Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

September 18, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Guide Mike Winkler is usually sending us photos of clients who have made memorable catches with him on the Little Red, but this week he shared this photo of a brown trout he caught this past week. Winkler, a weekly contributor to the AGFC Fishing Report, says the streamer bites have been great in the afternoons on the Little Red. “I was able to get a rod in my hand and have my buddy Ryan row the boat. We caught several browns. This one came on a yellow and brown Flatliner fly.” Read more of Mike’s report below.

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
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.

(updated 9-18-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) reported recently that anglers were still catching small bass around the dam, but most anglers now are headed elsewhere with the drawdown. They hear that a few anglers are having decent success with crappie at Lake Beaverfork. The anglers are stopping in Bates and buying crappie minnows to head over there or to other area lakes.

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

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 9-18-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “We’ve been sitting in the mid-90s all week here in Arkansas, and with that heat, the Southwestern Power Administration has been pretty steady with the generation schedule. They’ve been kicking on one to two units in the late afternoons and usually running for four to six hours. As always, it’s subject to change, so be sure to check the USACE Little Rock App for the latest start times. My guess is this pattern will hold as long as the temps stay high and power demand stays up.
“The Little Red is fishing well right now with solid flows throughout the river. Wade-fishing opportunities are good from top to bottom, and drift-fishing out of the boat has been very productive. The steady releases are giving us great drifts, and the nymph bite has been tough to beat.

“Hot flies this week are Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, midges, eggs and San Juan Worms. Focus on the deeper sections as the water drops out, or fish those oxygenated shoals and plunge pools. Don’t overlook the slower, deeper sections around the moss beds, either — fish are stacking up and using them for cover.
“Streamer fishing has also been on fire during generation. Big articulated patterns pitched tight to the banks have been moving fish. Top streamers are Double Deceivers, Flatliners and sculpin patterns.
“Overall, the river is in great shape, and the bite has been consistent. Whether you’re wading or drifting, there are plenty of opportunities out there right now.”

(updated 9-18-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the main word from the Little Red lately is that a lot of anglers have been catching both rainbows and browns on a marabou jig “pretty exclusively,” they say. That can be either a ⅛-ounce or 1/16-ounce jigs. Three colors each appear to be working nicely: olive, black and brown.

The water is a little low for most of the day, up until the afternoon when SWPA has been consistently running water at the dam for 6 hours. So your best bet fishing the Little Red will be to get out in the mornings.

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 9-18-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that bass on the lower end of the lake are starting to hit pretty well on jerkbaits, as well as some mid-diving crankbaits for up in the creeks. You want to look at a jerkbait or crank that is primarily clear but with a blue or black hue to it. A good example would be the Megabass Vision 110 or the Ito Tennessee Shad.

Also, for fishing for bass on the main lake, a Carolina rig with some kind of watermelon color will be a great choice fished across main lake points.

They have not heard much on crappie fishing of late.

(updated 9-18-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said

the water level at Greers Ferry Lake continues to drop. Wednesday afternoon it was 459.99 feet msl, which is 2.44 feet below normal pool (462.54 feet), with 4-5 hours of generation on certain days. “We are late summer, early fall with the patterns. There is active schooling fish all over the lake and rivers. It’s spotty in places, better in others according to the bait. Fish are scattered all over, but do understand that most sport fish (crappie, bass, etc.) are out deeper.

Some crappie remain up on bank while other are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, and crankbaits are good for trolling 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and 40 feet for the deep ones. Target brushpiles and standing timber. Walleye are scattered everywhere. Some are deep, some are shallow and others are all in-between; and, of course, the lake fish are staying put on points, humps, etc., in 10-40 feet. Try dragging a jig tipped with minnow or crawler and or drop-shot. Big Minnow-style plugs are working trolled.

