Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

November 20, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Lynn Hackfield of Matagorda, Texas, was a happy angler after landing this nice Little Red River brown trout recently while fishing with guide Mike Winkler. The fish was caught while throwing big articulated streamers toward the bank. Lynn was fishing with a 7-weight fly rod with a 250-grain sink link. He was using a brown and yellow Flatliner fly, Mike said. Read more of Mike’s extensive report from the Little Red River below; he notes that there has been little to no flow on the river this week, but colder temperatures soon will probably have the Southwestern Power Administration generating more from Greers Ferry Dam.

Beginning with this report and continuing through February, Fishing Reports will run every two weeks (along with no reports on Christmas and New Year’s Day). In between published reports, contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for the most up-to-date information. The reports will include the most recent information reported to the AGFC from the particular body of water, but email Fishing Report newsletters will only be sent out every other Thursday through February.

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 11-20-2025) 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.

Also, biologists in the AGFC’s Mayflower regional office note that they’ve heard reports of crappie biting very well from the bank and fishing piers in area lakes, particularly Lake Overcup and Harris Brake Lake. Also, don’t ignore the possible good crappie bite this time of year at Lake Atkins near Russellville. 

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 11-20-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “The past couple of weeks have felt more like early fall than mid-November, with highs hanging in the mid-70s. But that’s about to change — looking ahead, we’ll see highs dropping back into the 50s and 60s, and lows dipping into the 20s and 30s. By next week, colder weather settles in along with a chance of rain.

“On the generation side, the Southwestern Power Administration hasn’t run any water for seven straight days during this warm spell. They did show projected releases starting Wednesday (Nov. 19), but those didn’t pan out consistently. It’s still too early to get a read on what the schedule will look like. With mild temperatures, I’m expecting little to no generation. Once that colder weather hits, power demand typically bumps up, and we should start seeing more reliable releases. As always, check the USACE Little Rock App (linked above) before you head out.
“I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the brown trout spawn. To put it simply: It’s not quite happening yet. As I float through the shoals, I’m seeing very few signs of cleared gravel or redds. With no generation for several days, the shoals are skinny and extremely low, which is pushing the spawn back. Normally, peak spawning runs from Thanksgiving through early December, but unless we get steady flows, I expect it to be delayed. Once the colder weather arrives and SWPA starts releasing water again, things should kick into gear.
“Please be mindful when wade fishing — avoid walking through redds. Our Little Red River browns are a naturally reproducing population with no stocking support, so protecting the spawn is critical.
“A reminder: the AGFC has implemented a temporary two-fish harvest limit on the Little Red River. No trout over 14 inches may be kept — anything over that is catch-and-release only. Check AGFC’s website for the full details.
“Now let’s get to the fishing: Despite the lack of flow, fishing has been anywhere from OK to good, especially for rainbows. I’ve been focusing on the deeper sections around moss beds — if there’s any real depth, that’s where the fish are sitting. With the river so still, the approach is simple: Cast toward the moss beds, let your fly sink and work your way down the river. If you see lanes or openings between the moss, those are prime spots.
“You’ll also find fish in the shoals and anywhere with even a hint of current, including the plunge pools below them. The hot flies this week have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, midges, egg patterns and San Juan Worms. 

“Streamer fishing has been hit-or-miss, but it remains one of the best ways to hook a bigger fish. With this low water, I’ve been throwing a 6- or 7-weight rod with a 150–250 grain sink line — just heavy enough to get down without scraping bottom. A floating line will work, too, with the current lack of generation. Conehead Woolly Buggers and small articulated patterns have been producing best. Target faster water or the ends of the plunge pools.”

(updated 11-6-2025) 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 11-20-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that fishing for smallmouth bass will be good on the south end of the lake. Work the secondary points with a Carolina rig, and throw a Zoom lizard on it. Overall, the black bass haven’t really been going crazy up here lately, however.

Crappie, though, have been biting well on the north end of the lake in the creeks in 15-20 feet of water. Use bright crappie jigs, such as a pink/chartreuse color, though black/blue will also work.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 11-20-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said on Thursday there were a lot of anglers trying to catch fish early in the morning and coming back in the evenings for white bass, largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. Things slowed down when the water began being moved to the greentree reservoir; water was down a foot and a half by midweek “but they’re still catching some.”

