Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

May 15, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

River (no last name provided) was having a big time on the White River with her dad, Bobby, when she reeled in this impressive brown trout all by herself this week while fishing out of Cotter Trout Dock. Her dad said she can add her White River Catch and Release pin (awarded for releasing a trophy trout) to her deer and turkey pins. “River is an accomplished outdoorswoman already!” the folks at Cotter Trout Dock tell us. Read more about the fishing below Bull Shoals Dam in their report below.

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

Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: 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

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)
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.

(updated 5-15-2025) AGFC staff reported that fishing is still going well at the Lake Conway Nursery Pond. Anglers have caught harvestable bream in good numbers. While Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond is open for fishing in the immediate area of the big lake, with bream and trout being reported among catches. 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.

Little Red River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website or by calling (501) 362-5150). Also check the Southwestern Power Administration website to see forecast generation schedule.

(updated 5-15-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “We’ve had a solid stretch of consistent generation on the Little Red this week, and it’s really paying off. The Southwestern Power Administration has been right on target with its projected releases from Greers Ferry Dam — water’s been flowing daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the trout are loving it.

“This steady schedule has opened up the entire river for fishing, and the bite has been downright awesome. If you’ve been thinking about getting on the water, now’s the time.

“Nymphing has been on fire lately. Caddis patterns, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles and midges have all been producing well. And if the bite slows down, don’t hesitate — tie on a pink San Juan Worm. It’s a confidence fly for a reason.
“Drift-fishing from the boat continues to be excellent with plenty of action throughout the day. If you’re into streamers, you’re in luck. The falling water in the mornings from the previous night’s generation has created ideal conditions downstream. On those overcast days, throwing big articulated streamers tight to the banks has been turning up some quality browns.

“Let’s hope this generation schedule sticks around — because the fish sure seem happy with it.”

(updated 5-15-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the Little Red has been fishing really well. Early mornings have been better, as the generation at the dam gets going about 11 a.m.

Most anglers are having success with a marabou jig and a Trout Magnet. Also, Rooster Tails and a No. 5 ShadRap are solid now. Anglers can use these patterns both drifting or bank fishing for browns or rainbows. Wading is available early on before the generation. There have been a lot of people wading in the mornings near JFK Park, Swinging Bridge and Cow Shoals.

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 5-15-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 467.97 feet msl, which is 5.93 feet above normal pool of 462.04 feet msl and falling with generation. Fish are scattered all over. Crappie can be found up on the shoreline, while others are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, with crankbaits good for trolling 12-18 feet and hooking the mid-depth fish, and 40 feet for the deeper ones. 

Walleye are scattered everywhere. Some are deep, some are shallow and some are all in-between — and, of course, the lake fish are staying put on points, humps, etc. in 10-40 feet. Drag a jig tipped with minnow or crawler and or drop-shot. Big Minnow-style plugs are working trolled.

Catfish are eating really well all over lakes and rivers. Lots of blues are coming in; lines and jugs working best with a variety of baits. 

Bream are showing up more now. Try crawlers, crickets, small cranks and inline spinners. 

White bass and hybrid bass are still up rivers in good numbers, while some are done and others are in between. A lot or still deep in the lake around 50 feet. Use Road Runners and grubs for the shallow fish, spoons and inline spinners for the rest in 25-40 feet.

Black bass are scattered as well. Some are around the old buckbrush line, while others are still super shallow and others have moved offshore, plus more just roaming around chasing shad. You’ll find bass now in 12-20 feet with just about any baits working. 

Be safe and wear your life jacket.

(updated 5-15-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the lake is only about 4 feet above normal pool. You can go out and catch a bunch of black bass, though the bigger fish haven’t been showing up yet. As for numbers, you’ll get them. Most species are beginning to pull out a bit deeper and the best fishing is in the 10- to 15-foot range again.

Try a shaky head worm or a drop-shot at that depth. Also, anglers are throwing a Carolina-rig as well as a jig. Mostly they’ll use a natural color, watermelon or green pumpkin.

In the early morning or late in the evening there is a good topwater bite now. Go with a clear or bone Zara Spook Jr. or similar bait and key in around main lake or secondary points.

For crappie, the depth range is going to be about the same, fishing in 15-20 feet of water. A natural, shad color jig or one in blue and white will be your best bet.

