Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

April 30, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Jonah Edds, son of Cameron Edds, caught this nice 3-pound, 12-ounce bass on DeGray Lake earlier this month. Thanks to dad for sending us the photo. We’ve got a new update on the fishing at DeGray from professional angler Randy Plyler in this week’s report below. Plyler also moved out of his more familiar grounds and checked out how the bass fishing was going this week at Greers Ferry Lake as well.

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: https://www.weather.gov/lzk/wxcntl4.htm

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: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/state/Arkansas/

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 4-30-2026) 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. Read more here, or pick up the May issue of Arkansas Wildlife magazine next month (or read online) for an in-depth look at the new weir and dam construction. 

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. 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.

(updated 4-30-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Well, we finally got some much-needed rain this past week. It’s not enough to get Arkansas out of the drought we’re in, but it was definitely good to see. Most areas around Greers Ferry Lake picked up close to 2 inches and, honestly, we’ll take anything we can get this spring because it’s been pretty dry overall.
“That rain Wednesday night really did a number on the Little Red River. Normally, you’ve got that clear water below the dam at JFK Park, but right now it’s a different story. The runoff turned the whole river into chocolate milk from the dam all the way down.
“As far as generation goes, the Southwestern Power Administration is projecting about one hour of one-unit generation Wednesday and Thursday night. That should start helping things clear up around the dam. We’ll just have to see what happens heading into the weekend. With cooler temps coming in — highs around 70 and cooler mornings — it’ll be interesting to see if that affects power demand and if they decide to run a little more water.
“The bite has definitely been best when there’s some flow on the river. If you check the USACE Little Rock app and see they’re running water, that’s your cue to get out there. On days with no generation, fishing has been a lot tougher.
“When the water’s not moving, try downsizing your flies and focus on deeper sections. Look for any kind of moving water if you can find it — shoals and the plunge pools below them are always good spots to check. If you’re fishing deeper stretches, target areas around moss beds. With no flow, you’ll need to slow down and really work your water. Cast near the moss, let your fly get down, and if you don’t get a bite, move it over in about 6-foot increments. You’ll cover a lot of water on those days. The bite’s been subtle, too, so be ready — set the hook on anything that even looks like a strike.”
Hot flies under an indicator have been: Pheasant Tail, caddis patterns, midges, San Juan Worms and eggs.
“For this weekend, if you’re planning to wade fish, I’d stick around the dam — it should be clearing up and in decent shape. If you’re launching a boat and the dam area isn’t looking right, make a run down to Swinging Bridge or Lobo and check conditions there.
“Right now (as of Wednesday night, April 29), the whole river is still muddy, but if the SWPA runs some water Friday, there’s a good chance it’ll help flush things out and improve conditions heading into the weekend.
“Good luck out there, and hopefully we keep getting a little more rain to help things 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 4-30-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) reports that he’s been fishing both DeGray Lake where he usually hangs out (see report below under “Southwest Arkansas,” but has also been fishing Greers Ferry Lake lately. Greers bass can be caught on points and rocky banks with big boulders and standing timber on a shaky head with a finesse worm, as well as a Neko rig. If you have wind, try using a Chatterbait as well as a jighead swimbait in water from 3-15 feet. 

(updated 4-23-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said largemouth bass are being caught anywhere from a foot deep to 10 feet of water, that entire water column. Early in the morning, they suggest, start with a topwater bait like a white Zoom Horny Toad. You can also throw a bone Whopper Plopper. In the middle of the day, anglers are having best success throwing either a half-ounce shad-pattern spinnerbait, a white Chatterbait (also in half-ounce) or a half-ounce peanut butter and jelly football jig with a cinnamon purple trailer.

Smallmouth bass are being caught mainly on the south end. They have heard reports out of Cove Creek that anglers “are catching them pretty good.”

Try a Carolina rig with 6-inch cotton candy-colored lizards. Also try an Alabama rig with a 3.3 shad pattern Keitech and slow-roll that just above the bottom.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 4-23-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said crappie are still slow. The water level is still low and the surface is still covered in green pollen. Black bass are slow as well.

But bream and catfish are picking up. Anglers are catching bream on crickets and redworms where they can reach shallow water, or in the coves. Water is good around the big island to cast for bream, she said. One regular bass angler has shifted his target to bream to compensate for the slow bass action, she reports.

One of the catfish caught this week was about 4 pounds, she reports. Try dough bait.

For more updates, follow Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page. 

