Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

October 30, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

An angler from Myrtle, Mississippi, and some friends rented boats at Jenkins Fishing Resort on the White River at Calico Rock on Monday. The angler, named John (no last name provided), landed this 7.25-pound, 27-inch rainbow trout just upriver from the Jenkins dock. Thanks to Dave McCulley at Jenkins for sending us the photo. Read more of Dave’s weekly report under “North Arkansas” below.

Reports are updated weekly, although some reports may be published for two weeks if updates are not received promptly or if reporters say conditions haven’t changed. Contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for current news.

Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk

For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt

For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality

Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

• Central Arkansas
• North Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast Arkansas
• Southwest Arkansas
• South-Central Arkansas
• West-Central Arkansas
• East Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation) and Nursery Pond
(updated 10-30-2025) 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.
Lake Conway renovation is proceeding on schedule with demolition of the old dam and plans in place for the new dam and weir. Read more here.

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 10-30-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “It’s officially feeling like fall on the Little Red! This past week brought some soggy, windy weather and cooler temps — definitely a change from the warm days we’ve been having. Even with all the rain, the river has stayed nice and clear, not muddy at all. The wind, however, has knocked quite a few leaves into the water, so if you’re running a jet motor, get ready for that yearly routine of clearing leaves out of your intake.
“As far as generation goes, the Southwestern Power Administration has been running a bit of a split schedule lately. We’ve seen short releases in the mornings around 9 a.m. for about an hour, then again in the evenings around 5 p.m. for another hour or two. Flows have ranged anywhere from a half-unit up to two units. With these cooler temps, we might see generation pick up a bit to meet power demand. The past few weekends, though, they haven’t been running much water at all — so be sure to check the USACE Little Rock App before heading out, especially if you’re wade-fishing up high.

“The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently announced that for the next four months (effective Oct. 16), anglers are limited to two fish per person, and only one more than 14 inches, on the Little Red. If you missed that update, it’s worth checking their site for full details. 

“Now, on to the fishing.

“With the lighter generation schedule, we’ve had some nice low flows and good fishing on the falling water in the mornings. That’s been the best bite-window lately. When the water drops out or if no water’s running, look for spots with a little current or target the deeper runs around the moss beds. Shoals and the plunge pools just below them have been holding good numbers of fish, too.
“Hot flies right now are Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, midges, egg patterns and San Juan Worms.

“Fall is a great time to be out on the Little Red — cool air, clear water and some hungry trout. Tight lines, and see you on the river!”

(updated 10-30-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the Southwestern Power Administration is running a little bit of water at the dam, but not a lot — about an hour or two a day of generation. “I would definitely say, your morning time is a little better than not. This time of year, with the temperature cooler and the trout more active, people are catching them on a Rooster Tail and a Little Cleo, a small spoon. 

“Also, they’re still catching them on a marabou jig in the same colors they’ve been using lately: olive, black or brown. Also a Carolina rig with PowerBait.”

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 10-30-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that the lake is still a little low for this time of year. Normal level is 462 feet and it’s about 457 feet, or 5 feet low. With it low like that, more of the brush will be out of the water and that brings the crankbait more into play. Mostly the bass anglers are catching fish in about 10-15 feet of water; that’s been the consistent depth range recently, with several baits working.

Try a spinnerbait in more of a natural, Shad color, like a gray color; the crankbait can be between a shad pattern and a crawfish pattern; a shaky head in green pumpkin or watermelon colors; and swimbaits and Alabama rigs, a natural color like a Tennessee Shad is best.
“The best fishing mostly will be secondary points or three-quarters of the way back in creeks.”
Crappie are going to be biting best on a Bobby Garland Baby Shad in Monkey Milk color. Fish for crappie in standing timber in 15 feet of water.

(updated 10-23-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry lake continues to fall slightly and is now 457.69 feet msl, or 4.35 feet below normal pool, with 4-5 hours of generation on certain days in the fall period for energy production. “It is safe to say and the fact we have not had much cold weather, the length of days determines turnover times, and there are spots on lake turning over at present,” he says. “The bite is really on! We are also in early fall, and there is active schooling fish all over lake and rivers. It’s spotty in places, better in others according to bait. Fish are scattered all over.”

Some crappie still are up on bank, while others are floating around in deeper water. Jigs and minnows are working best at all depths, and crank baits are good for trolling 10-16 feet for the mid-depth fish and for the deep fish at 35 feet. Work the brushpiles and standing timber.