Catfish are eating really good all over the lake and rivers, and lots of blues came in over the summer. 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. White bass and hybrid bass are in 25-43 feet with 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 up on bank while others are found in 10-15 feet, and some are around 40 and with even more being found out to 80 feet on points, humps, ridges, bends and different contour changes. And you have schooling action going on in different parts all over lake and rivers.
Be safe and wear your life jacket.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 9-18-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said catfish continue biting well. Last week, one catfish angler caught three nice cats using chicken liver. Another 4-pound blue cat was caught last week, and several more caught catfish mostly at night. Chicken liver is apparently is the best bet on bait these days.

Crappie picked up with the cooler weather recently, with some caught at night or very early in the morning near the bait shop using minnows. Also, crappie are biting near the big island, including one limit reported by an angler on Sunday.

Bass fishing has been slow, and nothing has been heard on bream other than some baby bream being picked up for catfish bait.

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

Lake Overcup

(updated 9-11-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) said the water level is about normal and clarity is good. Surface temperature is around 85 degrees. Bass are still chasing shad and being caught on plastic worms and spinnerbaits. Bream are being caught with crickets and redworms.

Catfish are doing well on nightcrawlers and bass minnows. Crappie are being caught in 10-12 feet of water about 6 feet down.

“There hasn’t been a lot of activity lately,” he says. “Come see us at Overcup Landing off Highway 9.”

Lake Maumelle

(updated 9-18-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water temperature is ranging 80-82 degrees. The water level has fallen to 5.2 feet below normal pool level. Black bass are fair. The largemouths can be found in 10-20 feet of water, and the bite is reported to be best early in the morning and late in the evening. Try Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) also are fair and can be found in 12-16 feet on brush piles mixed with largemouths. Like the largemouths, the bite is reported best early in the morning and late in the evening and they can also be found east on rock points. Try buzzbaits, Zara Spook-style baits, drop-shots, Carolina rigs, jigs and crankbaits.

The Tuesday night bass tournament fish-off was held last Saturday, and some nice black bass bags were produced. Kevin Hannah and Casey Tissue hauled in 15.88 pounds with a 5-bass stringer to win over Josh Jeffers and Aaron Presser, who caught 15.31 pounds. Daniel Romine and Vaughn Greenway were third with 14.77 pounds and the Big Bass of 4.37 pounds.

Crappie are fair, with the last report saying they were scattered around brush anywhere from 18-25 feet and biting minnows and jigs. Bream are fair, with reports having them being found on brushpiles 5-15 feet deep. Crickets and worms are working.

White bass and catfish continue to not be reported by anglers. Twister Tails and crankbaits might pull up a white bass, though, while bream, liver and worms should work for anybody trying to catfish.

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 9-18-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said a lot of people have started crappie fishing. The crappie started to show up earlier this week and a couple of anglers have been solely searching out the slabs. Ray says “not a ton yet” have been caught, but they’ve pulled in “a good mess of fish.” The anglers were fishing in 5 feet of water and using minnows.

Bass fishing is going really well, he said, on crankbaits and spinnerbaits in 3-5 feet of water. Anglers have been catching them in and around the trees. Use bream colors for those cranks and spinners, along with chartreuse and other bright colors that will resemble bream.

He had no reports on catfish or bream.

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 9-18-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said there was little to no flow in the river on Thursday afternoon. The bass fishing has been OK of late. “We’d call it fair. Topwater has been good, especially buzzbaits and Whopper Ploppers around grass.”

On the main channel, they say that square-bill crankbaits around jetties, in any sort of shad color, will get some response.

A bass tournament was held on the river last weekend, giving an idea of what other anglers are using for success. Small finesse jigs appeared to be working. Go with any sort of natural color, like green pumpkin, and fish them around the mouth of creeks or the backwaters.

For crappie, nothing has changed much lately. Black and chartreuse crappie tubes or Crappie Magnets are the way to go, fishing them on rockpiles or wood either in or close to the main channel.

White River

Cotter Area

(updated 9-18-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Trout fishing the White River in the Arkansas Ozarks near Cotter is the best way to remember and experience a mellow September. Between the rush of school starting and before holiday busyness, carve out some time to come float the river; shake off the world for a day or two. Catch rainbows (trout and otherwise) and see if you can’t hook into a lunker

brown or two.”
Releases from Bull Shoals Dam are at one unit or less (3,000 cfs) with a burst in the late evening bringing the river level to 16,000 cfs (five units) for an hour or two. The lake is slowly dropping and currently is at 660.52 feet msl.

