Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

August 21, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

We ran another photo of this amazing DeGray Lake bass catch by Randy Plyler a couple of weeks back on our email Fishing Report Newsletter (subscribe here), but Randy sent us a better shot this past week that we had to share. This bass was weighed at Iron Mountain Marina on DeGray at 10.5 pounds, which is typically a larger bass than most anglers pull in during the intense heat of summer. One can only imagine how large she might have been before the bass spawn earlier this year.

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

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 8-21-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said with the decent amount of water being moved from the dam daily, the fishing in the early morning will be your best bet. There is some wading time early, such as around JFK Park down to the Swinging Bridge that will be good, but drift fishing is the main ticket. Anglers are having success with crankbaits or some moving bait, like Rapala’s No. 5 Shad Rap or No. 5 Countdown. As the day gets warmer, Marabou Jigs are more of a player this time of year.

Also, this is a good time to still be targeting above and below the shoals where you have a little bit of moving water.

(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.”

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 8-21-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the fishing has been spotty here and there but decent. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass are being caught in 22 feet (on average) of water; that’s around the thermocline, but that can change depending on the day. Most good catches are coming on a jig, and a Carolina rig has been pretty good. Try a football jig, or go with a Texas-rigged soft plastic worm in redbug or plum apple colors). Crankbaits, hair jigs and a flutter spoon should have some success as well.

Walleye are being caught in that same 22-feet depth. Use a drop-shot with a nightcrawler. You’ll be fine fishing the main channel of the lake.

Crappie have been hanging around standing timber. A natural color crappie jig will be your best bet. Again, that depth around the thermocline is where you should focus, from 18-22 feet.

(updated 8-21-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry lake is at 461.4 it is feet 1.2 feet below normal pool of 462.54 feet and falling .Not much has changed overall except the water level for a while now – just stay the course. It’s summertime patterns for sure now, but the fish will be migrating back soon with the shorter days and cooler weather. For now, fish are still scattered all over, but do understand that most fish (crappie, bass, etc.) are now out deeper.

You’ll find some crappie up around the shoreline while others will be floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths. Use crankbaits for trolling in 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and 40 feet or so for the deep fish. Brushpiles have really come into play, as well as standing timber.

Walleye remain scattered everywhere. Some are running deep, others are shallow, and all in between. Of course, the lake fish are staying put on points, humps and so forth, in 10-40 feet. Try dragging a jig tipped with minnow or crawler or a drop-shot, and Big Minnow-style plugs are working trolled.

Catfish continue eating really well over over the lake and in rivers. Blues are out there. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits, as well as rod-and-reel.

Bream are coming off another spawn. Try crawlers, crickets, small cranks and inline spinners. Quite a few white bass and hybrid bass can be found in 25-43 feet, while some on out to 80 feet now. Use Road Runners and grubs for shallow fish, spoons and inline spinners for deeper fish now. 

Black bass are scattered as well. Some are in close, while others are at 10-15 feet and some are being caught around 40 feet. Then there is even some on out to 80 feet. Look around points, humps, ridges, bends and different contour changes and where you have schooling action going on in different parts of the lake and the rivers.
A new batch of shad started being released Wednesday morning from the rearing pond into the lake, which will help keep our population of threadfin shad built up to keep all species healthy — a big thank you to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for that. 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. 

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 8-7-2025) 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 8-21-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river flow is good for fishing at around 37,000 cfs in the pool Thursday afternoon,. 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 8-21-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said the White River winds through the Arkansas Ozarks and offers an angler the opportunity to catch more trout than in any other stream in the country. After days of brutal heat, we’re looking forward to a week of cooler temperatures. Bull Shoals Lake is just 11 feet above power pool, so we’re getting close to the goal (661 feet msl). This week we’ve seen lower river levels during morning hours than have been seen for several weeks, just under three units (9,000 cfs). But stay prepared for heavy generation — it comes later in the afternoons.

Small spinners with a Colorado blade were popular this week. Peach-colored egg patterns worked well upstream from Cotter all the way to the state park. Peach and olive jigs played during the morning hours brought a lot of action. As always, drifting red wigglers during high water is the ticket, with worm imitators (red, natural or bubblegum pink) just as successful. Cast toward the bank as you drift downstream and the rainbows and an occasional brown will snap them up. Pack in a black and silver Rapala Countdown (No. 5 and/or 7) for the sheer fun of the catch.