Walleye remain scattered everywhere. Some are deep, some are shallow and some are all in-between. Of course, the lake fish are staying put on points humps, etc., at 10-35 feet. Drag a jig tipped with minnow or crawler and or drop-shot. Big minnow-style plugs are also working trolled. 

Catfish are eating really well all over lake and rivers. Lines and jugs are working best with a variety of baits as well as rod and reels. For bream, try crawlers, crickets, small cranks and inline spinners. White bass and hybrid bass are in 25-43 feet, and some are on 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, while others are 10-15 feet, some are around 40 feet and some are on out to 60 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.”

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 10-16-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said nighttime and early morning, people start catching crappie on the bank. The crappie bite overall is underway but it’s mostly good early mornings and then late in the evening. One angler, fishing behind the baitshop late Wednesday night in the cool evening, caught seven or eight crappie, including one that was pretty good size, she said.

Another crappie angler residing on the lake was out and caught several using a blue and white Crappie Stinger.

Anglers have started catching largemouth bass. The fish are in shallow water and they were fishing from a boat. They did not reveal their bait, however.

Catfish are biting on chicken liver, and most catches this week have come off rod and reel. Some bream are biting, but they are small. “People are catching them for bait,” Bring said. “Also, a lot of shad are showing up on the lake.”

Water level is “kinda low,” she reports but looks nice overall, and the clarity appears muddy to green-tinged.

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

Lake Overcup
(updated 10-30-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) had no new reports 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 10-23-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) says the surface water temperature has falling a couple of degrees overall and is ranging 70-72 degrees depending on location and time of day. The lake level is hanging at 6.15 feet below normal pool.

Black bass are biting good. Largemouths are being caugh up shallow in 1-5 feet of water and are still hitting topwater baits as well as being found deep in 15-20 feet. Use spinnerbaits, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass also are with the largemouths in the shallow, 1-5 feet area and are also hanging around in 12-20 feet. Try buzzbaits, Zara Spooks, drop-shots, Carolina rigs, jigs and cranks.

Crappie remain fair. The last report said they were scattered around brush anywhere from 18-25 feet. Try minnows and jigs. 

Bream are fair and are being found on brushpiles in 16-20 feet. Jigs and worms are working.

No reports 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 10-16-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is clear and normal.The bass are doing really well, and anglers are starting to catch crappie in about 7-8 feet depth on both jigs and minnows. The cooling water has gotten the fish bite really going, especially the crappie, he said.
Crappie on the Little Maumelle now like a red and chartreuse jig, he said. A purple soft-plastic worm or a bream-colored crankbait will work on the bass. 

A lady angler has been catching a lot of catfish around the dock this week, he added. Hog dogs and liver are the baits of choice.

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 10-30-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river has cooled off and there has been a little more rain. The flow has been ranging between 30,000-50,000 cfs and will probably be at around 35,000 cfs this weekend. “Right now, the best things on the river has been a white and chartreuse spinnerbait behind the jetties. Also, in the backwaters, a black and blue jig. Fish around any type of grass, wood or rock for bass.”

For crappie, they say the best bite has come on white and chartreuse or orange and chartreuse crappie jig in roughly 10-15 feet of water. “They’re biting pretty decent. When the water begins to cool off, the bite gets a little tougher, but I’d say it’s still pretty decent,” they report.

Expect the pool clarity to be stained to muddy this weekend with the recent rains.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 10-30-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said Friday will be the last chance to get out on Peckerwood for fishing, as the lake will be closed to fishing until the end of waterfowl season while it serves as a waterfowl rest area for migrating birds.

Rain has helped a little this week as the water has been low with stumps showing. Anglers were doing great on crappie this month, mainly on jigs in brown, black or chartreuse. Catfish can always be caught at Peckerwood, she added.

White River

Cotter Area
(updated 10-30-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said Bull Shoals Lake is 4 feet below the targeted power pool of 659 feet msl (at 655.59 feet msl), and releases from the dam are reflecting the lake level with about one unit or less (3,000 cfs) flowing round-the-clock — keeping the trout healthy and preparing for the coming spawn.  Remember, we are under a 120-day temporary mandate effective Oct. 16 to release all trout caught on the White River from Bull Shoals Dam to Norfork Access. Release them gently so we can maintain the action and fun for which the White River is best known. 