Wade anglers will find many accessible locations. Be alert and always have an exit plan if you see a change in water level. John boaters will find it slow and go, a must-stay in the main channel of the river. There’s lots of fishing waters here (and lots of trout); share the space and extend a hand to fellow anglers.

Any pink, scented egg bait (Berkley PowerBait or XFactor) and shrimp are reliable baits to provide a lot of action for rainbows. Peach and brown flashy baits (⅛-ounce marabou or D2 jigs, 1/8-ounce), gold Cleos or bronze Colorado Spoons were a sure bet this past week. Catch a sculpin and bait your hook for browns. Crawdads are still causing a stir and should be great bait for at least another month before it gets too cold.

“Good luck, enjoy the catch, and we’ll see you on the river!”

Calico Rock Area

(updated 9-18-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said this week they have seen depths as high as 7 feet in the morning and dropping throughout the day with depths as low as 4.5 overnight. “With the lower water we are seeing greater success using artificial lures such as Rapala Countdowns (brown trout, silver or rainbow trout colors), Dynamic J-Specs (glimmer trout, brown trout or silver) and quarter-ounce spoons (Thompson Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold or Thompson Bouyant Spoon in rainbow trout colors).

“As always, inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV eggs tipped with shrimp worked well. Tipping a hook with corn or red wiggler worms also worked.
“This week we received one stocking of 2,000 rainbows at Calico Rock, with another 3,000 rainbows split between Norfork and Reds Landing.”

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 9-18-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is 660 feet msl, almost normal pool and still dropping. Water temperature is 80 degrees.

Bass fishing overall is fair. Fall bass fishing patterns are starting. It’s best to get up early to look for surface activity; there are shad balls high toward the surface. Topwater has been hit or miss; try a small popper-style or Spook in natural colors. Del says he’s a fan of the Lucky Craft Gunfish.

With the shad migration into the creek, there are still shad on the main lake, but also the mouths of the creeks. Fish ledges, points, bluffs and swings. For powerfishing, a Whopper Plopper and buzz bait are good covering water on the bank, or a toad-style bait if it’s sunny. Fish the conditions; follow the wind.
Largemouth bass are really grouped up. Powerfishing shallow in the creeks is still hit or miss. The shad are heading that way. It’s good when we get some clouds and rain coming in. The ole Big Red Worm, Texas-rigged, or a shakey head in trees and brushpiles will work. There are always fish to be caught on a jig, like, long runout, points along the channel, try pulling off ledges.

A lot of the suspended fish are pulling onto the points and brushpiles around the thermocline at 30-35 feet. 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 covering water off from swings and ledges off the bank with a drop-shot for bluebird, post frontal suspended fish. Use a smaller 2.8 swimbait or shake a minnow if they are up active, and a regular Tater Shad on suspended fish. A half-ounce Magic Jigging Spoon will come in handy.

“Fall junk fishing has started. Make the best of it.”

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 9-18-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods on the lower end of the lake have not changed much again this week. The fish remain in a pretty active feeding mood. Large schools of fish are in and around the thermocline on gravel main lake points and secondary points with deeper water close by. Lots of smaller walleye and limits of nice legal-size walleye are being caught. If the sun is high and wind is light, fish just a little deeper and away from the boat. Fish in 28-38 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs with small Colorado or a Mack’s Smile butterfly blade, or work a jig and crawler or drop-shot a live crawler. A half-ounce to 1-ounce white or chrome jigging spoon, or No. 5 Rapala Jigging Rap in the blue chrome color, at those depths has been working as well.

When trolling, try a size 5 or 7 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow, and also a half-ounce Hot n Tot, in 28-38 feet of water. Trolling at 1.7 to 2.0 mph seems to be a good speed at this time to get a reaction bite.

