Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

July 24, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Robert Kennedy recently hauled in a handful and then some of brown trout (a 24-incher in this photo) from the Beaver Lake tailwater while fishing with his brother, guide Austin Kennedy, a regular contributor to the report. Austin said that he and his anglers lately have been “pulling some tanks” out of the tailwater, both browns and rainbows. “This is a pretty common theme this time of year, especially when we have had significant rains,” he says. Plus, the cold water makes for cool air temperatures while they’re out on the water, whereas in most other fishing locations around the state other than trout-filled tailwaters, anglers would be facing miserable midday temperatures. Read more of Austin’s report below.

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

Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk

For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt

For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality

Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

• Central Arkansas
• North Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast Arkansas
• Southwest Arkansas
• South-Central Arkansas
• West-Central Arkansas
• East Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation)
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.

(updated 7-24-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) reports that in the Highway 89 bridge area, where there is still 4-5 feet deep water at times, an angler reported catching a lot of “little bitty bream” in recent days. A week ago, a catfish angler picked up three cats around the dam area.

The reports they’ve heard from other anglers include one crappie angler picking up 20 slap crappie while fishing Lake Nimrod recently. And, on the Arkansas River, some anglers report catching some really big stripers.

While Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond is open for fishing in the immediate area, with bream and trout being reported among catches of late. 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.

(updated 7-24-2025) 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 7-24-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the brown trout bite is good on hair jigs, either in ⅛ or 1/16-ounce size, with falling water. Try an olive of peach pattern for the hair jigs, and fish them in 5-8 feet of water.

Rainbows are reacting well off the ends of the shoals for anglers throwing a pink Trout Magnet worm or a mealworm Trout Magnet. You need to float it about 1-2 inches off the bottom, drifting.

(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.”

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 7-24-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the largemouth bass are biting well in 10-15 feet of water by throwing soft plastic minnows or Flutter Spoons. 

The smallmouth also are biting well. You’ll find them off the ends of rock points reacting well to a Carolina rig, using a 6-inch lizard or a Zoom Centipede.

(updated 7-24-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake as of noon Wednesday at 467.30 feet msl, or 4.76 feet above normal pool and falling with generation. Normal pool is probably going to be reached in August. Not much has changed overall except the water level. Just stay the course. Fish remain scattered all over, but realize that 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.”

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 7-24-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said been a bit too hot for fishing. Some big crappie have been caught from out on the lake; one angler is fishing 9-10 feet deep for catching his limit. One was 15 inches. Minnows are the bait of choice. The key is starting around 7 a.m.

A couple of anglers caught a few largemouth bass in shallow water around the big island. They didn’t share the baits used. They posted their catches on Facebook.

Some bluegills have been caught on redworms and crickets lately. The fish are in the shallow area along with some big bream that were caught. Most catfish are being caught on trotlines with bigger minnows or baby bluegill.

The fishing overall is hit and miss for anglers with the heat, though. Water is normal. Clarity is “kind of muddy,” Bing reports.

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 7-24-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) said the Overcup’s water is about normal. The clarity is good and the surface water temperature is around 89 degrees.

There are millions of shad running around the surface during the late evening and early morning, and the bass and catfish are feeding. 

Crappie are being caught in 1014 feet of water about 6 feet down. 

Bream are on their beds and are doing well.
“Come see us at Overcup Landing off Highway 9.”

Lake Maumelle
(updated 7-24-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water temperature is steady in the 86- to 89-degree range. Water level has fallen slightly to 3.25 feet below normal level. The black bass bite from both largemouths and spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) has still been good this week. Largemouths can be found in about 10-20 feet of water, and reports have said the bite is best early in the morning and late in the evening. Try Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits for best success. Spotted bass apparently remain in 12-16 feet of water on brushpiles mixed in with the largemouths. The spotted bite is also best early in the morning and late in the evening. Drop-shots, Carolina rigs with a green pumpkin trailer, jigs and cranks are your best bets.

The hauls in the Tuesday night weekly bass tournament this week were impressive. Daniel Romine and Vaughn Greenway were runaway winners with a 5-bass bag weighting 18.50 pounds, plus the Big Bass of 5.21 pounds. Peyton Brown and Mark Brown were second with 15.01 pounds.

