Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

May 7, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Tony Louvier joined guide Mark Crawford on the Spring River, where they caught smallmouth bass like this one. Crawford says in his fishing report this week (see “Northeast Arkansas”) that the low river conditions of the Spring are making it easier to target smallmouth, and sculpin patterns and streamers will attract them. But, he adds, the most recent 20-incher they’ve caught was on the ol’ beadhead olive Woolly. Crawford also encourages his anglers and other visitors to the Spring to practice catch-and-release with the smallmouth, as it takes a long time to grow one to such an impressive size.

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 5-7-2026) 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 5-7-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said largemouth bass are being caught mainly in 10-15 feet of water throwing any kind of green pumpkin or peanut butter and jelly style jig in a half-ounce size. Anglers are also catching them up shallow in about 3 feet of water in the early morning throwing a topwater walking bait in a shad pattern.

Smallmouth bass are being caught in the same 10-15 feet of water either on a Carolina-rigged Zoom Lizard or a Carolina-rigged Ultravibe Speed Craw. And all three species of black bass are being caught throwing any kind of Coike-style bait (“fuzzy baits” or “fuzzy dice”) over the tops of brush at multiple depths.

(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. 

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 5-7-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said crappie are still slow. Catfish and bream, however, are doing pretty well. Last weekend, the lake hosted a fishing tournament and several anglers caught catfish on trotlines. They were baiting with hot dogs, sausage, minnows and goldfish, as well as nightcrawlers. Total weight caught in the tournament was 86 pounds. Biggest catfish weighed in at 15-16 pounds.

Bream are being caught on crickets and redworms. Some were nice-sized. Fish for the bream across the lake from the resort.

Water level is still very low and there is lots of pollen, she reports.

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

Lake Maumelle
(updated 5-7-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the lake remains about 7.56 feet below normal pool. The new ramps are open; WestRock urges boat operators to trim their motors.
Water temperature is steady and 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) has seen an improved bite to good over the past two weeks, with anglers catching several. 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 slow. Anglers were catching them over the weekend, but with this weather change it slowed down the last few days. There have been reports of crappie hanging out along the creek channels in 15-20 feet. Use minnows or jigs. Bream also are biting in fair numbers, with reports of bream being caught in the past couple of weeks 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.

(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).

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 5-7-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the buzzbait is the buzzword on the river this week. Largemouth bass are eating the buzzbait “pretty good,” they say. Make sure you use a while-and-gold-colored buzzbait. Anglers are catching the bass mainly around grass — any grass they can find, such as grass clumps or grass mats.

Also, anglers are having success with a Bandit 200 Crankbait in solid black. And also consider a quarter-ounce white swim jog.

All of these baits are having their best success in about 2-4 feet of water on the main river jetties.

Bluegill are also being talked about these days with the river anglers. They are biting well on crickets and fished anywhere around small brush in about a foot of water.

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 5-7-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said the bite is on, and the anglers on the White River in the Arkansas Ozarks are catching trout on the first cast of the day, the last cast in the afternoon and on a whole lot of casts in between. The river level has been consistently low for the past week, so it’s been a great time to pull up to a favorite brown trout spot and throw out a minnow, sculpin or shad for the sure bite. The rainbow bite has been excellent, too, with many keeper-size rainbows being brought to the boat daily and larger rainbows becoming a lot more common.
Releases from Bull Shoals Dam have been at minimum flow all week with few higher releases. The lake at this writing is sitting at 655.93 feet msl where it has remained for a while now, give or take 1/10 of a foot. If boating, stay in the channel and cast toward the bank; you’ll most often pull in a rainbow in no time. Get their attention with fluorescent, bright baits and flashy silver spoons on these overcast days — black D2 jigs or Rooster Tails with dark bodies otherwise. 

“Plenty of sunshine requires plenty of sunscreen. Come prepared but make sure to keep the sunscreen away from your fishing gear and baits. Sunscreen not only repels harmful rays from above, but repels fish as well. Clean your hands of sunscreen before handling rods, reels and baits; no spraying in the boat. 

“Join us on the White River for some great fishing” 

Calico Rock Area
(updated 5-7-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “For the majority of the week, we have seen lower water levels in the morning and rising water starting late morning until early afternoon. During these low-water times we are seeing a lot of success with several different lures. The lure our guides used the most was the quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado Spoon in nickel/gold. Additionally, they use they CD5 Rapala Countdown in rainbow trout or brown trout colors, Dynamic J-Spec or HD lures in ghost brown or rainbow trout. Drift-fishing with sculpins resulted in some nice rainbows and brown trout. 

