Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

February 19, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Lake Monticello angler reaps rewards of renovation

Recent unseasonably warm winter temperatures have drawn crowds to many Arkansas lakes, but few anglers have had a week as productive as Drew County angler Dereck Bates experienced at Lake Monticello in southeast Arkansas. His recent catches there serve as a powerful testament to the successful comeback of the renovated lake.

Lake Monticello, originally built in 1995 by the city of Monticello and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with funds from the Marine Fuel Tax, has historically been a premier trophy bass destination, but it also boasts a robust crappie fishery. Bates kicked off his week by landing a 3.1-pound black crappie, a remarkable specimen for any Arkansas waterway. Returning to the water just days later, Bates shifted his focus to deep-water largemouth bass.

Bates boated 20 bass ranging 3-7 pounds in just half a day, culminating in a five-fish limit of 35.7 pounds. The real highlight of the day was a 9.7-pound bass caught that afternoon. The trophy fish fell just shy of the 10-pound requirement for the Arkansas Legacy Lunker program, but stands as the largest recorded catch since the lake’s renovation was complete in 2021. Both the crappie and the bass were verified using a digital Bubba Scale, the same equipment used by the AGFC Legacy Lunker response team for hatchery donations.

“This lake is as healthy as I have ever seen it,” Bates said. “There are not too many places in the state, or even the country, where you can boat that many quality fish in half a day.”

The resurgence of Lake Monticello is no accident. After the water structure was closed in November 2021, Monticello began a slow refill. In March 2023, the first fish (all forage species) were stocked into the lake, followed by largemouth bass and crappie later that fall. Also, the AGFC stocked the lake with Titan MAXX bass fingerlings obtained from Red Hills Fishery in Georgia. The Titan MAXX strain is considered a game-changing advancement in largemouth bass genetics, revealing indicators for trophy-size Florida bass.

In just over four years since being a dry lakebed, the fishery has matured at an exceptional rate, according to AGFC fisheries biologists.

“Draining a lake and starting with a fresh slate lets biologists get the ‘recipe’ just right,” Ryan Mozisek, AGFC Fisheries Division supervisor at the Monticello Regional Office, said. “By managing the predator-prey ratio, optimizing habitat and benefiting from higher nutrients, we can create an environment where fish grow faster and larger than in aging systems.”

Monticello joins the ranks of successful AGFC renovations like Lower White Oak Lake near Camden, which has produced double-digit bass since reopening, proving that strategic management and habitat restoration are the keys to producing world-class angling opportunities in The Natural State.

Early spring-like temps get fish activated

This week’s fishing report includes contributions from all corners of the state, and one noticeable mention that seemed consistent, especially in the big reservoirs, was the early “prespawn” activity seen in some largemouth bass and walleye. Fish can get as confused as the anglers about the weather.

Guide Jon Conklin at Beaver Lake noted walleye action beginning as the water temperature there hit 50 degrees. The similarly warming temps at Millwood Lake in southwest Arkansas had some male largemouth bass checking out the flats where they’re typically found spawning in the spring.

Walleye seem to be the target in other spots as the surface temps edge up to 50, such as in the Beaver Lake tailwater, according to guide Austin Kennedy. Kennedy says the trout have turned off for now.

Bass, stripers and crappie are the fish most biting at Lake Ouachita these days, and not so the walleye, according to the guides at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa.

Rainbow and brown trout are being seen around Cotter, according to Cotter Trout Dock, but low water downstream near Calico Rock is making the fishing tougher, though rainbows and browns can be had there, according to Dave McCulley at Jenkins Fishing Resort. Bull Shoals remains a few feet below normal pool, but the early spring effect was felt there, too, according to guide Del Colvin.

Check out all the reports below. Also, we are still in our every-two-weeks cycle of reports until March, so see you again on March 5, where we’ll begin weekly reports through next December.

Around the Boathouse

The AGFC has recently completed a new canoe/kayak launch at Lake Atkins in Pope County. This new access (photo below) is located on the east end of the lake adjacent to the fishing pier on North Shore Road. Amenities include an asphalt access road, large asphalt parking area and a launch consisting of hard-packed gravel sloping into the lake.
With spring around the corner, the upcoming weeks will provide anglers with a great opportunity to get out and use this new access.