(updated 9-18-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says fish are still scattered but showing up on brushpiles in the 20- to 25-feet range. The bite has definitely been on the finicky side; minnows have been best lately.

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

(updated 9-18-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina said recently that the lake was scheduled to reach its normal pool level on Sept. 15. With the very hot weather and warm water, along with low oxygen conditions on Norfork, Tom was not planning to provide updated reports until conditions improved.
In his most recent report in August, Tom had said the stripers appeared stressed due to low oxygen and hot water. At that time, the lake water was in the high 80s, almost 90 degrees, late in the afternoon throughout most of August. The oxygen level has been very low for this time of year, and the oxygen will only get worse as the lake is lower and with little rain. Based on history, the stripers will shut down, and the bite will continue to decline unless the oxygen bubble bursts.
The stripers were beginning to shut down earlier in August; they kept moving to deeper water, but the oxygen was very low for this time of year.

“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.”

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

(updated 9-18-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is sitting at 1,120.54 feet msl, which is around 1 foot below normal level. Water temps have fallen into the upper 70s. Fishing is still good for stripers. Fish are mostly located at the far northern end of the lake. Places to look are from Starkey to the dam site campground.

Crappie are still suspended in some areas, with more living amongst brush and timber in 15-25 feet depth. Crappie will hit jigs and minnows.

Walleye are still very hit and miss. Look for humps and points in 20-25 feet depth. Crawler harnesses are your best bet, and some trolling is also picking up some fish.

Spotted bass are schooled up. Look for topwater blowups around Hickory Creek and Point 12.

Catfish remain good on jugs and trotlines.

“Water is cooling slowly and fishing should pick up in the next few weeks if this trend stays. Good luck and stay safe!”

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

Beaver Tailwater

(updated 9-18-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says the bite on the White River continues to pick up as trout ease into their fall spawning patterns. Each week has shown a little more activity, and all signs point to things only getting better as we move deeper into the season.
Right now, Pautzke Fire Bait and Fire Eggs are producing the most consistent catches, particularly when fished on the bottom with light rigs. Anglers throwing jigs toward evening have also been rewarded, as trout seem to feed more aggressively during those lower-light periods. If you’re out during generation, drifting Fire Eggs remains a reliable method for steady numbers.

Some bigger trout are starting to make an appearance as well.
River conditions are holding steady, with water temps in the low 50s and water level staying consistent — ideal for this time of year. With the transition into fall patterns underway, it’s an excellent window to get out and take advantage of the action.
“For more frequent updates, check out my Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service). I’m on the water nearly every week and always happy to answer any questions. Tight lines and good fishing!”

Lake Fayetteville

(updated 9-4-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that anglers were catching good bream this week on redworms. Bass fishermen are using plastic worms and doing a little bit, catching a few, but “not what they want.” A few crappie are being caught but they are small. “(The anglers) don’t know where to look.

“We’re in a flood warning now,” they said Thursday morning. “The lake is really coming up. Once it quits raining, it goes down pretty good here.”

Clarity with the rainfall is muddy.

Lake Charles

(updated 9-18-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said fishing remained the same from last week, with all the usual species biting from fair to good.

Black bass were fair once again, with anglers catching them on topwater lures. Crappie continued to improve, with good catches reported this week on a variety of baits: H&H Jigs in chartreuse, crawfish, and black and chartreuse worms. Rocky points were where most of the activity was happening.

Bream continue to bite well on crickets and worms, as well as minnows. They are still relating to the shoreline.

Catfish were good on lines and jugs, but no baits were reported. Try smaller bream, other live bait like worms, or liver.

Best “moon times” for fishing are coming up now, Sept. 18-24, Shelly said.

Lake Poinsett

(updated 9-4-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says Lake Poinsett has been steady with anglers catching bream and bass. Crappie have slowed down considerably, and catfish have had sporadic reports with the occasional angler coming in with a report of 10-pound catfish caught on lines set out overnight.

