Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

October 9, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Angler John Gulley caught this monster of a largemouth bass on Upper White Oak Lake near Bluff City (Nevada County). He caught it using a white fluke. John reports that bass are biting flukes, Senkos and shallow-diving crankbait-type lures. He also says that panfishing is decent, while the crappie bite hasn’t started to heat up yet. Anglers seeking catfish will also find the bite good on Upper White Oak, he said. For anglers headed to Lower White Oak, John says the bass there are biting more on Texas-rig-type baits and Rat-L-Trap and small swimbaits. Panfishing is a bit above average and the crappie bite hasn’t started there either. Catfishing is good, however.

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 10-9-2025) AGFC staff in Mayflower note that 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.

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 10-9-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said the Southwestern Power Administration’s projected releases have been a little hit or miss compared to what’s actually happening at Greers Ferry Dam lately. “Before heading out, I’d definitely recommend checking the USACE Little Rock App to make sure the projected releases line up with what’s really going on.

“As far as generation goes, the SWPA has been releasing water in the afternoons — anywhere from one unit or less up to two units — and running it for about 2-4 hours. Again, it’s been inconsistent, so keep an eye on the schedule before making plans.

“Fishing overall has been OK to good, and it seems to pick up when they’re pushing a little more water. I’m a straight shooter and I’ll tell it like it is — it’s worth getting out there, especially with the entire river open for both wading and boating right now.

Mike says you’re fishing under an indicator, some of the hot flies have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, Root Beer Midges and San Juan Worms.
“Focus on the oxygenated shoals and plunge pools just below them, and as the water drops out, target the deeper sections around moss beds.
“The streamer bite has been solid, especially in the evenings when fishing from the boat up near the dam or on the falling water from the previous night’s generation. Productive streamer patterns include Flatliners, Double Deceivers and Dungeons.

“We’ve got excellent weather this weekend and the forecast looks great — a perfect time to get outside and enjoy some time on the Little Red River.”

(updated 10-2-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the main word from the Little Red lately is that a lot of anglers have been catching both rainbows and browns on a marabou jig “pretty exclusively,” they say. That can be either a ⅛-ounce or 1/16-ounce jigs. Three colors each appear to be working nicely: olive, black and brown.

The water is a little low for most of the days, until the afternoon when they have been consistently running four to six hours, depending on the day. So your best bet fishing will be to get out in the mornings.

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 10-9-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry lake is at 458.66, or 3.38 feet below normal pool, with varying hours of generation (up to four hours in a day) for energy production. “The bite is really on,” he says. “We are also in early fall and there is active schooling fish all over the lake and rivers. It’s spotty in places, better in others, according to the bait.”

Some crappie are found up on the bank, while others are still floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, and crankbaits work for trolling 10-16 feet for the mid-depth fish up to 35 feet for the deeper fish. Brushpiles have really been in play as well as standing timber.
Walleye are scattered everywhere: some deep, some shallow and all in-between. And, of course, lake walleye are staying put on points, humps, etc. in 10-35 feet. Try dragging a jig tipped with minnow or crawler and/or drop-shot. A Big Minnow-style plug is working trolled.
Catfish are still eating really well all over the lake and rivers. Lots of blues came in early in the summer. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits as well as rod and reels.
Bream are coming off another spawn. Try crawlers, crickets, small cranks and inline spinners.
As for white bass and hybrid bass, a lot them are in 25-43 feet some are out to 60 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 the bank, others in 10-15 feet and some around 40 and then some are out to 60 feet on points, humps, ridges, bends and different contour changes. You also have schooling action going on in different parts all over the lake and rivers.
“Be safe and wear your life jacket.”

(updated 10-2-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that bass on the lower end of the lake are starting to hit pretty well on jerkbaits, as well as some mid-diving crankbaits for up in the creeks. You want to look at a jerkbait or crank that is primarily clear but with a blue or black hue to it. A good example would be the Megabass Vision 1-10 or the Ito Tennessee Shad.

Also, for fishing for bass on the main lake, a Carolina rig with some kind of watermelon color will be a great choice fished across main lake points.