Bream are still good. They’re reported to be hanging around brushpiles at 10-15 feet depth. Crickets and worms work best. Crappie have really slowed. The last reports had them scattered around brush and rock piles in 15-25 feet of water. Use minnows or jigs.

No reports of white bass or catfish this week. Maybe they’ll hit Twister Tails and crankbaits if you try for them. Catfish should be interested in bream, liver and worms now.

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 7-24-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the fishing has been good. “Bass are the hottest thing right now,” he said. Water was 87 degrees on Sunday; it’s clear and at a normal pool. The fish will bite from early in the morning until midmorning, then again late in the afternoon. Topwater and spinnerbait are the best approaches now.

Try a white or white/black spinnerbait. The best topwater is something like a Rebel Pop-R, or anything similar in a bream color or chartreuse. Soft plastic worms are working for some anglers.

Catfish are good a night. Try chicken liver or cut bait.

He’s heard nothing on bream lately. “It’s hot, and not many people are out,” Ray added.

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 7-24-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river current has fallen below the small craft advisory (70,000 cfs or less), at least for the time being. The Army Corps of Engineers slowed down the flow for work being done upriver in another pool. Once that’s complete, the flow might pick up to restore the small craft warning.

But with this lighter flow and fishing opportunities, anglers are finding largemouth and spotted bass biting well as the ends of jetties. They’re using crankbaits and shaky head worms. The bass can also be caught up in the grass or around any kind of wood structure on a buzzbait or by throwing a frog.

Catfish have been biting well on nightcrawlers and live bluegill. The best places to find the cats are off the ends of jetties in the main eddy. Anywhere you can find an eddy, where the current is circulating, is where the catfish have been hanging out. Without a lot of fishing happening on the river recently, the fish seem hungry.
Bluegill have been doing well in about 1-4 feet of water biting on redworms and crickets in about 1 foot depth.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 7-10-2025) 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 7-24-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “The Arkansas Ozarks haven’t missed out on the heat wave that’s moving across the country, but we have the gem of the White River to cool us down. The trout love that very cold water and the anglers love the cool mist that lowers the air temperature by about 15 degrees.
“Catching rainbows has seldom been easier than it’s been the last few weeks. The pattern from the dam is changing as the lake finally comes down from near floodstage with lower flows (about 13,000 cfs) in the morning, and a full five or six units during the late afternoon hours. Current lake level: 685.83 feet msl.”
“The rainbow catches were lured in mainly with sunrise or orange PowerBait tipped with shrimp on a size 8 Aberdeen or bait holder hook. Silver blades on an orange or brown Rooster Tail, or a silver Vibrax Blue Fox with an orange or bubblegum pink bell, will bring in a good share. Another winner this week was the bronze Colorado spoon, one-quarter ounce.
“The bigger browns have been looking for sculpins and minnows. Keep your eye on the tip of your rod for a little tremor and watch that brown snatch your bait. Play it slow and carefully, no rapid movements, and you’ll be able to net it for a picture.
“Come on over and join us as we stay cool angling for a fat, energetic rainbow on the White.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-24-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “This week we are starting to see more fluctuations in water level. Norfork Dam continues to run both generators plus the siphon. Bull Shoals Dam generation has begun to vary, and as a result, we are seeing fluctuating water levels. The past few days, we have seen water levels below 9 feet to over 10 feet, dropping in the mornings and starting to rise again in the afternoon. The fluctuations in water levels have stirred up the resulting “trashy” water with moss in the water.

“Fishing has been better in the morning using silver inline spinners with UV Uncommon Bait Eggs and tipping the hook with shrimp or worms. Deeper diving lures have been partially effective. 

“Weather is hot, take precautions like carrying extra water, sunscreen, a good hat and cooling towel to dip in the water.”
This week the AGFC used the stocking raft to stock 4,800 rainbows between Calico Rock and Sylamore Creek. 

