Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

May 22, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

The Spring River has taken a beating from Mother Nature this spring, including the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery being flooded and suffering major damage, but anglers like Will Heaton are getting back on the Spring and catching rainbows as things calm down some. Heaton caught a nice rainbow trout recently while fishing with guide Mark Crawford. Note the dingy to muddy water; the Spring is running well above its average flow this week. Check out Crawford’s report from the Spring River 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 5-22-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Memorial Day weekend is here, marking the unofficial start of summer. Before diving into fishing, I want to take a moment to thank all the veterans who have served our country, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We’re grateful for your service.
“Now, let’s talk fishing. The generation schedule on the Little Red has been pretty consistent lately. The Southwestern Power Administration has been right on the money with its projected releases. Right now, we’re seeing water releases from Greers Ferry Dam starting around 10 a.m. and running until 10 p.m., with two units. That’s 12 hours on, 12 hours off — a great pattern that really opens up the entire river for fishing.
“We did get hit with some heavy rain earlier this week, and that brought in a good bit of muddy runoff. But the river’s starting to clear up nicely. As of Wednesday night, things are looking better from Swinging Bridge all the way down to Lobo Landing.
“I was out today on a half-day trip launching from Lobo Landing. The water was still a bit off-color, but definitely fishable. With the clearing conditions and not much pressure on the river this past week, things are shaping up for some really solid fishing over the holiday weekend.

“Here’s what’s been working: pink San Juan Worms, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, midges (especially in low water). And don’t sleep on the streamer bite — it’s still going strong, particularly on cloudy days. Toss those articulated streamers along the banks and you’ve got a shot at hooking into a nice brown.
“Hope everyone has a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend out on the water. If you’re looking to book a guided trip, give me a shout!”

(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, the 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 5-22-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 468.47 feet msl, which is 6.93 feet above normal pool (462.04 feet msl) and falling with generation. But it came up with the last rain right at 2 feet. 

Fish remain scattered all over the lake. Some of the crappie are up on bank, while other are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows working best at all depths, and use crankbaits for trolling in 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and in 40 feet for the deeper fish.

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

Catfish are eating real well all over lake and rivers. Lots of blues coming in. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits.
Bream are showing up more now. Try crawlers, crickets, small cranks and inline spinners. 

A lot of white bass and hybrid bass are still up rivers, others are done and still others in between, with a lot still deep in the lake at around 50 feet. Use Road Runners and grubs for shallow fish, spoons and inline spinners for rest in 25-40 feet. Black bass are scattered as well, with some around old buckbrush line, while some are still super shallow and others have moved offshore, plus more just roaming around chasing shad. They’re in 12-20 feet, and just about any baits working at this time.
“Have a happy holiday weekend. 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 in 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 5-22-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said this last week has been a big one for catfish, both in catches and in several large cats brought in. They’ve been biting trotlines baited with baby bream and minnows, with channel cats and flatheads from 2 to 5 pounds reported.

Also, one of Harris Brake’s veteran anglers was fishing from the shoreline trying for bream with crickets when a 9-pound flathead jumped on instead. The same angler noted that he even had a catfish bite a trotline hook with no bait on it.

Obviously, the cats are hungry. This is typically a great time for flatheads, as catfish begin to spawn.

Bream have been biting. People have been catching them on worms and crickets, reporting that some of them were “pretty big-sized,” Bing said. Bream are in their spawn and males are guarding the nests.

Some crappie are being caught by anglers on boats out in deeper water and using a Fish Finder, we’re told. Some of these anglers who are stopping into the shop have indicated they’ve shifted from fishing Lake Conway, which is drained for renovation, and have been finding lots of crappie willing to bite. Minnows are working best now, and reportedly some big crappie (white crappie and black crappie) are being caught.

Black bass have been “kinda slow,” she says. “I haven’t heard any reports in the last couple of weeks on bass.”
Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page.

Lake Overcup
(updated 5-22-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing off Arkansas Highway 9 had no new report this week. Most recently, he noted that the said the water level was almost at normal pool. Surface temperature was around 81 degrees and clarity was good, but that was before this week’s rain. 

