Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

March 5, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Carrie Collison, friend and “deckhand” for crappie guide Capt. Darryl Morris, enjoyed some good crappie fishing on Lake Ouachita recently, catching a variety of nice-sized black and white crappie, a few near 2 pounds and full of roe, Capt. Darryl told us. The crappie were caught about 5 feet deep in 10-15 feet of water. Capt. Darryl also said the fishing is similarly good these days on DeGray Lake and Lake Greeson. Read his reports 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 3-5-2026) 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 the 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.

NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has changed trout limits for the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam, effective Feb. 1, due to a significant loss of stocking population at two Arkansas hatcheries in 2025. Anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily, only one longer than 14 inches, in the Greers Ferry tailwater; all other trout caught must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

No reports.

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 2-19-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that the fishing for largemouth and spotted bass has been good. They’re being found on standing timber in 15-20 feet depth. Anglers are catching them throwing soft plastic minnow baits on a half-ounce jighead, or using deep-diving suspending jerkbaits. For smallmouth bass (mainly on the south end of Greers Ferry Lake), anglers have been catching them well on a half-ounce or three-quarter-ounce PB&J football jib in about 20-30 feet of water. Use a cinnamon purple Ultra Vibe Speed Crawl with that football jig.

Crappie are being caught mainly in 20-25 feet on brushtops throwing a half-ounce white or silver jighead with a Monkey Milk- or threadfin shad-pattern jig.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 3-5-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said the water is still very low. However, she notes, anglers are starting to catch a few largemouth bass on crankbaits. Try something in a lighter red color, like crawfish, for the crankbait.

Last Monday, an angler and son visited with their boat and caught six decent crappie, about 14-15 inches each, she said. They were using minnows. No other anglers have been catching crappie lately. “The water is way too low right now,” she said. “The bass also are mostly out in the lake, the ones being caught. It’s difficult fishing from the bank because of the water level. Mostly, they are kayaking or boat-fishing.
“You can see all the stumps right now. We need some rain this weekend. That would be good for crappie. The season is coming soon.”

She said nothing else is being reported as being caught now.

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

Lake Overcup
No reports.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 3-5-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the water temperature Wednesday midday was ranging 57-58 degrees. The lake remains 7.3 feet below normal pool. New boat ramps are open; they suggest trimming your motor, however.

The largemouth bass bite this past week has been good. Reports have them still in pre-spawn mode, and anglers are catching them in 2-6 feet depth. The spawn should be happening soon. Try using square bills, spinnerbaits and Chatterbait. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) also have been biting well and are mixed in with the largemouths in that 2-6 feet depth, with some also being caught at 12 feet. Spinnerbaits and jigs are your best bet for spots.

Some good black bass stringers were brought in Feb. 28 in the WestRock Landing Winter Series Fish-Off, with Matt Hedrick hauling in 22.16 pounds of black bass. Daniel and Larry Romine were right behind with 21.24 pounds, including a 5.77-pound Big Bass.
White bass have picked up with good reports of late. There have been some reports of anglers catching males west of the bridge last weekend. There are also reports of a few females east of the bridge on Wednesday morning. One angler reported catching two still out in the main lake off the shoreline. With the rainfall forecast for this weekend, this should help with their annual patterns. Try using Twister Tails, jigs, spoons or shad-imitating lures. Crappie have been slow. They are anywhere from 9-30 feet, so it’s been tough for anglers, but they are catching a few nice ones here and there.

No reports on bream or 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 3-5-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water clarity has cleared considerably in the last couple of weeks, and on Wednesday the surface water temperature was 58 degrees. Crappie have come up to about 4 feet depth, he said, and are biting well on jigs and minnows. Try a blue/white or a red/chartreuse jig.

Black bass have gotten up to the banks and anglers have been catching them on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Your best bet is a chartreuse color. Also, soft-plastic worms are working.

“Guys I know are catching catfish at night on minnows,” Ray added. These are both blue and channel cats.

