Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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. 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. 

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.

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 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. 

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. 

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 7-10-2025) 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.

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 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.

(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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

“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.

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 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. 

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 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.

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.

(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.

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 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 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.

“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.

(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.

(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.

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.