Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report
BY Jim Harris
ON 08-03-2023
Aug. 3, 2023
Jim Harris
Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine
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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 for current news for the lake or stream you plan to fish.
TOP: Gary Bortz discovered what he described as a great topwater bite for largemouth bass on the Arkansas River somewhere above the Murray Lock and Dam in late July.
Quick links to regions:
Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk
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: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality
Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page
NOTICE: The AGFC reminds landowners adjacent to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir and Lake Overcup to not irrigate for lawns or gardens with water from these lakes until October. Both lakes were treated in early June with herbicides to control the invasive aquatic vegetation. Multiple applications per year are necessary for effective control of alligatorweed, and being unable to irrigate during this time is another unfortunate effect of this nonnative invasive aquatic plant species. Without controlling it, alligatorweed can infest lakes, restricting access to boathouses, boat ramps and fishing locations, and choke out native vegetation and fish populations. For more information, call the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at 833-338-3636.
Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.
(updated 8-3-2023) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said with limits now removed as Lake Conway is prepped for renovation, the store has been busy and the lake has too with anglers. Also, the AGFC has added more than 50 fish tagged to the population at $500 per tag, which has drawn some enthusiastic anglers.
The bream, they report, were bedding up again last week and moving back to the banks, where they were being caught in good numbers. Try redworms, crickets and Danamax hair jigs.
Bass continue to bite well. Shad are everywhere, and the bass are hitting on spinnerbaits and Baby Brush Hogs in a green pumpkin color or something dark under shady spots and under the docks. Crappie are deep but are being caught if you can find them in the afternoons, on medium crappie minnows and small jigs. They’re in 6-8 feet depth. Catfish are biting well on goldfish, nightcrawlers (popular among customers now, they say), trotline minnows, stink bait, chicken liver and shad.
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 (swpa.gov) to see forecast generation schedule.
(updated 8-3-2023) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips/Little Red River Fly Guides (501-507-3688) said the Southwestern Power Administration has been running a consistent generation schedule for the past few weeks. “I’d expect the same generation schedule to continue as long as it remains hot outside. The dam’s generators are usually being turned on around 1 p.m. to 2.p.m. and they have been running two units for 5-6 hours. Always check the USACE Little Rock app before heading out.
“The current generation schedule has opened up a lot of river for wade fishing.
With the hot weather we are experiencing, try to quickly land the fish and get them back into the water as soon as possible. Try fishing the deep holes around the moss beds and the oxygenated shoals and plunge pools below the shoals. The bite has been good, especially early morning and evenings. The hot flies for me are small Pheasant Tail soft hackles, Guides Choice Hare’s Ears, pink San Juan Worms and Root Beer Midges.
(updated 8-3-2023) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said one thing to take advantage of in the heat of summertime is the cold water coming out of the dam, cooling things off for anglers. Southwestern Power Administration is running water from the dam, leading to rising water and current in the afternoon. So, early morning you have some falling water and an excellent time to fish. Anglers are catching trout with a Rooster Tail, a maribou jig and also a Trout Magnet rig. And also try the Rapala Countdown size No. 5 in brown trout or rainbow trout colors for some bites.
(updated 7-27-2023) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-250-0730) said the Little Red River is in a summertime water release pattern from Greers Ferry Dam. Daily afternoon generation provides wade and drift-fishing opportunities on all sections of the river. If you plan to fish the Trout Magnet, consider using pink and red-colored bodies on chartreuse jigheads. For fly-fishing, consider San Juan Worm, Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail and Midge. Always check generation schedule and be aware of unexpected water release. Check before heading to the Little Red River for Greers Ferry Dam water release by downloading the USACE Little Rock app, Corps of Engineers website (swl-wc.usace.army.mil) for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website (swpa.gov) to see forecasted generation schedule.
Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.
(updated 8-3-2023) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 458.26 feet msl, which is 4.28 feet below normal pool of 462.54 feet msl for this time of year. With little rain, evaporation and generation it will continue to come down. Black bass for the most part are super shallow, suspended or out sitting on structure, so baits to cover all three locations will have you covered and however you like to target them, from 1-60 feet and sometimes a few coming up on top as well. Crappie are still being hauled in more regularly now – with the invention to teach people where fish are located a lot of times in a highland reservoir – use jigs, beetle spins, hair jigs, live bait, etc., in 10-50 feet. Bream catching is at its best now; crickets, crawlers and inline spinners working super shallow out to 20 feet. Catfish are eating live and cut bait, dog food, soap and prepared baits as well as artificial baits like spoons under shad, shallow to deep. Hybrid bass and white bass are eating live bait, spoons, inline spinners and hair jigs fished right on structure. Some schooling activity going on. As for walleye, some are floating around with shad suspended, some are on structure and some roaming. Drag a crawler on a jighead or drop-shot for best results in 20-40 feet. Also, some crankbaits are working as well as spoons.
