Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

July 17, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

It might not be the biggest fish ever caught, or the biggest fish Audra Carpenter will catch in her lifetime, but this first catch at Boyle Park was a special moment. Lauren Carpenter, a recent participant in the AGFC’s Becoming an Outdoor-Woman program, where she learned to fish, sent us this photo of her daughter’s first catch. Lauren recently made her own first catch, and while the fishing bug had hit hard, she wasn’t able to go “for a whole week!” Her daughter, Audra, Lauren tells us, has nonverbal autism, and while Audra loves being around the water, she wasn’t sure Audra would be able to fish. Nevertheless, Lauren and her husband packed their gear and headed to Boyle Park recently with Audra, who wanted to try to fish. They showed her the basics, and soon, Audra had hooked her first fish. As Lauren described it, “It was an adorable, perfectly sized bream!” Fishing turned this into a magical family moment. Thank you, Lauren, for sending us the photo and details.

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 7-17-2025) AGFC staff report that Lake Conway Nursery Pond has gotten quite a lot of use in recent weeks. The bream are now big enough to want to keep, and they are plentiful. The staff hears reports of folks catching a slab crappie here and there. Staff aren’t aware of many anglers looking for bass, though there are bass in the pond. In past months, folks were catching plenty of catfish after they were stocked. 

The nearly 70-acre nursery pond has been set up by the AGFC Fisheries Division as an alternative destination while Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation. It is stocked 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 7-17-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said the Southwestern Power Administration’s projected releases “have been spot on this week. The water releases this week have usually been starting between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. from below Greers Ferry Dam and running till 9 p.m. or till 11 p.m.

“It’s best to check the SWPA website [linked above] to get the latest update for the day you intend to fish. The current generation schedule is absolutely perfect for wade fishing and fishing from a boat.
“As far as wade fishing opportunities I’d start off either at JFK Access or Swinging Bridge Access. It will take roughly four hours from the time of release for the water to get to Swinging Bridge Access. When the water gets to Swinging Bridge Access, head further downstream to Pangburn Bridge or Ramsey Access to extend your day of wade fishing.
“The boat fishing has been excellent on the upper and lower sections of the Little Red River. If you prefer to drift-fish underneath an indicator, you’re in luck because it has been solid; the fish are liking the steady flows.

“The best bite has been early morning while the temperatures are still cool and the sun is not at its peak. Hot flies while drift-fishing or wade fishing underneath an indicator have been: Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear, pink San Juan Worms, egg patterns and midges. Try a 9-foot 5-weight fly rod with a 7.5-foot leader tipped with 5x tippet and the indicator of your choice. One of the previous flies mentioned will have you on the fish.

“If you’re a streamer junkie and you like throwing big meaty streamers, plan your trip over here on a cloudy, overcast day. The fishing has been great.

“Downriver access points in the mornings will still have high water from the previous night’s generation. Try throwing big articulated streamers toward the banks, looking for aggressive takes from our brown trout lying near the banks. An 8-weight fly rod with a 330-grain sink line is my preferred choice. Hot flies have been Flatliners, Double Deceivers and Kelly Galloup ‘Dungeons.’

“After the water falls out, either switch to drift-fishing with a nymph rig or head up toward the dam and continue throwing streamers toward the banks.”

(updated 7-17-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that on the Little Red, the best fishing — accounting for when the flow gets going in mid-morning – is early. Rooster Tail, the No. 5 Shad Rap, a Marabou Jig and a Trout Magnet all will do well.

Wading is available early on before the generation. There have been a lot of people wading in recent weeks in the early 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 7-17-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 468.74 feet msl, or 6.2 feet above normal pool and falling with generation. “She is coming down, folks. Normal pool is probably gonna be reached in August. Not much has changed overall except the water level. Fish are scattered all over, but do understand: Most sport fish (crappie, bass, etc.) will be close to the point of bushes as the last of the third shad spawn comes out and will be set up to ambush as they do.”
Crappie are still up on the bank while others are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, with crankbaits for trolling 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and 40 feet for the deeper fish. Brushpiles have come into play as well as standing timber.