Minnows are the bait of choice for both bass species. Crappie are biting Bobby Garland jigs in pearl white and Crappie Stinger on an orange jighead. Catfish are biting on minnows, too.

There is a bunch of shad on the lake as of Thursday jumping around, Bing noted. Also, some pelicans have moved in. 

The water is getting clear, she reports. With the drop in water level, all the stumps are sticking out.

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

Lake Overcup
(updated 11-20-2025) 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 11-13-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) says the water is still around 60-62 degrees this week, and the lake level is steady at about 6.75 feet below the normal pool. The boat launch is open and accessible.

There has been no change in the fishing bite. Black bass are still biting well. Largemouths are good and are being caught shallow in 1-5 feet of water. They are still hitting topwater as well as being caught deep in 15-20 feet. Use spinnerbaits, jigs, drop-shots and crankbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are also good and biting in that 1- to 5-foot range mixed in with the largemouths, and they’re also being caught in 12-20 feet depth. Try buzzbaits, Zara Spooks, drop-shot, Carolina rigs, jigs and cranks.

Crappie are fair. Some reports have them roaming, while others say they can be found on brushpiles anywhere from 15-25 feet. Use minnows and jigs. Bream are fair, with reports of them being found on brushpiles in 16-20 feet. Jigs and worms are working. No reports on white bass or catfish. Twister Tails and cranks should work for the occasional white bass bite, and bream, liver and worms are usually good for a 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 11-6-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is normal and clear, and though he didn’t have a temperature of the water recorded, it must be falling because the crappie have started to bite again.

Bass are still doing really well. They’re being found at 3-4 feet depth and will go for crankbaits, as well as soft plastic worms and lizards. Got with a brighter color, such as chartreuse, on the crankbaits. 

Crappie are being caught in about 8 feet of water on jigs and minnows. Pink and white and blue and white jigs will work well.

Catfish are still being caught on liver and hot dogs. Ray hasn’t heard much on the bream of late.

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 11-20-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river has cooled off and they saw some needed rain Thursday. The flow is 15,000 cfs, enough that it’s there but nothing crazy — definitely will position the fish.

For bass on the main river, use a Strike King 4.0 square bill crankbait and also by wood, a single swimbait as well as Chatterbait. If the flow dies down, you can throw a jig and have your jig land about 5-10 feet off the jetties. Try black/blue or green pumpkin colors.

Crappie has been good on the river. Biting on any part of it, but rock piles off the edges of jetties and around wood on the main. Try black/chartreuse crappie jigs.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 11-20-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said Peckerwood is now closed to fishing until the end of waterfowl season while it serves as a waterfowl rest area for migrating birds.

White River Cotter Area
(updated 11-20-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Peace and quiet reign on the river, even as holiday noise, excitement and sometimes chaos fill the airways elsewhere. Trout fishing the White River waters around Cotter in the Arkansas Ozarks in the late fall can be chilly, but cold weather fishing has lots of advantages — not the least of which is feeling like you’ve got the river to yourself. You might not see another angler for an hour or two, but you’ll always see some rainbows and very likely a brown or two.”

Bull Shoals Lake is 5 feet below its desired elevation for the season (659 feet msl), sitting at 653.64 feet msl. Dam generation has been running at minimum flow (700 cfs) round the clock. But remember, generation is based mainly on power demand, so be careful while wading because power demands have added up to 15,000 cfs at times this week.

Orange has been the color of choice this week, orange and brown flashy baits: gold/orange Cleos, or Blue Foxes with an orange/red bell. It’s great water for jig fishing, peachy moss colored jigs or white with silver tinsel. Sculpins are always a must for browns, but we’ve also seen some biting on river minnows this week.

“As we work through this catch-and-release mandate on the river, please be gentle with these trout when you release them back for others to catch. Working together, we’ll get through this with a healthier resource than ever before.

“When planning your winter fishing trip, study the predicted nighttime low temps as well as the daytime highs. Assume that your day will start at the lowest temperature from the night before, and it may even be several degrees colder on the water. Layer up and you’ll enjoy your trip a whole lot more. We look forward to seeing you.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 11-20-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said that over the last week, “we have seen water as low as 2 feet, with most days only rising to 4 feet. This has made for some great fishing using artificial lures such as quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold or red/copper. Rapala Countdowns in the shallower-diving CD5 (rainbow trout and brown trout colors) worked well. Also, with the lower water, we have seen fishermen have success fly-fishing. There has not been much action with the normal drift-fishing using Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp due to the slow current. 

