Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

August 14, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

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

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) and Nursery Pond

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be safe and wear your life jacket.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

White River

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Catfish are good on all methods. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Siefert had these specifics on the overall fishing this week:

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

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

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

* No reports on catfish or bream.

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

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

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

No reports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fly-fishermen can still access areas that hold trout even though the lake is now at normal summertime pool. Micro-jigs in black or white cast under a strike indicator strongly resemble river minnows that live in the tailrace. Woolly Buggers in olive and black are a mainstay in the line of artificial lures that trout will feed on. Egg patterns in orange or white will draw strikes when other presentations are ignored. 

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

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

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

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

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

No reports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No reports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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