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 5-7-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level remains a constant 655 feet msl (4 or so feet below normal pool) and water temperature is also about what it’s been lately: 66 degrees. “Most of the fish are post-spawn, which means big changes. We have the groups of fish in the creeks moving back out to points or chasing shad out from the spawning pockets. The ‘power fishermen’ are still catching on the right day (wind/clouds/rain/stain) deep-cranking in 10- to 15-foot drains. Try spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits in the stained water. 

“The shad are not everywhere and moving, so you’re going to have to keep an eye out.

“Topwater has started in the early mornings, and I’m covering water with a Spook or popper-style lures. A small Tater Swimbait or Mayor 2.5 is working in natural shad-imitation colors. I’ve been using the Jewel Shad Spoon or traditional fluke if they are busting the surface, or try your favorite minnow to shake around the shad.
“If the conditions are like cold fronts, flat water, high-pressure bluebird and sunny, it will get tough. I will slow down, downsize and get way off the bank and bomb cast with lighter fluorocarbon line. Try a finesse Jewel Pee-Wee Jig in green pumpkin orange, or a Bass Whacker is working, and a green pumpkin shaky head Neko rig and a Ned rig are also working. Time to start checking post-spawn early summer areas, long points, ledges, brushpiles and bluff ends. While some bass will be moving in on the sunfish spawn, most seem to be heading out with the shad.
“The tube wobble heads are still in play but have slowed down. The post-spawn fish tend to be finicky, and some move deep to recover, especially if there is shad around. Graph time pays off as usual. The wolf-packing or grouping up has been going. 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 5-7-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the fishing this past week has been similar to last week: fair in the morning and a little better in the evening when the dam is moving water. Post-spawn fishing patterns are still in place as water surface temperature have not come up much this week. 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 18-20 feet of water and deeper in 25-35 feet of 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 will 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 hit or miss with passing cold fronts. 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 5-7-2026) 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 5-7-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake came up some more from last week. Lake level is at 1121.60 feet msl, which is normal pool level. Water temperature in the 60s.

Stripers are scattered throughout the lake. Some up to Camp War Eagle and others all the way past Rocky Branch. “The name of game, as usual, is trust in your electronics and move often. Shad continues to be the bait of choice as it always is here on Beaver.

“Crappie are in mixed stages of spawn. Some already did and are back out on brush in 10-15 feet of water. Some are spawning up shallow. Just like stripers, you need to be open to different areas and depths to put together a good mess.

“Bass, same as crappie, are in all stages of spawn: Some post, some on beds. Smallmouth and spots are mid-spawn and are best on the clearer end. 

“Water did come up and turn the south end muddy in the last few days.

“Catfish should be firing up for their spawn coming up. Same for bluegill and redear sunfish.

“It was fairly cool this week. Enjoy the weather and the lake! 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 5-7-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says the Beaver Lake tailwater is in a post-spawn phase. Walleye remain present throughout the system; however, their activity has shifted into recovery and dispersal. As a result, they are not a consistent target at this time and are best approached opportunistically around transitional structure and current breaks.

Trout fishing remains the primary focus and has been the most consistent producer this week. Water conditions are favorable for finesse presentations, and fish are responding best to subtle, natural drifts.

Pautzke Fire Bait fished on light terminal tackle has been the most effective presentation. Success has been most consistent when using minimal weight, small hooks and a natural drift through current seams and holding areas.
“My key observations: Trout are holding in softer, less aggressive current than typical for this period. Natural presentation and controlled drifts are critical to consistent hookups. Over-weighted rigs are reducing effectiveness and increasing short strikes. Anglers should prioritize precision over coverage. Fish are generally positioned off primary holding water and relating more tightly to secondary seams and slower-moving edges.
“Overall, the fishery is stable, with trout providing reliable action under the current conditions, while walleye remain transitional and less predictable.”

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

Lake Charles
(updated 5-7-2026) Shelly Jeffery at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said she heard good news from anglers looking to catch flathead catfish this past week. A few nice flatheads were boated using cut bait with lines. A 20.9-pound flathead was among those catches.