Crappie fishing has been pretty good — on and off, but for the most part good. They’ve been catching on standing timber in around 15 feet of water. They are mostly catching on a small, 2-inch swimbait in natural shad color on a 1/16-ounce jighead.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 10-9-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said

catfish are still doing pretty well on trotlines. One avid local catfish fisherman was using a trotline to pull in some catfish hitting 8-9 pounds. He informed Bing he had caught almost 60 pounds of catfish over one night using “homemade hot dogs” on the lines, she related.

With cooler temperatures at night, anglers have been out catching some big crappie in front of the bait shop, she said. Anglers who are fishing from boats report catching some small bass and lots of small bream but releasing them.

The water level is good and the clarity is ranging from a “little green to muddy,” she said.

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

Lake Overcup
(updated 10-9-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) had no new report from the lake. In his most recent report, however, he said the water level is about normal and clarity is good. Bass were still chasing shad and being caught on plastic worms and spinnerbaits. Bream were being caught with crickets and redworms.

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

Lake Maumelle
(updated 10-9-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) says the level is down another 0.3 inches to 5.9 feet below normal level as of Thursday, while the water temperature is ranging 75-77 degrees.
Black bass action is still fair. Reports have largemouth bass shallow in the morning hitting topwater, then they will go deeper to 15-20 feet. Try Carolina rigs, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. The bite from spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) remains best early in the morning and late in the evening, and they can be found on the eastern portion of the lake on rock points. Also, spots are being reported in 12-18 feet on brushpiles mixed in with largemouths. Try using buzzbaits, Zara Spooks, drop-shot, Carolina rigs, jigs and crankbaits.
Crappie are fair. Last report said they are scattered around brush anywhere from 10-20 feet. Try using minnows and jigs. Bream also are fair. There have been reports of bream being found on brush piles in 5-15 feet or water. Try using crickets and worms.

No reports of lake on white bass or catfish.

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 10-2-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said crappie have begun to bite again. They are about 4 feet deep. He’s heard nothing on the catfish or bream, but black bass are still biting like they have been in recent weeks, which is a good bite. But with the weather beginning to cool some, he said, more anglers have begun getting out to fish for crappie.

Use minnows for a successful crappie bite. Bass are sticking around 2-3 feet deep and will bite crankbaits and soft plastics.

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 10-2-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said there was little to no flow in the river on Thursday afternoon and the water temperature has been the same for a while. The bass fishing has been fair. Topwater has been good, especially buzzbaits and Whopper Ploppers around grass.

On the main channel, they say that square-bill crankbaits around jetties, in any sort of shad color, will get some response.

Small finesse jigs are also working. Go with any sort of natural color, like green pumpkin, and fish them around the mouth of creeks or the backwaters.

For crappie, nothing has changed much lately. Black and chartreuse crappie tubes or Crappie Magnets are the way to go, fishing them on rock piles or wood either in or close to the main channel.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 10-2-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said the water is low and stumps are showing. Nevertheless, anglers are “tearing up the crappie,” she said. They’re using jigs mainly, and brown or black and chartreuse tend to be the colors that work best. She said she knows anglers on the opposite end of the lake are likely catching bass but she doesn’t hear much from them. “And you can always catch catfish,” she adds. Ninety percent of the anglers off Herman’s Landing are fishing for crappie.

The lake clarity now “is good for Peckerwood. It’s never a clear lake,” she said.

Plan for Oct. 31 as the last day for fishing on Peckerwood until the end of waterfowl hunting season. Peckerwood serves as a rest area for migrating waterfowl during the late fall and early winter. Take advantage of that great crappie bite now.

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 10-9-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said Bull Shoals Lake has dropped to 1 foot below power pool it is currently is sitting at 658.66 feet msl. The White River has received the equivalent of one unit (3,000 cfs) most of each day for the last week. More consistent water levels have allowed the trout to settle down into a normal feeding routine, so early morning and early evening are the best times for easy catches.

