Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

August 7, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Jason (no last name provided) from Memphis, Tennessee, was on the Little Red River near Heber Springs when he caught this nice brown trout while fishing with guide Mike Winkler. Mike reports that he and Jason were throwing big articulated streamers toward the bank with an 8-weight fly rod with a 330-grain sink line. The hot fly on this day was a yellow and brown Double Deceiver. “We boated several browns that day. This was the best one of the bunch,” Mike said. Read more of his report from this week on the Little Red 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) and Nursery Pond
(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 8-7-2025) 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 8-7-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “A consistent generation schedule this week has created excellent fishing conditions. This past week, the Southwestern Power Administration has been releasing two units of water usually starting at 9 a.m. and running till 9 p.m. This schedule creates limited wading opportunities unless you start early in the morning on the upper sections and go downriver as the water falls out.
“As far as drift-fishing from the boat goes or throwing streamers for trout, this schedule is excellent for both techniques. The nymph bite has been good while fishing underneath an indicator. Hot flies have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, San Juan Worms and egg patterns.

“Streamer fishing has been good, especially on cloudy overcast days or early mornings or evening while fishing from the boat. Pound the banks with big articulated streamers and go after the brown trout laying near the banks.”

(updated 8-7-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the generation has been consistent the past few weeks as they were getting the water down in Greers Ferry Lake. The brown trout bite is good on hair jigs, either in ⅛- or 1/16-ounce size, with falling water. Try an olive or 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.

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 8-7-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the fishing hasn’t changed a whole lot from last week’s report. This week, on the lower end of the lake you want to fish for bass around the main lake points, 15-20 feet of water, throwing a Carolina-rigged lizard over those main lake points around brush, rock or the like — the bass are staying close to those areas.

Also, if you can get a straight bluff wall that goes down deep, throwing something light like a shaky head with a Zoom finesse worm in watermelon color. Make sure the head is a light one and let if fall fairly slowly — if it does make it to the bottom, leave it there only a second before reeling in; the bite will come on the fall.

Also for bass fishing, on the upper end of the lake (north of the Narrows), look in the deep flooded timber and throw a minnow-style bait and maybe a deep jerkbait.

For crappie, no matter where you are on the lake, fish some sort of natural color crappie jig, like Monkey Milk, around the brushpiles.

(updated 8-7-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake as of Wednesday afternoon was at 462.81 feet msl, about quarter of a foot above normal pool and falling with generation. 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. Summertime patterns for sure now. Fish remain scattered all over, but do understand that sport fish (crappie, bass, etc.) now are out deeper.

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 are in 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 the 25-43 feet range. 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 8-7-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said that in the last couple of weeks, people had caught some crappie and catfish from the boat fishing deep. Make sure to go by the big island in the lake; that’s where the action was. Minnows and worms were used for both crappie and cats.

Also, a couple of days ago, an angler said he caught a few crappie at night on the dock behind the bait shop. Bing said it’s the first time she’s heard of any crappie catches at night from that spot.

Anglers who rented a boat from the shop caught a few bass really nice-sized largemouth bass in the past week. Watermelon color and June bug color baits were both working. They also caught some bream.

Last week was nice in terms of weather, and she noted a lot of people taking advantage coming out to the lake to fish.

The water looks muddy with a lot of pollen. The water level is normal.

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 8-7-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports little change in the fishing, with most species biting fair now. The water level has dropped to 4 feet low and there is color to the lake. The surface water temperature has been ranging 86-89 degrees.

The black bass remain fair. Largemouth bass are being found in 10-20 feet of water. Reports have the bite being best early in the morning and late in the evening. Use Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are being found in 12-16 feet of water on brushpiles mixed in with the largemouths. Like their kin, the bite is best early in the morning and late in the evening. Drop-shots, Carolina rigs with a green pumpkin trailer, jigs and crankbaits are working best.

The winning weight in Tuesday night’s black bass tournament was just 11.70 pounds by Josh Jeffers and Aaron Presser, who also pulled in the Big Bass of 4.01 pounds. Matt Hedrick and Brandon Crain were runners-up with 10.79 pounds.

Crappie are fair to slow. At last report they were said to be scattered around brush anywhere from 18-22 feet and biting minnows and jigs. Bream also are fair with reports of them being found on brushpiles in 5-12 feet. Anglers report starting to catch some bigger bream shallow, though. Use crickets and redworms. 

No reports again this week for white bass and catfish. You might pick up a white bass, however, with a Twister Tail or a crankbait. Catfish should take to smaller bream, liver and worms in these conditions.

(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 8-7-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the anglers are catching a lot of good black bass. “Real good” is how he terms the action. “They are catching them on topwater and spinnerbaits.”