Walleye are hungry, and a drop-shot with a nightcrawler in roughly about 20 feet of water is the way to go. Fish around the main lake points.

Water clarity is fairly clear overall with stain up in the rivers.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 5-8-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said that lately, catfish and bream “have been doing pretty good.” Tuesday morning, one angler was using bass minnows and chicken liver on a trotline and caught six nice catfish — a couple of channel cats and some flatheads, with several ranging 3-6 pounds. 

Another angler on Tuesday morning caught a nice bass from the bank on a redworm while fishing from bream.

Bream have worked pretty well, she said. Some really big bream were biting on crickets. “They seem to be ready to spawn.”

As for crappie, one angler last week came back with a limit of crappie. He was fishing in the middle of the lake. Chartreuse colored jigs and crappie nibbles were working, and several catches were over 14 inches in length. But that angler was the only one that caught multiple crappie in the past week. Crappie appear to have headed into deep water and aren’t being found along the shoreline.

Surface water temperature was 70 degrees and the level is normal. The color is best described earlier this week as muddy with a lot of “green stuff” on top that has washed into the lake from recent rain.

Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page.

Lake Overcup
(updated 5-1-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing off Arkansas Highway 9 said the water level is almost at normal pool. Surface temperature is around 81 degrees and clarity is good. 

Black bass are doing well on buzzbaits and soft-plastic worms. Crappie are still doing well in 6-8 feet of water, but the spawn is over.

Catfish are being caught on yo-yos, jugs and trotlines with shad, nightcrawlers and perch.

Bream are starting to bed up and are being caught on crickets and redworms.
“We have all of your fishing supplies and goggle-eye (rock bass), shad, skipjack and minnows, worms and crickets. Come out and do some fishing at Overcup Landing off Highway 9, Morrilton.”

Lake Maumelle
NOTE: Bryan Rupar, the watershed protection manager for Central Arkansas Water, said recently that repairs to the Lake Maumelle Dam, initiated in early March, are progressing steadily. The contractor is now restoring the dam’s outer shell, a major undertaking that could take up to two more months to complete, depending on weather conditions. To facilitate repairs, CAW aims to keep the lake level around 5 feet below normal pool elevation; however, this will depend on rainfall and the progress of the work. 

(updated 5-15-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water temperature is ranging 72-75 degrees and the water level is 5.75 feet below normal pool.

Largemouth bass are fair. They can be found shallow 2-10 feet. Try using topwater, spinnerbaits, jigs, jerkbait, Chatterbait and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) also are fair and being found with the largemouths in 2-10 feet of water. They’ll respond to jerkbaits and jigs. In WestRock’s Tuesday night bass tournament this week, Matt Hedrick and Brandon Crain caught 11.42 pounds of bass to win, ahead of Cody Bryant and Brad Lequieu with 9.99 pounds. Matt Bryant and Garry Bryant hauled in the Big Bass of 3.46 pounds.

There were no resorts on white bass this week. If you’re looking for them, try Twister Tails or crankbaits.

Crappie are good. The last report heard from anglers was that they are off the shoreline and scattered in 12 feet. Use jigs.

Bream are great. Reports have come in of bluegill bedding this week on brush and about to move off. Try crickets and redworms.

Catfish are good. Reports from anglers say blues are being found off the shoreline in 2-4 feet of water. Bream, liver and worms are working best.

(update 5-8-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) has been fishing Lake Ouachita (see report below, under West-Central Arkansas) and had no report this week from Maumelle. Last week, he said:
“Lake Maumelle is approximately 6 feet below normal pool, but accessible. Crappie can be found in 7-10 feet of water on brush and roaming in 15-20 feet of water.
“People often think crappie only bite in the spring. As we move toward summer and the weather stabilizes, crappie fishing will get even better! Follow the action on Facebook at Natural State Fishing Guide, and visit www.nsfguide.com to schedule your next fishing trip.”

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 5-15-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) says bream have bedded up and anglers wearing the bream out. Crappie are still spawning a little bit but appear on the downside of it. And black bass are on fire.

Use crickets or redworms for the bream. Crappie are most active on minnows in 2-3 feet of water. The bass are being caught on worms, frogs, spinnerbaits and just about everything else, he said. The bass are really shallow in the lily pads.

