Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

December 18, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

A Cabot angler named Elijah (no last name provided) landed a nice brown trout this week while stripping streamers in the Little Red River with guide Mike Winkler. The Flatliner Fly was “the ticket,” Mike said, adding that it was one of the coldest days they’d experienced of late. Read more of Mike’s report from the Little Red River below.

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 12-18-2025) 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 12-18-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “I want to start off by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This will be my last fishing report for 2025. I truly hope everyone who reads this has a blessed New Year and finds plenty of time to get out on the water and go fishing.
“The generation schedule has been all over the board lately, thanks to the up-and-down weather we’ve had here in Arkansas. On the colder days, you’ll usually see Southwestern Power Administration running more water due to increased power demand. When temperatures warm up, demand drops and so do the releases from Greers Ferry Dam. This past week we’ve seen anywhere from 2-5 hours of generation, typically two units, with most releases starting around 7 a.m. With warmer weather in the forecast, my guess is we’ll see little to no generation on those warmer days. As always, keep an eye on the USACE Little Rock app before heading out.
“As for the fishing, the bite has been solid. With steady releases over the past few weeks, the river has been fishing well both wading and from the boat. If you’re wade-fishing in the mornings, start farther downstream and work your way back upstream as the water rises.
“The brown trout spawn is in full swing, so please be mindful of where you wade. Avoid stepping on cleared gravel redds (the spawning beds), and take extra care when handling spawning fish.
“The hot flies under an indicator are egg patterns (apricot and orange), midge patterns and soft hackles.

“Streamer fishing has also been very productive during generation. If you’re in the boat and pounding the banks, some top producers have been Double Deceivers, Flatliners and sculpin patterns.

“If you’re looking to get on the river or plan a trip for the new year, feel free to reach out.”

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 12-18-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said largemouth and spotted bass are biting well. You’ll find them biting in 10-15 feet of water on chunk rock banks. Anglers are catching them on half-ounce football jigs, SPRO Rock Crawler in a 50 or 55 size. They’re also catching them off the ends of points on rock piles by LiveScoping with jerkbaits or minnows.

Crappie are being caught in about 20 feet of water on the tops of brushpiles by throwing a 1.8-ounce white jighead. The crappie anglers also are throwing a threadfin shad-color plastic (like a Bobby Garland Baby Shad).

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 12-18-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said anglers had a great fishing week, especially over the weekend, as decent-sized crappie were caught both out on the lake from boats as well as anglers along the banks.

Boating anglers were catching crappie near the bottom, about 7 feet with the lake low right now. From the bank, crappie could be caught about 5 feet off the shoreline and in about 1-2 feet. Minnows were working best, but jigs also were working.

The water is clear. Bing says she can see the bottom of the lake from the dock. Water from Harris Brake Lake is used for the nearby WMA for waterfowl habitat.

She heard of the occasional bass being caught, but not many. One angler caught a bass at the dock.

“There are lots of shad around the bank right now,” she said. “You can see all the shad from the dock. Lots of birds are out because of the shad, too. Pelicans, seagulls, lots of birds.”

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

Lake Overcup
(updated 12-18-2025) 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 12-18-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) says the water is hovering around 48-50 degrees and the lake level is 7.13 feet below normal pool. The back launch ramp is open and accessible, but they highly recommend users have four-wheel drive to deal with the ramp.

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

Crappie are fair, though some anglers said they were having good results. 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 12-18-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the crappie are doing really well.

Water is normal, clear: good, clear green condition. Crappie are about 8-9 feet deep. Catch them on jigs and minnows. Bobby Garland jigs and tube jigs have been successful in primarily shad colors. The water is full of baitfish now, he said.

Bass are also fairly deep, catching them on deep-running crankbaits. Bream-colored cranks will work best — “chartreuses, oranges and things like that, bright colors,” Ray said.

Nothing reported 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 12-18-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said catfish (channels and blues) are biting mainly just off the dam side on the edge of the current using cut shad or nightcrawlers, and using a 5- or 6-ounce bank sinker.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 12-18-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said Peckerwood is closed to fishing until the end of waterfowl season while it serves as a waterfowl rest area for migrating birds. The lake will reopen for fishing Feb. 9.