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 2-19-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said there is good, safe flow on the river, with Thursday midday flow registering 40,000 cfs. Your best fishing, both for bass and crappie, will be in the backwaters with calmer conditions.

For black bass, focus around the grass and wood in about 1-4 feet of water by throwing a black and blue jig with a green pumpkin trailer. Also, you can use a white swim jig in those same areas.

In a little deeper backwater area, about 4-8 feet depth, you can rip a lipless crankbait through grass.
Crappie can be found around any wood or rock piles in the backwater. Your best bets are a black and chartreuse crappie jig or a hair jig.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 3-5-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said Anglers are back and catching some crappie and catfish, both in good numbers.

The lake is low but no stumps are showing. It’s about halfway to full and she’s hoping the rain in the forecast will fill the lake up.

They’re catching both species by yo-yoing and some anglers are jig fishing. Catfishers are using yo-yos, limblines and jigs baited with minnows. For the go-to crappie jig, make sure it’s a brown/chartreuse color, she said.

White River
NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has changed limits for the Bull Shoals Tailwater between the Bull Shoals Dam and the Norfork Access, effective Feb. 1: Now, anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily, no longer than 14 inches; all other trout caught must be released immediately. Below Norfork Access to Arkansas Highway 58 (at Guion), anglers may keep two trout of any species, only one may be longer than 14 inches. Brook trout must be at least 14 inches to keep; brown, cutthroat and tiger trout must be 23 inches long to keep.

Cotter Area
(updated 3-5-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said winter “is seemingly behind us already and we’re looking at warmer days and more sunshine — mostly. March can still throw a curve, so come prepared for all kinds of weather conditions.” Bull Shoals Lake is at 652.81 feet msl elevation, 6 feet below normal power pool. Generation over the past three days through Wednesday has been slow — mostly minimum flow (700 cfs) but rising to four units (12,000 cfs) or more at times.
“The trout bite will pick up when water releases settle to a steady amount. Keep your egg patterns handy, along with wriggling redworms. Drifting shrimp and PowerBait while letting the current move you downstream should stir some excitement in the rainbow community. Silver-and-blue hammered spoons are a springtime fave with the rainbows, too.
“While the rainbow bite has been good, the brown catch has been phenomenal. Most were enticed with a sculpin, but shad is always a great temptation for the browns.
“Spring break is upon us, and one of the best places for family connection and wholesome time together is on the White River making new memories. Come on over and experience trout catching at Cotter on the White River in the Arkansas Ozarks.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 3-5-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We are seeing consistently low water around 2.5 feet with an occasional spike as high as 5 feet. Due to the low flow, we aren’t seeing much success drift-fishing with spinners, eggs and shrimp. Quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold have been very effective for rainbow trout. We have seen many nice 15-inch-plus rainbows with great color. Dynamic J-Spec in ghost rainbow and brown trout, Dynamic HD in ghost brown, or Rapala Countdown CD7 in brown trout or rainbow trout colors have all worked well for browns and rainbows — and as an added bonus, we are seeing nice smallmouth and largemouth bass being caught.

“With the rains coming in, we could see some dingier water, but don’t expect to see any significant rise to the river.
“Wednesday morning, we received a stocking of 1,100 rainbows from the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery, with additional stockings scheduled for Chessmond Ferry and Reds Landing. Also on Wednesday, we received an additional stocking of rainbows from the Norfork National Fish Hatchery.”

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 3-5-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that, “Everyone is starting to catch fish!”
He says the lake level is 652 feet msl “for now. Looks like we have some rain in the forecast.” Water temperature is ranging 47-51 degrees, give or take a degree.