The water is normal with a little stain that came in when the river slowed down briefly a few days ago, Ray mentioned.

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 5-15-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river is still high at 140,000-plus cfs, necessitating a small-craft warning. That’s been the case for the river for a while now. While it’s falling at a pretty good rate as of midweek, it’s still not likely to get below 100,000 through Sunday, so the best they can advise for regular angers is to stay off the river.

But they also note that there are other, safer places to catch fish now (see their reports from Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River, for example).

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 5-15-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said Peckerwood got quite a bit of water from the rains in April but the lake is back to level full and the color has been dingy.

Anglers are catching decent amounts of crappie and a few bream and catfish. “I don’t know about the bass. They don’t fish for bass on this (south) end of the lake, but I’m sure they are catching them (in other areas).”

Crappie will bite minnows and jigs, though she didn’t have any hints from anglers on color. The dingy conditions would probably favor a chartreuse in there, though. Catfish are biting “about anything, but definitely hot dogs and minnows.”

The bream are being picked up on yo-yos, but they’ll bite minnows too.

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 5-15-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said the lakes in the White River watershed are pretty full and are being attentively managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Bull Shoals Lake is hovering at 681.91 feet msl. “Soon we’ll begin the slow and steady release of lake waters into the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, so get out your weighted line, heavier sinkers and big, gutsy stick baits because they’ll be your ticket to successful trout catching. At this time however, releases from the dam remain low for most of the day, averaging one unit (3,300 cfs) with large spurts in the late afternoon for a few hours. That means the White River below Bull Shoals is relatively shallow and may be wadable in some spots during morning hours.
“This week we continued trolling with the blue and silver spoons (Cleos or the hammered Thomas Buoyants); the rainbows haven’t turned away from them yet. They’re also biting at just about any worm, especially when a bubblegum pink worm is used in conjunction with shrimp. Don’t discount the live ones — red wigglers and Canadian nightcrawlers — for catching great rainbows. Jiggin’ jigs is a great fun way to catch a bundle — they tell me it’s the D2s with orange heads, any color skirt.
“The best brown bite here in the Cotter area has been with slimy sculpins. The best ones are the blue gummers, as the old-timers call them — turquoise-colored bellies. Look for them under rocks while the water is low and generation slow.

“School will be out soon. Bring your kids or grandkids to the river and let them learn about The Natural State of things. We can help; come see us or visit here for more information. See you at the river.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 5-15-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Water conditions have been great this last week with water levels as low as just under 5 feet to about 6.5 feet with mostly clear water. I believe we will continue to see similar water conditions until the lower White River water drops to a sufficient level. Once that happens, I expect we will see a return of higher water, but fishing should remain good. 

“Drift fishing with Uncommon Boat UV eggs tipped with shrimp or worms is good, and with the lower water, artificial lures have been very effective. We are seeing success with Thompson Colorado quarter-ounce spoons in nickel/gold and Rapala Countdown CD7s in both rainbow trout and brown trout colors along with Dynamic J Spec lures in Glimmer Trout, Brown Trout and Holofoil Silver. 

This week, the AGFC stocking raft stocked about 4,800 rainbow trout between Calico Rock and Sylamore Creek. Additionally, there was a stocking of rainbow trout at the Mt. Olive 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 5-15-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday the lake level is still on the rise at 681 feet msl. Water temperature is 70 degrees, give or take. The bigger creeks have some debris; be careful with floaters as the wind changes direction and the lake rises. Take debris precautions on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking has become an issue as boat ramps and parking areas are now underwater. The marinas are trying their best to accommodate everyone. Toward the main lake and the dam the water is gin clear, while there is color still in the creeks.

Bass are still in spawn and post-spawn. Powerfishing shallow has been favorable with clouds, rain, wind and stained water. Use spinnerbaits, Chatterbait and a square bill in bright colors in the stained water. Target windblown points and flats near spawning coves/pockets. Also look around secondary points, checking the flooded buckbrush and flipping bushes with a worm, lizard or a Beaver-style bait. Fry guarders will fall for a 5-inchSenko or a floating worm. There are always fish to be caught on a jig such as a Jewel ½-ounce green pumpkin variant. On the old brush line, try the shaky head, wobble head or a Ned rig. Del says he’s still using green pumpkin.

