Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

September 24, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

A Colorado angler named Chad came over to Arkansas to land a nice 4.3-pound, 21-inch rainbow trout on the White River near Calico Rock this week. He was fishing with a Jenkins Fishing Resort guide named Cobb (no other details available on the names), and they were using sculpins to land the rainbow. According to Dave McCulley at Jenkins Resort, the water as of Wednesday had settled into a 3- to 5-foot level, and quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado Spoons, Rapala Countdowns, Panther Martin lures and jigs were working well with the trout.

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 9-24-2026) 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 9-24-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “The cooler weather is finally here, and after a long stretch of high 90s and 100-degree temperatures from August through the end of September, it’s a welcome change! The forecast is calling for highs in the 80s throughout the week, with a chance of rain around Wednesday and Thursday. With the cooler temperatures, power demand has dropped, and we’re also seeing less water being released below Greers Ferry Dam.
“The Southwestern Power Administration is projecting one unit running for two hours on Wednesday and two units for one hour on Thursday. My guess is we’ll continue to see a similar generation schedule as power demand stays down.

“With the lower flows and cooler temperatures, this should be an excellent week to get out and do some wade fishing. If I were fishing on foot, I’d start at JFK Park or Swinging Bridge Access. Both areas have been getting heavy stockings and should be good places to find fish.

“For the guys fishing from a boat, Dripping Springs Access and Lobo Landing have both been fishing well over the last several weeks. We’ve had a good, consistent generation schedule in place for quite a while, and both locations have been producing about equally.
“With the decreased flows, I’d concentrate on the deeper sections of the river. The fish have been liking the deeper water around the moss beds and anywhere you can find a steady current. The plunge pools below the shoals are also worth spending some time on. They provide good, oxygenated water and tend to hold fish.

“A few flies that have been working well under an indicator include Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Hare’s Ears and Midges.
“Overall, the combination of cooler temperatures and lower flows should make for a really nice week on the Little Red. If you’ve been waiting for a break from the summer heat, this is a good time to get out on the river! Give me a call if you’d like to get out and fish.”

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 9-24-2026) AGFC staff note that several people have been calling, asking about the launchability at Brewer Lake. Nick Feltz, supervisor in the 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, 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 9-24-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the lake level is now 11 feet below normal pool, and with that level, the front launch ramp at WestRock is closed until further notice. The back launch ramp has a drop-off with 6 inches to a foot of water to get your boat in. Small boats, aluminum boats and four-wheel drive are recommended to launch your boat. Please use caution on the ramp and in the main lake.

They had no fishing reports from this week, but they have seen black bass schooling.

The surface water temperature remains warm at 88-90 degrees. A few more nights of 60-degree temps are needed to start seeing that temperature tumble.

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 gotta 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 9-24-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said autumn is getting closer — there’s a little nip in the air some mornings. Perfect weather for float fishing on the White River: cool mornings, warm afternoons and lots of trout to tease your hook. Bull Shoals Lake is below power pool now, so generation has remained fairly static over the last month: minimum flow during the day with increased releases later. Sometimes there are high releases in the evening for a few hours. The lake level is 654.96 feet msl, 6 feet lower than normal pool.
“The rainbow catch has been pretty fabulous: They’re snapping at spinners with silver or rainbow-colored blades, and eating up the shrimp and egg combo. We continue to see success with bubblegum pink worms and mouse tails. Good sizes among the catch, too; many are 16 inches or above. Artificial bait recommendations: spoons and spinners for this low water. Gold Cleos are a staple on the White, and a gold or silver Blue Fox is a good choice. Low flows always prove to be a great time for jig fishing, too. 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.
“Cooler temperatures surprised us this week; but prepare for warm afternoons. Thanks for sharing our love of the north Arkansas Ozarks in The Natural State. Drop in when you visit Cotter.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 9-24-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We have seen varied river levels Thursday through Tuesday with levels as 7.5 feet and dropping to under 4 feet. On Wednesday morning we saw water as low as 3 feet and rising to 5 feet before cresting late in the morning. I believe with the cooler temperatures, Norfork and Bull Shoal dams won’t need to generate as much electricity, which should result in more consistent water levels between 3-5 feet. 

“With the lower water levels, quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold, Rapala Countdown CD5 in brown trout or rainbow trout colors, Panther Martin with a black body, yellow dots and gold blade, and jigs should 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 9-24-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that water temperature dropped to about 81 degrees (4 degrees cooler than last week’s report). The bite still hasn’t changed much. It’s junk-fishing time of year. The lake is in a fall transition; you’re just going to have to put in the work. Powerfishing has been slow; better have wind/clouds/rain/stain. There are definitely some fish up shallow. Look for shallow brush, 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. “
Try a Toad, buzzbait or Whopper Plopper-style lure on shallow windblown banks while covering water. The topwater bite has slowed; Del hopes the schooling will pick up. Also try a big Spook. Those fish have been moving in schools, and they are MOVING. Take your favorite minnow to look at them. “Now that the bait is moving, there’s activity in the shad if you can find it. I’m using a one-eighth-ounce up high or deep with a three-eighth-ounce Tater or Mooch.

“If the conditions are postfrontal, flat water, high pressure and bluebirds, it will get really tough. 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. The half-ounce Jewel Football Jig in green-pumpkin orange, PB&J or Bass Whacker sitting off of deep points also will work. 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. The bait is moving and so are the fish. 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 9-24-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said there’s been no changes in walleye fishing patterns this week. Some good fish are being caught suspended 5 feet off the bottom in 30-35 feet of water. Summer patterns are still in play. “We are noticing fish closer to the lower end of the lake are a few feet deeper than mid-lake areas. Fishing has been a little slow this past week. Schools of walleye have not been hard to find, but you need to work them over with different methods to get them to respond.”

