Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

July 23, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Warren Haggard found a good time on the Spring River recently with guide Mark Crawford, catching this smallmouth. Rain seemingly has avoided the Spring River lately, Crawford notes, and the water level well below average, but the water remains cold and fun to fish early before the heat of the day sets in. Hopper droppers with nymphs, Y2Ks or worm droppers have “been a blast,” he said, and pure dry-fly setup can work early or late, depending on caddis and mayfly hatches. There is good streamer action with the low water conditions, especially for smallmouth, rock bass or sun perch, he added.

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 7-23-2026) AGFC staff in Mayflower note that while Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond provides a nice fishing opportunity for area anglers. 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 check out what was written in the most recent issue of Arkansas Wildlife magazine (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 7-16-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said the weather forecast for the weekend is calling for several more days of hot summer weather, with temperatures in the upper 90s and heat-index values well into the 100s. Unfortunately, there’s very little chance of rain in the forecast.
“With the heat sticking around, I’d expect the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) to continue increasing generation as power demand rises. Right now, they’ve been running two units for about 4-6 hours each day, usually starting sometime between 3-6 p.m. Check the USACE Little Rock app before heading to the river to see the projected generation schedule and watch for any changes in flow.
“The best fishing has been early in the morning while temperatures are still cool and the river is dropping out from the previous night’s generation. It’s a great time to fish nymphs under an indicator, but don’t overlook the streamer bite. We’ve also been seeing some aggressive brown trout chasing big articulated streamers first thing in the morning. Then, when the water starts generating in the evenings, it’s another excellent opportunity to grab your streamer rod and work the banks looking for those hard strikes from browns holding tight to the bank.
“With the water levels changing each day, it’s important to adjust your tactics to match the conditions. Fortunately, the fishing on the Little Red has been good and continues to improve. The AGFC has been stocking not only the boat ramps, but also several of the secondary shoals, and it’s definitely showing in the catch rates.
“For wade anglers, JFK Park and Barnett Access have been the standout locations this week, as both have received heavy trout stockings.
“Hot flies under an indicator have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles. Hare’s Ears, midges and San Juan Worms.
“Stay cool, stay hydrated, and good luck on the river! If you’re looking to spend a day chasing Little Red trout, give me a call and let’s get on the water.”

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 7-2-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said in their most recent report that black bass (all three species) were active and biting around main lake points. Throw a watermelon Carolina rig with a Zoom Lizard. If there is runoff after a rain — and there will be runoff now, for sure — throw single swimbaits like a Keitech 3.8 or 4.3. Spoons are also working around cover, such as flooded timber or docks. And definitely consider using an “urchin-style” bait around main lake brushpiles, flooded timber or rocks. A Coike is a good choice there. 

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 7-23-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said that the report hasn’t changed in weeks. It remains “kind of slow. It’s too hot for people to get out fishing.” 

Crappie have been caught around the big island in the early morning. Minnows are being used. Some small or baby bream are being picked up on crickets and redworms to be used to try to catch catfish.

The lake is still very low. “We didn’t get much rain this year,” she said. Stumps are showing. Boats are still being launched with no problem, though.

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

Lake Overcup
NOTICE: AGFC employees and contractors will be conducting herbicide applications at Lake Overcup in Conway County this summer, preventing the use of the lake’s water for irrigation by lakeside landowners until Oct. 1.
Application of the EPA-approved aquatic herbicides should take roughly two weeks, and multiple applications will take place throughout the summer. The treatment causes no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life, but water drawn from the lake could kill gardens, flowerbeds and lawns if used on neighboring lands. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with water from Lake Overcup until October.
The use of aquatic herbicides is necessary to control the current problems with nonnative invasive aquatic plants that can infest Arkansas lakes, restricting access to boathouses, boat ramps and fishing locations. If left unchecked, many of these invasive plants can outcompete and replace native vegetation.
For more information, please contact the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at 833-338-3636

(updated 7-23-2026) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) said in his most recent report that water level is about normal and the clarity is good. Crappie were being caught in 8-10 feet of water, but mostly at night. Bass were slow, but anglers are catching some decent fish. Catfish were being caught on trotlines and jugs using bream and nightcrawlers. 

