Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

September 4, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

First-time fly-fisher Bradley Parker has a great reason to try it again after landing this nice Spring River smallmouth bass while out on the water recently with guide Mark Crawford.

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 9-4-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) reported last week that there were 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 in 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 9-4-2025) 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 9-4-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688)  said with Greers Ferry Lake holding around power pool, the generation schedule has been steady. The Southwestern Power Administration has been releasing water for about one to two hours a day, usually starting around 5 p.m. and running until 6-7 p.m. Depending on demand, they’ll kick on one or two units through the turbines.

“The bite on the Little Red River remains solid. With the lighter flows, I’ve been putting the boat in downriver and fishing the falling water from the previous evening’s generation. There’s still plenty of flow in the mornings, and drift-fishing out of the boat has been productive.
“Right now, nymphing under an indicator is the ticket. The go-to flies have been small Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, midges, and attractor patterns like San Juan Worms and egg patterns. Focus on deeper sections along moss beds or anywhere with steady current as the water drops out — those spots have been holding fish consistently.
“It’s a great time to be out 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 9-4-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said 

the water level at Greers Ferry lake is at 460.66 feet msl, almost 2 feet below normal pool of 462.54 feet and falling. As has been the case for several weeks, not much has changed overall except for the water level. Just stay the course. Summertime patterns remain in place, but fish will be migrating back soon with the shorter days and cooler weather. Fish are scattered all over, but most sport fish are still out deeper.

Some crappie remain up on bank while other are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, and crankbaits are good for trolling 12-18 feet for the mid-depth fish and 40 feet for the deep ones. Target brushpiles and standing timber. Walleye are scattered everywhere. Some are deep, some are shallow and others are all in-between; and, of course, the lake fish are staying put on points, humps, etc., in 10-40 feet. Try dragging a jig tipped with minnow or crawler and or drop-shot. Big Minnow-style plugs are working trolled. 

Catfish are eating really good all over the lake and rivers, and lots of blues came in over the summer. 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. White bass and hybrid bass are in 25-43 feet with 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 up on bank while others are found in 10-15 feet, and some are around 40 and with even more being found out to 80 feet on points, humps, ridges, bends and different contour changes. You have schooling action going on in different parts all over lake and rivers.
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 9-4-2025) 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 9-4-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) have been noted chasing shad and breaking some. Overall, the fishing has been slow the last few weeks and nothing much has changed depth-wise with the bite.

Largemouth bass and spotted bass both have been fair. Largemouths can be found in 10-20 feet, and reports have the bite being best early in the morning and late in the evening. Try Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass are usually being found in 12-126 feet on brushpiles mixed with the largemouths, and their bite is the same: best early and then late. Drop-shots, Carolina rigs with a green pumpkin trailer, jigs and crankbaits will work best.

Crappie are fair. The last report said they were scattered around brush anywhere from 18-25 feet and biting minnows and jigs. Bream are fair with reports of them being found on brushpiles in 5-12 feet. Crickets and redworms will work. The full moon this Sunday should perk them up a lot.

No reports on white bass or catfish. The cats should take to live bream, liver or worms, and Twister Tails and crankbaits sometimes pull in a white bass.
The water has cooled down to 80-82 degrees this week. The level has fallen to 4.6 feet below normal pool.

(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.

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 9-4-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said in his most recent report that anglers were still catching a lot of black bass. 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.”

The bream were hot last month, and this weekend’s full moon should have them active again. Worms and crickets will work best.

Crappie have been about 8 feet deep recently and biting minnows. 

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.

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 9-4-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “We’re enjoying the end of summer here in Cotter with the kids back in school, Labor Day celebrations behind us and a week of sunny, mild days. Bull Shoals Lake is now just 4 feet above power pool and dropping; generation from the dam is averaging around four units (13,000 cfs) all day until a late afternoon rise.

“Our anglers have been nabbing lots of 12- to 13-inch rainbows, best if you decide to keep any and absolutely perfect for lots of action and making forever memories. Shrimp and PowerBait are a must in your bait bucket, but many guides say you can’t beat the real thing, as they pack in live worms and river minnows for their days on the river.