Black bass were doing well on buzzbaits and soft-plastic worms. Crappie were still doing well in 6-8 feet of water, but the spawn is over. Catfish were being caught on yo-yos, jugs and trotlines with shad, nightcrawlers and perch.

Bream were starting to bed up at John’s last report and were biting the usual 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 5-22-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water temperature is ranging 75-78 degrees, while the water level continues to inch upward, now about 4.5 feet low (after being as low as 11 feet for Central Arkansas Water’s repair work at the dam). 

Black bass are fair. The largemouths are fair and can be found on points and humps in 2-10 feet of water. Try using Carolina rigs, jigs, Chatterbaits and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are also fair in found in the same depth range as the largemouths in 2-10 feet. They’ll favor a jerkbait or a jig).

The bass fishing in WestRock’s Tuesday tournament produced some decent 5-bass stringers. Cody Bryant and Brad Lequieul won the event with 12.96 pounds, including the Big Bass of 4.12 pounds.

White bass haven’t been reported lately, but they’re out there and might bite a Twister Tail or a crankbait.

The crappie is good. The last report from anglers was that they were off of the shoreline and scattered around brush and rockpiles at 12-14 feet. Jigs are your best bet these days.

Bream are great since the last full moon. Reports of bluegill bedding this week on brush and about to move off. Use crickets or worms.

Catfishing is good, and reports have the blues being found on the shoreline in 2-4 feet. Little bream, chicken liver and worms will work.

(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 5-22-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) says water is normal height but is on the stained side after a big rain earlier this week. It was murky on Wednesday but some anglers still caught a few. He says the water should be good in a couple of days.

Bream are still bedded and anglers are still catching them on crickets and worms. You can find them in about 1½ feet of water.

Anglers have been catching a lot of bass on topwater now, as well as with worms and crankbaits. “You can catch bass now with just about anything you can get in front of them right now,” he said.
After the rain and the water starting to move, catfish got to biting. Chicken liver and, around the docks, hot dogs are the best baits to use. 

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 5-22-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river is even way higher than it was at this time last week, with a flow of 180,000-plus cfs on Wednesday, necessitating a small-craft warning for a few more days before it can get down under 75,000 cfs. That’s been the case for the river for a while now. So the best they can advise for regular angers for now 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, plus new ones this week from Lake Ouachita, the Buffalo River and DeGray Lake, 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 5-22-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “School’s out for the summer and families are headed for the great outdoors in The Natural State. There’s nothing complicated about fishing with a boy or girl, especially here on the White River in Cotter. Cast a line, hook a trout and make a lifetime of memories. The trout bite this week has brought excitement to kids of every age.
“The Bull Shoals tailwater has remained low over the last several weeks with Bull Shoals Dam holding back water releases to help downstream farmers. The lake level is slowly rising, sitting at 682.72 feet msl as of Wednesday afternoon, so we expect ample releases in the coming weeks. For now, we’re catching more than a fair share of rainbows with spinners and spoons, best with silver or gold Cleos, and best in the morning. You can experiment with shrimp or with various colors of floating eggs and you’ll bag a bunch, but the action will be faster when you use them together.
“Brown trout catches continue to delight the anglers around Cotter, mostly with live bait taken from the river (minnows, crawdads, sculpins), but we heard that more than one brown was hooked with a nightcrawler, sometimes improved with the use of a worm blower.
“Enjoy the rest of spring with the best The Natural State has to offer: trout-catching on the White River in the Arkansas Ozarks. Come visit Cotter’s website (linked above) for more information or to schedule a trip.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 5-22-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “The weather and river conditions are not doing us any favors. The rain storms early Monday night caused many creeks and the Buffalo River to rise and become very muddy. As a result, we saw water reach over 12 feet and be extremely muddy Tuesday and Wednesday in Calico Rock. Neither Norfork or Bull Shoals Dams are releasing much water. Combined with more rain through this weekend I expect the river will remain muddy. 

