Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

September 17, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Scott Seaman from Bella Vista landed this nice 26-inch walleye while fishing with guide Austin Kennedy of Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service on the Beaver tailwater in northwest Arkansas. Kennedy says walleye continue to be caught between the town of Beaver and Holiday Island. Slower presentations have been the most productive, with soft plastics continuing to attract fish. Focus on deeper holes, current seams, transitions and areas where moving water meets slower water. Work the baits slowly and keep them near the bottom for more success than you’ll get with an aggressive fishing approach. Read more of Kennedy’s report below.

Reports are updated weekly, although some reports may be published for two weeks if updates are not received promptly or if reporters say conditions haven’t changed. Contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for current news. 

Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: 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 9-17-2026) 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, and as the weather begins to cool, it should provide a good fishing destination for families. 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).

According to AGFC Fisheries staff, there have definitely been times where it is getting a bunch of use and people are catching bream and smaller bass. 

Lake Conway renovation is proceeding on schedule. Read more here, or check out what was written in the May-June 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: Trout limits for the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam changed in early 2026. Anglers may keep two trout daily; trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 9-17-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Well, it’s still summer here in Arkansas, and we’re looking at temperatures hanging around the upper 90s to right around 100 degrees into next week. (The forecast as of Sept. 17 indicates a drop into the high 80s by Sept. 23, along with nighttime cooling into the 60s, progressively falling through the following weekend.)

“With the heat sticking around, the Southwestern Power Administration has been keeping a pretty consistent generation schedule. They’ve generally been running two units, usually starting somewhere between 1 and 4 p.m., with generation lasting anywhere from two to six hours. They did cut back the generation a little this past weekend for a river cleanup organized by our local Trout Unlimited Chapter No. 722 on Saturday. Other than that, the generation schedule has been pretty steady. As always, check the USACE Little Rock app before heading to the river to see the projected releases and plan your trip accordingly.

“As for the fishing report, the bite has been good despite the hot weather, with the best fishing early in the morning. Get up early and get on the river! The previous night’s generation usually leaves us with some good morning flows and some good opportunities to get into fish before the heat really kicks in.
“Some of the hot flies lately while fishing underneath an indicator have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear, Midges and San Juan Worms.
“With these hot temperatures, remember to take care of the fish. Don’t overplay them, and get them back in the water as quickly as possible. Keeping the fish wet and minimizing handling is especially important this time of year.

“If you’re looking to book a guided trip or want to learn how to fly-fish, give me a call!” 

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. 

No reports.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 9-10-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said that not many people have been on the lake in recent weeks because of the hot weather. As the weather cools, though, look for bass, bream and catfish to bite, she said. “Still too hot for crappie,” she adds. Nighttime is good for catfish at Harris Brake, and bream are catchable at that time on crickets and redworms. Catfish at Harris Brake Lake favor chicken liver, and that was working well a couple of weeks back, she noted.
The lake water level is very low. It’s hard to fish from the bank with both the current water temperature as well as the level, Bing said. “Lots of stumps are showing around the lake.”

At the bait shop, she says she can see to the bottom of the lake. But she also adds that for people living on the lake, this is a good time to be working on their docks.

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.

No reports.

Brewer Lake
(update 9-17-2026) AGFC staff note that several people have been calling, asking about the ability to launch boats at Brewer Lake. Nick Feltz, supervisor in the AGFC’s Mayflower office, said, “I was there the other day and you can definitely still launch from the south ramp, but the lake is really low and folks need to use extreme caution.”

Brewer Lake is a good getaway in the fall for crappie fishing as well as picking up some decent-sized largemouth bass. For crappie, if we get some rainfall to bring the lake back up nicely, focus on coves in the northern portion of the lake. Bass in coming weeks should be found on secondary points and isolated brush. Anglers may keep up to 10 largemouths, but only one of those may exceed 16 inches.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 9-17-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said last week the lake is 10.5 feet below normal pool. The front launch ramp at WestRock is CLOSED. The back launch ramp has a drop-off with 6 inches to a foot of water remaining. Small boats, aluminum boats and four-wheel drive for putting the boats in the water are heavily RECOMMENDED, they report.