The rainbow catch has been exceptional. Orange eggs (Berkley or XFactor), in conjunction with shrimp, will pick up the pace as will a live and kickin’ red wiggler worm.
The brown trout bite is getting just a little tricky as nature takes its course and they move into their spawning pattern; more patience is required to get their attention. Softshell crawdads are a favorite until the season for crawdads draws to an end soon. The Rapala Countdowns are working their magic, too. Try the CD7 rainbow or silver/black first. You’ll be best served by shiny, flashy baits and lots of jiggle to get them to answer your call during the spawning months.
Keep your midges tied on if you’re casting flies: ruby midges and others (black/silver, copper/black), and copper Johns were a hit over the last week or two. Egg patterns, peach or soft yellow, tied to a No. 12 or 14 hook, have also served well.
October has brought a lot of anglers to the Arkansas Ozarks and our natural resources remain strong. The rainbows have been healthy and brightly colored … and growing! Join us on the White at Cotter. The river will capture your heart.

Calico Rock Area
(updated 10-9-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We continue to see rising water levels in the morning, then cresting late morning and dropping throughout the afternoon. Fishing has been consistent with plenty of smaller trout being caught and few 14-inch-plus trout being caught. In the morning, better fishing has been downriver and, in the afternoon, better fishing has been upriver. Thompson Colorado quarter-ounce spoons in nickel/gold are working well. We are also seeing success with Rapala Countdown CD7 in rainbow trout.

“If your arm gets tired casting and retrieving lures, try a silver inline spinner with a No. 2 hook with two Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. I’m aware of one stocking at Red’s Landing but haven’t seen or heard of any around 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 10-9-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is still at 658 feet msl; the surface water temperature is about 77 degrees. “Bass fishing has been up and down — one day good, and the next day they are stubborn. Welcome to fall. The lake is turning over and will put some of those fish in a funk. The shad are moving into the creeks. It’s best to get up early to look for surface activity. There are shad balls high toward the surface down to 45 feet now. Topwater is getting better, but is still hit or miss. I’m going to get up for lowlight and cover water.

“Whopper Plopper and buzzbait on the bank, a toad and a Spook-style bait if it’s sunny. Fish the conditions, follow the bait and wind.

“Largemouth bass are really grouped up. If you’re lucky you might get more than one up there. Powerfishing conditions — wind/clouds: a spinnerbait, square bill or Chatterbait if there’s wind/stained water toward backs of creeks that aren’t turning over. The shad are heading that way.

“If the sun comes out, try a shaky head in trees and brushpiles. There are always fish to be caught on a jig, like a Jewel half-ounce PeeWee. Try green pumpkin orange variants. On the bluff ends, bluff swings, long runout points along the channel, try pulling off ledges. Start at 15 feet, then out to 30-35 feet.

“The shad are spread out from the backs of the creeks to the main lake and mouths of creeks. Look for larger groups of shad close to structure. Feeding windows seem to be short-lived. Try a drop-shot for bluebird, post-frontal suspended fish out on the points and bluffs. A smaller 2.8 Tater Shad or shake a minnow if they are up active, and a regular, half-ounce Skinny Minner Spoon will come in hand. 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 10-9-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye have been in a negative to neutral feeding mood this week due to the lake’s changing conditions. The walleye seem to be scattering out and following the bait instead of holding on spots for any amount of time. If the sun is high and the wind is light, fish away from the boat’s shadow. Try fishing in 30-40 feet of water by snap-jigging a jig and half of a crawler, or drop-shotting a live crawler. Also using a three-quarter-ounce to 1-ounce white or chrome jigging spoon, or a Rapala-type Ice Jig in the same colors.

When trolling, try a size 5 or 7 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow. Trolling is best in 28-38 feet of water or just above the depth level where you locate the shad. Trolling at 1.7 to 2.0 mph seems to be a good speed at this time to get a reaction bite. Jerkbait fishing in 10-15 feet of water on the main lake and secondary points should start picking up next week or so, depending on the water temperature.

(updated 10-9-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says not much has changed. Crappie are on structure in the creeks. There is a lot of mixed quality and short fish mixed in. One-eighth-ounce Tater Baits Big Ego color in the small fry has worked even on this finicky bite, depending on the day. Catching some on minnows, but it’s definitely slow and steady for the bite at best.

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

(updated 10-2-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina. Tom hasn’t had any new reports since the lake turned very hot and stripers were struggling with the conditions. You can visit his website linked above for more information.

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

(updated 10-9-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake has dropped to 1,120.50 feet msl, around 1 ft below normal pool. Water temps are in the lower 70s and dropping slowly.