“Spring is happening, and a lot of folks are catching. Fish are moving up on the bank. Look at late-winter, early pre-spawn areas. Power fisherman are doing well cranking on windy, cloudy days before the fronts. A Wiggle Wart and SPRO Rock Crawler Red Craw are working, as well as variants like the Mo Craw.
Del added, “Stone cold in the dirty steeper 45-degree chunky, nasty rock and ledges and transition banks, try covering water — wind and clouds are ideal. Also, a spinnerbait should be tried, especially in stained water.”
The shad are now everywhere and spread out, so graphing will pay off. A swimbait or a Tater Shad fluke or your favorite minnow around the shad are working. A Megabass jerkbait is also working. If the conditions are clear water and post-front weather, flat and sunny, get off the bank and try a Jewel Jig in green pumpkin orange, as well as try a green pumpkin shaky head or a Ned rig around points in 15-25 feet depth.

“Remember: 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 3-5-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said walleye fishing patterns seemed to be moving more into the spawning stage this past week. Look for fish on and around known spawning sights.

Fish shallow in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 2-6 feet of water and deeper in 8-15 feet water if there is little or no cloud cover.

Jigs (⅛-ounce to ⅜-ounce) and minnows, or jigs and plastic, work well after the sun comes up. Jerkbaits such as the 110 and 110+1 or +2 style in black and silver or clown colors are also good at this time.
If trolling, try stick baits like Rattlin’ Rogues in purple/chartreuse or black/gold. Troll in 8-15 feet of water at slow speeds — 0.8 to 1.0 mph seems to work best this early in the season.

If you’re into night fishing, now is the time to start going. Two hours before light and up to two to three hours after dark seem to be the best times. Fishing slow is the key.

(updated 3-5-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says they are finding crappie in all sections of the creeks. Lots of small ones on brushpiles, but they’re finding some nice ones if you cover enough piles in 15-20 feet of water. Minnows have been working well, as well as Tater Baits jigs.

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

(updated 3-5-2026) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina. He offered this pointers this week for spring fishing on Norfork:

“Starting in late February we typically will see the winds switch to the south and a gradual warm up of air and water temperatures. The stripers will begin to move from the deep water following the shad. There will be multiple opportunities to catch stripers at that time. Both live bait and artificial baits will be very effective. The night bite will begin once the winds blow from the south. You will want to fish the northern and northeastern banks of the bays and main lake and main arm points. Some excellent spots are the points near Norfork Dam, Koso Bay and Point, the Hudson area, Frog Pond, Diamond Bay, Cranfield Island and the points north of the Cranfield area heading toward Red Bank Access.
“The best time to night fish is a half-hour before dark until about 10 p.m. The best bait historically is a 5-inch or 6-inch Rogues. The color of the Rogue varies, with black/gold, clown and blue/black combinations seeming to work the best, but experiment with the colors until you find the one that works best that night. Bone color has been hot the last few years. Make long casts parallel to the bank and reel very, very slowly. A lot of the bites will be right next to the boat, so always have a big net ready. Stripers, hybrids and walleye are all active during this time. Watch the water temperature. As it moves up toward 60 degrees, the bite will get stronger.
“During this time of year, live bait, shad and shiners are also very effective. The stripers will be roaming the shoreline looking for food. I use shad, but everything I do can be done using shiners. Most days I will run a large spread of lines. I begin with two inside planer boards, one near the shore and other out 20 to 30 yards. These board lines will have large gizzard shad in the 4- to 8-inch range. Out of the back of the boat I will have two lines with floats, shad on the hooks, with no weight at various depths from 10 to 30 feet from the floats. These lines will be set back from the boat between 30 to 60 yards. I then set out two free lines with a split shot weight on one line and nothing on the other. Both will have large shad on them and will be set 40-60 feet from the back of the boat. The last outside line will have one planer board with a large shad out 40 yards from the back of the boat. I will put out a wake bait: It is a large shad about 1 foot under the water right behind the engine. The wake bait is very effective for stripers roaming shallow water.
“As the water warms, the stripers will continue to move into the larger creeks to spawn. The magic water temperature number is 60 degrees. Your tactic to catch stripers should be to keep moving with the fish and continue to experiment with your techniques.”

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

(updated 3-5-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake remains at 1,112.65 feet msl. That is around 9 feet below normal. Water temperature is at or above 50 degrees in most areas of the lake.

