Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

December 4, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Grandfather Martin Nichols and his grandson, Thadius, from north Arkansas, caught crappie and as well as bass in a recent outing when it was a little warmer at Millwood Lake in southwestern Arkansas. It was their first trip with Millwood Lake Guide Service, which provided us with the photo. Mike Siefert of the guide service said that the pair were “telling us they will be back in the spring.” Crappie and bass continue to provide big action for anglers even through this cold spell, he said Wednesday.

Through February, Fishing Reports will run every two weeks (along with no reports on Christmas and New Year’s Day). In between published reports, contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for the most up-to-date information. The reports will include the most recent information reported to the AGFC from the particular body of water, but email Fishing Report newsletters will only be sent out every other Thursday through February.

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 12-4-2025) 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. Also, biologists in the AGFC’s Mayflower regional office note that they’ve heard reports of crappie biting very well from the bank and fishing piers in area lakes, particularly Lake Overcup and Harris Brake Lake. Also, don’t ignore the possibility of a good crappie bite this time of year at Lake Atkins, near Russellville.

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 12-4-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Winter has officially settled in here in Arkansas. We’ve been waking up to chilly mornings in the 20s and 30s, with daytime highs hanging in the 30s and 40s. We even had a little rain and sleet mixed in this past week. The good news — things look to warm back up next week with some 50- to 60-degree days in the forecast.
“With the colder weather, the Southwestern Power Administration has been generating more water to meet power demand. That’s kept generation fairly predictable this week — typically two units for about 3-5 hours a day, starting around 6-7 a.m. If those warmer temps show up like expected, we’ll likely see a cutback in water releases. But if another cold front rolls in, expect releases to bump back up. As always, check the USACE Little Rock App before heading to the river since schedules can change quickly.
“The brown trout spawn is in full swing right now. With the recent flows, fish are busy making redds in the shoals. Please use extra caution when wading or floating — avoid stepping on or disturbing the cleared gravel areas. Handle all trout with care, especially spawning fish.
“A quick reminder on regulations: AGFC has a temporary harvest rule in place: a two-trout limit, and nothing over 14 inches can be kept on the Little Red at least through Feb. 16, when the 120-day emergency order ends. The AGFC can issue another 120-day emergency to tack on the expiring one because of the loss of stocking trout at two hatcheries in recent months. A lot of anglers still aren’t aware of this, so help spread the word. More info is available on the AGFC website.
“Fishing overall has been solid with these water releases. Nymphing is a great way to start the morning downstream — whether you’re wading or drifting. Upriver, streamer fishing or deep-water nymph rigs in the higher flows have been producing well.”
Fly suggestions:

• Egg patterns (orange and apricot)
• San Juan Worms
• Midges
• Big articulated streamers for those cloudy mornings with generation — pound the banks while the water is on the rise.
  “Traffic on the river has been light, and the fish are active — great combo if you don’t mind bundling up. Dress warm, fish smart around the redds, and enjoy a great time to be on the Little Red. Hope to see you out there!”

(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 11-20-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that fishing for smallmouth bass will be good on the south end of the lake. Work the secondary points with a Carolina rig, and throw a Zoom lizard on it. Overall, the black bass haven’t really been going crazy up here lately, however.

Crappie, though, have been biting well on the north end of the lake in the creeks in 15-20 feet of water. Use bright crappie jigs, such as a pink/chartreuse color, though black/blue will also work.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 11-20-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said on Thursday there were a lot of anglers trying to catch fish early in the morning and coming back in the evenings for white bass, largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. Things slowed down when the water began being moved to the greentree reservoir; water was down a foot and a half by midweek “but they’re still catching some.”

Minnows are the bait of choice for both bass species. Crappie are biting Bobby Garland jigs in pearl white and Crappie Stinger on an orange jighead. Catfish are biting on minnows, too.

There is a bunch of shad on the lake as of Thursday jumping around, Bing noted. Also, some pelicans have moved in. 