The offshore videogamers continue to have to work. The mass of shad is still spread out moving out of the creeks. Target larger bait balls or any bait you can find up high near the surface and closer to the shore. If you are targeting shad eaters, it’s been work. A smaller 2.8 swimbait and or a regular Tater Shad has been working.

Topwater has started with the shad spawn. Del likes the Lucky Craft Gunfish or a small white Pop-R or Zara Spook Jr.-type bait.

“Good luck, have fun, be safe and ‘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 5-15-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said fishing walleye this week has been good with the fish being caught over buckbrush with spinnerbaits or a ⅛-ounce jighead with a small swimbait, or a shallow-running jerkbait such as a Suspending Rattlin’ Rogue will get some bites. If the sun is high, fish a little deeper along the old shoreline. Fish are scattered along chuck rock points with deep water close by and along steeper creek channel swings that have shad. Some walleye are being caught in open water over the flooded trees. Fishing the old shoreline in 18-20 feet of water with spinner and crawlers has picked up this week. A jig and crawler slowly worked is also catching. Jig and plastics or Ice jigs worked slowly back to the boat on points with deep water on at least one side will produce fish.

If trolling shallow, try to fish low-light periods. Trolling size 7 Flicker Shads at speeds of 1.5 to 1.7 mph in 18-20 feet along windblown banks will also work.

If trolling deep, try deep-diving crankbaits with snap weights to get your baits down 60-70 feet and fish over the flooded trees in 80-plus feet of water at 1.5 to 1.7 mph.

(updated 5-15-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are mostly spawned out, as females are almost empty, and fish are relating back to structure. Structure has been a little harder to find in the right zones with the lake being up. Cover lots of water and when you do find them, minnows and occasionally 1/16-ounce jigs with small fry baits have been working. “I’ve been using the Electric Monkey from Tater Baits since the water has had a little color to it lately. Lake stability will be key eventually and it will get better. Stay after them.”

Norfork Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Norfork Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 5-8-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina and reports that the lake has risen to 570 feet msl, the White River is swollen and the Norfork Dam release has been cut to

reduce the water released into the White River. The creeks remain stained, but the main lake is clean and clear. 

The stripers are very aggressive as the threadfin shad spawn continues. The topwater bite is slow but should increase as we return to warmer weather. The stripers are biting all over the lake — most lake points and buffs are producing the best bite. 

“What I have found is the stripers are not holding to one area for very long. One day they are in the creeks along the bluffs, the next on a creek flat. If you’re not marking them, move on and come back later, as they move when the wind increases. 

“The full moon is Monday and the warm weather is returning. We should see an explosion of topwater opportunities.

“This week has been some of the best striper fishing of the year. Multiple stripers have been caught over 20 pounds, and (Wednesday) a 37-pounder was caught. All the fish were released to fight another day.

“The crappie bite has picked up, with the lower end creeks producing the best bite. The crappie are spawning in the brush and trees in the back of the creeks. Look for brush and standing timber that are 10 feet deep. Set your bobber at 3 feet with minnows or jigs as bait.”

Visit Tom’s website or his Facebook page linked above for more information or to schedule a trip.

Beaver Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Beaver Lake Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 5-15-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake has remained at 1,128 feet msl for a week now. Lake color is clearing slowly and fish are responding as they should. The water temperature is hovering at 70 degrees or so. It’s warmer up in river arms. 

Stripers have been consistent this last week. Fish are being caught from the U.S. Highway 412 bridge all the way up to Rambo. Shad continues to be the best bait. Brood minnows also will work. 

Crappie are starting to be caught trolling. Trolling Bandit 300 and Picos are great choices.

Bass have slowed a bit but are still good on the lower end, such as around Big Clifty, Little Clifty and Indian Creek. Plastics are working. Tubes and Ned rigs will work. 

Bluegill will start to go to beds and with this hot weather this week; it should increase the bedding activity.

Walleye are doing fair on crawler harnesses and trolled Berkley Flicker Shad. Fish can be found from Prairie Creek down to Rocky Branch. 

One change is Tuesday a pretty good thermocline was setting up in the White River arms. It was anywhere from 17-23 feet. “This is the start of the summer pattern, which means trolling cranks for crappie in my world and should be on your list as it is a great way to put a fish fry together.
“Still lots of debris and hazards out there, so stay focused when running boats. Good luck!”