Bream have been hitting on crickets, and bass have been biting minnows and a variety of jigs. Cooler weather this week has given some anglers good luck with these fish, but that weather has also brought a lot of people out to the lake, so there may be some competition for the best fishing spots.

The Lake Poinsett State Park visitor is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every day now and sells minnows, nightcrawlers, redworms, crickets and a variety of artificial and frozen baits.

Spring River

(updated 9-4-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels have come down a lot; having no rain in a while has the river looking great. Water clarity is getting good. “The river gauge for the river shows over 400 cfs; it was adjusted over a week ago and may not be accurate. It looks lower than that when we are on the river.

“We’re still catching plenty of rainbows. The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery is not stocking just yet. They are waiting on numbers to go down, then they will start stocking again. The winter season will be when we see the big trout coming up.

“Can’t wait for colder temps and to see what we might catch. Hopper droppers have been a blast on the river. Plenty of hits on the Hopper. Watching those trout come up and hit the Hopper is so much fun! Swinging a Woolly Bugger works great, too.

“The smallies are biting great on olive, black and brown streamers and Clousers. When chasing trout, a big woolly can get you a big one, and smallmouth bass love them, too. It’s one of my favorite flies because multiple species love it. You’ve got to get down deep for the smallmouth. They will run out from under rocks and ledges; just drag your fly slowly past. Early in the morning, try topwater. We have even been known to use a popper dropper for bass.
“This weekend will be the last big canoe hatch. After this weekend, the canoe hatch dries up. Through the fall and winter, a person can have the river to themselves. So be safe out there. The river has a very slick rocky bottom. A wading staff is a must to help stay upright. With the temperature of the river being 58 degrees, wet wading is recommended through the summer. When it starts getting cold out, the waders are a must to stay dry and warm.”

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 9-11-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reports that water temperatures are in the mid-80s. Visibility is 6-10 inches throughout from algae bloom. There is faint flow on the main channel. Black bass are biting better lately, possibly from the cooler temperatures. Bladed jigs, buzzbaits, shallow crankbaits and spinnerbaits in shad colors are consistently producing bites around woody cover and jetties on the main channel, especially near current breaks and points. Windblown areas tend to produce more bites on these moving lures. 

For calm weather or protected areas, dark-colored jigs are producing some bites. Pay special attention to the up-current side of points, wood and anything that produces shade, especially after the morning bite has faded. Schooling white and striped bass, occasionally with black bass mixed in, will fire up here and there midday to late in the day; be sure to have a small shad-colored topwater or shallow-running lure such as a lipless crankbait or weightless fluke handy to take advantage of the sudden and short-lived surface activity. 

Lake Monticello
(updated 9-18-2025) 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 9-18-2025) 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 9-18-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the lake level is rising and is 19 inches below normal pool. The 2-foot drawdown ordered last month by the Army Corps of Engineers for shoreline vegetation planting and other work was to be raised to 18 inches earlier this week. The lake will be returned to normal pool on or about Nov. 1.

Surface water temperature and clarity both increased this past week from Siefert’s guide’s info, and the temperature was running into the upper 80s and into the low 90s. Clarity is fair to great in the oxbows up to 30 inches.

While Mike has been off the water, he was told by his guides that crappie were still feeding on minnows this week or on jigs tipped with minnows. Crappie are holding on the planted brush from 8-12 feet depth.

Black bass are still responding well from dawn to 9-10 a.m. on frogs, Cordell Crazy Shads and surface lures. Brush Hogs and 10-inch Berkley Power Worms work later in the day.

Random schooling is still occurring in the oxbows and along Little River with largemouths, spotted bass and white bass all chasing threadfin shad across primary and secondary points, and on flats adjacent to deep creek bends where stumps and lily pads converge.

Surface temperature dropped with recent cold fronts and running currently in the upper 70s to the middle 83-85-degree range.

Millwood remains under a 2-foot Army Corps of Engineers drawdown and on Wednesday was running 23 inches below normal pool. That will last until Sept. 15, when the lake level is raised 6 inches. The drawdown is scheduled to end Nov. 1. The Army Corps of Engineers drew the lake down for vegetation work on the shoreline, including planting of Japanese millet to attract migratory birds this fall and winter, and for soil compaction on the shore.