The water is getting clear, she reports. With the drop in water level, all the stumps are sticking out.

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

Lake Overcup
(updated 12-4-2025) 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 12-4-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) says the water is hovering around 55-57 degrees and the lake level is 7 feet below normal pool. The back launch ramp is open and accessible.

Black bass are fair. Largemouths are reportedly being caught deep to 15-20 feet. Jigs, an Alabama rig and crankbaits are good bets. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are m mixed in with the largemouths in 15-20 feet. Drop-shot, Carolina rigs, jigs and cranks seem to work best for the spots.

Crappie are good. Some reports have them roaming around the channel, and they can be found off of brushpiles anywhere from 20-30 feet deep. Try jigs and minnows.

No reports for white bass, bream or catfish. White bass should react to Twister Tails and cranks, bream might take a jig or worm, and catfish typically can be caught on Lake Maumelle using bream, chicken liver and worms.

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 12-4-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is normal and clear. Crappie are doing real well. Bass are also doing well. 

Crappie have been biting jigs (red and chartreuse or blue and white) and minnows. They are in about 8 feet depth Bass are being caught on crankbaits (anything that is bream-colored, like orange and chartreuse) and soft plastic worms (purple or black) and the like. Bass are biting in the 4 to 5-foot depth range.

Nothing reported on bream or catfish.

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 11-20-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river has cooled off and they saw some needed rain Thursday. The flow is 15,000 cfs, enough that it’s there but nothing crazy — definitely will position the fish.

For bass on the main river, use a Strike King 4.0 square bill crankbait and also by wood, a single swimbait as well as Chatterbait. If the flow dies down, you can throw a jig and have your jig land about 5-10 feet off the jetties. Try black/blue or green pumpkin colors.

Crappie has been good on the river. Biting on any part of it, but rock piles off the edges of jetties and around wood on the main. Try black/chartreuse crappie jigs.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 12-4-2025) 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 12-4-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “It’s already beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially here in Cotter. Come down to the river through Big Spring Park early on a frosty morning and you’ll see a most amazing display of lights. Santa’s on his way and will be in the park on Dec. 13.
“Bull Shoals Lake is sitting at 654.21 feet msl, nearly 5 feet below power pool. The fortunate angler learns to include a variety of baits to accommodate the changes in river depth downstream of Bull Shoals Dam. In recent days, we’ve seen substantial changes in the daily water level, varying from minimum flow (700 cfs) to over four units (12,000 cfs).
“Successful catches this week started with mid-action spinners (Vibrax Blue Foxes were a hit, silver with a blue blade or standard gold) and spoons (always start with the hammered red-gold Thomas Buoyant). If you prefer bait, the guides are first using redworms; second, shrimp with orange or sunrise egg patterns. The rainbows are healthy, good-sized, with lots of color, red cheeks and bright pink stripes.
“The browns are spawning, so you need to be creative in what you throw and how you throw it. Sculpins will still attract a brown trout but it might take more patience than usual. The rainbows have been receptive to the sculpins, too, so upsize your bait to attract the browns.
“Our White River in the Arkansas Ozarks is the best place for sharing time with family and friends. We’re hoping for a wonderful season for all our anglers and can’t wait to hear your Christmas fishing stories.” 

Calico Rock Area
(updated 12-4-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said that with the colder temperatures, the dams have been generating more electricity, resulting in more fluctuations in water levels. With the higher levels, drift-fishing with silver inline spinner with Uncommon Bait UV eggs tipped with shrimp worked well. During the lower water levels artificial baits such as quarter-ounce spoons worked well for rainbows.
“We are seeing good success for brown trout and smallmouth bass using Rapala Countdowns CD5 or CD7 in rainbow or brown trout colors.” 