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

Catfish are eating really well all over the lake and rivers. Blues are coming in. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits, as well as rod and reels. Bream are showing up more now — try crawlers, crickets, small cranks and inline spinners. A lot of white bass and hybrid bass are in 25-43 feet. Use Road Runners and grubs for shallow fish, spoons and inline spinners for the ones moving deeper now. 

Black bass are scattered as well. Some are in the old buckbrush line, while some are still super shallow, and others have moved offshore, and more are just roaming around chasing shad in 12-40 feet around points, humps, etc. Just about any style of bait is working; there are a lot more schooling fish now as well. 

“Be safe and wear your life jacket.”

(updated 7-17-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the water remains high but it is dropping. It’s about 6 feet high now. The water clarity, it’s staying pretty clerk on the main lake, while up in the rivers it’s stained a little bit. 

Mostly, your bite windows are going to be early in the morning or late in the evening. When they are chasing schooling fish they are biting a clear topwater, like a clear Zara Spook or maybe a popper-style bait in white, bone or clear) such as a Yellow Magic popper. 

Most of the day, when it’s really hot, the guys who are out and catching fish are finding them around the thermocline, and that’s anywhere from 20-30 feet depending on the day. During those times, try a drop-shot, Carolina rig, a big Flutter Spoon or a deep-diving crankbait.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 7-3-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said too much heat outside is keeping many of the anglers off the water. Those out early in the morning or after 6 p.m. in the evenings are catching bream on redworms. Catfish are good on live bream on trotlines and chicken liver will also work. Crickets worked for one angler to catch catfish as well.

Last week, an angler with LiveScope was catching a lot of crappie near the big island, fishing 8-9 feet deep. One of the crappie topped 2 pounds and several others were good sized.

A couple of anglers caught three or four largemouth bass early in the morning earlier this week. They were all close to 3 pounds each and were up near the bank. 

The water has dropped down to a normal level and has a green tint.

Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page. There will be a fireworks show over the lake on Friday night.

Lake Overcup
(updated 7-17-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) had no reports this week, but his most recent report said said black bass were doing well on crankbaits and plastic worms. Crappie were still being caught in 10-12 feet of water using jigs and minnows. 

Catfish were moving, and being caught on yo-yos, jugs and trotlines. Bream were finally getting ready to bed up with the water finally leveling out. 

Lake Maumelle
(updated 7-17-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water temperature is ranging 86-89 degrees. Water level remains about 2.95 feet below normal level. The black bass bite from both largemouths and spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) remains good this week. Largemouths can be found in about 10-20 feet of water and are biting on Caroline rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass are reportedly being found in 12-16 feet of water on brushpiles mixed in with the largemouths. The spotted bite is best early in the morning and late in the evening. Try drop-shots, Carolina rigs with a green pumpkin trailer, jigs and cranks.

Randy and Rick Sugg hauled in a Big Bass of 5.98 pounds in Tuesday night’s bass tournament, and their nice 14.68-pound total was second to the winners, Daniel Romine and Tom Posvar, who brought in 15.50 pounds with a five-bass stringer.
White bass are slow. There were a few reports of them chasing and catching shad at the west end of the lake by trolling in 6 feet depth. Twister Tails and crankbaits are the best way to catch whites now.
Crappie are fair to slow. The last reports had them scattered around brush and rock piles in 15-25 feet of water. Use minnows or jigs.

Bream are good. They’re reported to be hanging around brushpiles at 10-15 feet depth. Crickets and worms work best.

No reports on catfish this week. Try using bream, liver and worms.

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 7-3-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said Thursday the fishing has been pretty decent. The bass are biting early in the morning and late in the evening, and there has been a pretty good topwater bite here lately. People have also been catching some good redear sunfish on worms.

The sunfish went back into 4-5 feet of water, but the black bass are still in 2-4 feet of water. 

