Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

November 12, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

This photo of a beautifully colored, healthy rainbow trout is representative of what the folks at Cotter Trout Dock on the White River (Bull Shoals tailwater) have been seeing lately, they say. This one was hauled in by Amber Burden on Nov. 3 with a Cotter Trout Dock guide named Paul (no last name provided) assisting.

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 11-12-2026) 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, and the gates to the new dam structure will be closed on Dec. 2 to allow the lake to begin refilling. Click here for the latest news update.

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 the 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 11-12-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said that with the cooler temperatures, power demand has dropped off, and that has meant a big change in the generation schedule on the Little Red River in recent weeks. The Southwestern Power Administration has been running a pretty consistent schedule, usually running two units for around two to four hours a day, generally starting somewhere around 5 or 6 in the evening. As always, generation schedules can change, so be sure to check the USACE Little Rock app before heading out to see what the current water releases are.

With the current generation schedule, they are seeing excellent water for wade-fishing throughout the river. “If I were fishing on foot, I’d start around JFK Park or Swinging Bridge access. Both areas receive plenty of stocking and can offer some great opportunities when the water conditions are right.

“For fishing from the boat, I’ve been spending most of my time fishing the deeper sections of the river, especially around the moss beds and anywhere there is steady current.
“Fall weather has really just arrived, but the fish are still wanting that deeper water. That’s not to say you won’t find fish in the shoals, but with the decreased flows, I’ve been finding more fish in the deeper sections and in the plunge pools below the shoals.
“The fishing has been best early in the morning, when we’re still seeing some flow from the previous night’s generation. We’ve also been having some good late-afternoon and evening fishing. On those warm, sunny afternoons, small midges have been coming off up and down the river, and you’ll see fish rising and breaking the surface. The hot flies lately have been San Juan Worms, egg patterns and midge patterns.
“It’s a great time of year to be on the Little Red. The temperatures are finally comfortable, the river is in great shape, and the fall fishing is going. Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather while we’ve got it! And if you’d like to learn how to fly fish or want to get out on the river with a guide, 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 11-12-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said the anglers tell her they get out before sunrise and catch some crappie, not many. They are using minnows for bait. After the sun comes out, they stop biting.

She has not heard anything about catfish. White bass are biting “pretty good,” she said, with them caught right off the shoreline. Some largemouth bass are biting on crankbaits, also off the shoreline as well as in the deeper areas for anglers using a boat. Bigger ones are in the deeper spot.

The lake is very low, she says. Lots of stumps are showing. Trolling motors would be best now, she suggests. “Too many stumps and you really have to be careful getting on the lake.”

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

Lake Overcup
(updated 10-29-2026) The Arkansas Crappie Trail held a tournament on Overcup on Oct. 24, and they picked a decent weekend to search for a crappie bite. Lamar Bunting and Gene Neumeier caught a winning 9.12 pounds with five fish. Their best fish measured 2.37 pounds. Steve Adams had 8.73 pounds of fish (including a 2.62-pound crappie) and Cody Kelley caught 8.60 pounds, slipping into third place by 0.01 pound. 

The Big Crappie was hauled in by Donnie Barnhart, a 2.75-pounder. Twenty-seven teams weighed in fish.

On his Facebook page, which includes some photos from the tournament, Lamar Bunting said of the Overcup fishing, “The lake was fishing tough, to say the least, and the big fish did not want to bite for us. We kept our head down and foot on the gas and were able to get enough of the right bites to secure a win. We had a great time and really enjoyed being back in the swing of things and looking forward to the next one.”

Brewer Lake
(update 11-12-2026) AGFC staff noted that several people called in recent weeks asking about the launchability at Brewer Lake. Nick Feltz, supervisor in the Mayflower office, said, “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. Look for bass as temperatures fall around secondary points and isolated brush. Anglers may keep up to 10 largemouths, but only one of those may exceed 16 inches.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 11-12-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said in its most recent report that the front launch ramp and the back launch ramp were both temporarily closed due to the low water levels.