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates, FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 5-15-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said, “We still have some high water we are dealing with, but the bite is still good! Most of the fish we are catching are between Spider Creek and Houseman Access. We have had great results using various Fire Baits and Fire Eggs this past week. When the Army Corps of Engineers is running water at the dam, drifting a Fire Worm has been the preferred method. You may have to move around a bit, but the bite is definitely there.
“If you’re looking to put some walleye in the boat, try trolling a size 5 Flicker Shad. There are some males that are still being caught in the 10- to 15-feet-of-water range. “Let’s hope the rain stays away for a bit to allow the river to drain down some. Don’t get me wrong: I really like fishing the high waters, especially when Table Rock backflows. That can bring up some baitfish, which can also get more fish biting. 

“Remember, for additional updates follow my Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service); I’m pretty much on the water every week. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Take care, get out and catch some fish!”

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 5-8-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports crappie were hitting well up shallow on minnows and crappie jigs. Bass should be as well, but anglers weren’t sharing specifics. Carp were spawning. 

Lake Charles
(updated 5-15-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said bream were excellent, as expected this past week with the full moon showing up. Naturally, the bream moved into shallow water and were very active on redworms. 

Crappie were good this last week, but none of the anglers let Shelly in on what they were using. We can guess that jigs and minnows were both very good, as well as worms. Crappie haven’t had a color preference of late on the jigs.

Catfish were good on worms. 

There were no reports on black bass or white bass.

The surface water temperature was back up earlier this week, sitting at 69.2 degrees. The water level was high and the lake was its usual murky. “Moon times” indicate that fishing should be good around Memorial Day.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 5-1-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park reports, “Fishing on Lake Poinsett has continued to impress. Recent flooding from heavy rains brought new challenges for anglers, but they were able to overcome them by finding new spots to fish in, changing up their gear or using different baits. Those floodwaters have continued to recede, though, making shoreline fishing off the bank a little easier.

Recently, anglers have reported that bream are starting to make their beds in preparation for spawning. They said redworms were working well for bream. Black bass were still around 10-15 feet down, from what people have said. Crappie continue to be the top target for anglers here. They had been moving closer to the shore before the heavy rains, but afterward they have remained in slightly deeper water. Minnows have been a very popular bait choice, so much so that the park’s bait shop is always busy.

The State Park Visitor Center is open every day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Spring River
(updated 5-8-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels at the Spring are at 500 cfs (350 is average) and water clarity is just clearing up from all the rain over the last month. 

“Last month overnight, early on April 5, the Spring River had a flash flood from heavy rains north of our town, Mammoth Spring. A surge of over 15 feet of water raged through our community we all hold dear that live up and down the Spring River. Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery was hit, as well as the train tracks, with a trestle in town getting knocked out, putting empty rail cars strewn about. It is the third largest flood in the history of our area. Hardy was also hit and other communities around us. 

“The river at this time is still flowing very strong. If floating or wading, be very careful with debris along the banks and untold dangers in deep areas. For the most part from Dam 1 in town to Dam 3, and Dam 3 to many islands is clear. With high flows, the river is pushing hard, so keep near the bank. All of the campgrounds are open with better wading than most public areas. The canoe hatch doesn’t start until the end of May, so Saturdays are still quiet.
“We’re catching plenty of rainbows after the flooding, at decent sizes. Woolly Buggers are working great, but with the high flows you may need some extra weight to get down. Normally we would be chasing smallies this time of year. Gonna need a dry spell and get water levels down. The water has been too high lately.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the flood. It may take some time, but we will recover and get back to normal soon.
“Be safe out there!”

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for updates and conditions on the Spring River.

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.

(updated 5-15-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no report this week, but before the big rains earlier in April, they reported that black bass are phasing into the spawn. The best fishing at that time was in protected shallows with woody cover using dark- colored soft-plastic creatures and jigs. Spinnerbaits and bladed jigs were effective on windy days. 

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 5-8-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said a guest at the lake caught his limit of crappie while fishing from his boat early last Thursday morning. On Saturday, they had several guests buying bait that morning for bream and crappie fishing. One customer told Shelley he caught a few this week.