“On Wednesday we saw more water due to increased flow from Bull Shoals Dam on Tuesday afternoon and Norfork Dam during the day Wednesday. Depending on how much rain we get Thursday there is the potential we could see dirty water into the weekend.
“We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving with family and friends next week.”

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

(updated 11-20-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is steady at 653 feet msl, while the water temperature is still 63 degrees, give or take. The early winter patterns are taking shape. Post-front days are always going to be tough. It should be interesting with torrential downpours in the forecast this week. Shad are starting to get grouped up here and there. Loons are showing up. Crawfish are slowly starting to get active on the bank. A red SPRO Rock Crawler is working on chunk rock and ledges and bushes in the wind. Good time for powerfishing, covering water in wind/clouds. A spinnerbait, square bill or Chatterbait is good if there’s wind/clouds. Topwater has definitely slowed down. If it’s flat and the sun comes out, get off the bank and try a minnow on secondaries with trees and brushpiles close to the shad. 

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 swings. On long run-out points along the channel, try pulling off ledges; start out 5-15 feet early, then move out to 30-35 feet. 

The shad are starting to get grouped. Graph time will pay off at this time of year. We need it to cool down. Try a drop-shot for bluebird, post-frontal suspended fish out on the points and bluffs. Go with a smaller 2.8 Tater Shad dead-sticked, or shake a minnow if they are up active, and a regular half-ounce Jewel Shad Spoon, Scuba Spoon, Jewel LiveScope Spin and Rapala Ice Jig are all working day to day — they will prefer one over the other depending on the day, especially if they ignore your minnow. As water cools and they get deeper, each day is still a little different. 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 11-20-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing methods have not changed much this past week. The passing cold fronts have slowed, but have not stopped, the bite. As the water temperature keeps falling, fishing will only get better.

The walleye are set up in small schools on main lake and secondary channel swing points. Also, check creek channels where you locate shad balls, as the walleye are following them as they move with the wind and water flow.

If the sun is high and the wind is light, fish away from the boat’s shadow.

Try fishing in 15-35 feet of water by snap-jigging a jig and half of a crawler, or drop-shotting a live crawler. Also using a ⅜-ounce to 1-ounce white or chrome Jigging Spoon or a No. 7 Rapala Ice Jig-style bait in the same colors. (The Jigging Rapala has been working well by vertical-fishing it in the 35-45 feet depths.)

A few fish are still being caught trolling early morning and late evening. When trolling, try a 5-inch jerkbait like a Rattling Rogue or Rapala Husky Jerk. Trolling in 8-15 feet of water at 1.2 mph seems to be a good speed at this time to get a reaction bite. Try fishing a 110+1-style jerkbait in 8-15 feet of water on main lake and secondary points, and steeper-sided channel swing banks, where the wind has been blowing into and where the fish are holding.

(updated 11-20-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are scattered in the creeks. Lots of smalls, while bigger crappie are tending to be in the outer creeks and main lake brush. A 1/16-ounce jig and small fry are working as well as minnows.

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

(updated 11-20-2025) 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 11-20-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake remains at 1,119.36 feet msl. The water is in good condition. It is stained up on the south end and clear on the north end. Water temps rose into the low to mid-60s.

“Fishing has been getting better each day. Crappie are really starting to show up on brush and structure in the 10- to 20-foot range, which is typical for the winter pattern. Crappie fishing has been good from mid-lake and up to Neil’s Bluff in the White river arm and up to the War Eagle Sidewalk Hole. 

“Stripers can be found from Nelson’s Hollow up to Natural Walk. Live bait is the best option. Look for shad and find the fish. Bass are still good. Lots of schooling is still happening. Walleye always seem to disappear in November and December. It’s hard to pattern them. Catfish are still available if you are looking for them. 

“Rain is on the way, hopefully in manageable amounts. The weather has been good, so get out and enjoy the lake!”

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 11-20-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says rain and cooler air are slipping back into the Ozarks, and the Beaver tailwater is starting to show that late-fall personality. Even with the warmer mornings, the bite has stayed reliable, especially once the sun gets over the bluffs and warms the water a bit. With mild afternoons returning early in the week and temps climbing into the mid-60s and even low 70s by Tuesday, trout should stay active through the warmer stretches of each day. Midweek brings clouds and some rain chances, followed by a calm, cooler weekend.