(updated 8-3-2023) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the early morning anglers have been catching schooling hybrids, largemouth, smallmouth and white bass, all of them mixed together, in the lower end of the lake. Best presentation has been a three-quarter-ounce or half-ounce spoon. Lake in the evening or early morning, anglers also are targeting the drop-offs close to deep water in about 25 feet with brush and standing timber around. They are throwing a drop-shot, a Texas-rigged worm and also a Carolina rig in those areas.
Late in the evening there is a topwater bite, such as using a Zara Spoon on bluff wall banks. Best colors of Spooks are bone or clear. Again, these are catching a variety of bass: hybrids and whites, smallmouths and largemouths.
There is still a nice walleye bite. Anglers are dropping a nightcrawler or putting a nightcrawler on a bottom bouncer over 30-40 feet standing timber.
The lake is a little low right now and the clarity is clear.
Harris Brake Lake
(updated 8-3-2023) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says one angler has been fishing in a boat in the deeper area, about 10 feet of depth, and catching a few crappie – anywhere from three or four at one outing to eight. Crappie being caught are in the neighborhood of 13 inches. Minnows are working best.
Catfish are biting at night, with cats in the 5- to 7-pound range being caught. Use stink bait. Black bass are being caught off the shoreline. One gentleman reported catching a 3-pound bass using a spinnerbait. Bream are doing well. Crickets and redworms are being used.
The water clarity looks a little bit muddy, while the level is normal.
Lake Overcup
(updated 7-20-2023) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing off Arkansas Highway 9 said water level is normal and clarity is good, but the surface temperature is around 93 degrees. “No one is fishing at the moment, but last week we were catching 50-70 Bream in the afternoons. No great big ones but good trotline bait.
“We have caught several good channel cats and an albino. Also a 40-pound flathead was caught by Doug and Dennis Vaughn and Dennis’ granddaughter, Marrissa.”
Lake Maumelle
(updated 7-27-2023) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) says water temperature is ranging 85-87 degrees. The largemouth bass bite is still good. Reports have the bass being found in a wide range of depths. The bass are biting best in the mornings and evenings. They can be found shallow, with some starting to hit topwater, and also at 16-20 feet. Use crankbaits and flukes, fish a wacky rig shallow and try a Texas rig for the deeper fish. Spotted bass (Kentucky bass) are fair. Reports of them being found still around 16-20 feet. Use a shaky head and crawdad colors. The black bass continue to bite well for the Tuesday night crowd. This week’s Tuesday Night Tournament out of WestRock saw Brandon Crain and Matt Hedrick pull in a winning 5-bass stringer of 17.06 pounds. Josh Jeffers and Aaron Presser caught a 5.18-pound Big Bass as part of their runner-up 14.44-pound stringer.
Crappie are good, with reports of crappie hanging in the brush around 20 feet of water on top of brush. Try using minnows. Bream are great, with reports of them still on the beds and biting. They are anywhere from 8-15 feet deep. Use crickets or worms. Catfish reports are good, as they are being found with the bream off the bottom. Still no reports on white bass.
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
(updated 8-3-2023) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said water remains clear and normal pool. Not a lot of people have been out other than early in the mornings, where a few bass anglers are regularly putting in. They appear to still be catching a lot of bass, too, he says, including up into the river. A lot of anglers are going up into the Little Maumelle with plastic worms for the bass. Also you can catch bream any time, Ray says, but the bream are no longer bedding. Worms and crickets will work as always, he adds. Nothing lately has been heard on catfish or crappie.
Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.
Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
For the real-time water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam and David D. Terry Lock and Dam, as well as the Little Rock pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.
(updated 8-3-2023) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) reports that it continues to be tough going for bass anglers on the river these days. Most of the good fishing is early in the morning or late in the evening. A hollow body frog in a white or black color is working well, and so is a bone-colored Zara Spook. Most bass anglers are using those baits and targeting the grass line, jetties and isolated wood. There’s a middle-of-the-day bite between noon and 1:30 p.m. on sandbars using a little jerkbait and a quarter-ounce Rat-L-Trap in chrome and blue. During the afternoons, some anglers are finding bass biting topwater up shallow up in the grass, as well as responding to a swim jig and a shaky head.
White River
(updated 8-3-2023) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said the Arkansas Ozarks haven’t missed out on the heat wave that’s moving across the country, but we have the gem of the White River to cool us down. The trout love that very cold water and the anglers love the cool mist that lowers the air temperature by about 15 degrees.
Catching rainbows has seldom been easier than it’s been the last few weeks, undoubtedly due to the low water we’ve had. The pattern from the dam continues with minimum flows (less than 700 cfs) in the morning and a full four or five units (12,000-plus cfs) during the late afternoon hours. The lake level is now 658.81 feet msl, nearly 2.5 feet below pool level for this time of year.
“I don’t like to use the word “pattern” – once we begin to depend on a certain water level, somebody changes it – but it appears one has been established. Silver blades on an orange or brown Rooster Tail, or a silver Vibrax Blue Fox with an orange or bubblegum pink bell will bring in a good share. A bronze Colorado spoon, one-sixth ounce, is always a good choice in lower water.