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 7-24-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level continues dropping, falling to 685 feet msl – now 26 feet above normal level and 2 feet lower than this time last week. The Army Corps of Engineers is steadily running big water. Water temperature is around 89 degrees. It’s been hot; an early start is a good idea. Continue to take precautions on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking continues to be an issue as most boat ramps and parking areas are still underwater. The marinas and volunteers of courtesy docks are doing a great job to accommodate everyone.

Bass fishing is fair. Get up early and look for surface activity: ledges, points, bluffs, swings. Bass are really grouped up and moving fast. Powerfishing shallow in the creeks 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 Worms, Texas-rigged, fished in trees and laydowns on points 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 at 20-25 feet 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-lived; better capitalize on it when it starts. Target larger schools on swings and ledges off the bank with a drop-shot for the 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 26 feet now. “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 7-24-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much this past week. 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 27-30 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler 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 7-24-2025) 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 7-24-2025) 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 at 571 feet msl and slowly falling. The lake is scheduled for the normal pool Sept. 15.

The stripers have moved to the lower end of the lake near the dam. There are two distinct bites: at first light, small stripers and good-sized hybrids are in the upper layer of the lake, from 25 feet to the surface, and are very active. They are only hitting live bait, trolled long-line, and a split shot. You will get bitten on downlines set at 15 feet, but not as often as the long lines. As the sun rises, the fish disappear, and then the bite is on the flats starting at 60-80 feet on downlines. The fish are hugging the bottom, feeding on crawfish. The stripers are not overly active, but you can entice them using very active live bait. They do not seem to be interested in spoons or swimbaits right now. All the artificial guides are having a tough time getting the fish to bite.
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 7-24-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level is 1,127.40 feet msl. The water is hot. Fishing remains good.

Stripers are good if you’re out early or in the late afternoon. Look around Point 5 and the Starkey areas. Brooders, shad and bream are working. Just get out there at sunrise and you will catch some fish.
Crappie are best on trolled crankbaits such as a Bandit 300 and Lucas crankbaits. You can also look on pole timber in the 25-foot range. 

Walleye can be found around Beaver Shores and Horseshoe Bend. Crawler harnesses are what you want to be trolling. 

Catfish are there for the taking. Noodles and limblines will produce. 

“It’s HOT so stay hydrated. Good luck!

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 7-24-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “Well, here we go again with another heat dome settling over us. Honestly, this summer has not been that bad, but we all knew this was coming. Fishing the Beaver tailwater has many advantages. Not only is the fishing great most days, but that cold water also helps cool the air temperature, helping to beat the heat.
“Now on to the fishing! We have been pulling some tanks recently. This is a pretty common theme this time of year, especially when we have had significant rains. Try to fish around the ‘slime line,’ where the cool water meets the warm water. You’re going to find more bait fish in that zone, along with the bigger trout. Pautzke Fire Minnows have been the most successful. Fire Bait and spoons, later in the morning, have proven to produce the best bite as well.
“There are still some walleye to be had if you fish the deeper water. Try pulling hard crankbaits in 15 feet of water and working inside bends with ierkbaits. Try to stay hydrated and cool during these dog days, and get out and catch some fish!

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 7-24-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said there were a lot of boats on the water this past weekend, but no one left any reports of catches. Children were seen catching bream from the shore, however. Overall bream fishing would rate good, and she suggests PowerBait, waxworms and redworms as the best baits now.

Shelly noted the good fishing “moon times” upcoming for August: Look for good days Aug. 6-12 and the best days being Aug. 20-26.

The lake clarity is the usual murky and the water level is normal. Surface water temperature Sunday was 80.7 degrees. 

Lake Poinsett
(updated 7-24-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says Lake Poinsett has slowed down with the heat, but the few anglers that have ventured out have still been catching plenty. Some that came to speak with Lake Poinsett State Park staff mentioned they were fishing from kayaks in 10-15 feet of water and catching bass. They were fishing early morning before the heat really kicked in. Others have been coming by just for an hour or two to bream fish before the heat got to them. Bream from the bank still seem to be doing well using crickets.

Jonathan also recently noted that 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 use 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 kind of 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.

Lake Monticello
(updated 7-24-2025) 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 7-24-2025) 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 7-24-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said lake elevation Wednesday was about 8 inches above normal pool and falling. The dam was releasing about 4,200 cfs and the tailwater is near 232 feet and rising. Navigation status is normal caution; always stay vigilant, watching for broken timber and random floaters. Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or at the Army Corps of Engineers website under “Millwood Lake” above, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels.