“Please use caution on the ramp and in the main lake.”
The water temperature remains a hot 88-90 degrees.

They had no fishing reports this week.

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 9-10-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said that although it’s been very hot, he’s had people out fishing the river and they are still catching the bass. But the surprise, Ray said, was hearing about some crappie success from one regular crappie angler who was out a couple of days last week with his wife. “They were catching near-limits of crappie,” Ray said. “The guy fishes this creek a lot, he knows them.”

Black bass are biting well in 3 feet of water on soft-plastic worms and topwater lures. Try a black-and-chartreuse jig and surprise yourself with some crappie success there; focus on 5 feet depth. 

“The main fishing forecast is it’s hot,” Ray said. He’s heard nothing on catfish or bream “but you can catch them anytime here. I’ve talked to some other people fishing on the lakes around here and they are saying they’re doing good. It must be something in the air, or the moon.”

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.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 9-10-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said the lingering summer heat is not deterring the crappie anglers here. Conditions have been just right – low water, the stumps now showing and the main channel obvious – to put crappie fishermen in close proximity to their quest. “We have had quite a few fishing, actually,” she said. “They are wearing the crappie out.

“All the fall fishermen have been waiting on these stumps (to show). They find the channel and the fish are right on the edge of that channel.”

Jigs are the bait of choice at Peckerwood for crappie.

Those good conditions for crappie are a non-starter for bass, though, and while a few people have picked up some catfish, the chief draw now is crappie. “You can’t do much else” than crappie fish, Donna says. “You’ve got to have a little boat and use your trolling motor. I wouldn’t bring a bass boat out here, just the two-man, johnboat style of boat to be able to get around.”

White River
NOTE: Trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam were changed in February by the AGFC and effective until further notice. 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 9-17-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said Bull Shoals Lake was 5 feet below desired power pool level Wednesday. Generation continues with minimum flows late night/early morning rising to about 1,000 cfs in the morning with higher amounts late afternoons.

“Looks like there has already been a sizable shad kill this year. The browns are responding best to sculpin and shad for now, but the spawn will really kick into high gear in the next month so keep your options open and carry an array of baits to pique their curiosity. Red/gold Thomas Buoyant Spoons, a gold Cleo and one or two stick baits (Smithwicks with orange bellies are a tried-and-true favorite) are tackle box staples on the White River.

“Find an egg pattern or scented egg-like bait that matches the color of trout roe, and you’ll have more trout chasing your line than you can manage. Best bets: PowerBait orange, followed by fluorescent yellow. Red wiggler worms are always an option during the afternoon high-water events, with worm imitators (red, natural or bubblegum pink) just as successful, if not more so. Cast toward the bank as you drift downstream and the rainbows and, occasionally, a brown or two will snap them up.

“Good luck, enjoy the catch, and we’ll see you on the river!”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 9-17-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “This week, we have seen mixed water releases from the dams. Thursday and Friday we saw depths as high as 7 feet during the day and lows around 4 feet overnight. Saturday, Sunday and Monday we saw depths as high as 5 feet during the day and as low at or below 3 feet overnight. Wednesday saw depths as high as 6.5 feet. During the higher water conditions, we saw a lot of success drifting and using two Uncommon Bait UV eggs tipped with raw shrimp. With the lower water, we are seeing greater success using artificial lures such as Rapala Countdowns (brown trout, silver or rainbow trout colors), Dynamic J-Specs (glimmer trout, brown trout or silver) and quarter-ounce spoons (Thompson Colorado spoons in nickel/gold or Thompson Buoyant spoon in rainbow trout colors).
“We received one stocking this week from the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery of 3,000 rainbow trout. The AGFC stocking raft spread the trout between Calico Rock and Allison/Sylamore Creek. There were additional stockings at Norfork, Reds Landing and Chessmond Ferry.”

