Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

July 31, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Miller Scott holds a terrific catch, a Spring River rainbow trout, while fishing recently with guide Mark Crawford. Kudos to Miller for the catch and to Mark for getting such a detailed and colorful photo from the river.

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 7-31-2025) AGFC staff report that Lake Conway Nursery Pond the bream in the pond 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 recent 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 7-31-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Well, the temperatures in Arkansas this week have been in the upper 90s and up to 100 degrees, and heat indexes hovering around 110 degrees on most days. Needless to say, it’s hot out. Som if you’re fishing, get out early and beat the heat.
“The Southwestern Power Administration projected releases have been spot on with 24/7, round-the-clock generation of two units. I think the current generation schedule will remain in effect till they get Greers Ferry Lake down to normal power pool. Let’s see what happens as it gets closer to pool.

“With two units being generated 24/7, be careful out there while running your boat. If you’re not experienced running the river in these conditions, don’t go out, or hire a guide as they will put you on the fish. There’s been a few boaters who have gotten in trouble and flipped their boats in these higher flows.
“As far as wade fishing goes, there’s no opportunities really to be had unless you fish the boat ramps or up at JFK Park and fish the discharge pipes coming off the hatchery. Fishing from the boat is going to be your best option for fishing the current generation schedule.

“When it comes to nymph fishing from underneath an indicator, a deep water nymph rig set from 6-12 feet deep with split shot to help get it down will do the trick. Try fishing toward the banks about 6 feet, then set the indicator deeper and fish the middle.

The hot flies have been attractor patterns like eggs, San Juan Worms and marabou jigs.

We are still catching fish in the higher flows and the bite’s been good considering two-unit water.
“Streamer fishing from the boat on two units can be great, especially on cloudy overcast days, in the mornings and evenings. It can be tough when it’s 100 degrees out midday on bright sunny days, so get out there early or go in the evenings before the sun goes down.”

(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 11-16-2023) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-250-0730) said always check the generation schedule and be aware of unexpected water release. Check before heading to the Little Red River for Greers Ferry Dam water release by downloading the USACE Little Rock app, Corps of Engineers website (swl-wc.usace.army.mil) for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website (swpa.gov) to see forecasted generation schedule. 

Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

(updated 7-31-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake as of Wednesday afternoon was at 464.30 feet msl, or just 2.14 feet above normal pool; two units have been generating round-the-clock at the dam to lower the lake to normal pool level. 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.
Some crappie are 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. Lots of blues have come in. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits, as well as rod and reels. For bream 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 7-31-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the largemouth bass, spots and smallmouth all are biting around main lake points for anglers throwing a Carolina rig with a watermelon soft plastic. Around deeper flooded timber, use spoons like the Dixie Jet spoon or a Yamamoto Scope Shad on a little jighead for largemouths and spots.

If you can catch the lake during or right after a rain and there is runoff, you can fish that runoff for any bass species with a swimbait, like a Keitech 3.8.

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 “kinda 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.

(updated 1-18-2025) Ken Winstead at Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) had no new reports.

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.”

(updated 1-18-2025) Lakeview Landing on Arkansas Highway 95 (501-252-1437) said GONE?!

Brewer Lake
(update 4-25-2025) AGFC staff visited Brewer Lake recently. Surface water temperature is low- to mid-60s and the water level is at full pool. The pollen has put a green tinge to the surface, but other than that, the water is fairly clear with about 2 feet of visibility. Crappie were beginning to move shallow to the flooded brush and should be spawning now. Focus on coves in the northern portion of the lake. Largemouth bass were biting fairly well on secondary points and isolated brush in 7-11 feet of water. Slow-rolled spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits and Carolina-rigged lizards were working well. Fishing the brushline with a wacky-rigged Senko or Texas-rigged lizard will also pick up a few smaller bass. Most of the large fish were still a cast-and-a-half offshore waiting to move up, and may be up now. 

No report on catfish or bream. 

Brewer Lake has a new regulation for 2025: The 13- to 16-inch black bass slot limit on Brewer (as well as Lake Barnett in White County) has been replaced; now, anglers may keep up to 10 largemouth bass, but only one of those may exceed 16 inches.