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 9-4-2025) 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 with the end of summer, beginning of fall, “normally we’re all watching lake levels crop. The shad are getting smaller and smaller, for that’s what the fish are chasing. That’s why a Zara Puppy Spook, a small buzzbait (⅛- or quarter-ounce), a small Pop-R, a 10-60 or even the 50s if you can throw them, that’s what all the fish are chasing.
“They are chasing small shad, whether you’re on Degray, Ouachita, Greeson or any of the area lakes, that’s what they’re chasing — small lures and you’ve got to be able to throw that small thing.”

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

No reports.

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

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

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

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

(updated 9-18-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 62 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is well below normal pool level 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 fishermen alike. Always use caution on the water, especially below a hydroelectric dam. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted on Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website (linked above).

The AGFC will not be playing more trout in area lakes until early November. Due to spring flooding that displaced thousands of rainbow trout far downstream, limited numbers of trout are 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. Trout numbers have lingered much longer than normal, with scattered numbers of fish still present in the tailrace.

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 good 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 like 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 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 trout 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. Blue and channel catfish are in the tailrace and provide anglers some wonderful table fare. Much cooler temperatures should be the norm in September, although this week has been hot, along with slower generation speeds and fewer hours of flow.

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

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

(updated 9-18-2025) Lake Dardanelle is known for its strong largemouth bass population, along with good quantities of bream and is stocked with crappie. White bass are native to the river and are found in the lake. Catfish are abundant. Smaller topwater lures like a Zara Puppy Spook or a smaller buzzbait would be ideal for black bass. Try minnows for crappie with temps beginning to fall. Redworms and crickets will pull in bream around the next full moon coming up this weekend. Surface water temperature as midweek last week was about 75 degrees, which should have the black bass and panfish highly active.

Lake Hamilton
No reports.

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

(updated 9-4-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) reports that fishing has been great in the last week. “The lake is the same as always. Been a lot cooler so everybody has been catching. Labor Day weekend was really good for catching fish,” she said. Catching fish.
She said the bream “started biting like crazy” over Labor Day weekend. Crappie were also biting well. Try crickets and redworms for bream. Lots of jigs were being thrown for crappie, but some anglers were buying minnows. And, she noted, a big crappie or two were picked up on redworms.

She heard nothing from the bass anglers, although there was a tournament last weekend. No word on catfish catches as well.

Sheila has an array of live bait for purchase and other fishing needs, plus food. The water temp is good and the lake level is 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 9-18-2025) 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 creature bait or worm near brush. A topwater lure over suspended fish is working, too.

Walleye are fair and still biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 18-24 feet. Bream are still good on worms or crickets in 20-30 feet of water. Catfish are fair on rod-and-reel with nightcrawlers near brush in the 20- to 22-foot range.

Still no reports on stripers or crappie.

Water temperature is ranging 78-82 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita earlier this week was 571.61 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.

NOTE: Blue Mountain Lake is undergoing a two-phase drawdown proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers to improve aquatic and waterfowl habitat by exposing mudflats for seeding and for critical maintenance on the lake’s intake structure. Phase one began Sept. 2, lowering the lake to its normal winter pool elevation of 384 feet. The second phase will begin May 1, 2026, with the lake further lowered to 374 feet through Nov. 1, 2026. During the drawdown, water activities will be limited, boat ramps may be affected, and areas around the lake will be seeded.

Japanese millet will be seeded on the mudflats during phase one to improve habitat for waterfowl and other aquatic species. Call 479-947-2372 for more information.

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 9-18-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said crappie are biting on crickets in grassy areas. Catfishing is great in all rivers and above the hydroelectric dams. Snagging in Pendleton is doing well as always.

“Get your food plots ready if you haven’t already, and let’s get this hunting season started right! Thanks to all our loyal customers for shopping at Webb’s Sporting Goods.”

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