Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

May 14, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Thomas Smith landed this 23-inch brown trout out of the White River while fishing out of Cotter Trout Dock recently. He was guided by Dakota Weaver.

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 5-14-2026) 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: On Feb. 1, 2026, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam. Anglers may keep two trout daily; trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 5-14-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “The SWPA (Southwestern Power Administration) has been running a somewhat consistent generation schedule over the last week, and it has really helped improve the fishing on the Little Red River. We’ve been seeing water released in the late afternoons and early evenings with one unit running for 1-3 hours each day.
“That steady flow has made a big difference in the bite. With warmer daytime temperatures and increased power demand, it looks like we’re starting to settle into a more dependable generation pattern. Looking ahead to next week with temperatures expected in the mid-80s, there’s a good chance we could see even more water being released.
“Always check the USACE Little Rock App before heading out. If SWPA is projecting a few hours of generation, that’s usually a good sign to get on the water. The river almost always fishes better when there’s some flow moving through the system.
“The past few weeks were tough with very little water being released from the dam, and I mentioned in previous reports that fishing was slow on those no-generation days. It’s good to finally see some water moving again because the bite has definitely improved.
“Right now the entire river is open to wade fishing, and the best action has been up around JFK Park below the dam. Try fishing around the discharge pipes coming off the hatchery or wade closer to the dam near the visitor center.
“For those fishing from a boat, when they run water for 2-3 hours it’s hard to beat drift-fishing the falling-out water from the previous night’s generation. The bite has been noticeably better on days when they generate for more than an hour or two.

“Hot flies under an indicator have been:

• San Juan Worms
• Eggs
• Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles
• Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears
• Midges

“Focus on areas with moving water. Shoals and plunge pools are holding fish, and don’t overlook the deeper sections around the moss beds.

“The best bite has been early in the morning and again in the evenings. If fishing gets tough, especially on days without generation, try downsizing your flies and fishing lighter presentations.”

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 4-30-2026) 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 4-30-2026) 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 5-14-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) the lake is back to level full, and while bream, bass and catfish are doing OK to well for the anglers, the crappie have not responded like in years past. “I don’t know what other people are reporting but the crappie is slow here. Some folks said they are picking up a few, but they’re not catching them trolling and really are not catching them up in the brush unless its males.”The bream are doing “OK” on crickets and redworms. Use minnows or hot dogs for what has been good bite. Angler report a good bass catch going on, but you’ll have to guess right on the bait — they’re not sharing that info at the Landing.

White River
NOTE: On Feb. 1, 2026, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals dam. From the dam to the Norfork Access boat ramp, anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. From the Norfork Access boat ramp 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 14 inches or longer to keep; brown, cutthroat and tiger trout must be 24 inches or longer to keep.

Cotter Area
(updated 5-14-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Our mild May temperatures have added to the fun and perfected the dynamic trout fishing on the White River near Cotter; the quality and quantity of trout are keeping anglers of all ages satisfied.”
Bull Shoals Dam is holding steady at minimum flow most of the day, maintaining the river at a constant water level. Late afternoon releases increase the flow 5,000-9,000 cfs to supply rising power demand. Bull Shoals Lake is at 655.83 feet msl and continuing to drop slowly despite the recent rains.
“The water level is right for some jig fishing if you’re floating in a john boat: Olive and brown/orange jigs were the most productive, but the black D2 jig caught some attention, too. The shrimp/PowerBait combo is always a great fallback bait when others aren’t attracting attention. Add a little salt to your shrimp supply to better keep your bait on the hook between bites. 

“The brown trout bite has been exceptional for late spring, with catches in the double-digits some days. Sculpin and shad have been the ticket this week with several good ‘keeper’ browns reeled in.
“Have fun in the chase. Come to the river and catch a trout or two with us.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 5-14-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We continue to see low water levels. Fishing remains great with plenty of fish being caught.  Quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado nickel/gold spoons remain our go-to lure, but we also see a lot of people drift-fishing with eggs and shrimp. Additionally, CD5 Rapala Countdowns in rainbow trout or brown trout colors, Dynamic J-Spec or HD lures in ghost brown or rainbow trout continue to work well.  

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 5-14-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is still holding at 655 feet msl (4 or so feet below normal pool) and water temperature is up slightly to about 68 degrees. “Most of the fish are post-spawn. The ‘power fishermen’ are doing fine on the right day (wind/clouds/rain/stain) deep-cranking in 10- to 15-foot drains. Try spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits in the stained water. 