The Army Corps of Engineers are still running a little water through the dam in the afternoons, and this has helped the bite pick up a bit more when they do. 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 32-35 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, 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 9-24-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports they’re still finding most of their crappie on brushpiles around 20 feet deep. A one-sixteenth-ounce jig with the Tater Baits Crown Royale 101 has been working 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 9-24-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake dropped a half-foot over the last week. It’s now at 1,113.49 feet msl, almost 8 feet below normal pool. Water temperature Wednesday was 81 degrees in most spots. 

‘The weather hot streak has broken, as you know, and now we keep pressing towards dreaded turnover. It’s going to take a few weeks of cooler nights to accelerate that process. You will know when it starts as your water starts to taste bad. Once turnover happens, give it a couple of weeks and fall fishing should begin. I believe it’s still a ways off, but after this summer I, for one, cannot wait.”

He says striper fishing has slowed a bit but is still good. Look from Prairie Creek down to the dam. Crappie are fair and should continue to get better with cooling temps.

Walleye, same thing — walleye are still being caught on crawler harnesses in 20-35 feet of water. Black bass and white bass should start to school up and push bait with some topwater on the menu in a few weeks. 

“The lake is getting pretty low, so stay diligent when driving your boat, etc. 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 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 9-24-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the bream bite picked up the last week while catfish continue to be an excellent target. You just need some worms to get a great catch of catfish. Those same worms, fished off the shoreline, should pick up a fair amount of bream, especially was we get closer to a full moon. She had no reports on crappie or bass. The lake has been low for months, and the water remains murky. Earlier this week, surface water temperature was recorded as 77.3 degrees, about a 1-degree fall from last week.
According to the “moon times” we should be in the middle of the best days of September for fishing (Sept. 23-25). Good fishing days according to “moon times” should be Sept. 26-29.

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 gotta 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 9-24-2026) 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 9-2-2026) 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 9-24-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said there has not much change in bass activity levels since last week on Millwood, “but we anticipate a lot more schooling on threadfin shad with the white bass later this weekend and next week as these cooler nighttime low temps fall back into the mid- to low 60-degree range.”

The best activity periods remain early to mid-morning. Many of the bass that Mike and his guides 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 at 5-12 feet depth. Bass reactions to a variety of topwater baits continue improving at daybreak: Heddon Spit’N Images, Arbogast Jitterbugs in Coach Dog, Cricket Frog, and Perch colors, Pop-R’s 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 of the largemouth bass continue roaming and pulling up onto the flats in lily pad stands at daybreak chasing plastic frogs and Bass Assassin jerkbaits.
The oxbows have seen various schools of black bass randomly schooling at daybreak as well and hanging around for a few hours before slowing in the heat of the day.

Random surface strikes continue 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 continue in the lily pads, early on plastic frogs in black, white or pumpkinseed/pearl belly. Look in the oxbows near vertical structure where the flats drop off into 8-15 feet of depth.
The 9-11 a.m. period is perfect for 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 in clear water clarity to draw hits and get reactions along creek channel swings on stumps and grass lines.

If you’re in the vertical structure where the alligatorweed and lily pads converge on receding flats or deeper drops on secondary points, try custom painted S-cranks and Little John Cranks in bream and shad patterns. In the area from 5-6 feet deep tapering out to 8-9 feet deep, these have been getting random reactions over the past few weeks. Bandit 200 Crankbaits in various colors also have worked randomly for black bass, especially when they are surface-breaking chasing shad.

Siefert had these other specifics of the fishing on Millwood lately:

* White bass continue roaming Little River but showing up randomly. Over the past couple of weeks, anglers reported finding 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 into the oxbow near back of McGuire and in front of standing timber. Random schooling was taking place from daylight until around 9-10 a.m. with shad pods breaking as the whites were pushing them to the surface. Red Rooster Tails, spinnerbaits, chrome spoons with a white/smoke colored bucktail and a variety of other lures 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.
* Bream were active again this week at Millwood State Park and off the fishing/picnic dock at Jack’s Isle. Bite was best from 9-11 a.m. and from 5-6 p.m. on redworms and crickets.

* No reports on catfish.
Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday was about 5 inches above normal pool and stable, about 259.6 feet msl. Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 740 CFS and the tailwater is near 225 feet and stable. Surface temps were ranging 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 up with reduced river current. Little River visibility ranges 8-15 inches depending on location. In the oxbows, the visibility has improved with 12-20 inches visibility in many locations. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire has been good this week, with 15-35 inches of visibility depending on locale. Mud Lake ranges 10-15 inches in visibility.

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

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

(updated 9-24-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) hasn’t been able to get on the lake much this summer, but he’s headed there this weekend, which we’re glad to hear. His approach will likely be “punching the grass mats,” he said. “The lake is down and I think I can catch a few doing that.”
Other observers have told us this season that the grass on DeGray and on Lake Ouachita has been the best they’ve seen in years for fishing, and the fishing is set up to be good this fall. DeGray was a producer of Legacy Lunker-qualifying largemouth bass earlier this year, so we know there are some big bass in that water. In fact, Randy caught a very nice one earlier this year, which we featured in a photo.

(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 9-24-2026) 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.

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 9-24-2026) 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 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 9-24-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are slow. Try a riser bait or Plopper-style lure for a fun topwater bite! Walleye are still fair. Try a drop-shot rig or a Texas-rigged jig with a nightcrawler fished near brush. Bream are fair on crickets and worms. Try deep structure in the 20-foot range, give or take a foot. 

No reports on stripers, crappie or catfish.

Water temperature is dropping, now ranging 80-86 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level continues to fall, now at 570.74 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(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 mat is 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.

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.