The Fishing Report will be published every two weeks through February, then will return to once-a-week publishing in March. In between published reports, contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for the most up-to-date information. 

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 2-19-2026) 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 the 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.

NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has changed trout limits for the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam, effective Feb. 1, due to a significant loss of stocking population at two Arkansas hatcheries in 2025. Anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily, only one longer than 14 inches, in the Greers Ferry tailwater; all other trout caught must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 2-5-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said in his most recent report that the generation schedule had been all over the board lately thanks to the up-and-down weather. On colder days, you’ll usually see the Southwestern Power Administration running more water due to increased power demand. When temperatures warm up, demand drops and so do the releases from Greers Ferry Dam. “We’ve seen anywhere from 2-5 hours of generation, typically two units, with most releases starting around 7 a.m. As always, keep an eye on the USACE Little Rock app before heading out.
He said the bite had been solid. With steady releases, the river was fishing well both wading and from the boat. If you’re wade-fishing in the mornings, start farther downstream and work your way back upstream as the water rises.
The hot flies under an indicator are egg patterns (apricot and orange), midge patterns and soft hackles. Streamer fishing has also been very productive during generation. If you’re in the boat and pounding the banks, some top producers have been Double Deceivers, Flatliners and sculpin patterns.

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 2-5-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that the fishing for largemouth and spotted bass has been good. They’re being found on standing timber in 15-20 feet depth. Anglers are catching them throwing soft plastic minnow baits on a half-ounce jighead, or using deep-diving suspending jerkbaits. For smallmouth bass (mainly on the south end of Greers Ferry Lake), anglers have been catching them well on a half-ounce or three-quarter-ounce PB&J football jib in about 20-30 feet of water. Use a cinnamon purple Ultra Vibe Speed Crawl with that football jig.

Crappie are being caught mainly in 20-25 feet on brushtops throwing a half-ounce white or silver jighead with a Monkey Milk- or threadfin shad-pattern jig.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 2-5-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said no one was fishing at midweek — too cold. Before the rain passed through on Wednesday, some crappie catches were seen in the early morning and there was a good bite. Then it all shut off. 

The lake is way too low, she says. They need more rain. Water from Harris Brake Lake is used to flood the Harris Brake WMA for waterfowl season, which wraps up Jan. 31.

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

Lake Overcup
No reports.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 2-5-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said water temperature as of Wednesday afternoon was down to about 39-40 degrees. The lake level is 7.7 feet below normal pool. The new ramp is open and ice has thawed, so it is accessible, “but please trim your motor,” they urge. “The back launch ramp is open and accessible. I highly recommend you have 4-wheel drive.”

Largemouth bass reports have been good. There are reports of anglers catching them at 8-10 feet depth last week, as well as finding them in deep water. Use jigs, Alabama rig or crankbaits. Spotted bass are fair. They’re mixed in with the largemouths as well as in 15-20 feet. Try a drop-shot, Carolina rig or a jig.

Crappie are fair. They’re being caught in 20-30 feet depth. Jigs and minnows will work.

No reports for white bass, bream or catfish. White bass should react to Twister Tails and crankbaits, bream might take a jig or worm, and catfish typically can be caught on Lake Maumelle using bream, chicken liver or worms.

(updated 2-5-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said that as of Tuesday, Feb. 3, water temps were 39-40º. Water is approximately 7.5 feet below normal pool and slightly stained to clear. “The new ramps are open and usable with caution. I recommend using the westward most ramp.
“Crappie are hanging in the channel, roughly 30-40 feet deep. Jigs and minnows will entice the most active fish to bite.”

Visit www.nsfguide.com or call 501-548-8990 to schedule your guided crappie trip today!

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 2-19-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is not in perfect shape due to all the rain. Ray said they received 4 inches of rain at his location. “The river is at the normal height but is murky. Crappie were biting well before the rain, biting in about 8-9 feet depth. Same for the black bass, in the same depth.

“It was crystal clear before the rain, but it’s a little stained now. It’s coming around. It will be fishable in the next two or three days. It’s not in that bad of a shape now, just murky. Further up from where I am, the water will be clear, but here it’s on the murky side (as of Thursday).”

Crappie had been biting nicely on both jigs and minnows. Bass were biting on jigs as well, but also on crankbaits. Crappie like the blue/black jig color. Crankbaits for bass should be bream colored. Try something with chartreuse in it.