Surface temps continue to fluctuate, ranging 86-92 degrees depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River is normal stain; there is typical Millwood lighter stain in most locations of oxbows. River clarity ranges 4-6 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows continue improving as levels stabilize, and visibility in the oxbows ranges 20-30 inches in many locations.

Siefert had these specifics from this past week’s fishing.

* As for largemouth bass, this time of year it seems like all we catch are 2- to 3-pound dinks that are being aggressive and active at dawn. Certainly they are a blast to locate when they are schooling this time of year, although the schooling and surface-breaking this time of year is very random, and in short duration. You just have to be there when they start herding the shad to the surface, and that can be most anytime of day, with dawn and dusk being the best time for the surface-breaking activity. Occasionally you will find a school of white bass mixed in with the largemouths and Kentuckies when the mayhem breaks loose! Keep a clear, Baby Torpedo and a quarter-ounce chrome Cordell hammered spoon and a ¾-ounce (for distance) chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap on deck when this action starts. The ⅜-ounce chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap Tail Spinner will work when the action begins breaking in the lily pads at daylight.
The best bite over the past several weeks continues to occur from daybreak to around 10-11 a.m., ending due to increase in heat/surface temps after 10 a.m. Numbers of bass from 2-3 pounds continue to concentrate near almost any major creek junction with Little River, or in close proximity, and they’re biting almost anything you can put in front of them. With current conditions along Little River now manageable, and in deeper sections, points and washouts in Little River from 10-15 feet, we noted a few largemouths and white bass were schooling together herding shad in front of numerous creek dumps near White Cliffs campground into Little River over the past week.

Look for a good reaction bite pattern around vegetation, such as coontail, hydrilla, pondweed and lily pads, on buzzbaits, Cordell Crazy Shads, Spit’n Images, Yum BuzzFrogs, Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper silver phantom, as well as gold pepper shiner colors, and Yum Dingers along Little River. Other surface lures like Ken Pops, Jitterbugs and Baby Torpedoes continue to draw reactions for the active fish as well. With early morning activity, fair to good numbers of bass will bust crankbaits like the Rat-L-Trap and the Bill Lewis MR-6. Carolina-rigged lizards and Southern Pro 4-inch magnum tubes are working along river washouts and cutouts in the river bank. Berkley 10-inch Power Worms in plum, black grape or cherry seed are catching good keeper bass from 13-14 inches in length. Peanut butter and jelly colors are working for deeper bass, or suspending bass on Carolina Rigs.

Also, a good number of these fish continue moving further out toward points and intersections of creek channel dumps into Little River, where quick access to the 8-14 foot and deeper thermocline zone areas are. Jigging Cordell hammered spoons and crankbaits were working over the past week for both black and white bass suspended in stumps and timber in the 10-12 foot depths on the edge of the river above Jack’s Isle. The best water clarity is being found upriver. 

* Several fishermen told us they saw fairly large schools of white bass breaking topwater in Little River, and they were schooling in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows over the past several weeks – morning schooling bass chasing schools of threadfin shad. They were catching five to 10 randomly using with Chuck’N Spins, Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3-inch white grub and Beetle Spins.
The crappie bite continues improving now that the current has reduced and water clarity is improved. Best spots along Little River are over planted brush in 8-10 feet and stacking nicely on your electronics, early, on live shiners, jigs, smoke grubs and vertical jigging tiny (1/32-ounce) Beetle Spins in white/red dot or catalpa colors. The bite dies off substantially after 9-10 a.m.
* The channel cat’s bite slowed somewhat over the past week with the reduced current in Little River. Blues and channel cats are biting best on cut shad, catalpa worms and Catfish Charlie, by either anchoring and tight-lining, or trotlines, along Little River and in Mud Lake or Horseshoe oxbows; or on yo-yos hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 9-15 feet depths. Two cat fishermen told us they had better luck with their cats when they chummed the area the day or night before they went out.

