Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

November 6, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

The trout population in the Spring River has taken a hit this year, but that just means a lot of other species are showing up and making anglers happy. One of those species is the native smallmouth bass, and angler John Jernigan was fishing with Spring River guide Mark Crawford when he landed this nice “smallie” on the Spring recently. The smallmouth love the rocky mess on the bottom of the river, and Crawford says they’re favoring heavy Woolly Buggers in black, olive and brown colors for fly-fishing, or try Trout Magnet’s D2 jigs for spin-fishing. You can read more of Crawford’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
(updated 11-6-2025) AGFC staff in Mayflower note that 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.
Lake Conway renovation is proceeding on schedule with demolition of the old dam and plans in place for the new dam and weir. Read more here.

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 11-6-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Southwestern Power Administration releases have been a bit inconsistent this week, especially with their start times. We’ve seen a few days with a split generation schedule — water coming on around 7 a.m. for about an hour or two, then shutting off until evening. Later in the day, they’ve been running one to two units for anywhere from 1-3 hours.

“On the weekends, there hasn’t been much generation at all — no releases on Saturday or Sunday. Before you head out, it’s always a good idea to check the USACE Little Rock App to see what’s currently being released from Greers Ferry Dam.

“Fishing has been best when there’s some flow in the river and a little movement in the water. The trout have been more active on those days when the water’s running. Productive flies underneath an indicator have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, midges and San Juan Worms.

“Overall, it’s been a good week to get out when the water’s moving. Watch the generation schedule closely, and you’ll find some solid fishing opportunities out there on the Little Red!”

(updated 10-30-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the Southwestern Power Administration is running a little bit of water at the dam, but not a lot — about an hour or two a day of generation. “I would definitely say, your morning time is a little better than not. This time of year, with the temperature cooler and the trout more active, people are catching them on a Rooster Tail and a Little Cleo, a small spoon. 

“Also, they’re still catching them on a marabou jig in the same colors they’ve been using lately: olive, black or brown. Also a Carolina rig with PowerBait.”

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 10-30-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that the lake is still a little low for this time of year. Normal level is 462 feet and it’s about 457 feet, or 5 feet low. With it low like that, more of the brush will be out of the water and that brings the crankbait more into play. Mostly the bass anglers are catching fish in about 10-15 feet of water; that’s been the consistent depth range recently, with several baits working.

Try a spinnerbait in more of a natural, Shad color, like a gray color; the crankbait can be between a shad pattern and a crawfish pattern; a shaky head in green pumpkin or watermelon colors; and swimbaits and Alabama rigs, a natural color like a Tennessee Shad is best.
“The best fishing mostly will be secondary points or three-quarters of the way back in creeks.”
Crappie are going to be biting best on a Bobby Garland Baby Shad in Monkey Milk color. Fish for crappie in standing timber in 15 feet of water.

(updated 10-23-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry lake continues to fall slightly and is now 457.69 feet msl, or 4.35 feet below normal pool, with 4-5 hours of generation on certain days in the fall period for energy production. “It is safe to say and the fact we have not had much cold weather, the length of days determines turnover times, and there are spots on the lake turning over at present,” he says. “The bite is really on! We are also in early fall, and there is active schooling fish all over the lake and rivers. It’s spotty in places, better in others according to bait. Fish are scattered all over.”

Some crappie still are up on the bank, while others are floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, and crank baits are good for trolling 10-16 feet for the mid-depth fish and for the deep fish at 35 feet. Work the brushpiles and standing timber.

Walleye remain scattered everywhere. Some are deep, some are shallow and some are all in-between. Of course, the lake fish are staying put on points, humps, etc., at 10-35 feet. Drag a jig tipped with minnow or crawler and or drop-shot. Big minnow-style plugs are also working trolled. 

Catfish are eating really well all over the lake and rivers. 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. White bass and hybrid bass are in 25-43 feet, and some are on out to 60 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 the bank, while others are 10-15 feet, some are around 40 feet and some are on out to 60 feet on points, humps, ridges, bends and different contour changes. You have schooling action going on in different parts all over the lake and rivers.
“Be safe and wear your life jacket.”