White River Cotter Area
(updated 12-18-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Looks like we’ll be fishing in short sleeves on Christmas Day. After a cold snap, December continues to be very mild with Christmas just a little over a week away. Releases from Bull Shoals Dam are at minimum flow or less (700 cfs) with an occasional burst bringing the river level

to 9,000-12,000 cfs for an hour or two. The lake has been holding steady around 654 feet msl, more than 4 feet below power pool.

“Kids will be looking for Christmas vacation adventures, and there is none better than catching trout on the White River. Any orange-scented egg bait and shrimp are reliable baits to provide a lot of action and help them catch some rainbows. Come on over and tie on your favorite baits; catch some trout and rejoice in the season.
“Mild daytime temperatures for the next week mean a good time to pick up your rod and reel and get outside. When you see a rise in the water, reach for the wiggly worms. Wading opportunities abound during early morning hours here in Cotter, when we have seen very low water. The browns have given some attention to sculpins and minnows, even in the middle of their annual spawn.

“Rule of thumb: Gold spinners and spoons will work best when the sky is clear and sunny; change to silver-colored baits when fishing under overcast skies.
“The Trout Capital USA, Cotter, Arkansas, is lit up for Christmas like never before. Visit the park after sunset and see how the city has decorated Big Spring Park. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 12-18-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We have seen water levels vary from under 3 feet to over 6 feet. With the colder temperatures, we are seeing more demand for electricity, resulting in more generation from the dam at peak hours. Drift-fishing has been effective using inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipping the hook with shrimp. 

“We are also seeing a lot of success throwing artificial lures such as quarter-ounce spoons, 1/16-ounce jigs or lures such as Rapala Countdowns (CD5 or CD7) in rainbow trout or brown trout colors. We are seeing some nice brown trout and smallmouth bass being caught. 

“We did receive one stocking of over 800 rainbows from the AGFC’s Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery. Additionally, the Norfork National Fish Hatchery has been posting updates on their progress on returning to full operations. Updates include that they have hatched new rainbows, received over 300,000 brown trout eggs and received rainbow trout from other hatcheries.

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 12-18-2025) 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 is slowly dropping and is at 54 degrees, give or take. Bass fishing is good. The winter patterns are taking shape. Power fishermen: a Wiggle Wart and SPRO Rock Crawler patterns are happening. Steeper, 45-degree rock and ledges, transition banks, chunk rock ledges in the wind — covering water with wind/clouds. Use a spinnerbait if there’s big wind and 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. The Megabass Jerkbait is working around dying shad near the surface. There are always fish to be caught on a jig, like a Jewel ⅝-ounce jig out deep (30-35 feet). Try green pumpkin with orange or PB&J variants. On the swings, long runout points along the channel, try pulling off ledges. Start 15-25 feet early with a half-ounce or with low light and stained water. Offshore and looking at them has been the predominant pattern for me. The shad are where it’s at; graph time will pay off this time of year. Most of the shad seem down in 50-60 feet. A smaller 2.8 Tater Shad dead-sticked or shake a minnow if they are up active, and a half-ounce Jewel Shad Spoon on the ones up high, while a Scuba Spoon is best down deep. Jewel Live Spin, Rapala Ice Jig – all are working day to day; they will prefer one over the other. As the temps keep cooling, they’re 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 12-18-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said 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 where 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 the wind is light, fish away from the boat’s shadow.

Try fishing in 8-35 feet of water by drop-shotting live crawlers or minnows. Also 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 50-70 feet depths.)

A few fish are being caught trolling early morning and late evening. When trolling, try a 5-inch jerkbait like a Rattling Rogue or Rapala Husky Jerk. Trolling in 8-15 feet of water at 1.2 mph seems to be a good speed now to get a reaction bite. Fishing a 110+1-style jerkbait in 8-15 feet of water on main lake and secondary points and steeper sided channel swing banks where the wind has been blowing into – that’s where the fish are holding.