Stripers have finally turned on as expected. Fish are scattered from Prairie Creek up to the U.S. Highway 412 bridge.

“As usual, my advice is to trust your electronics and look for bait. Stripers will make a run into river arms soon, and very soon if we can get some water moving. We need that rain that is coming next week.”

Crappie are on brush in 10-15 feet of water and they will hold there until the next push to move shallower that will come with warm rains and rising water levels. Bass are in the same mode, staging at points adjacent to spawning areas. Walleye in the lake are still spread out waiting like a jet on the tarmac. Water flow “will push them up into the river arms, but this is almost two months behind. White bass — same as the walleye; staged up and ready to move.

“On the topic of the river arms, especially the White: If you are going to try to launch at the Arkansas Highway 45 bridge, it is too low. Don’t waste your time until we get lake levels up to 1,116 feet msl or so.

“Rain: the dreaded hate it or need it. We need it, and I am sure it will come soon, then I can complain it’s too muddy! 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
NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has changed trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, effective Feb. 1, due to a significant loss of stocking population at two Arkansas hatcheries in 2025. Anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily, only one longer than 14 inches, in the Bull Shoals tailwater; all other trout caught must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 3-5-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says fishing hasn’t been easy lately. “That’s just the truth, but the anglers who are slowing down, staying disciplined and fishing clean are still putting together some solid bites.
“Trout have shifted into the deeper holes and are holding tight. If you’re drifting naturally through those pockets, Fire Bait, Fire Eggs and Fire Worms are still producing. Right now, presentation is everything. With reduced stocking over the past couple of months, fish are pressured and cautious.
“I spoke with a biologist from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission who confirmed stockings resumed at about 50 percent capacity in January, with plans to be back near 100 percent by late summer. Once that ramps up — combined with better flows — the trout bite should rebound quickly.
“Walleye are showing clear signs of pre-spawn staging. Most fish being caught are coming from 10-15 feet of water, especially along channel edges, deeper seams, and transition banks. Slow, controlled crankbait passes have been the most consistent pattern, particularly during low-light windows in the mornings and evenings. Jig bites have been inconsistent but should improve as water temperatures stabilize. Current temps are hovering around 50 degrees, fluctuating with Army Corps of Engineers generation schedules at Beaver Lake Dam.
“We are expecting a good amount of rain in the coming days, and that could be the trigger the walleye need to fully commit. A rise in water combined with current often flips the switch on staging fish. Hopefully, this rain will also help bring water levels up overall, improving access and repositioning fish into more predictable areas.
“In the Holiday Island area, we’re seeing schools of white bass pushing through. Throwing a Flicker Shad has been productive when those schools are active, especially when you can intersect them along breaks and points.
“Low water continues to be the biggest limiting factor. When the Corps isn’t releasing, access upstream past the U.S. Highway 62 bridge is extremely limited unless you’re running a very shallow draft setup. Boat positioning and timing have been everything. Electronics aren’t optional right now, they’re essential. These fish are not scattered; they’re tight and specific.
“Bottom line: Water changes everything. Rain or consistent generation will reposition fish, improve access and energize the bite across the board. Until then, slow down, fish with purpose and make every pass count.”

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

Lake Charles
(updated 3-5-2026) Shelly Jeffery at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) had no reports of any catches lately and that the lake is still low. “We now have nightcrawlers and redworms along with a good bait selection at the Visitor Center,” she added.

The lake is murky, and water temperature was 53 degrees on Feb. 21. Call the park for any updates.