“This may be the last good opportunity for experimenting with larger stick baits (orange bellies) as we expect generation to decrease soon. There’s been some good action with Rapala Countdowns (rainbow and brown trout, Nos. 5 and 7) and Smithwick Rattlin’ Rogues for the browns, but they continue to snap up sculpins, minnows and crawdads

Once in a while you’ll even see the browns show some interest in pink mousetail worms – not always trophy-size trout, but healthy, fighting browns that make your heart race while you’re waiting to see just how big that fish is on the end of your line.
“The Natural State offers everything an avid trout angler needs: clear, cold water, mellow weather, lots of river to spread out in, a whole bunch of trout, and sweet Southern hospitality and friendly smiles to welcome you. Come see for yourself.

Calico Rock Area
(updated 9-4-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Bull Shoals Lake is approximately 10 feet above the power pool, with Norfork Lake about 2 feet above the power pool. We continue to see a peak early in the morning around 9.5 feet, dropping until late morning with a small spike and then dropping again throughout the rest of the day. With the lakes getting lower, I expect in the next 2-3 weeks we will see lower and clearer water. 

“Fishing has been really good with drift-fishing with silver inline 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. One-eighth-ounce jigs with dark colors highlighted with orange seemed to work 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 9-4-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday the lake level is 665 feet msl, now 5 feet above normal pool and still dropping. Water temperature took a tumble to 80 degrees, give or take, with the cooler weather and shorter days. Bass fishing is still fair. They can be finicky some days. It’s best to get up early and look to beat the heat and look for surface activity. There are shad high toward the surface. Topwater has been hit or miss. Try a small popper-style bait or Zara Spook-style bait in natural colors. Del says he’s a fan of the Lucky Craft Gunfish. If it happens, though, it hasn’t lasted long. With the shad migration, there are still some on the main lake, but look at the mouths of the creeks where there is some activity. Plopper and buzzbait mite on the flares should pick up once the lake generation slows.

Largemouth bass are really grouped up. Powerfishing shallow in the creeks is still hit or miss. It’s good when we get some rain coming in. The ol’ Big Red Worm, Texas-rigged, around trees and laydowns is good. There are always fish to be caught on a jig or Jewel half-ounce Peewee. Try green pumpkin variants. Treetops on the bluff ends, bluff swing, 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 from swings and ledges off the bank with a drop-shot for bluebird, post-frontal suspended fish. A smaller 2.8 swimbait or shake a minnow if they are up active, and a regular Tater Shad on suspended fish. A half-ounce Magic Jigging Spoon will come in handy. Fall junk fishing has started; make the best of it and “fish the conditions.”
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 9-4-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing on the lower end of the lake has still 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 and wind is light, 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 with a small Colorado or a Mack’s Smile butterfly blade, or working a jig and crawler or drop-shotting a live crawler. Also a half-ounce to 1-ounce white or chrome jigging spoon at those depth has been working. 

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 9-4-2025) 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 9-4-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that anglers were catching good bream last week on redworms. Bass fishermen were using plastic worms and doing a little bit, catching a few, but “not what they want.” A few crappie were being caught but they are small. “(The anglers) don’t know where to look.

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

Clarity with the rainfall is muddy but the lake tends to clear up quickly after rain.

Lake Charles
(updated 9-4-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) reported that black bass made a reappearance with a fair bite this last week, while bream and catfish continue to be caught in good numbers. Bass were fair on worms. Bream are good in shallow water and being caught near the shoreline on worms. In fact, take worms and you’ll catch most everything biting, as that’s what’s working best for catfish as well. Catfish are also biting bait on lines (jugs, trotlines) and also around the shore.

The temperature was down again this past Sunday morning, registering 75.5 degrees. The lake is the usual murky and the water level is low.

Good fishing times in September based on “moon times” are on us, Shelly noted. Good days should be Sept. 4-10 and best fishing days of the month 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 9-4-2025) 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 9-4-2025) 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.
Most of the boats noted on Chicot on Labor Day were recreational boaters rather than anglers on the main lake.