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 11-6-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said crappie are doing great and black bass are beginning to pick up. Several limits of crappie have been caught in recent days, and the sizes have been impressive. One angler caught a crappie weighing 3.9 pounds and released it (he said it was a female with eggs, she said). Another angler caught a limit in about 5 hours of fishing. Yet another couple came in and caught two limits of crappie. Some of the best fishing is coming off the bank, Bing said, and most of the anglers are starting early and getting their catches in before the sun is fully up. Many of the crappie that she’s weighed at the dock have been about 2 pounds each.

Use minnows for crappie. “The crappie being caught are much bigger this year,” Bing said.

Bass are favoring a Baby Brush Hog. One angler caught a very nice bass that he posted to the Harris Brake Lake Facebook page.

The water is kind of muddy to dirty, she reports. The water level is normal. The AGFC will be using water from the lake to fill the upper and lower greentree reservoirs at Harris Brake WMA for waterfowl beginning Nov. 15. A water-control structure that has been a problem for the lower GTR has been repaired, according to the AGFC.

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

Lake Overcup
(updated 11-6-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) had no new reports from the lake. In his most recent report, however, he said the water level is about normal and clarity is good. Bass were still chasing shad and being caught on plastic worms and spinnerbaits. Bream were being caught with crickets and redworms. 

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

Lake Maumelle
(updated 11-6-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) says the water has cooled to a nice 60-62 degrees, and the lake level is steady at about 6.6 feet below the normal pool. The boat launch is open and accessible.

Black bass are biting well. Largemouths are good and are being caught shallow in 1-5 feet of water. They are still hitting topwater as well as being caught deep in 15-20 feet. Use spinnerbaits, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are also good and biting in that 1- to 5-foot range mixed in with the largemouths, and they’re also being caught in 12-20 feet depth. Try buzzbaits, Zara Spooks, drop-shot, Carolina rigs, jigs and cranks.

Crappie are fair. Some reports have them roaming, while others say they can be found on brushpiles anywhere from 15-25 feet. Use minnows and jigs. Bream are fair, with reports of them being found on brushpiles in 16-20 feet. Jigs and worms are working. No reports on white bass or catfish. Twister Tails and cranks should work for the occasional white bass bite, and bream, liver and worms are usually good for a 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 11-6-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is normal and clear, and though he didn’t have a temperature of the water recorded, it must be falling because the crappie have started to bite again.

Bass are still doing real well. They’re being found at 3-4 feet depth and will go for crankbaits, as well as soft plastic worms and lizards. Got with a brighter color, such as chartreuse, on the crankbaits. 

Crappie are being caught in about 8 feet of water on jigs and minnows. Pink and white and blue and white jigs will work well.

Catfish are still being caught on liver and hot dogs. Ray hasn’t heard much on the bream of late.

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 10-30-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river has cooled off and there has been a little more rain. The flow has been ranging between 30,000-50,000 cfs and will probably be at around 35,000 cfs this weekend. “Right now, the best thing on the river has been a white and chartreuse spinnerbait behind the jetties. Also, in the backwaters, a black and blue jig. Fish around any type of grass, wood or rock for bass.”

For crappie, they say the best bite has come on white and chartreuse or orange and chartreuse crappie jig in roughly 10-15 feet of water. “They’re biting pretty decently. When the water begins to cool off, the bite gets a little tougher, but I’d say it’s still pretty decent,” they report.

Expect the pool clarity to be stained to muddy this weekend with the recent rains.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 11-6-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said Peckerwood is now closed to fishing until the end of waterfowl season while it serves as a waterfowl rest area for migrating birds.

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 11-6-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said White River anglers are finding plenty of rainbows and browns willing to leave the comfort of their favorite hidey-holes. We can expect mostly low releases from the Bull Shoals Dam since the lake is about 5 feet below power pool. Average releases for most of the week have been 3,000 cfs, but we’ve seen some early pulses of up to four units (12,000 cfs). Watch for rises later in the morning and stay ahead of it for the best fishing.
Flashy gold Cleos should work well in this water, as well as the silver-blue hammered spoons. Orange PowerBait has been the popular bait for the rainbows because it mimics the eggs from spawning activity. Catch a sculpin or two to put on your hook for brown trout bait, and don’t be surprised if your pink worm (San Juan or Berkley) catches the eye of a feisty one.

