Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

June 19, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Bryan DeVille from Louisiana went fishing with Millwood Lake Guide Service on a half-day excursion recently, and it was enough time to land several slab crappies. According to Mike Siefert of the guide service, Bryan and his wife were camping at Millwood State Park and carried home five big bags of crappie fillets after boating over 40 slabs in a half-day trip, with plans to cook them up at an upcoming family reunion

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

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 6-19-2025) 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 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. 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 6-19-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the Little Red fishing hasn’t changed except in between rains, where it muddies up before clearing, and that will affect the fishing. But otherwise, it’s fishing the same. The flow from the dam is still the same as it’s been, running two generations for 12 hours, but it’s moved earlier, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Being out in the early morning upriver will be best, catching the falling water, and setting up downriver late in the afternoon. Most anglers are having success with a marabou jig and a Trout Magnet. Also, Rooster Tails, jerkbaits and a No. 5 ShadRap are solid choices now. Anglers can use these patterns both drifting or bank fishing for browns or rainbows. Wading is available early on before the generation. There have been a lot of people wading in the mornings near JFK Park, the Swinging Bridge and Cow Shoals.

(updated 6-12-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “We’ve had a steady rhythm on the Little Red lately, and it’s been setting up some fantastic fishing. The SWPA’s (Southwestern Power Administration) projected generation schedule has been spot on — 12 hours on, 12 hours off — with Greers Ferry Dam typically releasing water from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. using two units. This consistent pattern has opened up nearly the entire river for both drift boat and wade-fishing opportunities.
“If you’re planning to wade, start your day up near the dam or at Swinging Bridge Access early in the morning. As the water starts moving downstream with the generation releases, shift your efforts downriver — Pangburn Bridge or Ramsey Access have been great options for extending your day on foot.
“Boat fishing? It’s been fantastic. Drift-fishing from the boat during generation has been very productive, especially now that the river has cleared up nicely after last week’s rains. We did get a big rain that muddied things up for a few days — the river looked like chocolate milk and the lake rose a couple of feet — but things have bounced back quickly. As of (Thursday), water around Pangburn is still slightly off color but totally fishable, and the bite is on.

Mike suggests these flies: Under an indicator, try Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles; Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears; midges; bright, high-visibility patterns like pink San Juan Worms; and egg patterns.

For stream action, he says the generation schedule is ideal for throwing meat. Cloudy, overcast days have been prime for chasing browns. Focus on the banks during high water — the fish are hugging the edges. Start downriver on the falling water from the night before and head upstream as new water moves in.

The hot streamers are Double Deceivers, Sex Dungeons and Viking Midges.

“Looks like we’ve got another stormy weekend on deck, so keep an eye on the weather and check generation projections before heading out. But overall, the fishing is strong, and conditions are setting up for another great week on the Little Red.”

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 6-19-2025) 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.

(updated 6-19-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is now about 10.3 feet above normal pool, sitting at 472.86 feet msl. It should begin to fall with generation until normal pool (462.64 feet msl in summer) is reached in July, or even in August. 

Fish remain scattered all over. 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 are really coming into play now 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 been coming in. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits, as well as rod and reels. Bream are showing up — 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. 

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 12-20 feet. Just about any bait is working; there are a lot more schooling fish now as well. 

“Be safe and wear your life jacket.”

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 6-19-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said 

bream are doing pretty good. One angler caught several bream, including some big bream, fishing with crickets Wednesday. His crickets were also attractive to some blue catfish, with a couple getting hooked. 

Crappie appear to have moved into deeper water. One angler some last week that ranged from 10-14 inches. They were caught on minnows.

She’s heard nothing on any successful bass fishing. “It’s getting too hot. The lake level is down, too. It’s low. And it’s muddy.”

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

Lake Overcup
(updated 6-19-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) did not have a report this week, but recently noted that the water level was about 2 feet high and clarity was good. “We also have green algae bloom around the lake.”

Black bass were doing well on crankbaits and plastic worms around brushtops. Crappie were doing well in 8-12 feet of water using jigs and minnows. Catfish were good on jugs and trotlines using perch and shad. 

Lake Maumelle
(updated 6-19-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water level continues to rise slowly and is now 2.5 feet below normal pool. Water temperature has risen to 85-87 degrees. 