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 12-4-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is 654 feet msl. Water temperature slowly dropping and is at 57 degrees, give or take a degree. The winter patterns are taking shape. Post-front days are always going to be tough regardless. Shad are starting to get grouped up, and the cooler temps are going to help. For the power fisherman, a SPRO Rock Crawler in red is working here and there on chunk rock and ledges, transition banks, chunk rock and bushes in the wind. We’re covering water with wind/clouds. Use a spinnerbait if there’s wind/clouds. If it’s flat and the sun comes out, get off the bank and try a minnow on secondaries with trees and brushpiles close to shad.
There are always fish to be caught on a jig, such as a Jewel half-ounce jig. Try a green pumpkin color with orange or PBJ variants. On the swings or long run-out points along the channel try pulling off ledges. Start at 20-25 feet early, then out to 35-40 feet. The shad are where its at. Graph time will pay off this time of year. A smaller 2.8 Tater Shad dead-sticked or shake a minnow if they are up active and a regular. Use a half-ounce Jewel Shad Spoon on the ones up high and a Scuba Spoon down deep. Jewel Live Spin, Rapala Ice Jig — they all are working day to day. The fish will prefer one over the other on a particular day. As temps cool they getting deeper. Each day is 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 12-4-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the passing cold weather has got water temperature down. The walleye are set up in their winter feeding patterns and will not change too much until they start migrating to their spawning areas. They are scattered in small schools on main lake and secondary channel swing points. Also, check creek channels that you locate shad balls in, as the walleye are following them as they move with the wind and water flow.

If the sun is high and wind is light, fish away from the boat’s shadow.

Try fishing in 8-35 feet of water by snap-jigging a jig and half of a crawler or drop-shotting a live crawler. Also using a ⅜-ounce to 1-ounce white or crome jigging spoon or a No. 7 Rapala Ice Jig style bait in the same colors. (The Jigging Rapala has been working well by vertical- fishing them in the 35-45 feet depths.)

A few fish are still being caught trolling early morning and late evening. When trolling try a 5-inch jerkbait like Rattling Rogue or 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 feet of water on main lake, secondary points and steeper sided channel swing banks where the wind as been blowing into is where the fish are holding.

(updated 12-4-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are definitely scattered but we’re finding some good ones on main lake brush and structure — definitely not everywhere, however. Also still catching some nice ones on brushpiles in the creeks. Recommend the 1/16-ounce with Small Fry baits in colors like Taterbaits, Purple Monkey and Big Ego; minnows are also doing well!
To you allm have a safe Blessed Holiday! 

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

(updated 12-4-2025) 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. 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 12-4-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake’s level is at 1,119.39 feet msl. Temperature is dropping and is in the mid-50s.

“We have had some pretty big ups and downs on temperatures lately. That has resulted in some good days on the lake and some tough bites on others.
“Stripers have been pretty good. Look from Monte Ne all the way up to Camp War Eagle. If you can get some shad, it is the bait of choice, and brood minnows are the second option. My tip for you striper fishermen is to try to really understand what your electronics are telling you. Make sure you understand at what depth the fish are feeding at and adjust your troll to hit those depths.
“Crappie are on brush and structure in 10-25 feet of water. Jigs are working, as are minnows. Move often to find feeding schools. If you encounter some brush with fish that will not hit, move 100 yards and find fish that will participate.
“Catfish can be caught in winter. Look for deep main river channels. Shad will work.
“Walleye are doing their yearly disappearance before their pre-spawn run. That starts in mid-January, depending on how cold it gets. 

“It will be cold as it always is. Dress warm; winter can be a great time to fish! 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 12-4-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says winter is starting to push fall aside and the Ozarks are beginning to settle into that early-season chill. “This is officially the time of year when the early bird doesn’t get the worm — it gets frostbite. With the temperatures we saw from Sunday through Monday, fishing trips are best planned a little later in the day. The Army Corps of Engineers has been running hydrogeneration in the early mornings, helping move leftover fall debris downstream and improving water clarity.
“Cooler air continues to move into the Ozarks, and this week will have a true early-winter feel. Today (as of this writing) brings sunshine with highs in the mid-30s, followed by flurries and freezing temperatures on Monday. Tuesday offers a noticeable warm-up into the low 40s, and Wednesday brings partial sunshine with highs climbing into the upper 40s — likely the most comfortable day of the week. Another cold push slides in Thursday with clouds and the chance of a light afternoon shower, dropping highs back into the upper 30s. Friday stays chilly and overcast in the low 40s before we rebound slightly into Saturday, when mostly sunny skies lift temperatures to around 50 degrees.