A Rebel Pop-R is one bait that has been working, as well as a “Skipjack” topwater. “Anything that is minnow colored, they will hit,” Ray said. Also, anglers are catching a few on a bream-colored crankbait.

There hasn’t been much reported on catfish. With the Arkansas River running hard, people have not been catfishing.

The water on the Little Maumelle, though, is clear and normal. Last weekend, the surface water temperature was 89 degrees.

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 7-17-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river is coming down but it will probably not be until after this weekend before there is a current safe fishing. On Thursday, the flow from both Murray and David O. Dodd locks and dams were between 70,000-80,000 cfs, and the flow has to fall below 70,000 before the small craft warning is called off.

When the river flow does get back to safe levels, it will fish differently than in normal conditions. This is the longest time period that they can recall the river going with this heavy flow and forcing boaters off the river.

They suggest, with things getting back to normal, to first throw a black crankbait. Now, while some may find that usual, remember that the area has seen little to no fishing for months now and the fish will be just getting back to these conditions as well. Also consider a white/chartreuse spinnerbait or a simple white spinnerbait, targeting jetties on the main river. Also, with some water in the backwaters, fish those areas with a Texas-rigged creature bait or a black/blue jig.

For your early and late bites, your best bet will probably be a black or white buzzbait or a black or white frog, depending on the weather that day. In cloudy conditions, go with the black.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 7-3-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said they anglers are doing well on bass, catfish and bream. Also, they are catching crappie trolling and spider-rigging. Some may still be trying to jig, but most crappie anglers coming out now are coming to spider-rig, she reports.

Catfish are going for worms, hot dogs and liver. “When they are on they will hit anything,” she said.
As for bream, most everyone is using crickets and worms. Bream are up shallow and have been spawning. 

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 7-17-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Relief! The Army Corps of Engineers has worked to decrease the level of all the lakes in our White River chain; we’re out of flood pool range now. Expect strong generation in the coming weeks as we power on toward desired pool levels. Bull Shoals Lake is at 687.37 feet msl. Continuing a pattern of round-the-clock 18,000 cfs releases.
“Summer is returning with a vengeance this week, although pop-up rainstorms persist even this late into July; the heat is back on, but trout fishing on the White keeps us cool. The brown trout bite is getting tricky. Patience wins out and is required to net a brown. Soft-shell crawdads are a favorite, in addition to the familiar sculpin. 

Consistent water levels have allowed the trout to settle down into a normal feeding routine, so early morning and early evening are the best times for reliable catches.

Float your bait just above the bottom — best to keep it near the bank during high-water generation. 

The rainbows continue to chase a shrimp/PowerBait merger, with pink and pink leading the color choice. Under an overcast, cloudy sky, work Rooster Tail with a gold blade, pink body or a Blue Fox with a rainbow blade, gold bell. When the sun comes out, put the artificial baits away and return to the scented or live baits.
“Good luck, enjoy the catch, and we’ll see you on the river!”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-17-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said this week they’ve seen water levels between 10 and 11 feet. “We continue to have success drift-fishing using silver inline spinners with a No. 2 hook with 2 Uncommon Bait Neo Pink UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. Fishermen are also reporting success using corn and red wiggler worms. If needed, add an extra weight to get to the bottom. 

“Fishing has been better in the mornings with guides reporting the fish have moved up onto the gravel bars. With the deeper water, we are hearing reports of deeper diving lures like a Shad Rap are having some success fishing along the banks. Fortunately, the rains early this week have not muddied up the river.” 

This week, there was a stocking of 1,200 rainbows at the Calico Rock boat ramp and another 1,200 rainbows at the Chessmond Ferry boat ramp. Additionally, the AGFC ran the stocking raft from Norfork to Calico Rock.