Black bass are fair. Largemouth bass can be found in 10-20 feet depth and will bite Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are reportedly being found at 10-20 feet mixed in with the largemouths. Try using drop-shots, jigs and cranks for the spots.
This week’ s Tuesday Night Tournament results saw Matt Hedrick and Brandon Crain catch a five-bass stringer of 14.61 pounds and a Big Bass of 4.47 pounds. Two other teams caught 14-pound stringers.

Crappie are good. Last reports said the crappie are scattered around brush and rock piles in 15-25 feet. Jigs are your best bet now. Bream also are good. There have been reports of redear sunfish as well as bluegill bedding this week on brush. Crickets and worms are the way to go.

No reports this week on white bass or catfish. Twister Tails and crankbaits work best for white bass, and bream liver and worms should bring in a cat.

(update 6-12-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said the summer bite is here, and it’s an excellent time to get on the water! Water temps are in the mid-80s and the lake is roughly 4 feet below normal pool. Crappie can be found in 15-25 feet of water on cover/structure. Jigs and minnows are great options. As always, presentation is key. 

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 6-19-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said Thursday the water “has been kind of dingy from all the rain but is beginning to clear up now.
“There hasn’t been a whole lot of people out fishing,” he added.

The water is at normal height with a little stain. The last Ray had heard, there were still lots of bass being caught before the river muddied up. Worms and spinnerbaits were being used.

Also, bream were still bedded and people were catching them right against the bank with crickets or worms. 

“Nobody has mentioned crappie lately, but they were still biting in 4 feet of water on minnows before all the rain,” he said. “Catfish have been biting because of the water being murky and moving.” One angler got into several nice flatheads in recent days, fishing with bream. “This will be when they are spawning,” Ray said.

“They say the rain is over for a while now, so the water will clear up in a couple of days.”

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 6-19-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river is still too high for safe fishing. The flow at Murray is 200,000 cfs Thursday, which calls for a small craft warning. That’s been the case for several weeks now.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 6-5-2025) 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.

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.

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 6-19-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “We’re finally seeing those Arkansas summertime temps we’ve avoided so far — from blissful to blazing hot. But our early-morning hours are still blessed with a little bit of chill that counteracts the afternoon heat. The hot baits for the best catches of trout during this week’s heat streak have been scented artificial worms, mostly bubblegum pink.

“The continued releases from Bull Shoals Dam have led to drift-fishing, and anglers are regularly pulling in quality rainbows throughout the day. Bull Shoals Lake is sitting at just above 692 feet msl and water releases have begun to fluctuate. Mornings on the river over the last week began with an average of one unit (about 3,000 cfs), then much higher releases later in the afternoon. The Corps of Engineers is working hard to drop all the lakes in the White River watershed equitably and safely, so prepare for continued releases throughout the summer.
“Add a nibble of shrimp to the barb to test the waters for increased action (single hooking point only). Jigs are the ticket for morning hours with low water. Higher water calls for silver/blue spoons, brassy Colorados or silver Cleos. A cup of nightcrawlers or redworms is a must during the late-afternoon rise. The No. 7 Rapala Countdowns of almost any color (gold/black, brown or brook trout, rainbow, silver/black) are great to have around for brown trout fishing.
“Come on over and indulge in a little of the great outdoors. There’s no greater Great Outdoors than here in the Arkansas Ozarks.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 6-19-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Before the rains Sunday night, the river was around 9-10 feet with good clarity. Drift-fishing with a No. 7 split shot 8-12 inches above a No. 2 bronze hook (with or without a silver inline spinner), Uncommon Bait Neo Pink UV eggs with corn or shrimp worked well. The fish seemed to remain on the gravel bars. There was some success using artificial lures such as Dynamic Lures J-spec in glimmer trout or Rapala Countdown CD7 in rainbow trout. 