(update 1-1-2025) David Hall at Dad’s Bait Shop (501-289-2210), a 24/7 self-serve bait shop at the lake, had no change in the reports, but most recently said that anglers were having the best luck for crappie and catfish around the dam area. Bass fishing was reported to be best in the late afternoon or evenings. For crappie the tri-color jigs were doing the trick for most anglers on the boats, with a white Rooster Tail working for bass.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 7-31-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that fishing slowed down this week. Water temperature hit the 90s this week, ranging 89-92 degrees. The water level continues to fall slightly and is now down to 3.6 feet below normal pool. 

The black bass bite was fair. Largemouths could be found in 10-20 feet of water, with reports of the bite being best early in the morning and late in the evening. Try using Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) were also fair, with reports of them being found in 12-16 feet on brushpiles mixed in with the largemouths. And like the largemouths, the bite is best early in the morning and late in the evening. Drop-shots, Carolina rigs with a green pumpking trailer, jigs and crankbaits have been working best  lately.

The falling-off bite was reflected in the Tuesday night black bass tournament, too, as Matt Hedrick and Brandon Grace could only pull in 12.35 pounds of bass, but that was enough to win the event, edging Noah and Greg White’s 12.14 pounds. Robert and Tracey White landed the Big Bass of 4.83 pounds.

Bream, like the bass, were just fair this last week. Reports had them being found on brushpiles in 10-15 feet, and anglers were catching a bunch of small ones. Try crickets or redworms for them.
Crappie are slow. The last report had them scattered around brush and rock piles and biting in 15-25 feet depth on minnows and jigs.

There were no reports this week on white bass or catfish. 

(update 7-31-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said that water temps in Lake Maumelle are in the upper 80s to low 90s. Crappie can be found on brush in 18-22  feet of water. Tiny jigs such as the Bobby Garland Itty Bit series and minnows will trigger a bite. Now more than ever, presentation is key! With water temps hovering near 90 degrees, the crappie do not want to work hard for food. Slow and steady wins the race.

Visit www.nsfguide.com or call 501-548-8990 to schedule your guided crappie trip today!

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 7-31-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river current is flowing about 60,000 or less cfs this week, as of Thursday. It’s fishing pretty good for bass mainly on the main river. Bandit 200 crankbaits on the jetties that parallel the bank. Make sure you’re pulling the crankbait with the flow downriver. 

Also, on any of the eddies where there is flow coming through, black and blue finesse jigs have been working really well. Early and late in the date, there is a buzzbait, the Brazalo Weewacker, that has been producing well.

Crappie have been doing pretty good, not as well as bass, but they have been biting. On the main river, target rock piles close to the jetties. Throw a Crappie Magnet in black/blue. In the backwaters, in the middle of the day, they are sitting close to stumps or whatever cover you can see.

(updated 1-1-2025) Hatchet Jack’s Sports Shop in Crystal Hill off I-40 (501-758-4958) said 

(updated 1-1-2025) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) had no new reports.

Clear Lake (off Arkansas River-Little Rock Pool)
(updated 1-1-2025) McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) says 

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 7-31-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said they anglers were doing well on bass, catfish and bream this past month. Crappie anglers were having success trolling and spider-rigging. 

Catfish are going for worms, hot dogs and liver. “When they are on they will hit anything,” she said.  For bream, it’s the usual crickets and worms. Bream are up shallow during the full moon.

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 7-31-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, Bull Shoals Lake is 20 feet above power pool at 682.93 feet msl. The lake continues to drop and water levels on the White River have remained steadily high at around (12,000 cfs or four units) round-the-clock. Late mornings show an uptick in generation, often nearing seven generation units being discharged.
“Our rainbows are chasing shrimp, especially when paired with a small piece of pink or white PowerBait or an orange fuzzy egg pattern. Bubblegum pink Berkley Mouse Tails are still a favorite and have been very successful over the summer. In the high water, orange or pink baits are best at getting the attention of the always-on-the-move trout.