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 7-17-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level was dropping, falling to 687 feet msl – 28 feet above normal level but falling fast. The Army Corps of Engineers is steadily running big water. Water temperature is around 88 degrees. It’s been hot and nasty, with more heat for the foreseeable future. Hurricane season has us dealing with pop-up thunderstorms. Continue to take debris cautions on Beaver Lake or on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking continues to be an issue as most boat ramps and parking areas remain underwater. The marinas are doing a great job to accommodate everyone.

Bass fishing is slow after a front; it’s going to be tough. Get up early and look for surface activity: ledges, points, bluffs and swings. Bass are really grouped up and moving fast. Powerfishing shallow has been hit or miss with the dropping water. The baitfish seem to be pushing back toward deeper ditches. You can deep-crank the drains if you find them. The ol’ Big Red Worm, Texas-rigged, fished in trees and laydowns on points works, but it seems to need some stain.
There are always fish to be caught flipping a jig like a Jewel half-ounce green pumpkin variant. You’re going to have to contend with flooded bushes, but that’s where the fish are. Look at steeper banks as the temps rise. Lots of fish are suspended with the current generation schedule. 

The offshore guys have their work cut out for them. The shad are spread out from the backs of the creeks to the main lake. Feeding windows seem to be short-live; it’s better to capitalize on it when it starts. Target larger schools on swings and ledges off the bank with a drop-shot for bluebird day, post-frontal suspended fish. A smaller 2.8 swimbait, a regular Tater Shad or the Rapala Mooch Minnow will work. 

“You’re going to have to experiment with head sizes. I’m using 3/16-ounce up to ⅜-ounce depending on the day and the depth of the fish.”
Topwater has been slow. Get up early. Use a Lucky Craft Gunfish or a small white Booyah Popper, wake bait or Zara Spook Jr. over flooded points and saddles. The thermocline looks to be setting up about 28 feet. “Fish the conditions. Summer equals half-day trips.”
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 7-17-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much this past week with the exception of the deeper trolling bite. That is just about over as fish are setting in the thermocline now. With the drawdown that’s occurring, the bite has been kind of hit or miss. Small walleye and a few legal-size walleye are being caught over the flooded buckbrush. If the sun is high, fish a little deeper along the old shoreline. Fish are scattered along main lake rounded gravel points with deep water nearby. We’re fishing the shoreline in 20-30 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler along in 24-35 feet around the edges of the flooded brush. 

When trolling over buckbrush, try a size 7 or 9 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow in 25-30 feet of water. Trolling at speeds of 1.7 to 2 mph seems to be a good speed.

(updated 7-17-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are biting decent when you can find them. THey are moving a lot with the lake going down, looking for bushes in 20-25 feet has been key. Tater Baits Small Fry baits and minnows on light heads have been key.

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

(updated 7-10-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina and reports that the lake is 575 feet msl and falling. The Army Corps of Engineers has reopened the spillway to release water from the recent rains. The lake will remain high; the latest estimate for the normal pool is Sept. 15.
The stripers are moving, but many are still being caught by the state Highway 101 and U.S. Highway 62 bridges. By now the stripers would primarily be downriver near the dam. The stripers and hybrids are not acting normally this year – instead they are staying deep. You can find stripers and hybrids in the upper layer of the lake from 25 feet to the surface. As the sun rises the stripers will go deep as the thermocline drops down between 40-60 feet, depending on where you’re fishing. The best depth after sun up is 55-65 feet. 

Bluffs that parallel the river channel right now are the place to consistently catch stripers.
Note: We are now in the catch-and-keep phase for stripers. If you book a trip, expect to keep the fish. No releasing of stripers until the fall.

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

(updated 7-17-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level is 1127.82 feet msl. The lake is warm, in the upper 80s. Fishing is really hitting that summer pattern; early and late is when you want to be there.

Striper fishing is very good right now. Look at points 3, 4 and 5. Shad is the ticket and if not that, we are in the bluegill/sunfish bite time frame. 

Walleye are good on many main lake flats or humps near the main lake channels. Worm harnesses are the rig right now.

Catfish is another good option on jugs, limblines and trotlines. 