Browns are still biting at sculpins and soft-shell crawdads (keep the Rebel Wee Craw handy). Fly-fishers, pull out your hoppers; the end of August is the best grasshopper crop of the year and the trout are looking for them.

Early morning mist and fog can be hazardous, so be careful on the river. Take it slow and easy until the mist burns off. Come out and spend some time in The Natural State – you’ll be glad you did.

Calico Rock Area
(updated 8-21-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Both Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake water levels continue to drop. The last few days we have seen lower water with peaks under 9.5 feet and going as low as 8 feet. With less drastic changes in water levels, the trout are biting more consistently. Drift-fishing with silver inline spinner with a No. 2 hook with two Uncommon Bait UV eggs (neo pink is working best) and tipped with shrimp. 

“With a little lower water, we are starting to see people having more success with artificial lures. Rapala Countdowns in CD7 or CD9 in rainbow trout or black/silver along with Dynamic J-spec in Glimmer Trout have resulted in some nice 20-inch-or-more brown trout. When the water is on the drop, we have seen some success using jigs in dark colors.

“In the last week we received one stocking of 4,800 rainbows using the AGFC stocking raft between Calico Rock and Allison.”

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 8-21-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level dropped has fallen to 13 feet above the normal conservation pool, now sitting at 672 feet msl. Water temperature is about 87 degrees (give or take) with the cooler evenings and shorter days. The dropping pool level is starting to make ramp access and parking easier. Again, though, a shout out to the marinas and volunteers at the courtesy docks who have been doing a great job of accommodating everyone.

Bass fishing is still fair. Best suggestion is to get up early and look to beat hte heat 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 grouped up. Powerfishing shallow in the creeks has been hit or miss with the dropping water. A little rain would help. The baitfish are pulling back toward deeper ditches. You can deep-crank the drains if you find them. Fish the ol’ Big Red Worm, Texas-rigged, around trees and laydowns and 20-25 feet on points. 

There are always fish to be caught on a jig or Jewel half-ounce green pumpkin variant. On long runout points along the channel, try pulling off ledges. It’s that time where a lot of fish are suspended 25-30 feet with the thermocline. 

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, post-frontal suspended fish. Use a smaller 2.8 swimbait or minnow if they are up active and a regular Tater Shad on suspended fish. 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 8-21-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing on the lower end of the lake has been fair this past week. Schools of fish are in the thermocline on gravel main lake points and secondary points. Look for deeper water close by. Lots of small walleye and some limits of legal-size walleye are being caught. If the sun is high, fish just a little deeper and away from the boat. What’s been working is fishing in 28-33 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler or half-ounce to 1-ounce white or chrome jigging spoons at those depths.

When trolling, try a size 5 or 7 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow, as well as a half-ounce Hot n Top, 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 8-21-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says fish are still scattered but showing up on brushpiles in the 20-25 feet range. The bite has definitely been on the finicky side. Minnows have been best as of late.

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 8-21-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level now sit at 1,123.38 msl. Water is still in the mid-80s. Fishing is still consistently fair all around.

Stripers are probably the best thing going with some nice catches last week. Stripers are located from Starkey area down to the dam. Shad is your best bet and the brooders and bluegill will also work. Early is the time to be there!

Crappie are suspended in and around 15-20 ft deep in water that is 35-75 feet deep. Look along shaded bluff lines once the sun comes up. Crappie are also in brush but are tough to get a bite triggered.

Catfish are good. Any method or bait will work. 

Walleye are still fair — somedays you can pick up a few keepers and somedays just a few shorts. Crawler harnesses are still the best bet at this time. 

“A slight break in the heat is coming and that should create an uptick in the bite. Good luck and stay safe while on the lake.”
Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 8-21-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says the Beaver tailwater is producing nicely “if you can beat the heat! One of the most effective baits for trout has been Pautzke Fire Bait. Drifted naturally in slower runs or fished off the bottom with light tackle, Fire Bait has been producing steady limits.
“Another top choice has been Pautzke Fire Minnows. These scented soft plastics are proving deadly when fished under a float or drifted with the current. Rainbows, in particular, have been keying in on the vibrant color and lifelike action of the minnows.