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 11-12-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said a lot of people are fishing here this week between deer seasons (alternative firearms were in October; modern gun opens Saturday), and they’re catching lots of crappie. The crappie are biting in 3-4 feet of water around the green timber. They’re still favoring the jigs in either black/chartreuse or red/chartreuse.

Black bass are also biting very well these days, and they’re hanging around that 3-4 feet of water area. Try a crankbait (black and white, or anything that might be shad color).

Catfish are biting. Some folks have caught them on hot dogs covered in Kook-aid, and some have had success tossing them chicken liver.

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.

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 11-12-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said Bull Shoals Lake is sitting at 652.47 feet msl, almost 7 feet below normal power pool. The water level below Bull Shoals Dam has been at minimum flow — very low and conducive to wading — every morning, but later daytime generation arrives in pulses, sometimes pretty high and for several hours at a time, as the lake continues to drop after a dry fall. 

“Watch for the river rises in the late afternoon and stay ahead of them for the best fishing. Anglers are still finding plenty of rainbows and browns willing to leave the comfort of their favorite hidey-holes and come a-calling’ to the right baits.

“Flashy silver Cleos should work well in this water, as well as the silver-blue hammered spoons. Orange PowerBait has been the popular bait for the rainbows to mimic the eggs from spawning activity. During the sunny parts of the late morning, dry flies should perform well with hatches occurring as the weather warms slightly; orange and yellow egg patterns and the Y2K have been successful when the clouds return. Catch a sculpin or two to put on your hook for brown trout bait.

“Remember that the catch-and-release area below Bull Shoals Dam is closed from Nov. 1-Jan. 31 to preserve the brown trout spawn; this includes some special regulations near the State Park, too. The browns are in mid-spawn now; if you’re able to net one, be especially careful and return it back to the river healthy and fighting.

“The weatherman promises mild daytime temperatures for the next week, so pick up your rod and reel, get outside and come join us on the river. Bundle up in the morning and enjoy the excellent fall fishing.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 11-12-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We have seen varied water levels, with lows under 2.5 feet and high water over 5 feet a couple of days but mainly around 4 feet. Fishing has been great in the mornings before the rising water arrives. Our guides report a lot of success using quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado nickel/gold spoons. Other fishermen have reported success using one-eighth-ounce D2 jig peaches, Rapala Countdown CD5s in rainbow trout and brown trout colors, and the Rapala Countdown Elites in the same colors. The same lures have also worked well for the smallmouth and largemouth bass.

“Drift-fishing continues to work well with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp. Neo pink and blue eggs seemed to work the best.
“We received one stocking from the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery of 2,200 rainbows at the Calico Rock boat ramp.” 

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 11-12-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said the water temperature dropped to 66 degrees, give or take. The lake is at level 652, or 6 feet below normal pool. Fishing has had its ups and down; temperature is dropping, it won’t be long. Powerfishing is picking up little with wind/clouds/rain/stain. There are some fish up shallow. The Rock Crawler bite has started. If it’s the right conditions, you will most likely notice baitfish. The shad are on the move, a lot are sitting high. They are still migrating back into the creeks. Go with a spinnerbait or Chatterbait in wind/stain. Try topwater baits if you find them busting; you better be quick. Creek fish have been moving in schools, as a lot of fish are definitely keyed in on the shad.
The Jewel Shad Spoon is working well, or you can try your favorite minnow, Tater Shad or swimbait. “If the conditions are post-frontal, flat water, high pressure and bluebirds, it will likely be tough. I will slow down and try a drop-shot with a Robo in suspended schools. The Jewel half-ounce football jig bite has slowed a bit. Stepper banks in the creeks are good with ambush areas around shad. It’s that time of year. 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 11-12-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) reports that fall transition is occurring on the lower end of the lake. Schools of fish seem to be breaking up into smaller tighter packed pods and are roaming. Where they were today might not be where they are tomorrow. Follow the wind and start looking for the first holding sites in that direction. Some good fish are still being caught suspended 5 feet off bottom in 35-45 feet of water along with some undersized fish holding closer to bottom. Fishing has been fair to good this past week. Schools of walleye have been a little hard to find, but when you find them you need to work them over with different methods to get them to respond.