Lake Maumelle
(update 7-23-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said that as of this week, Lake Maumelle is approximately 8 feet below normal pool. The lake is accessible with extreme caution. Crappie are on brush in 15-18 feet of water, and they’re active in the early mornings before the heat of the day sets in. Casting micro jigs and minnows under slip corks are the two most effective techniques. The lake must be navigated with caution as there are many shallow areas and flooded timber in inconspicuous places.
Visit www.nsfguide.com or call 501-548-8990 to schedule your guided crappie trip today!

(updated 7-23-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the lake continues a slow fall, now at 8;35 feet below normal pool level. Boaters are urged to trim their motors with the new ramps in place. Surface water temperature has hit the 90s at times, ranging upper 80s to 91 degrees.

The fishing with all species ranges from slow to fair with the heat, including the bream falling back to fair this week. Largemouth bass are reportedly biting best in the mornings and late evenings, typical of July. Some are being caught on top and in 2-8 feet of water, with some others being caught in 15-20 feet. Try jighead worms, drop-shots, topwater baits and soft plastics. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) also are fair and being caught among largemouths as well as in 12-18 feet off rocky points. Jigs and drop-shots are best for spots.

Crappie have been fair and are reportedly stacked at 8, 10 and 12 feet depth chasing shad. Also, there are reports of crappie being found stacked on brush in 17-20 feet. Jigs, swimbaits and minnows are all working. 

Bream are fair. Some that are bedded on brush are being caught. You’ll find bream anywhere from 6-12 feet deep. Try crickets or worms.

White bass are slow. Crankbaits will be best for them. Catfish are fair. Some of the bass anglers reported catching catfish while they were targeting black bass recently. Use live bream, worms or liver.

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 7-23-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said that not a lot has changed there. The water is in good shape — clear and normal level — and “they’re still catching the fire out of the bass. But it’s an early and late deal.”

Best fishing for black bass will be in the first 2-3 hours of daylight and the last 2-3 hours. “By 10 o’clock (in the morning) you can hardly stay out there,” he said. “Those early and late hours and when they seem to hit the topwater the best.

The best topwater lure he’s been hearing about is a buzzbait. Also throw a white spinnerbait.

Crappie will still bite, but the bite has slowed down a bit. A few have been caught in about 8 feet of water. It’s mostly a minnow bite now. Ray says he’s not heard much on the bream.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
For the real-time water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam and David D. Terry Lock and Dam, as well as the Little Rock pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 6-25-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said in their most recent report that bass were starting to get more out on the main channel of the river. Shad-colored square bills have been the bait to use, with anglers having success fishing along the jetties perpendicular to the bank. When you get up in the grass, turn to weightless flukes, and use white or black buzzbaits around grass or wood.

Crappie were also active around wood. Your best bet there is a black and chartreuse jig.

The flow at Murray Dam through the Little Rock Pool continues to run fast. As of Thursday afternoon, the flow was over 100,000 cfs, and that calls for a small craft advisory until it gets back below 70,000. Anglers and boaters are urged to stay off the water during the higher flows.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 7-23-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said very little is going on at Peckerwood with the fishing. Anglers are still catching catfish, she said, and there are some bream being caught, though she says they are probably not very big now “but they’re still catching them.” The bass are OK. “We’ve had a few (anglers) trolling (for crappie) but I don’t think they’ve done any good.”

She says the water is dropping out so quickly now, as farmers are using the lake water for irrigation. “We had rain the other day but it’s not going to bring it up.”

She said stumps aren’t showing and you can still get a boat in, but she advises caution.