Stripers are moving south and now can be found on the dam end and further south toward Horseshoe, and this will continue from now until November. Eventually the fish are ending up from Hickory all the way up to Camp War Eagle.

Crappie are starting to behave nicely. Look for structure in the 12-20 feet depths. Crappie jigs and minnows will work.

Spotted bass are schooling up, and if you get in those boils you will have some fast action.

Walleye still scattered. Look on points and flats in 15-25 feet of water.

Catfish are good. Look for main channels.

“Weather is getting good and the fishing will follow. Be safe and good luck!”

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 10-2-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says recent rainfall has raised river levels, and the Army Corps of Engineers has been operating one floodgate in addition to hydrogeneration. These conditions have created stronger flows, making presentation more challenging at times. Despite this, anglers are continuing to see success.
Pautzke Fire Bait fished on light terminal tackle has been the most consistent producer for trout. Drifting Pautzke Fire Worms and Fire Minnows also has generated solid catches. With the higher flows, anglers should concentrate efforts on current seams, slack-water areas and eddies where trout are holding. Adjusting techniques to account for the stronger current is key, but fish remain active and opportunities are good.
As water levels stabilize over the coming week, conditions should improve for anglers targeting trout. Cooler overnight temperatures are expected to further enhance activity as fish transition into more consistent fall patterns. If current flows remain steady, expect Fire Bait, Fire Worms and Fire Minnows to continue producing reliable action.

“With stable weather and the fall transition in full swing, it’s an excellent time to get on the water. For more frequent updates, check out my Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service). I’m on the river nearly every week and always happy to answer any questions. Tight lines and good fishing!”

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 10-2-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that anglers are catching catfish, at least “little ones,” around the pier. Black bass are biting well on topwater. Crappie are starting to pick up, with most anglers using jigs and some trying minnows, but it’s a hit-and-miss bite right now.

Bream are good on worms.

With the bass, most days this week have been consistently good, they say.

Last week, the lake was still “significantly hot,” and they don’t sense much change there this week, though no temperature was recorded. The lake is clearing this week but is “definitely murky still.”

Lake Charles
(updated 10-9-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the water level dropped to low over the past week. Surface water temperature was 74.4 degrees on Sunday morning. The clarity is the usual murky.

She says they had reports of a 10-pound bass caught over the weekend, as well as a few 4- and 3-pounders. Bass have been shallow of late. They’re being caught around brush and downed trees. Green wacky worm presentations were working as well as topwater lures and a Booyah in red/black.

Catfish are good and are still being caught on lines. She heard nothing this week on bream or crappie.

Last week’s good catches fell in line with the predicted good days for “moon times.” Look for the forecast best times in October to fall Oct. 18-24.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 8-28-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says Lake Poinsett had no new reports, but in his most recent report he said the lake had been steady with anglers catching bream and bass. Crappie had slowed down considerably in September, and catfish had sporadic reports with the occasional angler coming in with a report of 10-pound catfish caught on lines set out overnight.

Bream were hitting on crickets, and bass were biting minnows and a variety of jigs. The Lake Poinsett State Park visitor is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every day and sells minnows, nightcrawlers, redworms, crickets and a variety of artificial and frozen baits.

Spring River
(updated 10-9-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water level is showing 375 cfs at the gage in Mammoth Spring and the river clarity is clear. “The gauge must be off because the river is very low. It’s been dry here since July. The low, clear water has the fish a little spooky at times. On the sunny days, look for the deeper green pockets for the trout. It’s easy to spot them with the low, clear water. It is so beautiful on the river this time of year with the leaves changing.
“We’re catching plenty of trout on olive bead-head Woollies. Smallies love them, too! With the low, clear water, hopper droppers are working great! A big ol’ hopper with a dropper about 2 feet below. It has been hot with the low, clear water. A nymph, worm or Y2K below can all work well. The hot hopper for us has been a brown hopper. So much fun! Late evening has plenty of hatches for dry fly action.
“But I’ve got to say, if you want to catch smallies, fish heavy Woollies down deep. Work them slowly along the bottom of the river and along boulders on the river bottom. The Spring River is full of smallies and other bass. Just gotta fish for them.
“The canoe season is over and the fall season begins. As the weather turns colder, the holdovers in the river will start to move. Colder the better. Be safe out there, the river is very slick, felt soles really help with a wading staff.”