Remember that the catch-and-release area below Bull Shoals Dam is closed from Nov. 1-Jan. 31 to preserve the brown trout spawn; this includes some special regulations near the State Park, too. The browns are in mid-spawn now; if you’re able to net one, be especially careful and return it healthy and fighting back to the river.

The weatherman promises cold mornings but milder daytime temperatures for the next week, so pick up your rod and reel, get outside and come join us on the river. Bundle up in the morning and enjoy the excellent late fall fishing.

Calico Rock Area
(updated 11-6-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “This week we continue to see low water around 3.5 feet and rising to around 5 feet. Artificial lures continue to work, such as quarter-ounce spoons and Rapala CD7 in brown trout or rainbow trout colors. Drift-fishing with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp also resulted in consistent fishing. 

“These fall days with cool mornings and warm afternoons have been nice, but looks like we’ve got some frigid temperatures moving in early next week. This week we received one stocking of rainbow trout. This stocking was a mixed bag, with some smaller 8-inch fish with larger 12-inch-plus fish.”

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 11-6-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level continues to slowly fall, reaching 654 feet msl. The water temperature drop has the temp now at 66 degrees, give or take. Late fall/early winter patterns are taking shape. Shad are starting to get grouped up. Crawfish are starting to get active on the bank. A SPRO Rock Crawler in red is working on chunk rock and ledges and bushes in the wind. “We’re powerfishing covering water with wind/clouds. Use a spinnerbait, square bill or Chatterbait if there’s wind/clouds. If it’s flat and the sun comes out, get off the bank and try a shaky head on secondaries with trees and brushpiles. There are always fish to be caught on a jig, such as a Jewel half-ounce jig. Try green pumpkin and brown with orange variants.”
On the bluff ends, bluff swings and long runout points along the channel, try pulling off ledges. Stay around 5-15 feet early, then out to 30-35 feet. 

The shad are starting to get grouped. Graph time will pay off this time of year. Try a drop-shot for bluebird, post-frontal suspended fish out on the points and bluffs. Use a smaller 2.8 Tater Shad, dead-sticked, or shake a minnow if they are up active. A half-ounce Jewel Shad Spoon is working great in those schools if they ignore your minnow. As water cools and they get deeper, a Rapala Jigging Rap is good. Each day is still a little different. “Fish the Conditions.”

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 11-6-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much this past week. Daytime fishing has been slower this week due to the passing fronts and the full moon. As the water temperature keeps coming down, it will only get better. 

The walleye are starting to set up in small schools on main lake and secondary channel swing points. If the sun is high with light wind, fish away from the boat’s shadow. Try fishing in 15-50 feet of water by snap-jigging a jig and half of a crawler or drop-shotting a live crawler. Also, try using a ⅜-ounce to 1-ounce white or chrome jigging spoon or a No. 7 Rapala-type ice jig in the same colors. (The Jigging Rapala has been working well by vertical-fishing them in the 35-55 feet depths.)

The daytime trolling bite has slowed down this past week. However, a few are still being caught in the early morning and late evening. When trolling, try a 5-inch jerkbait like Rattlin’ Rogues or a Rapala Husky Jerk. Trolling in 8-15 feet of water at 1.2 mph seems to be a good speed at this time to get a reaction bite. Fishing a 110+1-style jerkbait in 8-15 ft of water on the main lake, secondary points and steeper-sided channel swing banks where the wind has been blowing into is where the fish are holding.

(updated 11-6-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says not much has changed as the crappie are still hanging on brush in creeks for the most part in that 15- to 25-foot range. The jig bite has been slower as of late, so minnows have been the go-to.

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

(updated 11-6-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina. Tom hasn’t had any new reports since the lake turned very hot and stripers were struggling with the conditions in the summer. You can visit his website linked above for more information.

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

(updated 11-6-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is holding steady at 1,119.44 feet msl. Water temperature continues to fall. Turnover is basically completed and the fishing is picking up as expected! 

“Stripers are on the move, leaving the north end and following the shad to the south end. I have been out almost every day and the bite has been good from Horseshoe to Point 12. Look for bait and find the fish. Sounds like a broken record, but I will tell you, here today and 10 miles away the next. So you need to move and trust your electronics.