Light tackle continues to be the name of the game on the tailwater. Pautzke Fire Bait, PowerBait and small spoons are still producing steady numbers. If you’re running artificials, downsizing has been making a big difference — small jerkbaits and Rooster Tails fished slowly with deliberate pauses are triggering most of the strikes. Those brief pauses are key when the water cools and fish don’t want to chase far.

Early mornings have been on the slower side, but the bite consistently ramps up once the sun hits the water. Midday into the afternoon remains the prime window. Trout are still active enough to provide solid numbers throughout the day as long as you keep your presentation subtle and deliberate.

With the week starting cooler and ending mild, the plan is simple:

• Start deep and slow early in the week and during cool, cloudy stretches.
• As temperatures rise midweek and the sun returns, shift a bit shallower and slightly increase your retrieve speed.
• Stick with natural colors in the mornings and on overcast days, but as the water warms with those 60- to 70-degree highs, a little flash can help pull fish in.

The Beaver tailwater should fish well all week as long as you adjust with the weather swings — slow and subtle on the cold mornings, a touch faster and brighter when the afternoons warm up.

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

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 11-20-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that they’ve had mostly cold days earlier this week and not many people fishing with those conditions. On Thursday, only one person was on the lake while they provided a report.

But those who have tried fishing have done decently. Crappie have been “pretty good this week” on jigs in various colors, nothing special to attract the fish.

Bream have been “pretty consistent” and anglers are using just worms.

Black bass have been “about average.” Anglers are using some jigs along with spinnerbaits and soft plastic worms — “just a mix of baits, really.”

Lake Charles
(updated 11-20-2025) Shelly Jeffery reported from Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) that fishing was best from the shore this past week. Bream were being caught in fair numbers by the anglers shore-fishing and using worms, finding those bream in the shallow water areas. Black bass had a fair bite as well as they had moved shallow. Worms were the best bait. Most of the bass being caught were small.

She heard no reports on crappie or catfish, though she notes that the previous week, an angler had caught a 22.4-pound channel catfish; they were fishing with a goldfish.

The water temperature continued to fall, with the reading at 58.5 degrees on Monday morning. The lake is the usual murky clarity. Water level is normal, but the AGFC will be using some of the water from Lake Charles to flood the units at Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA for waterfowl season, which opens Nov. 22.

Planning ahead for December, anglers should plan on a holiday fishing trip to Lake Charles for the best “moon times,” forecast for Dec. 17-23, Shelly said.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 11-20-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park reports that Lake Poinsett has continued to be busy. Temperature fluctuations have made fishing a bit of a guessing game, but anglers have been ready to play. Bass have been biting on minnows pretty well, and some anglers who were crappie fishing ended up catching several catfish (with minnows, too!). 

With cooler temps on the way soon (hopefully), the crappie should begin to stir a little more. Catch rates seemed to have slowed down just a little bit from the few fishermen that have stopped back by to speak with us, but it hasn’t stopped people from going out to try. 

The state park will continue to sell worms and minnows through the winter season, but starting in December through February we will be on winter hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 1-5 p.m. on weekends), so please plan bait purchases accordingly.

Spring River
(updated 11-20-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) noted on Wednesday on his blog that the rain was coming. The morning fishing had started off hot with olive Woolly Buggers and Guppies. The sun poked out and they moved to Y2Ks and had some fun.

In his most recent report, Mark stated that water levels were flowing at 320 cfs, low and clear. “It has been very dry in the area; rain is much needed. With the low and clear conditions, the fish can be very spooky — 5x or 4x tippet works well, with hopper droppers being the hottest way to fish lately. A Y2K, San Juan or a nymph can be very hot below a hopper. The hopper hits will get the heart rate up! On the overcast days, Woollies work well.

“For catch-and-release with spinning tackle, you can’t beat Trout Magnets in these low, clear conditions. Hot pink will always be the go-to color on the Spring. No flavor is added and helps keep the lip sore only! No deep takes. Go light on the line with a small split shot; love how easy it is to adjust the float for those deeper pockets.” 

With the trout population taking a hit this year, other species have been popping up: spotted bass, rock bass, drum, yellow suckers, red horses, grass pickerel and absolutely beautiful panfish that have amazing colors, just to name a few. It’s amazing the amount of multispecies the Spring River holds.