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.

Lake Monticello
(updated 10-9-2025) 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 10-9-2025) 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.

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 10-9-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the lake remains in summer drawdown pool condition, and as of Wednesday was 18 inches below normal pool. Use extreme caution in navigation during drawdown. The lake will be raised to the top of its normal conservation pool of 259.2 feet on Nov. 1.

Boaters are encouraged to wear a life jacket and exercise caution during the drawdown as submerged stumps and shallow areas will be more prominent, especially in boat lanes where depth may only be a few inches. Wear your life jacket and utilize your engine’s kill switch during drawdown conditions where stumps and underwater hazards are near reduced surface pool elevation.

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

Also, the Army Corps of Engineers is planning to begin replacing Little River buoy line markers late this week and into next week all along the main lake channel. The Corps recently replaced the buoy line around and in front of Millwood Lake Dam.

Surface temps over the past week continue fluctuating, ranging 77 degrees early to 84 later in the day along Little River. Clarity along Little River is normal stain and visibility; typical Millwood lighter stain is seen in most locations of oxbows of Little River, with river clarity ranging 8-10 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows continues improving as levels stabilize, and visibility in the oxbows ranges 20-30 inches in many locations, with further distance from river current and higher flow rates.

Siefert had these species-specific updates from fishing this week:

* We continue seeing random schools of largemouths following threadfin shad in and out of creek channel swings and adjacent flats with lily pads in the oxbows. We’re getting many reports of simultaneous schooling bass on many different areas of Millwood Lake since a very MILD cold front has dropped surface and lake pool temps again this week.

Several days over the past few weeks, juvenile largemouth and Kentucky bass have been noted schooling on primary and secondary points in Little River and seen in most all the oxbows all the way up Little River. This is relatively still early for schooling and surface-breaking bass, and it continues to be very random and short in duration. The largemouths and Kentucky bass can start herding the shad to the surface almost any time all morning, and that can be more random any time of day, with midmorning and late afternoon being the best times for the surface-breaking activity.

Recently we had three anglers stop and talk with us about all the white bass they found schooling in Mud Lake, and randomly one will find a school of white bass mixed in with the largemouths and Kentucky bass when the mayhem breaks loose! These schooling bass are quick to break on a clear Baby Torpedo, Cordell Crazy Shad in chrome/black back, a quarter-ounce chrome Cordell hammered spoon, black and white Heddon Dying Flutter, and a three-quarter-ounce (for distance) chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap. The smaller, three-eighth-ounce chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap Tail Spinner will work when the surface-breaking begins in the lily pads and will finesse well through the lily pad stems when the action moves into vegetation and pads.

Bill Lewis ATV Crankbaits and Square Bills in Tennessee Shad, Pro Green Gizzard Shad and Ghost Minnow are still connecting with random bass 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 has shifted, and will occur from midmorning (around 9-11 a.m.) due to decrease in heat/surface temps. Numbers of bass from 2-3 pounds each remain concentrated near almost any major creek junction with Little River. With current conditions along Little River fair, the deeper sections, points and washouts in Little River from 10-15 feet are providing good success with a Tennessee Shad Fat Free Guppy or Fat Free Fry. We noted a few largemouths and white bass were schooling together herding shad in front of numerous creek dumps near White Cliffs campground into Little River over the past several weeks.

Yum BuzzFrogs, Bass Assassin Shads in pumpkinseed, Houdini, salt and pepper silver phantom, or gold pepper shiner (on cloudy days) colors and Yum Dingers are still working in the oxbows up and down Little River. Other surface lures like Ken Pops, Jitterbugs and Spit’n Images, and Dying Flutters in chrome/black or black/white, continue to draw reactions for the actively feeding black bass. During early-morning activity, fair to good numbers of bass will bust Rat-L-Trap and the Bill Lewis MR-6. Southern Pro 4-inch magnum tubes in black/blue tail, or pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, are working along river’s backwash ridges and valleys, and near cutouts in river bank. Berkley 10-inch Power Worms in Plum, Black Grape or Cherry Seed are catching good keeper bass from 13-14 inches in length. Peanut butter and jelly colors are working for deeper bass, or near vertical structure from 8-12 feet.