“The best bet to catch trout in these conditions is to move up into the creeks where there is cleaner water, tie off to the bank and fish with corn.  Not the most exciting fishing but there have been days where we’ve seen boats catch over 100 fish. Late last week, we received a stocking of 1,000 rainbows at the Calico Rock boat ramp.”

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

(updated 5-22-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday the lake level still on the rise at 682 feet msl. Water temperature is 72 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 in post-spawn. I do think we did get a little wave of spotted bass and largemouths. Powerfishing shallow has been fair with clouds, rain, wind and stained water. Use spinnerbaits, Chatterbait and a square bill in stained water. Target windblown points and flats near spawning coves/pockets. Also look around secondary points, checking the flooded buckbrush, though flipping bushes has slowed. Fry guarders will fall for a 5-inch Senko 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 shoreline, try the shaky head, wobble head tube or a Ned rig.

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-style 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 5-22-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said that with the passing fronts this week, walleye fishing has been fair to good with fish being caught over buckbrush with spinnerbaits or a quarter-ounce to ⅜-ounce jighead with a small swimbait, or on a jerkbait. If the sun is high, fish a little deeper along the old shoreline. Fish are scattered along rounded points with deep water close by and along steeper creek channel swings that have shad. Fishing the shoreline in 18-20 feet of water with spinner and crawlers has been working week. A jig and crawler slowly worked along in 25-30 feet at the edge of the flooded brushline will catch some, as well as with a half-ounce spoon or Ice jigs worked in the same area.
If trolling shallow, try to fish low-light periods. Trolling size 7 Flicker Shads at speeds of 1.5-1.7 mph in 18 -20 feet along windblown banks will also work. Some walleye are also being caught in open water over the flooded trees. If trolling deep, try deep-diving crank baits with snap weights to get you baits down 60-70 feet and fish over the flooded trees in 80 feet or more of water at 1.5-1.7 mph.

(updated 5-22-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are still pretty scattered. We’re finding some where structure is in that 15- to 20-feet zone, but we’re having to do a lot of searching as there’s not a lot in that zone at this lake level. Minnows are doing the best currently. Cover lots of water and stay patient.

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

(updated 5-22-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina and reports the lake has risen to 569 feet msl, 16 feet over normal pool. The creeks remain stained, but the main lake is clean and clear. The stripers are very aggressive as the threadfin shad spawn continues. The threadfin spawn and the weather have been inconsistent — rain, wind and temperature fluctuations have been the big factor in how the shad react each morning. The striper bite is strong; the best is small threadfin shad, as the stripers feed on them as they spawn. The best bites have been in the Blue Lady area of the lake. The best technique is long lines with a small split shot and threadfin shad. The stripers are very aggressive when they strike the bait, so make sure your rod is secure.
“I had a surprise when I was scouting a new area for stripers. We had a very strong bite, and the fight was on. I was sure it was a 20-pound striper, but was shocked when I netted it. The fish was a 15-pound drum. We released it to fight another day.
“Now that the full moon is over, we should have outstanding striper fishing for the next several weeks. So come and catch a big striper.”

Buffalo National River
(updated 5-22-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said they are hearing from a lot from angling customers doing well on the Buffalo in recent days. They are catching smallmouth bass in 2-4 feet of water and throwing a Ned rig with a green pumpkin, worm-style bait or creature bait on about a ⅛-ounce chartreuse jighead. Also, they are catching them on small, white ⅛-ounce Rooster Tails, or a 2½-inch green pumpkin tube with 1/8-ounce jighead. And don’t leave without trying a 4.5-inch Robo Worm in Morning Dawn color with a ⅛-ounce weight for a successful outing.

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

(updated 5-22-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said, “Well, folks, we can’t seem to get a break. Just as the lake was cleaning up a bit from all of the flooding rains the last month, we got hit again. One tool I use in guiding is checking the river gauges on the White River and on the War Eagle. Gauges before this last storm Monday were at 3.7 feet on the White at the Wyman bridge. For those that do not know, the White and the War Eagle are the two main rivers that feed Beaver Lake. Gauges on the White rose to almost 17 feet. That is a major rise, and it is full of debris and mud and silt. 

