Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

August 28, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Ross Mead brought in a nice smallmouth bass from the Spring River while fishing with guide Mark Crawford recently. The smallmouth are biting great, Crawford says, on olive, black and brown streamers and Clouser’s. When you’re fishing with a big Woolly Bugger for trout, you’re liable to land a smallmouth, too, Crawford said. It’s one of his favorite flies because of the multiple species that love it, but for smallmouth, an angler needs to get the bait down deep. Dragging your fly slowly past an area with rocks and ledges will draw the smallies out. Read more of Crawford’s report below under “Northeast Arkansas.”

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
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.

(updated 8-28-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) reports that there are anglers catching small bass around the dam, but most anglers now are headed elsewhere with the drawdown. They hear that a few anglers are having decent success with crappie at Lake Beaverfork. The anglers are stopping into Bates and buying crappie minnows to head over there.

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 8-28-2025) AGFC staff report that Lake Conway Nursery Pond the bream in the pond are big enough to want to keep, and they are plentiful. The staff has heard reports of folks catching a slab crappie here and there this summer. 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 8-28-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said the weather has been absolutely perfect here in Arkansas, and with cooler temps rolling in this week, it’s a great time to get out on the water.

As far as generation goes, the Southwestern Power Administration has been releasing water in the afternoon, usually starting around 3 p.m. and only running for about an hour or two. “That schedule has really opened up the river, giving anglers plenty of opportunities to wade fish throughout the day.

“Fishing from the boat has been solid, too, especially when working the deeper runs near moss beds or any stretch with a bit of current.

“Hot flies right now include Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, pink San Juan Worms, egg patterns and midges.
“It’s shaping up to be a great week to get out and enjoy some time on the Little Red.”

(updated 8-21-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said with the decent amount of water being moved from the dam daily, the fishing in the early morning will be your best bet. There is some wading time early, such as around JFK Park down to the Swinging Bridge that will be good, but drift fishing is the main ticket. Anglers are having success with crankbaits or some moving bait, like Rapala’s No. 5 Shad Rap or No. 5 Countdown. As the day gets warmer, Marabou Jigs are more of a player this time of year.

Also, this is a good time to still be targeting above and below the shoals where you have a little bit of moving water.

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 8-28-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level continues to drop at Greers Ferry Lake, sitting Wednesday at 460.80 feet msl. That is 1.7 feet below normal pool. Not much has changed but air temps and the water level, overall, so anglers just need to stay the course. Summertime patterns continue, but fish will be migrating back soon with the shorter days and cooler weather.

“Fish are scattered all over, but do understand that most sport fish (crappie, bass, etc.) are now out deeper. And youngsters, if you’re not catching many fish, sink ya some dog food in an environmental friendly container.”

Crappie can be found up around the shoreline as well as floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths. Use crankbaits for trolling in 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and 40 feet or so for the deep fish. Brushpiles have really come into play, as well as standing timber.

Walleye remain scattered everywhere. Some are running deep, others are shallow, and all in between. Of course, the lake fish are staying put on points, humps and so forth, in 10-40 feet. Try dragging a jig tipped with minnow or crawler or a drop-shot, and Big Minnow-style plugs are working trolled.

Catfish continue eating really well all over the lake and in rivers. Blues are out there. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits, as well as rod-and-reel.

Bream are coming off another spawn. Try crawlers, crickets, small cranks and inline spinners. Quite a few white bass and hybrid bass can be found in 25-43 feet, while some on out to 80 feet now. Use Road Runners and grubs for shallow fish, spoons and inline spinners for deeper fish now. 

Black bass are scattered as well. Some are in close, while others are at 10-15 feet and some are being caught around 40 feet. Then there is even some on out to 80 feet. If some of you older fellows are not catching, back off deep and fish a Texas-rigged worm, and if you think your fishing is slow, slow down some more for better catching. Focus on points, humps, ridges, bends and different contour changes. And you have schooling action going on in different parts of the lake and the rivers. A new batch of shad started being released Wednesday morning from the rearing (nursery) pond into the lake, which will help keep our population of threadfin shad built up to keep all species healthy. A big thank-you to the AGFC for that!

