using silver inline spinners with UV Uncommon Bait UV Neo Pink Eggs and tipping the hook with shrimp or redworms. Artificial lures such as Dynamic J-Spec Lures in Glimmer Trout or brown trout colors or Rapala Countdowns CD9 in rainbow trout or brown trout colors have been partially effective fishing along the banks.

“The weather prediction shows a chance of rain Thursday but we should see cooler weather over the weekend.”

Allison/Mountain View Area
(updated 6-19-2025) Jack’s White River Fishing Resort reports that the White River guides — Bart, Braiden, Caleb, Chris and Irvin all consistently limited out on rainbow trout throughout the week with excellent success across the board. Among the highlights: 17-inch rainbows were landed on multiple outings — a great size and exciting for anglers; the guides round excellent results using End of the Line TR Orange and Royal Blue Power Eggs and Jack’s handmade hammered silver spinners — this winning combo brought solid bites in varied conditions.

The river has been fluctuating with periods of high, muddy water due to heavy rainfall and dam generation cycles. At times, conditions cleaned up between flow events, giving guides confidence to run drift rigs and spinners.

(updated 3-10-2025) White River Trout Club (870-453-2424) says f

Bull Shoals Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Bull Shoals Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-31-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level continues dropping, falling to 682 feet msl – now 24 feet above normal level but 2 feet lower than this time last week. The Army Corps of Engineers is steadily running big water. Water temperature is around 90 degrees. It’s been hot; an early start is a good idea. Continue to take precautions on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking is an issue as most boat ramps and parking areas remain underwater. The marinas and volunteers at the courtesy docks are doing a great job of accommodating everyone.

Bass fishing is fair. Get up early and look for surface activity: ledges, points, bluffs, swings. Largemouth bass are really grouped up and moving fast. Powerfishing shallow in the creeks has been hit or miss with the dropping water. The baitfish seem to be pushing back toward deeper ditches. You can deep-crank the drains if you find them. The ol’ Big Red Worms, Texas-rigged, fished in trees and laydowns and 20-25 feet on points seems to need some stain.
There are always fish to be caught on a Flippin’ Jig or Jewel half-ounce green pumpkin variant pulling off ledges. Look at steeper banks as the temps rise. Lots of fish java been suspended at 20-25 feet with the current generation schedule.

The offshore guys have their work cut out for them. The shad are spread out from the backs of the creeks to the main lake. Feeding windows seem to be short-lived; better capitalize on it when it starts. Target larger schools on swings and ledges off the bank with a drop-shot for the bluebird, post-frontal suspended fish. Try a smaller 2.8 swimbait or a regular Tater Shad. A half-ounce jigging spoon will come in handy. The thermoline looks to be about 26 feet. “Fish the conditions. Summer equals half-day trips.”
Del regularly posts new YouTube videos. Visit his YouTube site (Bull Shoals Fishing Report) or delcolvinfishing.com for more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.

(updated 7-31-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much this month. Fish are settling in the thermocline now. With the drawdown that’s occurring, the bite has been kind of hit or miss. Small walleye and a few legal-size walleye are being caught over the flooded buckbrush. If the sun is high, fish a little deeper along the old shoreline. Fish are scattered along main lake rounded gravel points with deep water nearby. We’re fishing the shoreline in 25-30 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler around the edges of the flooded brush.

When trolling over buckbrush, try a size 7 or 9 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow in 25-30 feet of water. Trolling at speeds of 2.0 to 2.5 mph seems to be a good speed to get a reaction bite.

(updated 7-31-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says not much has changed with the crappie bite. Crappie are super scattered, but will bite decent when you can find them. Look for structure in the 20 feet range and have minnows.

Norfork Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Norfork Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Beaver Lake Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-31-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake water level remains consistent. Water temperature is, of course, HOT! Clarity is normal, which means clearer on the north end and more stained the farther south you go.

Stripers are very consistent very early. Get out early and pull some live baits of your choice and you should put fish in the boat. Places to start begin at Point 5 down to the dam. Believe in your sonar and find bait and the fish should be near.

Crappie are still being caught on the troll. Use any cranks that dive to around 15 feet. If you’re trolling, your speed should be from 1.8 mph to 2.2 mph. Your lineout should be from 60-90 feet back. If you’re not getting any action. either shorter lineout or speed changes will help home in on the sweet spot.

Also change colors, as some days it’s this and next day a completely different color.

Walleye are fair. Look off points and flats; 20-30 feet of water is the sweet spot. Crawlers and crawler harnesses are working.

Catfish and bream are good.

On that note, this is the time of year to use bream for stripers. A big bait can sometimes produce very big fish.
“Good luck and let’s usher in some cool weather!”

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 7-31-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “The weather isn’t the only thing that is hot; the fishing has been on fire! With the water levels, the bite has been great. The Army Corps of Engineers is starting to flow a little more from Beaver Dam, which helps with that ‘push bite’; just remember you need to stay with it.
“We have been catching fish with the Pautzke Fire Minnow and the Fire Worms. Fire Bait has also produced high numbers as well. Drifting the worms during flow is the ticket. As we start to transition into fall, start looking at those jerkbaits and spoons a little more.
“A few walleye have been caught as well, drifting the minnows. Hopefully this heat dome will push out soon. Looking ahead, there is supposed to be a cold front pushing through, keeping most of August below normal temperatures.

Remember: For additional updates, follow my Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service). I’m pretty much on the water every week. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Take care, get out and catch some fish!”

(updated 7-31-2025) Hooked on Fishing Guide Service on Beaver Lake (479-244-0039) reports that striper fishing has been really consistent this summer. You have to use your graph to locate these fish since they are pushing down deeper into the thermocline. Fish are holding 30-60 feet down in 40-120 feet of water. Don’t be afraid to fish open, deep water as the bait and the fish are holding in these areas along with main lake points.
Crappie fishing has been good on flats next to a channel swing om 15-25 feet of water. You can also catch them under docks and brush this time of year. Water temperature is around 86 degrees.

For additional information, pictures and videos, like and follow us on Facebook.

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 7-17-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that catfish were doing really well. Use the usual catfish baits. Bream are coming in in bunches, and the black bass are following them in. The bass are very good on topwater; also, try any bait that looks like a little bream. Crappie appear to be very deep; a couple of anglers were catching some. They are biting on jigs.

Northeast Arkansas

Lake Charles
(updated 7-31-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said bream continue to bite well. There were good reports this last week, with the bream shallow and eager to bite jigs and worms. Small bream were caught from the shoreline.
Catfish are biting fair on worms. They’re biting lines set in deeper water. There was a channel cat caught from the shore on a worm.

She heard no reports on crappie, black bass or white bass.

The water level is normal and the clarity is the usual Lake Charles murky. Water temperature on Sunday was 81 degrees.

The state park visitors center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for updates and conditions on the Spring River.

Southeast Arkansas

(updated 7-31-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team most recently noted that visibility in the river was up to 12-16 inches in protected backwaters, near zero on the main channel. Water level was slightly elevated but has been slowly falling. Strong flow had been seen on the main channel for a few weeks.

Black bass were biting well, especially in the mornings, near flooded woody cover and vegetation in backwaters and near current breaks just off of the main channel. Shad-colored bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and swim jigs were producing well near moving water and/or when the wind is blowing. Dark-colored creatures and jigs worked on the bottom/through flooded cover were producing when the wind was calm or there was no current.

Some fish were positioned on the artificial brushpiles placed on the sand drops within Lake Langhofer, but they should begin holding more as the water continues falling out of the bushes on shore.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 7-31-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said they had one crappie angler in recently who caught five or six fishing off of the campers’ dock. He said it was way to hot to fish for very long, however.

Lake Monticello
(updated 7-31-2025) Anglers are reminded that all fish caught must be released immediately. The Hunger Run Access was opened late last year to boat traffic. There have been reports from anglers catching nice black bass. All fishing regulations, including catch-and-release-only fishing for all sport fish, remain in place even while the lake is lowered for the city’s repair work on the dam.

Lake Chicot
(updated 7-31-2025) Lake Chicot, part of Lake Chicot State Park, is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, redear sunfish and other bream, in addition to crappie. If you fish Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, or Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam, be aware that crappie shorter than 10 inches must be immediately released and that the crappie daily limit is 20.
Chicot had quite a few boats on the water late in the afternoon Sunday, with a few of them angling near the banks for bass, it appeared.

Southwest Arkansas

Millwood Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Millwood Lake Dam, visit the Corps Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-31-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the Army Corps of Engineers began its annual summer 2-foot drawdown on Millwood Lake on Monday. The drawdrawn is for improving shoreline vegetation and to promote sediment compaction. The AGFC has requested that Millwood Lake be lowered 24 inches this summer to allow planting of Japanese millet. The Southwest Arkansas Water District, which owns the conservation pool rights, has approved the use of its storage to support the request, Siefert noted.
He says the drawdown will expose a large area of shoreline for revegetation. Planting millet will help improve water quality, boost fish production and provide valuable habitat for wintering waterfowl. The lake will be held near an elevation of 257.2 feet until Sept. 15, when it will be raised 6 inches. The lake will be raised to the top of its normal conservation pool of 259.2 feet by Nov. 1.
Seifert urges boaters to wear a life jacket and exercise caution during the drawdown, as submerged stumps and shallow areas will be more prominent, especially in boat lanes where depth may only be a few inches.

For more information, contact the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office at 870-898-3343.
Siefert noted that by Wednesday, the lake was about 18 inches below normal conservation pool and falling. The dam was releasing about 5,700 cfs, and tailwater is near 233 feet and rising. Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or the Army Corps of Engineers website linked under “Millwood Lake” above, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels.

Surface temps continue fluctuating, ranging 86-92 degrees along Little River. Clarity along Little River is normal stain — typical Millwood lighter stain is found in most locations of oxbows. River clarity is ranging 4-6 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows continues improving as levels stabilize, and visibility in the oxbows ranges 20-30 inches in many locations.

Mike had updated fishing specifics from recent days:
* Several days over the past few weeks, juvenile largemouth and Kentucky bass (spotted bass) have been noted schooling on primary and secondary points in Little River and oxbows. Although the schooling and surface breaking this time of year is very random, and in short duration, one just has to be there when they start herding the shad to the surface, and that can be most anytime of day – dawn and dusk being the best time for the surface-breaking activity. Occasionally, you will find a school of white bass mixed in with the largemouths and spots when the mayhem breaks loose! Keep a clear Baby Torpedo and a quarter-ounce chrome Cordell hammered spoon, and a ¾-ounce (for distance) chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap on deck when this action starts. The ⅜-ounce chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap Tail Spinner will work when the action begins breaking in the lily pads at daylight.
The best bite over the past several weeks continues to occur from dawn to around 10 a.m. due to increase in heat/surface temps after 10 a.m. Numbers of bass, from 2-3 pounds, each continue concentrating near almost any major creek junction with Little River and close proximity nearby and biting almost anything you can put in front of them. This is especially true with manageable current conditions along Little River now, and deeper sections, points and washouts in Little River from 10-15 feet. We noted a few largemouths and white bass were schooling together herding shad in front of numerous creek dumps near White Cliffs campground into Little River over the past week.

Largemouths are good on Bbuzzbaits, Cordell Crazy Shads, Spit’n Images, Yum BuzzFrogs, Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper silver phantom, and gold pepper shiner colors and Yum Dingers along the Little River. Other surface lures like Ken Pops, Jitterbugs and Baby Torpedoes continue to draw reactions as well. With early morning activity, fair to good numbers of bass will bust crankbaits like the Rat-L-Trap and the Bill Lewis MR-6. Carolina-rigged lizards and Southern Pro 4-inch magnum tubes are working along river washouts and cutouts in the river bank. Berkley 10-inch Power worms in Plum, Black Grape or Cherry Seed are catching good keeper bass from 13-14 in length. Peanut butter and jelly colors are working for deeper bass, or suspending bass on Carolina Rigs. A good number of these fish continue moving further out and to points and intersections of creek channel dumps into Little River, where quick access to the 8-14 foot and deeper thermocline zone areas are. Jigging Cordell hammered spoons and crankbaits worked over the past week for largemouths and whites suspended in stumps and timber in the 10- to 12- foot depths on the edge of the river above Jack’s Isle.

* The crappie bite continues improving now that the current has reduced and water clarity is improved. Best spots along Little River are over planted brush in 8-10 feet and stacking nicely on your electronics, early, on live shiners, jigs, smoke grubs and vertical jigging tiny (1/32-ounce) Beetle Spins in white/red dot or catalpa colors. The bite dies off substantially after 9-10 a.m.
* The channel catfish bite slowed somewhat over the past week with the reduced current in Little River. Blues and channel cats are biting best on cut shad, catalpa worms and Catfish Charlie, by either anchoring and tightlining, or trotlines, along Little River and in Mud Lake or Horseshoe oxbows, on yo-yo’ hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 9-15 feet depth. Two fishermen told us they had better luck with their cats when they chummed the area the day or night before they went out.

For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

Lake Greeson Tailwater
For the most updated Narrows Dam generation schedule from SWEPCO, click here.

Lake Greeson
For the most updated lake level at Lake Greeson, click here.

No reports.

DeGray Lake
For the most updated lake level at DeGray Lake, click here.

(updated 7-31-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz that DeGray gave up a 10-plus pound largemouth bass, caught by angler Randy Plyler. “Floridas were obviously stocked on DeGray … That was a really good one,” Kastner told hosts Trey Reid (of the AGFC) and Mark Hedrick.

“The second best report I have is hybrid (bass) fishing on Degray,” adding that one angler had caught “many, many, many good topwater hybrids in the last week. There are all kinds of fish being caught there.”

Hedrick added to Kastner’s report on air that he had heard from many anglers that there were schooling fish (bass) on various lakes all over the state.
Kastner said, “On DeGray, those hybrids are on fire. Hybrids are everywhere jumping.” He suggested a big Rooster Tail, either in ⅜- or half-counce as a good lure for hybrid bass, a cross between a striped bass and a white bass. Also, you can try live bait though that might be more of a battle, he said. With the topwater action so prevalent now, though, he was favoring a Zara Spook, a shallow-running spoon or a Boy Howdy. “You can catch them multiple ways. You just have to get out there and try.”

De Queen Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from De Queen Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Dierks Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Dierks Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

South-Central Arkansas

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

West-Central Arkansas

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 7-31-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 63 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is well below flood pool levels due to Entergy scheduling round-the-clock generation below area dams to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is running 6,000 cfs below Carpenter Dam for 10 hours a day, which can be treacherous for boaters and wade fishermen alike. Use extreme caution when on the water during this amount of flow. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted by Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website (linked above).