A white spinnerbait will be a good approach, or a bream-colored topwater bait. The bass are being caught mainly around the lily pad areas, which is about 3 feet of water, he said.

A few crappie are being caught, but they are 8-9 feet deep in the channel, and biting solely on minnows now. Bream, though not big, are biting well on crickets and redworms, as usual. 

He hasn’t heard much on the catfish bite.

The water is normal, clear and a “hot bath water” surface temperature of 89-90 degrees. “It’s an early and late game now,” he said, noting that no one is staying out fishing all day in this heat, which had returned in full force Thursday.

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 flow has come down quite a bit, with readings on Thursday afternoon of around 25,000 cfs (“pretty slow,” they say). For bass, if you can find some cuts in the jetties on the main river, throw a 5/16-ounce green pumpkin or brown finesse jig into those cuts. 

Also, if you’re out in the heat of the day and/or middle of the day, venture into the backwaters and you’ll find the bass will be tight on cover. Focus on a rock pile or stump and throw a spinnerbait right next to that. Also try a balsa square bill.

If you want to fish the jetties, they suggest starting at the top of the pool closer to the dam and throwing a Bandit 200 parallel to the jetty but about 2 feet out from it. 

Crappie fishing is pretty much the same. Try a black and chartreuse crappie jig on the mouth of the backwater leading to the main river, and find a rock pool or some sunken brush at that spot. The fish will be sitting on that.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 8-7-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said anglers catching bass, catfish and bream. 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 8-7-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said trout fishing from Cotter on the tailwater of Bull Shoals Dam delivered a good quantity of fighting browns and healthy rainbows this week. The morning temperatures have been blessedly cool — low 70s, blue skies — ushering in warmer afternoon temps.
Generation continues round-the-clock with a steady output of at least 12,000 cfs early on, then higher in the late afternoons. Bull Shoals Lake level is still 18 feet above power pool but dropping as it approaches that desired seasonal elevation goal of 661 feet msl.

“This week, a mixture of baits was called for: One day we had luck with the silver Cleo, the next day the red/gold spoon won the bite, then white Rooster Tails; so keep a variety of smaller artificial baits on hand. Always be ready with some shrimp and scented egg pattern baits for a good limit of rainbows. Try adding a little garlic and salt to your shrimp for variety. The guides still like the Berkley Pink Worm — better when drift-fishing from a boat — on high water. Live worms are great when the water first comes up in the afternoon.
“The brown trout bite has been exceptional for August, with catches in the double-digits some days. Shiner river minnows have been the ticket this week with several good browns reeled in.

“Keep your sunscreen away from all baits and tackle, stay aware of your surroundings with the higher water, and keep on angling. We look forward to seeing you here in The Natural State.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 8-7-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “The last few days we are seeing more consistent water flows from Bull Shoals Dam, with Norfork Dam reducing generation overnight and increasing again in the morning. As a result, we aren’t seeing drastic differences in water levels. We are seeing water levels dropping overnight and then rising again when the Norfork Dam water reaches us.

“Fishing continues to be consistent with the ‘go-to’ silver inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipping the hooks with shrimp, corn or redworms. Some fishermen are successful using diving lures such Rapala Countdowns, CD7 or CD9, in rainbow trout and brown trout colors. 

“I talked to one fisherman who had success throwing quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold by adding a split shot 8-12 inches up the line to allow the spoon to drop lower.”

Monday morning the Norfork Hatchery stocked 1,200 rainbow trout at Calico Rock and another 1,200 at Chessmond Ferry. Wednesday morning the Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery stocked 1,600 rainbows at Calico Rock, 800 at Red’s Landing and another 1,200 at Norfork. Give them a couple of days and they will be hungry and biting well.

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 8-7-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level has fallen to 679 feet msl – still 20 feet above normal level but on a fast drop last week. Water temperature is starting to drop as well, sitting now at 86 degrees (give or take) with the cooler evenings. Continue to take precautions on flooded launch ramps and courtesy docks. Parking is getting better as most boat ramps and parking areas rare starting to show back up. Shout out to the marinas and volunteers at the courtesy docks who have been doing a great job of accommodating everyone.

Bass fishing is still fair. Get up early and look for surface activity: ledges, points, bluffs, swings — typical summer areas. Largemouth bass are really grouped up. 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. Fishing the ol’ Big Red Worms, Texas-rigged, around 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. It’s that time where fish have been suspended 25-30 feet with the thermocline and 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 offshore from swings and ledges off the bank with a drop-shot for the bluebird-day, post-frontal suspended fish. Try a smaller 2.8 swimbait or a regular Tater Shad. A half-ounce jigging spoon will come in handy. “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 8-7-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much. Schools of fish are settling in the thermocline now. With the drawdown that’s occurring, the fish have moved out of the brush for the most part. Lots of small walleye and a few legal-size walleye are being caught on the outside edge of flooded buckbrush. If the sun is high, fish a little deeper and away from the boat. Fish are scattered along main lake rounded gravel points with deep water nearby. “We’re fishing the shoreline in 28-33 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler or half-ounce to 1-ounce jigging spoons around the edges of flooded brush.”