Lake Poinsett
No reports

Spring River
(updated 2-5-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are running below 200 cfs (350 cfs is average), while water clarity is clear. “This must be a record for low water levels on the Spring River. Need rain badly for the area. Plenty of winter precip melting may increase flows, but doubtful with the dry conditions. So far the ground is soaking it up.
“Stocking has resumed on the Spring at winter accesses. The crazy low and clear conditions honestly have created the perfect conditions for dry fly and nymph fishing. On a bright sunny day, bug hatches of caddis and blue-winged olives mayflies can have the trout rising. A dry dropper rig can be a blast. Good luck not spooking the fish; camo is recommended.
“We’re catching a nice brown trout occasionally on those nasty overcast days, casting to the banks with fast strips back. It’s a lot of work, but totally worth it when it works. A bead-head olive Woolly will always be THE streamer.

“We’re catching largemouth and smallmouth bass at times. Watch the shore for busting baitfish and run a streamer through there! The low water can have the bass pushing the baitfish up near the shore. I still like below falls for the best smallmouth action. Fun stuff when the bite is on.
“Low water makes for easier wading in places, but be safe — the river bottom is still very slick. It is very easy to slip and get wet on the river. It’s been too cold lately to play around. Get to a warm place quickly and get dry.
“Just remember: It’s never too cold for trout or a big ol’ walleye.”

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.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 3-5-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said he had no reports of fishing on Cane Creek of late. Late in 2025, 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 3-5-2026) The AGFC approved new fishing regulations regarding the harvest of sport fish on Lake Monticello. Effective Feb. 1, anglers may keep 5 bass, but only one bass may be 16 inches or more in length. Anglers may harvest 12 crappie, but only 7 crappie may be longer than 12 inches. All other fish creel limits follow the state regulations on that species.

Lake Chicot
(updated 3-5-2026) 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 3-5-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday that Millwood Lake elevation is approx 5 inches above normal pool and falling. Millwood Lake Dam was releasing about 1,500 cfs and tailwater is near 226 feet and falling. The Army Corps of Engineers has replaced many missing river buoys along Little River from Yarborough Landing through the timbered section of the main lake to the dam.

Surface temperature over the past week fluctuated between 58-65 degrees. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain and low visibility; typical Millwood lighter stain is found in the oxbows. River clarity ranges 10-15 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire this week is over 24 inches visibility. Clarity and visibility can change dramatically on Millwood in just a few hours with high winds, gate discharge, rain or thunderstorms. Further up Little River from White Cliffs to Cossatot inflow at Wilton Landing remains more heavily stained, and with more current.

Siefert added these species details for the Millwood fishing this past week:

* What a difference warm sunny days can make to the largemouth bass activity levels. Surface temperatures on Millwood Lake have continued to improve over the past week well into the 60-degree range and have the bass responding. We are observing male bass roaming shallow in backs of flats outside creek channels, where spawning areas typically are found. A few beds are beginning to show up, and females have been observed cruising grass and vegetation lines in the warmer flats and creek channels. The increase of several degrees in these pockets along the main lake, bays and pockets along the golf course, all the way down the west end, are beginning to warm. New lily pads are now in bloom, and alligators have been noted coming out of hibernation in many locations; we observed some, 6 feet to 9 feet in length, sunning this week.

Brazalo Lures’ Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs and 501 tandem willow blade spinnerbaits, are still drawing good reactions from male black bass from 12-17 inches in backs of creek channels. They will continue getting reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and creek channel flats and bends, near vegetation and fresh lily pad blooms, using a curly tail grub trailer. Best colors over the past couple of weeks have been white, Spot Remover, Millwood Mayhem Bream and Firecraw. Try a Bass Assassin 3-inch FFS Split Tail Shad trailer on their Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs. Slow, stop and go, and herky-jerky rod tip movements will draw random reactions if you are in fairly clear to moderate stained water from 1-4 feet of depth.

Along ledges and dropping structure into the 12-15 feet depth range, heavy three-quarter and 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps in Red Shad, Toledo Gold or Millwood Magic will draw random reactions in the 8-12 feet deeper drops on a slow jigging retrieve, and ⅜-ounce chrome/blue Spinner Rat-L-Traps (i.e., the Tail Spinners) will get a reaction when the bass roam into dead lily pads flats off 4- to 8-foot depths on warmer, bright sun days. Those baits will finesse well through the lily pad stems around vegetation. Red Chrome Crawfish, Red Chrome or Natural Crawfish (46N), and 1-knocker Rat-L-Traps were also getting a few reactions from a few pre-spawn fish from 9-12 feet deep on vertical drops.

