Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

September 11, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Robert Tinnin (with the fish) was fishing with Ken Dougherty on the White River near Bull Shoals State Park earlier this year when they brought in this terrific brown trout. Robert credits the help of guide Kristopher Bouldin, along with Bouldin’s “exceptional boat skill … that allowed me to land this awesome brown trout.” He says it put up a 30-minute fight and was caught in high water on a Sunday Special.

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 9-11-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) reported recently that anglers were still 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 or to other area lakes.

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 9-11-2025) 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 9-11-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “It’s shaping up to be a hot week here in Arkansas, with forecasted highs staying in the mid to upper 90s and very little chance of rain. With those above-average temps, the Southwestern Power Administration has been running a little more water to meet power demand. Lately, we’ve been seeing two units of water coming online around 4 p.m. and running for about 4 hours. My hunch is this schedule will stay consistent throughout the week.
“The good news is those extra releases are keeping water temps cool all the way downriver, which is great for both the trout and the anglers. The flows have been setting up excellent fishing conditions whether you’re floating from a boat or wade fishing in the right spots.

“The nymph bite has been solid and should stay that way with the added water. Some hot flies right now include Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, midges, and attractor patterns like eggs and San Juan Worms.

“If you’re looking to get out, this week offers a great window — just plan around the afternoon generation schedule, and you’ll find some quality fishing.”

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 9-11-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry lake is at 460.44 feet msl, more than 2 feet below normal pool of 462.54 feet, with 4-5 hours of generation on certain days. :We are seeing summertime patterns still, but our dissolved oxygen is down with the hgh water year. I have see some large die-offs over the years; maybe we can scrape through it without one this time. Lots of rain and wind will replenish it pretty quickly over time. 

Fosh will be migrating back soon with the shorter days and cooler weather. Fish remain scattered all over, but most sport fish are staying 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 real 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. And you have schooling action going on in different parts all over lake and rivers.
Be safe and wear your life jacket.

(updated 9-11-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said recently that the fishing has been spotty here and there but decent. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass were 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 were 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 were 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 9-11-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) said the water level is about normal and clarity is good. Surface temperature is around 85 degrees. Bass are still chasing shad and being caught on plastic worms and spinnerbaits. Bream are being caught with crickets and redworms. 

Catfish are doing well on nightcrawlers and bass minnows. Crappie are being caught in 10-12 feet of water about 6 feet down.

“There hasn’t been a lot of activity lately,” he says. “Come see us at Overcup Landing off Highway 9.”

Lake Maumelle
(updated 9-11-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water temperature has fallen to 80-82 degrees, and the water level has also fallen to 5 feet below normal pool.
Largemouth bass are fair. They can be found at 10-20 feet. Reports of the bite being best early in the morning and late in the evening. Try using Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Meanwhile, spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are good. Their bite is also best early in the morning and late in the evening, and they are hitting on top chasing shad. There are reports of them being found in 12-16 feet on brushpiles mixed in with the largemouths. Try buzzbaits, Spooks, drop-shots, Carolina rigs, jigs and crankbaits.

Crappie are fair. The last reports said they were scattered around brush anywhere from 18-25 feet. Try minnows and jigs. Bream are good. They are reported to be found on brishpiles in 5-15 feet and biting crickets and worms.

No reports still on white bass or catfish. For white bass, try Twister Tails or crankbaits for a possible bite. Catfish should go for bream, liver and worms.

(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 9-11-2025) 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 last weekend’s full moon should have had them active again. Worms and crickets 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 9-11-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Bull Shoals Lake has reached its normal power pool of 661.56 feet msl after weeks of large, round-the-clock releases. White River levels remain in the mid- to high range, but expect that to decrease in a few weeks. The morning temperatures have been blessedly cool — low 60s, blue skies — ushering in hot afternoon temps. Expect really warm afternoon highs for the next week or so, but the river is always cold and clear.
“The rainbows are seeking deeper holes during the morning hours — crawdad tails and shrimp will lure them out for a nibble. Keep the Rebel Wee Craws nearby. Browns are continuing to be enticed by shad, soft-shell crawdads and, always, sculpins. Later in the day, as the water rises, bring out the nightcrawlers and every kind of trout comes out for a look-see.
“The successful trout-catcher this week was tying on PowerBait redworms or bubblegum pink Berkley Mouse Tails. A gold Colorado Spoon was a favorite, too. 