Due to the flooding of spring that displaced thousands of rainbow trout far downstream, quality numbers of trout are thriving below Carpenter Dam. Under normal circumstances, trout fishing is over by late July, but the extreme summer heat has forced these displaced trout back toward the dam in search of cooler water and increased food supply. Rainbow trout become stressed in water that reaches just over 70 degrees and cannot survive in water over 75 degrees. There is a good possibility that trout numbers will linger until sometime in early August because of the lack of fishing pressure.

Fly-fishermen can still access areas that hold trout even though the lake is now at normal summertime pool. Micro-jigs in black or white cast under a strike indicator strongly resemble river minnows that live in the tailrace. Woolly Buggers in olive and black are a mainstay in the line of artificial lures that trout will feed on. Egg patterns in orange or white will draw strikes when other presentations are ignored. No matter what presentation is used for trout in the summertime on Lake Catherine, slower results should be expected in numbers but the size of the trout will range 15-18 inches long. Walleye are still in the area and good numbers remain the tailrace for the summer months. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate crawfish and threadfin shad are a proven technique to cover water and tempt walleye into feeding.

White bass are thriving in the tailrace for the spawn and will remain in the tailrace until late July. These fish can be caught on 1/16- and ⅛-ounce jigs around rock structure and sandbars. Action will be best during times of generation. Trolling crankbaits that imitate shad will give boat fishermen a good chance to target white bass that are constantly chasing the shad schools in the tailrace.

June brought blue catfish and channel catfish into the tailrace to begin their spawning run and provided anglers some wonderful table fare. Despite the numerous storms passing through our area, hot temperatures will be the norm with a summertime pattern of extreme heat setting in for the next several months.

Remember to always wear a life jacket when on the water and obey all park and lake regulations when visiting Carpenter Dam. Trashcans are limited so please pick up after yourselves and always cooperate with game wardens when approached.

Lake Dardanelle
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow and gauge level reports from Dardanelle, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 7-31-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that the largemouth bass bite is good enough that anyone hoping to win a tournament these days on Hamilton has to bring in 18-plus pounds and “that hasn’t slowed down any.”

He also said recently on the show that topwater season was in full swing, and anglers were able to even fish from the bank and throw whatever topwater lure you want to throw, whether it’s a buzzbait of frog or topwater bait.

With the heat of July and into early August, he noted, “The other thing is night fishing. If you’re dealing with Hamilton or Ouachita or DeGray, you’re dealing with fishing-at-night tournaments. Spiders have been a huge, huge weapon for the last few weeks, whether you’re throwing half or a three-quarter buzz in the bottom of brushpiles, or you’re throwing a Zoom Ole Monster, it doesn’t matter. Any of them are great, great lures. Pork rinds, plastic, whatever the fish are eating, anything you want to put on the back of your spider for a trailer will work.”

Lake Nimrod
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Nimrod Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

The water looks good in terms of clarity and the level of Nimrod is back to normal.

Carter Cove has a Facebook page, and the email address is cartercovebaitnmore@gmail.com.

Lake Ouachita
For the current lake level at Blakely Dam, click here.

(updated 7-31-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still fair. Try a jighead worm or Zoom Brush Hog-style bait on main lake and secondary points near brush. Walleye are still excellent and biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 16-22 feet deep.

Stripers are good and biting on trolling rigs and live bait on the eastern part of the lake.

Bream are good on worms or crickets in 10-20 feet of water. Crappie are fair and relating to brush in the 20- to 30-foot range. Catfish are fair on trotlines and jugs with live and cut bait.

Water temperature continues to range 80-84 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 575.35 feet msl and falling. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

Blue Mountain Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Blue Mountain Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

East Arkansas

White River/Clarendon Area
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from Clarendon, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 7-31-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) say, “ If you can withstand the heat, I’m getting good reports of bait fishing doing well at the hydro (electric dam). Water levels are dropping significantly in all bodies of water.

“All river levels are dropping slowly but surely. Catfish are biting below the hydro on catalpa worms and shad. That’s all we can report this week!

“Thanks to all our loyal customers for shopping at Webb’s Sporting Goods.”

Cook’s Lake
(updated 7-24-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) reports that there’s still nothing new to report for Cook’s Lake other than the water has dropped a little more. “We will be open again this Friday and Saturdeay during normal business hours.”

Cook’s Lake will be open both Friday and Saturday from 8 to 4:30, but anglers are still encouraged to call ahead (501-404-2321) and let staff know they are coming.

Wil added, “There has been a lot of questions about the White River Refuge lately and when roads will open. I talked to the assistant manager this morning and pulled this off of the Friends of the White River Page:

For the latest information on road status, you can:

Check the official refuge website.
Visit the Friends of the White River Page.
Stop by the office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Email whiteriver@fws.gov (email is checked every business day).

Roads that are open, North Unit: Maddox Bay Boat Ramp.

South Unit: Long Lake, Jack’s Bay, Levee Loop to Prairie Lakes, Levee Loop from Alligator Lake to East Moon.

No new roads will be opened this week due to wet conditions. THough water may be off some roads, the refuge staff is letting them dry out to prevent rutting and damage efore taking heavy equipment on them.

Roads in the Ethel area should begin opening by the middle of next week.

The local fish population hasn’t been targeted since last fall, so wil suggests anglers target black bass on the bluff banks near running water.

Note: msl is mean sea level; cfs is cubic feet per second.

The post Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

AGFC’s permit dove hunt application process begins Aug. 1

Jim Harris — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:14:04 +0000

LITTLE ROCK — Dove hunters will have twice the opportunity as last year through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s private land permit hunts this upcoming season, with hunts available throughout the state. The permit application process for the AGFC’s private dove field lease program, as well as applying for the first weekend of public hunts at four wildlife management areas, begins Aug. 1 and runs through Aug. 15. All permit applications will be collected online at www.agfc.com/licenses or through the AGFC’s smartphone app.

The AGFC Private Lands Habitat Division has lined up six fields this year, compared with three available during the 2024-25 dove season, according to Michelle Furr, AGFC Private Land Habitat Division Program coordinator. Five of the fields are planted with sunflowers. The sixth field, in White County, lost its sunflowers because of rain, hail and deer damage. According to Furr — it will be top-sown in wheat.

The fields are privately owned, and landowners are paid through the program to make the acreage available for permit draw hunting; landowners spray herbicide and plant the fields, then maintain them, including disking before the season. All five sunflower fields will be hunted for the first three Saturdays of the season (Sept. 6, 13, 20); the wheat field will be hunted the first two Saturdays.

“We were able to increase the fields from three to six,” Furr said. “We usually sign up more than three, but last year we had some fields fall through late because of weather. Not as many fell through this time, though. We’ve had good growing weather lately for sunflowers. Typically what knocks out sunflowers is a lot of rain early.”

She said that outside of the White County field, the other five fields “did fantastic” in growing sunflowers.

On most of the AGFC’s public land managed for dove hunting with either sunflowers or top-sown wheat, access will be on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the season. However, WMA hunting during the first weekend of the season (Sept. 6-7) on Camp Robinson Special Use Area (Faulkner County), Shirey Bay Rainey Brake’s Powhatan Field (Lawrence County), Black River WMA’s Brookings Field (Clay County) and Frog Bayou’s Powerline Field (Crawford County) is restricted to permit-hunting only. Application for those four permits will be held concurrently with the private land permit applications.

Each permit holder for drawn hunts may bring one guest, but the two must hunt together. Once the draw has been completed, winners will be sent personalized instructions on how to access the field they chose in the application process, including where to park. Furr said the fields in Fulton County and Little River County will have shooting stations marked out; the other four will be first-come, first-served as to where permit hunters may set up. WMAs with permit hunts will not be marked with shooting stations.

The private land permit fields will serve Arkansas dove hunters in all quadrants of the state and in close proximity to population centers in those regions.

“Establishing a field in Northwest Arkansas this year was a high priority for us, given the significant population density in that area,” Furr said. “The field we secured is just west of Fayetteville, 20 acres. There is a 26-acre field in the Arkansas River Valley in Franklin County, near Ozark. Another that is 60 acres is in southwest Arkansas near Texarkana, in Little River County, with another that is 50 acres near Mountain Home in Fulton County. We have a southeast Arkansas field in Drew County that is 47 acres. And then the 28-acre field in White County.”

Furr said, “The Drew County field, that’s one I’m really excited about. It was planted in early April, therefore should have plenty of time to fully mature. If weather holds, there should be plenty of seed on the ground.”

The Saturday-only hunting for the private land permits that was used by the Private Lands Habitat Division last season “seems to work really well,” Furr said. “By opening hunting only on Saturdays, and allowing a week-long rest, the dove have ample time without pressure, leading to a good hunt.”

Dove season is Sept. 6-Oct. 26 and Dec. 8-Jan. 15. Dove hunters are required to have a free updated Harvest Information Program registration with their legal hunting license. They are not required to have any waterfowl stamps. Hunters under 16 are not required to carry a legal license or HIP registration.

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BLOOMING TIME: Sunflowers like these in a privately owned, 20-acre field in Washington County in northwestern Arkansas populate five of the six fields leased for the AGFC’s private land permit dove hunts during the first month of the 2025 season.

AS BIG AS A BALL CAP: Some of the sunflowers growing in a 47-acre Drew County private land field, leased by the AGFC for permit hunts by draw, are massive and loaded with seeds, which doves love in their annual migration through Arkansas.

TAKING AIM: Many Arkansas hunters look forward to the opportunity for wing shooting that dove hunting provides. Six private fields and four wildlife management areas will offer permit hunting during the early part of the season, with the application period for those permits running Aug. 1-15.

The post AGFC’s permit dove hunt application process begins Aug. 1 appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Former Chairman Neeley ‘got back more than I gave’

Jim Harris — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 16:05:33 +0000

LITTLE ROCK — As John David “JD” Neeley was passing the proverbial baton to the newest addition to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Lonoke’s Jamie Anderson, he likened his time on the Commission to jumping on a running train, before jumping off to a “soft landing” after 84 meetings, seven years. His time is over, but the train keeps running.

Later, in a meeting room deep within the agency’s headquarters he had a quiet moment to expound on his time on the Commission, his year as chairman and the legacy he leaves behind.

“When you first get on the Commission, and I used the analogy of the train, you do not have a sense of appreciation for the full depth of what this agency does and how it impacts every Arkansan,” Neeley, the president of Neeley Forestry Service in Camden and principal broker for United Country Neeley Forestry, said. “Whether you are a hunter or fisherman, the Game and Fish Commission is taking care of all the waterfowl, the wildlife, everything from the collared lizards to the bats to birds and the butterflies. The agency is truly the lead in conservation.

“I didn’t have a clue it impacted so much. From a civilian eye, from the outside looking in, you would think they’re setting rules and regulations and enforcing them. And I think a lot of people think of the agency that way.”

In his folksy, charming way, Neeley said that looking back at when he joined the board to where he is today, “It’s been the funnest seven years of my life. I have enjoyed every minute of it. It’s one of those things I will certainly remember all of my life, and getting to be a part of the team. I’ve got back a lot more than I gave. I can come out on this end of the deal and feel I’m a lot better forester, a lot better conservationist, a better father and businessman. You name it.”

From the very start, Neeley embraced the role and tried to make certain he was at many events that involved even the smallest of agency connections. These could range from a disabled veterans hunt at the Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA, to the well-attended “Duck Season Social” preseason hunting event sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation in central Arkansas, to leading a small group through a reforestation area of Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA after the dedication of the new Glaise Creek water-control structure.

“I came into this deal, and I think every commissioner does, wanting to give it 110 percent,” he said. “But to really get up to speed and to know and appreciate it, you need to travel. You need to go to the different WMAs and go to these events to really see what all is going on. I just had fun doing everything I could.

“I didn’t get to make everything I wanted to. There were some times I didn’t get to make this elk festival opener or something that was a little far away. But I really enjoyed that part of the job and got to learn so much about what we have in our WMA system. It’s amazing. Nearly 400,000 acres of WMAs, not to mention all the lands we have partnerships with that we get to manage.”

Neeley’s biggest regret of his tenure was not keeping a journal of all his travels.

“It was a lot. I had fun. I still have all the memories. Like I said, I got back a lot more than I gave,” he said.

And he gave a lot, bringing his forestry acumen to the Commission at a time when the agency was embarking on restoring damaged greentree reservoirs. It’s the GTR work that the Commission OK’d in recent years that tops his list of accomplishments, he said.

“Being a forester, it was just God’s time for me to be on the Commission right when Rob Willey and that team got their certification, got their standards of forest health going and how that works with our GTR work,” he said. “And a lot of that work had been done prior to me getting on the Commission. A lot of the groundwork had been laid, the studies completed, so that the timing was just right.”

He noted the recent agency changes in its Education Division under Chief Mary Beth Hatch, the rebuilding of lakes around the state from Monticello to Poinsett to Wilhelmina; the breaking out of the Youth Shooting Sports and Archery programs under a newly created Recreational Shooting Sports Division under Jose Jiminez; the hiring of a transformative director in Austin Booth, followed less than four years later with bringing on businessman and conservationist Doug Schoenrock recently as the new director; and the newly announced Arkansas Legacy Lunker trophy bass program as key developments during his time.

“And, of course, I feel like this latest tweak on turkey management was a much-needed, perfect time adjustment,” said Neeley, who championed a zone structure that took into account the differences in turkey mating periods based on latitude. “Our gobbling survey was the science that backed this up,” he said, as the AGFC moved to a five-zone setup for the 2026 turkey season, each with different hunting dates.

“I pride myself that we made decisions throughout the years with science. We’re listening to the staff,” he said. “We have the best staff in the country, I feel that with all my heart. Our fisheries, our wildlife, whatever division you name, we are proud that we have some of the best in the business here helping guide this state and this Commission and our directorate.

“We really are a science-based organization. Yeah, we’ve got to balance that with the public, who always doesn’t believe the science. That’s a little bit of a challenge. So, we get pressure, but we say, ‘No, no, no, we’ve got to do this for this reason,’ and we have to do a good job of explaining it.”

When he finishes that last thought, he adds that of all the highlights of his seven years, he really can’t single out one standout. “It’s just so much. I was really blessed to be on the Commission at a time when we had all the commissioners in alignment with the mission and teamwork and ‘let’s get things done.’ We called ourselves the ‘don’t kick the can crew.’” That was the buzz phrase, he said, of the last few of Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s appointments to the Commission.

It’s a crew, he adds, along with recent Sanders appointees that tackled some tough stuff “and will continue to handle tough stuff.”