“Spotted bass are pretty darn good! Look for schools busting shad, and while you’re at it, watch for stripers mixed in.
“Crappie are actually acting like they want to participate. It’s been somewhat tough, but the last four days, limits are coming on board. Look for structure of any sort in the 12- to 20-foot range. Jigs and minnows, of course, are your best bets. I have been doing good on speed shad in the 2.5-inch pearl white pitching to brush. 

“Walleye are scattered so they could be anywhere at this time. Catfish are still good if you are wanting to chase them. 

“A big cold snap is on the way and we will have to see what that does. It should accelerate the bite going into winter patterns. 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 11-6-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says the cold is forecast to return to the Ozarks with a freeze warning in effect for Sunday and possibly Monday. Don’t let that scare you off — the bite hasn’t slowed down one bit! This past week, anglers have continued to find success using Pautzke Fire Bait on light terminal tackle.

The Army Corps of Engineers has kept flows steady, which means the water remains slightly stained throughout the tailwater. This has made jerkbaits and spoons especially effective lately. Just be sure to adjust your lure colors based on the water clarity — natural tones for clearer stretches and brighter options for the murky spots.

If you’re running a graph, keep an eye out for bait balls. Following them can lead you straight to feeding trout and other predators that often lurk close behind. You might be surprised at what’s hanging around those schools!

Looking ahead, next week’s forecast shows cold mornings in the upper 20s to mid-30s, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 40s and low 50s. Expect light winds and a mix of sun and clouds, with another potential frost midweek. These stable, chilly conditions should keep the bite consistent, especially during the late morning once the sun starts to warm the surface.

For more frequent updates, check out Austin’s Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service). 

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 10-30-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that fishing is going “pretty good” for both crappie and bass. Both species are mostly favoring worms.

Lake Charles
(updated 10-23-2025) Fishing continues to range from fair to good for all major species of fish at Lake Charles, Shelly Jeffery reported from Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595). Surface water temperature continues to fall a little bit each week, and this Sunday it was at 68.9 degrees. The clarity is the usual murky and the water level remains low.

Bass were fair this last week. Try topwater baits and a Booyah Buzzbait. Crappie are fair for anglers looking shallow now, especially around the fishing pier. Minnows and worms both will work. Bream are fair on worms. Catfish are your best bet for good action, but anglers are keeping it secret what they’re using, Shelly said, so you’re on your own. But we can suggest chicken liver, live bream and your basic catfish stink bait to have success. The cats will also go for bait on jugs and lines.

One of the lake’s guests hauled in a 21-pound flathead catfish, and Shelly said she weighed the fish.

You’ve got a couple of days left during this “best days” moon cycle, according to the moon table, she told us. The best fishing days run through Oct. 24, but with the bite they’ve seen lately, it’s liable to continue past that.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 11-6-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says Lake Poinsett’s fishing has been very steady lately. Recent good weather has allowed anglers to get in some good bank fishing as well as venturing out into a cove from a boat. As temps continue to cool, crappie are stirring and many people have been buying up minnows from the State Park bait shop to test their luck on catching a big one. Bream and catfish have continued to be pretty common catches as well. Bass have been quiet as of late. Many of the bream reports were from people bank fishing, and the crappie reports were from anglers out on the lake who were able to get out into a secluded cove.
The Lake Poinsett State Park visitor center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every day and sells minnows, nightcrawlers, redworms, crickets and a variety of artificial and frozen baits.

Spring River
(updated 11-6-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) reported that water levels are flowing at 320 cfs, low and clear. It has been very dry in the area; rain is much needed. With the low and clear conditions, the fish can be very spooky — 5x or 4x tippet works well, with hopper droppers being the hottest way to fish lately. A Y2K, San Juan or a nymph can be very hot below a hopper. The hopper hits will get the heart rate up! On the overcast days, Woollies work well.

For catch-and-release with spinning tackle, you can’t beat Trout Magnets in these low, clear conditions. Hot pink will always be the go-to color on the Spring. No flavor is added and helps keep the lip sore only! No deep takes. Go light on the line with a small split shot; love how easy it is to adjust the float for those deeper pockets. 