Now, smallmouth bass are one of the native fish on the Spring River and we love to chase them and then safely release them. The trick is to fish right on the bottom of the river. The problem is the bottom of the Spring is a rocky mess. That’s why the smallies love our river. Heavy Woollies work great — black, olive and brownie colors, and yes, bring a lot of them. Losing flies lets you know you’re in the right area. For spinning tackle, D2 jigs by Trout Magnet are the ticket!

The cold is on its way and the river is no place to play around when it’s cold out. Bring a dry set of clothes just in case, and a wading staff can be very helpful with the rough, rocky river bottom.

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for updates, videos and conditions on the Spring River.

White River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from the White River stages at Batesville, Newport and Augusta and all other sites within the White River basin in Arkansas, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Arkansas River (Pine Bluff Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Emmett Sanders Lock and Dam and Maynard Lock and Dam, as well as the Pine Bluff pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 11-13-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reports water temperatures in the low 60s. Water clarity is increasing; currently about 4 inches in tributaries to over 8 inches of visibility in parts of Lake Langhofer. Black bass are biting very well on wind-blown shallow sand flats near tributaries, rocky points and woody cover within or nearby sand flats. Lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, and shallow crankbaits are producing well throughout days with wind. Dark-colored finesse jigs are getting bit during calmer periods.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 11-20-2025) 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 it 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 owned and 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 11-20-2025) AGFC staff remind anglers 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 11-20-2025) 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 11-20-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Millwood Lake remains “on fire” for bass and crappie fishing. Bass are schooling on threadfin shad, as many of their bass angling customers are finding out over the past week. The lake pool remains well below normal conservation pool (about 10 inches low) following the Army Corps of Engineers’ annual late summer 2-foot drawdown for planting vegetation along the shoreline and other work. They need rainfall to get the lake back to pool level, Siefert said. He urges extreme caution by boaters with the reduced surface vegetation.

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. Surface temperature ranged 62-67 degrees, depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain and low visibility; typical Millwood lighter stain is found in the oxbows of Little River, with river clarity ranging 8-10 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows continues improving as the level stabilizes, and visibility in the oxbows is ranging 20-30 inches in many locations.

Siefert had these latest updates by species for the fishing over recent weeks:

* 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 schooling bass surface-breaking simultaneously on many different areas of Millwood Lake with the reduced surface and lake pool temps again this week. The shad are beginning to hold in mouths of creeks and migrating into the back of creeks, then the next day back to primary and secondary points. So, when you’re searching for the black bass and the white bass, one day you will find them in front of the creeks, next day in the back of the creeks, or where you find the large schools of threadfin shad migrating to and fro.

Brazalo Lures’ Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs are getting reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and creek channel flats and bends near vegetation and lily pad stands, using a curly tail grub trailer. Best colors over the past couple of weeks have been white, Spot Remover, Millwood Mayhem Bream and white/chartreuse, and using a Bass Assassin 3-inch FFS Split Tail Shad trailer.
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. The black bass can start herding the shad to the surface almost any time, with mid-morning and late afternoon being the best times. You will also find a school of white bass mixed in when the mayhem breaks loose! These schooling black 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, ⅜-ounce chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap Tail Spinner will work when the action begins breaking 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 largemouths cruising through flats with stumps and lily pads in the same locations where the Rat-L-Trap Spin Traps are working. Numbers of bass from 2-3 pounds remain concentrated near almost any major creek junction with Little River. With current conditions along Little River being fair, the deeper sections, points and washouts from 10-15 feet are seeing good success with a Tennessee Shad Fat Free Guppy or Fat Free Fry. 

Little John custom-painted crankbaits in Millwood Magic, Splatterback, Ghost Shad and Lavender Shad are working on the edges of flats and creek channels where stumps, lily pads and coontail moss intersect. Finessing the crankbaits in and out of lily pads along the edges and points in the creek channel swings, deflecting off stumps, will pick up juvenile black bass and white bass that are following shad schools in the oxbows. Primary and secondary points dumping into Little River have been holding schools of these bass for several weeks following and chasing shad. The cooler weather and lower nighttime temperatures have the bass in a feeding mode.