“Walleye are still being caught. They are usually targeted in the deeper water, often in the 15-foot range. Vertical-jigging with Fire Minnows or drifting them along channel edges has been producing solid strikes. Walleye prefer the cooler, deeper stretches, so electronics can make a big difference in locating schools.
“The Corps of Engineers has been flowing water from the dam pretty consistently this past week. Keep a close eye on flow schedules, as water levels can change quickly. Consistent generation creates excellent drift conditions for bait fishermen, while lower flows make for easier wading.

“The hot spot of the week: The stretch between Spider Creek and the U.S. Highway 62 bridge has been producing some of the best action lately. Rainbows are stacked in runs and pools, feeding heavily in the cooler flows. Both Fire Bait and Fire Minnows have been the ticket here, while walleye are being found along deeper drop-offs nearby.

“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 8-21-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) reported that bream and catfish continued to bite for the visiting anglers, but she heard nothing on crappie or bass.

Bream are still good and are being caught in shallow water. Pink maxies and worms are the best baits. Catfish are being well on worms around the shoreline.

The water level has fallen to low. The clarity is the usual murky. Water temperature on Sunday was 82 degrees, which was up a bit from the previous week.

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 over the next few days, through Aug. 26.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 8-21-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says bream have been the primary target fish for Lake Poinsett this last week, with many people bank fishing or using kayaks/boats to get into some shady coves. Nightcrawlers and crickets have been the baits of choice. With it being so hot lately, most of the fish are hanging out in the tree-shaded coves or shoreline or in thicker vegetation. There have still been reports of black bass as well, but none on crappie. Catfish as been steady as well.

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 8-21-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reported water temperature in the mid-90s. Visibility about 8-12 inches with dense plankton blooms throughout. Flow on the main channel continues to decline. The black bass bite is poor overall. Black bass can still be caught during the day, but the best activity windows are narrow: right at sunrise and sunset. 

You generally improve your chances of success by fishing either very fast or very slow right now. Covering water with buzzbaits, bladed jigs, spinnerbaits and square bills in shad color patterns still works in the morning and during windier parts of the day. Finesse approaches like drop-shots, shaky heads, small jigs and Texas-rigged plastics are producing some around brushpiles near sand drops in Lake Langhofer and woody debris and jetty ends on the main channel. 

Keep an eye out for schooling activity, as many black bass are now roaming for shad, along with white bass and striped bass. Have a small swimbait, lipless crankbait or small topwater ready in case schoolers come up near you. 

Lake Monticello
(updated 8-21-2025) 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 8-21-2025) 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 8-21-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the lake remains in a 2-foot drawdown by the Corps of Engineers, and that will stay in place until an expected 6-inch rise Sept. 15. The lake will return to normal pool on Nov. 1. The drawdown allows the AGFC to plant Japanese millet on the shoreline for the waterfowl migration coming later in the fall, and it also promotes sediment compaction and allows for overall improved shoreline vegetation. Use extreme caution in navigation during drawdown. Wear a life jacket and use your engine’s killswitch; submerged stumps and shallow areas will be more prominent with the drawdown, especially in boat lanes where depth may only be a few inches.

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

Surface temps continue to fluctuate, ranging 87-94 degrees along Little River. Clarity along Little River is improved to normal stain; there is typical Millwood lighter stain in most oxbows. River clarity ranges 8-12 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows,continues improving as levels stabilize, and visibility in the oxbows ranges 20-30 inches in many locations.

Siefert had these fishing specifics from the past week:

* Not much changed over the past week in southwest Arkansas on Millwood Lake other than the fact it’s still August, and it is HOT. For several days over the past few weeks, juvenile largemouth and Kentucky Bass (aka spotted bass) have been noted schooling on primary and secondary points in Little River and oxbows. Although the schooling and surface-breaking this time of year is very random, and in short duration, one just has to be there when they start herding the shad to the surface, and that can be most anytime of day, with dawn and dusk being the best time for the surface-breaking activity. Occasionally, you will find a school of white bass mixed in with the largemouths and Kentucky bass when the mayhem breaks loose! Keep a clear, Baby Torpedo and a quarter-ounce chrome Cordell Hammered Spoon, and a three-quarter ounce (for distance) vhrome/blue Rat-L-Trap on deck when this action starts! The three-eighth-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. 

Brazalo Lures’ Wee Whackers and Bushwhackers Buzzbaits are working to get reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and creek channel flats and bends, early in the morning at day break using a black or white frog in place of the skirt.