“Mornings on the Beaver tailwater are beginning to show improvement, as sunlight warms the surface layer. As always this time of year, midday through late afternoon remains the most productive window, especially during warmer midweek periods.

Light tackle continues to dominate. Pautzke Fire Bait, PowerBait and small spoons are all producing steady catches. For anglers working artificials, downsizing remains key. Small jerkbaits and Rooster Tails, fished slow with deliberate pauses, are drawing the most consistent attention. With colder water, those pauses are even more critical — trout won’t chase far.
“Here’s your weekly game plan for now: begin deep and slow on cold mornings and overcast days, move slightly shallower and increase your retrieve just a touch during warmer midweek windows, and use natural colors in low light or cloud cover, and add a bit of flash during sunny, warmer afternoons.

“A handful of walleye are showing up in the deeper bends. They’re responding well to small crankbaits and soft plastics worked close to the bottom. As water temperature continues dropping, expect the late-afternoon warmup to become the best window for connecting with them.
“Despite the winter chill settling in, the Beaver tailwater should fish well this week for anglers willing to adjust with the temperature swings. Slow and patient is the name of the game on cold days — and a little brightness and life in your presentation will pay off when the afternoons warm.
“For regular updates, check out my Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service).”

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 11-20-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that they’ve had mostly cold days earlier this week and not many people fishing with those conditions. On Thursday, only one person was on the lake while they provided a report.

But those who have tried fishing have done decently. Crappie have been “pretty good this week” on jigs in various colors, nothing special to attract the fish.

Bream have been “pretty consistent” and anglers are using just worms.

Black bass have been “about average.” Anglers are using some jigs along with spinnerbaits and soft plastic worms — “just a mix of baits, really.”

Lake Charles
(updated 12-4-2025) Shelly Jeffery reported from Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) that fishing was good on the warmer weekend of Nov. 22, perking up the bream, crappie and bass for nice catches. This coincided with the AGFC beginning to draw down Lake Charles to provide water for the Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA for waterfowl season.

Anglers were have good success with bream from the shoreline, using jigs and worms. Crappie were found shallow and were hitting jigs. Spinnerbaits were working nicely in shallow water to pull in some black bass.

There were no reports on catfish or white bass, however.

Planning ahead for December, anglers should plan on a holiday fishing trip to Lake Charles for the best “moon times,” forecast for Dec. 17-23, Shelly said.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 12-4-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park reports that Lake Poinsett has been very steady despite the shift to colder temperatures. Anglers out on boats are having luck with minnows catching bass. It was also reported that some were getting catfish with minnows, too! Crappie and bream reports have not been quite as abundant though. Shoreline fishing has been a little slower as the fish retreat to deeper waters, but not totally absent.
As a reminder, Lake Poinsett State Park has a bait shop at the park’s visitor information center and sells minnows, redworms, nightcrawlers and other various artificial baits and tackle. The hours for the park’s Visitor Information Center for December through February are: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Spring River
(updated 11-20-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) noted on Wednesday on his blog that the rain was coming. The morning fishing had started off hot with olive Woolly Buggers and Guppies. The sun poked out and they moved to Y2Ks and had some fun.

In his most recent report, Mark stated that water levels were 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, videos 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 12-4-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reports water temperatures in mid-50s. Visibility is 6-8 inches. Black bass are biting well on shad-colored bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits and shallow-diving crankbaits on wind-blown points of sand flats and rocky banks. Small dark-colored jigs and soft plastics are effective in calmer weather, especially near wood and docks.
The cold weather arriving this week will likely push fish towards deeper banks and docks, but they should continue biting for a few more weeks before things get really slow until spring. 