Neeley viewed his style as chairman not as a chief executive officer type — he says that description fit former Chairman Bobby Martin — but as more of a “team type, and we have a great team to draw from.

“I treated the Commission chairman role as, ‘Look, we’re at a roundtable. I’m not here to run this thing. We all have equal voices here. I might have some ideas, but I want to make sure we’re in alignment.”

He said his vice chairman, Anne Marie Doramus, the new chairman, was both his right and left hands in the past year.

“We have the ‘iron sharpens iron’ book that each chairman hands off to the incoming chairman,” he said. “It started with Bobby, to Stan (Jones), to me and then I got to write some words to Anne Marie. I wrote, ‘Look, Anne Marie, I’m honored to hand this off to you and historically honored that you’re coming in as the first female — I called her Madam Chair — of the Game and Fish Commission’ …. I can’t tell you how many times I would call her and pick her brain, ask her, ‘What do you think?’ We made a great team, and she and (new vice chairman) Rob Finley will make a great team … Anne Marie is going to be special … She’s smart, levelheaded. I’m leaving it in good hands.”

Neeley doesn’t plan to step too far away from the headquarters, though, He was a contributor to the Foundation before serving as commissioner, he helped with Foundation events while commissioner, and he expects to continue helping raise money for the Foundation. He has played host to Foundation-supported deer and squirrel hunts with youth on his land while on the Commission.

“When you’re a servant at heart, you just have to figure out another way to serve,” he said. “I’m going to engage with (AGFF president) Deke (Whitbeck) and help them fundraise, do the Give It to Game Wardens stuff, do whatever. I want to be back on the foundation side and keep being a part of it.”

Neeley is a family man at heart, too, and that family also just got bigger.

“We’re family here. You form bonds and friendships that are for life. That’s the bonus of this job. Serving as a commissioner, you get to make friendships that last a lifetime, and that makes it special.”

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CUTLINES:

IN FIELD
JD Neeley alongside AGFC Deputy Director Brad Carner at a tour of Frog Bayou Wildlife Management Area in western Arkansas. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

SPEAKING AT MEETING
Neeley, along with many other Commissioners, vowed to initiate major greentree reservoir renovations to protect the future of Arkansas waterfowling and not “kick the can” for others to deal with later. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

HOLDING PLAQUE
AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock (left) presented JD Neeley with a plaque commemorating his term on the commission, one of many accolades bestowed upon the exiting chairman at a June gathering in Camden. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

ON BOAT
Mercer Bayou was one of many important lake renovations that took place during JD Neeley’s 7-year term. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

The post Former Chairman Neeley ‘got back more than I gave’ appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

Jim Harris — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:48:36 +0000

July 24, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Robert Kennedy recently hauled in a handful and then some of brown trout (a 24-incher in this photo) from the Beaver Lake tailwater while fishing with his brother, guide Austin Kennedy, a regular contributor to the report. Austin said that he and his anglers lately have been “pulling some tanks” out of the tailwater, both browns and rainbows. “This is a pretty common theme this time of year, especially when we have had significant rains,” he says. Plus, the cold water makes for cool air temperatures while they’re out on the water, whereas in most other fishing locations around the state other than trout-filled tailwaters, anglers would be facing miserable midday temperatures. Read more of Austin’s report below.

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Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk

For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt

For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality

Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

Central Arkansas
North Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas
Northeast Arkansas
Southeast Arkansas
Southwest Arkansas
South-Central Arkansas
West-Central Arkansas
East Arkansas

Central Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation)
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.

(updated 7-24-2025) AGFC staff report that Lake Conway Nursery Pond has gotten quite a lot of use in recent weeks. The bream are now big enough to want to keep, and they are plentiful. The staff hears reports of folks catching a slab crappie here and there. Staff aren’t aware of many anglers looking for bass, though there are bass in the pond. In past months, folks were catching plenty of catfish after they were stocked.

(updated 7-24-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the brown trout bite is good on hair jigs, either in ⅛ or 1/16-ounce size, with falling water. Try an olive of peach pattern for the hair jigs, and fish them in 5-8 feet of water.

Rainbows are reacting well off the ends of the shoals for anglers throwing a pink Trout Magnet worm or a mealworm Trout Magnet. You need to float it about 1-2 inches off the bottom, drifting.

(updated 7-17-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said the Southwestern Power Administration’s projected releases “have been spot on this week. The water releases this week have usually been starting between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. from below Greers Ferry Dam and running till 9 p.m. or till 11 p.m.

“It’s best to check the SWPA website [linked above] to get the latest update for the day you intend to fish. The current generation schedule is absolutely perfect for wade fishing and fishing from a boat.
“As far as wade fishing opportunities I’d start off either at JFK Access or Swinging Bridge Access. It will take roughly four hours from the time of release for the water to get to Swinging Bridge Access. When the water gets to Swinging Bridge Access, head further downstream to Pangburn Bridge or Ramsey Access to extend your day of wade fishing.
“The boat fishing has been excellent on the upper and lower sections of the Little Red River. If you prefer to drift-fish underneath an indicator, you’re in luck because it has been solid; the fish are liking the steady flows.

“The best bite has been early morning while the temperatures are still cool and the sun is not at its peak. Hot flies while drift-fishing or wade fishing underneath an indicator have been: Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear, pink San Juan Worms, egg patterns and midges. Try a 9-foot 5-weight fly rod with a 7.5-foot leader tipped with 5x tippet and the indicator of your choice. One of the previous flies mentioned will have you on the fish.

“If you’re a streamer junkie and you like throwing big meaty streamers, plan your trip over here on a cloudy, overcast day. The fishing has been great.

“Downriver access points in the mornings will still have high water from the previous night’s generation. Try throwing big articulated streamers toward the banks, looking for aggressive takes from our brown trout lying near the banks. An 8-weight fly rod with a 330-grain sink line is my preferred choice. Hot flies have been Flatliners, Double Deceivers and Kelly Galloup ‘Dungeons.’

“After the water falls out, either switch to drift-fishing with a nymph rig or head up toward the dam and continue throwing streamers toward the banks.”

Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-24-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the largemouth bass are biting well in 10-15 feet of water by throwing soft plastic minnows or Flutter Spoons.

The smallmouth also are biting well. You’ll find them off the ends of rock points reacting well to a Carolina rig, using a 6-inch lizard or a Zoom Centipede.

(updated 7-24-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake as of noon Wednesday at 467.30 feet msl, or 4.76 feet above normal pool and falling with generation. Normal pool is probably going to be reached in August. Not much has changed overall except the water level. Just stay the course. Fish remain scattered all over, but realize that sport fish (crappie, bass, etc.) will be close to the point of bushes as the last of the third shad spawn comes out and will be set up to ambush as they do.
Crappie are still up on the bank while others are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, with crankbaits for trolling 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and 40 feet for the deeper fish. Brushpiles have come into play as well as standing timber.

Catfish are eating really well all over the lake and rivers. Blues are coming in. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits, as well as rod and reels. Bream are showing up more now — try crawlers, crickets, small cranks and inline spinners. A lot of white bass and hybrid bass are in 25-43 feet. Use Road Runners and grubs for shallow fish, spoons and inline spinners for the ones moving deeper now.

“Be safe and wear your life jacket.”

A couple of anglers caught a few largemouth bass in shallow water around the big island. They didn’t share the baits used. They posted their catches on Facebook.

The fishing overall is hit and miss for anglers with the heat, though. Water is normal. Clarity is “kind of muddy,” Bing reports.

Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page. There will be a fireworks show over the lake on Friday night.

There are millions of shad running around the surface during the late evening and early morning, and the bass and catfish are feeding.

Crappie are being caught in 1014 feet of water about 6 feet down.

Bream are on their beds and are doing well.
“Come see us at Overcup Landing off Highway 9.”

Lake Maumelle
(updated 7-24-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water temperature is steady in the 86- to 89-degree range. Water level has fallen slightly to 3.25 feet below normal level. The black bass bite from both largemouths and spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) has still been good this week. Largemouths can be found in about 10-20 feet of water, and reports have said the bite is best early in the morning and late in the evening. Try Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits for best success. Spotted bass apparently remain in 12-16 feet of water on brushpiles mixed in with the largemouths. The spotted bite is also best early in the morning and late in the evening. Drop-shots, Carolina rigs with a green pumpkin trailer, jigs and cranks are your best bets.

The hauls in the Tuesday night weekly bass tournament this week were impressive. Daniel Romine and Vaughn Greenway were runaway winners with a 5-bass bag weighting 18.50 pounds, plus the Big Bass of 5.21 pounds. Peyton Brown and Mark Brown were second with 15.01 pounds.

Bream are still good. They’re reported to be hanging around brushpiles at 10-15 feet depth. Crickets and worms work best. Crappie have really slowed. The last reports had them scattered around brush and rock piles in 15-25 feet of water. Use minnows or jigs.

No reports of white bass or catfish this week. Maybe they’ll hit Twister Tails and crankbaits if you try for them. Catfish should be interested in bream, liver and worms now.

Arkansas River at Morrilton
For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Try a white or white/black spinnerbait. The best topwater is something like a Rebel Pop-R, or anything similar in a bream color or chartreuse. Soft plastic worms are working for some anglers.

Catfish are good a night. Try chicken liver or cut bait.

He’s heard nothing on bream lately. “It’s hot, and not many people are out,” Ray added.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-24-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river current has fallen below the small craft advisory (70,000 cfs or less), at least for the time being. The Army Corps of Engineers slowed down the flow for work being done upriver in another pool. Once that’s complete, the flow might pick up to restore the small craft warning.

But with this lighter flow and fishing opportunities, anglers are finding largemouth and spotted bass biting well as the ends of jetties. They’re using crankbaits and shaky head worms. The bass can also be caught up in the grass or around any kind of wood structure on a buzzbait or by throwing a frog.

Catfish have been biting well on nightcrawlers and live bluegill. The best places to find the cats are off the ends of jetties in the main eddy. Anywhere you can find an eddy, where the current is circulating, is where the catfish have been hanging out. Without a lot of fishing happening on the river recently, the fish seem hungry.
Bluegill have been doing well in about 1-4 feet of water biting on redworms and crickets in about 1 foot depth.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 7-10-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said they anglers are doing well on bass, catfish and bream. Also, they are catching crappie trolling and spider-rigging. Some may still be trying to jig, but most crappie anglers coming out now are coming to spider-rig, she reports.

Catfish are going for worms, hot dogs and liver. “When they are on they will hit anything,” she said.
As for bream, most everyone is using crickets and worms. Bream are up shallow and have been spawning.

North Arkansas

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 7-24-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “The Arkansas Ozarks haven’t missed out on the heat wave that’s moving across the country, but we have the gem of the White River to cool us down. The trout love that very cold water and the anglers love the cool mist that lowers the air temperature by about 15 degrees.
“Catching rainbows has seldom been easier than it’s been the last few weeks. The pattern from the dam is changing as the lake finally comes down from near floodstage with lower flows (about 13,000 cfs) in the morning, and a full five or six units during the late afternoon hours. Current lake level: 685.83 feet msl.”
“The rainbow catches were lured in mainly with sunrise or orange PowerBait tipped with shrimp on a size 8 Aberdeen or bait holder hook. Silver blades on an orange or brown Rooster Tail, or a silver Vibrax Blue Fox with an orange or bubblegum pink bell, will bring in a good share. Another winner this week was the bronze Colorado spoon, one-quarter ounce.
“The bigger browns have been looking for sculpins and minnows. Keep your eye on the tip of your rod for a little tremor and watch that brown snatch your bait. Play it slow and carefully, no rapid movements, and you’ll be able to net it for a picture.
“Come on over and join us as we stay cool angling for a fat, energetic rainbow on the White.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-24-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “This week we are starting to see more fluctuations in water level. Norfork Dam continues to run both generators plus the siphon. Bull Shoals Dam generation has begun to vary, and as a result, we are seeing fluctuating water levels. The past few days, we have seen water levels below 9 feet to over 10 feet, dropping in the mornings and starting to rise again in the afternoon. The fluctuations in water levels have stirred up the resulting “trashy” water with moss in the water.

“Fishing has been better in the morning using silver inline spinners with UV Uncommon Bait Eggs and tipping the hook with shrimp or worms. Deeper diving lures have been partially effective.

“Weather is hot, take precautions like carrying extra water, sunscreen, a good hat and cooling towel to dip in the water.”
This week the AGFC used the stocking raft to stock 4,800 rainbows between Calico Rock and Sylamore Creek.

Bull Shoals Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Bull Shoals Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-24-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level continues dropping, falling to 685 feet msl – now 26 feet above normal level and 2 feet lower than this time last week. The Army Corps of Engineers is steadily running big water. Water temperature is around 89 degrees. It’s been hot; an early start is a good idea. Continue to take precautions on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking continues to be an issue as most boat ramps and parking areas are still underwater. The marinas and volunteers of courtesy docks are doing a great job to accommodate everyone.

Bass fishing is fair. Get up early and look for surface activity: ledges, points, bluffs, swings. Bass are really grouped up and moving fast. Powerfishing shallow in the creeks has been hit or miss with the dropping water. The baitfish seem to be pushing back toward deeper ditches. You can deep-crank the drains if you find them. The ol’ Big Red Worms, Texas-rigged, fished in trees and laydowns on points seems to need some stain.
There are always fish to be caught flipping a jig like a Jewel half-ounce green pumpkin variant. You’re going to have to contend with flooded bushes, but that’s where the fish are. Look at steeper banks as the temps rise. Lots of fish are suspended at 20-25 feet with the current generation schedule.

“You’re going to have to experiment with head sizes. I’m using 3/16-ounce up to ⅜-ounce depending on the day and the depth of the fish.”
Topwater has been slow. Get up early. Use a Lucky Craft Gunfish or a small white Booyah Popper, wake bait or Zara Spook Jr. over flooded points and saddles. The thermocline looks to be setting up about 26 feet now. “Fish the conditions. Summer equals half-day trips.”
Del regularly posts new YouTube videos. Visit his YouTube site (Bull Shoals Fishing Report) or delcolvinfishing.com for more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.

(updated 7-24-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much this past week. Fish are setting in the thermocline now. With the drawdown that’s occurring, the bite has been kind of hit or miss. Small walleye and a few legal-size walleye are being caught over the flooded buckbrush. If the sun is high, fish a little deeper along the old shoreline. Fish are scattered along main lake rounded gravel points with deep water nearby. We’re fishing the shoreline in 27-30 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler around the edges of the flooded brush.

When trolling over buckbrush, try a size 7 or 9 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow in 25-30 feet of water. Trolling at speeds of 1.7 to 2 mph seems to be a good speed.