“The heavy rains Sunday night caused flash flooding in the creeks, causing the river to rise and crest at 14.5 feet Monday morning. By Monday night through Tuesday morning, the river cleared up before dirty water from the Buffalo River arrived. Tuesday afternoon, Norfork Dam opened some floodgates, and Bull Shoals Dam increased water generation. Wednesday morning, the river was around 10 feet with some dinginess, and by late morning, the river was dropping and clearing.
“This weekend, the White River claimed three boats, one here at the Calico Rock bridge, one on the Norfork River and one below Bull Shoals Dam. All it takes is one second for things to go terribly wrong, especially with the higher and faster water. Respect the river, be careful, make sure the kids are wearing a life vest and your boat has the required safety equipment to include a throwable flotation device. With the lakes so full, I expect we will see higher-than-usual water throughout the summer.”

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.

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 6-19-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is still on the rise and is sitting 33 feet (at a 692 feet msl level) above normal pool with more rain in the forecast. Water temperature is rising and has reached 78 degrees, give or take. The lake may be high, but fish don’t seem to mind. The bigger creeks have some debris coming in; be careful with floaters as the wind changes direction. Take debris precautions on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking has been an issue for several weeks now as most boat ramps and parking areas are now underwater. The marinas are doing a great job to accommodate everyone. The water conditions toward the main lake remain gin clear to the dam with some color still in the backs of creeks. 

Bass are setting up early in summer areas. Get up early and check ledges, points and swings. The bass are grouping up. Powerfishing shallow has been fair with the right conditions, shad, clouds, rain and/or wind and stained runoff water. Use spinnerbaits, Chatterbait and a square bill in stained runoff water. The ole Big Worm, Texas-rigged, is good in laydowns. There are always fish to be caught on a flipping jig like a Jewel half-ounce green pumpkin variant. Try putting the boat on the old shoreline. Try a shaky head, wobble head, tube or a Ned rig. You’re going to have to contend with flooded bushes, but that’s where they are at. 

A lot of fish have moved up with the rise. Look at steeper banks as the temps rise. The offshore videogamers are still going to have to work. The shad are still spread out. Target larger bait balls or any bait you can find up high near the surface and closer to the shore. If you are targeting shad eaters, a smaller 2.8 swimbait and/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 slowed. Use a Lucky Craft Gunfish or an all-white Booyah Popper wake bait or Zara Spook Jr. over flooded points and saddles. “Fish the conditions. If it’s about to rain or storm, they are going to bite. After the storm and the sun gets high, you’re going to have to finesse. 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 6-19-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing has been poor to fair this past week with a few good fish being caught over the flooded buckbrush. If the sun is high, fish a little deeper along the old shoreline. Fish are scattered along rounded points with deep water close by and along steeper creek channel swings that have shad. Fish the shoreline in 25-35 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or work a jig and crawler along in 30-35 feet around the edges of the flooded brush. 

When trolling or casting over buckbrush, try a size 7 or 9 Berkley Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow in 12-23 feet of water. Trolling at speeds 1.5 to 1.7 mph seems to be a good speed at this time.

Some walleye are still being caught in open water over the flooded trees, but this is starting to slow down. (However, with the lake still rising, we are seeing a lot of debris floating in the water, making it hard to troll.) If trolling deep, try deep-diving crank baits 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 1.5 to 1.7 mph.

(updated 6-19-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) say crappie are same still super scattered all over the lake. There isn’t a lot of structure in the right zones, but anglers are catching some when you are lucky enough to find it. Minnows have definitely been best as of late. Cover lots of water and look for it around 10-20 feet. 

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

(updated 6-19-2025) 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 579 feet msl and falling. The rain continues. The lake was down 3 feet, but recent rains have pushed the water up to the flood pool. The Army Corps of Engineers has begun a spillway release to evacuate water. The stripers were moving south, but the rise of water seemed to slow the process. The past several days have seen lots of topwater action; the stripers are smaller but still legal. 

The bigger stripers are being caught between 40-60 feet. “One problem I have found is that my bait is now dying above 30 feet. This is very unusual for this time of year, especially with all the freshwater coming into the lake.

“The stripers are going deeper after the sun rises. (Tuesday), I spot-locked a deep-water spot and set all my lines between 50-60 feet and waited as the stripers were showing up in groups of four or five. It took about an hour to catch our limit.
“So, patience is the key once the sun hits the water. Long lines continue to produce early. 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. 

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

(updated 6-19-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said, “Well, summer is looking like it will show next week and the rain may slow down! Lake level is at 1,128 feet msl give or take depending on rain that day. 