Successful catches this week started with mid-action spinners (Vibrax Blue Foxes were a hit, sliver with a blue blade or standard gold) and spoons (always start with the red-gold Thomas Buoyant). If you prefer bait, the guides are first using redworms; second, shrimp with orange or sunrise egg patterns. Pink-scented worms attracted a fair share of rainbows; they’re healthy, good-sized rainbows with a lot of color, red cheeks and bright pink stripes.
The browns are not immune to bait now, even leading into the spawn season. Drift a sculpin and you’ll get more attention. Be careful not to disturb the spawning beds (the redds) if you motor through spawning areas around Rim Shoals and downriver from the designated catch-and-release section at the dam.
“We’re being treated with a taste of winter for a few days now after a week of unseasonably warm weather. Expect more seasonable temps this weekend and into next week — colder nights but warming days, more conducive to spending time outdoors. Check the nighttime low temperature rather than the daytime highs. We look forward to seeing you and sharing fishing stories.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 10-30-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Over the last week we have seen depths as low as 3.5 feet and as high as 6 feet.  On Monday and Tuesday, the low was 3.5 feet and high was 4 feet.  During the lower water levels, artificial lures proved to be very effective. Thompson Colorado quarter-ounce spoons in nickel/gold and gold/copper worked well, along with the Rapala Countdown CD7 in brown trout color. We saw some nice 15-inch-plus rainbows with the largest being a beautiful 27-inch 7.25-pound hooked jaw male. 

“Additionally, we saw several nice 20-inch-plus brown trout being caught. In addition to the trout biting, we are seeing a lot of smallmouth bass being caught using the same lures. Fall is here with the cool mornings so dress in layers.”

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 10-30-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is 655 feet msl; the surface water temperature is about 69 degrees. Shad area starting to get grouped up. Crawfish are starting to get active on the bank. A SPRO Rock Crawler on chunk rock and ledges and bushes in the wind is working. We’re powerfishing covering water wind/clouds. Use a spinnerbait, square bill or Chatterbait if there’s wind/stained banks in back with shad. If it’s flat and the sun comes out, get off the bank and try a shaky head on secondaries with trees and brushpiles. There are always fish to be caught on a  jig, such as a Jewel half-ounce jig.  Try green pumpkin and brown with orange variants.
On the bluff ends, bluff swings and long runout points along the channel, try pulling off ledges. Stay around 5-15 feet early, 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 heading in. Try a drop shot for bluebird, post-frontal suspended fish out on the points and bluffs. A smaller 2.8 Tater Shad, dead-sticked, or shake a minnow if they are up active. A half-ounce Jewel Shad Spoon is working great in those schools if they ignore your minnow. Fall junk fishing is here, 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 10-30-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing has been fair this week. As water temps come down, it should only get better. The walleye are starting to set up in small schools on main lake and secondary channel swing points. If the sun is high and wind is light, fish away from the boat’s shadow. Try fishing in 15-50 feet of water by snap-jigging a jig and half of a crawler or by drop-shotting a live crawler. Also try a ⅜-ounce to 1-ounce white or chrome jigging spoon or a No. 7 Rapala-type ice jig in the same colors (the Jigging Rapala has been working well by vertical fishing them in 35-45 feet depths).

When trolling, try a size 5 or 7 Flicker Shad or size 9 Flicker Minnow, trolling in 15-40 feet of water at 1.7 mph seems to be a good speed at this time to get a reaction bite. Fishing a 110+1-style jerkbait in 10-15 feet of water on main lake and secondary points has started to pick up a little since the water temperature dropped and should only get better.

(updated 10-30-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says not much has changed as the crappie are still hanging on brush in creeks for the most part in that 15- to 25-foot range. The jig bite has been slower as of late, so minnows have been the go-to.

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

(updated 10-30-2025) 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 10-30-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level is staying consistent at 1,119.85 feet msl. Water temperature is falling into the upper 60s. “After this cold front, the lake should finally turnover. 

“Stripers will be returning to mid-lake and further south as this happens. Crappie will be moving to fall/winter haunts, which translates to big schools attaching to structures/brush/laydowns in 15-25 feet of water.
“White bass and stripers will be found from Monte Ne up to Camp War Eagle area.
“Walleye are still scattered, and we have heard reports of fish being caught on points in 20-25 feet of water. Crawler harnesses and drop-shot are the methods.
“Bass will school up and feed heavy next few weeks.
“Fall and winter are great times to be on the lake, and fishing normally is very good. Good luck and stay safe out on the lake.”