“The bigger browns have been looking for sculpins and shad. Keep your eye on the tip of your rod for a little tremor and watch that brown snatch your bait. Play it slowly and carefully, no rapid movements, and you’ll be able to net it for a picture. If you are new to fly-fishing, we’ve found the red San Juan Worm or a red-and-silver Midge is a good way to catch your first trout on a fly.
“Come on over and join us as we stay cool angling for a fat, energetic rainbow on the White.”
(updated 8-3-2023) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said Southwestern Power Administration has kept a similar generation schedule of ramping up generation in the early afternoon and slowing generation in the evenings. This means at Calico Rock we are seeing water levels increase in the early morning until late morning and then drop throughout the afternoon. There is some dinginess to the water in the mornings and clearing throughout the day. In the mornings, drift-fishing with a silver in-line spinner with Uncommon Bait UV glow eggs (bright orange or Firefly [yellow/greenish]) and shrimp have worked well. Shrimp seems to be working best, but we are also hearing that worms and corn are working.
As the water drops in the afternoon, using quarter-ounce Colorado spoons with nickel/gold or copper/gold or Buoyant rainbow trout or brown trout colored spoons work well while fishing the gravel bars. CD7 Rapala Countdowns in silver or brown trout colors are effective. Throwing Shad Raps in the deeper holes has resulted in some nice browns and rainbows. Using sculpins has been effective, resulting in some nice 18-plus-inch trout.
“We needed the rain Sunday night and it didn’t have any effect on the river. With the varying river levels, beware of your surroundings watching for debris in the water, submerged rocks and debris, and shallow gravel bars. During the higher water levels and water flow, don’t throw out an anchor in the river. An anchor will drag and if it gets hung up it could pull the boat under the water. If you use a drag chain, either have a breakaway in the system or keep a knife close by to cut the rope. Stay safe and enjoy the last few days before most schools start this month.”
(updated 8-3-2023) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service at Cotter said that during the past week they had a bit over a half an inch of rain in Cotter), hot temperatures (to include heat advisories) and heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals fell 0.5 foot to rest at 2.2 feet below power pool of 661 feet msl. This is 36.2 feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell 0.8 foot to rest at 3.4 feet below power pool and 17.4 feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell 0.9 foot to rest at 3.3 feet below power pool and 11.9 feet below the top of flood pool. The White has had wadable water every day with moderate flows in the afternoon during peak power demand. Norfork Lake fell 0.2 foot to rest at 0.9 foot over power pool of 555.75 feet msl and 23.3 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork Tailwater has had wadable water. All of the lakes are below or near power pool. Expect lower flows in the coming days. On the Norfork, all turbines still are inoperable for the foreseeable future. Minimum release is being made through the siphon at continuous flows of 185 cfs and additional flows are made through the flood gates.
John says, “On the White, the hot spot has been Wildcat Shoals. We have had lower flows that have fished well. The hot flies were Y2Ks, Prince Nymphs, Zebra Midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan Worms, gold ribbed Hare’s Ears and Sowbugs. Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective. My favorite has been a Pheasant Tail (size 14) with a ruby Midge dropper (size 18).
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 8-3-2023) Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock said Tuesday that the lake level remains steady at about 658 feet msl, slightly below normal conservation pool. Water temperature is a warm 86 degrees, give or take, in the main lake and 90s in the backs of dirty creeks. Get up early, especially with this nasty heat, and hopefully you’ll get a chance at a little topwater action. Look for surface activity along shallow areas close to deep water. The shad are starting the transition. If you are around them, the bass will show themselves. They are schooled up and covering water. A Scuba Spoon Popper or small walk-the-dog-style bait like a Lucky Craft Gunfish of Sammy will work if you can get in there while they’re up.
“Most topwater for me has been closer to the main or on the main lake. Look in mouths of large creeks early if you’re planning to fish runoff or stained water in the back. Make sure the conditions are right after a rain, clouds etc. You can catch ’em on a buzzbait or Whopper Plopper on the flats and remaining bushes. Pick up a Jewel Jig Bass Whacker in green pumpkin orange or a big red worm or green pumpkin shaky head in any of the laydowns, brush piles, drop offs, and cover water. Look at temps back there before you start. Del reminds anglers to be sure to fish the conditions.
For sunny and clear, stay out toward the main lake and fish natural colors in small profile baits. Look at ledges; keep your boat off the fish. These fish have been pressured a lot. “Drop-shot has been my go-to bait matched with a Robo Worm on brush piles, bluffs, standing timber off ledges for suspenders. You’re gonna have to cat-and-mouse them most days.
“Tater shad will also work on the deeper suspenders in 35-45 feet. Also a big R2S Flutter if the largemouths and spotted bass are up high (0-20 feet) and a small spoon if they are deeper (20-40 feet). Use a spoon or Jewel Scope Spin on deep schoolers. Don’t put the topwater away after the morning bite. If they start generating at the dam, there will be a flurry even in the middle of the day.”