Be safe and wear your life jacket.

(updated 8-21-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the fishing has been spotty here and there but decent. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass are being caught in 22 feet (on average) of water; that’s around the thermocline, but that can change depending on the day. Most good catches are coming on a jig, and a Carolina rig has been pretty good. Try a football jig, or go with a Texas-rigged soft plastic worm in redbug or plum apple colors). Crankbaits, hair jigs and a flutter spoon should have some success as well.

Walleye are being caught in that same 22-feet depth. Use a drop-shot with a nightcrawler. You’ll be fine fishing the main channel of the lake.

Crappie have been hanging around standing timber. A natural color crappie jig will be your best bet. Again, that depth around the thermocline is where you should focus, from 18-22 feet.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 8-28-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said catfish are doing very well. They are biting on minnows; one angler noted a 4-pounder he pulled in while fishing for crappie. He also managed to pull in a few crappie. That seems to be the ticket: if you go for crappie, you are as likely to catch some catfish, Bing said.

The trick for crappie is starting early. They aren’t biting later. A few bream, bass and catfish are being caught after dark, but not a whole lot of bass. Bass are slow, she said.

Some bream are biting throughout the day, though, and baby bream are being noticed on the shoreline.

Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page. 

Lake Overcup
(updated 8-14-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) said in his most recent report that Overcup’s water is about normal. The clarity is good and the surface water temperature was around 89 degrees.

He reported lots of shad running around the surface during the late evening and early morning, and the bass and catfish were feeding. 

Crappie were being caught in 10-14 feet of water about 6 feet down. 

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

Lake Maumelle
(updated 8-28-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) reports that the bluegill are doing well in 4-5 feet of water around lily pads. Anglers are having success throwing a cricket or a redworm about a foot deep.
Largemouth bass are doing well in 10-15 feet of water, with anglers using shaky heads and jigs. Try a Zoom Trick Worm on a shaky head; a darker color pattern is best, like a black grape or June bug color. Or look to a black and blue football jig.

Spotted bass are doing well on smaller topwaters in the morning. Try a small walking bait or a Jackall Riser in bone white or a ghost minnow look.

Crappie are doing well in 10 feet of water when they are on tops of the brushpiles. You’ll have success using a 1/16-ounce jighead in white and chartreuse or black and chartreuse depending on the cloud cover.

Though the lake is a little below normal (but not winter drawdown low), tournaments on the lake have been taking 15 pounds of bass to win, so anglers are finding good fish, they say.

(updated 8-14-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that the fishing for bass, crappie and bream have settled into a steady and fair pattern over the past few hot weeks. The water temperature has heated back up from last week’s below-90s temps, and is now ranging 89-91 degrees. The water level is on a slight fall, now 4.3 feet below normal pool.

Black bass are still fair. Largemouth bass are being found in 10-20 feet of water. Reports rate the bite 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. The bite for spots is also 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.

Matt Hedrick and Brandon Crain sewed up Angler of the Year for WestRock’s Tuesday night black bass tournament series, and their 11.72 pounds for five fish this Tuesday night was good enough for second place behind Brian G. and Ken K., who pulled out a winning 13.55 pounds of bass.
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 are also fair with reports of them being found on brushpiles in 5-12 feet. Anglers report they’re starting to catch some bigger bream shallow, though. Use crickets and redworms. 

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

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 8-14-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said there hasn’t been a whole lot of anglers out the past week or so, but a few have been fishing. The water is normal and clear. Although Ray didn’t have a specific water temperature, he estimated that it was probably near 90 degrees still.

The report isn’t much different than the last few weeks, though: Anglers are still catching a lot of black bass. He calls it pretty much “an early and late game.” The bass are hitting topwater and spinnerbaits, as well as crankbaits. “They’re shallow. You can catch them on just about anything, but mainly a white spinnerbait or a shad-colored topwater bait.”

He noted that one angler rolled in Friday and took advantage of a hot bream bite, catching 40 or so fish. “So, the bream are still biting good,” Ray said. Worms and crickets will work best.