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 2-19-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said there is good, safe flow on the river, with Thursday midday flow registering 40,000 cfs. Your best fishing, both for bass and crappie, will be in the backwaters with calmer conditions.

For black bass, focus around the grass and wood in about 1-4 feet of water by throwing a black and blue jig with a green pumpkin trailer. Also, you can use a white swim jig in those same areas.

In a little deeper backwater area, about 4-8 feet depth, you can rip a lipless crankbait through grass.
Crappie can be found around any wood or rock piles in the backwater. Your best bets are a black and chartreuse crappie jig or a hair jig.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 2-19-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said Peckerwood has reopened. The lake has been closed to fishing and serving as a waterfowl rest area since Nov. 1. There may be some hungry mouths to feed. Peckerwood has a good number of nice-sized crappie and catfish in the lake, particularly close to Herman’s end. Bass anglers typically go up toward the northern part of the lake a little later into the year for a good largemouth bite. Bream start becoming active later in the spring.

White River
NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has changed limits for the Bull Shoals Tailwater between the Bull Shoals Dam and the Norfork Access, effective Feb. 1: Now, anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily, no longer than 14 inches; all other trout caught must be released immediately. Below Norfork Access to Arkansas Highway 58 (at Guion), anglers may keep two trout of any species, only one may be longer than 14 inches. Brook trout must be at least 14 inches to keep; brown, cutthroat and tiger trout must be 23 inches long to keep.

Cotter Area
(updated 2-19-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said Bull Shoals Lake elevation has risen slightly over the last week due to the recent rains; however, the lake is still well below power pool. Elevation is currently 653.09 feet msl, 6 feet below the seasonal power pool level. Generation has been variable but mostly at minimum flow (700 cfs) with an occasional rise up to three units (9,000 cfs). Be especially cautious motoring in these low water conditions. 

Expect early morning chill followed by a welcome rise in the temperature for now. March is coming, though, so be prepared for weather changes and maybe a return to winter.

The ample brown trout bite has proven that late winter is a great time to visit the White River, and the rainbows aren’t ignoring the bait either. Shad, minnows and sculpins are the preferred meal for a hungry brown; egg patterns (light yellow peach colored) with an orange leading bead have caused some excitement, too. Do not leave home without a supply of jigs. Moss green, brown and orange and peach/moss will lead the catch.

Nightcrawlers proved their worth for bank fishermen. Spinners, especially the 3/16-ounce gold Blue Fox Spinner played about a foot or 2 below the surface, produced more than a few smiles.

“Winter probably isn’t through with us yet, but we will take advantage of this early spring-like weather while it’s here! Keep anglin’ and we’ll see you at the river.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 2-19-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “The last several days we have seen water levels from just over 2 feet to 3.5 feet. With this low water, drift-fishing dragging bait has not been very effective due to the low flow. Artificial lures have worked well. Quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold have worked well for rainbow trout. Rapala Countdown CD7 in brown trout, rainbow trout or silver/black along with Dynamic HD lures in ghost brown or silver/black have worked well for some very nice 24-inch-plus brown trout.
“With the low water, be careful navigating the river. Many gravel bars have been exposed or are just barely underwater. If you are in the Memphis area this weekend, stop by the Mid-South Sport and Boat Show at the Agricenter and see us.” 

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 2-19-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is 653 feet msl and water temperature is 47 degrees. “Fake spring has been fun. Bass fishing has been fair depending on weather conditions. Looks like a lot of fish are moving up from the winter haunts. Late winter early pre-spawn.”

Powerfishermen are doing well on windy, cloudy days A Wiggle Wart and SPRO Rock Crawler are working; try red color craw variants or a Mo Craw. Stone-cold steeper 45-degree nasty rock and ledges, transition banks and chunk rock ledges are the places to look. Try covering water; wind and clouds are ideal. Try a Megabass Jerkbait along bluff ends and points that have deep water nearby.
The temperature changes have some shad dying off high in the water. If the conditions are flat and sunny, get off the bank. There are always fish to be caught in 5-20 feet on a jig, like a Jewel half-ounce in green pumpkin or brown with some red or bright orange.
The shad are in the creeks but a lot of them are breaking up and moving out deep over deep. Graph time will pay off this time of year. Find the shad, find the fish. Most of the shad seem to suspend down in 60-80 feet over deeper water or shallow spread out on the flats. Most of the fish seem to be suspended over trees or up roaming relatively shallow. Use a smaller 2.8 Tater Shad dead-sticked, or shake a Minnow Mooch if they are up active; a swimbait is working. The shad are definitely on the move and the post-front days are always going to be rough. Remember: “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 2-19-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said walleye fishing patterns seem to be moving more into the prespawn stage this past week. “The rain we received last week has moved some to washout areas close to spawning sites. 