“Some folks prefer casting hard baits: the Vibrax Blue Fox spinner, three-sixteenth-ounce gold, or ones fitted with a pink bell, was providing a steady catch of 12- and 13-inch rainbows. Best advise: Float your bait just above the bottom or near the bank in the swift water. 
“The brown bite has been unexpectedly decent for a summer of high water. It’s been difficult to locate fresh sculpins, but when you can, the browns will thank you with a long and hard play. When a sculpin isn’t handy, pump some air into a lively nightcrawler and dance it near the bottom (the browns love to stay under the fray of the running rainbows.)
“Enjoy these cooler mornings and sunny days on the river; stop by and share your latest fish story.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-31-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “This week we saw water levels cresting around 10.5 feet in the mornings and dropping throughout the day before starting to rise again late in the afternoon. Norfork Lake remains over 12 feet above the power pool, with Bull Shoals Lake over 21 feet above the power pool. The current prediction is the lakes will reach their power pool levels by mid-September.  

“The ‘pro’ of the fluctuation in water levels is it stirs up the bottom, resulting in good food choices for the trout; the ‘con’ is ‘trashy’ water with moss in it. Fishing has been better in the morning using silver inline spinners with UV Uncommon Bait UV Neo Pink Eggs and tipping the hook with shrimp or redworms.  Artificial lures such as Dynamic J-Spec Lures in Glimmer Trout or brown trout colors or Rapala Countdowns CD9 in rainbow trout or brown trout colors have been partially effective fishing along the banks.  

“The weather prediction shows a chance of rain Thursday but we should see cooler weather over the weekend.”

Allison/Mountain View Area
(updated 6-19-2025) Jack’s White River Fishing Resort reports that the White River guides — Bart, Braiden, Caleb, Chris and Irvin all consistently limited out on rainbow trout throughout the week with excellent success across the board. Among the highlights: 17-inch rainbows were landed on multiple outings — a great size and exciting for anglers; the guides round excellent results using End of the Line TR Orange and Royal Blue Power Eggs and Jack’s handmade hammered silver spinners — this winning combo brought solid bites in varied conditions.

The river has been fluctuating with periods of high, muddy water due to heavy rainfall and dam generation cycles. At times, conditions cleaned up between flow events, giving guides confidence to run drift rigs and spinners.

(updated 3-10-2025) White River Trout Club (870-453-2424) says f

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 7-31-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level continues dropping, falling to 682 feet msl – now 24 feet above normal level but 2 feet lower than this time last week. The Army Corps of Engineers is steadily running big water. Water temperature is around 90 degrees. It’s been hot; an early start is a good idea. Continue to take precautions on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking is an issue as most boat ramps and parking areas remain underwater. The marinas and volunteers at the courtesy docks are doing a great job of  accommodating everyone.

Bass fishing is fair. Get up early and look for surface activity: ledges, points, bluffs, swings. Largemouth 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 and 20-25 feet on points seems to need some stain.
There are always fish to be caught on a Flippin’ Jig or Jewel half-ounce green pumpkin variant pulling off ledges. Look at steeper banks as the temps rise. Lots of fish java been 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, post-frontal suspended fish. Try a smaller 2.8 swimbait or a regular Tater Shad. A half-ounce jigging spoon will come in handy. The thermoline looks to be about 26 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 7-31-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much this month. Fish are settling 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 25-30 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 2.0 to 2.5 mph seems to be a good speed to get a reaction bite.

(updated 7-31-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says not much has changed with the crappie bite. Crappie are super scattered, but will bite decent when you can find them. Look for structure in the 20 feet range and have minnows.

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 7-31-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake water level remains consistent. Water temperature is, of course, HOT! Clarity is normal, which means clearer on the north end and more stained the farther south you go.

Stripers are very consistent very early. Get out early and pull some live baits of your choice and you should put fish in the boat. Places to start begin at Point 5 down to the dam. Believe in your sonar and find bait and the fish should be near. 

Crappie are still being caught on the troll. Use any cranks that dive to around 15 feet. If you’re trolling, your speed should be from 1.8 mph to 2.2 mph. Your lineout should be from 60-90 feet back. If you’re not getting any action. either shorter lineout or speed changes will help home in on the sweet spot.

Also change colors, as some days it’s this and next day a completely different color.

Walleye are fair. Look off points and flats; 20-30 feet of water is the sweet spot. Crawlers and crawler harnesses are working.