Bass Assassin Shads in Salt and Pepper Silver Phantom, Houdini, Panhandle Moon and Chico’s Red Ear, in the 5- to 7-inch shad sizes — Texas-rigged on small, light wire Owner hooks — will draw random reactions in heavy vegetation, or on stumps, and near cypress tree knees on warmer, sunny afternoons in 3-6 feet depth zone.
* White bass have begun moving up Little River, and were found on primary and secondary points near deeper vertical drops from creek channels dumps this week. With the increase in surface temps into the low 60s, the white bass were found moving up midday in Little River from White Cliffs to McGuire, and from Brown’s Slough to Cemetery Slough. Midday and mid-afternoon were best search periods on high sunny afternoons, and Bomber Fat Free Guppy’s, 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 were all working best.

Migration of the white bass up Little River for the annual spring spawn appears to be starting, and we are monitoring water temperatures from White Cliffs to Wilton Landing. A few anglers we spoke with between McGuire and Wilton Landing reported they found several nice-sized white bass schools between Wilton Landing and Patterson Shoals. Most definitely the white bass have begun moving from the McGuire Lake entrance to Cemetery Slough and further upriver this week.
* Crappie have greatly improved on jigs over the past week with increased water temperature in 5-12 feet depth. Crappie were biting well and even hitting our bass spinnerbaits in McGuire and Horseshoe oxbows, and we caught several huge crappie from 2-2.5 pounds each on spinnerbaits. They have also improved in planted brush near Saratoga Landing and the junction of Little River and Saline River in the main lake in front of the Millwood Dam over the past week. Lots of the crappie we are seeing are still holding in the 10-11 feet deep zones on our brushpiles, but we are beginning to see them move over the last week into the cypress trees in 4-6 feet depths.
* Catfish are biting well this week on trotlines in Little River current upriver, set between the second entrance to Horseshoe Lake and White Cliffs campground. Catfish guys had fairly good luck with channel cats and a few mudcats, using chicken gizzards, livers, hearts and cut buffalo set on trotlines in Little River from 10-12 feet deep in river current.

For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

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

(updated 3-5-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reports that he’s been regularly fishing DeGray Lake, along with lakes Ouachita and Greeson the past couple of weeks. Water temperature is perfect. Black crappie are already spawning, while white crappie are still moving up onto staging brushpiles. Tightlining over the staging tops and casting jigs both have been productive.

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.

Lake Greeson Tailwater
For the most updated Narrows Dam generation schedule from SWEPCO, click here.

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

(updated 3-5-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says he’s been doing his fishing among three major southwest Arkansas lakes: Greeson, DeGray and Ouachita. He reports that water temperature “is perfect.”

He says that black crappie are already spawning, while white crappie are still moving up onto staging brushpiles. Tightlining over the staging tops and casting jigs both have been productive.

White Oak Lake Area
(updated 3-5-2026) AGFC Fisheries Division biologists note the three largemouth bass that have been caught in the past month that qualified for the Arkansas Legacy Lunker program. All three were transferred to the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke. Since being renovated and reopened in 2013, Lower White Oak has been turning out a number of double-digit and near-double-digit bass, and the Legacy Lunker program is putting a new spotlight on that success.

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

(updated 3-5-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that the spring refill of both lakes Hamilton and Catherine are now underway. Each lake will be refilled 6 inches per day until March 15, which has been designated as the refill completion date for both lakes after the 5-foot winter drawdown, which ended March 1. Water temperature below the dam has risen to 50 degrees with slightly stained conditions due to the rising water. Enough water has been added to the tailrace to safely use the winter loading ramp, and the ramps adjacent to the fishing docks will be available for use in the next week or so.