Crappie are also jumping on the bandwagon with limits being caught trolling cranks. Pull cranks at 2.0 mph with 70-90 feet of line out. Bandit 300 and Picos are working.

Bass are also pretty good in 20-30 feet on many various plastics. 

“Lake is full and the water is a good color. Get up early or later in the day and have some fun. 

Stay safe and good luck!”

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 7-17-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “If you’re looking for a place to escape from the heat but where the fishing is hot, the Beaver tailwater is the answer. The tailwater provides all the trout-catching action for which anyone could ask, and the cold, clear water refreshes the soul. Healthy, gorgeous rainbows have been consistently reeled in throughout the week, many of them measuring over 16 inches. 

“The best way to hook these excellent fish has been a mix of Fire Worms, Fire Bait (Pautzke sweet corn flavor) and spoons with a flash of red in them. Gold is generally the color of choice for the White River, but our experience so far is that silver blades and spoons are catching more trout than the gold. The usual mix of yellow or orange Fire Bait and shrimp Fire Gel on spoons is the best if you’re looking for a large quantity of take-home-for-dinner rainbows.

“Early morning is the best time to be on the river this time of year. 

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 7-10-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that catfish are doing really well this week with the full moon coming. Use the usual catfish baits. Bream are coming in in bunches, and the black bass are following them in. The bass are very good on topwater; also, try any bait that looks like a little bream. Crappie appear to be very deep; a couple of anglers were catching some. They are biting on jigs.

Lake Charles
(updated 7-17-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) had no recent reports, but in her most recent reports before the Fourth of July holiday, she said fishing was fair to outstanding across all species lately on Lake Charles. The lake will have its usual murky clarity, and the surface water temperature then was 79.3 degrees. The water level remains high.

Bream were excellent. They are shallow and biting on Waxies in pink or white and on worms. You can catch them from the shoreline.

Crappie were good. You’ll find them in 3-5 feet of water. Use crickets or worms.

Black bass were good, but anglers did not reveal what baits they were using. 

Catfish were good on worms and Doc’s Blood Bait. 

White bass were still active and the bite had been fair. Twister Tails, jigs, crankbaits and spinners are always a good bet.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 7-10-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says Lake Poinsett has been slower with the recent heat. However, anglers continue to venture out and fish for bream and bass. Some shoreline success has been reported, but fishing from a boat/kayak has seen more results. The bream are hitting on crickets and red worms, while the bass are biting on a variety of jig lures. 

There have been several people asking about setting out lines for catfish. As long as you are compliant with AGFC regulations on the lines/noodles/jugs/etc., then yes, you are allowed to use those on Lake Poinsett. It is recommended that if you will be out later at night setting/checking lines that you utilize the AGFC dam boat ramp parking area or the Deckleman Road access as Lake Poinsett State Park closes to noncampers at 10 p.m. daily.

The state park visitors center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Spring River
(updated 7-3-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are at 500 cfs (350 cfs is average), and water clarity depends on recent rainfall. Plenty of small storms moving through weekly has kept the Spring River above average flows for most of the spring and so far this summer. We all know it will dry out soon. Dam 3 access and all campgrounds are open. The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery area is closed to the public as the hatchery gets back up and running following the April flood.

“Plenty of rainbows are in the river. It’s kinda hard to catch other species with the high water. Starting to catch smallies when the water clears and gets down. Big Woollies are working great on the fly. Heavy bead-head or dumbbell eyes help get to the bottom. Sink tips would help. I prefer a longer leader and high-sticking the fly. 

“When the water gets right, plenty of bugs are hatching, from damsels to caddis and mayflies on other days. Always carry a few dry ones just in case in the evening hours; a big one might be found feeding.
“For spin fishing, gold and silver spinners are doing well; D2 jigs and trout cranks can work for chasing the bigger fish. The Trout Crank will get down to the fish and might catch a walleye with the rainbow trout crank. And the D2 jigs in olive and black in heavy sizes will get down to the fish.