“Water temps are approaching 80 degrees in most places and a bit higher in some areas. With rain slowing, we should start to see a thermocline form, and that will set the stage for summer patterns.”

Stripers have been very good the last week. Fish have been from Rocky Branch down to Point 4. Fish lately have been on the smaller size for Beaver — mostly 7-11 pounds with an occasional 20-plus-pounder in the mix.

Crappie are doing better, and they can be located on timber and brush in 15-25 feet of water. Look from Point 12 and down to Horseshoe Bend. Trolling should kick in as water temps climb next week.

Walleye are scattered. Look for points and humps in 20-25 feet of water. Crawler harnesses are working.

Bass are setting up on main lake points and secondary points from mid-lake to the dam.

Catfish are very good on jugs and trotlines/limblines. 

Bluegill/bream are good in the backs of coves.

“It’s going to get hot, so stay hydrated and keep an eye out for debris still floating throughout the lake. Good luck!”
Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates, FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 6-19-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “Summer is officially here in temperature, as things are getting hot not only weather-wise, but also in terms of fishing. The river level has been consistently high for the past week, so it’s been a great time to pull up to a favorite spot and catch fish. The rainbow bite has been excellent, with many 13- to 14-inch rainbows being brought to the boat daily. The Pautzke pink worm has been successful. 

“All this high water provides lots of places for trout to run and hide in (and grow big and feisty) and has tested the skills of the anglers. Look for clear water to drift, cast toward the bank and you’ll most often pull in a rainbow in no time. Get their attention with fluorescent, bright baits and flashy silver spoons.
“Plenty of sunshine requires plenty of sunscreen. Come prepared, but make sure to keep the sunscreen away from your fishing gear and baits. Seems that sunscreen not only repels harmful rays from above, but repels fish as well. Clean your hands of sunscreen before handling rods, reels and baits and don’t use a spray in the boat. 

“Be prepared for the heat and join us on the White River for some great fishing — regardless of water releases from the dam.
“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!”

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 6-19-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports crappie had slowed down but they were still biting. They’ve been best on live worms. Bass and catfish are both picked up. Bass are favoring soft plastic worms; they’ve heard no reports on any topwater action. Catfish are best using liver. There are bream out in the lake, but so far no one has reported anything on the bream bite.

Lake Charles
(updated 6-19-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the lake took on 4.5 inches of rain last Saturday. Still, she says, the fishing last week and over the weekend has been good. The lake was already high before the rain, and the clarity is the usual murky. Surface water temperature on Sunday hit 80 degrees.

Bream are good and are still shallow and within easy reach of anglers. They’re using crickets and worms around the shoreline. Crappie are fair. Berkley pink Waxies, Gulp Alive and live crickets are attracting the crappie. 

Bass have shown back up. The black bass are fair on worms and have moved in closer to the shore. No other baits outside of worms were mentioned. White bass also were caught in good numbers the past week. No baits were mentioned for them either, but Twister Tails and spinners are always a good bet.

Catfishing is good. Doc’s Beef Blood and worms are the main baits being used. The cats also are close up to the shoreline.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 6-19-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park reports that bream have been at the top of everyone’s lists this week. Many anglers have been fishing from the bank at the State Park, around the fishing path, at Deckleman boat ramp and the AGFC pier. Bait of choice has been crickets, followed by redworms, both sold at the Lake Poinsett State Park Visitor Center. Bass have continued to do well, too. Several anglers have reported catching and releasing 20-30 fish in a few-hour fishing session. These have mostly been from out in the lake/coves from kayaks or trolling from their boats. 

Crappie have slacked off but are still occasionally caught. Catfish have not fully ramped up yet, but people are starting to set out lines using shad and homemade baits.

As always, the state park is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily for bait sales.

Spring River
(updated 6-5-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said the water level is at 520 cfs (350 is average) and water clarity has been poor. Plenty of rain lately has kept the river up about a foot, and water has murked up with storms moving through at times. If things would dry out, the river would clear right up. We’re still catching plenty of rainbows on bead-head Woollies with olive being the hot color. 

River levels have been up too much to chase smallies. Areas around the Hardy area have had high water. When the river gets low late in the summer, this area can be a hot spot for smallies. 