(updated 7-24-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are biting decent when you can find them. They are moving a lot with the lake going down; looking for bushes in 20-25 feet has been key. Tater Baits Small Fry baits and minnows on light heads have been key.

Norfork Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Norfork Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Beaver Lake Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-24-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level is 1,127.40 feet msl. The water is hot. Fishing remains good.

Stripers are good if you’re out early or in the late afternoon. Look around Point 5 and the Starkey areas. Brooders, shad and bream are working. Just get out there at sunrise and you will catch some fish.
Crappie are best on trolled crankbaits such as a Bandit 300 and Lucas crankbaits. You can also look on pole timber in the 25-foot range.

Walleye can be found around Beaver Shores and Horseshoe Bend. Crawler harnesses are what you want to be trolling.

Catfish are there for the taking. Noodles and limblines will produce.

“It’s HOT so stay hydrated. Good luck!

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 7-24-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “Well, here we go again with another heat dome settling over us. Honestly, this summer has not been that bad, but we all knew this was coming. Fishing the Beaver tailwater has many advantages. Not only is the fishing great most days, but that cold water also helps cool the air temperature, helping to beat the heat.
“Now on to the fishing! We have been pulling some tanks recently. This is a pretty common theme this time of year, especially when we have had significant rains. Try to fish around the ‘slime line,’ where the cool water meets the warm water. You’re going to find more bait fish in that zone, along with the bigger trout. Pautzke Fire Minnows have been the most successful. Fire Bait and spoons, later in the morning, have proven to produce the best bite as well.
“There are still some walleye to be had if you fish the deeper water. Try pulling hard crankbaits in 15 feet of water and working inside bends with ierkbaits. Try to stay hydrated and cool during these dog days, and get out and catch some fish!

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 7-10-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that catfish are doing really well this week with the full moon coming. Use the usual catfish baits. Bream are coming in in bunches, and the black bass are following them in. The bass are very good on topwater; also, try any bait that looks like a little bream. Crappie appear to be very deep; a couple of anglers were catching some. They are biting on jigs.

Northeast Arkansas

Lake Charles
(updated 7-24-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said there were a lot of boats on the water this past weekend, but no one left any reports of catches. Children were seen catching bream from the shore, however. Overall bream fishing would rate good, and she suggests PowerBait, waxworms and redworms as the best baits now.

Shelly noted the good fishing “moon times” upcoming for August: Look for good days Aug. 6-12 and the best days being Aug. 20-26.

The lake clarity is the usual murky and the water level is normal. Surface water temperature Sunday was 80.7 degrees.

The state park visitors center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

“Plenty of rainbows are in the river. It’s kind of hard to catch other species with the high water. Starting to catch smallies when the water clears and gets down. Big Woollies are working great on the fly. Heavy bead-head or dumbbell eyes help get to the bottom. Sink tips would help. I prefer a longer leader and high-sticking the fly.

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for updates and conditions on the Spring River.

Southeast Arkansas

(updated 7-10-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reports that water temperatures in the upper 80s. Visibility up to 12-16 inches in protected backwaters, near zero on the main channel. Water level is slightly elevated but has been slowly falling. Strong flow continues on the main channel.

Some fish are positioned on the artificial brushpiles placed on the sand drops within Lake Langhofer, but they should begin holding more as the water continues falling out of the bushes on shore.

Lake Monticello
(updated 7-24-2025) Anglers are reminded that all fish caught must be released immediately. The Hunger Run Access was opened late last year to boat traffic. There have been reports from anglers catching nice black bass. All fishing regulations, including catch-and-release-only fishing for all sport fish, remain in place even while the lake is lowered for the city’s repair work on the dam.

Lake Chicot
(updated 7-24-2025) Lake Chicot, part of Lake Chicot State Park, is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, redear sunfish and other bream, in addition to crappie. If you fish Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, or Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam, be aware that crappie shorter than 10 inches must be immediately released and that the crappie daily limit is 20.

Quite a few fishing boats were out on the lake before the Fourth of July later in the evening, with fishing action apparently around the shoreline.

Southwest Arkansas

Millwood Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Millwood Lake Dam, visit the Corps Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-24-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said lake elevation Wednesday was about 8 inches above normal pool and falling. The dam was releasing about 4,200 cfs and the tailwater is near 232 feet and rising. Navigation status is normal caution; always stay vigilant, watching for broken timber and random floaters. Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or at the Army Corps of Engineers website under “Millwood Lake” above, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels.

Surface temps continue to fluctuate, ranging 86-92 degrees depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River is normal stain; there is typical Millwood lighter stain in most locations of oxbows. River clarity ranges 4-6 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows continue improving as levels stabilize, and visibility in the oxbows ranges 20-30 inches in many locations.

Siefert had these specifics from this past week’s fishing.

* As for largemouth bass, this time of year it seems like all we catch are 2- to 3-pound dinks that are being aggressive and active at dawn. Certainly they are a blast to locate when they are schooling this time of year, although the schooling and surface-breaking this time of year is very random, and in short duration. You just have to be there when they start herding the shad to the surface, and that can be most anytime of day, with dawn and dusk being the best time for the surface-breaking activity. Occasionally you will find a school of white bass mixed in with the largemouths and Kentuckies when the mayhem breaks loose! Keep a clear, Baby Torpedo and a quarter-ounce chrome Cordell hammered spoon and a ¾-ounce (for distance) chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap on deck when this action starts. The ⅜-ounce chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap Tail Spinner will work when the action begins breaking in the lily pads at daylight.
The best bite over the past several weeks continues to occur from daybreak to around 10-11 a.m., ending due to increase in heat/surface temps after 10 a.m. Numbers of bass from 2-3 pounds continue to concentrate near almost any major creek junction with Little River, or in close proximity, and they’re biting almost anything you can put in front of them. With current conditions along Little River now manageable, and in deeper sections, points and washouts in Little River from 10-15 feet, we noted a few largemouths and white bass were schooling together herding shad in front of numerous creek dumps near White Cliffs campground into Little River over the past week.

Look for a good reaction bite pattern around vegetation, such as coontail, hydrilla, pondweed and lily pads, on buzzbaits, Cordell Crazy Shads, Spit’n Images, Yum BuzzFrogs, Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper silver phantom, as well as gold pepper shiner colors, and Yum Dingers along Little River. Other surface lures like Ken Pops, Jitterbugs and Baby Torpedoes continue to draw reactions for the active fish as well. With early morning activity, fair to good numbers of bass will bust crankbaits like the Rat-L-Trap and the Bill Lewis MR-6. Carolina-rigged lizards and Southern Pro 4-inch magnum tubes are working along river washouts and cutouts in the river bank. Berkley 10-inch Power Worms in plum, black grape or cherry seed are catching good keeper bass from 13-14 inches in length. Peanut butter and jelly colors are working for deeper bass, or suspending bass on Carolina Rigs.

Also, a good number of these fish continue moving further out toward points and intersections of creek channel dumps into Little River, where quick access to the 8-14 foot and deeper thermocline zone areas are. Jigging Cordell hammered spoons and crankbaits were working over the past week for both black and white bass suspended in stumps and timber in the 10-12 foot depths on the edge of the river above Jack’s Isle. The best water clarity is being found upriver.

* Several fishermen told us they saw fairly large schools of white bass breaking topwater in Little River, and they were schooling in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows over the past several weeks – morning schooling bass chasing schools of threadfin shad. They were catching five to 10 randomly using with Chuck’N Spins, Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3-inch white grub and Beetle Spins.
The crappie bite continues improving now that the current has reduced and water clarity is improved. Best spots along Little River are over planted brush in 8-10 feet and stacking nicely on your electronics, early, on live shiners, jigs, smoke grubs and vertical jigging tiny (1/32-ounce) Beetle Spins in white/red dot or catalpa colors. The bite dies off substantially after 9-10 a.m.
* The channel cat’s bite slowed somewhat over the past week with the reduced current in Little River. Blues and channel cats are biting best on cut shad, catalpa worms and Catfish Charlie, by either anchoring and tight-lining, or trotlines, along Little River and in Mud Lake or Horseshoe oxbows; or on yo-yos hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 9-15 feet depths. Two cat fishermen told us they had better luck with their cats when they chummed the area the day or night before they went out.

*Recently a few campers at Millwood State Park told us the bream and bluegills were biting off the bank at their campsite using worms and crickets. They had a fish fry at their campsite with several other campers in the Millwood State Park, and the kids were having a blast; it was not too hot for them, but they were cautious about going swimming because they had seen a big alligator.
For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

Lake Greeson Tailwater
For the most updated Narrows Dam generation schedule from SWEPCO, click here.

Lake Greeson
For the most updated lake level at Lake Greeson, click here.

No reports.

DeGray Lake
For the most updated lake level at DeGray Lake, click here.

De Queen Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from De Queen Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Dierks Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Dierks Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

South-Central Arkansas

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

West-Central Arkansas

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 7-24-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 63 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is well below flood pool levels due to Entergy scheduling round-the-clock generation below area dams to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is running 6,000 cfs below Carpenter Dam for 10 hours a day, which can be treacherous for boaters and wade fishermen alike. Extreme caution must be used when on the water during this amount of flow. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted by Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website (linked above).

June typically marks the end of quality rainbow trout fishing on Lake Catherine; however, due to the flooding of spring that displaced thousands of rainbow trout far downstream, quality numbers of trout are thriving below Carpenter Dam. Under normal circumstances, trout fishing is over by late July. The extreme heat of summer has forced these displaced trout back toward the dam in search of cooler water and increased food supply. Rainbow trout become stressed in water that reaches just over 70 degrees and cannot survive in water over 75 degrees. There is a good possibility that trout numbers will linger until sometime in early August because of the lack of fishing pressure.

Lake Dardanelle
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow and gauge level reports from Dardanelle, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

(updated 7-10-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted recently on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that it’s “not the normal report” these days with the lakes high, though water is gradually coming down. “The rain we (in June) had changed a lot of things. Topwater season is in full swing. It doesn’t matter where you go because of all the water that we’re dealing with on all the lakes. Topwater season is crazy and all you have to do is go down the bank and throw whatever you want to throw, whether it’s a buzzbait of frog or topwater bait you ought to be able to catch some fish in central Arkansas.

“The other thing is night fishing. If you’re dealing with Hamilton or Ouachita or DeGray, you’re dealing with fishing-at-night tournaments. Spiders have been a huge, huge weapon for the last few weeks, whether you’re throwing half or a three-quarter buzz in the bottom of brushpiles, or you’re throwing a Zoom Ole Monster, it doesn’t matter. Any of them are great, great lures. Pork rinds, plastic, whatever the fish are eating, anything you want to put on the back of your spider for a trailer will work.”

Lake Nimrod
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Nimrod Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

The water looks good in terms of clarity and the level of Nimrod is back to normal.

Carter Cove has a Facebook page, and the email address is cartercovebaitnmore@gmail.com.

Lake Ouachita
For the current lake level at Blakely Dam, click here.

(updated 7-24-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are fair. Try a jighead worm or Zoom Brush Hog-style bait on main lake and secondary points near brush. Walleye are excellent and biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 16-22 feet deep.

Stripers are still good and biting on trolling rigs and live bait on the eastern part of the lake.

Bream are still very good on worms or crickets in 10-20 feet of water. Crappie are fair and relating to brush in the 20- to 30-foot range. Catfish are fair on trotlines and jugs with live and cut bait.

Water temperature is ranging 80-84 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 576.12 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

Blue Mountain Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Blue Mountain Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

East Arkansas

White River/Clarendon Area
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from Clarendon, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Cook’s Lake will be open both Friday and Saturday from 8 to 4:30, but anglers are still encouraged to call ahead (501-404-2321) and let staff know they are coming.

Wil added, “There has been a lot of questions about the White River Refuge lately and when roads will open. This is from the Friends of the White River Page:

For the latest information on road status, you can:

Check the official refuge website.
Visit the Friends of the White River Page.
Stop by the office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Email whiteriver@fws.gov (email is checked every business day).

Roads that are open, North Unit: Maddox Bay Boat Ramp.

South Unit: Long Lake, Jack’s Bay, Levee Loop to Prairie Lakes, Levee Loop from Alligator Lake to East Moon.

No new roads will be opened this week due to wet conditions. Though water may be off some roads, the refuge staff is letting them dry out to prevent rutting and damage before taking heavy equipment on them.

Roads in the Ethel area should begin opening by the middle of next week.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 7-10-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) says the rivers are on the fall, but who knows for how long. Catfish are still going after cut bait and catalpa worms, snagging is going well; fishermen are limiting out below the hydroelectric dam. Crappie are moving to deeper waters around 8-10 feet, biting on a little bit of everything from reports made to us, including jigs.
“We got a report on bream this past week: They are biting exceptionally well on crickets and worms.

“Thanks to all our loyal customers for shopping at Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

Note: msl is mean sea level; cfs is cubic feet per second.

The post Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Mountain Home-based Foret named Arkansas Game Warden of the Year

Jim Harris — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:38:50 +0000

LITTLE ROCK — David Foret epitomizes the description that an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission game warden isn’t truly ever off the clock. The Mountain Home-based game warden first class was spending a day away from the job turkey hunting with his brother in 2024 when they saw a poacher scattering bait nearby to attract turkeys.

The next day, Foret (pronounced “for-ray”) was back on duty. He found a hunting blind and cell camera near the dumped milo, and for the next six days he observed the bait site before eventually coming up on the man and another hunter with shotguns and decoys entering their blind. He cited the men for hunting violations.

Another time, when he was able to get in some fishing, Foret saw a crappie angler fishing from a private dock, catching what appeared to be more than his limit of fish, some undersized, and placing them in a submerged basket. He returned to the dock in his work clothes the next day, and the angler was there again, repeating what he’d done the day before. Foret eventually cited the angler for fishing without a license, catching crappie under the size regulation, and catching more than the daily limit.

Those cases and others earned Foret the AGFC Enforcement Division’s 2025 Sgt. Monty Carmikle Arkansas Game Warden of the Year Award, announced last Tuesday during a luncheon at the Delta Hotel in west Little Rock.

“It’s truly an honor just to be nominated for the district, let alone over the entire state,” Foret said. “It’s something we all hope to achieve one day, but this is awesome to be in the presence of the other 11 that were nominated.

Twelve game wardens were their individual district’s nominee for the award. Foret, who represented District B-1 (Baxter County), was nominated in 2023 as well. He joined the Enforcement Division in 2020 after a career in the U.S. Air Force, and he retired from the Air National Guard last year.