Del regularly posts new YouTube videos. Visit his YouTube site (Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock) for more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.
Norfork Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Norfork Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.
(updated 8-3-2023) Steven “Scuba Steve” Street at Blackburn’s Resort said the lake level was 556.59 and had dropped 1.75 inches in the last 24 hours with sluice gates open equivalent to two-thirds of a generator for three days when he came in to work at 7:30 Wednesday evening. Both generators at Norfork Dam are still inoperable. The surface water temperature is 88 degrees in the afternoon hot sun and the White River at Newport is still very low at 5.91 feet, indicating not much water is being let out anywhere. The thermocline starts at 24 feet and is very cold at 30 feet. Several fish of different species are in the 25-30 feet range. Open water fish are in 60-70 feet of water and suspended at various depths. There are a lot of shad out there. Other fish are on main lake points in 25-30 feet of water and can be caught on a jigging spoon. After-dark fishing for bass is good with black lights and saltcraws. The lake is at a good level for boating, swimming but diving and fishing are just fair. It is a typical early August but things will get better soon.
Visit blackburnsresort.com and click on Scuba Steve’s blog for a daily report.
(updated 8-3-2023) Lou Gabric at Hummingbird Hideaway Resort had no new reports, but Lou posts almost daily on his Facebook page with photos and where the fish are biting and what’s biting. Check it out.
Norfork Tailwater
(updated 8-3-2023) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said Norfork Lake fell 0.2 foot to rest at 0.9 foot over power pool of 555.75 feet msl and 23.3 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork Tailwater has had wadable water. All of the lakes are below or near power pool. Expect lower flows in the coming days. On the Norfork, all turbines still are inoperable for the foreseeable future. Minimum release is being made through the siphon at continuous flows of 185 cfs and additional flows are made through the flood gates.
The most productive flies on the Norfork have been small midge patterns like Zebra Midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead). Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead-head nymph (Zebra Midge, Copper John or Pheasant Tail) suspended 18 inches below a brightly colored San Juan Worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). John says his favorite rig has been a cerise San Juan Worm and a ruby Midge. The fishing is better in the morning and late afternoon and tapers off midday.
Dry Run Creek has fished poorly. School is out and it can get quite crowded particularly on weekends. The hot flies have been Sowbugs, various colored San Juan Worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and white Mop Flies. Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Carry a large net, as most fish are lost at the net.
Remember that the White and Norfork rivers and Dry Run Creek are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.
Buffalo National River/Crooked Creek
(updated 8-3-2023) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are fishing well. With warmer temperatures, the smallmouths are more active. The most effective fly has been a tan and brown Clouser minnow. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.
Beaver Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Beaver Lake Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.
(updated 8-3-2023) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is continuing its downward trend in lake level. It now sits close to 1,118 feet msl, around 3 feet below normal pool. The water is hot and is close to 90 degrees in places. Summer patterns rule at this point. Get out on the lake early or late afternoon. If you venture out, the bite is fair to good on most species. Striper continue to be caught from Point 5 down to the dam. Trolling live bait will work. You just have to be there right at first light and the bite is over just as fast. Walleye are starting to be caught pretty well on trolled bottom bouncers or on drop-shot crawlers. Look around the islands at Prairie Creek or Big Island across from Rocky Branch. Lots of catfish are coming in on the crawler harnesses, also. So this method is really good to fill a live well with some great eats!
Crappie are consistent on trolled cranks, which is the best way in the heat to do well on crappie now. Again, the go-to cranks are Bandit 300 and Picos. Flicker Shad works, too. Bluegill are good and are a great target for young anglers. Just use a float and a 1/32-ounce jighead tipped with nightcrawlers. Fish around and visible structures, downed trees and laydowns.
“Good luck, stay hydrated and considerate on the lake. Lots of boat traffic, so be safe!”
Visit Jon’s Facebook page for latest updates, FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.
(updated 8-3-2023) Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said it’s really hot, dry and not fun for most folks to be on the water when it’s 80 degrees well into the late evening/early morning hours. It’s all been pretty slow. Crappie fishing is as good a highlight as any, though, and it’s been going on with anglers trolling for crappie using trolling baits that will get 10-15 feet – be it a Bandit, Pico, Arkie or some deeper-diving crankbait. Some crappie are being caught on minnows tight to the brush in 12-20 feet of water. Bass fishing is almost nonexistent in the daytime, and the folks doing it are throwing a variety of finesse worms. There is decent bass fishing night, however, on spinnerbaits and dark, 9- to 12-inch soft plastic worms.
A few stripers are being caught in the overnight hours or early in the morning; it’s done by 8-9 a.m. and that’s on an overcast day. Anglers are also catching walleye dragging bottom bouncers (with nightcrawlers mostly, or minnows) at 20-30 feet and maybe a little deeper. Now, bluegill can be counted on for some catches, they seem to always be good around Beaver Lake in the warmer months. Use redworms and crickets; anglers are catching them in 6-10 feet of water. They are anticipating possibly one more spawn with the full moon coming up.