Crappie are still about 8 feet deep and folks are catching them on minnows. He’s not hearing much around the marina about catfish catches, but he says that folks that live around the area on houseboats and catching them around their docks all the time.

“A lot of people are fishing on the main river (Arkansas River above Murray Lock and Dam) because it slowed down. We don’t have as much traffic now on the Little Maumelle,” he said.

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 8-28-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the largemouth and spotted bass are mainly being caught in 6-10 feet of water on mid-diving crankbaits in a shad pattern. Also, anglers are catching them on a 3/16- or quarter-ounce shaky head with a Zoom Trick Worm on the back of it.

The flow has been pretty low lately, and water temperature is in the mid- to high 80s.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 8-14-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said she’s seen very few anglers lately with the extremely hot weather and dry conditions. The water is low now and stumps are starting to show. This is the time a lot of the regulars refer to as “stump jumping” at Peckerwood, trying to find a main channel.

Some crappie and catfish fishing is going on, which is usual here, with a few crappie being caught on jigs. Catfish are a fairly popular species at this time, compared to the others, and just about anything will get their attention, Donna said, though they probably favor liver and hot dogs. “I’m sure bass is still doing good,” she added, though most of the bass fishing is on the northern end of the lake away from Herman’s Landing and she doesn’t get direct reports from anglers on baits.

Bream seem to have slowed, she added, though a couple of anglers did show up recently to bream fish. They didn’t report how they did, though.

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 8-28-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “We’re enjoying the cooler summer here in Cotter with a week of respite from the heat. Bull Shoals Lake is 7 feet above power pool, so we’ve been seeing varying amounts of generation — anywhere from 12,000 cfs to 18,000 cfs (three to six generator units).
The rainbow catch has been phenomenal. Angler have been bringing in some healthy, brightly colored trout using spinners with gold blades and olive/brown skirts. Or try your favorite Rooster Tail with a rainbow body and a bright pink tail. An eighth-ounce jig with white, white-gray or orange-black skirts bobbed in the center channel will attract a few, or rig a line with some Orange PowerBait and shrimp to keep you busy reeling.

“Float your bait just above the bottom — you can easily see the riverbed in the clear water of the White.

“Red/gold Thomas Buoyant spoons, the gold Cleo and one or two stick baits (Smithwicks with orange bellies are a tried-and-true favorite) are tackle box staples on the White.
“Can’t keep the browns away from sculpins, minnows and soft-shell crawdads. Keep your options open and carry an array of baits to pique their curiosity.
“Respect the resource, and your fellow anglers, and continue to enjoy our Natural State. Keep anglin’ and we’ll see you on the river.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 8-28-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, Bull Shoals Lake is less than 8 feet above the power pool while Norfork Lake is less than 4 feet above the power pool. Over the last week we have seen water levels cresting around 9.5 feet in the mornings before dropping down to 8.5 feet. Fishing has been consistent, with drift-fishing with silver in line spinner with a No. 2 hook with two Uncommon Bait UV eggs (neo pink is working best) and tipped with shrimp. We are starting to see more success with Rapala Countdown CD7 brown trout colors and the Dynamic J-Spec Glimmer Trout. The brown trout bite has been good the last week.”

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 8-28-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water level has dropped to 669 feet msl, only 10 feet above normal pool and dropping fast! Water temperature is about 85 degrees (give or take) with the cooler weather and shorter days. The dropping pool level is starting to make ramp access and parking easier. A shoutout to the marinas and volunteers at the courtesy docks who have been doing a great job of accommodating everyone while the water was so high and covering up access areas and parking lots.

Bass fishing is fair. Best suggestion is to get up early and look for surface activity. Topwater has been hit or miss. Try a small popper-style bait or Zara Spoon-style bait in natural colors. Del says he’s a fan of the Lucky Craft Gunfish. Fish around ledges, points, bluffs and swings. The Plopper and buzzbait bite should pick up once the lake generation slows. Those sunfish will pull up. Fish are still in the summer areas.
Largemouth bass are really grouped up. Powerfishing shallow in the creeks is still hit or miss. The baitfish are pulling back. The ol’ Big Red Worm, Texas-rigged, around trees and laydowns and 15-25 feet on points is working. 