“David, he’s a dedicated guy,” Lt. Col. Jake Dunn, assistant chief of the Enforcement Division, said. “He’s worked in three counties, I believe. He’s always putting the resource first.”

Doug Schoenrock, in his first Enforcement Awards address as AGFC’s director, noted the wardens’ mentality needing to be 24/7 in the job; AGFC Major Brian Aston’s description of Foret’s efforts proved that.

Foret, a native of Norfork, not far from his current base of Mountain Home, said he had always wanted to work in AGFC enforcement.

After leaving the Air Force, he said, “I started pursuing my bachelor’s degree in environmental science before applying (for AGFC Cadet School). I think that helped me out getting through the process.”

Foret says all game wardens are avid hunters and anglers, and many cases begin from things they see or hear while in the field on their “off time.”

“I’ll keep going out and keep doing the same things,” he said. “As long as you’re out there, you usually see some stuff going on.”

Nominees for the Carmikle award and their respective districts were: Game Warden Caleb McClanahan, A-1; Game Warden Michael Dollard, A-2; Game Warden Adam Helm, A-3; Game Warden Tanner Mills, A-4; Game Warden Drake Cooper, B-2; Game Warden First Class Doug Martisek, B-3; Game Warden Brady Smith, C-1; Cpl. Dalton Shaw, C-2; Cpl. Troy Faughn, C-3; Game Warden First Class Stephanie Carter, C-4; and Game Warden Haylee Applegate, D-1.

Lt. Adam Baker, an Enforcement Division veteran, was presented the Meritorious Service Award, an honor that AGFC Major Brian Aston noted “is rarely given.”

The award “is the highest award for meritorious service or achievement presented” by the division, Aston said. “The performance on which this award is based must clearly be beyond the expectations from dedicated game wardens who are fully and competently discharging all the duties and requirements of their job description.”

Since 2015, Baker and his wife, Crystal, have been involved in the Arkansas foster care system and have been active with The C.A.L.L, a Pulaski County organization that assists foster children. Baker helped The C.A.L.L. celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2017 by partnering with the AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program and other agencies to stage the first Family Fishing Day at MacArthur Park.

That same year, over a holiday weekend, Baker and other officers were involved in saving residents at a housing complex on Lake Hamilton that had caught fire. In 2019, Baker intervened during a domestic disturbance that had turned violent and was able to get help to the female victim while also apprehending the male subject. In 2020, he helped rescue a suicidal person in Faulkner County after a five-hour standoff. In 2021, he performed the Heimlich maneuver to save a young woman who was choking on a bottle top at Bryant’s Bishop Park. Most recently, he rescued a nonverbal youngster who had left his home and was wandering on Highway 10 near Lake Maumelle.

Several other awards were presented Tuesday in the 11th annual event, including Brady Smith being noted for receiving the 2024 National Wild Turkey Federation Game Warden of the Year award. Cpl. Robby King was the Waterfowl Game Warden of the Year after a year in which he conducted 281 hours of waterfowl enforcement that resulted in 941 contacts and 169 officer violator contacts, which resulted in 84 arrests and 85 warnings.

Cpl. Bernie Soliz was honored with both a Lifesaving Award as well as being named the Butch Potts Boating Game Warden of the Year. Soliz, also the 2022 Boating Officer of the Year, worked 452 boating hours, made over 4,000 contacts and totaled over 175 boating-related citations, including 10 for boating while intoxicated or under the influence. Soliz also saved the life of a motorcyclist with his quick thinking to improvise a tourniquet from his belt and keep the man from bleeding to death before emergency personnel arrived.

The Wardens Star went to Sgt. Jeff Dalton for his rescue of a boater on the Eleven Point River. Game Warden Ethan Moore was presented a Certificate of Commendation for his efforts Aug. 9, 2024, which involved a head-on wreck that involved an ambulance; he rescued the ambulance driver from the ensuing fire, and also evacuated two other injured passengers from the ambulance.

K-9 Ruby, led by her handler, Kurt VanMatre, earned the division’s K-9 award after playing a key role in more than 64 AGFC and criminal violations and assisting in a multistate homicide investigation. VanMatre was the 2023 Sgt. Monty Carmikle Game Warden of the Year.

####

CUTLINES:

THREE MEN AND AWARD
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: AGFC Lt. Col. Jake Dunn, Game Warden First Class David Foret, AGFC Director Schoenrock at last Tuesday’s Annual Enforcement Awards. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

MAN WITH FISH
AGFC Game Warden First Class David Foret holding a healthy White River bown trout while assisting local fisheries biologists with biological sampling procedures. Photo courtesy David Foret.

THREE MEN AND MEDAL
AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock (left) and Lt. Col Jake Dunn (right) presented Lt. Adam Baker with the Meritorious Service Award for consistent performance well beyond the normal duties of a game warden. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

THREE MEN AND WOODEN PLAQUE
Cpl. Bernie Soliz was honored with both a Lifesaving Award and the Butch Potts Boating Game Warden of the Year Award. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

MAN AND DOG
AGFC K-9 Ruby and her handler Kurt VanMatre earned the AGFC’s K-9 award for their role in more than 64 cases during 2025, including assistance to other agencies on homicide cases and evidence recovery. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

The post Mountain Home-based Foret named Arkansas Game Warden of the Year appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

Jim Harris — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 22:09:56 +0000

July 17, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

It might not be the biggest fish ever caught, or the biggest fish Audra Carpenter will catch in her lifetime, but this first catch at Boyle Park was a special moment. Lauren Carpenter, a recent participant in the AGFC’s Becoming an Outdoor-Woman program, where she learned to fish, sent us this photo of her daughter’s first catch. Lauren recently made her own first catch, and while the fishing bug had hit hard, she wasn’t able to go “for a whole week!” Her daughter, Audra, Lauren tells us, has nonverbal autism, and while Audra loves being around the water, she wasn’t sure Audra would be able to fish. Nevertheless, Lauren and her husband packed their gear and headed to Boyle Park recently with Audra, who wanted to try to fish. They showed her the basics, and soon, Audra had hooked her first fish. As Lauren described it, “It was an adorable, perfectly sized bream!” Fishing turned this into a magical family moment. Thank you, Lauren, for sending us the photo and details.

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Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk

For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt

For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality

Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

Central Arkansas
North Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas
Northeast Arkansas
Southeast Arkansas
Southwest Arkansas
South-Central Arkansas
West-Central Arkansas
East Arkansas

Central Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation)
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.

(updated 7-17-2025) AGFC staff report that Lake Conway Nursery Pond has gotten quite a lot of use in recent weeks. The bream are now big enough to want to keep, and they are plentiful. The staff hears reports of folks catching a slab crappie here and there. Staff aren’t aware of many anglers looking for bass, though there are bass in the pond. In past months, folks were catching plenty of catfish after they were stocked.

“If you’re a streamer junkie and you like throwing big meaty streamers, plan your trip over here on a cloudy, overcast day. The fishing has been great.

“After the water falls out, either switch to drift-fishing with a nymph rig or head up toward the dam and continue throwing streamers toward the banks.”

(updated 7-17-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that on the Little Red, the best fishing — accounting for when the flow gets going in mid-morning – is early. Rooster Tail, the No. 5 Shad Rap, a Marabou Jig and a Trout Magnet all will do well.

Wading is available early on before the generation. There have been a lot of people wading in recent weeks in the early mornings near JFK Park, the Swinging Bridge and Cow Shoals.

Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-17-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 468.74 feet msl, or 6.2 feet above normal pool and falling with generation. “She is coming down, folks. Normal pool is probably gonna be reached in August. Not much has changed overall except the water level. Fish are scattered all over, but do understand: Most sport fish (crappie, bass, etc.) will be close to the point of bushes as the last of the third shad spawn comes out and will be set up to ambush as they do.”
Crappie are still up on the bank while others are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, with crankbaits for trolling 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and 40 feet for the deeper fish. Brushpiles have come into play as well as standing timber.

“Be safe and wear your life jacket.”

(updated 7-17-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the water remains high but it is dropping. It’s about 6 feet high now. The water clarity, it’s staying pretty clerk on the main lake, while up in the rivers it’s stained a little bit.

Mostly, your bite windows are going to be early in the morning or late in the evening. When they are chasing schooling fish they are biting a clear topwater, like a clear Zara Spook or maybe a popper-style bait in white, bone or clear) such as a Yellow Magic popper.

Most of the day, when it’s really hot, the guys who are out and catching fish are finding them around the thermocline, and that’s anywhere from 20-30 feet depending on the day. During those times, try a drop-shot, Carolina rig, a big Flutter Spoon or a deep-diving crankbait.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 7-3-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said too much heat outside is keeping many of the anglers off the water. Those out early in the morning or after 6 p.m. in the evenings are catching bream on redworms. Catfish are good on live bream on trotlines and chicken liver will also work. Crickets worked for one angler to catch catfish as well.

Last week, an angler with LiveScope was catching a lot of crappie near the big island, fishing 8-9 feet deep. One of the crappie topped 2 pounds and several others were good sized.

A couple of anglers caught three or four largemouth bass early in the morning earlier this week. They were all close to 3 pounds each and were up near the bank.

The water has dropped down to a normal level and has a green tint.

Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page. There will be a fireworks show over the lake on Friday night.

Lake Overcup
(updated 7-17-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) had no reports this week, but his most recent report said said black bass were doing well on crankbaits and plastic worms. Crappie were still being caught in 10-12 feet of water using jigs and minnows.

Catfish were moving, and being caught on yo-yos, jugs and trotlines. Bream were finally getting ready to bed up with the water finally leveling out.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 7-17-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water temperature is ranging 86-89 degrees. Water level remains about 2.95 feet below normal level. The black bass bite from both largemouths and spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) remains good this week. Largemouths can be found in about 10-20 feet of water and are biting on Caroline rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass are reportedly being found in 12-16 feet of water on brushpiles mixed in with the largemouths. The spotted bite is best early in the morning and late in the evening. Try drop-shots, Carolina rigs with a green pumpkin trailer, jigs and cranks.

Randy and Rick Sugg hauled in a Big Bass of 5.98 pounds in Tuesday night’s bass tournament, and their nice 14.68-pound total was second to the winners, Daniel Romine and Tom Posvar, who brought in 15.50 pounds with a five-bass stringer.
White bass are slow. There were a few reports of them chasing and catching shad at the west end of the lake by trolling in 6 feet depth. Twister Tails and crankbaits are the best way to catch whites now.
Crappie are fair to slow. The last reports had them scattered around brush and rock piles in 15-25 feet of water. Use minnows or jigs.

Bream are good. They’re reported to be hanging around brushpiles at 10-15 feet depth. Crickets and worms work best.

No reports on catfish this week. Try using bream, liver and worms.

Arkansas River at Morrilton
For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Little Maumelle River
(update 7-3-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said Thursday the fishing has been pretty decent. The bass are biting early in the morning and late in the evening, and there has been a pretty good topwater bite here lately. People have also been catching some good redear sunfish on worms.

The sunfish went back into 4-5 feet of water, but the black bass are still in 2-4 feet of water.

A Rebel Pop-R is one bait that has been working, as well as a “Skipjack” topwater. “Anything that is minnow colored, they will hit,” Ray said. Also, anglers are catching a few on a bream-colored crankbait.

There hasn’t been much reported on catfish. With the Arkansas River running hard, people have not been catfishing.

The water on the Little Maumelle, though, is clear and normal. Last weekend, the surface water temperature was 89 degrees.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-17-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river is coming down but it will probably not be until after this weekend before there is a current safe fishing. On Thursday, the flow from both Murray and David O. Dodd locks and dams were between 70,000-80,000 cfs, and the flow has to fall below 70,000 before the small craft warning is called off.

When the river flow does get back to safe levels, it will fish differently than in normal conditions. This is the longest time period that they can recall the river going with this heavy flow and forcing boaters off the river.

They suggest, with things getting back to normal, to first throw a black crankbait. Now, while some may find that usual, remember that the area has seen little to no fishing for months now and the fish will be just getting back to these conditions as well. Also consider a white/chartreuse spinnerbait or a simple white spinnerbait, targeting jetties on the main river. Also, with some water in the backwaters, fish those areas with a Texas-rigged creature bait or a black/blue jig.

For your early and late bites, your best bet will probably be a black or white buzzbait or a black or white frog, depending on the weather that day. In cloudy conditions, go with the black.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 7-3-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said they anglers are doing well on bass, catfish and bream. Also, they are catching crappie trolling and spider-rigging. Some may still be trying to jig, but most crappie anglers coming out now are coming to spider-rig, she reports.

North Arkansas

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 7-17-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Relief! The Army Corps of Engineers has worked to decrease the level of all the lakes in our White River chain; we’re out of flood pool range now. Expect strong generation in the coming weeks as we power on toward desired pool levels. Bull Shoals Lake is at 687.37 feet msl. Continuing a pattern of round-the-clock 18,000 cfs releases.
“Summer is returning with a vengeance this week, although pop-up rainstorms persist even this late into July; the heat is back on, but trout fishing on the White keeps us cool. The brown trout bite is getting tricky. Patience wins out and is required to net a brown. Soft-shell crawdads are a favorite, in addition to the familiar sculpin.

Consistent water levels have allowed the trout to settle down into a normal feeding routine, so early morning and early evening are the best times for reliable catches.

Float your bait just above the bottom — best to keep it near the bank during high-water generation.

The rainbows continue to chase a shrimp/PowerBait merger, with pink and pink leading the color choice. Under an overcast, cloudy sky, work Rooster Tail with a gold blade, pink body or a Blue Fox with a rainbow blade, gold bell. When the sun comes out, put the artificial baits away and return to the scented or live baits.
“Good luck, enjoy the catch, and we’ll see you on the river!”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-17-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said this week they’ve seen water levels between 10 and 11 feet. “We continue to have success drift-fishing using silver inline spinners with a No. 2 hook with 2 Uncommon Bait Neo Pink UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. Fishermen are also reporting success using corn and red wiggler worms. If needed, add an extra weight to get to the bottom.

“Fishing has been better in the mornings with guides reporting the fish have moved up onto the gravel bars. With the deeper water, we are hearing reports of deeper diving lures like a Shad Rap are having some success fishing along the banks. Fortunately, the rains early this week have not muddied up the river.”

This week, there was a stocking of 1,200 rainbows at the Calico Rock boat ramp and another 1,200 rainbows at the Chessmond Ferry boat ramp. Additionally, the AGFC ran the stocking raft from Norfork to Calico Rock.