The lake is clear and just slightly below normal power pool. The water temperature is around 85 degrees, hot and not cooling down anytime soon, it seems.
Beaver Tailwater
(updated 8-3-2023) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said that this past week, “we have had to search for the fish on the tailwater. The water level is getting low, and unless you have a shallow drafting boat, you’re not going to be able to get up to Spider Creek. In fact, I have witnessed several larger boats run aground attempting to get up that way.
“As for the fishing, all I can recommend is to move around. Once you get on them, you can pretty much stay on them. The fish have been responding very well to Pautzke Fire Bait fished on the bottom with light terminal tackle. We have pulled a lot of fish 16-plus-inch just by changing locations. When the Corps starts to move water, you need to change things up. Pitching or drifting Pautzke Fire Worms, spoons and Rooster Tails have produced nicely.
“There are still some walleye to be had toward Holiday Island. Most have responded well to jigging soft plastics and working jerkbaits.
“Let’s hope we get some rain soon, or we might end up in the same situation as we did with last year’s drought. Have fun, stay safe and catch some fish!”
For additional tips, visit Austin’s fishing Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service).
Lake Fayetteville
(updated 7-27-2023) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said bream are biting a lot on crickets and worms. Crappie are slowing down. Black bass are biting on worms, topwater baits and jigs, but it’s been hit and miss. Try the shady areas off the pier as well as in the coves. Snapping turtles are biting as well. It’s hot.
Lake Charles
(updated 8-3-2023) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) says redear sunfish, bluegill and other bream were being caught from the shore on worms, while catfish are active on worms and goldfish this past week. Fishing overall for bream, crappie and bass was fair, while the catfish bite is good. Anglers could also catch cats with chicken liver and blood bait. Jigs were working for both bream and crappie, and worms also caught some crappie. Bass are taking to crankbaits, soft plastic worms, regular worms and topwater lures.
Water temperature Sunday was back up, hitting 82.5 degrees. Clarity is the usual murky and the water level is normal.
Lake Poinsett
(updated 8-3-2023) Seth Boone, the superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said bream have been biting. The bigger bream seem to be off rocky shores in about 12-15 feet of water biting on worms or crickets. Catfish are deeper right now and more active in the evenings on chicken liver and other good-smelling baits. Bass and crappie are still catch-and-release but the crappie have been biting on minnows and worms. Bass are biting on white jigs around structures and frogs off the water primrose.
Spring River
(updated 8-3-2023) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels at the Spring have been at 350 cfs and water clarity is mostly clear. Storms moving through the area can change conditions quickly; always be safe and keep an eye on the forecast. The overcast days are excellent for chasing fish with Streamers. On the hot sunny days, fish early and take the afternoon off. It’s easier on the fish and you.
On the overcast days, Streamers or Woollies can work great. Working the bank or swinging them out downstream – always a fun way to catch. Olive and brown Woollies are hard to beat with silver eyelash Streamers working when the bite is on baitfish. The sunny hot days have Hopper Droppers working great, with an occasional Hopper hit. For Droppers, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Y2Ks, Nymphs or Soft Hackles. Fun, fun, fun!
Smallmouth are hitting Streamers, you’ve just got to fish them deep. Look for the deeper pools and work it slowly. Skull head sculpins, barbell crawfish and Clousers can all work well. Fish them deep and slow. You may catch a walleye that way, also – maybe.
“It has been very hot out, be safe and hydrate, and don’t forget the Spring River is ice cold. Wet wading season.”
Mark has a blog on his website linked above with the most recent conditions and updates from the Spring.
(updated 8-3-2023) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the water level on the Spring River is fishable. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and North Fork rivers. Canoe season is here. Fish early or late to avoid the boats. Wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive Woolly Buggers with a bit of flash, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks.
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 8-3-2023) Stephanie Clingenpeel, seasonal park interpreter at Cane Creek State Park, said it has been a hot, slow week at the park. She spoke with an older gentleman who said the crappie are out and biting at the moment. He would not disclose the exact location, though said they were caught somewhere farther into the lake. It has been another hot week with temperatures topping out in the 90s, with mostly clear skies. “Here at Cane Creek we also cannot seem to keep our crickets in stock,” she said. Look for bream to be biting, then.
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 8-3-2023) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday that bass are slow, while crappie are still biting between 10-16 feet deep in Little River planted brush, with minnows working best. The surface water temperature is ranging 86-89 degrees. Millwood Lake’s 2-foot drawdown by the Army Corps of Engineers is in effect until September. Lake elevation Wednesday was 21.6 inches below normal conservation pool, a gate discharge at the dam is 2,465 cfs. Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or at the Corps of Engineers website, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels.
Use extreme caution during the drawdown, as stumps and obstacles will be at or near the water surface in many locations. Some boat lanes on the main lake will be inaccessible during the drawdown with shallow flats and stumps preventing navigation.
Work has been completed on paving the new and expanded parking lot at Yarborough Landing.