“The Spring River from Mammoth Spring to Many Islands is clear of any obstructions in the river. I still haven’t floated from Many Islands to Hardy, but hope to as things dry out.
“They are working on Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery and we hope things get back to normal soon. It will take some time to recover from the spring flood. 

“We really need the rain to go away, and I’m sure a dry spell is just around the corner!”

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.

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 6-5-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reports that water temperature is in the mid-70s. Visibility is low, from zero near the main channel up to around 6 inches in protected backwaters. The water is 2-3 feet high. The main channel is rolling; best to avoid until current slows. Black bass are biting fairly well in flooded vegetation and brush on the shore in Lake Langhofer. Spinnerbaits, bladed jigs and swim jigs are producing well.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 6-19-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said Father’s Day saw an angler stop into the visitor center for more crickets. He told them he caught a huge crappie on Saturday along with his daily limit and was back to get some more. He didn’t report on Sunday’s catches before the staff had left. Shelley says they have had a lot of people fishing but they are not letting the staff know if they are catching anything.

Lake Monticello
NOTE: The city of Monticello announced recently that it is lowering the water level of Lake Monticello to perform inspections on the dam repairs it coordinated in 2019 as owner of the lake. Anglers will experience lower water levels, but all fishing regulations, including catch-and-release-only fishing for all sport fish, remain in place. 

(updated 6-19-2025) 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.

Lake Chicot
(updated 5-29-2025) AGFC biologists recently sampled Lake Chicot despite challenging spring conditions, including heavy rains and fluctuating water levels. They sampled the largemouth bass population, and while the survey showed extremely low catch rates — likely due to persistent muddy water and the strong spring winds that hampered electrofishing efforts — the largemouth caught in the sample were noteworthy. They included a 5-pounder and a 6-pounder. The best sampling came from the crappie sampled in the Connerly Bayou area. Last fall’s sampling also produced good crappie numbers.

AGFC staff on Sunday, May 18, did not notice very many boats on the lake though. One ski boat was noted in the middle of the lake. Most of the anglers were back in the brush areas.

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.

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 6-19-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service on Wednesday urged anglers to still use extreme caution navigating on Millwood due to many buoys missing along Little River through the timbered sections of the open lake, along with broken timber and logs. The Army Corps of Engineers is working to replace any remaining buoys still missing along Little River main lake channels. 

Millwood Lake’s elevation as of Wednesday was about 9 inches above normal pool and falling (260 feet msl). Millwood Lake Dam was releasing about 12,000-plus cfs, and the tailwater is near 245 feet msl and falling.

Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or the Army Corps of Engineers website. Surface temps last week continued fluctuating, ranging 75-80 degrees. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain in most locations, muddy in many other areas along Little River, with river clarity ranging 2-4 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows is heavy stained to muddy visibility from recent flooding lake-wide.

Siefert had these specifics for the fishing on Millwood this past week:
* Largemouth bass have been hit or miss recently with lake pool fluctuations from recent thunderstorms. The best reactions have been during cloudy days or misty rain lately. With the sudden jump of the lake pool from recent flash flooding, many bass are roaming through fresh lily pad blooms and emerging grass, cypress trees and flooded pockets. The best holding locations recently have been where grass, lily pads and vegetation are together with stumps in 4-8 feet of depth. With the recent bluegill spawn on the flats, the slightly deeper-running bluegill or bream pattern square bills and crankbaits still are drawing a few reactions. 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. 

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 for the last few weeks have been Millwood Mayhem Bream, black/blue, or Spot Remover. Reactions were very good the last few weeks, catching healthy, 2-3 pound Largemouths, and the best reactions continue to be in 5-9 feet depths near grass lines, stumps, cypress trees, and timber. 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′ depths.

Weightless Texas-rigged Bass Assassin 5″ Shad Assassins with a very light wire hook, and hollow body frogs & Horny Toads continue working for several weeks in the fresh new blooms of Lily Pads and emergent grass, with the best colors for reactions in 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. Hollow body frogs and Horny Toads rigged weightless, continue to get decent reactions near vegetation and stumps in 3-6 feet of depth near vertical structure and drop offs into the oxbows. The best colors have been olive, pumpkinseed/pearl, black, or white.