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. Main lake and secondary points have been producing fish during the day. Fishing slow this week has still been the key to picking up better-size fish.

Fish shallower in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 6-15 feet of water, or deeper in 35-55 feet of water if there is little or no wind or cloud cover. Jerkbait fishing is picking up. Casting 110-style deep-suspending lures like Head Hunter or Mega Bass+2 has been working, along with jigging spoons in white, chrome and blue spoons and jigging Rapalas in blue and chrome or Helsinki Shad color, half-ounce or three-quarter ounce, into 12 feet of water and working it back out into 30 feet. Drop-shotting live crawlers or one-eighth ounce and crawlers around the offshore side of brushpiles in 35-55 feet is working. 

If trolling, try shad-style and small banana-style baits like No. 7 Flicker shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnow in natural colors trolled in 15-20 feet of water at speeds of 1.2-1.5 mph seems to work best. 

(updated 11-12-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports that fishing for crappie has been productive on the main lake on timber and brushpiles mainly with live bait in 25-30 feet of water. Some days are definitely more productive than others. 

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 11-12-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level is 1,111.30 feet msl, stable from the last report. Water temperature is in the lower 60s.
“Turnover is finishing up. Lake water will start to clean up as it cools. The south end still has a dingy look to it. As you go north, it clears up some.
“Stripers are moving, which is expected this time of the year. They are scattered from north to south. If you’re targeting stripers, you need to move and locate the fish.

“Crappie are still suspended in certain areas and they also will move and find structure. Fishing will pick up — it’s been fairly tough on crappie and catching keepers.
“Walleye are elusive. This is typical for this time of the year. Like the stripers, you must move to find fish.
“Catfish are still active on jugs and trotlines.
“We still need some rain, and that will help the lake out. We are getting to a level that will expose obstacles that you normally are not aware of, so use caution when running your boat. 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 11-12-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “One thing is certain here on the Beaver tailwater: We need some rain!
“Low-water conditions continue to be a concern, and the trout bite remains significantly slower throughout much of the tailwater. With trout stocking currently running at approximately 50 percent of normal rates, anglers are certainly feeling the effects. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t fish to be caught. There are still smaller stretches of the river producing some good fishing for those willing to move around and put in a little extra effort.
“For trout, Pautzke Fire Bait and quarter-ounce spoons have been producing some of the better results. Power Eggs combined with Fire Worms have also been getting the job done. Finding areas holding concentrations of fish has been the biggest challenge, but once you locate them, there’s still an opportunity to put together a good day on the water.
“Farther downstream toward Table Rock Lake, the spotted bass fishing has been a lot of fun! Working crankbaits through the upper 4-8 feet of the water column has been producing some nice numbers. These bass have provided some welcome action while trout fishing remains challenging in other sections of the river.

“Walleye are still being caught around the Beaver town area. Slow presentations worked along the bottom have been key to getting bites. Patience and keeping your bait in the strike zone have made a difference.
“On another note, did you know we now have a free fishing intelligence app designed specifically for Beaver Lake and the Beaver tailwater? Our Busch Mountain Fishing Intelligence app puts some powerful fishing tools right at your fingertips, including:

• Advanced fishing conditions and species intelligence.
• AI-powered fishing advice and personalized fishing plans.
•  Fishing Session Mode with adaptive recommendations.
• Fishing pattern detection and trolling intelligence.
• Live Bite Alerts and fishing map intelligence.