Mike offered these specifics of how the fishing has gone recently on Millwood:
* Largemouth bass are fair, biting randomly. They are best from daybreak until up around 9 a.m. along the river from the mouth of Warrior Trail all the way upriver to White Cliffs Creek dump. It is best early and late on plastic frogs, Bass Assassin Shads and Brush Hogs, or Bang 3.5-inch Skunk Apes in the pads along grass lines. They are ranging from 2-4 pounds, and activity slows in midday heat. “We connected with some largemouth and Kentucky bass and whites on Cordell Jigging Spoons all in various groups following shad schools along the river. During the drawdown, the current and falling lake level is pulling most bass to the creek mouths, primary and secondary points where channel dumps, and into Little River.”
The best action along Little River is near washouts from 6-15 feet of depth off the bank near vegetation mats, and along primary and secondary points and creek dumps into the river. Also good action in the back in the oxbows, in 3-8 feet of water on flats near cypress trees, until the sun gets above the trees. Once the sun reaches overhead, they are pulling out off the flats into 9-10 feet deep creek channels where grass and reeds and fresh lily pad shoots are emerging. Best colors of Shad Assassins with current water clarity are Salt & Pepper Silver Phantom, Chico’s Red Ear and Pumpkinseed. Best colors of Brush Hogs are Watermelon Candy and June Bug Red, while Skunk Apes are best in black/blue tail, Hematoma Shad or Blank Check.
Buzzbaits, Heddon Dying Flutters, Cordell Crazy Shads, plastic frogs, Bass Assassin Shads, Bill Lewis Lures StutterSteps and Ken Pops are all working randomly at daylight at various locations. Once the sun gets above the trees, many of the better quality fish are pulling out to the creek’s deeper sections. After about 9-10 a.m., bass will randomly respond to a Bill Lewis ATV Square Bill, Echo 1.75 Crankbaits, and 10-inch Power Worms or a Brush Hog. Over the past couple of weeks, largemouths have been randomly feeding in creek channels dumping into Little River. The oxbows continue providing best water clarity in many locations. Flats next to deep creeks and secondary points with any fresh grass growth, new lily pad blooms and vegetation will coax an ambush bite on a BLL ATV Square Bill or Echo 1.75 after the topwater bite subsides on Buzzbaits near late morning. Best colors of Power Worms have been Blue Fleck and Black Grape; the best Brush Hog is Watermelon Candy with a chartreuse tail.
Senkos, Yum Dingers and trick worms like the Barlow’s Salty Rat Tails, as well as finesse worms are still getting reactions wacky-rigged. South African Special, June Bug Red, Blackberry and Watermelon Seed have been randomly working all along Little River and in the back of McGuire and Horseshoe oxbows.
* For a couple weeks, some very large schools of white bass have been spotted schooling and surface-breaking in Little River between Jack’s Isle and the mouth of Snake Creek along the edges near grass mats on threadfin shad. “These whites were hitting jigging spoons when we saw them surface schooling last week. Several different schools of whites were feeding along Little River breaking on shad at the surface and down to 8-12 feet of depth near the burnt tree at Pugh Slough, while we were vertical-jigging chrome Cordell or Kastmaster Spoons, and ranged from 2-3 pounds each. We didn’t see the white bass surface-breaking over the past week.”
* Crappie are still biting between 10-16 feet deep in Little River planted brush, with minnows working best. Some catches in recent weeks have reached 2.25 pounds.
* Bream were biting well above Jack’s Isle, and more beds were seen two weeks ago. Those bream were biting best on crickets, redworms and sweet corn.
* No reports on catfish. Several folks had been snagging below the dam recently with the increased discharge, before the Corps of Engineers shut the gates back and reduced flow.
Lake Columbia
No reports.
Lake Erling
(updated 7-20-2023) Lake Erling Guide Service (870-904-8546) has a Crappie Masters Lake Erling Showdown going on Thursday through Saturday. Fish are biting really well early, then as it warms up they are not biting near as good. Hand-tied jigs and minnows are working best on the crappie.
Meanwhile, the local anglers are catching lots of catfish on jugs, trotlines and noodles and they’re using anything for bait, it doesn’t matter.
Folks are still catching a lot of bream around the lake, and the store is selling lots of crickets and worms for them.
They have seen several schools of black bass in the mornings and afternoons, but they haven’t heard of anyone catching any bass yet.
The lake was more than 3 feet high after heavy rain last week, but has come down as of Thursday. On Friday or Saturday it should be back to full pool, they report. The rainfall did cool the lake down nicely, which helped get the fish biting again. The water clarity is clear in spite of the heavy rainfall.
The tournament results will be carried on the Crappie Masters Facebook page live during the midafternoon (around 3 p.m.) Friday and Saturday. Crappie Masters is a national group. The tournament has drawn anglers from many states in the region.
The Lake Erling Guide Service store is open daily, 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 p.m. on weekends. Also check out Friends of Lake Erling on Facebook for more information and photos, too.
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.
No reports.
DeGray Lake
For the most updated lake level at DeGray Lake, click here.