Bream remained good this past week. Redworms are your best bet. Other catfish were biting cut bait for anglers using lines and noodles. She had no reports on crappie or bass, however.

Water at Lake Charles remains low. Clarity is the usual murky.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 5-7-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said Lake Poinsett has been rather low lately due to lack of rain, but recently storms have brought some much-needed depth to the water. Anglers have been doing well with crappie and bass. Most anglers who spoke to park staff said that these fish were nearer to shore. One can only assume that this is due to the baitfish feeding on the nutrients pouring into the lake from the rain runoff and those predators coming in to feast, too. 

Minnows and minnow-colored jigs have still been the top baits for crappie. In a previous report, crappie were staying near brushpiles on the south end of the lake near the shore, and this still seems to hold true this last week as well. Bass have been hitting on minnows, too, but have been appearing in the deeper creek channels, again near shore. 

Bream and catfish have not shown up in many reports, but there was talk from some anglers about catfish at the north end of the lake amongst the American lotus.
Wagner adds, “Lake Poinsett State Park is open for bait sales daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We carry:

• Live bait: minnows, nightcrawlers, redworms, and crickets;
• Frozen bait: shad, shrimp, livers;
• Artificial bait and tackle.”

Spring River
(updated 5-7-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are running at 270 cfs (below the average of 350 cfs) and water clarity is clear. Rain showers have stirred up clarity on the Spring last week, but it’s still in need of rain to get river levels up. The river remains very low. Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery is stocking nice-sized rainbows “that have been a blast, but the pressure has been on the fish, too, with the nice weather and low-water conditions.”

Crawford says, “The best thing about the low, clear conditions has been the dry-fly and nymph action. Dry droppers can be a blast on those high-sun, clear days. Plenty of mayfly and caddis hatches most days. With low, clear conditions, a 5x leader may help; normally, we use 3x with the Spring River’s normal green tint.
“We are chasing smallmouth bass with the low river conditions, which has made them easier to target. Find a deeper hole with plenty of rocks, they are there, you just have to fish that river bottom. Sculpin patterns are my favorite, but on a good day they will chase streamers.
“I got to say that the last 20-incher we caught was on a plain ol’ beadhead olive Woolly. Fun fish to catch, but please practice catch-and-release. It takes a long time for a smallmouth bass to grow.
“When chasing smallmouth, we have caught a variety of other species: spotted bass, rock bass, drum and an occasional brown trout. 

“This is prime time for fishing the Spring River. The ‘canoe hatch’ is just around the corner. During the summer, the Spring River is very busy on Saturdays, but through the week is the perfect time to come up during the summer. Plenty of access areas in town to fish that are not float areas. 

“The water is low and clear, making for easy wading, but be safe out there with the very slick, solid rock river bottom. It can be tricky wading. Check out our campgrounds on the river for easier wading areas.”
Crawford’s website includes regular updates on his blog along with videos and photos. Check it out.

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 5-7-2026) 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 5-7-2026) 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 5-7-2026) 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 5-7-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday Millwood Lake elevation is about a half-foot above normal pool and on the rise, about 259.7 feet msl. Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 2,000 cfs and tailwater is near 228 feet msl and rising. Surface temps over the past week continued to fluctuate, ranging 72-77 degrees along Little River. Clarity along the river is heavy stain and low visibility with increased river current. Typical Millwood Little River clarity ranges from 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. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows continues to be fair this week and is approx 10-12 inches visibility. Mud Lake had higher sediment content this week with reduced visibility, ranging from 5-10 inches. 

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 had these specifics on the fishing this week:
* Not a lot of change over the past week for largemouth bass for the most part. Many are now post-spawn, and they appear to have the post-spawn blues with reduced activity levels, though better on cloudy days. Many of the bass we are seeing are moving off the flats and into deeper sections of creek channels. Bass act fair to a variety of topwater baits like the Brazalo WeeWhacker, Bushwhacker and skirted buzzbaits. With most of the largemouth 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 5-8 feet zones. Seven-inch Power Worms in Junebug and blue fleck or 10-inch worms in black, black grape or blue fleck are working. Bass continue searching deeper drops for forage and baitfish in creek channels and structure, and are moving in and out of new lily pad bloom stands and are easy to spook in clearwater flats. 