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, and the Rattling Zara Mouse around pads, are randomly taking fish again early and late. Lily pads, hydrilla and pondweed, where the vegetation is growing in close proximity to stumps in deeper water — those areas will produce good catches. Swimbaits are beginning to work for suspended bass around drop offs next to stumps.

* Several anglers recently old 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. Half-day morning runs are yielding rates from 15-30 slabs from 1.5-2 pounds. 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.

(updated 8-21-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reports, “I have fished all the Hot Springs area lakes (Greeson, Hamilton, DeGray and Ouachita) in the last four days. I found the same pattern on all four. Black and white bass are schooling and feeding from first light until just after sunrise. Casting spoons have worked the best, but topwater and swimbaits work, too. After the morning feed the fish scatter, and trolling crankbaits on points and around humps works best.”

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

(updated 8-21-2025) 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 8-21-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says, “I have fished all the Hot Springs area lakes in the last four days. I found the same pattern on all four. Black and white bass are schooling and feeding from first light until just after sunrise. Casting spoons have worked the best, but topwater and swimbaits work, too. After the morning feed, the fish scatter, and trolling crankbaits on points and around humps works best.”

(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 Kentuckys and blacks, it doesn’t matter. Everything is kind of breaking. That has been a big, big hotspot for the last 30 days and it still continues to go on.”

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-counce as a good lure for hybrid bass, a cross between a striped bass and a white bass. Also, you can try live bait, though that might be more of a battle, he said. With the topwater action so prevalent now, though, he was favoring a Zara Spook, a shallow-running spoon or a Boy Howdy. “You can catch them multiple ways. You just have to get out there and try.”

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

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

(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 8-21-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 63 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is well below flood pool levels due to Entergy scheduling daily generation below area dams for power needs and to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is running 3,600 cfs below Carpenter Dam for six hours a day during the week, which is a much safer flow for boaters and wade fisherman alike. Always use caution when on the water especially below a hydro-electric dam. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted on Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website (linked above). 

Limited numbers of trout may still be present below Carpenter Dam. Under normal circumstances, trout fishing is over by late July, but the extreme heat of summer has forced these displaced trout back toward the dam in search of cooler water and increased food supply. Rainbow trout become stressed in water that reaches just over 70 degrees and cannot survive in water over 75 degrees. There is a good possibility that trout numbers will linger until sometime 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, much slower results should be expected in numbers, but the size of the tout ranges 15-18 inches long. 

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

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

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

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

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

No reports.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 8-21-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reports, “I have fished all the Hot Springs area lakes in the last four days. I found the same pattern on all four. Black and white bass are schooling and feeding from first light until just after sunrise. Casting spoons have worked the best, but topwater and swimbaits work, too. After the morning feed the fish scatter, and trolling crankbaits on points and around humps works best.”

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 8-21-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) had no new report. Most recently she had reported that anglers were having success, though some catches were 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 Anglers are buying up minnows, crickets and worms at her hope.. “Bream was the thing this past week,” she said, adding that she sold a lot of crickets.

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 8-21-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still fair. Try a big Texas-rigged soft plastic or worm near brush. Buzzbaits and frogs are still working, too.

Walleye are fair 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 still good on worms or crickets in 10-20 feet of water. No reports on crappie. Catfish are fair on rod-and-reel with nightcrawlers near brush in the 20- to 22-feet range.

Water temperature still ranges 82-85 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 573.34 feet msl and falling. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 8-21-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reports, “I have fished all the Hot Springs area lakes in the last four days. I found the same pattern on all four. Black and white bass are schooling and feeding from first light until just after sunrise. Casting spoons have worked the best, but topwater and swimbaits work, too. After the morning feed the fish scatter, and trolling crankbaits on points and around humps works best.”

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 8-21-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said, “The lake looks great,” but that’s all he can report this week about the fishing. He has been doing a little fishing here and there on the White River Refuge “but my mind is starting to turn toward hunting season, especially squirrels. He’s looking for a good batch for the WOrlds Squirrel Cookoff in less than a mont, schedule for the nature center.

In the meantime, the invitation is there for youths and mobility-impaired anglers and their helpers to check out the fishing at Cook’s Lake. The intense heat at kept folks away since it reopened for fishing a few weeks ago.

Cook’s Lake is 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.