When trolling, try a size 7 or 9 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow in 28-35 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 8-7-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are still on the move as the water is dropping fast. Key on any structure in that 20-25 feet range. “I have literally caught fish from the backs to the main lake. May be the most scattered I’ve ever seen the crappie. Minnows have been working best as of late. Definitely be patient as the bite seems to be finicky at times.”

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 8-7-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake’s level is dropping and now sits at 1,125.7 feet msl. Water temperature is hot. Summer fishing patterns remain intact. Early and late are best options.

Stripers remain good, with fish being caught in the first hours of the day, and they are being caught on live bait, which is typical for Beaver Lake. Good places to start looking are points 5 and 3 and down into the Indian Creek area.

Crappie are suspended in water 40-50 feet deep suspended at about 17-20 feet. A good method for these crappie is pulling a crankbait such as a Lucas deep diver or a Bandit 300. “You should be trolling these baits anywhere from 1.8 to 2.2 mph, depending on the day and cloud cover. If you’re marking fish at that 15-foot level, well, you’re not going to want to put out more than 70 feet of line trolling a speed of 2 mph or less. If you change lines out and speed and color of your cranks, you should be able to put together a limit of crappie.”

Walleye are fair at this time with most fish being caught in 20 feet of water on crawler harnesses. Catfish as always are there if you target them.
“Good luck and, as always, stay safe while on the lake.”
Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 8-7-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “When I stepped outside on Saturday morning to go fishing, man was that nice! Temperature was 62 degrees at my house, with clear skies. I knew for the next few days, we were getting some much-needed relief from the heat. However, enjoy it while it lasts because summer will return, probably by the time you are reading this.
“Now, onto the fishing: The water level is just about at the normal limit and the trout bite is doing very good. Spoons, jigs, soft plastics and dough baits have been the preferred method. As the water level returns to normal, it is time to start moving around and checking those favorite trout holes. The Army Corps of Engineers has been pushing plenty of water, too, so prepare for the flow. If you want to catch some bigger fish, you need to be looking for the deeper water. The bite isn’t going to be as quick, but the reward will be greater.
“As we start moving toward the “ber” ending months, start looking for the fish to shift into their fall spawn patterns. 

“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 8-7-2025) 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 because 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 15-25 feet of water. You can also catch them under docks and brush this time of year. Water temperature is about 86 degrees.

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

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 8-7-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that bream have been really good (and they expect a good few days with the full moon). Worms are the ticket. Also, lots of reports of catfish catches have been coming in, and they’re hungry for those worms, as well as Catfish Bait and are biting on jigs, too.

Black bass are good on topwater and some plastics, depending on the day, but it’s more a topwater bite than anything. 

For crappie, anglers just have to find them. Catches have been small. Jigs are working best now.

The water looks “nice and stained,” they said. “Dark colors are working for baits.”

Lake Charles
(updated 8-7-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said this week’s fishing showed little change from recent weeks on Lake Charles. Bream still are biting well for anglers, with the fish found shallow. PowerBait and worms were getting the most bites. Crappie are deep, she said, and there were no reports of catches. Black bass are biting fair, with worms working best. Catfish are good. Try using Catfish Pro or worms. There were no reports on white bass.

The water level is normal and the clarity is the usual Lake Charles murky. Water temperature on Sunday was 79.3 degrees. The “moon times” indicate that good fishing should be experienced through Aug. 12. The best days this month are forecast for Aug. 20-26.

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 reports that water temperatures in the upper 80s. Visibility up to 12-16 inches in protected backwaters, near zero on the main channel. Water level is slightly elevated but has been slowly falling. Strong flow continues on the main channel. 

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

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

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 7-31-2025) 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 campers’ dock. He said it’s way too hot to fish very long, however.

Lake Monticello
(updated 8-7-2025) AGFC staff report that people are out fishing and some are catching some big fish, while other days are tough. A couple of 7-pound black bass have been pulled out of the lake since spring.
Anglers are reminded that all fish caught must be released immediately. The Hunger Run Access was opened late last year to boat traffic. 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 8-7-2025) 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.

Better weather one recent weekend brought quite a few fishing boats and bigger recreational boats to the lake in the later hours of daylight. Most fishing action appeared 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 8-7-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Millwood Lake has already reached the summer drawdown level of 24 inches below normal pool. The Army Corps of Engineers does this drawdown to improve shoreline vegetation and promote sediment compaction. Use extreme caution in navigation during drawdown.