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 10-30-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says fall weather has officially arrived! Morning lows have dipped into the high 30s to 50s, and a mix of wind and rain has made for some chilly river mornings. “But don’t let the cold fool you — the bite has been hot!

“We’ve been catching and releasing plenty of fish using jigs, floating Fire Eggs and Fire Worms. Water temperatures remain a little warm due to limited generation, which has helped bring more baitfish into the mix. 

“Working jigs in deeper water below Houseman continues to produce nice trout — and even the occasional fall walleye. Stay mobile, as fish are scattered, but once you find them, the action can be fast.

“Expect cool and unsettled fall weather: highs in the low to upper 50s, lows in the upper 30s to mid 40s, a few passing showers midweek, and partly sunny conditions returning toward the weekend.
“The middle of the week looks breezy and cooler, while the weekend should bring slightly warmer, more comfortable fishing conditions.

“With slightly stained water, use brighter and high-contrast jig colors to grab attention.”
Austin’s top picks are white/chartreuse, pink/bubblegum, fire orange or red, black with gold or silver flake, and glow or pearl for low-light conditions. “Pair your jigs with natural movement — short hops or slow swims — to mimic baitfish activity stirred up by the warmer surface temps.”

For more frequent updates, check out Austin’s Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service). 

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 10-30-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that fishing is going “pretty good” for both crappie and bass. Both species are mostly favoring worms.

Lake Charles
(updated 10-23-2025) Fishing continues to range from fair to good for all major species of fish at Lake Charles, Shelly Jeffery reported from Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595). Surface water temperature continues to fall a little bit each week, and this Sunday it was at 68.9 degrees. The clarity is the usual murky and the water level remains low.

Bass were fair this last week. Try topwater baits and a Booyah Buzzbait. Crappie are fair for anglers looking shallow now, especially around the fishing pier. Minnows and worms both will work. Bream are fair on worms. Catfish are your best best for good action, but anglers are keeping it secret what they’re using, Shelly said, so you’re on your own. But we can suggest chicken liver, live bream and your basic catfish stink bait to have success. The cats will also go for bait on jugs and lines.

One of the lake’s guests hauled in a 21-pound flathead catfish, and Shelly said she weighed the fish.

You’ve got a couple of days left during this “best days” moon cycle, according to the moon table, she told us. The best fishing days run through Oct. 24, but with the bite they’ve seen lately, it’s liable to continue past that.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 10-16-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park says Lake Poinsett’s fishing has been very steady lately. Recent good weather has allowed anglers to get in some good bank fishing as well as venturing out into a cove from a boat. As temps continue to cool, crappie are stirring and many people have been buying up minnows from the State Park bait shop to test their luck on catching a big one. Bream and catfish have continued to be pretty common catches as well. Bass have been quiet as of late. Many of the bream reports were from people bank fishing, and the crappie reports were from anglers out on the lake who were able to get out into a secluded cove.
The Lake Poinsett State Park visitor center 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 10-30-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) reported last week, “This cold snap will get the big fish moving. And dang, it was in the 30s here this morning (Oct. 20). Caught a few on olive Woollies, but ended up with Y2Ks catching the most. Was a really nice morning, then the wind picked up and that was not fun.
“Looks like special regulations on all the rivers except for Spring River because of the lost of trout in both the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery and the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. This river has not been stocked below Dam 3 since the April flood. Really hoping they stock soon. I have been here over 20 years and never experienced what we are going through this year. A put-and-take fishery cannot handle only taking with no stocking. I know I preach catch-and-release, but dang it, until we get too many huge fish in the river, I will continue to preach. I know the Spring River can produce huge trout. Just gotta let them grow! If you’re hungry, go by Fred’s Fish House on Main Street!”

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.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 10-30-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said there have been few if any anglers on Cane Creek of late.
Recently, the AGFC began treating certain areas of the lake for Cuban bulrush, an invasive aquatic vegetation, according to Ryan Mozisek of the AGFC. Cuban bulrush is a fast-spreading invasive aquatic plant, and is was found in September as being widespread throughout the lake, Initial treatments have begun to treat the infestation in specific areas.
“Management efforts will need to be continued over the next several years to combat the vegetation in the lake so that anglers do not lose any more fishable water to these floating islands,” Mozisek said.
Cane Creek Lake is a 1,700-acre lake in Lincoln County that was built in 1986 and is ownedand managed by the AGFC. It is stocked with bass, crappie, bream and catfish. The visitor center offers a pier, and there is good fishing often reported at the campsite. The lake has always had abundant floating and submerged aquatic vegetation. Increased focus recently on invasive aquatic species at the lake led to the discovery of the Cuban bulrush.
AGFC district staff also are working to manage other vegetation, such as American lotus, water lily, water shield and hydrilla, that have reached undesirable levels for anglers and biologists at Cane Creek Lake, Mozisek reported.