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 12-4-2025) 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 12-4-2025) AGFC staff remind anglers 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 12-4-2025) 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 12-4-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Millwood Lake “is still HOT fo bass and crappie!” Bass continue following large schools of threadfin shad into the creek channels and to the backs of the creeks, even though many largemouth and spotted bass can still be caught at the mouths of the creeks on primary and secondary points. We’ve had more happy campers bass and crappie fishing with us recently.

Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday is about 5 inches above NCP and on a slow rise; approx 259.65 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 5,105 cfs and tailwater is near 232 feet and stable. Surface temps over the past week continue fluctuating, ranging in 48 degrees early to 55 degrees later in the day along Little River, depending on location. That may change later this week with more rainfall. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain and low visibility; typical Millwood lighter stain is found in the oxbows.

For specific fishing details by species and the best baits to use, 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.

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

(updated 12-4-2025) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) said bass fishing has been good the last two weeks. “I’m sure this cold weather has changed the pattern up this week. Water temperature was in the mid-60s before the cold moved inm and now water temps are in the middle to upper 50s.”
Bass can be caught on green pumpkin jigs as well as Texas-rigged finesse worms on the edges of the moss in 8-15 feet of water. They also can be caught on crankbaits from 5 feet to about 15 feet. This time of the year, Alabama rigs can start being a factor as well, too. 

Crappie are in the brush piles at 15-25 feet and an be caught on jig and minnows. No report on hybrids.

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 12-4-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam has dropped to 50 degrees with slightly stained conditions in the tailrace. Lakes Hamilton and Catherine are in their 5-foot winter drawdown, and this year Lake Catherine has been lowered another 2 feet from Dec. 1-Jan. 31 to support the city of Hot Springs’ infrastructure projects. Boat launching will be very difficult during this period at the winter loading ramp due to the level of water in the tailrace. Of course, no water will be present anywhere near the two loading ramps adjacent to the public access fishing docks. 

To further complicate matters, the trout emergency situation facing Arkansas this year will severely limit trout stocking numbers all over the state. The latest information on trout stocking below Carpenter Dam goes as follows: Rainbow trout will be stocked in Lake Catherine the first week of December — 1,000 fish will be placed below the dam with another 1,000 trout scheduled for January, February, March and April. These numbers will be the same on Lake Hamilton below Blakely Dam. Trout stockings will be drastically lower compared to the usual annual schedule due to the flooding experienced in the state. Huge numbers of trout were lost in the net pens that cannot be replaced in time for this year’s stocking schedule to occur. 

Boating and fishing below Carpenter Dam will be greatly affected by these conditions for most of the fall and winter season. As additional information concerning trout numbers becomes available, this report will post all confirmed numbers that affect Lake Catherine and Lake Hamilton. 

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 will 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 11-20-2025) 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 11-20-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) reports that she was ill and had to close the store for the past three weeks, but she has reopened this week. She had no new reports. In her most recent report before closing, the bream were doing outstanding and crappie were biting well. Crickets and redworms are working 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.

As of last month, she had not been passed any reports on bass or catfish.

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 12-4-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are good. Spoon action is still working well, and a jig fished in and around brush will produce results, too. Crappie are still fair. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 20- to 30-foot range, or go with a No. 6 crappie minnow.

No reports on walleye, stripers, bream or catfish.

Water temperature has dropped into the 50s, ranging 55-58 degrees. Water clarity is stained. The lake level is steady at 570.47 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 12-4-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said crappie are biting right now! Minnows seem to be catching more than other baits. Catfish are biting behind rock dikes near any running water; blood bait is what they are after at this time.

Bass are biting — black on cloudy days and white on sunny days, reportedly in grassy or brushy areas.

 “Thank you to all our loyal customers for shopping at Webbs Sporting Goods!”

Cook’s Lake
(updated 12-4-2025) 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.