Lake Maumelle
(updated 4-23-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the water is still pretty low 6-8 feet low depending on location), so they’re catching black bass mainly off the main lake points out pretty deep in about 8-12 feet of water.

Peanut butter and jelly half-ounce jigs are a good way to go, using a cinnamon purple craw trailer. Also, anglers are catching them with a 3/16-ounce shaky head with a green pumpkin trick worm or finesse worm trailer.

Crappie are being caught mainly on the west end in the creek channel in about 10-15 feet of water. Try throwing a 1/16-ounce jighead with 2-inch Bobby Garland Baby Shad (which is threadfin color).

(updated 4-30-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the lake remains about 7.5 feet below normal pool. The new ramps are open; WestRock urges boat operators to trim their motors.
Water temperature is ranging 68-72 degrees.

The black bass bite is fair. Largemouths are still being caught in 2-8 feet of water on square bills, spinnerbaits, Senkos and Texas-rigged worms. The spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) saw an improved bite to good over the past weekend, with anglers catching several, but it slowed a bit during the week. Anglers are finding spots mixed in with those largemouth in the 2- to 8-foot depth, as well as others in 12-15 feet off rocky points. Jigs are working best.

Crappie are good. There are reports of crappie hanging out along the creek channels anywhere from 15-20 feet. Minnows and jigs are your best bets. Bream also are biting, with reports of bream being caught last week that were full of eggs. They should be found on brush anywhere from 6-15 feet. Use jigs or worms.

No reports on white bass or catfish catches this past week. White bass should favor Twister Tails, jigs, spoons and shad-imitating lures; while catfish will likely respond to live bream, 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 4-16-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said just about everything is going in terms of fishing right now. The water is normal and clear. He didn’t know the specific temp but figured with the way the fishing was going, it was just right.

Crappie are being caught in 2-3 feet of water. Minnows and mainly jigs are the way to go. Try red/chartreuse and Monkey Milk for jig color.

Black bass are definitely up around the bank and about the spawn, he said. They’re being caught on chartreuse crankbaits and chartreuse spinnerbaits.

Bream haven’t really started to bed yet, Ray said, but there have been a few bream caught. Crickets and worms are working. A few people are catching catfish. They’re being caught on hot dogs and liver. Some are also catching a few on shiners. Fish deep. 

One angler “had a pretty nice mess of white bass” that were caught running up the river. He was using shad-looking crankbaits, Ray said.

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 4-23-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said largemouth bass are “pretty shallow” in about 5-8 feet of water, or a midrange depth. Reports are they are catching them on mid-diving crankbaits in either a solid black color or a shad pattern. Anglers are also catching them on the bank right now, throwing a buzzbait, a frog or a Whopper Plopper-style bait. 

Bluegill are getting active. Anglers are starting to catch them in the backwaters in about a foot of water. Try crickets or redworms.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 4-23-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said anglers in the past few weeks have been catching some crappie and catfish, both in good numbers. The lake is low.

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: Anglers in the Bull Shoals tailwater from the dam to Norfork boat access 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 4-30-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said trout fishing has been spectacular this week with perfect spring weather to match — morning temps in the low 60s, some overcast but mostly clear skies, afternoons a little warmer, sometimes a brief shower. Bull Shoals Dam has been running minimum flow most of each day, then higher flows late afternoon and early evening. Steady daytime flows cause less stress to the trout than frequent changes to the generation amounts.

The Cotter catch has been high quality this week: 16- to 20-inch rainbows are not uncommon, and the keepers (under 14 inches) are healthy and fat. Trout fishing is best with smaller hooks (size 8 or 6) — use bronze hooks, not gold, and flatten the barbs for easy, painless releases. Seems you couldn’t go wrong with a Vibrax Blue Fox. Try the silver 3/16-ounce spinner with a rainbow blade. In addition, the word on the river is “Rooster Tails are catching!” Gold blades, black bodies.

Crawdad season is here; fresh crawdads are nice but sometimes hard to find, so pick up a Rebel Teeny Craw or two as a great way to outwit the trout. The browns have been biting shad and sculpins, especially when they have some color to them.
“Come enjoy an Ozark spring day and you’ll be hooked. See you on the river!”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 4-30-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Late last week we saw some amazing fishing with low and clear water. Quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado Nickel/Gold Spoons were very effective as well as Other lures such as the Rapala Countdown CD5 in rainbow or brown trout colors, Dynamic J-Spec in glimmer trout or brown trout, or Dynamic HD in ghost brown. Over the weekend we saw higher and dingier water. In the morning we fished downriver to stay ahead of the rising water and then in the afternoon we fished upriver to catch the cleaner water as the river dropped. During the higher water times, we saw success with drift-fishing with inline spinners, eggs (try different colors until you find what the trout prefer that day) and shrimp, worms or corn. 