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 9-10-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that this record-setting heat wave may be starting to slow down. The water temperature was 85 degrees, give or take. The bite still hasn’t changed much. “ It’s junk-fishing time of year. The bite has been fair. Powerfishing can be slow; better have wind/clouds/rain/stain. There are definitely some fish up shallow. Look for shallow brush and bushes, anything to flip a Beaver, jig or worm in the backs of creeks with any kind of flow. If it’s the right conditions, you will most likely notice bait fish. “
He suggests using a Toad, buzzbait or Whopper Plopper-style lure on shallow windblown banks and covering water. “Better get up early and beat the nasty heat. The topwater bite has slowed some, but it’s not done. If you’re finding surface activity, try a big Spook. Those fishing have moved to schools and they are fast. The Jewel Shad Spoon is working. Or you can take your favorite minnow to look at them. I’m using a one-eighth-ounce up high or deep with a three-eighth-ounce Tater.

“If the conditions are postfrontal, flat water, high pressure and bluebirds it will get really tough. Lots of guys are going at night to beat the heat. I will slow down, downsize and get off the bank, look at deep ledges and brushpiles, and bomb cast with lighter fluorocarbon line. You can try a drop-shot with a Robo in suspended schools, or use a half-ounce Jewel Football Jig in green-pumpkin orange, PB&J or Bass Whacker sitting off of deep points. Traditional bass fishermen are dragging the long points and ledges with big red worms or craw baits in brushpiles and timber tops on bluffs and bluff ends.
“There is a thermocline down around 32 feet. Lots of fish are holding around this depth. It’s that time of year to keep moving, hitting as many spots as possible. 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 9-10-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said there’s been no significant changes in walleye fishing patterns this week, with the exception of fish moving a little bit deeper on the lower end of the lake, and some good fish are being caught suspended 5 feet off the bottom in 35 feet of water. Summer patterns are still in play. “We are seeing fish closer to the lower end of the lake are a few feet deeper than mid-lake areas.”

Fishing has been fair. The Army Corps of Engineers has been running a little water through the dam in the afternoons, and this has helped the bite pick up a bit more when the water is running. Fish 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 that are close to the sharper drop-off. Walleyes seen next to brushpiles still 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. Fishing slow has still been the key to picking up better-size fish.

Fish shallower in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 32-34 feet of water, and deeper in 35-40 feet of water if there is little or no wind or cloud cover. Casting 

jigging spoons in white, chrome and blue and jigging Rapalas in blue and chrome or Helsinki Shad color, in half-ounce to three-quarter-ounce size, into 30 feet of water and working it back out into 40 feet has been working. Drop-shotting live crawlers around the offshore side of brushpiles in 32-37 feet is also working.

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 point close to channel swings is producing a lot of short fish as well 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 35-40 feet of water at speeds of 1.8 to 2.2 mph seems to work best. 

(updated 9-10-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports that not much has changed of late on the crappie. They are mainly on brush from 20-30 feet in the creeks. Minnows have been best.

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 9-17-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake continues to drop and now is right at 1,114.00 feet msl, 7 feet below normal pool. “It seems like some light is on the horizon. Cooler temps start next week with upper 80s forecasted.
“Stripers are still good, as they have been all summer. You must get up and out early if you want to partake on this fishery. Fish have been located from Point 5 all the way to the dam. It won’t be long before they start migrating back toward mid-lake. That will happen when the cooler weather arrives.

“Walleye are slow but can be caught with lots of patience and a crawler harness. Look in 25- to 35-foot-depth range and preferably near the main lake channel. 

“Crappie are fair, with trolling the best option. Lucas Crankbaits and Bandits will work. Try 70 feet of line out and troll at 2.0 mph as a start. Vary you line out and speeds to find the sweet spot.

“White bass will start to school up soon and will end up at Point 12 eventually.
“Fall temps and cooling water will usher in a better bite. Stay safe out there, as obstacles are starting to show.” 