White River
NOTE: In February, 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 7-23-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “We’re finally getting those Arkansas summertime temps we’ve avoided so far — from blissful to blazing hot. The early morning hours on the river continue to be blessed with a little bit of chill that counteracts the afternoon heat. Bull Shoals Lake is at power pool now, so they are conserving the water in the lake: We are seeing minimum flows (700 cfs) during the morning, rising to over five units (15,000 cfs) in the afternoon with the lake level at 660.64 feet msl.
“The rainbow catch has been fabulous: They’re snapping up the shrimp and egg combo, and we’re continuing to see success with bubblegum pink worms and Berkley PowerBait mouse tails. Rooster Tails with silver blades and pink or white bodies are causing a stir, too. Good sizes among the catch, too, many measuring 16 inches or above. Artificial bait recommendations: spoons and spinners for this low water. Gold Cleos are a staple on the White River, and a gold or silver Blue Fox is a good choice. This is also a great time for jig fishing — olive or crawdad-olive/orange jigs are on order this week.

“Keep a variety of live bait on board for the browns. Sculpins, redfin minnows and crawdad tails deliver well. Baits should be kept close to the bottom and to the sides of the main channel, or a deep hole, for the browns.
“Thanks for sharing our love of the north Arkansas Ozarks in The Natural State. Drop in when you visit Cotter.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-23-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “This week we are seeing the river crest between 8-9 feet before dropping throughout the day to 5 feet. The water releases are based on electrical demand with more water released during the day and dropping overnight. Fishing remains consistent, with us seeing some better-than-average-sized rainbows being caught. 

“We continue to have success drift-fishing using silver inline spinners with a No. 2 hook with two Uncommon Bait Neo Pink UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. Rapala CD7 brown trout and Dynamic HD Trout in ghost brown continue to provide results with some 16-inch-plus rainbows and 20-inch-plus brown trout being caught.” 

Last Thursday the AGFC raft stocked from Norfork to Calico Rock. This week the raft stocked 4,000 rainbow trout from Calico Rock to below Sylamore Creek. In addition there was a stocking of over 1,400 rainbow trout at Red’s Landing. 

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 7-23-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that lake water temperature is about 87 degrees and the lake level is holding at 660 feet msl. “It’s been flat-out hot! The powerfishing is slow — you better have wind/clouds/rain/stain and fish a Plopper, spinnerbait or Chatterbait on shallow bushes on flats close to ledges. Better get up early and beat the heat. The topwater bite has slowed a bit. Try a Spook or poppers. Once the bite slows and the sun rises, try a small white regular Tater Shad over treetops. A Jewel Shad Spoon is working if the bass are busting the surface. Take your favorite minnow to look at them. I’m using an one-eighth ounce.

“If the conditions are post-frontal, flat water, high pressure, blue birds, hot and sunny just jump in.
“But if you decide to grind it out, it will get tough. Lots of guys are going out at night to beat the heat. I will slow down, downsize and get off the shoreline, look at deep ledges and brushpiles, and bomb casts with lighter fluorocarbon line. You can try a drop-shot with a Robo in suspended schools. Fish the Jewel five-eighths-ounce football jig in green pumpkin orange, PB&J or Bass Whacker off deep points. 

“Traditional bass anglers dragging big red worms are looking at long points and ledges. Use big red worms or craw baits in brushpiles and timber tops on bluffs and bluff ends. Look for shallow stuff with deeper water close by. There are fish from the surface down 50 feet as they move deep and suspend at 30-40 feet, especially if there is shad around. Graph time pays off as usual. There is a thermocline down around 32 feet. 

“The scuba divers are posting up on the points to spear-fish. Watch out for diver flags and be sure to give them their space. 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 7-23-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said fishing has not changed much again this past week. Summertime patterns are holding. Fishing has been good to excellent. Walleye are holding on flatter points with deep water on one side.

Look for fish on the tips of long points as well as the sides close to the sharper drop-off. Walleye seen next to brushpiles seem to be situated on the offshore side of the brushpiles where deep water is closer. Main lake and secondary points have been producing fish during the day.

Fish shallow in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 24-30 feet of water, and deeper in 35-45 feet of water if there is little or no wind or cloud cover. Casting jigging spoons in white or chrome color, and jigging Rapalas in the blue and chrome, half-ounce to three-quarter-ounce, into 20 feet of water and working it back out into 35 feet, has been working. Also, spooning around the offshore side of brushpiles in 30-35 feet is working well.

Bottom Bouncing orange, chartreuse or gold No. 3 Colorado deep cup blades, or brass or gold willow leaf bladed spinner rigs, and crawlers around the sides and tips of points close to channel swings all are producing a lot of short fish as well as some good 18- to 23-inch walleyes.