“There are signs of a shad spawn, so get up early. Topwater has started in the early mornings, and I’m covering water with a Spook or popper-style lures. Once that bite slows, try 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 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 look at deep ledges and brushpiles and bomb-cast with lighter fluorocarbon line. Try a finesse Jewel Pee-Wee Jig in green pumpkin orange, while a Bass Whacker, a green pumpkin shaky head Neko rig and a Ned rig are also working. They’re headed to summer areas, so looking at long points, ledges, brushpiles, bluff ends and deeper water close by. 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 have a tendency 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 5-14-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the fishing this past week has been fair to good. Summer fishing patterns are starting to set up. Some fish are still moving with the shad in the old river channel and creek channels, and more seem to be holding on flatter points with deep water on one side than they did last week. Look for fish 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 morings and on cloudy days in 22-25 feet of water and deeper in 35-45 feet of water if there is little or no cloud cover. Casting jigging spoons and jigging raps in the half-ounce size into 15 feet of water and working it back out into 35 feet has been working. Bottom Bouncing spinner rigs and crawlers around points close to the channel are producing a few fish and should get better soon.

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 1.7to 2.0 mph seems to work best.

The open-water trolling bite has been fair this week. 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 5-14-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are all mixed up sitting in brush in creeks in that 20-foot range, from what we’re seeing. Try a ⅛-ounce jig with Tater Baits’ Crown Royale as well as minnows.

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

No reports. 

Norfork Tailwater
Note: On Feb. 1, 2026, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for Norfork tailwater. Anglers in the Norfork tailwater may keep two rainbow trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately.

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

(updated 5-14-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level is near 1,122.0 feet msl, right at normal levels. Water temperature is in the upper 60s, and water is stained from Hickory south and cleats the farther north you go.

“Stripers are very scattered right now. They can be south and north to Rocky. As usual, trust in electronics and you will find them. Crappie and bass are wrapping up their spawns. There will a short lull in the bite, but that will flip soon. Look back out on structure in the 10- to 15-foot range. Catfish and bluegill are next up in spawning and should be getting good.
“Walleye will start to load on points in and around 25 feet depth and then its crawler harnesses that will produce.
“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 changed trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, effective Feb. 1, 2026, due to significant loss of stocking population at two Arkansas hatcheries in 2025. Anglers may keep two trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 5-14-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says the Beaver tailwater continues to fish well this week, but anglers need to understand the changing conditions. With very limited generation schedules lately, we are still seeing warmer-than-normal water temperature throughout the system. That warmer water has the trout more spread out instead of heavily stacked in the deeper runs and shoals.

Light terminal tackle paired with Pautzke Fire Bait continues to produce solid numbers of rainbow trout, especially during the early morning hours before the sun gets high. Natural drifts and lighter presentations are making a big difference in the clear, low-water conditions. Anglers slowing down and covering water carefully are finding the better bites.

Walleye are still being caught throughout the tailwater following the spawn, but the bite has become more pattern-oriented. Fish are sliding off some of the shallower spawning structure and relating more to transition areas, chunk rock and deeper current seams during low flow periods. Slow presentations are outperforming aggressive retrieves right now.

The biggest key this week has been patience and timing. Low, clear, warm conditions mean fish are feeding in shorter windows, but anglers putting in the time are still seeing quality catches of trout, walleye, bass and the occasional surprise species mixed in.

“If you’ve been thinking about getting on the water, now is still a great time before summer traffic and heavy recreational boat activity fully arrive in Northwest Arkansas.”

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

Lake Charles
(updated 5-14-2026) Shelly Jeffery at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said fishing for bream, crappie and catfish has been good this past week. Black bass may be biting, too, but she was left with no reports from the bass anglers if there were catches over the weekend.
Bream are starting to get aggressive, going after anglers’ worms and crickets when anglers fish around stumps and rocky points. Crappie are beginning on minnows and jigs — the best color is black/chartreuse. Cut bait has been the go-to lately for catfish. 

Shelly said the best fishing, based on “moon times” should be now through May 19, with “good” days falling May 28-31. Looking ahead to June, when Free Fishing Weekend for Arkansas arrives, the start of the “best” days coincides with that: June 11-17.