Lake Monticello
(updated 10-30-2025) AGFC staff report that some anglers have been catching some big fish on some days, while other days are tough. A couple of 7-pound black bass were pulled out of the lake in past months.
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 10-30-2025) 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 10-30-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Millwood Lake is still in drawdown pool effective until Saturday, Nov. 1. The Millwood State Park Marina will close for the winter on Nov. 1 and will reopen in the spring.

During the drawdown, boaters are encouraged to wear a life jacket, exercise caution and use your engine’s kill switch during the drawdown as submerged stumps and shallow areas are more prominent, especially in boat lanes where depth may only be a few inches. For more information, contact the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office at 870-898-3343.

The Army Corps of Engineers recently removed a huge tree from the middle of Little River near White Cliffs campground that had become stuck in the bottom of the river and presented navigation hazard. The tree was removed from center of river channel and pulled out of the river to the bank and lodged as to not present navigational problems and safety hazards in Little River near White Cliffs boat ramp. Thank you USACE!

Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or the Army Corps of Engineers website, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels as the ordered drawdown ends. Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday was about 11 inches below normal pool and stable. The dam is releasing about 657 cfs, and tailwater is near 225 feet msl and stable. Surface temps over the past week continue fluctuating, ranging 68-72 degrees depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River is normal stain and visibility; typical Millwood lighter stain is found in most locations of oxbows, with river clarity ranging 8-10 inches visibility depending on location, while clarity and visibility in oxbows ranges 20-30 inches in many locations.
Numerous areas on Millwood Lake are fully choked with alligatorweed mats, and invasive grass species of Cuban bulrush have been found in more locations recently along Little River oxbows of Clear Lake, Horseshoe, White Cliffs, Mud Lake, Bagley Creek area and McGuire and are inaccessible for navigation or fishing. The Corps of Engineers and the AGFC are monitoring. Be sure to drain your bilge and livewells and flush your boat trailer from carrying and redistributing invasive species to other bodies of water. We’re hoping herbicides can be applied in the spring to combat these invasive species on Millwood Lake.

Mike had these fishing specifics from this week on the lake:
* Largemouth bass in the oxbows continue following large schools of threadfin shad in and out of creek channel swings and adjacent flats with lily pads, and we’re seeing random schooling bass surface-breaking simultaneously on many different areas of Millwood Lake with the reduced surface and lake pool temps again this week.
The cooler weather and lower nighttime temperatures have the largemouth bass in a feeding mode and following threadfin shad schools, with randomly schooling in the oxbows. The highest activity period has shifted to later in the morning and midday over the past couple weeks. Several simultaneous schools were random surface-breaking in McGuire Oxbow up Little River over the past few days with the improvement in water clarity and reduced stain.

Adolescent largemouth and Kentucky bass (aka spotted bass), together have been randomly surface-breaking on schools of threadfin shad at multiple locations near or in lily pads for short durations for several weeks in the best water clarity of the oxbows up Little River. When the shad schools move to vertical structure, the largemouths will follow the schools and suspend over 15-18 feet of depth. Where vertical structure drops from 5-foot flats into 18-foot drops, the ¾-ounce Rat-L-Traps in Splatterback, Millwood Magic and chrome Cordell 3/4- to 1-ounce Hammered Spoons, Bill Lewis’ MR-6 Crankbaits and Bomber Fat Free Shads in Millwood Magic, Louisiana Shad or Tennessee Shad have been connecting with the suspended bass over 14-18 foot depths in the oxbows. 

The Bill Lewis SB-57 and their ATV Square Bill Crankbaits are good for deflecting off stumps in flats from 4-8 feet deep near vertical structure. The best colors are Millwood Magic, Sneaky Shad, Threadfin 2.0 and Guacamole.