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 1.8 to 2.2 mph seems to work best.
There is a deep-water trolling bite but it is sporadic and fish are deep — 60-70 feet has been the target depth and 1.8 mph has been the target speed. Using deep-diving crankbaits like the No. 11 Rapala Tail Dancer, Reef Runner 800 series or Bandit Deep Divers are catching a few fish. 

(updated 7-23-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports that they are still finding most crappie scattered throughout the creeks on brushpiles in that 20-25 feet range. The quality is still mixed up in a lot of places and the bait is starting to sit on structure with the fish, which normally makes it get a little tougher in places as the summer goes on. Minnows have been best lately, with the jig being hit-and-miss depending on the day. 

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 7-23-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake has dropped another foot or so and water temperature is hot — upper 80s are throughout the lake. The water level is at 1,121.25 feet msl. That level is right at normal pool.

Striper continues to be in the very good category. Fish are basically from Point 5 down to the dam. Crappie are suspended, as that is what they do here on Beaver in the summer. Look at depths of 20 feet or so. “Best method for fishing crappie is trolling. I prefer to use Lucas Crankbaits, as they tend to get a few feet deeper than the typical Bandits.”
Walleye are being found at 25 feet to 30 feet deep. Crawler harnesses are the best and most reliable way in the summer to put fish in the boat. Catfish are good on juglines and trotlines. Bluegill are always ready to play — a very underutilised fish that makes some good eating.
“It is very hot so stay hydrated and start early. Stay safe and good luck!”

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 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 7-23-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “If you’re planning a trip to the Beaver tailwater, it’s important to know that conditions have changed significantly over the past months. The trout bite has dropped off dramatically due to the ongoing stocking issues stemming from the losses late last year at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. In my 14 years of guiding on the Beaver tailwater, I have never seen trout numbers this low. While we are still catching a few trout, the numbers simply are not where they need to be to consistently provide the type of trip our clients expect.
“Because of that, we are currently recommending that most anglers consider one of our multispecies trips instead of a dedicated trout trip — to keep numbers from declining more and to sustain and protect our fishery.
“The good news is that the Beaver tailwater continues to produce excellent opportunities for several other species. Walleye, crappie, spotted bass, largemouth bass and a variety of panfish have all been providing steady action and are making for fun, productive days on the water.
“The walleye bite has remained consistent, with most fish being caught by vertically jigging soft plastics in about 15 feet of water. Fish have been relating to current breaks, rocky transitions and deeper channel edges. Working your presentation slowly has been the key to triggering bites.
“Crappie fishing has also been solid. Anglers trolling Berkley Flicker Shads and Rapala Shad Raps have been catching good numbers of crappie along with plenty of aggressive spotted bass mixed in. The stretch between Houseman Access and Holiday Island has been producing the most consistent action, especially during the early morning hours before boat traffic increases.
“Water temperature has recently been about 48-56 degrees, making early morning trips your best opportunity for active fish. As the sun gets higher, many species are moving deeper or positioning tighter to structure, making electronics and precise presentations increasingly important.
“If you’re visiting the Beaver tailwater over the next few weeks, flexibility will be your biggest advantage. Rather than targeting trout exclusively, anglers willing to chase multiple species are enjoying much better success and far more action.

Visit Austin’s new website, www.buschmountainfishing.net, for more information.

Lake Charles
(updated 7-23-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said that one angler there had a great report on the fishing, but that no one else reported catching from the shoreline in the past week. The one angler who did, however, said the bream he saw from his boat were deep and the bite was fair. He reported that black bass were biting well on shiny minnows around brush. They would bite minnows on limblines. He also said that catfish were good in worms and minnows. Crappie have gone into hiding.

The lake water temperature earlier this week was 86.9 degrees. The lake is low.

The best fishing days according to the “moon times” this month are July 28-31. 

Lake Poinsett
(updated 7-16-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said, “Lake Poinsett has been receiving a lot of rain lately, but anglers are still out on the water! Bream have been biting well, from recent reports. Many bream have been 6 inches or bigger. These have been found slightly off shore, 20-30 feet.” 