Catfish and bream are good. 

On that note, this is the time of year to use bream for stripers. A big bait can sometimes produce very big fish.
“Good luck and let’s usher in some cool weather!”

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 7-31-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “The weather isn’t the only thing that is hot; the fishing has been on fire! With the water levels, the bite has been great. The Army Corps of Engineers is starting to flow a little more from Beaver Dam, which helps with that ‘push bite’; just remember you need to stay with it.
“We have been catching fish with the Pautzke Fire Minnow and the Fire Worms. Fire Bait has also produced high numbers as well. Drifting the worms during flow is the ticket. As we start to transition into fall, start looking at those jerkbaits and spoons a little more.
“A few walleye have been caught as well, drifting the minnows. Hopefully this heat dome will push out soon. Looking ahead, there is supposed to be a cold front pushing through, keeping most of August below normal temperatures. 

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!”

(updated 7-31-2025) Hooked on Fishing Guide Service on Beaver Lake (479-244-0039) reports that striper fishing has been really consistent this summer. You have to use your graph to locate these fish since they are pushing down deeper into the thermocline. Fish are holding 30-60 feet down in 40-120 feet of water. Don’t be afraid to fish open, deep water as the bait and the fish are holding in these areas along with main lake points.
Crappie fishing has been good on flats next to a channel swing om 15-25 feet of water. You can also catch them under docks and brush this time of year. Water temperature is around 86 degrees.

For additional information, pictures and videos, like and follow us on Facebook.

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 7-17-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that catfish were doing really well. 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 7-31-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said bream continue to bite well. There were good reports this last week, with the bream shallow and eager to bite jigs and worms. Small bream were caught from the shoreline.
Catfish are biting fair on worms. They’re biting lines set in deeper water. There was a channel cat caught from the shore on a worm. 

She heard no reports on crappie, black bass or white bass.

The water level is normal and the clarity is the usual Lake Charles murky. Water temperature on Sunday was 81 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 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 7-31-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team most recently noted that visibility in the river was up to 12-16 inches in protected backwaters, near zero on the main channel. Water level was slightly elevated but has been slowly falling. Strong flow had been seen on the main channel for a few weeks. 

Black bass were 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 were producing well near moving water and/or when the wind is blowing. Dark-colored creatures and jigs worked on the bottom/through flooded cover were producing when the wind was calm or there was no current. 

Some fish were 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 7-31-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said they had one crappie angler in recently who caught five or six fishing off of the campers’ dock. He said it was way to hot to fish for very long, however.

Lake Monticello
(updated 7-31-2025) 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 7-31-2025) 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.
Chicot had quite a few boats on the water late in the afternoon Sunday, with a few of them angling near the banks for bass, it appeared.

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 7-31-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the Army Corps of Engineers began its annual summer 2-foot drawdown on Millwood Lake on Monday. The drawdrawn is for improving shoreline vegetation and to promote sediment compaction. The AGFC has requested that Millwood Lake be lowered 24 inches this summer to allow planting of Japanese millet. The Southwest Arkansas Water District, which owns the conservation pool rights, has approved the use of its storage to support the request, Siefert noted.
He says the drawdown will expose a large area of shoreline for revegetation. Planting millet will help improve water quality, boost fish production and provide valuable habitat for wintering waterfowl. The lake will be held near an elevation of 257.2 feet until Sept. 15, when it will be raised 6 inches. The lake will be raised to the top of its normal conservation pool of 259.2 feet by Nov. 1.
Seifert urges boaters to wear a life jacket and exercise caution during the drawdown, as submerged stumps and shallow areas will be more prominent, especially in boat lanes where depth may only be a few inches.

For more information, contact the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office at 870-898-3343.
Siefert noted that by Wednesday, the lake was about 18 inches below normal conservation pool and falling. The dam was releasing about 5,700 cfs, and tailwater is near 233 feet and rising. Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or the Army Corps of Engineers website linked under “Millwood Lake” above, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels. 