There are always fish to be caught on a jig or Jewel half-ounce PeeWee, or try green pumpkin variants. Treetops on the bluffs, ends of bluffs, long runout points along the channel. Try pulling off ledges. A lot of the suspended fish are pulling onto the points around the thermocline at 28-32 feet.

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 covering water off rom swings and ledges off the bank with a drop-shot for bluebird, post-frontal suspended fish. A smaller 2.8 swimbait or minnow if they are up active, and a regular Tater Shad on suspended fish. A half-ounce Magic 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 8-28-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing on the lower end of the lake has not changed much this past week. The fish have been in kind of a neutral feeding mood. Small pods of fish are in the thermocline on gravel main lake points and secondary points with deeper water close by. Lots of small walleye and some limits of legal-size walleye are being caught. If the sun is high, fish just a little deeper and away from the boat. What’s been working is fishing in 28-33 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs or working a jig and crawler or half-ounce to 1-ounce white or chrome jigging spoons at those depths.

When trolling, try a size 5 or 7 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow, as well as a half-ounce Hot n Top, 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 8-28-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says fish are still scattered but showing up on brushpiles in the 20-25 feet range. The bite has definitely been on the finicky side. Minnows have been best as of late. Put the work in.

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

(updated 8-28-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina and says the lake is at 562 feet msl and slowly falling. The lake is scheduled to reach its normal pool level on Sept. 15.
In his most recent report, the stripers appeared stressed due to low oxygen and hot water. The lake water has been in the high 80s, almost 90 degrees, late in the afternoon. The oxygen level is very low for this time of year, and the oxygen will only get worse as the lake is lower and with no rain. Based on history, the stripers will shut down, and the bite will continue to decline unless the oxygen bubble bursts, which usually happens around Labor Day.
The stripers were beginning to shut down earlier this month; they kept moving to deeper water, but the oxygen has been very low for this time of year. “We are in desperate need of rain and cooler weather to get the water temp down.

“The best opportunity for stripers will be the upper section of Norfork, where the river ends and the lake begins. Cool water continues to flow south, but heavy rains would cause the stripers to migrate as the water cools. Right now, you can entice them using very active live bait. They do not seem to be interested in spoons or swimbaits right now.
“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 8-28-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is still coming down; the level Thursday is at 1,122.33 feet msl. Water temperature is lowering also to 80 or so. “I expect that to continue to lower due to the rain and lower temps predicted next week. 

“Fishing is still good for stripers and the rest are at a fair bite at this time. Stripers can be found from Point 5 to the dam. If you can get some shad, you will find some fish.
“Crappie are starting to bunch up on brush, and that should continue. Look in depths at 15-20 feet. One key is to drop your line size and jig size and you will trigger a reluctant bite. You need to trigger a response as they really are not feeding very well.
“Walleye are hit and miss, and best areas are flats and pouts in 20-25 feet of water. Crawler harnesses are your best bet.
“Bluegill are always eager. Find some structure and drop a cricket or worm. Catfish should really turn on with big rains expected.

“Labor Day weekend, so lots of boats. Please use some patience and be safe and wear your PFD. Good luck and stay safe!”

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 8-28-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says fishing on the Beaver tailwater has been steady and productive this week. With the Army Corps of Engineers slowing generation compared to the past few weeks, flows have settled, spreading out the trout nicely throughout the river system.
Best baits are Pautzke Fire Bait, Fire Eggs and live minnows. The techniques that are working best:

• For Fire Bait and Eggs, fish them right on bottom using light terminal tackle for a natural presentation.
• With minnows, drifting has been the most effective approach, especially in current seams and along gravel runs.
• Hot Zone: The stretch between Spider Creek and the U.S. Highway 62 bridge is producing the most consistent action right now.