The Lake Poinsett State Park Bait Shop has crickets and nightcrawlers again, with more minnows on the way. Wagner says minnows are scheduled to be stocked Friday, July 17. Redworms and other baits are also in stock.

Spring River
(updated 7-23-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are getting low at 280 cfs (350 cfs is average) and water clarity has been clear. “Plenty of rain around, just not here. The water remains cold in this heat. Fish early and take a break in the heat of the day. With the low, clear conditions, hopper droppers with nymph, Y2K or worm droppers have been a blast. A pure dry-fly setup can work early or late depending on hatches of caddis and mayflies. Sunny days are good for the bugs and trout, but tie-on Woolly Buggers for the smallies. Brown and black have been hot lately. On most days, work them slow and deep, but they do turn on and chase on those magical days.

“Good streamer water with the low conditions. You’ve got to work it to keep from hanging on the bottom. On those dreary overcast days, working a streamer off the banks can make crazy things happen. If it’s really hot, bounce the hopper dropper off the bank for a fun time with rock bass and sun perch on the dropper and a smallie hit on the hopper. Lots of action on that rig.

“The canoe hatch is on Saturdays, so it gets busy on the river; through the week and on Sundays are the days to fish on the Spring River; most days are very quiet. Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery is stocking really nice rainbows at the campgrounds and public accesses — a blast on the fly and not real picky most days. Great time to learn how to catch trout. Be safe wading out there; the rocks are always slick! A wading staff can really help!”

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 7-9-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said she can tell the fishing has picked up with crickets selling out at the visitor center, and red wigglers also being picked up in good numbers by customers. She’s told that anglers are catching a lot of panfish this past week. “Many people are asking for crickets and we sell out almost as fast as we can get them,” she said.
This, of course, coincides with the full moon and bream bedding again, leading to a good bream bite and the bass hanging around to get some of the bream too. Nightcrawlers and minnows are also being purchased in good numbers, she added.
On Tuesday, she said, customers were still wanting crickets and reporting that they were catching a lot of large bream.
Try a bream-colored bait to see if the bass will respond to it. Also, crappie might be starting to move around again.
Cane Creek is an enjoyable body of water to paddle, and fishing from a kayak can be a blast. Of course, now that it’s really hot, get out early and beat most of that mid-morning-to-late-in-the-day heat.
Late last year, the AGFC began treating certain areas of the lake for Cuban bulrush, an invasive aquatic vegetation, according to Ryan Mozisek of the AGFC’s Monticello district office. 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 7-23-2026) This one-time great trophy bass destination when it first opened in the 1990s appears headed back to that designation again, based on what anglers have been catching in the past few months since regulations were eased on bass and crappie. Two bass over 10 pounds were pulled out during the spring, one qualifying for the AGFC’s Legacy Lunker program before the March 31 cutoff. And AGFC biologists say the lake is trending in the right direction with ample forage stocked after its renovation. Catch rates in spring sampling 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.
The lake’s forage base is booming, according to Mozisek. The staff observed a high abundance of threadfin shad, redear sunfish and bluegill. They say that more forage is more fuel for growth for the sport fish like bass and crappie.
The AGFC approved 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 15 crappie, but only 7 crappie may be longer than 12 inches. All other fish creel limits follow state regulations for the species.

Lake Chicot
(updated 7-23-2026) 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 7-23-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said they’re still around but the guide service will be on summer vacation the rest of July and into August trying to beat this southwest Arkansas heat wave! “Our contacts and colleagues on Millwood are keeping us informed as to the tournaments, conditions, activity levels and action on the lake while we are away. A 10-POUND LARGEMOUTH BASS was caught during a bass tournament around July 4 by a local angler in this heat! Unreal. We are told the bass was released healthy back into Millwood after the weigh-in at Yarborough Landing.”