Fish shallow in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 2-6 feet of water and deeper in 8-15 feet of water if there is little or no cloud cover.”
Jigs (⅛- to ⅜-ounce) and minnows or jigs and plastic work well after the sun comes up. Jerkbaits such as the 110 and 110+1 style in black and silver or clown colors are also good at this time.
If trolling, try stick baits like Rattlin’ Rogues in purple/chartreuse or black and gold. Troll in 8-15 feet of water at slow speeds — 0.8 to 1.0 mph seems to work best this early in the season. If you’re into night fishing, two hours before light and up to two or three hours after dark seem to be the best times. Fishing slow is the key. 

(updated 2-19-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are still being found in and out of the creeks. Brush in the 20-foot range has been good if you can find the ones that are cooperative and feeding. Minnows have been working as well as a 1/16-ounce jig with a Small Fry bait. 

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

(updated 2-19-2026) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina. He offered this pointers this week for spring fishing on Norfork:

“Starting in late February we typically will see the winds switch to the south and a gradual warm up of air and water temperatures. The stripers will begin to move from the deep water following the shad. There will be multiple opportunities to catch stripers at that time. Both live bait and artificial baits will be very effective. The night bite will begin once the winds blow from the south. You will want to fish the northern and northeastern banks of the bays and main lake and main arm points. Some excellent spots are the points near Norfork Dam, Koso Bay and Point, the Hudson area, Frog Pond, Diamond Bay, Cranfield Island and the points north of the Cranfield area heading toward Red Bank Access.  
“The best time to night fish is a half-hour before dark until about 10 p.m. The best bait historically is a 5-inch or 6-inch Rogues. The color of the Rogue varies, with black/gold, clown and blue/black combinations seeming to work the best, but experiment with the colors until you find the one that works best that night. Bone color has been hot the last few years. Make long casts parallel to the bank and reel very, very slowly. A lot of the bites will be right next to the boat, so always have a big net ready. Stripers, hybrids and walleye are all active during this time. Watch the water temperature. As it moves up toward 60 degrees, the bite will get stronger. 
“During this time of year, live bait, shad and shiners are also very effective. The stripers will be roaming the shoreline looking for food. I use shad, but everything I do can be done using shiners. Most days I will run a large spread of lines. I begin with two inside planer boards, one near the shore and other out 20 to 30 yards. These board lines will have large gizzard shad in the 4- to 8-inch range. Out of the back of the boat I will have two lines with floats, shad on the hooks, with no weight at various depths from 10 to 30 feet from the floats. These lines will be set back from the boat between 30 to 60 yards. I then set out two free lines with a split shot weight on one line and nothing on the other. Both will have large shad on them and will be set 40-60 feet from the back of the boat. The last outside line will have one planer board with a large shad out 40 yards from the back of the boat. I will put out a wake bait: It is a large shad about 1 foot under the water right behind the engine. The wake bait is very effective for stripers roaming shallow water.
“As the water warms, the stripers will continue to move into the larger creeks to spawn. The magic water temperature number is 60 degrees. Your tactic to catch stripers should be to keep moving with the fish and continue to experiment with your techniques.”

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

(updated 2-19-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is sitting at 1,112.69 feet msl. “The rain that was forecast really didn’t show up. We had around 1 inch. Water temperature continues to rise and is 50 degrees in lots of places. I always tell clients 50 is ‘go time’ on Beaver for the walleye and the start of white bass runs. 

“Unfortunately, the bite is still very slow for the most part. You can scratch out some crappie or some white bass, but in general, everything is on standby locked and loaded waiting for some water flow in the river arms to get it going.