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 9-17-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “The trout bite continues to be somewhat inconsistent, with anglers having to stay mobile and work multiple areas to find active fish. Pautzke Fire Bait has been producing, along with quarter-ounce spoons and Flicker Shads. Trout numbers remain lower than normal due to the continued decrease in stocking, so anglers should not be afraid to move if an area isn’t producing. Changing colors and presentations can also make a difference once fish are located.
“With very little rainfall recently, the river is beginning to get quite low. Anglers operating boats should use extra caution, particularly when navigating shallow shoals, gravel bars and areas with exposed or near-surface structure. Lower water can also concentrate fish into deeper runs, holes and areas with more current, making those locations worth additional attention.
“Walleye continue to be caught between Beaver town and Holiday Island. Slower presentations have been the most productive, with soft plastics continuing to account for fish. Focus on deeper holes, current seams, transitions and areas where moving water meets slower water. Working baits slowly and keeping them near the bottom has been a better approach than fishing aggressively.
“Overall, anglers willing to cover water, adjust presentations and pay attention to changing depth and current are still finding fish throughout the Beaver tailwater.
For additional information, bi-weekly Beaver tailwater and Beaver Lake fishing reports can be found on the Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service website.”

Lake Charles
(updated 9-17-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said fishing success in the past week has mostly been for catfish. The bite for catfish is excellent, with anglers using worms, blood bait and cut bait. She had no reports from bass, bream or crappie.
The surface water temperature has steadily been in the high 70s in the past few weeks, and on Sunday it was 78.6 degrees. The water has been low for quite some time. The clarity is muddy.
Good fishing days according to “moon times” should be Sept. 19-22 and also Sept. 26-29, with the best days coming along with the full moon, Sept. 23-25.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 9-17-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, in his most recent report said, “Lake Poinsett has been slower fishing-wise, but the bream are still biting. No reports for crappie or bass. There have been some reports of catfish caught on lines set out overnight.
“The heat has definitely been a factor negatively impacting anglers as of late, but they are definitely still tossing out lines.
“The Lake Poinsett State Park visitor center is open 8 a.m. -5 p.m. daily for bait sales: minnows, nightcrawlers, redworms, waxworms, dip and dough baits, and more bait and tackle.”

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality earlier this week issued a warning for algae bloom on Lake Poinsett. The area of focus earlier this week was on the eastern side, and while the bloom is not considered dangerous, anglers are urged to use caution handling fish, while swimmers are urged to steer clear of the posted year.

Micah Tindall, an AGFC fisheries biologist in Jonesboro, said a small amount of surface algae was found during a routine inspection. ADEQ was notified and a follow-up inspection by ADEQ confirmed the algae bloom. The warning will stay in place until two all-clear inspections by ADEQ, and those inspections are made every 10-14 days.

Fishing is safe, and eating the fish from the lake is safe with some minor precautions. Clean your fish well with potable water and eat the fillet portion only. Boaters also should adhere to the Clean, Drain and Dry policy of the AGFC and to the rules on boat drain plugs.

Spring River
(updated 9-3-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water level is running at 260 cfs (350 cfs is average on the Spring) and water clarity is clear. “It has been a very dry year. The river remains very low and, with this heat, that’s not ideal. Getting out early and fishing late has worked out great. In the heat of the day, take a nap. It’s been hot out there. With this heat, focus on waterfalls or fast stretches of water with higher oxygen content for aggressive fish. Deep pools can be very productive for the bigger fish.
“With the low water conditions, it is ideal for fly-fishing with simple weight-forward rigs. Dry flies can work well early and late. Hopper droppers have still been a blast. No telling what you might catch on a hot pink worm dropper lately. Everything from carp, trout, bass and big ole suckers have been eating them up. If you’re spin-fishing. A hot pink Trout Magnet is perfect. Fish below an indicator about 2 feet.

“Plenty of bass out there on the Spring River. Streamers can be a lot of fun when the bite is on. From big Woollies to Clousers for flies, the chase is the race. But honestly, we’re catching a lot on Hopper droppers, too. Just got to fish for them, like the smallmouth we saw caught below a hopper on a pink San Juan Worm.
“The ‘canoe’ season is just about over, and hopefully rainy weather and cool temps will be here soon. The Spring River is always nice and cold. Just be safe wading; those rocks are slick. 

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 9-17-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said it has been a slow, hot fishing week with not very many anglers out on Cane Creek Lake this week. “I have not heard if they are catching anything or not. I know the fishermen are ready for cooler weather. Not selling much bait here this week.”
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. 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, AGFC staff report.