When the random surface-breaking fish in the oxbows occurs, clear Baby Torpedoes, and a wide variety of topwater or shallow cranks and Rat-L-Traps will draw a response, as well as hammered Cordell Spoons. Shallow square-bill cranks like the Bill Lewis Echo 1.75 continue working shallow cover with Millwood Magic, Splatterback and Tennessee Shad colors drawing reactions. The MR-6 Crankbaits in Millwood Magic, Splatter Back or Louisiana Shad colors continue getting good responses over the past couple weeks as the sun rises and the largemouths transition to vertical structure. Best locations are just off deep flats in 4-7 feet of water, near 12- to 20-foot structure.
Points of creek dumps into Little River have been holding small schools of juvenile largemouths from 2-3 pounds. The points extending into Little River, with large stumps and pads nearby have been holding good schools of Bass for several weeks.
* White bass continue chasing shad with the black bass in fairly large schools in Horseshoe and McGuire this week. The schooling continues randomly early to mid-morning. Take a kid fishing and you could have one of the best times all year. Over the past two-three weeks, catches of 15-20 randomly at various times all day and into the afternoons have occurred. They are hitting 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 temperatures. They have been hit or miss, better on minnows than jigs, but that changes daily. The bulk of the crappie are holding in 9- to 12-foot depth on brush.
* Catfish haven’t changed much from the catfish guys we spoke with a few days ago. The last couple of weeks have been fair to good on chicken livers, hearts, gizzards and King’s Punch Bait set on trotlines along Little River from 12-18 feet depths.

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.

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

(updated 10-23-2025) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) said bass can be caught on shad-colored crankbaits. Fish for them in the creeks from shallow down to about 15 feet. There has been some schooling activity and they can be caught on small lipless chrome or shad-colored baits, topwater and even small buzzbaits.
Crappie are moving up on brushpiles and can be caught around standing timber on jigs in about 15-25 feet. 

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 10-390-2025) Angler John Gulley last month 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 were biting flukes, Senkos and shallow-diving crankbait-type lures. He also says that panfishing was decent, while the crappie bite hadn’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.

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

(updated 10-30-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature has dropped some to 58 degrees with stained conditions in the tailrace. Lake Ouachita is over 9 feet below flood pool level due to Entergy scheduling weekly generation below area dams to stabilize lake levels. Entergy is running 3,600 cfs below Carpenter Dam for two hours a day, which is a safe 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). 

The AGFC normally begins the fall trout stocking program in early November; however, the emergency situation concerning the massive loss of trout stocking reserves makes the schedule unsure at this point. April was the last month for rainbow trout stocking for the spring season with 4,320 fish released in the tailrace. Productive trout fishing below the dam has been over for months, with the occasional fish caught in the tailrace. 

Walleye are still in the area and good numbers remain the tailrace. 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 angers some wonderful table fare.

Cooler temperatures and wet conditions have arrived 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.

As soon as trout stocking information is announced and posted by the AGFC, the fall season will begin along with the winter drawdown of lakes Catherine and Hamilton, which is traditionally scheduled for early November.

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 10-30-2025) 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
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 10-23-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) reports that fishing was great in the past month or so. “The lake is the same as always. Been a lot cooler, so everybody has been catching. 

She said the bream were “biting like crazy”. 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 had 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 10-30-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are good. Spotted bass are chasing shad and will hit a fluke or riser bait, while a PB&J jig fished in brush has produced some real nice bags. Bream are slow on worms or crickets in 20-30 feet of water relating to brush. Crappie are slow. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 20- to 30-foot range. 

No reports on walleye, stripers or catfish.

Water temperature fell this week to the 70- to 76-degree range. Water clarity is clear. The lake level os slightly up from this time a week ago, at 569.71 feet msl. 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.

No reports.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 10-23-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said most of the focus in their area has been on hunting instead of fishing. But if you’re looking for some good crappie fishing, they note that the crappie have picked up in the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge.

If the anglers are looking to hunting though, they say that squirrel hunting is going great with plenty of acorns falling. Deer season is in full swing (altnerative firearms and archery), and they are mainly eating persimmons and acorns in the bottoms. Specklebelly season will open Saturday. “This will be the kickoff to what we hope will be a wonderful waterfowl season.”

“As we always say at Webb’s Sporting Goods, thank you to our loyal customers for shopping with us.” Check out Webb’s for a full array of fishing and hunting needs in DeWitt on Arkansas Highway 1 on the south end of town.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 10-30-2025) Cook’s Lake has closed for the season to serve as a waterfowl rest area for the next four months. Call 501-404-2321 for more information.

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