*Recently a few campers at Millwood State Park told us the bream and bluegills were biting off the bank at their campsite 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 7-24-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been fishing lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Hamilton lately. He says, “White bass and black bass are feeding early in the morning. The pattern is surface-feeding at sunrise, then they will retreat to the bottom in 20-plus feet of water. Work a spoon or swimbait across the bottom.

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 7-24-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 63 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is well below flood pool levels due to Entergy scheduling round-the-clock generation below area dams to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is running 6,000 cfs below Carpenter Dam for 10 hours a day, which can be treacherous for boaters and wade fishermen alike. Extreme caution must be used when on the water during this amount of flow. 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; however, due to the flooding of spring that displaced thousands of rainbow trout far downstream, quality numbers of trout are thriving below Carpenter Dam. Under normal circumstances, trout fishing is over by late July. The extreme heat of summer has forced these displaced trout back toward the dam in search of cooler water and increased food supply. Rainbow trout become stressed in water that reaches just over 70 degrees and cannot survive in water over 75 degrees. There is a good possibility that trout numbers will linger until sometime in early August 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 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. No matter what presentation is used for trout in the summertime on Lake Catherine, slower results should be expected in numbers but the size of the trout will range 15-18 inches long. 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. 

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 catfish and channel catfish into the tailrace to begin their spawning run and provided anglers 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. Trashcans 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
(updated 7-24-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been fishing lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Hamilton lately. He says, “White bass and black bass are feeding early in the morning. The pattern is surface-feeding at sunrise, then they will retreat to the bottom in 20-plus feet of water. Work a spoon or swimbait across the bottom.

(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 7-24-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been fishing lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Hamilton lately. He says, “White bass and black bass are feeding early in the morning. The pattern is surface-feeding at sunrise, then they will retreat to the bottom in 20-plus feet of water. Work a spoon or swimbait across the bottom.

(updated 7-24-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) said anglers have been catching fish. Some are that big. But the bream are nice and have been biting like crazy, and the anglers are going crazy over the bream, she said. “Bream was the thing this past week,” she said, adding that she sold a lot of crickets. Anglers are buying up minnows, crickets and worms at her hope.

Crappie, when anglers could find them, were good. She said they were catching a lot of small crappie and small back and tossing them back, but “eventually they get their limit.” Fishing is, like most of Arkansas’s big lakes, an early morning affair or in the evenings. “There are some diehards still out there in the heat during the day,” she added.

The water looks good in terms of clarity and the level of Nimrod is back to normal.

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 7-24-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been fishing lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Hamilton lately. He says, “White bass and black bass are feeding early in the morning. The pattern is surface-feeding at sunrise, then they will retreat to the bottom in 20-plus feet of water. Work a spoon or swimbait across the bottom.

(updated 7-24-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are fair. Try a jighead worm or Zoom Brush Hog-style bait on main lake and secondary points near brush. Walleye are excellent and biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 16-22 feet deep.

Stripers are still good and biting on trolling rigs and live bait on the eastern part of the lake. 

Bream are still very good on worms or crickets in 10-20 feet of water. Crappie are fair and relating to brush in the 20- to 30-foot range. Catfish are fair on trotlines and jugs with live and cut bait.

Water temperature is ranging 80-84 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 576.12 feet msl. 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 7-24-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) reports that there’s still nothing new to report for Cook’s Lake other than the water has dropped a little more. “We will be open again this Friday and Saturday during normal business hours.”

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

Wil added, “There has been a lot of questions about the White River Refuge lately and when roads will open. This is from the Friends of the White River Page: 

For the latest information on road status, you can:

• Check the official refuge website.
• Visit the Friends of the White River Page.
• Stop by the office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Email whiteriver@fws.gov (email is checked every business day).

Roads that are open, North Unit: Maddox Bay Boat Ramp.

South Unit: Long Lake, Jack’s Bay, Levee Loop to Prairie Lakes, Levee Loop from Alligator Lake to East Moon.

No new roads will be opened this week due to wet conditions. Though water may be off some roads, the refuge staff is letting them dry out to prevent rutting and damage before taking heavy equipment on them.

Roads in the Ethel area should begin opening by the middle of next week.

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 cut bait 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.