Lake Monticello
(updated 9-17-2026) 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 staff 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. The staff observed a high abundance of threadfin shad, redear sunfish and bluegill earlier this year, and that means 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 9-17-2026) 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 9-17-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday was about 4 inches above normal pool and stable, about 259.5 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam is releasing approx 650 cfs and tailwater is near 225 feet msl and stable.
Siefert notes that the Army Corps of Engineers recently replaced 20 river channel buoys along Little River where previously placed buoys had washed out of the river channel. The Corps also applied herbicides on about 5 acres around the Cottonshed walkway to combat the overgrown areas of vegetation. 

Surface temperature over the past week ranged 84 degrees early to 89 degrees later in the day along Little River, depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River is beginning to clear with reduced river current. Little River clarity is ranging 8-15 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire continues to be good this week and is about 15-35 inches visibility, based on location. Mud Lake had improved clarity this week and improved visibility, ranging 10-15 inches.

Siefert had these fishing specifics from the past week:

* The most active periods for largemouth bass remain early in the morning and late in the evening, with the best activity level found in early morning. Many bass are roaming the flats overnight. Creek bend sections of channels continue holding fish on stumps in 5-12 feet depth. Bass reactions to a variety of topwater baits continue improving at daybreak, such as on Heddon Spit’N Images, Arbogast Jitterbugs in Coach Dog, Cricket Frog and Perch colors, Pop-Rs in bone color, Brazalo WeeWhacker and Bushwhacker buzzbaits, Horny Toads in June bug or Pumpkinseed, and Bass Assassin Shads in Houdini, Pumpkinseed and Chico’s Red Ear. Many 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. 

Over the past couple of weeks, various schools of black bass have been noted randomly schooling at daybreak in the oxbows up Little River for a few hours. The best feeding periods have been from daylight to around 8-9 a.m., slowing in the heat of the day. Surface strikes are random on Bill Lewis Stuttersteps, Cordell Boy Howdy’s, Clear Baby Torpedoes, Heddon Dying Flutters and Cordell Crazy Shads in chrome/black back. Blow-up reactions randomly continue in the lily pads early on plastic frogs in black, white or pumpkinseed/pearl belly, near pads and grass. The schooling bass are chasing large pods of threadfin shad to the surface and blowing them out of the water at daylight in Clear Lake, Mud Lake and McGuire oxbows near vertical structure where the flats drop off into 8-15 feet depth. 

Between 9-11 a.m., Bill Lewis Lure’s Square Bill ATV Crankbaits in Tennessee Shad and Pro Green Gizzard colors, and the MR-6 Crankbait in Millwood Magic, Silverado and Citrus Shad, are drawing hits and reactions along in creek channel swings on stumps and grass lines in clear water. On vertical structure where the alligatorweed and lily pads converge on receding flats or deeper drops on secondary points — from 5-6 feet deep tapering out to 8-9 feet deep — custom painted S-cranks and Little John Crankbaits in bream and shad patterns are still getting random reactions. Bandit 200 cranks in Splatterback, LA Shad, Chartreuse Root beer and Fat Free Shads, Fat Free Guppy and Fat Free Fingerlings in citrus and Tennessee Shad have been randomly working for largemouths, especially when surface-breaking chasing shad. 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 creek channels. In the oxbows, and along dropping structure into 9-10 feet depth, Bass Assassin Shads continue drawing good reactions

* White bass continue roaming Little River, but it’s been random. Recently, two anglers found large schools of whites in McGuire oxbow schooling with the largemouths near standing timber in creek mouths near vertical structure, and in creek channel dumps near the back of McGuire and in front of standing timber. Random schooling was taking place from daylight until around 9 a.m. with shad pods breaking as the whites were pushing them to the surface. Red Rooster Tails, H&H Spinnerbaits, Hammered Cordell Chrome Spoons with a white/smoke-colored bucktail, Little George’s, Rocket Shads, quarter-ounce Tail Spinner Rat-L-Traps, Norman Little N and Speed N Crankbaits in Holy Shad, Harvest Moon EVOO and Olive Blue colors, and Little Cleo’s were all randomly catching fish over several days in McGuire.