With the trout population taking a hit this year, other species have been popping up: spotted bass, rock bass, drum, yellow suckers, red horses, grass pickerel and absolutely beautiful panfish that have amazing colors, just to name a few. It’s amazing the amount of multispecies the Spring River holds.

Now, smallmouth bass are one of the native fish on the Spring River and we love to chase them and then safely release them. The trick is to fish right on the bottom of the river. The problem is the bottom of the Spring is a rocky mess. That’s why the smallies love our river. Heavy Woollies work great — black, olive and brownie colors, and yes, bring a lot of them. Losing flies lets you know you’re in the right area. For spinning tackle, D2 jigs by Trout Magnet are the ticket!

The cold is on its way and the river is no place to play around when it’s cold out. Bring a dry set of clothes just in case, and a wading staff can be very helpful with the rough, rocky river bottom.

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 11-6-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reports water temperatures in the mid- to low 60s. Visibility ranges from near zero to 6-8 inches at best; tributaries are muddy but clearing. Black bass are biting very well on lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, bladed jigs and square-bill crankbaits on some wind-blown sand flats and rocky points. White bass are often mixed in with the schooling black bass. These schools appear to rarely surface, but they are feeding heavily on congregated shad in the shallows below the surface. In calm conditions, small dark-colored soft plastics and jigs around rocky points are also producing well. 

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 11-6-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said there have been few if any anglers on Cane Creek of late.
Recently, the AGFC began treating certain areas of the lake for Cuban bulrush, an invasive aquatic vegetation, according to Ryan Mozisek of the AGFC. Cuban bulrush is a fast-spreading invasive aquatic plant, and it was found in September as being widespread throughout the lake. Initial treatments have begun to treat the infestation in specific areas.
“Management efforts will need to be continued over the next several years to combat the vegetation in the lake so that anglers do not lose any more fishable water to these floating islands,” Mozisek said.
Cane Creek Lake is a 1,700-acre lake in Lincoln County that was built in 1986 and is owned and managed by the AGFC. It is stocked with bass, crappie, bream and catfish. The visitor center offers a pier, and there is good fishing often reported at the campsite. The lake has always had abundant floating and submerged aquatic vegetation. Increased focus recently on invasive aquatic species at the lake led to the discovery of the Cuban bulrush.
AGFC district staff also are working to manage other vegetation, such as American lotus, water lily, water shield and hydrilla, that have reached undesirable levels for anglers and biologists at Cane Creek Lake, Mozisek reported.

Lake Monticello
(updated 11-6-2025) AGFC staff report that some anglers have been catching some big fish on some days, while other days are tough. A couple of 7-pound black bass were pulled out of the lake in past months.
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 11-6-2025) 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.

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 11-6-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the Army Corps of Engineers’ annual summer-fall drawdown has ended as of Nov. 1, but the lake remains about 14 inches below normal pool and stable, and won’t begin to rise to normal pool until the region gets some rain. About 175 cfs is being released at the dam, and the tailwater is near 225 feet and stable. Caution is urged until the normal pool level is reached. Always stay vigilant for broken timber. The Corps of Engineers recently removed a huge tree from the middle of Little River near White Cliffs campground that had become stuck in the bottom of the river and presented a navigation hazard. 

Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or at the Army Corps of Engineers website, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels.

Surface temps over the past week continued fluctuating, ranging 58-65 degrees along Little River depending on location and the time of day. That may change later this week with cold fronts. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain and low visibility.

Mike had these fishing specifics. 

* Largemouth bass continue following large schools of threadfin shad in and out of creek channel swings in the oxbows, and around adjacent flats with lily pads, and we’re seeing random schooling bass surface-breaking simultaneously on many different areas of Millwood Lake with the reduced surface temps again this week.

Several days over the past few weeks, juvenile black bass have been noted schooling on primary and secondary points in Little River and in most all the oxbows all the way up Little River. The schooling and surface-breaking continues to be very random and short in duration. The black bass can start herding the shad to the surface almost any time through the day, with mid-morning and late afternoon being the best times. These schooling bass are quick to break on a clear Baby Torpedo, Cordell Crazy Shad in chrome/black back, a quarter-ounce chrome Cordell Hammered Spoon, a black-and-white Heddon Dying Flutter, and a ¾-ounce (for distance) chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap. The smaller, 3/8-ounce chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap Tail Spinner will work when the action begins breaking in the lily pads and the lure will finesse well through the lily pad stems when the action moves into vegetation and pads.