“It was nice to get the rain over the last week. It has brought some cooler mornings and some comfortable afternoon temperatures.” 

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 4-30-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level remains at 655 feet msl and water temperature is 66 degrees, give or take. “The lake is still low. April has been good catching for everyone. Moss is starting to break up. Not all, but a lot of the fish are post-spawn. We will probably get the shad spawn going again, hopefully.”

Powerfishermen are still catching on the right day: wind/clouds/rain/stain with spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits. Look for runoff. The shad are moving so you have to keep an eye out. Topwater has started; try smaller Zara Spook-style baits or poppers. A small Tater Swimbait or Mayor is working in natural colors. “I’ve been using the Jewel Shad Spoon or traditional fluke if they are busting, or try your favorite minnow to shake around the shad.
“If the conditions are flat water and post-front flat bluebird and sunny, it will get tough, especially after all the stormfronts. I will slow down, downsize and get off the bank and bomb cast with lighter fluorocarbon line. Try a finesse Jewel Pee-Wee Jig in green pumpkin orange. Also, a Bass Whacker is working, as well as a green pumpkin shaky head and a Ned rig. Time to start checking points and pockets in 5-25 feet. 

“The tube guys’ wobble headers, hula grubbers, Senkos and Carolina riggers are slowing down. The post-spawn fish are moving back out and wolf-packing or grouping up. 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 4-30-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the fishing this past week has been fair in the morning and a little better in the evening when the dam is moving water. Post-spawn fishing patterns seem to be taking place as water surface temperature has come up. Fish are moving with the shad and seem only to be holding on points close to them.

Look for walleye on long points close to the channel swings. Main lake and secondary points have been producing a few fish during the day.

Fish shallow in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 15-20 feet of water and deeper in 25-35 feet water if there is little or no cloud cover. 

Casting jigging spoons (⅜- to ¾-ounce), or using jigs and plastic ringworms or Ned rigs work well after the sun comes up.

If trolling, try shad-style and small banana-style baits like No. 7 Flicker Shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnow in natural colors. Trolling in 25-35 feet of water at speeds of 1.5 to 1.7 mph seems to work best.

The open-water trolling bite has been getting better. Deep-diving crankbaits like Bandits, Rapala Tail Dancers size 11 and Reef Runners trolled over the flooded forest along the old river channel will get some nice fish. 

(updated 4-30-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie seem to be back on brush, still mixed up with a lot of short fish mixed in. Look for brush in 15-20 feet and throw a 1/16-ounce jig and a Small Fry Bait or minnows. 

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

(updated 4-23-2026) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina. He offered this pointers 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 4-30-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is on a steady rise. It’s close to 1,120 feet msl, and more rise is expected. Water temperature is in the mid-60s. Dirty from the rain on the south end and clearer toward Prairie Creek.
“Crappie are either spawning or have spawned, as I have seen both in the fish caught recently. Look up shallow on any structure. Also, some that did spawn were back out on brush in 10 to 12 feet.
“Bass are also in the same mode. Look in the backs of major arms. Shad spawn should kick in. Early mornings can create some fun times when it’s on.
“Stripers are moving all over from one end to almost to the dam — you must move and keep your eyes on your electronics. Shad as always are the bait of choice.
“Catfish are good with the muddy water coming in on the south end.
“Walleye are in 15 feet to 25 feet and are relating to brushpiles and any type of wood. Slip bobbers with crawlers over tops of brush and trolled crawler harnesses are catching fish.
“White bass were in large schools across from War Eagle Marina last week. Weather looks to settle this upcoming week, so get on out! Good luck!”

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 4-23-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says fishing conditions on the Beaver tailwater continue to shift as we move deeper into the post-spawn phase for walleye. 

Water temperature in the tailwater has climbed into the low 60s, which is unusually warm for this time of year. A big reason for that is both Army Corps of Engineers generators are down, which has stopped the normal cold-water generation from Beaver Dam. 

Without that cooler water being pulled through, tailwater temperatures have stayed elevated, and that is beginning to put added stress on the trout population.