(updated 8-3-2023) John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service at Iron Mountain Marina says, “Wow is it hot?! Folks, hydrate!
“I think the big story is schooling fish. Surfacing fish I have seen this week are from Point Cedar to Arlie Moore and to Iron Mountain to Brushy Creek. They are everywhere. I’ve been seeing them as early as 6:30 a.m. Throw spoons, topwaters, crankbaits, Rooster Tails or the kitchen sink. If they are on top, they hit a huge variety of lures and presentations. Troll an Alabama rig and hold on. Black bass, spotted bass (Kentucky bass), whites and hybrids all are working the shad over.
“Full moon is here as of this writing and now’s the time to hit the bream beds. Side imaging to locate them, then drop-shot or slip bobbers to do the trick. This will be the last big month (normally) for the bedding action. Don’t miss it.
“Well, my favorite again, crappie – that is a tough sell right now for me. They are from being on timber to being around the brush piles, to being down deep in brush, to roaming fish. The bite is tough so be patient. Snipping or small profile jigs work with skilled fisher people.
“Again: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! And watch for others.”
(updated 8-3-2023) Philip Kastler of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz that lakes DeGray, Hamilton and Ouachita all are best these days fishing at night. “Absolutely people are still fishing. A lot of guys going out in the morning. And, of course, night fishing is what we do all the time anyway. Not very many people during the summer do a lot of day fishing. That’s why all the tournaments are 7 to 11 at night. Hamilton, DeGray and Ouachita all have night tournaments, two or three every single week, and you can catch a lot of good fish fishing at night. Topwater bite, of course, is good until dark. After dark a Texas rig worm in brush piles or dragging a spider down the guts of these pockets and around those same brush piles. You can catch a lot of good fishing doing it.”
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.
White Oak Lake Area
No reports.
NOTICE: The AGFC reminders landowners adjacent to Lake Atkins and to the Cabin Creek arm of Lake Dardanelle that EPA-approved aquatic herbicides were applied to those bodies of water earlier this month, and while he treatment causes no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life, water irrigated from the lake can harm gardens, flowerbeds and lawns if used on neighboring lands. By federal law these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. Please to not irrigate for lawns or gardens with water from these lakes until October. Multiple applications per year are necessary for effective control of alligatorweed, and being unable to irrigate during this time is another unfortunate effect of this nonnative invasive aquatic plant species. Without controlling it, alligatorweed can infest lakes, restricting access to boathouses, boat ramps and fishing locations, and choke out native vegetation and fish populations. For more information, call the AGFC Fisheries Office in Russellville at 833-356-0879.
Lake Atkins
(updated 8-3-2023) Donald Ramirez at Lucky Landing (479-264-0851) said fishing is slow and the water is hot. Anglers are trying, starting early (around 6-7 a.m.) and are out by 10-11 a.m. having caught a bass or two. Crappie are deep and hiding from the heat.
Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
(updated 8-3-2023) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 65 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Entergy is generating 6,900 cfs for nine hours each day this week through Friday, Aug. 4. The rainbow trout season is over with very few fish caught or seen in the last several months. The rainbow trout stocking schedule will resume in mid-November to start the fall and winter season. Currently, fair numbers of white bass continue to migrate into the tailrace chasing shad. Midsummer is a good time for white bass fishing although most of the fish present are on the smaller size. Topwater activity is key in locating feeding bass. The main channels hold the majority of shad, and anglers casting one-eighth-ounce jigs in gray or white will catch bass that are keying in on these baitfish. Small topwater plugs such as Zara Puppies and Heddon Tiny Torpedoes closely match the profile of area shad.
Because of the variety of forage, walleye, catfish and bass will move in and out of the tailrace in the hot summer months and can be caught in numbers by anglers who closely observe conditions on Lake Catherine. While this report resembles a broken record, it is very important to note that when the trout are gone from the tailrace, productive fishing takes a nosedive until the stocking program resumes in the fall. Most fish species that frequent the dam are only present for a short period to either spawn or feed on migrating shad schools. The hot summer months are marked with little game fish present in the tailrace and the extreme heat shortens the time anglers can hunt for the fish that are available.
Carpenter Dam is a difficult area to fish with a constant barrage of changing conditions brought on by storms and dangerous heat. Live bait is a must when anglers are serious about catching numbers of fish in the area. While artificial lures work when feeding fish are showing themselves, anglers must be patient and use live presentations when no topwater activity is present.
Always wear a lifejacket when on Lake Catherine and be aware of the generation schedules before planning a day on the water.
Lake Dardanelle
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow and gauge level reports from Dardanelle, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.
(updated 8-3-2023) Charles Morrison at Classic Catch Guide Service (479-647-9945) had no new reports. In his most recent report, he said black bass have been hit-and-miss. When there is current, there is a good topwater bite. When there is no current, it is extremely tough – unless you get lucky and come across some schooling bass. Large worms and deep-diving crankbaits will catch you some fish off of points and drops. Crappie are on brush piles and deep trees. Monkey Milk color has still been working well; 6-10 feet is the best bite. But it is still going to take all day to get your limit.