“We’ve seen only a minor decrease in post-Labor Day river traffic, and are thankful that our Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Trout Management Program folks keep up so well with demand! Come on over and catch a rainbow.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 9-11-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Good news: Both Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes have reach their power pool levels. As of Wednesday we are starting see lower water. Now that the lakes are at or below the top of the power pool levels, Southwestern Power Administration controls water releases through what is needed for power generation. I expect we will see significantly lower water levels.  

“Drift fishing with inline spinners, Uncommon Baits UV Neo Pink eggs and tipping the No. 2 hook with shrimp will continue to work well. As we see lower water, artificial lures will become more effective. Rapala Countdowns in rainbow trout or brown trout or Dynamic J-Spec in glimmer trout or brown trout should work well. Once the water reaches 5 feet or below, quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold should also work well. 

“This week the AGFC used their stocking raft to put in 4,800 rainbow trout between Norfork and Calico Rock.”

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 9-11-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is 661 feet msl, now only 2 feet above  normal pool and still dropping. Water temperature is 79 degrees, give or take, with the cooler weather and shorter days. 

Bass fishing overall is fair. They can be finicky some days. Best get up early to look for surface activity; there are shad balls high toward the surface. Topwater has been hit or miss — try a small popper-style or Zara Spook in natural colors. Del is a fan of the Lucky Craft Gunfish. With the shad migration into the creek, there are still shad on the main lake but also the mouths of the creeks, ledges, points, bluffs and swings. For powerfishing, a Whopper Plopper and buzzbait covering water should pick up a few on the right conditions — follow the wind. 

Largemouth bass are really grouped up. Powerfishing shallow in the creeks is still hit or miss. The shad are heading that way. It’s good when the lake gets some clouds and rain coming in. The ol’ Big Red Worm, Texas-rigged, works in trees and laydowns. There are always fish to be caught on a  jig, like a Jewel half-ounce Peewee — try green pumpkin variants. Focus on the bluff end, bluff swings, long runuut points along the channel. Try pulling off ledges. A lot of the suspended fish are pulling onto the points and brushpiles around the thermocline, 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. Use 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 9-11-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods on the lower end of the lake have not changed much this past week. The fish have been in a pretty active feeding mood. Large schools of fish are in and around the thermocline on gravel main lake points and secondary points with deeper water close by. Lots of smaller walleye and limits of nice 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. Fish in 30-33 feet of water with spinnerbaits and crawler rigs with small Colorado or a Macks Smile Butterfly Blade, or work a jig and crawler or drop-shot a live crawler. A half-ounce to 1-ounce white or chrome jigging spoon at those depths has been working as well.

When trolling, try a size 5 or 7 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow, and also a half-ounce Hot n Tot,  in 28-35 feet of water. Trolling at 2.0 to 2.5 mph seems to be a good speed at this time to get a reaction bite.

(updated 9-11-2025) 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, as minnows have been best as of late.

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

(updated 9-11-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina said recently that the lake was scheduled to reach its normal pool level on Sept. 15. With the very hot weather and warm water, along with low oxygen conditions on Norfork, Tom was not planning to provide updated reports until conditions improved.
In his most recent report in August, Tom had said the stripers appeared stressed due to low oxygen and hot water. At that time, the lake water was in the high 80s, almost 90 degrees, late in the afternoon throughout most of August. The oxygen level has been very low for this time of year, and the oxygen will only get worse as the lake is lower and with little rain. Based on history, the stripers will shut down, and the bite will continue to decline unless the oxygen bubble bursts.
The stripers were beginning to shut down earlier in August; they kept moving to deeper water, but the oxygen was very low for this time of year.

“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.”

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

(updated 9-11-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake has come down to normal pool levels. Water temperature is around 80 and a bit lower in some areas.

“We have had some glorious weather but now summer is coming back, it looks like. Always makes for some challenging conditions this time of the year. Just as I was getting excited for fall and falling temps, Mother Nature says, ‘Hold on!’ Very typical for our region. These higher temps will slow the fall pattern a bit and put fish in a state of limbo for a bit.

“Stripers remain good, but you have to be out early. Fish are being caught from Rocky Branch and down to the dam. Shad, as always, on Beaver is the bait of choice if you can find them.

“Crappie are, or were, moving to bush in the 15-25 feet levels. Right now, if you’re chasing crappie, you need to downsize jigs and lines. Lately, my best rig is 2- to 4-pound test and 1/32-ounce jigheads. You must downsize to get the crappie to react consistently.

“Black bass are schooled up on the same brush as the crappie, as we have caught lots of spots on brush hanging with the crappie.
“Walleye again are scattered throughout with no real pattern happening at this time. Look from 20-25 feet and troll crawlers.

“Bluegill are always there, as are some nice catfish.