The app is available for both Android and iPhone. You can download it directly from our website at www.buschmountainfishing.net.

“Until next time, here’s to some much-needed rain, improving river conditions, and better fishing ahead!”

Lake Charles
(updated 11-12-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the lake’s surface water temperature is tumbling and falling as low as 60.4 degrees earlier this week. Catfish are all that she heard about this past week; there were no reports on bream, crappie or bass.

Catfish have been excellent both on cut bait and blood bait. Most of the catches are coming on jigs or limblines.

Marsha says the best fishing days according to the “moon times” will be coming Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 26-27. Good days are forecast this week through Nov. 16. 

Lake Poinsett
(updated 10-29-2026) The AGFC Fisheries Division had an update on fishing Lake Poinsett as we hate into the last third of fall. The foliage is in perfect splendor, cooler temperatures are here, and there are some great fishing opportunities to be had. Since its renovation and reopening in 2022, Lake Poinsett has developed an impressive fishery for redear sunfish (commonly called “shellcrackers”). The AGFC’s northeast region fisheries biologists, led by the region’s new supervisor Micah Tindall, who moved up from the Fisheries Division’s Brinkley office, report that it’s now common to see these bream reaching an impressive 9-11 inches.

While fall isn’t traditionally considered peak bream season, targeting shallow mud flats or vegetation edges near deeper drop-offs can produce excellent fishing.
Here are some quick tips from the biologists:

• Tackle: Drop- shot with 12-18 inches of line;

• Bait: Nightcrawlers (which can be purchased conveniently at the Lake Poinsett State Park bait shop).

Whether you want to take the kids out fishing or bring the family together for a weekend fish fry, plan a trip to Poinsett this fall.

Spring River
(updated 11-5-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water level remains low with clear water clarity. The area remains very dry with record low water levels. It’s a great time for small-stream fishing with the low water. Search out deeper pools and riffles and tail-out pockets below riffles. The low, clear conditions have made for great dry fly and nymph fishing. Hopper droppers still work best on the nice sunny days. Nymphs are working great most days with Y2Ks and Woollies working other days. 

The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery has been stocking really nice trout in the river about every other week. There is plenty of fishing pressure to keep them on the move. Let them go and let them grow and they will get bigger. Leaves are falling heavier on the windy days. Once the leaves all fall and the temps get cold, the big trout should start moving. Wear that heated jacket to stay warm; it is an option these days. 

“We are catching really nice smallmouth bass here and there. We’re working bigger flies slow and deep along the river bottom. Work the big rocks along the river bank; the bass live under most of them. Easy to see all the fish that the Spring River contains. FYI, the yellow flashing on the river bottom is yellow suckers rolling rocks on the river bottom, usually not brown trout. Plenty of redhorse and baitfish, also. The baitfish have really taken over the shallow areas. Constantly rising to bugs. Big shad that are feeding on bugs can be good to imitate with baitfish streamer patterns for the bass and the bigger trout in the river.
“Easy wading, but be careful — those rocks are still slick. Stay dry and safe out there; this time of year you may have the river all to yourself.”

Crawford’s website includes regular updates on his blog along with videos and photos. 

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 11-12-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) reported most recently that the lake is very low and overrun with lily pads. Few anglers were venturing out.
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 11-12-2026) 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 five bass, but only one bass may be 16 inches or more in length. Anglers may harvest 15 crappie, but only seven crappie may be longer than 12 inches. All other fish creel limits follow state regulations for the species.

Lake Chicot
(updated 11-12-2026) Shaun Mercer at Lake Chicot State Park said in his most recent check at Lake Chicot that temperature had cooled to 68-72 degrees and the crappie were starting to turn on. The key has been 8 feet of water. Anglers were catching them on Bobby Garland Baby Shad on a white jighead, and Mercer said he’s only seen people using jigs — no shiners. One angler recently came in with about 32 slab crappie for him and another angler after fishing all day through a slow bite. That morning they’d met a man who fished a few hours before daylight and wore the crappie out in 8 feet of water. “Anything that looks like a shad or a minnow, or anything white, seems to be what they want,” Mercer said.