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 9-4-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the only changes at Millwood this week are lake elevation and temperature in conditions, while crappie have switched their diet preferences from jigs to minnows over the past week, according to Siefert’s crappie guides with the service.

Millwood Lake elevation is still under drawdown conditions, 23 inches below normal conservation pool (the lake is in a 2-foot drawdown until Sept. 15, when it be raised 6 inches, and then raised to normal pool by Nov. 1). Surface to 6-feet-depth water temps dropped slightly into the mid-upper 80-degree range (84-88 degrees).
The tailwater is slightly up from last week at 225.9 feet msl and rising. Discharge at Millwood Dam as of Wednesday was running about 750 cfs.

Bass are still feeding at night for the most part, and will strike early from daylight till around 9-10 a.m. and done, on same baits as last week (see below), with Brush Hogs and creature baits taking better reactions this week.

Here are some 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 any time 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 told 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 9-4-2025) 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 with the end of summer, beginning of fall, “normally we’re all watching lake levels crop. The shad are getting smaller and smaller, for that’s what the fish are chasing. That’s why a Zara Puppy Spook, a small buzzbait (⅛- or quarter-ounce), a small Pop-R, a 10-60 or even the 50s if you can throw them, that’s what all the fish are chasing.
“They are chasing small shad, whether you’re on DeGray, Ouachita, Greeson or any of the area lakes, that’s what they’re chasing — small lures and you’ve got to be able to throw that small thing.”

(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 9-4-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 63 degrees with clearing conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is below normal pool level 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). 

Now that the month of September has arrived, much cooler temperatures will be the norm along with slower generation speeds and fewer hours of flow.

Due to spring flooding that displaced thousands of rainbow trout far downstream, 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 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 good 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 like 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 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. Blue and channel catfish are in the tailrace and provide anglers some wonderful table fare. 

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.

(updated 9-4-2025) Lake Dardanelle is known for its strong largemouth bass population, along with good quantities of bream and is stocked with crappie. White bass are native to the river and are found in the lake. Catfish are abundant. Smaller topwater lures like a Zara Puppy Spook or a smaller buzzbait would be ideal for black bass. Try minnows for crappie with temps beginning to fall. Redworms and crickets will pull in bream around the next full moon coming up this weekend. Latest surface water temperature as of Tuesday was about 75 degrees, which should have the black bass and panfish highly active.

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 9-4-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) fishing has been great in the last week. “The lake is the same as always. Been a lot cooler so everybody has been catching. Labor Day weekend was really good for catching fish,” she said. Catching fish.
She said the bream “started biting like crazy” over Labor Day weekend. Crappie were also biting well. Try crickets and redworms for bream. Lots of jigs were being thrown for crappie, but some anglers were buying minnows. And, she noted, a big crappie or two were picked up on redworms.

She heard nothing from the bass anglers, although there was a tournament last weekend. No word on catfish catches as well.

Sheila has an array of live bait for purchase and other fishing needs, plus food. The water temp is good and the lake level is 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 9-4-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still fair. Try a 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. Bream are still good on worms or crickets in 20-30 feet of water. Catfish are fair on rod-and-reel with nightcrawlers near brush in the 20- to 22-foot range.

No reports on stripers or crappie.

Water temperature continues to fall about 2 degrees or so each week, ranging 78-82 this week. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita on Thursday was 572.53 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.

NOTE: Blue Mountain Lake is undergoing a two-phase drawdown proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers to improve aquatic and waterfowl habitat by exposing mudflats for seeding and for critical maintenance on the lake’s intake structure. Phase one began Sept. 2, lowering the lake to its normal winter pool elevation of 384 feet. The second phase will begin May 1, 2026, with the lake further lowered to 374 feet through Nov. 1, 2026. During the drawdown, water activities will be limited, boat ramps may be affected, and areas around the lake will be seeded.

Japanese millet will be seeded on the mudflats during phase one to improve habitat for waterfowl and other aquatic species. Call 479-947-2372 for more information.

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 Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

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