“We had a big shad die-off and the fish gorged. This is typical for Beaver. Give it a few more days and I believe the bite will uptick.

“Stripers are very hard to locate, as are the walleye. 

“Usually my guiding for walleye starts mid-January and by this time we are on them good. But not this year. I have not caught any yet, and most of my walleye contacts/guides are getting blanked on Beaver. I do have some good reports from Holiday Island below Beaver Lake Dam, but that’s not my area to report on.

“Until we get some rain, everything seems to be in a holding pattern. I really cannot believe I am hoping for rain because no doubt we will get hammered soon. 

“Until then, be careful. The lake is low and bad things are just below the surface if you’re unfamiliar with the areas you are running a boat.

“Good luck! Fishing can turn in a minute just hoping that minute is soon!”

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

Beaver Tailwater
NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has changed trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, effective Feb. 1, due to a significant loss of stocking population at two Arkansas hatcheries in 2025. Anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily, only one longer than 14 inches, in the Bull Shoals tailwater; all other trout caught must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 2-19-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “Fishing conditions have been challenging this month due to steadily dropping water levels. When the Army Corps of Engineers is not releasing water, access is limited — unless you’re running a very shallow-draft boat (around a 3-inch draft), you won’t make it upstream past the U.S. Highway 62 bridge. Boat positioning and timing have been critical.
“Our primary focus has been on walleye, with the pre-spawn period approaching. Fish are starting to stage in predictable areas, and the most consistent bite has been pulling crankbaits along channel edges, deeper seams and transition zones. Slow, controlled passes have been key, especially during low-light periods in the morning and late afternoon. Jig bites have been spotty, but should improve as water temps continue to stabilize.
“The trout bite has declined over the past couple of months, largely due to reduced stocking. Monthly stockings have not been occurring at normal levels. I spoke directly with an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologist who confirmed that stocking resumed at roughly 50 percent capacity in January, with plans to be near full (100 percent) stocking by midsummer. Once flows increase and stocking improves, trout activity should rebound quickly.
“Water clarity has remained fairly good, but low water has made fish more cautious. Natural and subtle presentations are producing better results than aggressive approaches. Weather changes and any increase in flow will significantly improve overall fishing conditions.
“At this point, we’re really in need of some rain. Increased water will open up access, spread fish out and improve the bite across the board.”
For regular updates, check out Austin’s Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service).

Lake Charles
(updated 2-19-2026) Shelly Jeffery at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) had no reports of any catches this past week, but she said that 2.2 inches of rain has brought the lake level up. “We still need more,” she said. As of Feb. 15, there was still only one accessible boat ramp, at the upper parking lot off Arkansas Highway 25.

The water clarity is the usual murky, but Sunday’s water temperature was 50.3 degrees.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 2-5-2026) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park has not had a new report for 2026, though 2025 ended with a steady stream of anglers enjoying unseasonably warm temps and successful catches of bass and catfish.
Lake Poinsett State Park has a bait shop at the park’s visitor information center and sells minnows, redworms, nightcrawlers and other various artificial baits and tackle. The hours for the park’s Visitor Information Center through February are: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Spring River
(updated 2-5-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are running below 200 cfs (350 cfs is average), while water clarity is clear. “This must be a record for low water levels on the Spring River. Need rain badly for the area. Plenty of winter precip melting may increase flows, but doubtful with the dry conditions. So far the ground is soaking it up.
“Stocking has resumed on the Spring at winter accesses. The crazy low and clear conditions honestly have created the perfect conditions for dry fly and nymph fishing. On a bright sunny day, bug hatches of caddis and blue-winged olives mayflies can have the trout rising. A dry dropper rig can be a blast. Good luck not spooking the fish; camo is recommended.
“We’re catching a nice brown trout occasionally on those nasty overcast days, casting to the banks with fast strips back. It’s a lot of work, but totally worth it when it works. A bead-head olive Woolly will always be THE streamer. 

“We’re catching largemouth and smallmouth bass at times. Watch the shore for busting baitfish and run a streamer through there! The low water can have the bass pushing the baitfish up near the shore. I still like below falls for the best smallmouth action. Fun stuff when the bite is on.
“Low water makes for easier wading in places, but be safe — the river bottom is still very slick. It is very easy to slip and get wet on the river. It’s been too cold lately to play around. Get to a warm place quickly and get dry.
“Just remember: It’s never too cold for trout or a big ol’ walleye.”