For walleye, the post-spawn transition is fully underway. “We are consistently seeing post-spawn females sliding away from the shallow spawning areas and setting up on nearby breaks, chunk rock transitions and deeper staging zones as they recover and begin feeding again. Males are still hanging around shallow structure, but they are becoming more aggressive and spreading out as feeding activity picks up.

“This is the time of year when staying mobile matters most. Fish are no longer locked into tight spawning groups, and anglers who cover water will have the best success. Focus on chunk rock banks, sand transitions, secondary drops and subtle depth changes. Early mornings, evenings and other low-light windows are producing the strongest bites as these fish settle into predictable post-spawn feeding patterns.

“White bass are also starting to make a stronger push upriver with the warming water. More fish are showing up each week, and that bite should continue to improve as temperature stays stable. This gives anglers a great second option while targeting walleye throughout the system.

“Trout fishing is still producing, but the warm water conditions are definitely changing the pattern. With the higher-than-normal water temperature and no generation, trout are seeking the coolest water available and are holding better farther upstream, especially above the U.S. Highway 62 bridge. Light terminal tackle with Pautzke Fire Eggs, Fire Bait and natural presentations fished near the bottom continue to produce well. Do-Dah hair jigs in ⅛-ounce and quarter-ounce, especially in windy conditions, are also producing both trout and walleye.

“Recent rainfall has helped improve overall water levels, but we are still below normal pool. Low water conditions continue to make boat control and precise positioning critical, especially when targeting transition areas where fish are staging.
“Overall, the fishery is in a strong seasonal transition. Post-spawn walleye are feeding up, white bass are moving in, and trout remain catchable if anglers adjust to the warmer conditions. Once generation resumes and cooler water returns, trout fishing should improve even more.”

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

Lake Charles
(updated 4-30-2026) Shelly Jeffery at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said Lake Charles had a great week of fishing last week. With the temperature at 72.5 degrees in the morning, fish of all species were active, in spite of the low lake water. Bream were good on redworms and crickets. Crappie continue to bite well, with anglers having good results using black and chartreuse or Monkey Milk jigs, minnows and worms. Black bass reappeared on the catch list, with anglers noting good results using spinnerbaits and soft plastics. They were also fishing ultralight tackle. Catfish are good on cut bait; they’ve been biting nicely for a few weeks now. Clarity is the usual murky.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 4-23-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said most recently that Lake Poinsett needed rainfall and was at a fairly low water level. Still, anglers reported catching crappie in around 8 feet of water about an hour before sunset off of brushpiles found near the shorelines in the southern part of the lake. 

Bream fishing was making its presence known as well earlier this month, and many anglers have been spotted along the banks. Lake Poinsett State Park’s visitor center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every day and has a variety of live and artificial baits including minnows, crickets and worms.

Spring River
(updated 4-16-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are at 290 cfs (350 is average for the Spring River) and water clarity has been clear. “A bit of much-needed rainfall has fallen lately, but mostly we have had strong winds — making for a tough day on the water; just put the wind to your back for effortless casting.
“But seriously, the area is still in need of rain. Easy wading conditions, but not as easy to float a drift-boat currently. Rafts, canoes and kayaks are the ticket for floating the river, and with all the campgrounds open, getting ready for the summer canoe hatch, these are available for rental. A great time for wade fishing at the campgrounds. Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery has been stocking very nice-sized trout at all locations on a more regular schedule.
“Low and clear has its benefits, with dry flies and small nymphs working great in the clear conditions. On several days, midges, caddis emergers and dries have been the ticket with light tippet. Hoppers with droppers are always fun with nymphs, Y2Ks, or squiggly worms for droppers. Tie the dropper with lighter tippet to save hoppers.
“The nice fish have been caught on olive Woolies and pine squirrel sculpins this week. Work all the pockets and every seam, that big fish is there. For spin-fishers, a Trout Magnet set up in hot pink, white and Purple Haze can work well. A small split shot above the Trout Magnet is important to get down fast.
“Smallmouth bass are there down deep or working the strong seams below riffles. Sculpin, leech and baitfish patterns work. Work them slow — the slower the better. The Spring River bottom is a great place for a smallmouth bass to live and even better place to lose a fly. Clousers, Bug Woollies and sculpin patterns work great; just bring plenty. When working a stretch of water, a slow retrieve will entice smallmouth bass, and a fast retrieval will be the ticket for a big brown trout. Never know on the Spring what may be lurking in the waters.