In the oxbows, and along dropping structure into the 9-10 feet depth, Bass Assassin Shads continue drawing good reactions, with Salt and Pepper Silver Phantom, Houdini and Chico’s Red Ear, in the 5-inch Shad sizes working best around vegetation. Texas-rig these on small, light wire Owner hooks; they continue drawing random reactions in heavy vegetation or on stumps and near cypress tree knees, in 6-8 feet depth.
Magnum Lizards (5-8 inch), Trick Worms, Dingers and Salty Rat Tails continue randomly working. Junebug/blue tail, Cotton Candy/chartreuse and blackberry are working colors now and will draw random reactions near stumps and cypress trees in the back of the oxbows where water clarity is much better away from Little River current. 

* 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. We are finding nice healthy 2- to 3-pound fish from the McGuire Lake entrance downriver to White Cliffs campground. Many of these migrating schools have big white bass from 2-3 pounds, and are moving up and down Little River again this week on primary and secondary points near deeper vertical drops from creek channel 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 continue working.
* Crappie have greatly improved on jigs over the past two-three weeks of increased water temperature in the 5-12-foot depths. Many crappie are also now post-spawn but continue biting well this week (some 2-2.5 pounds) 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 over the last week in the cypress trees from 4-6 feet depths. 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, in Black Cherry Firetail, Bonfire Glow, Chartreuse Diablo or Cotton Candy in planted brush.
* Catfish increased activity with more current in Little River. Several guys we spoke with at White Cliffs campground were doing really well using cut buffalo, cut shad and hot dogs on limblines, trotlines and yo-yos along the river from 12-18 feet depth in 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 5-7-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing this past week at both DeGray Lake and Lake Ouachita, and “it’s definitely been an up-and-down season weather-wise, and it has affected the crappie. I believe most got their spawn on in a very short period of time and are already moving into an early summer pattern. Some mid-depth brushpiles are holding ample numbers of crappie, but most are empty of fish except for bream. So, run and gun until you find them. Water temp is holding close to 70 degrees. Get your jig or minnow down to 12-16 feet deep. If you just want your line tugged, always have a casting rod with a silver or gold spoon ready for the schools of breaking white and spotted bass. Trolling crankbaits have also produced.”

(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 5-7-2026) 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 5-7-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 53 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. The water is in very good shape as far as lake level and clarity, considering statewide drought conditions. 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. Patience is key with trout stocking numbers greatly diminished this year. Catching a limit of trout should be considered a victory along with the fact an angler has acquired some fine table fair to complement the effort.

The crappie spawn has started later than normal on Lake Catherine, with some crappie being caught in the tailrace on jigs and minnows. Crappie tend to spook easily in the tailrace and the sound of outboard motors will scatter and ruin the bite. 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.

This also seems a good time to remind anglers: When severe weather is forecast in the area, the public needs to stay off the lake and seek shelter. Storms are more likely to strike around large areas of water, and the severity is usually worse than occurs on dry land. No fishing trip is worth being injured and personal property destroyed.

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 5-7-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that this is the fifth-straight week of similar weather conditions. The water color of the area lakes is ridiculously clear. Lake levels are holding and rising very slowly, which is also unusual for this time of year. “We’re on the backside of the full moon from this past weekend. The bream are spawning. There’s a huge topwater bite going on.”

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 5-7-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing this past week at both DeGray Lake and Lake Ouachita, and “it’s definitely been an up-and-down season weather-wise, and it has affected the crappie. I believe most got their spawn on in a very short period of time and are already moving into an early summer pattern. Some mid-depth brushpiles are holding ample numbers of crappie, but most are empty of fish except for bream. So, run and gun until you find them. Water temp is holding close to 70 degrees. Get your jig or minnow down to 12-16 feet deep. If you just want your line tugged, always have a casting rod with a silver or gold spoon ready for the schools of breaking white and spotted bass. Trolling crankbaits have also produced.”

(updated 5-7-2026) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are good. Try a topwater on main lake points near creek mouths, or a jighead Brush Hog or plastic worm.

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

Stripers are 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 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 ranges 68-72 degrees. Water clarity is stained. The lake level Wednesday was 574.47 feet msl, up another foot from last week. 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. 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 5-7-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said the water is still stable at the lake and a few catfish have been caught lately, but that’s about it for the fishing. The unpressured Cook’s Lake is waiting and willing for youthful anglers and the mobility-impaired anglers and a couple of helpers who can accompany them.
Cook’s Lake is 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.
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.
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.”

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