“That muddy wall of water is pushing into Beaver and is creating some bad fishing conditions, especially at the south end of the lake. 

“The lake level is at 1,129.45 feet msl, and full pool is 1,130 feet msl, so the Army Corps of Engineers is releasing a ton of water. The water temperature was in low 70s earlier this week..

“That said the fishing will be scattered again with the up-and-down levels and the mud and debris that are getting reinforcements as I write. 

“Stripers were starting to move back to summer haunts, and I am sure they still are headed toward Rocky Branch. Walleye are also moving north and they have been caught from Beaver Shores down to the Point 5 area. Crawler harnesses will soon be the best way to target them.
“Crappie were starting to be consistent on trolled crankbaits, with the only problem being all the debris in prime trolling areas, such as Point 12 and Kelly Creek. Bluegill aka bream will be building beds, so it will be time to take those young anglers out for some fast action. Catfish are good on jugs and trotlines.

The lake is full of obstacles, so stay focused and watch out for dangerous hazards. Be safe and good luck!”

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 5-22-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) reported that there was no change from last week’s report. He 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. 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 5-22-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the very active bite for bream and crappie fell off somewhat last week, with just fair activity for both species. Catfish, though, were good.

Catfish were biting well on lines and jugs.

Bream can be caught on worms, but this past week, the fish caught along the shoreline were small. Crappie were in deeper water, but again, it was smallish fish biting on worms and plastics of all colors.

Bass stayed hidden for another week.

The water surface temperature cranked up Sunday afternoon to 78 degrees. The lake is the usual murky and the water level is high.

“Moon times” are falling just right for good fishing around Memorial Day.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 5-22-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park reports, “Lake Poinsett continues to excite anglers with crappie, bream, bass and catfish. Bank fishing has increased recently with the bream headed towards the shore to build nesting sites and spawn. Crickets and redworms have been the bait of choice for that. The visitor center at Lake Poinsett State Park has  been selling ample amounts of bait as of late, including nightcrawlers, redworms, crickets and minnows. Reports on crappie have been slower than when the catch-and-release regulation was first dismissed, but people have been catching several during a visit to the lake. 

“With the holiday weekend approaching, the park is stocked up and we would be happy to answer any questions by phone (870-578-2064) or in person. We can also get you a map of the park/lake and give you some ideas of where to bank fish besides just the main AGFC pier at the dam. Stay safe this weekend and good luck! Also, if you catch anything at Lake Poinsett, feel free to stop at the state park visitor center to share your photo(s). You can even send it to us to print out to include on our “Caught a Reel Nice One” photo board.”

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

Spring River
(updated 5-22-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water level is at 490 cfs at the Spring (350 cfs is average) and water clarity is a little cloudy. “We are still getting a lot of rain in the area. River levels remain up, but the river has cleared up nicely last week. Storms moving through can change water conditions, so be aware. The Spring River is clear from Mammoth Spring to Many Islands. I hope to float next week to Hardy to check on smallmouth fishing and river conditions above Hardy.
“Work on Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery continues to get it back up and running. There were trout that survived the flood in the hatchery and these fish will be used to stock. The area is still closed as the work on the hatchery will be on going. Dam 3 access is open to launch.
“Catching rainbows on Woollies, mostly olive Woollies lately with damsel flies beginning to hatch. Blue-wing olives and caddis are hatching, but with higher water levels there’s not much dry fly action, but nymphs can be hot.

“Really hoping for a dry out so we can get to chasing smallmouth bass. This high water has messed up the bite on smallies. A dry out will get them back on the bite.

“The ‘canoe hatch’ kicks off this weekend. Folks have a lot of fun floating the Spring River. To avoid the hatch, we focus on fishing through the week and on Sundays. Let them have fun on Saturday. A person can fish early on Saturday and get some good fishing in.

“Be safe wading or floating. With water up about a foot, ya just gotta take your time and be safe. A wading staff and felt soles on wading shoes can help a lot.” 