Bull Shoals Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Bull Shoals Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-17-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level was dropping, falling to 687 feet msl – 28 feet above normal level but falling fast. The Army Corps of Engineers is steadily running big water. Water temperature is around 88 degrees. It’s been hot and nasty, with more heat for the foreseeable future. Hurricane season has us dealing with pop-up thunderstorms. Continue to take debris cautions on Beaver Lake or on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking continues to be an issue as most boat ramps and parking areas remain underwater. The marinas are doing a great job to accommodate everyone.

Bass fishing is slow after a front; it’s going to be tough. Get up early and look for surface activity: ledges, points, bluffs and swings. Bass are really grouped up and moving fast. Powerfishing shallow has been hit or miss with the dropping water. The baitfish seem to be pushing back toward deeper ditches. You can deep-crank the drains if you find them. The ol’ Big Red Worm, Texas-rigged, fished in trees and laydowns on points works, but it seems to need some stain.
There are always fish to be caught flipping a jig like a Jewel half-ounce green pumpkin variant. You’re going to have to contend with flooded bushes, but that’s where the fish are. Look at steeper banks as the temps rise. Lots of fish are suspended with the current generation schedule.

The offshore guys have their work cut out for them. The shad are spread out from the backs of the creeks to the main lake. Feeding windows seem to be short-live; it’s better to capitalize on it when it starts. Target larger schools on swings and ledges off the bank with a drop-shot for bluebird day, post-frontal suspended fish. A smaller 2.8 swimbait, a regular Tater Shad or the Rapala Mooch Minnow will work.

“You’re going to have to experiment with head sizes. I’m using 3/16-ounce up to ⅜-ounce depending on the day and the depth of the fish.”
Topwater has been slow. Get up early. Use a Lucky Craft Gunfish or a small white Booyah Popper, wake bait or Zara Spook Jr. over flooded points and saddles. The thermocline looks to be setting up about 28 feet. “Fish the conditions. Summer equals half-day trips.”
Del regularly posts new YouTube videos. Visit his YouTube site (Bull Shoals Fishing Report) or delcolvinfishing.com for more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.

(updated 7-17-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much this past week with the exception of the deeper trolling bite. That is just about over as fish are setting in the thermocline now. With the drawdown that’s occurring, the bite has been kind of hit or miss. Small walleye and a few legal-size walleye are being caught over the flooded buckbrush. If the sun is high, fish a little deeper along the old shoreline. Fish are scattered along main lake rounded gravel points with deep water nearby. We’re fishing the shoreline in 20-30 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler along in 24-35 feet around the edges of the flooded brush.

When trolling over buckbrush, try a size 7 or 9 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow in 25-30 feet of water. Trolling at speeds of 1.7 to 2 mph seems to be a good speed.

(updated 7-17-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are biting decent when you can find them. THey are moving a lot with the lake going down, looking for bushes in 20-25 feet has been key. Tater Baits Small Fry baits and minnows on light heads have been key.

Norfork Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Norfork Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-10-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina and reports that the lake is 575 feet msl and falling. The Army Corps of Engineers has reopened the spillway to release water from the recent rains. The lake will remain high; the latest estimate for the normal pool is Sept. 15.
The stripers are moving, but many are still being caught by the state Highway 101 and U.S. Highway 62 bridges. By now the stripers would primarily be downriver near the dam. The stripers and hybrids are not acting normally this year – instead they are staying deep. You can find stripers and hybrids in the upper layer of the lake from 25 feet to the surface. As the sun rises the stripers will go deep as the thermocline drops down between 40-60 feet, depending on where you’re fishing. The best depth after sun up is 55-65 feet.

Bluffs that parallel the river channel right now are the place to consistently catch stripers.
Note: We are now in the catch-and-keep phase for stripers. If you book a trip, expect to keep the fish. No releasing of stripers until the fall.

Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Beaver Lake Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-17-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level is 1127.82 feet msl. The lake is warm, in the upper 80s. Fishing is really hitting that summer pattern; early and late is when you want to be there.

Striper fishing is very good right now. Look at points 3, 4 and 5. Shad is the ticket and if not that, we are in the bluegill/sunfish bite time frame.

Walleye are good on many main lake flats or humps near the main lake channels. Worm harnesses are the rig right now.

Catfish is another good option on jugs, limblines and trotlines.

Crappie are also jumping on the bandwagon with limits being caught trolling cranks. Pull cranks at 2.0 mph with 70-90 feet of line out. Bandit 300 and Picos are working.

Bass are also pretty good in 20-30 feet on many various plastics.

“Lake is full and the water is a good color. Get up early or later in the day and have some fun.

Stay safe and good luck!”

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates, FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 7-17-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “If you’re looking for a place to escape from the heat but where the fishing is hot, the Beaver tailwater is the answer. The tailwater provides all the trout-catching action for which anyone could ask, and the cold, clear water refreshes the soul. Healthy, gorgeous rainbows have been consistently reeled in throughout the week, many of them measuring over 16 inches.

“The best way to hook these excellent fish has been a mix of Fire Worms, Fire Bait (Pautzke sweet corn flavor) and spoons with a flash of red in them. Gold is generally the color of choice for the White River, but our experience so far is that silver blades and spoons are catching more trout than the gold. The usual mix of yellow or orange Fire Bait and shrimp Fire Gel on spoons is the best if you’re looking for a large quantity of take-home-for-dinner rainbows.

“Early morning is the best time to be on the river this time of year.

Northeast Arkansas

Lake Charles
(updated 7-17-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) had no recent reports, but in her most recent reports before the Fourth of July holiday, she said fishing was fair to outstanding across all species lately on Lake Charles. The lake will have its usual murky clarity, and the surface water temperature then was 79.3 degrees. The water level remains high.

Bream were excellent. They are shallow and biting on Waxies in pink or white and on worms. You can catch them from the shoreline.

Crappie were good. You’ll find them in 3-5 feet of water. Use crickets or worms.

Black bass were good, but anglers did not reveal what baits they were using.

Catfish were good on worms and Doc’s Blood Bait.

White bass were still active and the bite had been fair. Twister Tails, jigs, crankbaits and spinners are always a good bet.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 7-10-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says Lake Poinsett has been slower with the recent heat. However, anglers continue to venture out and fish for bream and bass. Some shoreline success has been reported, but fishing from a boat/kayak has seen more results. The bream are hitting on crickets and red worms, while the bass are biting on a variety of jig lures.

There have been several people asking about setting out lines for catfish. As long as you are compliant with AGFC regulations on the lines/noodles/jugs/etc., then yes, you are allowed to use those on Lake Poinsett. It is recommended that if you will be out later at night setting/checking lines that you utilize the AGFC dam boat ramp parking area or the Deckleman Road access as Lake Poinsett State Park closes to noncampers at 10 p.m. daily.

The state park visitors center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for updates and conditions on the Spring River.

Southeast Arkansas

Some fish are positioned on the artificial brushpiles placed on the sand drops within Lake Langhofer, but they should begin holding more as the water continues falling out of the bushes on shore.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 7-17-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) had no report this week. Recently, she had noted anglers were catching their limits on big crappie during the early mornings. They were fishing out on the lake from their boat.
“It’s been really, really hot, so the fisherman have been going fishing early — early so they can get out of the heat, but they are catching their limits on crappie, bream and some catfish. They all are fishing from their boats. We had a few people fishing off docks, but they are not really catching anything.”

Lake Monticello
(updated 7-17-2025) Anglers are reminded that all fish caught must be released immediately. The Hunger Run Access was opened late last year to boat traffic. There have been reports from anglers catching nice black bass. All fishing regulations, including catch-and-release-only fishing for all sport fish, remain in place even while the lake is lowered for the city’s repair work on the dam.

Lake Chicot
(updated 7-17-2025) Lake Chicot, part of Lake Chicot State Park, is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, redear sunfish and other bream, in addition to crappie. If you fish Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, or Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam, be aware that crappie shorter than 10 inches must be immediately released and that the crappie daily limit is 20.

Quite a few fishing boats were out on the lake before the Fourth of July later in the evening, with fishing action apparently around the shoreline.

Southwest Arkansas

Millwood Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Millwood Lake Dam, visit the Corps Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-17-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said that due to the extreme heat wave and humidity, as well as fish metabolism in the region, the guide service is using a summer schedule that calls for half-day, or run-n-gun, charters now through the end of September. Full-day charters will return again Oct. 1. Siefert said, “We encourage catch and keep during the hottest parts of midsummer with surface temps above 85 degrees, reduced oxygen levels, and increased stress levels on all species through August on Millwood Lake.”

Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday is about 6 inches above normal pool and falling, 259.7 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 3,300-plus cfs, and tailwater is near 233 feet and rising. Navigation is normal caution, he said, watching for broken timber. Anglers can check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or the Army Corps of Engineers website, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels.

Surface temperature is ranging 84-90 degrees along Little River. Clarity along Little River is normal stain, with typical Millwood lighter stain in most locations of oxbows.THe river is ranging 7-10 inches visibility depending on location, and visibility in the oxbows ranges 20-30 inches in many locations.

Siefert offered these specifics on the fishing this week:

* No major changes on Millwood Lake since last week in the largemouth bass. It’s summer, and the heat, surface temperature and stress on the fish have reactions occurring best very early at dawn and later after sundown. The best reactions continue during cloudy days or at dawn for a few hours until the sun begins to beat down and intensify water temps. Bass are best early, roaming through lily pads and emerging grass, cypress trees and flats near creek channel deeper bends with access to quick drops in the creeks or oxbows into the 8-10 foot depth ranges. Largemouths have been fair on square-bill cranks deflecting off stumps, where shallow pockets and flats drop into creek channel swings or vertical structure with lily pads.
Johnson chrome spoons, with a 2- to 4-inch white curly tail grub or swim bait/paddle tail trailer, are drawing good reactions in the lily pads and grass. Switching to a gold spoon seemed to improve the reaction on cloudy days.
Brazalo Clacking Buzzbaits like the Bushwhacker, and the Wee Whackers, their 501 Spinnerbait in Millwood Mayhem Bream, and Strutter Chatterbaits in bream or black/purple/blue have been working for several weeks on the flats near cypress trees and new lily pads at dawn. The best colors have been Millwood Mayhem Bream, black/blue or Spot Remover.

Brazalo Spinnerbaits in Arkansas River Shad, Firetiger and Hot Mouse are all good choices in the stained water in the oxbow lakes up Little River. Their buzzbaits, with a horny toad trailer, are getting random reaction blow ups near stumps, grass, and vegetation in 1-3 feet depths.

Weightless Texas-rigged Bass Assassin 5-inch Shad Assassins with a very light wire hook, and hollow body frogs and Horny Toads or Rage Toads continue working in the fresh new blooms of lily pads and emergent grass, with the best colors being Houdini, Pumpkinseed and Smoke Wagon dipped in chartreuse JJ’s Magic Dippin’ Dye. Target locations of fresh grass and lily pads on ridges with valleys nearby in 2-6 feet drains, and behind and in dense emerging grass lines.

* Some anglers reported recently that white bass were biting near White Cliffs campgrounds along Little River, stacked up behind primary and secondary points extending into Little River. They were having fair to good luck with Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3″ white grub, and Beetle Spins.
* Continue to bite well and are moving to deeper drops and planted brush and the bite has been good overall, with 15-40 nice-sized slabs in a half-day run on average. Main populations continue moving to deeper planted brush. Pink, chartreuse, white, and red jigs and Electric Chicken color have been working for a few weeks.

* Channel cats, high rin blues and Flatheads were biting well this week with the increased current in Little River on trotlines and limblines set from 8 to 15 feet of depth. The best bite was on catalpa worms, nightcrawlers and blood bait with chum in the area.
*A few campers at Millwood State Park said the bream and bluegills were biting off the bank at their campsite this week using worms and crickets. They had a fish fry at their campsite with several other campers in the Millwood State Park, and the kids were having a blast; it was not too hot for them, but they were cautious about going swimming because they had seen a big alligator.
For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

Lake Greeson Tailwater
For the most updated Narrows Dam generation schedule from SWEPCO, click here.

Lake Greeson
For the most updated lake level at Lake Greeson, click here.

No reports.

DeGray Lake
For the most updated lake level at DeGray Lake, click here.

(updated 7-3-2025) John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service (870-942-6291 or yoyoguideservice@gmail.com) at Iron Mountain Marina says, “Well, summertime is here! Water has heated up like a swimming pool. Water temperature on the surface has reached the 90s. To say it’s like bathwater is an understatement. Water level is 407.14 feet msl with a little drop.

“As you know, I’m a crappie guy. So here’s the deal. The bigger fish are beginning to move away from the brushpiles. The ones that are still holding are either so close to the cover or down inside that they are tough to get. Drop-shot or LiveScop to get close. I personally use minnows right now. I like small, active minnows and I have the sinker several inches above the hook to allow the minnow to swim freely and attract the fish.

There is more surface action happening every day, so get ready for those white bass and hybrid bass to start breaking.

Now seriously! This is the Fourth of July weekend coming up. Please watch out for each other on the water. Hydrate and help those in need. Happy Fourth to all.”

De Queen Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from De Queen Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Dierks Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Dierks Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

South-Central Arkansas

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

West-Central Arkansas

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 7-17-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 64 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita has dropped a foot below flood pool level due to Entergy scheduling round-the-clock generation below area dams to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is running 3,600 cfs below Carpenter Dam, which is a safe current flow for boaters and bank fishermen to utilize. Lake Ouachita must be kept down out of flood pool, which is key in Entergy continuing to schedule 24/7 flows below area dams. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted by Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website (linked above).

June typically marks the end of quality rainbow trout fishing on Lake Catherine, though there is a good possibility that trout numbers will linger until sometime into July because of the lack of fishing pressure. Bank fishermen have had some success using live baits such as redworms and waxworms fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater. PowerBait is a best bet presented in the same manner. Boat fishermen have anchored in and around rock structure or sandbars and have had success casting Rooster Tails in brown or white in a ⅛-ounce weight. Spoon presentations as a Little Cleo or Super Duper will also work well in a current situation when rainbow are keying in on injured baitfish.

Fly-fishermen can still access areas that hold trout even though the lake is now at normal summertime pool. Micro-jigs in black or white cast under a strike indicator strongly resemble river minnows that live in the tailrace. Woolly buggers in olive and black are a mainstay in the line of artificial lures that trout will feed on. Egg patterns in orange or white will draw strikes when other presentations are ignored. No matter what presentation is used for trout in the summertime on Lake Catherine – slow results should be expected as the season was wiped out by high water and constant flooding.
Walleye are still in the area, and good numbers remain the tailrace for the summer months. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate crawfish and threadfin shad are a proven technique to cover water and tempt walleye into feeding.