* Numerous anglers continue telling us they’ve seen fairly large schools chasing shad and breaking topwater near White Cliffs campground and in McGuire this week. The schooling continues randomly from early to mid-morning, as they are chasing threadfin shad, and some are mixed in with black bass. They have been catching 10-20 randomly, with half-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Chuck’N Spins, Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3-inch white grub, and Beetle Spins.
* Crappie are slow but improving daily with the reduction in surface temperature. Crappie have been hit or miss, better on minnows than jigs, but that changes daily. Bulk of the crappie are holding in the 10-14 feet depth on brush.
* Catfish are fair on chicken livers, hearts, gizzards and King’s Punch Bait set on trotlines along Little River from 12-18 feet depth.

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 9-21-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz that 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 10-9-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says he’s been out on lakes Ouachita, Hamilton and DeGray most recently. “The water is cooling and the crappie are starting to stack up on the brushpiles. During this transition period, expect the fish to be a bit scattered. Usually this time of year we find ample crappie 18-20 feet deep. But, this year we are catching them 8-12 feet deep. Early in the morning you can also find bass schooling. Later in the mornings they scatter, and trolling is the most productive. Have fun and be safe.”

(updated 10-2-2025) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) said some bass have been schooling early in the mornings and very late in the evening. During the day, bass can be caught on crankbait and Texas-rigged worms. Some white bass and hybrid bass can be caught vertical-jigging a spoon. Some crappie can be caught on small jigs in the brush.

(updated 9-25-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz that an intense hybrid striped bass bite has been going on at DeGray for a while now. “A Rooster Tail is a secret little thing that DeGray hybrids kill it,” he said. “I know it sounds crazy, but you take a half- or three-quarter-ounce Rooster Tail, you can throw them a mile. You drag them through a bunch of breaking hybrids and they will eat ’em up.”
Be alert for the first good, little cold snap — that will have crappie and other fish moving up where they’re supposed to move and the overall fishing will be fun.

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

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

White Oak Lake Area
(updated 10-9-2025) Angler John Gulley caught a monster of a largemouth bass on Upper White Oak Lake near Bluff City (Nevada County). He caught it using a white fluke. John reports that bass are biting flukes, Senkos and shallow-diving crankbait-type lures. He also says that panfishing is decent, while the crappie bite hasn’t started to heat up yet. Anglers seeking catfish will also find the bite good on Upper White Oak, he said.
For anglers headed to Lower White Oak, John says the bass there are biting more on Texas-rig-type baits and Rat-L-Trap and small swimbaits. Panfishing is a bit above average and the crappie bite hasn’t started there either. Catfishing is good, however.

Bragg Lake
(updated 10-9-2025) Angler John Gulley says Bragg Lake near Chidester is a paradise for guys that love to throw a frog right now. Swimbaits and Senkos are producing as well for bass. Panfishing is decent and the crappie bite hasn’t heated up yet. Catfishing is great now.

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 10-9-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 64 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is over 9 feet below flood pool levels due to Entergy scheduling weekly generation below area dams to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is running 3,600 cfs below Carpenter Dam for 10 hours a day, which is a safer flow for boaters and bank fishermen to experience. The weekly generation schedule is normally posted on Thursday evening at the Entergy/Hydro website (linked above).

Bank fishermen have had some success with rainbow trout 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 such as a Little Cleo or Super Duper will also work in a current situation when rainbow 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 and early fall on Lake Catherine, slower results are to be expected in numbers but the size of the trout can range from 15-18 inches long.

Walleye are still in the area and good numbers remain the tailrace for the summer months. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate crawfish and threadfin shad are a proven technique to cover water and tempt walleye into feeding.

The crappie spawn has come and gone as high water and fast flows prevented anglers from some great angling opportunities in the tailrace.

White bass are in and out of the tailrace feeding on threadfin shad and will remain in the tailrace as long as these baitfish are present. 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 anglers some wonderful table fare.

Cooler temperatures are on the way with the fall season beginning. Hopefully, the spring of 2026 will not be as turbulent as past years. Flooding has destroyed the last three years of early spring fishing and boating on Lake Catherine near Carpenter Dam. Excellent angling and recreating opportunities exist as long as Mother Nature withholds her fury.