* White bass continued chasing shad with the black bass in fairly large schools in Horseshoe and McGuire. Take a kid fishing and you could have one of the best times all year. Catches of 15-20 are common into the afternoons with Bomber Fat Free Guppy, Fat Free Fingerlings in Tennessee Shad and Citrus Shad patterns, 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 continue biting well in planted brush along Little River, and are improving daily with the reduction in surface temperatures. Crappie have been better on jigs this week, alternating with minnows, but that changes daily. The bulk of the crappie are holding in the 12-18 feet deep on our brushpiles. 

* No update on blue catfish again this week, but chicken livers and gizzards, as well as King’s Punch Bait, were working well recently, 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.

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

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

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

(updated 11-13-2025) Melinda Freeman of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz this that Dierks Lake will be the site of the winter kickoff to the High School Trail on Dec. 6.

“It’s between the duck season splits,” she said, also noting that Mr. Bass of Arkansas has a winter schedule kicking off Dec. 7 at Lake Hamilton. “And a lot of our anglers love to fish in the winter.” 

Mark Hedrick, noting the success seen lately on Dierks and Hamilton, added, “There ought to be a lot of fish caught on both lakes.” So anglers might want to get out on Dierks Lake over November to check out the good bass bite.

Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s recently noted, “It’s one of the best lakes you can go into the fall on. Dierks is a mountain lake that has some of the best topwater fishing you can have in the fall. There are some nice bass in that lake.”

White Oak Lake Area
(updated 11-6-2025) Angler John Gulley recently 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 11-20-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam has dropped to 50 degrees with slightly stained conditions in the tailrace. The 5-foot winter drawdown for both lakes Hamilton and Catherine began Nov. 1. This year, Lake Catherine will be lowered another 2 feet to support the city of Hot Springs’ infrastructure projects. The additional 2 feet will only be needed from Dec. 1 through Jan. 31. Boat launching will be very difficult, if not impossible, during this period at the winter loading ramp due to the level of water in the tailrace. Of course, no water will be present anywhere near the two loading ramps adjacent to the public access fishing docks. 

To further complicate matters, the trout emergency situation facing Arkansas this year will severely limit trout stocking numbers all over the state. The latest information on trout stocking below Carpenter Dam goes as follows: Rainbow trout will be stocked in Lake Catherine the first week of December — 1,000 fish will be placed below the dam with another 1,000 trout scheduled for January, February, March and April. These numbers will be the same on Lake Hamilton below Blakely Dam. Trout stockings will be drastically lower compared to the usual annual schedule due to the flooding experienced in the state. Huge numbers of trout were lost in the net pens that cannot be replaced in time for this year’s stocking schedule to occur. 

Boating and fishing below Carpenter Dam will be greatly affected by these conditions for most of the fall and winter season. As additional information concerning trout numbers becomes available, this report will post all confirmed numbers that affect Lake Catherine and Lake Hamilton. 

Anyone navigating the Carpenter Dam tailrace is urged to use extreme caution with the low-water conditions and possible fast flows scheduled from the dam. Hopefully, trout fishing will continue this fall and winter but with vastly lower numbers than in past years. 

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

(updated 11-20-2025) 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 11-20-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) reports that she was ill and had to close the store for the past three weeks, but she has reopened this week. She had no new reports. In her most recent report before closing, the bream were doing outstanding and crappie were biting well. Crickets and redworms are working 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.

As of last month, she had not been passed any reports on bass or catfish.

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 11-20-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are very good. Break out your favorite CC Spoon for some excitement and some real nice bags, or try a topwater lure for some schooling action. Crappie are fair. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 20- to 30-foot range. 

No reports on walleye, stripers, bream or catfish.

Water temperature fell a little more this week and is ranging 60-66 degrees. Water clarity is clear. The lake level is steady at 569.54 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 11-20-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said crappie are biting right now! Minnows seem to be catching more than other baits. Catfish are biting behind rock dikes near any running water; blood bait is what they are after at this time.

Bass are biting — black on cloudy days and white on sunny days, reportedly in grassy or brushy areas.

“For the anglers who might be more into chasing whitetails now, the bucks are in full rut chasing does! We are seeing some very nice harvests for entries into the Throwback Sweepstakes at the store. Duck season is right around the corner; it may be a warmer, rainy start to the season. We are seeing geese coming in consistently around the area. Good luck to all our hunters in state and from out of state! We wish you guys a successful hunt!

“Thank you to all our loyal customers for shopping at Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

Cook’s Lake
(updated 11-20-2025) 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.