The Bill Lewis Lures MR-6, the ATV, and SB-57 crankbaits in Bluegill/bream, Guacamole, or burnt pumpkinseed patterns, were working shallow last few weeks near flats with Bream beds, but this week the Bass pulled out of the flats into drops and vertical structure. The Stumpknocker and Sunrise Perch patterns of the Echo 1.75 size, drew some reactions from 2-3lb Largemouth near stumps on points of the Oxbows last week. 1/4oz chrome/blue Bill Lewis Spin Traps with a gold tail spinner, will work better through fresh lily pad stems flawlessly, but roaming bass were random this week. 3/4 sized Bill Lewis 1-knocker, Rat-L-Traps, and 5/8 oz sized Hammer Traps in gold/orange belly, Millwood Magic, or Pro Perch will draw random reactions in the 5-9 feet depths of flats near drop offs with standing timber, and stumps, where new lily pad stands are blooming. 

Largemouth Bass in the 2- to 4-pound class for the last several weeks, have been slow to fair to react to Sweet Beavers, Baby Brush Hogs, 7″ Power worms, and soft plastic creature baits Texas rigged. Best colors recently with the muddy to heavy stain water clarity, have been Junebug red, black, black/blue, or blue fleck.

Berkley 7″ and 10″ power worms in Blue Fleck, or Black Grape, or June bug have been the best colors for a reaction plastic worm bite recently.

* Two anglers we spoke with said the whites were biting this week near White Cliffs campgrounds. They were having fair to good luck with Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads and Chuck’n Spins.
* Crappie continue to bite well and are moving from shallow grass 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. Solid 1.5- to 2-pound crappie can be caught, with some slightly less deep than last week, and others roaming shallow, around cypress trees and along grass lines, but main populations are moving to deeper brush. The stained water clarity conditions from recent thunderstorms seem not to have affected the crappie bite as much as we anticipated, and it has remained fairly constant upriver in the oxbows and along the main lake river channel swings away from increased river current toward the dam. Pink, chartreuse, white and red jigs and Electric Chicken color have been working the last few weeks.
* Catfish improved recently with increased current along Little River. Two guys we visited with said their limblines and trotlines were fair to good, with 3- to 7-pound channel cats and flatheads using bloodmeal, cut buffalo or shad, with chum and have been working in current from 8-12 feet of depth.
* Nothing to report/update on 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 6-19-2025) John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service (870-942-6291 or yoyoguideservice@gmail.com) at Iron Mountain Marina says, “Hey, folks, like the storms? Typical summer pattern, but it’s not summer yet.

“Water level is 408.34 feet msl. The surface water temperature is in the low 80s. The further you go upriver the more debris you run into. 

“The crappie bite is changing, it appears to me. The brushpile bite is very tough. You have to put it real close. Almost tough them. It appears there are more fish drifting toward timber. That requires a change in technique. Single pole with LiveScope is a great way. Sometimes you can cast rigs to them if there are no limbs above them. You can also minnow and slip-bobber for them, but it requires a change in that technique. As they move to the timber, remember to consider profile size.

“There is more surface activity daily if the water is calm enough to see the activity. White bass are on the move.

“Hydrate and watch out for others.”

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.

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

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

(updated 6-19-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 63 degrees with stained conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is slightly below the flood pool; however, with another round of rain forecasted for this area this week, the big lake will most likely rise back into flood pool. Entergy has scheduled 3,600 cfs flow for 12 hours each day below Carpenter Dam for the past week. This has allowed boaters to safely navigate the tailrace for the first time in weeks. Fast water has been the norm for the entire year, which has severely limited boating and fishing opportunities below Carpenter Dam. Very little productive fishing has taken place with the tailrace dangerous to navigate. In addition to the dangerous flows, extremely muddy conditions accompanied the fast water, which created a no-win situation for fishing and recreation activities. 

However, the month of June is well underway, which normally brings much drier conditions, but storms continue to roll through Hot Springs, creating dangerous conditions on the lakes and rivers. The Game and Fish Commission’s rainbow stocking schedule is done for spring and will not resume in area lakes until early November. Lake Ouachita must be kept down out of flood pool, which is a key in Entergy establishing more stable conditions below area dams. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted on Wednesday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website linked above. It is hoped conditions soon will allow for a much safer generation flow where the public can consistently access the area safely. 