“The canoe hatch is on. Saturdays are busy with floaters, but it’s a great time to fish on Sundays and through the week. With the heat on, the river is a cool place to get away at 58 degrees year-round.
“Fish early and take a break during the heat; if you are hot and miserable, so will be the bite!

“River levels have remained up, so be careful out there. The Spring River is a beautiful river to fish and canoe. If you can’t swim, please wear a life jacket! Wading can be tricky in some areas — a wading staff can really help out. Be safe and watch out for each other!”

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 7-10-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reports that water temperatures in the upper 80s. Visibility up to 12-16 inches in protected backwaters, near zero on the main channel. Water level is slightly elevated but has been slowly falling. Strong flow continues on the main channel. 

Black bass are biting well, especially in the mornings, near flooded woody cover and vegetation in backwaters and near current breaks just off of the main channel. Shad-colored bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and swim jigs are producing well near moving water and/or when the wind is blowing. Dark-colored creatures and jigs worked on the bottom/through flooded cover are producing when the wind is calm or there is no current. 

Some fish are positioned on the artificial brushpiles placed on the sand drops within Lake Langhofer, but they should begin holding more as the water continues falling out of the bushes on shore.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 7-17-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) had no report this week. Recently, she had noted anglers were catching their limits on big crappie during the early mornings. They were fishing out on the lake from their boat.
“It’s been really, really hot, so the fisherman have been going fishing early — early so they can get out of the heat, but they are catching their limits on crappie, bream and some catfish. They all are fishing from their boats. We had a few people fishing off docks, but they are not really catching anything.”

Lake Monticello
(updated 7-17-2025) 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. All fishing regulations, including catch-and-release-only fishing for all sport fish, remain in place even while the lake is lowered for the city’s repair work on the dam. 

Lake Chicot
(updated 7-17-2025) Lake Chicot, part of Lake Chicot State Park, is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, redear sunfish and other bream, in addition to crappie. If you fish Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, or Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam, be aware that crappie shorter than 10 inches must be immediately released and that the crappie daily limit is 20.

Quite a few fishing boats were out on the lake before the Fourth of July later in the evening, with fishing action apparently around the shoreline.

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 7-17-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said that due to the extreme heat wave and humidity, as well as fish metabolism in the region, the guide service is using a summer schedule that calls for half-day, or run-n-gun, charters now through the end of September. Full-day charters will return again Oct. 1. Siefert said, “We encourage catch and keep during the hottest parts of midsummer with surface temps above 85 degrees, reduced oxygen levels, and increased stress levels on all species through August on Millwood Lake.”

Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday is about 6 inches above normal pool and falling, 259.7 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 3,300-plus cfs, and tailwater is near 233 feet and rising. Navigation is normal caution, he said, watching for broken timber. Anglers can 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 temperature is ranging 84-90 degrees along Little River. Clarity along Little River is normal stain, with typical Millwood lighter stain in most locations of oxbows.THe river is ranging 7-10 inches visibility depending on location, and visibility in the oxbows ranges 20-30 inches in many locations. 

Siefert offered these specifics on the fishing this week:

* No major changes on Millwood Lake since last week in the largemouth bass. It’s summer, and the heat, surface temperature and stress on the fish have reactions occurring best very early at dawn and later after sundown. The best reactions continue during cloudy days or at dawn for a few hours until the sun begins to beat down and intensify water temps. Bass are best early, roaming through lily pads and emerging grass, cypress trees and flats near creek channel deeper bends with access to quick drops in the creeks or oxbows into the 8-10 foot depth ranges. Largemouths have been fair on square-bill cranks deflecting off stumps, where shallow pockets and flats drop into creek channel swings or vertical structure with lily pads.
Johnson chrome spoons, with a 2- to 4-inch white curly tail grub or swim bait/paddle tail trailer, are drawing good reactions in the lily pads and grass. Switching to a gold spoon seemed to improve the reaction on cloudy days.
Brazalo Clacking Buzzbaits like the Bushwhacker, and the Wee Whackers, their 501 Spinnerbait in Millwood Mayhem Bream, and Strutter Chatterbaits in bream or black/purple/blue have been working for several weeks on the flats near cypress trees and new lily pads at dawn. The best colors have been Millwood Mayhem Bream, black/blue or Spot Remover. 