Bill Lewis ATV Crankbaits and Square Bills in Tennessee Shad, Pro Green Gizzard Shad and Ghost Minnow are still working, 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 has shifted and will occur from midmorning due to decrease in surface temps. Numbers of bass from 2-3 pounds each remain concentrating near almost any major creek junction with Little River. With current conditions along Little River fair, the deeper sections, points and washouts in Little River from 10-15 feet are having good success with a Tennessee Shad Fat Free Guppy or Fat Free Fry. 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 several weeks.

Little John custom painted crankbaits in Millwood Magic, Splatterback, Ghost Shad and Lavender Shad are working on the edges of flats and creek channels where stumps, lily pads and coontail moss intersect. Finessing the crankbaits in and out of lily pads along the edges and points in the creek channel swings, deflecting off stumps, will pick up juvenile and adolescent black and white bass that are following schools of threadfin shad in the oxbows of Horseshoe, Clear Lake and McGuire. Primary and secondary points dumping into Little River have been holding schools for several weeks following and chasing shad.

Slow-cranking or trolling heavy ¾-ounce Magnum and/or 1-Knocker Rat-L-Traps in Toledo Gold, Millwood Magic and Chrome/blue colors and Bill Lewis MR-6 cranks in Tennessee Shad or Millwood Magic continue working well on points of Little River, ditches and creek intersections and dumps into Little River, and around new coontail moss, pondweed, creek channel mouths, standing timber and stumps as long as you remain in the creek channel, or deeper drop sections of the oxbows and river. 

The cooler weather and lower night time temperatures have the bass in a feeding mode. 

* White bass continue chasing shad with the black bass in fairly large schools in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows this week. The schooling continues randomly over the past several weeks at midday. These schooling white bass chasing threadfin shad are mixed in with black bass. Take a kid fishing and you could have one of the best times all year. Over the past two or three weeks, it’s been common to see random catches of 15-20 into the afternoons with half-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Chuck’N Spins, Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3-inch white grub, and Beetle Spins.

* Crappie continue biting well in planted brush along Little River, and are improving daily with the reduction in surface temperatures. Crappie have been better on jigs this week alternating with minnows, but that changes daily. Bulk of the crappie are holding in the 12-14 feet deep on our brushpiles. 

* No update on blue catfish this week, but last week, chicken livers and gizzards, along with King’s Punch Bait, set on trotlines along Little River from 12-18 feet depths, were working well.

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 10-23-2025) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) said bass can be caught on shad-colored crankbaits. Fish for them in the creeks from shallow down to about 15 feet. There has been some schooling activity and they can be caught on small lipless chrome or shad-colored baits, topwater and even small buzzbaits.
Crappie are moving up on brushpiles and can be caught around standing timber on jigs in about 15-25 feet. 

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
(updated 10-30-2025) Angler John Gulley last month caught a monster of a largemouth bass on Upper White Oak Lake near Bluff City (Nevada County). He caught it using a white fluke. John reports that bass were biting flukes, Senkos and shallow-diving crankbait-type lures. He also says that panfishing was decent, while the crappie bite hadn’t started to heat up yet. Anglers seeking catfish will also find the bite good on Upper White Oak, he said.
For anglers headed to Lower White Oak, John says the bass there are biting more on Texas-rig-type baits and Rat-L-Trap and small swimbaits. Panfishing is a bit above average and the crappie bite hasn’t started there either. Catfishing is good, however.

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

(updated 11-6-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 59 degrees with stained conditions in the tailrace. The winter drawdown for both lakes Hamilton and Catherine began on Nov. 1. Each lake will fall 6 inches a day until the scheduled 5-foot drawdown is achieved. This year, Lake Catherine will be lowered another 2 feet to support the city of Hot Springs’ infrastructure projects. The additional 2 feet will only be needed from Dec.1 through Jan. 31. The lake will be at the normal 5 foot drawdown outside of these dates. Boat launching will be very difficult during this period at the winter loading ramp, if not impossible, due to the lack of water in the tailrace. 