Generations is reduced from previous weeks, allowing for easier wading and more fishable water. The water temperature is holding in the mid-50s, keeping trout active.

The flow rates are variable, but generally low enough for both boaters and bank anglers to have good opportunities.
Walleye are still being caught in deeper water (15-20 feet) on minnows, though trout remain the main target this week.
With a break from the summer heat moving in over the next several days, conditions should only improve. Expect fish to remain spread out, with consistent action on both bait and minnows.
“Now’s a great time to hit the water and enjoy some late-summer fishing! Remember for additional updates follow my Facebook page, 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! Remember: For additional updates, follow my Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service). I’m pretty much on the water every week. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Take care, get out and catch some fish!”

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 8-28-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that anglers were catching good bream this week on redworms. Bass fishermen are using plastic worms and doing a little bit, catching a few, but “not what they want.” A few crappie are being caught but they are small. “(The anglers) don’t know where to look.

“We’re in a flood warning now,” they said Thursday morning. “The lake is really coming up. Once it quits raining, it goes down pretty good here.”

Clarity with the rainfall is muddy.

Lake Charles
(updated 8-28-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) reported that bream and catfish are still good for their visitors, but either crappie and bass aren’t as hungry or are hiding these days, or the visiting anglers aren’t reported what they’re catching.

Bream remain good and are being caught near the shore on worms. Catfish also are liking the worms. Some smaller catfish were caught from the shore on worms; those cats were in the 1- to 2-pound size.

The water level is still low, but this was before any rain this week. The clarity is the usual murky. Water temperature on Sunday was 78.6 degrees, about a 4-degree drop from this time last week.

For those wondering about good fishing times in September, Shelly says the “moon times” forecast good days Sept. 4-10 and best fishing days will fall Sept. 18-24. 

Lake Poinsett
(updated 8-28-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says Lake Poinsett has been steady with anglers catching bream and bass. Crappie have slowed down considerably, and catfish have had sporadic reports with the occasional angler coming in with a report of 10-pound catfish caught on lines set out overnight. 

Bream have been hitting on crickets, and bass have been biting minnows and a variety of jigs. Cooler weather this week has given some anglers good luck with these fish, but that weather has also brought a lot of people out to the lake, so there may be some competition for the best fishing spots. 

The Lake Poinsett State Park visitor is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every day now and sells minnows, nightcrawlers, redworms, crickets and a variety of artificial and frozen baits.

Spring River
(updated 8-28-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels have come down a lot; having no rain in a while has the river looking great. Water clarity is getting good. “The river gauge for the river shows over 400 cfs; it was adjusted over a week ago and may not be accurate. It looks lower than that when we are on the river.

“We’re still catching plenty of rainbows. The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery is not stocking just yet. They are waiting on numbers to go down, then they will start stocking again. The winter season will be when we see the big trout coming up. 

“Can’t wait for colder temps and to see what we might catch. Hopper droppers have been a blast on the river. Plenty of hits on the Hopper. Watching those trout come up and hit the Hopper is so much fun! Swinging a Woolly Bugger works great, too.

“The smallies are biting great on olive, black and brown streamers and Clousers. When chasing trout, a big woolly can get you a big one, and smallmouth bass love them, too. It’s one of my favorite flies because multiple species love it. You’ve got to get down deep for the smallmouth. They will run out from under rocks and ledges; just drag your fly slowly past. Early in the morning, try topwater. We have even been known to use a popper dropper for bass.
“This weekend will be the last big canoe hatch. After this weekend, the canoe hatch dries up. Through the fall and winter, a person can have the river to themselves. So be safe out there. The river has a very slick rocky bottom. A wading staff is a must to help stay upright. With the temperature of the river being 58 degrees, wet wading is recommended through the summer. When it starts getting cold out, the waders are a must to stay dry and warm.”

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 8-21-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reported water temperature in the mid-90s. Visibility about 8-12 inches with dense plankton blooms throughout. Flow on the main channel continues to decline. The black bass bite is poor overall. Black bass can still be caught during the day, but the best activity windows are narrow: right at sunrise and sunset. 