“It’s not until the end of May that the canoe hatch begins on the river. All of the campgrounds are open, allowing for increased accesses to the river. The AGFC has a map on its website listing all stocking areas on the Spring River, under ‘Resources.’
“The river is very low, allowing for much easier wading with low water levels. Be careful out there, the solid limestone river bottom is very slick. Wading staffs are always handy. Rain is surely on the way. Keep an eye on the blog on our website (linked above) for changes in river conditions.”

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 4-16-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said anglers have been catching bream, crappie and catfish this past week and this week.
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 4-30-2026) Southeast Arkansas AGFC biologists on March 30 completed the lake’s annual nighttime electrofishing sample. While no lunkers were caught (the lake did produce one entry into the Arkansas Legacy Lunker program in February), the biologists say the lake is trending in the right direction with ample forage stocked after its renovation. A healthy number of smaller fish were sampled. Catch rates exceeded both the regional average and the 2025 numbers.
The survey produced bass in the 6-pound range, but AGFC Biologist Ryan Mozisek and crew continue to track and value reports from local anglers who have documented catches of 8 pounds and larger, including the 10-plus pounder donated to Legacy Lunker, throughout the spring.
The lake’s forage base is booming. Biologists observed a high abundance of threadfin shad, redear sunfish and bluegill. More forage is more fuel for growth for the sport fish like bass and crappie.
The AGFC approved new fishing regulations for 2026 regarding the harvest of sport fish on Lake Monticello. 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 4-30-2026) 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 4-30-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday that not much has changed since last week, but the National Professional Fishing League conducted a three-day, $100,000 tournament with the pros last Thursday through Saturday, and Ricky Morris won it with 48 pounds over the three days. The biggest bass top 3 weighed: 9 pounds even, 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and 6 pounds, 15 ounces; with several other 5- and 6-pounders.

“We could see a lake rise if we get the 4 inches of rain here late this week that the National Weather Service is calling for.

“Catfish should begin picking up by the weekend due to incoming fresh water and current. Stay tuned …”
Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday was about 6 inches above normal pool and rising, about 259.7 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam was releasing about 3,500 cfs and tailwater was near 229 feet and rising. Surface temps are ranging 70 degrees early to 78 later in the day along Little River. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain and low visibility with increased river current — typical Millwood/Little River clarity ranging 5-8 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility in the oxbows worsened with the storms this week, and visibility in the oxbows dropped to 8-10 inches in many locations.

Siefert broke down the individual species and the bite over recent weeks:
* Largemouth bass, for the most part, are post-spawn over the last week or so, and their activity levels are hit and miss, better on cloudy days. Many of the bass we are seeing have moved off the flats and into deeper sections of creek channels. With the increased surface and lake pool temps again this week, and on cloudy days, we are getting fair reactions on a variety of topwater baits like the Brazalo WeeWhacker, Bushwhacker and skirted buzzbaits. With most of the black bass now post-spawn and pulling out to the next drop zone and structure out from the shallow flats of the oxbows, soft plastics are beginning to draw reactions in the 6- to 10-foot zones. Seven-inch Power Worms in June bug and blue fleck, or 10-inch size in black, black grape or blue fleck are working. Bass continue searching deeper drops for forage and baitfish in creek channels and structure, and moving in and out of new lily pad bloom stands and are easy to spook in clear water flats.

Brazalo Lures’ Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs and 501 tandem willow blade spinnerbaits continue working well and get good reactions from black bass (including spotted bass) in creek channels, and will continue getting reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and deeper creek channel outer bends, near vegetation and fresh lily pad blooms. Some days a curly tail grub trailer works better than straight tail, with best colors over the past couple of weeks being white, Spot Remover and Millwood Mayhem Bream colors and using a split tail Bass Assassin 3-inch FFS Split Tail Shad trailer on their Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs. A slow, stop & go retrieve will draw random reactions if you are in fairly clear to moderate stained water, moving deeper from 4-9 feet of depth.
In the oxbows, and along dropping structure into 9-10 feet depth, heavy three-quarter ounce Rat-L-Traps and ⅝-ounce HammerTraps in Millwood Magic, Oyster and Guacamole will draw random reactions in the 8- to 12-foot deeper drops on a slow, jigging retrieve. When moving into the shallow lily pad stands, ⅜-ounce chrome/blue Spinner Rat-L-Traps (i.e., the Tail Spinners) will get a reaction in lily pad stems as the bass roam in and out of new blooming lily pads flats, from 6-8 feet depth, and will finesse well through the lily pad stems and vegetation without getting hung up as bad. One-knocker Mag Traps in Millwood Magic, chrome/Splatterback and Stumpknocker colors have also been getting a few reactions in 6-8 feet depth near vertical drops.