Remember to always wear a life jacket when on the water and obey all park and lake regulations when visiting Carpenter Dam. Trash cans are limited so please pick up after yourselves and always cooperate with game wardens when approached.

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

(updated 10-9-2025) AGFC biologists from the west-central region recently did some electrofishing samples on two pools of the Arkansas River (Lake Dardanelle and Pool 9). They looked at fish populations in the backwaters as well as in the main river channel.

While backwater areas look consistent with past years for fish numbers and species, main river habitats showed fewer fish than expected. This is likely due to the prolonged flooding and high flow rates we experienced this spring and summer. It can temporarily push fish out of sampling zones. Biologists expect these populations to bounce back in the coming years as river flows return to normal.

As for some species snapshots from the sampling:

Largemouth bass/spotted bass: Adult populations are still looking good. Although years with high flow rates generally lead to weak year classes, a fair number of young-of-the-year fish (especially largemouth) were observed.

Catfish: Blue catfish populations appeared to be down in riverine habitats. However, large populations of blues were observed on the lower end of Lake Dardanelle. Flathead catfish appeared to have a poor spawn, as young-of-the-year flatheads that are usually abundant were few and far between.

Crappie: Electrofishing is not the best gear to collect crappie, especially during late summer months. However, some nice crappie were observed around laydowns situated over deep water. On a side note, biologists have documented good year classes of crappie being produced in years with high flow rates in the past. They will be able to determine just how good reproduction was in 2025 during next year’s crappie netting sample.

Shad: Shad numbers were down, especially in riverine habitats. However, both shad species (gizzards and threadfin) were still present in fair numbers. Shad populations often bounce back quickly, especially in years with low to normal flow rates.

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. Surface water temperature as of midweek last week was about 75 degrees, which should have the black bass and panfish getting active.

Angler John Judkins reported that he and his son, Gaige, had a big day on Lake Dardanelle on Sept. 2 catching several bass, some in the 2-pounds-plus range and quite a few smaller ones. The bass in the lake are really healthy now with the grass being back and abundant baitfish, he said. They caught most of their fish flipping soft plastics, but also a few on white swim jigs.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 10-9-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says he’s been out on lakes Ouachita, Hamilton and DeGray most recently. “The water is cooling and the crappie are starting to stack up on the brushpiles. During this transition period, expect the fish to be a bit scattered. Usually this time of year we find ample crappie 18-20 feet deep. But, this year we are catching them 8-12 feet deep. Early in the morning you can also find bass schooling. Later in the mornings they scatter, and trolling is the most productive. Have fun and be safe.”

(updated 10-9-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted earlier this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that days are shorter, less than 12 hours a day of sunlight now, and “the next 3-4 days are supposed to be 10 degrees cooler (than Tuesday was). It’s a topwater bite, obviously. Is there a lure more fun to fish than a topwater lure? No there’s not. Whether you’re throwing a buzzbait or throwing a pure topwater lure or whatever, you’re going to do that for the first couple of hours you’re out there.”

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 9-25-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) reports that fishing has been great this month. “The lake is the same as always. Been a lot cooler, so everybody has been catching.

She said the bream “started biting like crazy” earlier this month. 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 on bass or catfish.

Sheila has an array of live bait for purchase and other fishing needs, plus food. The water temperature 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 10-9-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still fair. Spots are still chasing shad and will hit a fluke or riser bait. No reports on walleye, stripers or catfish. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. They are relating to brush in 20-30 feet of water. For crappie, try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 20- to 30-foot range.

Water temperature is ranging 74-80 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level is still falling, and is 570.24 feet msl as of midweek. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 10-9-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says he’s been out on lakes Ouachita, Hamilton and DeGray most recently. “The water is cooling and the crappie are starting to stack up on the brushpiles. During this transition period, expect the fish to be a bit scattered. Usually this time of year we find ample crappie 18-20 feet deep. But, this year we are catching them 8-12 feet deep. Early in the morning you can also find bass schooling. Later in the mornings they scatter, and trolling is the most productive. Have fun and be safe.”

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.

No reports.

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