“Gonna get warm next week or two. Stay safe and enjoy Beaver Lake.” 

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 9-11-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says fishing this past week has shown steady improvement, as trout begin to transition into their fall spawn patterns. With this shift, anglers can expect the bite to continue to increase in the coming weeks.
The most consistent action has been coming on Pautzke Fire Bait and Fire Eggs, with many fish being taken on bottom using light terminal tackle. Jigs have also proven effective, especially later in the evening when trout become more active. For those fishing during generation, drifting Fire Eggs has produced solid numbers.

Larger fish are beginning to show up as well. Just this past week, Jennifer from Texas landed a beautiful 22-inch, 4.8-pound rainbow trout while fishing with with us.
Water conditions remain favorable, with temperatures holding steady in the low 50s and water levels stable. With fall patterns taking shape, now is an excellent time to get on the water and take advantage of the bite.

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 9-11-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said that despite lower water conditions, all usual species of fish are biting between fair and good. Black bass reappeared the previous week and were still fair gain this last week. Anglers were catching them on a white Whopper Plopper and with other topwater lures, focusing their efforts on rocky points. Bass were shallow.

Crappie made their reappearance as the water temperature dropped noticeably, and there were fair catches on crickets. Crickets were also working along with worms for bream, which were biting well. Catfish have been good, and that continued, though no baits were reported. They were being caught on lines, though.

The “moon times” worked out as expected last week with good catches on the good days. Best “moon times” for fishing are coming up  Sept. 18-24, Shelly said. Looking ahead to October, anglers should plan on good “moon times” falling Oct. 4-10.

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 9-11-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reports that water temperatures are in the mid-80s. Visibility is 6-10 inches throughout from algae bloom. There is faint flow on the main channel. Black bass are biting better lately, possibly from the cooler temperatures. Bladed jigs, buzzbaits, shallow crankbaits and spinnerbaits in shad colors are consistently producing bites around woody cover and jetties on the main channel, especially near current breaks and points. Windblown areas tend to produce more bites on these moving lures. 

For calm weather or protected areas, dark-colored jigs are producing some bites. Pay special attention to the up-current side of points, wood and anything that produces shade, especially after the morning bite has faded. Schooling white and striped bass, occasionally with black bass mixed in, will fire up here and there midday to late in the day; be sure to have a small shad-colored topwater or shallow-running lure such as a lipless crankbait or weightless fluke handy to take advantage of the sudden and short-lived surface activity. 

Lake Monticello
(updated 9-11-2025) 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 9-11-2025) 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 9-11-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said he had been out of town for the last week and had not been on the lake, but his other five guides were keeping him apprised and told him “all is well on Millwood Lake!”

He was told that crappie were still feeing on minnows this week or on jigs tipped with minnows. Crappie are holding on the planted brush from 8-12 feet depth. 

Black bass are still responding well from dawn to 9-10 a.m. on frogs, Cordell Crazy Shads and surface lures. Brush Hogs and 10-inch Berkley Power Worms work later in the day. 

Random schooling is still occurring in the oxbows and along Little River with largemouths, spotted bass and white bass all chasing threadfin shad across primary and secondary points, and on flats adjacent to deep creek bends where stumps and lily pads converge.

Surface temperature dropped with recent cold fronts and running currently in the upper 70s to the middle 83-85-degree range. 

Millwood remains under a 2-foot Army Corps of Engineers drawdown and on Wednesday was running 23 inches below normal pool. That will last until Sept. 15, when the lake level is raised 6 inches. The drawdown is scheduled to end Nov. 1. The Army Corps of Engineers drew the lake down for vegetation work on the shoreline, including planting of Japanese millet to attract migratory birds this fall and winter, and for soil compaction on the shore.

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.”

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. 

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 9-11-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 62 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is well below (6 feet low) 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 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).

Due to spring flooding that displaced thousands of rainbow trout far downstream, limited numbers of trout are 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. Trout numbers have lingered  much longer than normal, with scattered numbers of fish still present in the tailrace.

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. With September’s arrival, much cooler temperatures will be the norm along with slower generation speeds and fewer hours of flow. 

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 9-11-2025) Lake Dardanelle is known for its 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. Surface water temperature as midweek last week was about 75 degrees, which should have the black bass and panfish highly active.

Lake Hamilton
No reports.

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) reports that 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 9-11-2025) 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.

Still no reports on stripers or crappie.

Water temperature is ranging 78-82 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Water level of Lake Ouachita earlier this week was 572.19 feet msl and falling. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

Blue Mountain Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow reports from Blue Mountain Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

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 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.