You generally improve your chances of success by fishing either very fast or very slow right now. Covering water with buzzbaits, bladed jigs, spinnerbaits and square bills in shad color patterns still works in the morning and during windier parts of the day. Finesse approaches like drop-shots, shaky heads, small jigs and Texas-rigged plastics are producing some around brushpiles near sand drops in Lake Langhofer and woody debris and jetty ends on the main channel. 

Keep an eye out for schooling activity, as many black bass are now roaming for shad, along with white bass and striped bass. Have a small swimbait, lipless crankbait or small topwater ready in case schoolers come up near you. 

Lake Monticello
(updated 8-28-2025) 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 8-28-2025) 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 8-28-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said there is little change on the lake. Millwood’s 2-foot drawdown (to be elevated 6 inches on Sept. 15, then to normal pool on Nov. 1 for shoreline vegetation planting of millet for migrating waterfowl and to help with soil compaction) actually is 1.2 inches more this week (25.2 inches below normal pool) before any of the rain began to move into Arkansas. As of Wednesday, the water temperature is ranging 85-90 degrees on the surface to 5 feet depths.

Fish activity remains the same and they are responding as they have for the past few weeks of very hot summer temps. He had no new updates on patterns; they’re still holding in summer routines.

“We are hopeful this cold front will help the schooling fish stay active longer and more frequently later this week,” he said.

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

Siefert had these fishing specifics from a week ago and they still apply:

* Juvenile largemouth and Kentucky Bass (aka 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, with dawn and dusk being the best time for the surface-breaking activity. Occasionally, you will find a school of white bass mixed in with the largemouths and Kentucky bass when the mayhem breaks loose! Keep a clear, Baby Torpedo and a quarter-ounce chrome Cordell Hammered Spoon, and a three-quarter ounce (for distance) chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap on deck when this action starts! The three-eighth-ounce chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap Tail Spinner will work when the action begins breaking in the lily pads at daylight.

Bill Lewis ATV Crankbaits and Square Bills in Tennessee Shad, Pro Green Gizzard Shad and Ghost Minnow have been connecting with random largemouths cruising through flats with stumps and lily pads in the same locations where the Rat-L-Trap Spin Traps are working. The best bite over the past several weeks continues to occur from dawn to around 10 a.m. due to an increase in heat/surface temps after 10 a.m. Numbers of bass from 2-3 pounds each remain concentrated near almost any major creek junction with Little River and proximity nearby, and they’re biting almost anything you can put in front of them. 

Brazalo Lures’ Wee Whackers and Bushwhackers Buzzbaits are working to get reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and creek channel flats and bends, early in the morning at day break using a black or white frog in place of the skirt.

The best water clarity is being found upriver. Slow moving, or dead-sticking Bass Assassins Shads, Cordell Red Fins, Yum Dingers (wacky-rigged), and skipping/hopping the Yum Buzz or hollow body frogs with rattles, and the Rattling Zara Mouse around pads, are randomly taking fish again early and late. Lily pads, hydrilla and pondweed, where the vegetation is growing in close proximity to stumps in deeper water — those areas will produce good catches. Swimbaits are beginning to work for suspended bass around drop offs next to stumps.

* Several anglers recently old us they saw fairly large schools of white bass chasing shad and breaking topwater in Little River. They were schooling in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows over the past several weeks in the early morning, mixed in with largemouths and spotted bass chasing schools of threadfin shad. They were catching five to 10 randomly with Chuck’N Spins, Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3-inch white grub and Beetle Spins.
* Crappie are improving now that the current has lessened and water clarity is improved. Half-day morning runs are yielding rates from 15-30 slabs from 1.5-2 pounds. Best spots along Little River and in the oxbows are over planted brush in 11-15 feet, stacking nicely on your electronics early, on live shiners, jigs, smoke grubs and vertical jigging. The bite dies off substantially after 10 a.m. 

* No reports on catfish or bream.

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.