White bass and stripers were starting to school out in the river around the flats earlier this month. Crankbaits and spoons were working the best. Flathead catfish were eating live perch on the steep rocky banks, rock dikes and around bluff walls. Blue cats were in a deep hold around the channel swings. Channel cats are best found in the creeks. Cut bait, shad and skipjack have been working well on blues, worms and minnows for the channel cat. Bream have been good around the Mayfly hatch. Worms, crickets and flies have been working well.
Lake Hamilton
(updated 8-3-2023) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing both lakes in the area, Ouachita and Hamilton, lately and the report this week continues to be the same as before. With summer water temps in the mid-80s, the bite for all species (walleye, striper, hybrid striper, white bass, largemouth bass and spotted bass) comes very early. “Start casting, vertical jig and drop-shot your favorite lures – mine are gold and silver spoons – at first-light. Work the ends of points and submerged humps as shallow as 12-18 feet of water and as deep as 30-45 feet of water for the best results. You’ll find some breaking fish early with most suspending 8-12 feet deep. When the morning feed slows and the fish scatter, trolling crankbaits in the same areas will produce fish.”
(updated 8-3-2023) Philip Kastler of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz that lakes DeGray, Hamilton and Ouachita all are best these days fishing at night. “Absolutely people are still fishing. A lot of guys going out in the morning. And, of course, night fishing is what we do all the time anyway. Not very many people during the summer do a lot of day fishing. That’s why all the tournaments are 7 to 11 at night. Hamilton, DeGray and Ouachita all have night tournaments, two or three every single week, and you can catch a lot of good fish fishing at night. Topwater bite, of course, is good until dark. After dark a Texas rig worm in brush piles or dragging a spider down the guts of these pockets and around those same brush piles. You can catch a lot of good fishing doing it.”
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.
(updated 8-3-2023) Sheila Ferrebee, the new owner of Carter Cove Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025), formerly Andrews, said anglers are catching crappie on minnows and jigs. They are fishing early, coinciding when breakfast is served at the store (5 a.m.), Sheila notes. No bass reports lately. A 50-pound catfish was caught recently, however. Fishing mostly has been very slow, she says.
Bream were biting really well a few weeks ago but that has tailed off into August.
Carter Cove has a Facebook page and the email address is cartercovebaitnmore@gmail.com.
Lake Ouachita
For the current lake level at Blakely Dam, click here.
(updated 8-3-2023) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) said black bass are still fair. Try a drop-shot for some spotted bass action near brush in the 18-22 feet range. Walleye are still excellent. Silver spoons and drop-shotting nightcrawlers are working for these fish. Try main river/lake channel points for these fish, near brush, in the 18-22 feet range. Stripers are good. These fish are being caught in the eastern portion of the lake and can be caught on live bait. Bream are good. Try a cricket or worm near brush in the 15-25 depth range for a quality bite. Crappie are still fair and being caught on small jigs or minnows. Try brush and structure 20-25 feet deep. Catfish are fair on rod and reel with crawlers or stink bait. Jugs and trotlines with live or cut bait are working well too. Water temperature is ranging 86-90 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level on Wednesday was 573.85 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.
(updated 8-3-2023) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing both lakes in the area, Ouachita and Hamilton, lately and the report this week continues to be the same as before. With summer water temps in the mid-80s, the bite for all species (walleye, striper, hybrid striper, white bass, largemouth bass and spotted bass) comes very early. “Start casting, vertical jig and drop-shot your favorite lures – mine are gold and silver spoons – at first-light. Work the ends of points and submerged humps as shallow as 12-18 feet of water and as deep as 30-45 feet of water for the best results. You’ll find some breaking fish early with most suspending 8-12 feet deep. When the morning feed slows and the fish scatter, trolling crankbaits in the same areas will produce fish.”
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.
White River/Clarendon Area
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from Clarendon, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website
Cook’s Lake
(updated 7-27-2023) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) says that the few anglers that have braved the heat are experiencing a very slow bite. Cooks Lake is about 5 feet deep at most and water temperature is in the low to mid-90s. A few bass are still being caught on spinnerbaits, buzzbaits,and frogs right on the bank in the shade or by flipping a green pumpkin jig or soft plastic into the hollow tree stumps in about 4 feet of water.
Cook’s Lake is a 2.5-mile-long oxbow off of the White River, nestled in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge near Casscoe in Arkansas County. This fertile oxbow receives very little fishing pressure due to being used only for education purposes and youth and mobility-impaired fishing. The scenic lake is full of slab crappie, giant bluegills, largemouth bass, and catfish of all species. Cook’s Lake will be open to fishing during normal business hours Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., water level pending. Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility-impaired anglers, and up to two guests (who may also fish). Fish from the 140-foot mobility-impaired accessible dock or launch a boat. Please call ahead at least a day in advance to register to fish. Before launching, please check in at the Nature Center classroom and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, please call the center at 501-404-2321.
Note: msl is mean sea level; cfs is cubic feet per second.
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