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.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 2-19-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said he had no reports of fishing on Cane Creek of late.
Late in 2025, 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 2-19-2026) The AGFC approved new fishing regulations regarding the harvest of sport fish on Lake Monticello. Effective Feb. 1, anglers may keep 5 bass, but only one bass may be 16 inches or more in length. Anglers may harvest 12 crappie, but only 7 crappie may be longer than 12 inches. All other fish creel limits follow the state regulations on that species.

Lake Chicot
(updated 2-19-2026) 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 2-19-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday that Millwood Lake elevation was about 14 inches above normal pool and falling. Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 10,000 cfs and tailwater is near 236 feet and rising. Surface temps over the past week ranged from 42-52 degrees, depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain and low visibility; there is typical lighter stain in the oxbows, with river clarity ranging 8-10 inches visibility depending on location. Visibility in the oxbows ranges 10-15 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 and Red Slough area, and McGuire has become inaccessible for navigation or fishing. The Army 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 Cuban bulrush and alligatorweed to other bodies of water.

Millwood State Park is open. However the park marina doesn’t reopen until March. Corps of Engineers campgrounds are open for camping.

Mike had these specifics on the fishing from the past week:

* Largemouth bass continue holding in deeper sections of creek channel outer bends and structure depths of 10-16 feet. On warm sunny days over the past week, the surface temperatures on Millwood Lake felt like a late winter/early spring condition, and we noted a few male bass roaming shallow in backs of flats outside creek channels where spawning areas have been previously noted. The spawning flats and areas we have noted spawning in past several years are beginning to draw in males in search of bedding areas. The increase of several degrees in these pockets along the main lake from the Red Slough Creek dump into back of the Pipeline Trail, the bays and pockets along the golf course, and all the way down the west end are beginning to warm. This time of year, 3-5 degrees will make a big difference in the way bass respond and cruise in the backs of the creeks, and around spawning flats near stumps and where you have emergent vegetation. Be flexible and keep moving with search baits until you find the warmest, clearest water away from muddy river current. The backs of the creeks, such as South Hickory, Red Slough and Bagley Creeks, where you can find the warmest water away from the muddy current, are your best bet to begin searching. This time of year, cold, muddy water is the worst possible scenario for feeding bass.
Water temps continue to rise, but this may all be for naught if the cold fronts come in this weekend, as forecast.

Brazalo Lures’ Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs and 501 tandem willow blade spinnerbaits are still drawing good reactions from male black bass from 12-17 inches in backs of creek channels, and will continue getting reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and creek channel flats and bends, near vegetation and remaining dead, lily pad stems. Best bait colors have been white, Spot Remover, Millwood Mayhem Bream and Firecraw colors, and try a split tail Bass Assassin 3-inch FFS Split Tail Shad trailer on Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs. Slow, stop and go, and herky-jerky rod tip movements will draw random reactions if you are in fairly clear to moderate stained water from 1-4 feet of depth.

If fishing along ledges and dropping structure into the 12- to 15-feet depth range, heavy ¾- and 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps in Red Shad, Toledo Gold or Millwood Magic will draw random reactions in the 8-12 foot deeper drops on a slow, jigging retrieve. And ⅜-ounce chrome/blue spinner Rat-L-Traps (i.e., the Tail Spinners) will get a reaction when the bass roam into dead lily pads flats of 4-8 feet depths on warmer, bright sun days. Red chrome crawfish, red chrome, or natural crawfish (46N) and 1-knocker Rat-L-Traps were also getting a few reactions from a few pre-spawn fish from 9-12 feet deep on vertical drops. 

Zoom Trick Worms, Yum Dingers and Salty Rat Tails are starting to get good reactions. Junebug/blue tail, Cotton Candy/chartreuse, Fire Craw, blackberry or Merthiolate are all working colors now and will draw random reactions near stumps and cypress trees in the back of McGuire, Mud Lake and Horseshoe oxbows where water temps are 3-5 degrees higher. 