Expect to find the water low and the clarity murky when you arrive at Lake Charles; the area still needs a big rain. Surface temperature earlier this week was 66 degrees.

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 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 5-14-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said they have had a quiet week with just a few fishermen, but those anglers taking in Cane Creek Lake have been catching their limit on crappie and bream 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 5-14-2026) Southeast Arkansas AGFC biologists completed the lake’s annual nighttime electrofishing sample in late March. 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 Mozisekand 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.
Another 10-plus-pound bass was caught at Lake Monticello in April, after the Legacy Lunker program donation period.
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 4-23-2026) 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 5-14-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday that the lake was very near normal pool but rising, about 259.3 feet msl. Millwood Lake Dam was releasing about 1,100 cfs and tailwater was near 225 feet and stable. Surface temp is ranging 70 degrees early to 75 degrees later in the day along Little River, depending on location. Clarity along Little River is improving daily with reduced river current — typical Millwood Little River clarity ranging 8-12 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility in the Oxbows is greatly improved, and visibility in the oxbows ranges 10-20 inches in many locations. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows continues to be fair this week and is about 12-25 inches visibility. Mud Lake had reduced sediment content this week and improved visibility ranging from 10-18 inches.
Siefert offered these fishing specifics for this week:

* Typical summertime patterns are emerging for largemouth bass for the most part, and activity levels continue improving. Many bass we are seeing are roaming the flats overnight, and early morning hours are best. Creek bend sections of the creek channels are holding fish on stumps from 5-12 feet of depth. Bass react fair to a variety of topwater baits like the Brazalo WeeWhacker, Bushwhacker and skirted buzzbaits. Many of the largemouths, now post-spawn, continue roaming and pulling up onto the flats in lily pad stands at daybreak, chasing plastic frogs and Bass Assassin jerkbaits in vegetation. Later in the midday hours, they are pulling out to the next drop zone and structure, 10-20 out from the shallow flats of the oxbows. Seven- and 10-inch Power Worms in Junebug, blue fleck, black and black grape continue working in Little River and the oxbows. 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 clear-water flats. 
River bugs, Berkley Pit Bosses, Power Hawgs and Bunker Hawgs are working along Little River in grass. Brush Hogs or Baby Hogs are getting good reactions, and best colors with the increased stain in water lately have been pumpkinseed/chartreuse, black, blue-fleck and Grunge.
In the oxbows, and along dropping structure into the 9- to 10-foot depth range, 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. They work best Texas-rigged on small, light wire Owner hooks, and draw random reactions in heavy vegetation, or on stumps, and near cypress tree knees, in 6-8 feet depth.

* White bass continue 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 white bass from McGuire Lake entrance downriver to White Cliffs campground. Many of these migrating schools have big fish (from 2-3 pounds) and are continuing 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.

* Crappie have greatly improved over the past few weeks of increased water temperatures in the 5-12 foot depths on jigs. Crappie are between spawn and post-spawn in different locations, 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 in 10-12 feet depth near Cottonshed campground, Okay Landing and Saline inflow in the main lake, but we are still seeing them in the cypress trees in 4-6 feet. 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.
* Catfish: Increased activity recently with the current in Little River. Best trotline, limbline and yo-yo baits over the past couple weeks are chicken gizzards/hearts/livers, King’s Punch Bait, cut buffalo, cut shad and hot dogs. Set the bait along the river from 12-18 feet depth in current.
* Bream are beginning to show signs of prespawn and bedmaking activities near Millwood State Park and in a few backwater sloughs adjacent to Little River between Jack’s Isle and Mud Lake.

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 5-14-2026) 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 5-14-2026) 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 5-14-2026) 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 lake is in very good shape as far as water 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. Entergy has alerted the public on a cessation of all full-time generation procedures until further notice due to the continued drought conditions. 

Fishing redworms or nightcrawlers fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater has 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 them 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 fe feed ed 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 shoreline 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 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 get off the lake and seek shelter. Storms are more likely to strike around large areas of water, and the severity is usually worse than what 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 5-14-2026) 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 lure 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 central and western parts 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 is up to the 70- to 74-degree range. Water clarity is clearing. The lake level earlier this week was steady at 574.48 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(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.”

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 5-14-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said it’s slow fishing still at Cook’s Lake but they will be open for anglers Friday and Saturday during normal business hours “so it will be worth a try!” 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.