Bass were still good on topwater. Watermelon seed plastic worms were working, and anglers throwing swimbaits with chartreuse skirts and white tails had good luck.

Catfish were biting well in 4-5 feet of water. If you can get your hands on shad, the big ones will hit it right now. Anglers are catching them tight-lining, running yo-yos and on limblines, but the biggest fish are coming from the middle of the lake on pool noodles.

No bream reports.

The marina at Lake Chicot State Park has closed for the fall and winter beginning Oct. 31.

Crappie shorter than 10 inches must be released immediately on Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, and Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam. The crappie daily limit is 20.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)/Trusten Holder WMA
(updated 11-12-2026) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said the White River, the waters in Trusten Holder WMA and surrounding backwaters offer fall fishing opportunities. For crappie, try jigs and minnows around brush and deeper structure. For bass, shad-colored crankbaits and soft plastics around channel edges will work best. Catfish will take to cut bait and worms in deeper holes and oxbows.
Anglers recently had reported good catfish catches in the deeper oxbows throughout the Dale Bumpers White River Refuge.

At Trusten Holder WMA, the bass and crappie fishing were productive in the fishable backwaters and along channel edges. Crappie anglers were finding success with blue-and-black or red-and-black Texas-rigged worms. Shad-colored crankbaits were producing good results with the bass, especially along channel edges and in accessible backwaters.

In and around the White River at Clarendon, crappie anglers might try jigs and minnows around brush and deeper structure. Bass anglers have said there are opportunities around shad concentrations, while catfish anglers can try the dependable cut bait and worms along those deeper holes and channel edges there.

Also, don’t forget about the areas around St. Charles that are worth scouting now. Darker-colored jigs seem to work around brush and channel edges for crappie there. Look at using a shad-colored crankbait or soft plastics near deeper drop-offs for bass.

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 11-12-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the main focus is still the discovery over the past two weeks of giant salvinia in the lake. It’s been found in numerous locations along Little River, especially near the White Cliffs campground, boat ramp and in various other locations and the oxbows. Siefert says the AGFC and the Army Corps of Engineers have been working diligently, applying herbicides and removing hundreds of pounds of this invasive species to eradicate it before it has a solid foothold. Containment booms have been placed strategically to curtail the migration of the giant salvinia. Boaters and anglers are urged to not disturb the booms. Boaters are also urged to clean, drain and dry their boats upon leaving the lake and before putting their boats in other bodies of water.
Millwood Lake elevation is near normal pool at 259.2 feet msl and falling. The dam is releasing about 171 cfs and the tailwater is near 223 feet msl and stable. 

Surface temps over the past week ranged from 65 degrees early to 72 degrees later in the day. Clarity along Little River continues clearing up with reduced river current. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows continues to be good this week and is about 20-35 inches visibility.
Millwood State park remains open but the marina is now closed for the winter, with reopening scheduled for March 2027.

Siefert says that over the past two weeks, the bass and crappie have both been hit-and-miss on every other day. This week, little has changed and they remain on again/off again. The active schooling of black bass and white bass are more random. “We need some more cooler, overnight low temps to drop the surface temperatures and get the bass in a feeding mode to fatten up for winter,” the guide said. “These present water temperatures this late in the fall have the bass thinking it’s still summer. A few cold fronts would help bass activity to realize winter is coming, as they continue grouping and chase threadfin shad.