Lake Monticello
NOTE: The city of Monticello announced recently that it is lowering the water level of Lake Monticello to perform inspections on the dam repairs it coordinated in 2019 as owner of the lake. Anglers will experience lower water levels, but all fishing regulations, including catch-and-release-only fishing for all sport fish, remain in place. 

(updated 5-15-2025) Anglers are reminded that all fish caught must be released immediately. The Hunger Run Access was opened late last year to boat traffic. There have been reports from anglers catching nice black 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 5-15-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service on Wednesday urged anglers to use extreme caution navigating on Millwood Lake due to many buoys missing along Little River through the timbered sections of the open lake. The Arm Corps of Engineers is working to replace any remaining buoys missing.
Millwood elevation as of Wednesday was about 4 inches above normal pool and falling at 259.5 feet msl. The dam is releasing about 7,300 cfs and tailwater is near 240 feet and falling. Also, navigation is cautioned along Little River, watching for broken timber and logs this week through the weekend.

Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or the Army Corps of Engineers website, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels. Surface temps continue fluctuating, ranging 68-77 degrees depending on location and time of day. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain to muddy — heavy stain in most locations, muddy in many areas along Little River, with river clarity ranging 2-4 inches visibility depending on location. 

Siefert had these specifics on the fishing this week:
* Largemouth bass seemed to have a slump in reactions this week, with better reactions during cloud cover. With the drop of the lake pool from recent flash flooding, many bass have pulled off the shore recently, but are holding just out in the 5-10 feet zones where grass, lily pads and vegetation are present. Slightly deeper running bluegill or bream pattern square bills and crankbaits are still drawing a few reactions. Largemouths have been fair on square bill cranks deflecting off stumps where shallow pockets and flats drop into creek channel swings or around vertical structure with lily pads. The Bill Lewis Lures MR-6, the ATV and SB-57 crankbaits in bluegill/bream, Guacamole or Burnt Pumpkinseed patterns were working shallow the last few weeks near flats with bream beds, but this week the bass pulled out of the flats into drops and vertical structure. 

The Stumpknocker and Sunrise Perch patterns of the Echo 1.75 size drew some reactions from 2- to 3-pounders near stumps on points of the oxbows last week. Quarter-ounce chrome/blue Bill Lewis Spin Traps with a gold tail spinner will work better through fresh lily pad stems, but the roaming bass were random this week. Quarter-ounce Bill Lewis 1-knocker, Rat-L-Traps and ⅝-ounce Hammer Traps in gold/orange belly, Millwood Magic or Pro Perch will draw random reactions in 5-9 feet deep flats near drop-offs with standing timber and stumps, where new lily pad stands are blooming.
Brazalo Strutter Chatterbaits have been working for a few weeks on the flats near cypress trees and new lily pads. The best colors for the last few weeks have been Millwood Mayhem Bream, black/blue or Spot Remover. Best reactions continue to be in 5-9 feet depth near grass lines, stumps, cypress trees and timber. Brazalo Spinnerbaits in Arkansas River Shad, Firetiger and Hot Mouse are all good choices in the stained water in the oxbow lakes up Little River. Brazalo Buzzbaits are beginning to work with a horny toad trailer, getting random blowups near stumps, grass and vegetation in 1-3 feet depth.
The reaction to 6- to 8-inch magnum sized lizards were fair. Numerous bass have been cruising grass lines and new fresh blooming lily pads in the 2- to 4-pound class for the last several weeks, and are fair to react to Sweet Beavers, Baby Brush Hogs, 7-inch Power Worms and soft plastic creature baits Texas-rigged. The best colors have been Junebug red, black, black/blue or blue fleck. Berkley 7- and 10-inch Power Worms in Blue Fleck, Black Grape or Junebug have been the best colors for the plastic worm bite recently.
Weightless Texas-rigged Bass Assassin 5-inch Shad Assassins with a very light wire hook continue working in the fresh new blooms of lily pads and emergent grass, with the best colors being Houdini, Pumpkinseed and Smoke Wagon. Target fresh grass and lily pads on ridges with valleys nearby in 2-6 feet drains, and behind and in dense emerging grass lines. Hollow body frogs and Horny Toads rigged weightless are beginning to get decent, random reactions near vegetation and stumps in 3-6 feet of depth near vertical structure and drop-offs into the oxbows. The best colors have been olive, pumpkinseed/pearl, black or white.