(updated 8-21-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reports, “I have fished all the Hot Springs area lakes (Greeson, Hamilton, DeGray and Ouachita) in the last four days. I found the same pattern on all four. Black and white bass are schooling and feeding from first light until just after sunrise. Casting spoons have worked the best, but topwater and swimbaits work, too. After the morning feed the fish scatter, and trolling crankbaits on points and around humps works best.”

DeGray Lake
For the most updated lake level at DeGray Lake, click here.

(updated 8-28-2025) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) said, “With the cooler temps this weekend, topwater fishing should be good through mid-morning. Black bass, white bass and hybrids have been schooling in several parts of the lake. They can be caught on topwater as well as a spoon, or a jig minnow if you’re LiveScoping. During the afternoon, black bass can be caught on Texas-rigged plastic worms. 

(updated 8-21-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says, “I have fished all the Hot Springs area lakes in the last four days. I found the same pattern on all four. Black and white bass are schooling and feeding from first light until just after sunrise. Casting spoons have worked the best, but topwater and swimbaits work, too. After the morning feed, the fish scatter, and trolling crankbaits on points and around humps works best.”

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 8-28-2025) 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 recently 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 the final days of August, early September 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 8-28-2025) 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 daily generation below area dams for power needs and to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is running 3,600 cfs below Carpenter Dam for six hours a day during the week, which is a much safer flow for boaters and wade fishermen alike. Always use caution when on the water, especially below a hydroelectric dam. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted on Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website (linked above). 

Limited numbers of trout may still be present below Carpenter Dam. Under normal circumstances, trout fishing is over by late July, but 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 into late 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, much slower results should be expected in numbers, but the size of the tout ranges 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 present in the tailrace chasing the huge schools of threadfin shad. These fish can be caught on 1/16- and ⅛-ounce jigs around rock structure and sandbars. Action will be best during times of generation. Trolling crankbaits that imitate shad will give boat fishermen a good chance to target white bass that are constantly chasing the shad schools in the tailrace. 

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

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

Lake Dardanelle
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow and gauge level reports from Dardanelle, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 8-21-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reports, “I have fished all the Hot Springs area lakes in the last four days. I found the same pattern on all four. Black and white bass are schooling and feeding from first light until just after sunrise. Casting spoons have worked the best, but topwater and swimbaits work, too. After the morning feed the fish scatter, and trolling crankbaits on points and around humps works best.”

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 8-28-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) had no new report. Most recently she had reported that anglers were having success, though some catches were not that big. But the bream are nice and have been biting like crazy, and the anglers are going crazy over the bream, she said Anglers are buying up minnows, crickets and worms at her hope.. “Bream was the thing this past week,” she said, adding that she sold a lot of crickets.

Crappie, when anglers could find them, were good. She said they were catching a lot of small crappie and small bass 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 8-28-2025) 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 creature bait or worm near brush. A topwater lure over suspended fish is working, too.

Walleye are fair and still biting on nightcrawlers near brush on points. Try depths from 18-24 feet. Stripers are fair 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. No reports on crappie. Catfish are still fair on rod-and-reel with nightcrawlers near brush in the 20- to 22-feet range.

Water temperature has fallen some to 80-84 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Wednesday was 572.91 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 8-21-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reports, “I have fished all the Hot Springs area lakes in the last four days. I found the same pattern on all four. Black and white bass are schooling and feeding from first light until just after sunrise. Casting spoons have worked the best, but topwater and swimbaits work, too. After the morning feed the fish scatter, and trolling crankbaits on points and around humps works best.”

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 8-28-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said Labor Day is upon us, which means we are kicking off this hunting season! Time to plant fall food plots for deer, ducks, and all wildlife to keep them all healthy through winter.
“As for the fishing, crappie have been 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 Webbs Sporting Goods!”

Cook’s Lake
(updated 8-28-2025) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said, “This will be the last weekend we are open for the year for youth and mobility-impaired anglers, and the weather looks great! We will have the lake open Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“We had a few anglers fish off the dock last week with very little success, but I think launching a boat and targeting the hollow cypress trees with a crappie jig or flipping a creature bait could produce a few crappie or bass. 

Cook’s Lake is 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.