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 5-22-2025) 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 5-22-2025) 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 5-22-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood reports that bluegill are bedding in 5-6 feet of water (a little deeper in DeGray compared with some other spots nearby). Anglers are catching them drop-shotting a cricket or a live nightcrawler. Black bass are being caught mainly on spoons and 5/16-ounce shad-pattern hair jigs in about 15-20 feet of water on ledges and brushpiles.

Up shallow, mainly in the creek channels, they are catching bass on half-ounce black and blue jigs, as well as on a half-ounce green pumpkin Jackhammer Chatterbait. 

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 5-22-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature has risen to 56 degrees with stained conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita has crept back up into the flood pool with the latest round of thunderstorms to plague our area. As a result, Entergy will schedule round-the-clock generation to stabilize area lakes. This scenario has been the norm for the entire year, which has severely limited boating and fishing opportunities below the dam. Very little productive fishing has taken place with the tailrace dangerous to navigate. In addition to the dangerous flows, extremely muddy conditions accompanied the fast water, which created a no-win situation for fishing and recreation activities. 

However, the month of June is approaching quickly and should bring much drier conditions to our area. The AGFC has successfully completely the rainbow trout stocking schedule and will not be placing more trout in area lakes until early November. Lake Ouachita must be brought down out of flood pool, which is a key in 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 that conditions will soon allow for a much safer generation flow where the public can consistently access the area safely.  

When lake conditions return to normal, there is still time for quality angling. April was the last month for rainbow trout stocking for the spring season with 4,320 fish scheduled to be released 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. PowerBait is 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, such as a Little Cleo or Super Duper, will also work well in a current situation when rainbows are keying in on injured baitfish. 

Fly-fishermen can still 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 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 is 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 anglers 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.

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 5-22-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) had no new report. She just recently reopened the store after a brief closer. 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 5-22-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said that there is an early morning pretty good topwater going right now for black bass. Use walking baits and white buzzbaits. If you can find any grass, the bass are doing well on a Rebel Pop-R. When the sun gets up, the fish are biting well on ledges or anglers are having success by targeting schooling fish with spoons and deep-diving crankbaits. In the shallow grass, you can throw a wacky-rigged Senko or green pumpkin swimbait.

Bluegill are in about 1-4 feet of water on beds. Catch them throwing a Bream Killer or a nightcrawler fishing it at about 6-8 inches deep.

Crappie are mainly around the marina. You can go around the marina throwing a white and chartreuse or threadfin shad-colored Bobby Garland on a 1/16-ounce white or unpainted jighead in about 10-15 feet of water. 

(updated 5-22-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still good.  These fish are schooling in places and ready for your favorite topwater lure! Or try a jighead worm or Brush Hog on main lake and secondary points. 

Walleye have moved back into the main lake from the rivers and major creeks. Try a watermelon-colored soft plastic, a jerkbait or a small swim jig.
Stripers are still excellent and biting on trolling rigs and live bait.

Bream are excellent on worms or crickets in 5-15 feet of water; these fish are spawning now. Crappie are 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 has been steady, ranging 74-78 degrees. Water clarity is stained. The lake level jumped up about a half-foot from last week, to 578.51 feet msl (normal pool is 578 feet). Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 5-22-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says it is truly amazing how much that crappie are stacking up on the brushpiles now that the spawn is over. “We have been catching crappie as shallow as 8 feet and as deep as 18 feet. Check out my websites trip pictures page at familyfishingtrips.com to see near double-limit harvests.”

(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.

No reports.

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 5-22-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said in his previous (May 15 report) that they were 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 5-22-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) reports that Merrisach Lake, Pendleton Bend and Wilbur D. Mills campgrounds are at 100% capacity for Memorial Day weekend. “We are getting wonderful reports on bait fishing and snagging below the hydroelectric dam. It seems to be one of the best years in a while for this sport. The Arkansas River is on the fall as of this morning (Wednesday, May 21). Flatheads and channel cats are biting exceptionally well on live and cut bait in the river. Total release through the spillway and turbine at this time is 125,000 cfs.

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

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