The AGFC requests the drawdown annually to allow planting of Japanese millet for the upcoming waterfowl season. The Southwest Arkansas Water District, which owns the conservation pool rights, has approved the use of its storage to support the request. 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 Corps will raise the lake 6 inches by Sept. 15, then will take the lake to normal pool by Nov. 1.

Boaters are encouraged 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. Wear your life jacket and utilize your engine’s kill switch during drawdown conditions where stumps and underwater hazards are near reduced surface pool elevation.

For more information, contact the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office at 870-898-3343.

Surface temps are ranging 85-95 degrees along Little River this week, depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River is normal stain; typical Millwood lighter stain is found in most locations of oxbows of Little River, with river clarity ranging 8-12 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.
Siefert had these specifics on the Millwood fishing:

* Thursday night bass tournaments on Millwood Lake this last week produced a couple of heavy weigh-in bags of largemouths, including several bass in the 6-pound to over 9-pound class, which is untypical for this time of year.
Several days over the past few weeks, juvenile largemouth and Kentucky 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 any time 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 buzzbaits, 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 few weeks 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, 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 8-7-2025) 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 this week that, “If you’re into topwater fishing Lake DeGray is red hot. It doesn’t matter if you put in on the dam side of if you go down to Arlie Moore and put in in the middle of the lake. I’d put in at Arlie Moore and go out there on the main two points. There is a bunch of breaking fish: hybrids, a mixture of Kentuckys and blacks, it doesn’t matter. Everything is kind of breaking. That has been a big, big hotspot for the last 30 days and it still continues to go on.”

Almost two weeks ago, 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 in his appearance on July 29. 

Hedrick added to Kastner’s report on air July 29 that he had heard from many anglers that there were schooling fish (bass) on various lakes all over the state.
Kastner suggested a big Rooster Tail, either in ⅜- or half-ounce 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.

(updated 8-7-2025) 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 this week that Dierks Lake will be the site of the kickoff to the Trader Bill’s High School Trail season on Sept. 13, and topwater anglers might start wanting to check it out as we get deeper into August and then into the cooler months. “It’s one of the best lakes you can go into the fall on. Dierks is a mountain lake that has some of the best topwater fishing you can have in the fall. There are some nice bass in that lake.”

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 8-7-2025) 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 during the week, which can be treacherous for boaters and wade fisherman alike. Extreme caution must be used when on the water during this amount of flow. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted on Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website linked above. 

Due to the flooding of spring that displaced thousands of rainbow trout far downstream, decent numbers of trout are still thriving below Carpenter Dam. Under normal circumstances, trout fishing is over by early 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 are 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 such 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 from 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 were expected to remain in the tailrace as July ended. These fish can be caught on 1/16- and ⅛-ounce jigs around rock structure and sandbars. Action will be best during times of generation. Trolling crankbaits that imitate shad will give boat fishermen a good chance to target white bass that are constantly chasing the shad schools in the tailrace. 

June brought blue and channel catfish into the tailrace to begin their spawning run and provided angers some wonderful table fare. 

Despite the numerous storms passing through our area, hot temperatures will be the norm with a summertime pattern of extreme heat setting in for the next several months. Remember to always wear a life jacket when on the water and obey all park and lake regulations when visiting Carpenter Dam. Trash cans are limited so please pick up after yourselves and always cooperate with 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.

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.

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 8-7-2025) 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 big Texas-rigged soft plastic or worm near brush. The buzzbait and frog bite is still working, too.

Walleye are good and biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 18-24 feet.

Stripers are still 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 still 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 ranges 82-85 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 574.64 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 8-7-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said crappie are biting closer to the bank and also 6-8 feet down and around grassy areas with brush. “With the cool-down, we got great reports from the Dale Bumpers White River Refuge for the bream biting on crickets right off the bank, since the gates have been opened back up. 

“Snagging catfish is still going good below the hydroelectric dam on most all baits, but seemingly better on cut bait and catalpa worms. 

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

Cook’s Lake
(updated 8-7-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said he didn’t have much to report from Cook’s Lake. “We have had very few anglers, and those that have fished have not had much luck. We will be open this Friday and Saturday during normal business hours for youth and mobility-impaired anglers.

“As far as the rest of the White River National Wildlife Refuge goes, more roads and lake accesses are opening as the White River falls and roads are able to dry and be cleared out. For road updates, you can call their hotline at 870-282-8200.”
Wil said he had been able to pick up a few Kentucky bass, some largemouths and a white bass here and there while fishing the refuge, but that overall not much was happening.

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. 

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.