“We are beginning to see a lot more movement activity of the threadfin shad into and around creek channels, up Little River, near McGuire Lake entrance White Cliffs. A few of the largemouths are following the shad into the backs of creeks this week, more at the back end than there were last week, and stumps and broken timber at mouths of creeks will hold scattered largemouths. The best activity periods are shifting from midmorning to afternoon. Creek bend sections of the creek channels continue holding fish on stumps from 5-12 feet of depth.”
Siefert suggests angler target bass with a variety of topwater baits, such as Heddon Dying Flutters in Coach Dog and chrome, and Cordell Crazy Shads in chrome/black back, along with Bass Assassin Shads in Houdini and Salt & Pepper silver phantom colors when the schooling activities move shallow and into remaining lily pad stands. 

For the past week or two, crappie have been holding on structure and cover from 10-15 feet of depth, and Berkley Crappie Nibbles in platinum, chroma-flow, wildfire and gold rush have been working. Berkley Gulp Minnows are also taking a few 2- to 2.5-pound slabs, and better colors over the past week have been Smelt and Starry Night.
No reports on bream or catfish.

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

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

(updated 10-29-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs again noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz on Tuesday how much below normal pool the “big” lakes are.

The surface temperature has fallen into the mid-70s on average. The water color is still gin clear. Earlier this month, Kastner noted that “the topwater bite is incredible. All the lakes are on fire. Also, a buzzbait and Fluke bite are both very good. Ouachita and DeGray have some of the best moss crops they have ever had in a very long time, maybe ever. Big jig season is just around the corner.”

(updated 10-29-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) in his most recent DeGray report noted that bass were chasing shad and anglers were catching them casting spoons, swimbaits and trolling. For the crappie fishermen, the crappie are in fall transition with the water cooling. Deeper brushpiles near the channels at the entrance of coves and smaller creek arms are holding some nice crappie. Fish 12-20 feet deep with the usual jigs or minnows at all three lakes.

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 11-12-2026) 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 11-12-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 60 degrees with slightly stained conditions in the tailrace. Entergy was running 10-hour generation periods starting in the late afternoon. However, with the fall season underway, this schedule has changed with no information available on the hydroelectric operations website. No generation schedule has been posted online for the last several months online. Lake Catherine’s annual winter drawdown (this year scheduled for 3 feet) was set to begin Nov. 1.

The fall stocking of rainbow trout below Carpenter Dam is scheduled for Nov. 30. Rainbow trout numbers are predicted to be down statewide, but not as dramatically as last year after the losses at the two major trout hatcheries in-state. 

The only productive fishing below the dam now 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 that will strike a lure that closely resembles a fleeing shad. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate shad against the current has taken numbers of bass in the late evening.
Excessive heat kept many anglers off the lake this summer and early fall, and shortened fish feeding times, but now that fall is underway, more fishermen can stay on the water and catches are improving.
This report will stay much the same until later in November when the first stocking of rainbow trout. 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
(updated 10-29-2026) 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 how much below normal pool the “big” lakes are in the area, and with the long-lasting summer-like conditions, boat owners would be wise to consider winterizing their boats now before winter comes. He notes that Lake Hamilton will start its annual winter drawdown Nov. 1, with a 3-foot drop.

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 11-12-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are good. Throw your favorite topwater for lots of fun, or drop-shot a live crawfish for spotted bass in the 15- to 30-foot range on points or brush.

Crappie are very slow but trying to pick up. These fish have been deeper; try 20-40 feet near brush.

No reports on walleyes, stripers, bream or catfish. 

Water temperature is a little lower at 68-72 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level is steady this week, at 568.68 feet msl (still more than 9 feet below normal pool). Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 10-29-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said the crappie are doing GREAT early in the mornings on live bait on brushpiles in 18-24 feet of water near deeper water channels. As the sun gets higher, move deeper onto brushpiles in the channel. Fish 8-12 feet deep in the early morning. Fish 18-24 feet deep by midmorning. 

The bass are everywhere roaming from surface feeding to patrolling the bottom. 

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 was lowered earlier this year twice, the most recent to 374 feet through Nov. 1, 2026, for the improvement of habitat for waterfowl and other aquatic species. The drawdown is over. 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.