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

Mike had updated fishing specifics from recent days:
* Several days over the past few weeks, juvenile largemouth and Kentucky bass (spotted bass) have been noted schooling on primary and secondary points in Little River and oxbows. Although the schooling and surface breaking this time of year is very random, and in short duration, one just has to be there when they start herding the shad to the surface, and that can be most anytime of day – 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 spots 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 dawn to around 10 a.m. due to increase in heat/surface temps after 10 a.m. Numbers of bass, from 2-3 pounds, each continue concentrating near almost any major creek junction with Little River and close proximity nearby and biting almost anything you can put in front of them. This is especially true with manageable current conditions along Little River now, and 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.

Largemouths are good on Bbuzzbaits, Cordell Crazy Shads, Spit’n Images, Yum BuzzFrogs, Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper silver phantom, and gold pepper shiner colors and Yum Dingers along the Little River. Other surface lures like Ken Pops, Jitterbugs and Baby Torpedoes continue to draw reactions 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 in length.  Peanut butter and jelly colors are working for deeper bass, or suspending bass on Carolina Rigs. A good number of these fish continue moving further out and to 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 worked over the past week for largemouths and whites suspended in stumps and timber in the 10- to 12- foot depths on the edge of the river above Jack’s Isle.

 The best water clarity is being found upriver.  Slow moving or dead sticking Bass Assassins Shads, Cordell Red Fins and Yum Dingers (wacky rigged), and skipping/hopping the Yum Buzz or hollow body frogs with rattles, and the Rattling Zara Mouse around pads, will randomly take fish again early and late. Areas of lily pads, hydrilla and pondweed – where the vegetation is growing in close proximity to stumps in deeper water – will produce good catches. Swimbaits are beginning to work for suspended bass around drop-offs next to stumps.
* 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. The morning schooling bass were chasing schools of threadfin shad. Anglers were catching five to 10 fish randomly, 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 catfish 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 tightlining, or trotlines, along Little River and in Mud Lake or Horseshoe oxbows, on yo-yo’ hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 9-15 feet depth. Two fishermen told us they had better luck with their cats when they chummed the area the day or night before they went out.

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 7-31-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz that DeGray gave up a 10-plus pound largemouth bass, caught by angler Randy Plyler. “Floridas were obviously stocked on DeGray … That was a really good one,” Kastner told hosts Trey Reid (of the AGFC) and Mark Hedrick. 

“The second best report I have is hybrid (bass) fishing on Degray,” adding that one angler had caught “many, many, many good topwater hybrids in the last week. There are all kinds of fish being caught there.”

Hedrick added to Kastner’s report on air that he had heard from many anglers that there were schooling fish (bass) on various lakes all over the state.
Kastner said, “On DeGray, those hybrids are on fire. Hybrids are everywhere jumping.” He suggested a big Rooster Tail, either in ⅜- or half-counce as a good lure for hybrid bass, a cross between a striped bass and a white bass. Also, you can try live bait though that might be more of a battle, he said. With the topwater action so prevalent now, though, he was favoring a Zara Spook, a shallow-running spoon or a Boy Howdy. “You can catch them multiple ways. You just have to get out there and try.”

(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 7-31-2025) 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. Use extreme caution 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). 

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, but the extreme summer heat 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 7-31-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that the largemouth bass bite is good enough that anyone hoping to win a tournament these days on Hamilton has to bring in 18-plus pounds and “that hasn’t slowed down any.” 

He also said recently on the show that topwater season was in full swing, and anglers were able to even fish from the bank and throw whatever topwater lure you want to throw, whether it’s a buzzbait of frog or topwater bait.

With the heat of July and into early August, he noted, “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.”

(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.

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 7-31-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still fair. Try a jighead worm or Zoom Brush Hog-style bait on main lake and secondary points near brush. 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 on the eastern part of the lake. 

Bream are 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 continues to range 80-84 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 575.35 feet msl and falling. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(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.

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.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 7-31-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) say, “ If you can withstand the heat, I’m getting good reports of bait fishing doing well at the hydro (electric dam). Water levels are dropping significantly in all bodies of water.  

“All river levels are dropping slowly but surely. Catfish are biting below the hydro on catalpa worms and shad. That’s all we can report this week!

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

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 Saturdeay 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. I talked to the assistant manager this morning and pulled this off of 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 efore taking heavy equipment on them.

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

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.

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