(updated 12-18-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says they’re catching crappie on the main lake as well as in the creeks on brushpiles. Crappie are being found on standing timber somewhat as well. Look for brush, 15-25 feet, and depending on the day, they may be sitting 10-20 feet and even up to 30 feet in some places on the main lake. A 1/16-ounce jig with Small Fry baits in a more natural color, like Tater Baits purple monkey and minnow, are working

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

(updated 12-18-2025) 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 12-18-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says winter is settling into the Ozarks, bringing cold mornings and pushing the most productive fishing windows later into the day. The upcoming week features classic temperature swings, with cold starts followed by a midweek warmup. Afternoon highs climb into the upper 50s and low 60s, offering a great window for winter fishing. Those warmer afternoons will offer the most consistent fishing opportunities.
Fishing continues to improve from late morning through the afternoon as sunlight warms the water. Light tackle remains the top producer, with Pautzke Fire Bait, PowerBait and small spoons performing well. Anglers using artificials should downsize and slow everything down — small jerkbaits and Rooster Tails fished with long pauses are drawing the most strikes.

“This should be your weekly game plan: 

• Fish deep and slow on cold mornings,
• Move slightly shallower during warmer afternoons,
• Use natural colors under clouds; add flash when the sun is out.
  “Winter rewards patience on the Beaver tailwater. Adjust to the conditions, fish methodically and you’ll find consistent opportunities even in the cold.

“For regular updates, check out my Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service).”

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 12-18-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports not hearing much this week, and after Dec. 23, boat dock will be closed until Jan. 14. Also, the city of Fayetteville is in the process of changing the operation of the boat dock, but no concrete plans are in place at this time.

Lake Charles
(updated 12-11-2025) Shelly Jeffery reported from Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) that the water level has taken a big drop, as has the temperature, but outside of bream, the fishing has still be good for the main species as of Dec. 7 (her most recent report).

The lake level that day was down about 10 feet (“best guesstimate,” she said). The AGFC uses water from Lake Charles to flood Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA during the waterfowl season.

The clarity remains the usual murky, while the water temperature was recorded at 47.8 degrees. Visitors to the lake reported good catches on crappie, black bass and flathead catfish, though they did not leave any info on what baits were used.

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

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 12-18-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said that last week they tried chasing walleye at the first of the week but didn’t have any luck. It was tough fishing with the low, clear water. Last Thursday, though, he was using a simple bead-head olive Woolly and “kicked butt. Two browns and plenty of ’bows. A good day.” He’s got photos on his blog to prove it.

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 12-18-2025) 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 12-18-2025) 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 12-18-2025) 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.

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 12-18-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Millwood Lake’s elevation Wednesday was about 4 inches above normal pool and stable, sitting at 259.5 feet msl. Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 2,300 cfs, and tailwater is near 227 feet and stable. Surface temps over the past week continue fluctuating, ranging from 45 degrees early to 48 degrees later in the day along Little River. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain and low visibility; typical Millwood lighter stain is found in the oxbows of Little River, with river clarity ranging 8-10 inches visibility depending on location. Further up Little River from White Cliffs to Cossatot inflow at Wilton Landing remains more heavily stained, and with more current.

Mike says, “Be sure to drain your bilge and livewells and flush your boat trailer from carrying and redistributing invasive species to other bodies of water. Hopefully herbicides can be applied in the spring to combat these invasive species on Millwood Lake.”
He broke down this week’s fishing on Millwood by species:
* We’re not seeing as much random schooling largemouth bass over the past week with the cold fronts dropping lake surface temps, and we’re not seeing as much surface breaking as last week. The shad are beginning to migrate to backs of creeks, seeking warmer water temps, and one day the bass are following into the backs of the creeks, the next day migrating back to the primary and secondary points of the creeks extending into the oxbows and into the Little River. So when searching for the black bass and white bass, one day you will find them in front of the creeks, next day in the back of the creeks, or where you find the large schools of threadfin shad migrating to backs of creeks, and then back out to the primary and secondary points.

Brazalo Lures’ Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs have been taking good largemouth and spotted bass in creek channels for several weeks now, and continue working to get reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and creek channel flats and bends, near vegetation and lily pad stands, using curly tail grub trailer, with best colors over the past couple weeks being white, Spot Remover, Millwood Mayhem Bream and white/chartreuse, and using a split tail Bass Assassin 3-inch FFS Split Tail Shad trailer.
Chrome/blue Rat-L-Traps, smaller, ⅜-ounce chrome/blue Spinner Rat-L-Traps – i.e., the Tail Spinners – will work when the bass follow shad into the lily pads and 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, and connecting with random bass cruising through flats with stumps and lily pads in the same locations where the Rat-L-Trap Spin Traps are working. 