* Most of the white bass continue moving back down Little River and breaking up into smaller schools. The larger schools are more concentrated downriver at various creek dumps and points extending into Little River, as has been the case for the past few weeks. A few broken schools of Whites were located on and behind points extending into Little River from White Cliffs campground to entrance into McGuire Lake over the past two weeks. Rocket Shads, Little Georges, Little Cleos, Rooster Tails, Beetle Spins and H&H spinnerbaits have been the go-to baits.
* Crappie continue to gravitate to shallow grass, and the bite has been improving. Good size, solid, 1.5- to 2.5-pound crappie can be caught — some slightly deeper than last week, others are still shallow — around cypress trees and along grass lines. With the stained water clarity conditions this week from recent thunderstorms, it remains to be seen what they decide to do: to remain in grass or pull out with the dirty water inflow and higher flow rates at the dam on the main lake. Jigs were working over the last few weeks, with best colors being white, chartreuse, orange, Electric Chicken and Monkey Milk.
*Catfish: Limblines and trotlines using cut shad, buffalo and chicken livers have been working for channel cats up to 5-6 pounds each in current from 9-14 feet depth.
* Bream: As we observed last week, there are numerous bream beds being noted when you can find water clarity decent. In most locations, water clarity is less than desirable, but around Jack’s Isle and Millwood State Park, groups of campers said they caught some off the bank and around the creek channel boat ramp and the floating dock at Jack’s Isle on crickets and redworms last week. We did note a few bream beds in the Jack’s Isle area of Little River backwater sloughs where water clarity was better further from Little River current.

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 5-1-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) continues to do most of his fishing at and reporting from lakes Ouachita, Hamilton and DeGray, and says, “The crappie and bass are finishing up their spawn or already in post-spawn. We are catching limits of crappie stacked up on brushpiles fished 8-12 feet deep in 18-24 feet of water.” 

(update 5-1-2025) AGFC staff visited DeGray Lake last Sunday and reported that the lake had fish around brush and that the grass was prominent. The black bass bite was OK, with the best bite coming on wacky-rigged soft-plastic worms in green pumpkin color. 

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.

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

(updated 5-15-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature has risen to 55 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. This week the flow pattern has been lowered by Entergy at the dam to 3,600 cfs for 10 hours each day, which has allowed both bank and boat fishermen an opportunity to fish safely and productively. Lake Ouachita has finally fallen out of flood pool, which is key for Entergy establishing more stable conditions below area dams. 

The weekly generation schedule is normally posted on Wednesday at the Entergy/Hydro website (linked above). It is hoped conditions will soon allow for a much safer generation flow where the public can consistently access the area safely. 

For weeks, Entergy scheduled very high generation flows of 6,000 cfs or more round-the-clock to stabilize area lakes from rounds of severe and rainy weather. Very little productive fishing took place during this time, as the tailrace is dangerous to navigate while this amount of water is being transferred through the system. In addition to the dangerous flows, extremely muddy conditions accompanied the fast water, which created a no-win situation for fishing and recreation activities. Sadly, this scenario has been the norm for the majority of the spring. 

As lake conditions return to normal, good prospects for quality angling will present themselves. April was the last month for the AGFC’s rainbow trout stocking for the spring season, with 4,320 fish planned for release in the tailrace. Bank fishermen can catch limits of trout by using live baits such as redworms and waxworms fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater. PowerBaits are a best bet presented in the same manner. Boat fishermen can anchor in and around rock structure or sandbars and have success casting Rooster Tails in brown or white in a ⅛-ounce weight. Spoon presentations as a Little Cleo or Super Duper also will work well in a current situation when rainbows are keying in on injured baitfish. 

Fly-fishermen still can access areas that hold trout even though the lake is now at normal summertime pool. Micro-jigs in black or white cast under a strike indicator strongly resemble river minnows that live in the tailrace. Woolly Buggers in olive and black are a mainstay in the line of artificial lures that trout will feed on. Egg patterns in orange or white will draw strikes when other presentations are ignored. 

Walleye are still in the area finishing up the spawn and are feeding and preparing to migrate downstream to the main body of the lake. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate crawfish and threadfin shad are a proven technique to cover water and tempt walleye into feeding. 