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. Their buzzbaits, with a horny toad trailer, are getting random reaction blow ups near stumps, grass, and vegetation in 1-3 feet depths.

Weightless Texas-rigged Bass Assassin 5-inch Shad Assassins with a very light wire hook, and hollow body frogs and Horny Toads or Rage Toads continue working in the fresh new blooms of lily pads and emergent grass, with the best colors being Houdini, Pumpkinseed and Smoke Wagon dipped in chartreuse JJ’s Magic Dippin’ Dye. Target locations of fresh grass and lily pads on ridges with valleys nearby in 2-6 feet drains, and behind and in dense emerging grass lines.

* Some anglers reported recently that white bass were biting near White Cliffs campgrounds along Little River, stacked up behind primary and secondary points extending into Little River. They were having fair to good luck with Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3″ white grub, and Beetle Spins.
* Continue to bite well and are moving to deeper drops and planted brush and the bite has been good overall, with 15-40 nice-sized slabs in a half-day run on average. Main populations continue moving to deeper planted brush. Pink, chartreuse, white, and red jigs and Electric Chicken color have been working for a few weeks.

* Channel cats, high rin blues and Flatheads were biting well this week with the increased current in Little River on trotlines and limblines set from 8 to 15 feet of depth. The best bite was on catalpa worms, nightcrawlers and blood bait with chum in the area.
*A few campers at Millwood State Park said the bream and bluegills were biting off the bank at their campsite this week using worms and crickets. They had a fish fry at their campsite with several other campers in the Millwood State Park, and the kids were having a blast; it was not too hot for them, but they were cautious about going swimming because they had seen a big alligator.
For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

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 7-3-2025) John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service (870-942-6291 or yoyoguideservice@gmail.com) at Iron Mountain Marina says, “Well, summertime is here! Water has heated up like a swimming pool. Water temperature on the surface has reached the 90s. To say it’s like bathwater is an understatement. Water level is 407.14 feet msl with a little drop.

“As you know, I’m a crappie guy. So here’s the deal. The bigger fish are beginning to move away from the brushpiles. The ones that are still holding are either so close to the cover or down inside that they are tough to get. Drop-shot or LiveScop to get close. I personally use minnows right now. I like small, active minnows and I have the sinker several inches above the hook to allow the minnow to swim freely and attract the fish.

There is more surface action happening every day, so get ready for those white bass and hybrid bass to start breaking. 

Now seriously! This is the Fourth of July weekend coming up. Please watch out for each other on the water. Hydrate and help those in need. Happy Fourth to all.”

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 7-17-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 64 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita has dropped a foot below flood pool level due to Entergy scheduling round-the-clock generation below area dams to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is running 3,600 cfs below Carpenter Dam, which is a safe current flow for boaters and bank fishermen to utilize. Lake Ouachita must be kept down out of flood pool, which is key in Entergy continuing to schedule 24/7 flows below area dams. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted by Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website (linked above). 

June typically marks the end of quality rainbow trout fishing on Lake Catherine, though there is a good possibility that trout numbers will linger until sometime into July because of the lack of fishing pressure. Bank fishermen have had some success 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 have anchored in and around rock structure or sandbars and have had success casting Rooster Tails in brown or white in a ⅛-ounce weight. Spoon presentations as a Little Cleo or Super Duper will also work well in a current situation when rainbow 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. No matter what presentation is used for trout in the summertime on Lake Catherine – slow results should be expected as the season was wiped out by high water and constant flooding.
Walleye are still in the area, and good numbers remain the tailrace for the summer months. 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 are thriving in the tailrace for the spawn and will remain in the tailrace until late July. These fish can be caught on 1/16- and ⅛-ounce jigs around rock structure and sandbars. Action will be best during times of generation. Trolling crankbaits that imitate shad will give boat fishermen a good chance to target white bass that are constantly chasing the shad schools in the tailrace. June brought blue and channel catfish into the tailrace to begin their spawning run and provided angers some wonderful table fare. 