*The crappie bite is good from early morning up till 11 a.m. on jigs, minnows and grubs from 10-15 feet of depth on standing timber. Electric Chicken, Monkey Milk and Firecracker have been good colors on jigs and tubes. Our friend and Millwood Lake guide John Gathright has been having amazing catches with clients, and had several mornings where 30-60 fish limits were caught by both clients over the past few weeks. (Contact John Gathright on Facebook, or call us and we will get you his phone number. John lives on the lake and can schedule one or two clients with John’s Guide Service.)

* No report on catfish.

* No update on bream, but the backwater sloughs at Millwood State Park were getting a lot of vegetation and grass/vegetation blooming up, and was getting hard to fish for bream and bluegill due to the vegetation densities at various locations. 

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

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

(updated 9-10-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz on Tuesday that Lake Ouachita and DeGray are in a similar pattern. “Look at the first of June or July and you look at the first of September. Both lakes are the same levels where they have been the last three years. They (Army Corps of Engineers) are drawing the lake down depending on what they, the Corps, need, the heat we’re dealing with, and the power needed.
“The new moon is Sept. 10, so everything is shrinking, the water temps are in the upper 80s, it’s ridiculously clear on both lakes. The moss is really good right now on both Ouachita and DeGray. The one thing you have to worry about is the bottom following out. They’ve got to make electricity, it is what it is.
“You’ve got to keep up with that deep edge, that’s where all the good fish are being caught right now, that deep edge of the moss line. That’s where you’ve to keep up with where you’re fishing.”

He says it’s a good topwater bite early in the morning and topwater again in the afternoon. “The shad spawn is what they are chasing, so you need to throw a small-sized topwater bait. If you’re on the edge of the moss line, use a wobble head to get down to 15-18 feet. That’s where the better fish are. You’ve got to be universal knowing where you’re at.”

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 9-17-2026) 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.

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

(updated 9-17-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 67 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Entergy is running 10-hour generation periods starting in the late afternoon, including weekend releases. The only productive fishing below the dam involves catching white bass and hybrid bass that remain in the area after the yearly spawn. Some topwater activity has been observed below the dam in the early morning as bass chase threadfin shad schools. Casting Alabama rigs has proven to be an effective technique to target these fish, which will strike a lure that closely resembles a fleeing shad. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits, imitating shad, against the current has taken numbers of bass in the late evening. 

Excessive heat has kept many anglers off the lake and shortened fish feeding times, which is a normal occurrence on Lake Catherine in the late summer. This report will stay much the same until November, when the first stocking of rainbow trout is scheduled for the lake. Trout in the tailrace completely changes the dynamic of the area for the better.

Always remember to wear a life jacket when on the water and remember to follow all lake and park regulations. Trash cans are limited in the area, so pick up after yourself and be aware of rising lake levels when the turbines are running. 

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 9-17-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz on Tuesday that the topwater bite is great in the mornings. Use small lures; the bass are chasing small shad. The Berkley Krej has been very good. The grass mats are getting very good. Frogs are on top and punching in the holes.”

Kastner noted that in the Mr. Bass Championship on Tuesday, a 24.73-pound bag of bass one the event, and the big bass was 4.07 pounds, both by Justin Howard. The top five finishers all caught at least 19 pounds of bass, and two anglers were in the 24s.

(updated 9-10-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still slow. Try a big, soft-plastic worm near brush or a finesse drop-shot rig on main lake and secondary points. Try a riser bait for a fun topwater bite, too! Walleye are fair. For best results, try a drop-shot rig or a Texas-rigged jig with a nightcrawler fished near brush. Bream are still good on crickets and worms. Try deep structure in the 20-foot range, give or take a foot. 

No reports this week on stripers, crappie or catfish.

Water temperature is steady from where it was a week ago, ranging a hot 82-88 degrees. Water clarity is clear. The lake level remains on a slight weekly fall, now at 571.46 feet msl, another half-foot or so lower than this time last week (nearly 6.6 feet below normal power pool). Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 9-3-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said, “Crappie are tough for me right now. They are scattered and holding tight to deep brush. Bass are chasing shad early in the mornings feeding over and near the ever-growing and spreading aquatic vegetation. Casting spoons, spybait and topwater lures have produced for us. Trolling crankbaits have produced well, too. The best advice I can give right now is: Start early, finish by mid-morning and don’t get overheated.” 

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.