The crappie spawn has come and gone as high water and fast flows prevented anglers from some great angling opportunities in the tailrace. White bass will move into the Carpenter Dam tailrace late this month for the spawn and will remain in the tailrace until mid-July. June will bring blue and channel catfish into the tailrace to begin their spawning run and will provide angers some wonderful table fare. Remember to always wear a life jacket when on the water and obey all park and lake regulations when visiting Carpenter Dam. Trash cans are limited, so please pick up after yourselves and always cooperate with game wardens when approached.

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

No reports.

Lake Hamilton
No reports. Hamilton had areas full of debris after the storms of two weeks ago.

(updated 5-15-2025) AGFC staff reported that bass fishing was OK this past week. They are in shallow water and favor a swimbait as well as a Carolina rig.

As reported by Trader Bill’s Outdoors Facebook page, though, the lake turned out ANOTHER monster black bass this past week. Grayson Goss, a junior at Lakeside High School, caught a whopper Saturday weighing 11.21 pounds in the Trader Bill’s High School Trail championship out of the Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery.
Grayson and his fishing partner, Griffin Ralph, weighed in a total of 24.91 pounds to take the win.

Coincidentally, Griffin Ralph graced the Fishing Report pages earlier this year when he hauled in a 13.43-pounder at Millwood Lake in an early March tournament with Grayson alongside.

All fish in the tournament were released back to the lake alive, Trader Bill’s Outdoors reported on its page.

(updated 5-1-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) continues to do most of his fishing at and reporting from lakes Ouachita, Hamilton and DeGray, and says, “The crappie and bass are finishing up their spawn or already in post-spawn. We are catching limits of crappie stacked up on brushpiles fished 8-12 feet deep in 18-24 feet of water.” 

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 5-1-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) says the store is opening back up Friday after being closed the past two weeks. She’ll have lots of fresh minnows from Lonoke in the store, she said.

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 5-15-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are good. They are schooling in places and ready for your favorite topwater! Or, try a jighead worm or Brush Hog on main lake and secondary points.

Walleye are moving back into the main lake from the rivers and major creeks. Try a watermelon-colored soft plastic, jerkbait or small swim jig. Stripers are excellent and still biting on top water C-10 redfins and live bait.

Bream are good on worms or crickets in 10-20 feet of water; these fish are moving up to spawn soon. Crappie are still very good and relating to brush in the 15- to 20-foot range. Catfish are very good on trotlines and jugs with live and cut bait.

The water temperature is steady this week, ranging 74-78 degrees. Water clarity is clearing. The lake level is just below normal pool (578 feet) at 577.95 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 5-8-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says the crappie and bass spawns are mostly complete and they are hungrily stacking up on staging brushpiles in 15-24 feet of water. “We have caught limits of crappie 8-12 feet deep on these brushpiles.”

(update 5-8-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) reports that Lake Ouachita is at normal pool with water temps ranging from low to mid 70s. Crappie can be found on brush and roaming in 10-15 feet of water. The Original Baby Shad by Bobby Garland Crappie Baits and live minnows are both great options.
No report on Lake Maumelle this week.
“Follow Natural State Fishing Guide on Facebook and book your next fishing adventure at www.nsfguide.com. Tight lines!”

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.

(updated 5-1-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) says bait customers who stop in before heading to Blue Mountain Lake say the fishing at Blue Mountain is going well for crappie. Anglers report they are mostly using minnows.

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 5-15-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said they are still flooded this week in the parking lot, and “I would not expect it to open any earlier than June, but as we mentioned last week, that is still up to Mother Nature.”

“Hopefully the fishing will be good when we reopen,” Hafner said.

 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, with black bass, crappie, bream and catfish. This fertile oxbow receives very little fishing pressure due to it being used only for education purposes and youth and mobility-impaired fishing. Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility-impaired anglers who must possess the AGFC mobility impaired access permit, and up to two guests (who may also fish), during the specified fishing season. Fish from the 140-foot mobility-impaired accessible dock or launch a boat. Fishing will be allowed only on Fridays and Saturdays March through August, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., water level pending. 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.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 5-15-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) reports that catfish are biting well on cut bait, and the hydroelectric dam has water flowing. Water levels are staying roughly the same daily. Crappie are still spawning and staying in shallow grassy areas. They are biting on chartreuse jigs and crickets.

“As always, thanks to all our customers for shopping at Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

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