Siefert offered these specifics on the fishing:
* Largemouth bass remain active with best activity levels early morning and late afternoon. Many bass we are seeing are roaming the flats overnight, and early morning hours are best. Creek bend sections of the creek channels continue holding fish on stumps from 5-12 feet of depth. Reactions to a variety of topwater baits continue improving at daybreak, such as on Heddon Spit’N Images, Jumbo Pop R’s in Bone color, Brazalo WeeWhacker, Bushwhacker, Horny Toads, Shad Assassins and jerkbaits. Many black bass continue roaming and pulling up onto the flats in lily pad stands at daybreak, chasing plastic frogs and Bass Assassin jerkbaits in lily pad stands and emergent vegetation. 

Between daylight and 11 a.m., Bill Lewis Lures’ ATV Crankbait in Bluegill, Tennessee Shad and Pro Green Gizzard, and the MR-6 Crankbait in Millwood Magic, Silverado, Bluegill and Citrus Shad in off-colored water clarity, are drawing hits and reactions along in creek channel swings on stumps.

Later in the midday hours, they pull out to the next drop zone and structure, 10-20 feet out from the shallow flats of the oxbows. Power Worms in 7 and 10 inches in June bug, blue fleck, black and black grape continue working in Little River and in 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. 

Brazalo Custom 501 Jigs in PB&J, Blue Oyster and Gilly, with various craw bug trailers and swim bait tail-thumper trailer colors, are getting reactions on stumps, laydowns and standing cypress trees in the creek channels. 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 water stain have been pumpkinseed/chartreuse, black, blue-fleck and Grunge.

In the oxbows, and along dropping structure into the 9- to 10-foot range, Bass Assassin Shads continue drawing good reactions, and Chico’s Red Ear, pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail and Mama’s 14K in the 5-inch shad sizes continue working best around vegetation and lily pads. They’re best Texas-rigged on small light-wire Owner hooks and will draw random reactions in heavy vegetation, or on stumps, and near cypress tree knees in the 6-8 feet depth.

Brazalo Lures’ 501 tandem willow blade spinnerbaits continue working well and gaining good reactions for several weeks from black bass in creek channels. They should continue getting reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and deeper creek channel outer bends. Some days, using curly tail grub trailer works better than straight tail, with best colors over the past couple of weeks being white (around shad spawn areas), Arkansas River Shad, Spot Remover and Millwood Mayhem Bream in the creek channels. A slow, stop and go retrieve will draw random reactions if you are in fairly clear to moderate stained water, moving deeper in 4-9 feet of depth.
* White bass continue on the move as well all along Little River, and are roaming deeper washouts. Large schools have been located between Jack’s Isle and Mud Lake and react fairly well to jigging Cordell Hammered Spoons, with red or white bucktails, from 15-18 feet deep on structure and circle-back eddies.
* Crappie improved drastically over the past week or so with the reduction in current in Little River and the water clarity improving. Best action, we were told, was on minnows and jigs from 8-14 feet depth in brush and stake beds, planted bamboo limbs and cypress tops.
* Catfish improved again this week on trotlines and limblines set from 10-18 feet deep along outer bends of the river. The lines are taking decent blues and channel cats up to 8 pounds using frozen catalpa worms, King’s Punch Bait, cut shad or buffalo, and chicken hearts and gizzards.
* Millwood State Park continues reporting bream biting fairly well near Millwood State Park campground and off the dock up Little River at Jack’s Isle. Campers at Millwood State Park recently told us last week they were having good luck with crickets, bread and redworms off the bank for goggle eye and bluegills.

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

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

(updated 7-16-2026) John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service (870-942-6291 or yoyoguideservice@gmail.com) at Iron Mountain Marina says, “Anyone think summer is here? Wow. The water temperature on the surface is in the high 80s and I have seen 90 degrees also. The lake level is 405.64 feet msl with a slight fall.

“This is one of the hardest times to produce big catches of crappie, but it is possible. Right place, right time! So, here is the deal with crappie:

“Use the smallest bait you can. That goes for even live bait. If you are casting, you may have to go below one-sixteenth ounce. The smallest profile you can present.

“Next is speed. Present your offering slowly. These fish are lethargic with hot water. Your speed may actually be dead still. This applies to all offerings.