* White bass are still on the move as well all along Little River, and are also post-spawn in schools near creek dumps into the river, and we are finding nice healthy 2- to 3-pound whites from the McGuire Lake entrance downriver to White Cliffs campground. Many of these migrating schools have big white bass from 2-3 pounds, and remain moving up and down Little River again this week on primary and secondary points near deeper vertical drops into Little River from creek channels dumps. Bomber Fat Free Guppy, Fat Free Fingerlings in Tennessee Shad and Citrus Shad patterns, H&H Spinnerbaits, half-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Chuck’N Spins, Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3-inch white grub and Beetle Spins all continue working for the White Bass recently.
* Crappie have greatly improved over the past two to three weeks with increasing water temperatures in the 5- to 12-foot depths on jigs. Many Crappie are also now post-spawn, but continue biting well this week from 2-2.5 pounds each on Cotton Cordell Smoke Grubs with a chartreuse tail, as well as jigs and minnows. They also improved in planted brush from 10-12 feet of depth near Cottonshed campground, Okay Landing and Saline inflow in the main lake over the past week, but we are still seeing them in the cypress trees from 4-6 feet depth. Bonehead Tackle Stump Bugs in Slick Diablo, Blue Ice or Chartreuse Diablo are working on a 1/16-ounce Northland Tackle Tungsten Crappie King Jig and a 2-inch Bonehead Brush Glider on the same jig, with the colors Black Cherry Firetail, Bonfire Glow, Chartreuse Diablo or Cotton Candy all working in planted brush on forward-facing sonar.
* No report this week on catfish or bream.

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

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

(updated 4-23-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing this past week at both DeGray and Ouachita, and most of the crappie are entering a post-spawn stage, stacking up on the brushpiles “and hungry. We are doing great on both jigs and minnows fished 8-12 feet deep on brushpiles in 15-25 feet of water.”

(updated 4-30-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) reports that he’s been fishing both DeGray and also Greers Ferry Lake in north-central Arkansas. DeGray bass can be caught up shallow in the brush using a spinnerbait as well as a floating worm or a fluke-like bait. Some bass can be also caught on topwater as well as a Texas-rigged finesse worm in 1 feet to 15 feet. Most bass are in a post-spawn pattern.

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.

(updated 4-16-2026) AGFC Fisheries staff note that if bass production in tournaments is any indication of how good the bass fishing is, Dierks Lake should definitely be among an angler’s target destinations. Based on results from the 2025 Arkansas Tournament Information Program Report, this lake in Howard and Sevier counties in southwest Arkansas was the state’s top tournament fishing destination last year. Biologists use data on the numbers of anglers, fish caught, average weights of fish and numbers of fish weighing 5 pounds or greater to develop key indicators of fishing quality. Those indicators are compiled into rankings for each body of water to help keep tabs on trends in tournament angling and offer anglers a peek into where they may want to schedule their next event. 

While mainstays like Lake Dardanelle, Millwood Lake and Lake Ouachita continued to appear in the top rankings of the ATIPR, Dierks snuck into the report for the first time and did so in impressive fashion. During five tournaments at the lake in 2025, the average winning weight was 20.77 pounds. Anglers also brought 22 fish to the scales in excess of 5 pounds, despite the low number of overall tournaments and tournament anglers. 

“At 13,600 acres, Dierks is one of our smaller reservoirs, especially of those created by the [Army Corps of Engineers],” Eric Naas, Black Bass Biologist for the AGFC, said. “It’s tucked away in southwest Arkansas, so it’s sort of a hidden gem, but local anglers really enjoy fishing there. This is just the first time we had enough tournament results to include it in the rankings.”

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.

White Oak Lake Area
(updated 4-26-2026) Three largemouth bass were caught earlier this year, each topping 10 pounds, and that qualified them 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 4-30-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 52 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. The lake is in very good shape water-wise as far as lake level and clarity, considering statewide drought conditions. Recent storms have not adversely affected the area. Rainbow trout are being caught in Lake Catherine in decent numbers from the shoreline and boat. Overall size this year is the attraction, with fish from 15 to 18 inches taken on live presentations such as waxworms or mealworms along with live minnows presented under a bobber. Artificial presentations have been largely ignored, as trout are actively searching for food in current and slackwater conditions. 