The crappie spawn has come and gone, as high water and fast flows prevented anglers from some great angling opportunities in the tailrace. White bass are thriving in the tailrace for the spawn and will remain in the tailrace until late July. These fish can be caught on 1/16- and ⅛-ounce jigs around rock structure and sandbars. Action will be best during times of generation. Trolling crankbaits that imitate shad will give boat fishermen a good chance to target white bass that are constantly chasing the shad schools in the tailrace. June brought blue and channel catfish into the tailrace to begin their spawning run and provided angers some wonderful table fare.

Despite the numerous storms passing through our area, hot temperatures will be the norm with a summertime pattern of extreme heat setting in for the next several months. Remember to always wear a life jacket when on the water and obey all park and lake regulations when visiting Carpenter Dam. Trash cans are limited, so please pick up after yourselves and always cooperate with wildlife officials when approached.

Lake Dardanelle
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow and gauge level reports from Dardanelle, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 7-10-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted recently on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that it’s “not the normal report” these days with the lakes high, though water is gradually coming down. “The rain we (in June) had changed a lot of things. Topwater season is in full swing. It doesn’t matter where you go because of all the water that we’re dealing with on all the lakes. Topwater season is crazy and all you have to do is go down the bank and throw whatever you want to throw, whether it’s a buzzbait of frog or topwater bait you ought to be able to catch some fish in central Arkansas.

Lake Nimrod
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Nimrod Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-3-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) said last anglers were catching pretty good last week, but she had just gotten back into the store Thursday this week and was not up to speed on how the week had gone. But in two tournaments held last week, anglers were catching “some pretty tiny bass and a few crappie along the way.”

“The lake is still kind of high,” she reported. “It hasn’t been the greatest for fishing, but it’s getting down though. I expect it will be good by next weekend.”

She also reported that as far as numbers, anglers were definitely out on the lake Thursday morning as the holiday weekend approached. “They’re trying real hard today. They’ve been trying hard the last couple of weeks, it’s just that the results haven’t been that great. Now, the guides are doing great. It probably depends on your equipment.”

Crappie anglers are using worms, jigs, minnows, crickets, Crappie Magnet — “They’re trying everything, really.”

Bream are biting well. “Crickets are going out the door for bream. They’re definitely biting. We can’t keep up with crickets.”

She wasn’t sure beyond bass jigs what else the bass anglers were using. The store carries mostly crappie and bream baits.

Carter Cove has a Facebook page, and the email address is cartercovebaitnmore@gmail.com.

Lake Ouachita
For the current lake level at Blakely Dam, click here.

(updated 7-10-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still good. Try a jighead worm or Zoom Brush Hog-style bait on main lake and secondary points near brush, or a black buzzbait in low light. Walleye are still excellent and biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 16-22 feet deep.

Stripers are good and biting on trolling rigs and live bait in the central and eastern parts of the lake.

Bream are still very good on worms or crickets in 10-20 feet of water. Crappie are good and relating to brush in the 15- to 20-foot range. Catfish are still good on trotlines and jugs with live and cut bait.

Water temperature is ranging 80-84 degrees. The water clarity is clearing. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 577.82 feet msl, continuing a steady drop. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

Blue Mountain Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Blue Mountain Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

East Arkansas

White River/Clarendon Area
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from Clarendon, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 7-17-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) reports that no one fished Cook’s Lake last weekend. “So I have nothing to report other than that the water has fallen a little more, drying up the boardwalk to the dock. There is still water in the woods, but maybe someone will take advantage of us being open again this Friday and Saturday and see if they can catch a few fish.”

Cook’s Lake will be open both days from 8 to 4:30, but anglers are still encouraged to call ahead (501-404-2321) and let staff know they are coming.

The local fish population hasn’t been targeted since last fall, so wil suggests anglers target black bass on the bluff banks near running water.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 7-10-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) says the rivers are on the fall, but who knows for how long. Catfish are still going after cutbait and catalpa worms, snagging is going well; fishermen are limiting out below the hydroelectric dam. Crappie are moving to deeper waters around 8-10 feet, biting on a little bit of everything from reports made to us, including jigs.
“We got a report on bream this past week: They are biting exceptionally well on crickets and worms.

“Thanks to all our loyal customers for shopping at Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

Note: msl is mean sea level; cfs is cubic feet per second.

The post Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

Jim Harris — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:09:45 +0000

July 10, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

April Morgan had a photo and a fish story for us this week. She sent along this photo of Rick Morgan from West Tennessee, who caught this beautiful brown trout last week while fishing on the White River. She says the river was high, yet it was impossible not to get hung up on and off all day, but Rick’s persistence paid off when he landed what was his personal best on the White River. This fish was immediately returned to the water safely for someone else to catch later.

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Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk

For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt

For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality

Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

Central Arkansas
North Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas
Northeast Arkansas
Southeast Arkansas
Southwest Arkansas
South-Central Arkansas
West-Central Arkansas
East Arkansas

Central Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation)
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.

(updated 4-3-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) had no reports.
While Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond is open for fishing in the immediate area, with bream and trout being reported among catches of late. The 70-acre pond has been stocked by the AGFC with mature bass, crappie, catfish and bream as well as rainbow trout for the cold weather months.

(updated 7-10-2025) AGFC staff report that Lake Conway Nursery Pond is getting quite a lot of use. The bream are now big enough to want to keep and they are plentiful. The staff hears reports of folks catching a slab crappie here and there. Staff had not heard from many anglers looking for bass, though there are bass in the pond. In past months, folks were catching plenty of catfish after they were stocked. The nearly 70-acre nursery pond has been set up by the AGFC Fisheries Division as an alternative destination while Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation. It is stocked with mature bass, crappie, catfish and bream, as well as rainbow trout for the cold-weather months.

(updated 7-3-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Well, it looks like the Army Corps of Engineers is attempting to lower Greers Ferry Lake. The Southwestern Power Administration projected generation releases show them running one unit most of the mornings and up to about 5 p.m., then bumping it up to two units for a few hours, then going back to one unit. It will be interesting to see if they continue this generation schedule in an attempt to bring the lake down to pool.
“As of now, wading opportunities are looking slim with the upcoming forecast generation schedule.

“With the change in the generation schedule (Wednesday), we had to adjust to fishing in the deeper and faster water conditions. While drift-fishing from the boat, my setup while fishing this one-unit water out of the boat was an 11-foot leader. I had the indicator set about 6 feet and would adjust it accordingly if we drifted through deeper sections of the river.
“While fishing in the high water, if your fly is not getting down, then put on some split shot to get it in the zone.”
Hot flies while fishing underneath an indicator, he says, are San Juan Worms, egg patterns, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears and Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles.
“Streamer fishing right now has been excellent and has been for a while. The entire river has been good, especially on cloudy, overcast days. Try pounding the banks with big articulated streamers. My setup for this is an 8-weight fly rod with a 330-grain sink line. Try Flatliners, Double Deceivers and Galloup’s Sex Dungeon fly.”

Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-10-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 469.70 feet msl, or 7.16 feet above normal pool and falling with generation. It’s dropped a foot and a half since this time last week. “She is coming down, folks. Normal pool is probably gonna be reached in August.”

Fish remain scattered all over — but do understand: most sport fish (crappie, bass, etc.) will be close to the point of bushes as the last of the third shad spawn comes out and will be set up to ambush as they do.
Crappie are still up on the bank while others are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, with crankbaits for trolling 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and 40 feet for the deeper fish. Brushpiles have come into play as well as standing timber.

Black bass are scattered as well. Some are in the old buckbrush line, while some are still super shallow and others have moved offshore, and more are just roaming around chasing shad in 12-40 feet around points, humps, etc. Just about any style of bait is working; there are a lot more schooling fish now as well.

(updated 7-3-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said conditions have not changed much at Greers in the past few weeks, with the lake still about 10 feet high. There is a topwater bite early in the morning and late in the evening to catch schooling fish. Try a Whopper Plopper or a clear Zara Spook for success.

Overall, you can still go out and catch a bunch of black bass, though the bigger fish haven’t been showing up yet. Tournament results show a smaller average than a few months ago. As for numbers, you’ll get them.

Fish the main lake points by dragging a Carolina rig across those points with a Zoom watermelon seed lizard. Either in the main lake or in the coves, you can throw a swimbait up in the buckbrush, or flip a tube or jig up in the buckbrush.

For crappie, you’ll still get good results fishing in 15-20 feet of water in standing timber with a live minnow or any kind of natural color crappie jig.

Walleye are hungry, and a drop-shot with a nightcrawler in roughly about 20 feet of water is the way to go. Fish around the main lake points.

Water clarity is stained up in the rivers but clear in the main river.

Last week, an angler with LiveScope was catching a lot of crappie near the big island, fishing 8-9 feet deep. One of the crappie topped 2 pounds and several others were good sized.

A couple of anglers caught three or four largemouth bass early in the morning earlier this week. They were all close to 3 pounds each and were up near the bank.

The water has dropped down to a normal level and has a green tint.

Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page. There will be a fireworks show over the lake on Friday night.

Lake Overcup
(updated 6-26-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) said water level is about a foot high. Clarity is good. Surface water temperature is around 83 degrees.

Black bass are doing well on crankbaits and plastic worms. Crappie are still being caught in 10-12 feet of water using jigs and minnows.

Catfish are moving, and being caught on yo-yos, jugs and trotlines. Bream are finally getting ready to bed up and the water is finally leveling out.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 7-10-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water temperature is ranging 89-91 degrees and the water level is 2.96 feet below normal pool. The black bass bite improved some this week, with good results all around. Largemouth bass are good and spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) also are biting well. The largemouths are being found in 10-20 feet and are best on Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spots are reportedly being found around 12-16 feet on brushpiles mixed in with largemouths. The bite for spots is best early in the morning and late in the evening. Drop-shots, Carolina rigs with green pumpkin trailer, jigs and crankbaits have been working.

Good numbers again were seen Tuesday night in the weekly WestRock bass tournament, with Aaron Cole and Jeremy Cole catching 15.06 pounds to win. Josh Jeffers and Aaron Presser landed the Big Bass of 5.77 pounds and totaled 14.18 pounds with their stringer to finish second.

There have been a few reports of white bass chasing shad on the west end of the lake and anglers catching them trolling 6 feet deep. Try Twister Tails and crankbaits. Crappie have slowed down; it’s at best a fair bite. The last report had them scattered around brush and rock piles in 15-25 feet depth. Try minnows or jigs.

Bream are good. There were reports of them found on brushpiles in 10-15 feet depth, and biting crickets or worms. Catfish are slow, but there have been reports on some being caught bank fishing. It’s best to use bream, liver or worms now.

Arkansas River at Morrilton
For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

The sunfish went back into 4-5 feet of water, but the black bass are still in 2-4 feet of water.

There hasn’t been much reported on catfish. With the Arkansas River running hard, people have not been catfishing.

The water on the Little Maumelle, though, is clear and normal. Last weekend, the surface water temperature was 89 degrees.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-10-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river is still too high for safe fishing. The flow at Murray and David O. Dodd lock and dams were still over 170,000 cfs Thursday, which calls for a small craft warning until the flow gets around 70,000 cfs.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 6-26-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said they anglers are doing well on bass, catfish and bream. Also, they are catching crappie now trolling and spider-rigging. Some may still be trying to jig, but most crappie anglers coming out now are coming to spider-rig, she reports.

North Arkansas

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 7-10-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Bull Shoals Lake is dropping slowly – Wednesday it was just below 688.67 feet msl. While water releases continue at around seven units (19,000 cfs), the fishing gets better and better. There are fewer places to safely wade fish, but bank fishing is not out of the question. Both boaters and shore anglers can catch a creel full of rainbows with red wigglers or nightcrawlers. (Try putting a little air in a nightcrawler

for a real floating treat.)
“Best bait? Berkley or X-Factor pink worms for rainbows – better when drift-fishing from a boat. A lot of anglers elect to use the ‘mouse tail,’ ready-made with a white egg at the top. Thread it to cover the eye of your hook and dangle the rest of the imitator worm like you would a live red wiggler. Experiment with the orange or white Power Worm, too, to lure the more curious ones.

“The average size of the rainbows here in the Ozark region of The Natural State seems to be increasing and they’re still attracted by a flash of gold (think Little Cleos, quarter-ounce for now). This is great water for stick baits. The glass blue Husky Jerk minnow is magic. The bigger brown trout have been looking for sculpins, red worms and shad.
“Keep anglin’ and stay aware of surroundings with the higher water. Prepare for the heat and come ready to catch some great trout on the White River.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-10-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said that this week the saying “wash, rinse and repeat” applies. “We continue to see water levels near 11 feet. We continue to have success drift-fishing using silver inline spinners with a No. 2 hook with 2 Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. If needed, add an extra weight to get to the bottom.

“The last couple of days, the guides report slower fishing first thing in the morning but improving throughout the rest of the morning. It still requires some moving around to find fish, and you may only catch one or two trout in each spot.
“On Wednesday, Norfork Dam opened gates to spill an additional 500 cfs. I expect we will see dingy water early Thursday, but it should clear up. Calico Rock received one stocking of 1,600 rainbows with additional stockings at Chessmond Ferry and Red’s Landing.”

Allison/Mountain View Area
(updated 7-10-2025) Jack’s White River Fishing Resort reports did not have a report this week, but mostly recently they said that their White River guides — Bart, Braiden, Caleb, Chris and Irvin all consistently limited out on rainbow trout with excellent success across the board. Among the highlights: 17-inch rainbows were landed on multiple outings — a great size and exciting for anglers; the guides round excellent results using End of the Line TR Orange and Royal Blue Power Eggs and Jack’s handmade hammered silver spinners — this winning combo brought solid bites in varied conditions.

Bull Shoals Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Bull Shoals Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-10-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Thursday that the lake level is down 2 feet from last week to 688 feet msl, which is 29 feet above normal conservation pool, and it’s dropping fast. The Corps of Engineers “is running big water,” he said. Water temperature is 87 degrees. Continue to take debris precautions on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking remains an issue as most boat ramps and parking areas are underwater. The marinas are doing a great job of accommodating everyone.
Bass fishing has slowed. Get up early and check for surface activity around ledges, points, bluffs and swings. Bass are grouped up. Powerfishing shallow has been hit or miss with the dropping water. THe baitfish seem to be pushing back toward deeper water. The ol’ big red worms, Texas-rigged, in trees and laydowns on points will work. Seems to need some stain, though. There are always fish to be caught flipping a jig like a Jewel half-ounce green pumpkin variant. You’re going to have to contend with flooded bushes, but that’s where the fish are. Look at steeper banks as the temps rise.