“Now, where? The fish that I am finding in brushpiles are the ones just above the thermocline. If you are brushpile fishing, you need to be as deep but above the thermocline. Catching some 20-plus depths. Fish appear to be populating brushpiles from Caddo Bend to Point Cedar. 

“There is also the option of fishing for the roamers. They seem to be showing up. Whether you do this with a single pole or casting, remember size and speed, watch for the fish for a reaction to your offering, and change as needed. 

“It’s hot out there! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Watch out for others. Go get ’em.”

De Queen Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from De Queen Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Dierks Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Dierks Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

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

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

White Oak Lake Area

No reports.

Lake Atkins
(updated 7-23-2025) Lucky Landing as a bait shop and restaurant is not open, but the AGFC’s access to Lake Atkins and fishing pier remain open to all anglers, according to the AGFC’s Frank Leone, supervisor of the Russellville district.

Frank’s advice to anglers fishing Lake Atkins in early summer depends on their species of choice. “For bluegill anglers, I would advise them to use crickets and move around until they find a school/bed where they can catch multiple fish. For bass anglers, I’d advise throwing a topwater bait (frog, popper, buzzbait) early in the day and transitioning to flipping soft plastics around the cypress trees as the sun gets higher. Crappie anglers can likely find fish suspended in the dead timber and will catch them on jigs and or minnows.”

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

(updated 7-23-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 66 degrees with slightly stained conditions in the tailrace. Summertime heat has set in throughout our area, prompting Entergy to generate 8-10 hours per day to accommodate electric demands. Drought conditions earlier in the year had caused Entergy to cease weekend recreational flow and greatly reduce daily generation times, which caused a dramatic temperature rise in tailrace water below the dam. The lake now is in very good shape water-wise as far as lake level goes, and weekend generation recreational plans have been reinstated now that rainfall amounts have been high enough to erase the statewide drought conditions. 

White bass and hybrid bass migrate into the tailrace to spawn in mid June and remain through the month of July. These fish have been caught during times of generation on crankbaits that imitate threadfin shad from the bank or boat. Tight-lining live minnows over deeper water toward the dam has taken decent numbers of bass in the early morning hours. 

Walleye are still present in the Carpenter Dam tailrace and will 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 still present near the dam. These fish are strong and active and very capable of jerking rods off the shoreline or boat from unwary fishermen taking in the scenery. Drum over 40 pounds have been caught in the tailrace feeding on shad and crawfish, so anglers be aware when leaving tackle unattended. 

Blue catfish are in the tailrace, actively feeding on the threadfin shad schools. Live bait presentations, such as nightcrawlers and redworms, will draw strikes from these fish, as well as gizzard shad fished under a bobber. 

The crappie spawn started later on Lake Catherine than normal, with some crappie caught in the tailrace on jigs and minnows. Fewer fish were taken this year than in recent memory. Crappie tend to spook easily in the tailrace, and the sound of outboard motors will scatter and ruin the bite. Spawning times for area fish are normally later around hydroelectric dams as opposed to the cycles occurring in an area not controlled by hydro power. 

Rainbow trout fishing is extremely slow, and the season is over until late November when stocking resumes. The occasional trout can be caught now, but numbers are gone. 

NOTE: Venomous snakes have been spotted all up and down the tailrace area, and everyone using the park should be aware and observe closely when walking or wading.

As always, abide 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. Also, when severe weather is forecast in the area, the public is urged to stay off the lake and seek shelter. 

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

No reports.

Lake Hamilton
No reports.

Lake Nimrod
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Nimrod Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

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

(updated 7-23-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still fair. Try a big plastic worm near brush or finesse a drop-shot rig on the main lake and secondary points.

Walleye are still very good. Drop-shot a nightcrawler near brush when the sun gets up for good results. 

Stripers are good and still being caught on hair jigs and live bait near main-lake humps in the eastern part of the lake.

Bream are good on crickets and worms. 

No reports on crappie or catfish.

Water temperature is a steady 80-86 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level has fallen to 575.62 feet msl (about a half-foot lower than last week). Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 7-23-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said, “The bass are surface-feeding at first light. They couldn’t resist a silver or gold spoon. Trolling crankbaits works best when the fish scatter later in the morning.” 

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.

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