Trout have migrated from downstream to the bridge, and all the way to the dam, to escape warming water and to locate adequate food sources. Redworms or nightcrawlers fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater have been a productive method of taking rainbows lately. Feeding cycles vary greatly, but late afternoon and evening periods have produced the most numbers of trout. 

The crappie spawn has started later than normal on Lake Catherine, with some crappie being caught in the tailrace on jigs and minnows. Action has been good with numbers of crappie present from the bridge to the dam. Spawning times are normally later around hydroelectric dams as opposed to the cycles occurring in an area not controlled by hydro-power. 

Walleye are still present in the Carpenter Dam tailrace, although the spawn is complete. These fish remain in the area to rest and feed in preparation for the migration downstream. Trolling small crankbaits that imitate shad or crawfish against the current will draw strikes from these fish, which look to feed primarily during periods of generation. 

Freshwater drum are present and spawning near the dam for their yearly run. These fish are strong and active and very capable of jerking rods off the bank or boat from unwary anglers taking in the scenery. Drum over 40 pounds have been caught in the tailrace feeding on shad and crawfish, so anglers need to be aware when leaving tackle unattended.
As always, be prepared when on the water by abiding by lake rules and regulations and pick up after yourself, as trash cans are very limited. Littering has become a problem in the park area, and violators will be ticketed by officers patrolling the scene.

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 4-16-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said recently on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that spring has sprung and the main channel on Lake Hamilton is 65 degrees and “it’s just unbelievable this time of year where you’ve got that main channel for those temperatures, which means the creeks are warmer, or colder in the morning obviously, it just depends on when you are fishing. The water color is ridiculously clear, very clear because of the lack of rain. We’re talking about ridiculous amounts of lack of rain for this time of year. The pollen needs to be talked about. If you’re trying to float a worm in the back of pockets, it’s hard to do with red oak noodles. They’re still on the trees right now. You can float a worm wherever you want and be good. But next week, it’s going to be a lot more difficult.

“So, float a worm right now. A Senko in the back of pockets is still the way to catch fish.”

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 4-30-2026) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still good. Try a topwater on main lake points near creek mouths, or a jighead Brush Hog or plastic worm.

Walleye are very good. Try at jerkbait or Rapala Shad Raps fished in the 8- to 15-foot range.

Stripers are still very good and are being caught on C-10 Redfins and on live bait near major creek basins in the western part of the lake.

Bream are still very good on crickets and worms.

Crappie are good. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 10- to 20-foot range.

For catfish, trotlines and jugs are producing some quality catches in the 15- to 30-foot range.

Water temperature is ranging 68-72 degrees. Water clarity is clear. The lake level Wednesday was 574.38 feet msl, up about a foot from last week. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 4-23-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing this past week at both DeGray and Ouachita, and most of the crappie are entering a post-spawn stage, stacking up on the brushpiles “and hungry. We are doing great on both jigs and minnows fished 8-12 feet deep on brushpiles in 15-25 feet of water.”

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. 2025, 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.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 4-30-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said there’s been nothing new to report on the fishing front for Cook’s Lake. He said the water is still stable and the fishing should be getting better.
Cook’s Lake will open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for youths under 16 and mobility-impaired anglers, who may bring two guest anglers to help.
Wil’s suggestions for fishing Cook’s Lake now: “I would focus on black bass or crappie in and around hollow stumps. For the bass, I would flip a soft plastic like a Beaver, a tube or a lizard in black and blue or black and red flake. For the crappie, I would use minnows or a black/chartreuse or purple/chartreuse plastic with a pink head.”
Cook’s Lake is a 2.5-mile-long oxbow off of the White River, nestled in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge near Casscoe in Arkansas County, with black bass, crappie, bream and catfish. This fertile oxbow receives very little fishing pressure due to it being used only for education purposes and youth and mobility-impaired fishing. Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility-impaired anglers who must possess the AGFC mobility-impaired access permit, and up to two guests (who may also fish), during the specified fishing season. Fish from the 140-foot mobility-impaired accessible dock or launch a boat. Fishing will be allowed only on Fridays and Saturdays through August, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., water level pending. Before launching, please check in at the Nature Center classroom and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, please call the center at 501-404-2321.

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