To further complicate matters, the trout emergency situation facing Arkansas this year with losses at two hatcheries (Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery, Norfork National Fish Hatchery) will severely limit trout stocking numbers all over the state. No confirmed numbers are available at this time. Boating and fishing below Carpenter Dam will be greatly affected by these conditions for most of the late fall and winter season. As information concerning trout numbers become available, this report will post all confirmed numbers that affect Lake Catherine. 

Anyone navigating the Carpenter Dam tailrace is urged to use extreme caution with the low-water conditions and possible fast flows scheduled from the dam. Hopefully, trout fishing can continue this fall and winter, but with vastly lower numbers than in past years. 

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

(updated 10-30-2025) AGFC biologists from the west-central region recently did some electrofishing samples on two pools of the Arkansas River (Lake Dardanelle and Pool 9). They looked at fish populations in the backwaters as well as in the main river channel.

While backwater areas look consistent with past years for fish numbers and species, main river habitats showed fewer fish than expected. This is likely due to the prolonged flooding and high flow rates we experienced this spring and summer. It can temporarily push fish out of sampling zones. Biologists expect these populations to bounce back in the coming years as river flows return to normal.

As for some species snapshots from the sampling: 

Largemouth bass/spotted bass: Adult populations are still looking good. Although years with high flow rates generally lead to weak year classes, a fair number of young-of-the-year fish (especially largemouth) were observed.

Catfish: Blue catfish populations appeared to be down in riverine habitats. However, large populations of blues were observed on the lower end of Lake Dardanelle. Flathead catfish appeared to have a poor spawn, as young-of-the-year flatheads that are usually abundant were few and far between.

Crappie: Electrofishing is not the best gear to collect crappie, especially during late summer months. However, some nice crappie were observed around laydowns situated over deep water. On a side note, biologists have documented good year classes of crappie being produced in years with high flow rates in the past. They will be able to determine just how good reproduction was in 2025 during next year’s crappie netting sample.

Shad: Shad numbers were down, especially in riverine habitats. However, both shad species (gizzards and threadfin) were still present in fair numbers. Shad populations often bounce back quickly, especially in years with low to normal flow rates.

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. Surface water temperature as of midweek last week was about 75 degrees, which should have the black bass and panfish getting active.

Angler John Judkins reported that he and his son, Gaige, had a big day on Lake Dardanelle on Sept. 2 catching several bass, some in the 2-pounds-plus range and quite a few smaller ones. The bass in the lake are really healthy now with the grass being back and abundant baitfish, he said. They caught most of their fish flipping soft plastics, but also a few on white swim jigs. 

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 10-23-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) reports that fishing was great in the past month or so. “The lake is the same as always. Been a lot cooler, so everybody has been catching. 

She said the bream were “biting like crazy”. 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 had heard nothing on bass or catfish.

Sheila has an array of live bait for purchase and other fishing needs, plus food. The water temperature 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 11-6-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are excellent. Break out your favorite CC Spoon for some excitement and some real nice bags. Crappie are slow. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 20- to 30-foot range. 

No reports on walleye, stripers, bream or catfish.

Water temperature has slipped below 70 degrees at times, ranging 68-72 degrees. Water clarity is clear. The lake level is steady at 569.64 feet msl. 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.

No reports.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 10-23-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said most of the focus in their area has been on hunting instead of fishing. But if you’re looking for some good crappie fishing, they note that the crappie have picked up in the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge.

If the anglers are looking to hunt though, they say that squirrel hunting is going great with plenty of acorns falling. Deer season is in full swing (alternative firearms and archery), and they are mainly eating persimmons and acorns in the bottoms. Specklebelly season will open Saturday. “This will be the kickoff to what we hope will be a wonderful waterfowl season.”

“As we always say at Webb’s Sporting Goods, thank you to our loyal customers for shopping with us.” Check out Webb’s for a full array of fishing and hunting needs in DeWitt on Arkansas Highway 1 on the south end of town.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 11-6-2025) Cook’s Lake has closed for the season to serve as a waterfowl rest area for the next four months. Call 501-404-2321 for more information.

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