When lake conditions return to normal, there is still time for quality angling. June typically marks the end of quality rainbow trout fishing on Lake Catherine. Bank fishermen can catch limits of trout by 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 can anchor in and around rock structure or sandbars and have 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 rainbows 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 on which trout will feed. Egg patterns in orange or white will draw strikes when other presentations are ignored. 

Walleye are still in the area and are feeding and preparing to migrate downstream to the main body of the lake. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate crawfish and threadfin shad is a proven technique to cover water and tempt walleye into feeding.

White bass will move into the Carpenter Dam tailrace this month 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 will bring blue and channel catfish into the tailrace to begin their spawning run and will provide anglers some wonderful table fare. Cut baits fished from the bank or boat will be effective this month, with most of the catfish ranging 3-10 pounds.

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
No reports. Hamilton had areas full of debris after the storms of two weeks ago.

(updated 6-5-2025) AGFC staff reported that bass fishing was OK to good this past month. They are in shallow water and favor a swimbait as well as a Carolina rig.

As reported by Trader Bill’s Outdoors Facebook page, though, the lake turned out ANOTHER monster black bass in May. Grayson Goss, a junior at Lakeside High School, caught a whopper Saturday weighing 11.21 pounds in the Trader Bill’s High School Trail championship out of the Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery.
Grayson and his fishing partner, Griffin Ralph, weighed in a total of 24.91 pounds to take the win.

Coincidentally, Griffin Ralph graced the Fishing Report pages earlier this year when he hauled in a 13.43-pounder at Millwood Lake in an early March tournament with Grayson alongside.

All fish in the tournament were released back to the lake alive, Trader Bill’s Outdoors reported on its page.

(updated 6-5-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted earlier this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, the many big bass tournaments that have been held on Hamilton on successive weekends and the large bass being caught in those tournaments. Last week, in the BFL All-American, with a $120,000 purse, the winning angler brought in 56 pounds of fish in three days (5-bass stringers each day, averaging 18.67 pounds a day, or 3.7 pounds per fish). The runner-up caught 53 pounds over three days. “That’s ridiculous, an absolutely crazy number,” Kastner said of the winner’s total. Though regular anglers are going to have to battle the weekend Jet skis and boaters until Labor Day, there are some hidden-away coves with brushpiles for some good fish and big bass obviously available.

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 6-12-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) said that in the last few days she’s hearing that people are getting their limits and the fish are biting: crappie, bream, catfish and gar all are good to excellent.

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 6-19-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are good. Try a jighead worm or Brush Hog on main lake and secondary points near brush, or a black spinnerbait at night. Walleye are very good and biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 12-18 feet deep. Stripers are still very good and biting on trolling rigs and live bait in the central part of the lake. 

Bream are very good on worms or crickets in 5-15 feet of water. Crappie are still very good and relating to brush in the 15- to 20-foot range. Catfish are good on trotlines and jugs with live and cut bait.

Water temperature is ranging 78-82 degrees. Water clarity is muddy. The lake level is 580.87 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 6-19-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says the crappie are moving onto brushpiles that are close to deep water. “Even they are getting ready for a hot summer. So, don’t get discouraged, and run-and-gun from top to top until you find where they are holding. That will produce a quality creel of fish.
“Start early, be safe and be patient with the pleasure boaters. They really don’t know better.”

(updated 6-5-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted earlier this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that Jason East caught a winning 18.41 pounds of black bass on Ouachita last weekend in the Mr. Bass of Arkansas bass tournament, and he also brought in the Big Bass of 8.74 pounds.

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.

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 6-19-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said, “Once again, I am here to report that Cook’s Lake remains closed to fishing due to high water and the ramp and dock not being accessible. With that said, it looks like the river is holding steady for the foreseeable future. Therefore, I still do not have an estimated opening date. My best guess will be after the 4th of July.”
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, March 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 6-19-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) says water levels on the White and Arkansas rivers are mostly stable to slightly elevated, with some stretches — like Augusta and Clarendon — running a bit high. This means fishing conditions will vary: In slower backwaters and flooded timber, expect better action for crappie and bass moving into shallows to feed. On the Arkansas, rising water may scatter baitfish and game fish, while catfishing should be solid in both rivers, especially near drop-offs. “As always, 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.