The offshore guys have their work cut out for them. The shad are still spread out with the lake dropping. Feeding windows seem to be short. Target larger bait balls on swings and ledges – try a drop-shot for bluebird, post-frontal suspended fish. A smaller 2.8 swimbait or a regular Tater Shad and the Rapala Mooch Minnow will work.

“You’re going to have to experiment with head sizes. I’m using 3/16-ounce up to ⅜-ounce depending on the day and the depth of the fish.”
Topwater has been slow. Get up early. Use a Lucky Craft Gunfish or a small white Booyah Popper, wake bait or Zara Spook Jr. over flooded points and saddles. “Fish the conditions. Summer equals four- and six-hour trips.”
Del regularly posts new YouTube videos. Visit his YouTube site (Bull Shoals Fishing Report) or delcolvinfishing.com for more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.

(updated 7-10-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much. With the drawdown that’s occurring, the bite has slowed down. Small walleye and a few legal-size walleye are being caught over the flooded buckbrush. If the sun is high, fish a little deeper along the old shoreline. Fish are scattered along main lake rounded gravel points with deep water close by. We’re fishing the shoreline in 20-30 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler along in 24-35 feet around the edges of the flooded brush.

When trolling over buckbrush, try a size 7 or 9 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow in 25-30 feet of water. Trolling at speeds of 1.7 to 2 mph seems to be a good speed at this time.

Some walleye are still being caught in open water over the flooded trees, but it is starting to slow down. If trolling deep, try deep-diving crankbaits with snap weights to get your baits down 40-70 feet and fish over the flooded trees in 80 or more feet of water at 1.7 to 2 mph.

(updated 7-10-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are still scattered out a lot in the creeks. Finding the structure in 15-20 feet has been the key, but we’re having to put in a lot of time looking. Minnows and jigs both have been working when you find them.

Norfork Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Norfork Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Beaver Lake Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-10-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is stable at 1,128 feet msl, give or take. Water temperature is in the mid- to high 80s.

“Fishing has finally settled into a summer-type pattern — early and late. Stripers are really good right now. Look from Point 6 to the dam. Crappie are also picking up and are suspended at 15 feet in the thermocline.”
Walleye are also doing well on crawler harnesses from Prairie Creek down to the dam in 15 to 25 feet of water. Catfish are good on jugs.

“Fishing should remain consistent until September. Still lots of hazards, so stay focused while on the lake. Good luck!”

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates, FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 7-10-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “This week the rainbows have been hitting the pink Fire Worm – Pautzke or Berkley – better when drift-fishing from a boat. A lot of anglers elect to use the ‘mouse tail’ worm. It comes ready-made with a white egg at the top; thread it to cover the eye of your hook and dangle the rest of the imitator worm like you would a live red wiggler. Experiment with the orange Fire Worm, too, to lure the more curious ones.
“The average size of the rainbows here in the Beaver tailwater seems to be increasing and they’re still attracted by a flash of gold (Little Cleos, quarter-ounce for now) and the scent of shrimp. This is great water for stick baits. The glass blue Husky Jerk Minnow is getting it done. The bigger brown trout have been looking for Fire Minnows, red worms and shad.
“Keep anglin’ and stay aware of surroundings with the higher water. Prepare for the heat and come ready to catch some great trout on the Beaver tailwaters.

Northeast Arkansas

Lake Charles
(updated 6-26-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said fishing is fair to outstanding across all species lately on Lake Charles. The lake is the usual murky clarity, and on Sunday the surface water temperature was 79.3 degrees. The water level remains high.

Bream are excellent. They are shallow and biting on Waxies in pink or white and on worms. You can catch them from the shoreline.

Crappie are good. You’ll find them in 3-5 feet of water. Use crickets or worms.

Black bass are good, but anglers did not reveal what baits they were using.

Catfish are good on worms and Doc’s Blood Bait.

White bass are still active and the bite this past week has been fair. No baits were mentioned, but Twister Tails, jigs and spinners are always a good bet.

The state park visitors center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

“When the water gets right, plenty of bugs are hatching, from damsels to caddis and mayflies on other days. Always carry a few dry ones just in case in the evening hours; a big one might be found feeding.
“For spinfishing, gold and silver spinners are doing well; D2 jigs and trout cranks can work for chasing the bigger fish. The Trout Crank will get down to the fish and might catch a walleye with the rainbow trout crank. And the D2 jigs in olive and black in heavy sizes will get down to the fish.

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for updates and conditions on the Spring River.

Southeast Arkansas

Some fish are positioned on the artificial brushpiles placed on the sand drops within Lake Langhofer, but they should begin holding more as the water continues falling out of the bushes on shore.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 6-26-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said anglers have been catching their limits on big crappie early mornings. They are fishing out on the lake from their boat.
“It’s been really, really hot, so the fisherman have been going fishing early — early so they can get out of the heat, but they are catching their limits on crappie, bream and some catfish. They all are fishing from their boats.We had a few people fishing off docks, but they are not really catching anything.”

Lake Monticello
(updated 7-10-2025) Anglers are reminded that all fish caught must be released immediately. The Hunger Run Access was opened late last year to boat traffic. There have been reports from anglers catching nice black bass. All fishing regulations, including catch-and-release-only fishing for all sport fish, remain in place even while the lake is lowered for the city’s repair work on the dam.

Lake Chicot
(updated 7-10-2025) Lake Chicot, part of Lake Chicot State Park, is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, redear sunfish and other bream, in addition to crappie. If you fish Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, or Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam, be aware that crappie shorter than 10 inches must be immediately released and that the crappie daily limit is 20.

Quite a few fishing boats were out on the lake before the Fourth of July later in the evening, with fishing action apparently around the shoreline.

Southwest Arkansas

Millwood Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Millwood Lake Dam, visit the Corps Little Rock office website.

(updated 7-10-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday that Army Corps of Engineers ranger staff at Millwood Lake have completed all the buoy anchors and are now awaiting buoy shipment to arrive to mark the main lake channel through Millwood’s timber section to the dam.

Also, due to the extreme heat wave and humidity, as well as fish metabolism in the region, the guide service is back on its summer schedule, conducting only half-day or Run-N-Gun charters now through the end of September. Full-day charters will return again Oct. 1. Siefert said, “We encourage Catch and Keep during the hottest parts of midsummer with surface temps above 85 degrees, reduced oxygen levels, and increased stress levels on all species through August on Millwood Lake.”
Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday is about 5 inches above normal pool and falling. Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 800-plus cfs, and tailwater is near 230 feet and falling. Navigation caution status is normal – always stay vigilant watching for broken timber. Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or at the Army Corps of Engineers website linked (above, under “Millwood Lake”) for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels.

Surface temps have been ranging 82-90 degrees. Clarity along Little River is normal stain, with typical Millwood lighter stain in most locations of oxbows. River clarity is ranging 10-14 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows continues improving as levels stabilize, and visibility in the oxbows is ranging 20-30 inches in many locations the further from river current and higher flow rates.
Siefert had these specifics for the fishing this week:
* No major changes on Millwood Lake since last week in the largemouth bass. It’s summer, and the heat, surface temps and stress on the fish have reactions occurring best at dawn and dusk-thirty on Millwood. The best reactions continue during cloudy days or at dawn for a few hours until the sun begins to beat down and intensify water temps. Bass are best early, roaming through lily pads and emerging grass, cypress trees and flats near creek channel deeper bends with access to quick drops in the creeks or oxbows into the 8-10 foot depth ranges. The best holding locations early and late are wherever grass, lily pads and vegetation are together with stumps in 4-8 feet of depth. Largemouths have been fair on square-bill cranks deflecting off stumps, where shallow pockets and flats drop into creek channel swings or vertical structure with lily pads.
Johnson chrome spoons, with a 2-4-inch white curly tail grub or swim bait/paddle tail trailer, are drawing good reactions in the lily pads and grass. Switching to a gold spoon seemed to improve the reaction on cloudy days.
Brazalo Clacking Buzzbaits like the Bushwhacker, and the Wee Whackers, their 501 Spinnerbait in Millwood Mayhem Bream, and Strutter Chatterbaits in bream or black/purple/blue have been working for several weeks on the flats near cypress trees and new lily pads at dawn. The best colors have been Millwood Mayhem Bream, black/blue or Spot Remover.

* White bass recently were biting near White Cliffs campgrounds along Little River, stacked up behind primary and secondary points extending into Little River. Anglers were having fair to good luck with Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3-inch white grub, and Beetle Spins.
*Crappie continue to bite well and are in transition/moving to deeper drops and planted brush and the bite has been good overall, with 15-40 nice-sized slabs in a half-day run on average. Crappie continue moving to deeper planted brush. Improved water clarity conditions in the oxbows, and along the main lake river channel swings away from increased river current toward the dam, improved the reactions. Pink, chartreuse, white and red jigs, and Electric Chicken colors have been working for the last few weeks.

No updates on catfish or bream.

For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

Lake Erling
(updated 3-6-2025) Lake Erling Guide Service (870-904-8546) said ASK FOR BUDDY

Lake Greeson Tailwater
For the most updated Narrows Dam generation schedule from SWEPCO, click here.

Lake Greeson
For the most updated lake level at Lake Greeson, click here.

No reports.

DeGray Lake
For the most updated lake level at DeGray Lake, click here.

There is more surface action happening every day, so get ready for those white bass and hybrid bass to start breaking.

Now seriously! This is the Fourth of July weekend coming up. Please watch out for each other on the water. Hydrate and help those in need. Happy Fourth to all.”

De Queen Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from De Queen Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Dierks Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Dierks Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

South-Central Arkansas

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

West-Central Arkansas

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 7-10-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 66 degrees with stained conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita remains in the flood pool, prompting Entergy to run round-the-clock generation below area dams to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is now running 3,600 cfs below Carpenter Dam, which is a safe current flow for boaters and bank fishermen to utilize. Lake Ouachita must be kept down out of flood pool, which is key in Entergy continuing to schedule 24/7 flows below area dams. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted by Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website (linked above).

June typically marks the end of quality rainbow trout fishing on Lake Catherine. There is a good possibility that trout numbers will linger until sometime into July because of the lack of fishing pressure. Bank fishermen have had some success using live baits such as redworms and waxworms fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater. PowerBait is a best bet presented in the same manner. Boat fishermen have anchored in and around rock structure or sandbars and have had success casting Rooster Tails in brown or white in a ⅛-ounce weight. Spoon presentations as a Little Cleo or Super Duper will also work well in a current situation when rainbow are keying in on injured baitfish.

Fly-fishermen can still access areas that hold trout even though the lake is now at normal summertime pool. Micro-jigs in black or white cast under a strike indicator strongly resemble river minnows that live in the tailrace. Woolly buggers in olive and black are a mainstay in the line of artificial lures that trout will feed on. Egg patterns in orange or white will draw strikes when other presentations are ignored. No matter what presentation is used for trout in the summertime on Lake Catherine – slow results should be expected as the season was wiped-out by high water and constant flooding.

Walleye are still in the area, and good numbers remain the tailrace for the summer months. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate crawfish and threadfin shad are a proven technique to cover water and tempt walleye into feeding.

White bass are thriving in the tailrace for the spawn and will remain in the tailrace until mid-July. These fish can be caught on 1/16- and ⅛-ounce jigs around rock structure and sandbars. Action will be best during times of generation. Trolling crankbaits that imitate shad will give boat fishermen a good chance to target white bass that are constantly chasing the shad schools in the tailrace.

June brought blue and channel catfish into the tailrace to begin their spawning run and provided anglers some wonderful table fare.

Despite the numerous storms passing through our area, hot temperatures will be the norm with a summertime pattern of extreme heat setting in for the next several months. Remember to always wear a life jacket when on the water and obey all park and lake regulations when visiting Carpenter Dam. Trash cans are limited, so please pick up after yourselves and always cooperate with game wardens when approached.

Lake Dardanelle
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow and gauge level reports from Dardanelle, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

Lake Nimrod
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Nimrod Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

“The lake is still kind of high,” she reported. “It hasn’t been the greatest for fishing, but it’s getting down though. I expect it will be good by next weekend.”

Crappie anglers are using worms, jigs, minnows, crickets, Crappie Magnet — “They’re trying everything, really.”

Bream are biting well. “Crickets are going out the door for bream. They’re definitely biting. We can’t keep up with crickets.”

She wasn’t sure beyond bass jigs what else the bass anglers were using. The store carries mostly crappie and bream baits.

Carter Cove has a Facebook page, and the email address is cartercovebaitnmore@gmail.com.

Lake Ouachita
For the current lake level at Blakely Dam, click here.

Stripers are good and biting on trolling rigs and live bait in the central and eastern parts of the lake.

(updated 6-26-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says, “Welcome to summertime fishing. The water temperature was 86 degrees the last time I came off the water. I’m seeing very little surface activity early in the mornings. We did catch a few crappie on brushpiles, 20-plus-feet deep.”

Blue Mountain Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Blue Mountain Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

East Arkansas

White River/Clarendon Area
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from Clarendon, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 7-10-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said, “Cooks Lake is still high with a couple of inches of water covering the boardwalk to the dock and a little bit of water still on the launching pad. However, we are ready to open up for youth and mobility-impaired anglers starting this Friday and Saturday. We will be open both days from 8 to 4:30, but I still encourage anglers to call ahead (501-404-2321) and let us know they are coming.

“There is still a lot of water in the woods, so I suspect fishing will be less than stellar, but the lake hasn’t really been fished since last summer, so anything could happen. For now, I would target black bass on the bluff banks near running water.”
Cook’s Lake is a 2.5-mile-long oxbow off of the White River, nestled in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge near Casscoe in Arkansas County, with black bass, crappie, bream and catfish. This fertile oxbow receives very little fishing pressure due to it being used only for education purposes and youth and mobility-impaired fishing. Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility-impaired anglers who must possess the AGFC mobility-impaired access permit, and up to two guests (who may also fish), during the specified fishing season. Fish from the 140-foot mobility-impaired accessible dock or launch a boat. Fishing will be allowed only on Fridays and Saturdays through August, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., water level pending. Before launching, please check in at the Nature Center classroom and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, please call the center at 501-404-2321.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 7-10-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) says the rivers are on the fall, but who knows for how long. Catfish are still going after cutbait and catalpa worms, snagging is going well; fishermen are limiting out below the hydroelectric dam. Crappie are moving to deeper waters around 8-10 feet, biting on a little bit of everything from reports made to us, including jigs.
“We got a report on bream this past week: They are biting exceptionally well on crickets and worms.

“Thanks to all our loyal customers for shopping at Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

Note: msl is mean sea level; cfs is cubic feet per second.

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