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 producing good success with a Tennessee Shad Fat Free Guppy or Fat Free Fry. We noted a few largemouths and white bass were following and herding shad in the creek channel near White Cliffs campground into Little River over the past several weeks.
* White bass continue chasing shad with the black bass in fairly large schools in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows. The best action over the past several weeks is mid-day. Take a kid fishing and you could have one of the best times all year. Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen catches of 15-20 randomly, at various times all day with Bomber Fat Free Guppy, Fat Free Fingerlings in Tennessee Shad and Citrus Shad patterns, 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 improving daily with the reduction in surface temperatures. Crappie have been better on jigs, alternating with minnows, but that changes daily. Bulk of the crappie are holding in the 12-18 feet deep on our brush piles.
* No update this week on catfish; however, chicken livers, gizzards and King’s Punch Bait set on trotlines along Little River from 10-15 feet depths were working well recently.

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.

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

(updated 12-18-2025) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) said that with water temps in the low to mid-50s, bass can be caught on Alabama rigs or shaky head minnow by looking at your LiveScope and look for balls of baitfish. Also, bass can be caught on lipless crankbaits and crankbaits running to 12 feet deep along the moss and close to ledges. Some have been caught on jigs in 15 feet. 

Crappie can be caught on minnows and jigs in 15-25 feet on brush and standing timber. 

“You want to catch a fish of a lifetime folks, this is the starting time of the year to catch one. Just two weeks ago there was a whopping 14.2-pound largemouth bass caught out here using a shaky head minnow by LiveScoping.”

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 12-18-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam has dropped to 46 degrees with the much colder temperatures of the last week. Clear conditions exist in the tailrace with no rainfall and limited generation scheduled each week. 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 lower 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; 1,200 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, including a major April flood that wrecked Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery at Mammoth Spring, and poor water quality in early fall at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. 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 lake conditions and trout numbers becomes available, this report will post all confirmed numbers that affect Lake Catherine and Lake Hamilton. 

Anyone attempting to navigate the Carpenter Dam tailrace is advised to use extreme caution in the low-water conditions. Flows from the dam will create the illusion of water deep enough to launch and navigate a boat in, but this water will quickly disappear when the generation stops and leave bare ground and make loading a boat impossible. 

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

(updated 12-18-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood reports that largemouth bass are being caught between 5-10 feet of water on flats, with anglers throwing red Rat-L-Traps or black-and-blue Chatterbait. They’re also catching them at the mouths of creeks or bridge pilings on a half-ounce football jig.

Crappie are biting an eighth-ounce chartreuse jighead with a chartreuse Crappie Magnet in 10-15 feet of water, mainly on brush. 

(updated 12-18-2025) 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.

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 12-18-2025) Sheila Ferrebee at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) reports that the word going around Nimrod is the crappie are ready and are waiting for all the anglers.

Check out Carter Cove’s Facebook page for more updates; Carter Cove’s email address is cartercovebaitnmore@gmail.com. 

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

(updated 12-18-2025) 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 another noticeable amount, ranging 48-52 degrees. Water clarity remains stained. The lake level is steady at 570.26 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 12-18-2025) John Koestler at Masterbaiters Bait and Tackle (501-209-6538), at 3200 N. Highway 7 outside Hot Springs Village, reports that “not having posted in probably a year, we’ve been busy. But, let me tell you about Lake Ouachita right now. Fishing is on fire — largemouth and spotted bass are hitting on swimbaits and jigs, and the dirty jig is doing really well. A lot of big fish are coming in right now, stripers for a lot of people spooning on stripers, as well as white bass, and some are catching largemouths and Kentucky bass (spots) in with them.
“Crappie have been really good, with some monster crappie. Some days, you’ll catch your limit. Some days, you only catch a few, but they’re in 40 feet, 35 feet, 20 feet down in the trees. Jigs and minnows have been working, but the colder this weather is, the fishing has been on fire.
“Don’t forget, we’re also a Minn Kota authorized service center. And, over this vacation, take the kids out fishing. Good luck to everybody and happy holidays.”

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 12-18-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said in its most recent report that crappie are biting. 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 Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

Cook’s Lake
(updated 12-18-2025) 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.