Despite the numerous storms passing through our area, hot temperatures will be the norm with a summertime pattern of extreme heat setting in for the next several months. 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 wildlife officials 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
(updated 7-10-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted recently on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that it’s “not the normal report” these days with the lakes high, though water is gradually coming down. “The rain we (in June) had changed a lot of things. Topwater season is in full swing. It doesn’t matter where you go because of all the water that we’re dealing with on all the lakes. Topwater season is crazy and all you have to do is go down the bank and throw whatever you want to throw, whether it’s a buzzbait of frog or topwater bait you ought to be able to catch some fish in central Arkansas.

“The other thing is night fishing. If you’re dealing with Hamilton or Ouachita or DeGray, you’re dealing with fishing-at-night tournaments. Spiders have been a huge, huge weapon for the last few weeks, whether you’re throwing half or a three-quarter buzz in the bottom of brushpiles, or you’re throwing a Zoom Ole Monster, it doesn’t matter. Any of them are great, great lures. Pork rinds, plastic, whatever the fish are eating, anything you want to put on the back of your spider for a trailer will work.”

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 7-3-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) said last anglers were catching pretty good last week, but she had just gotten back into the store Thursday this week and was not up to speed on how the week had gone. But in two tournaments held last week, anglers were catching “some pretty tiny bass and a few crappie along the way.”

“The lake is still kind of high,” she reported. “It hasn’t been the greatest for fishing, but it’s getting down though. I expect it will be good by next weekend.”

She also reported that as far as numbers, anglers were definitely out on the lake Thursday morning as the holiday weekend approached. “They’re trying real hard today. They’ve been trying hard the last couple of weeks, it’s just that the results haven’t been that great. Now, the guides are doing great. It probably depends on your equipment.”

Crappie anglers are using worms, jigs, minnows, crickets, Crappie Magnet — “They’re trying everything, really.”

Bream are biting well. “Crickets are going out the door for bream. They’re definitely biting. We can’t keep up with crickets.”

She wasn’t sure beyond bass jigs what else the bass anglers were using. The store carries mostly crappie and bream baits.

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 7-10-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still good. Try a jighead worm or Zoom Brush Hog-style bait on main lake and secondary points near brush, or a black buzzbait in low light. Walleye are still excellent and biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 16-22 feet deep.

Stripers are good and biting on trolling rigs and live bait in the central and eastern parts of the lake. 

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

Water temperature is ranging 80-84 degrees. The water clarity is clearing. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 577.82 feet msl, continuing a steady drop. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

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 7-17-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) reports that no one fished Cook’s Lake last weekend. “So I have nothing to report other than that the water has fallen a little more, drying up the boardwalk to the dock. There is still water in the woods, but maybe someone will take advantage of us being open again this Friday and Saturday and see if they can catch a few fish.”

Cook’s Lake will be open both days from 8 to 4:30, but anglers are still encouraged to call ahead (501-404-2321) and let staff know they are coming. 

The local fish population hasn’t been targeted since last fall, so wil suggests anglers target black bass on the bluff banks near running water.

Cook’s Lake is a 2.5-mile-long oxbow off of the White River, nestled in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge near Casscoe in Arkansas County, 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 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 7-10-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) says the rivers are on the fall, but who knows for how long. Catfish are still going after cutbait and catalpa worms, snagging is going well; fishermen are limiting out below the hydroelectric dam. Crappie are moving to deeper waters around 8-10 feet, biting on a little bit of everything from reports made to us, including jigs.
“We got a report on bream this past week: They are biting exceptionally well on crickets and worms. 

“Thanks to all our loyal customers for shopping at Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

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