Rainbow trout fishing has been terrible on Lake Catherine with the constant raising of the lake, as rising water is the death sentence for catching trout near the dam. Experienced guides always advise fishermen to target other species of fish in the tailrace in times of rising lake waters due to this hard fact. Until Lake Catherine is brought back to normal summertime pool, rainbow trout fishing will be extremely difficult.

However, the walleye spawn is in full gear in the tailrace as male walleye have prepared the beds for the larger females since mid-February. These fish are spawning from the bridge to the dam on both banks and can be found by trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate shad or crawfish. Walleye in the 3- to 5-pound range have been caught using this method this past week as the rising water doesn’t affect the bite. Tipping a jighead with a live minnow has proven to be effective in the deeper water around the bridge. These fish will be in the tailrace all the way through the month of May and can provide anglers exciting action in addition to some fine table fare.

Late March marks the beginning of the crappie migration to the dam for their yearly spawn. Jigs and live minnows will be the ticket to success in catching numbers of these fish as they congregate around sandbars and rock structure. Hopefully, the crappie and white bass spawn will give anglers an opportunity to catch fish and somewhat make up for the huge void created by the lack of quality numbers of trout stocked in the lake.

Catfish will migrate into the tailrace in early June to spawn, and these fish will greatly add to the chances of fishing success on Lake Catherine.

As always, folks visiting the Carpenter Dam park must obey all rules and regulations and cooperate with law enforcement officials when asked.

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

Lake Hamilton
(updated 3-5-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted earlier this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that the Phoenix Bass Fishing League tour was at Lake Hamilton last Saturday, and local angler Matt Baker tied for first in the event with an 18.3-pound bag of bass. Nicholas Brown’s 5-bass stringer of 18.3 pounds caught Baker, though Baker officially won more prize money after contingency awards. Keith Green caught 18.1 pounds for third, but even better, he caught an 8-pound, 12-ounce Big Bass, fishing with a half-ounce swimbait around boat docks. Tenth place had 15.9 pounds.

Baker found his fish on the lower end of Hamilton, according to BFL reports, while Brown was fishing mid-lake. Both anglers reportedly found success in shallow water. Baker said he was fishing with a lipless crankbait and also had a Z-Man JackHammer Chatterbait on deck to throw for the low-light morning bite. He moved later to a War Eagle half-ounce jig targeting isolated wood that he said caught “better” fish, Kastner noted. He caught 25 fish he felt would be “keepers.”
Meanwhile, Brown said he targeted shallow, stained water that held any kind of structure and attacked with a lipless crankbait, bladed jig or swimming jigs. His best success started around 11:30 a.m. and finished up catching a couple near 3 p.m.

An Arkansas Legacy Lunker qualifier (topping 10 pounds) was recently caught on Hamilton by Todd Davis and donated to the AGFC.

Kastner said that Lake Hamilton is mostly clear. There are streaks of off-color water, but for the most part it is pretty clear and is refilling from its 5-foot winter drawdown. The heavy rain forecast to come in during the weekend “will change a lot of things real quick,” he said.

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.

No reports.

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

(updated 3-5-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reports that he’s been checking out Ouachita, DeGray and Greeson in recent days. Water temperature is perfect. Black crappie are already spawning, while white crappie are still moving up onto staging brushpiles. Tightlining over the staging tops and casting jigs both have been productive.

(updated 3-5-2026) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still good. Spoons and a jig fished in and around brush will produce results. Also break out an Alabama rig for all species. Stripers are good and are being caught on Bama rigs and live bait near major creek basins in the western part of the lake. Crappie are very good. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 30- to 50-foot range.

No reports on walleye, bream or catfish.

Water temperature is ranging 53-58 degrees. Water clarity is clear. The lake level at midweek was 571.93 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.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 3-5-2026) Cook’s Lake will be reopening for the season soon as the weather warms. Fishing is available to youths and to mobility-impaired anglers. Two anglers may accompany a mobility-impaired angler. Call 501-404-2321 for more information.

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