* White bass were moving up Little River late last week and were found on primary points and deeper, vertical drops into Little River from creek channels and secondary points with the increase in surface temps over the past week. Midday and mid-afternoons were best search periods on sunny afternoons, and 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, were all working best.
Migration of the White Bass up Little River for the annual spring spawn may be beginning, and we are monitoring water temperature from White Cliffs to Wilton Landing in anticipation of the annual spawning run up to Patterson Shoals

* Crappie have improved over the past week, with the rise in water temperature, in the 12-15 foot depths on jigs. Crappie were biting well in planted brush near Saratoga Landing and the junction of Little River and Saline River in the main lake body in front of the Millwood Dam over the past week. Our crappie guides are reporting improved reactions. One day they are better on jigs and tubes, alternating with minnows. Cordell Smoke Grubs, on light wire jig heads, smoke-colored Southern Pro 1.5-inch Hot Tubes, 2-inch Crappie Stinger in red/yellow/pearl, and Pro Series Lit’l Hustler Tubes in Cajun Cricket, Tennessee Shad or Mexican Sunrise were working fair three weeks ago. 

* Catfish are biting well on trotlines and tight lines with the increase of current in Little River, according to anglers we spoke with up Little River near White Cliffs campground late last week. They had fairly good luck with blues and channel cats using King’s Punch Bait, frozen catalpa worms, molded cheese and cut bait set on trotlines along Little River from 12-16 feet deep in river current.

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.

No reports.

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

(updated 2-19-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says he’s been out on lakes Ouachita and DeGray of late. Water temperature is key this time of year. Warm nights are our friend, but know that water temperature is still going to fluctuate. Crappie are slowly moving up and prestaging. White bass and hybrids are moving up the rivers and creek arms. Be safe and friendly on the water.

(updated 2-5-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood notes the two donations to the Arkansas Legacy Lunker program (11 and 12 pounders) that were recently caught here and has more good news on the largemouth bass fishing going on here lately. Anglers are mainly catching them on minnow-style baits with half-ounce jigheads. They are throwing these in about 15-20 feet of water.
You can also try a gizzard shad or threadfin shad pattern. Anglers are also having success throwing a three-quarter-ounce Raven Red lipless crankbait. Focus the lipless cranks anywhere you can find any live grass, or any grass at all to speak of.

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

No reports.

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

(updated 2-19-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam has dropped into the upper 40s due to the frigid weather of the winter storm here in Hot Springs. Snow and ice accumulations made accessing the Carpenter Dam tailrace nearly impossible and eliminated any fishing or boating in the tailrace. Lakes Hamilton and Catherine are currently in their 5-foot winter drawdown. Catherine was down another 2 feet for additional projects through Jan. 31, but it is now possible to safely launch boats in the tailrace at the winter loading ramp. No launchable water is anywhere near the two loading ramps adjacent to the public access fishing docks. The winter loading ramp will be the only usable launch area near the dam. Extreme caution should be used by anyone navigating the Carpenter Dam tailrace under the low water conditions. 

Water clarity is good despite the 3-inch rain of last week. As reported the last several weeks, rainbow trout stocking has been drastically reduced all over the state due to the massive flooding and other problems at two fish hatcheries that destroyed thousands of trout scheduled to be delivered to our lakes and streams. Despite the low water and trout emergency measures, fishermen have caught small numbers of trout in the tailrace casting Rooster Tails in white or brown in a 1/16- or ⅛-ounce weight. Small white or gray jigs in the same weights have also accounted for trout that actively feed on threadfin shad drawn through the turbines during periods of generation. 

The trout are very scattered from the dam to the bridge, but fly-fishermen have taken numbers of trout on Trout Magnets in hot pink or white presented under a strike indicator. 

February, March and April are each scheduled to have 1,000 rainbow trout stocked below Carpenter Dam and Blakely Dam, and that will conclude the spring stocking for those areas. 

The walleye spawn has begun, with catches of small male walleye that are preparing the beds for the larger females that will migrate into the tailrace in the next week to 10 days — depending on water temperature. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits against the current is an excellent technique in finding spawning beds and targeting active fish.
NOTE: Trash has become a problem on the shoreline and park area. Very limited trash cans and careless visitors have created a situation where piles of litter are a common site in the tailrace. Law enforcement will be monitoring the situation and will quickly fine persons breaking this law.

The spring refill of both Lakes Hamilton and Catherine are scheduled for March 1. 

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

(updated 2-5-2026) Charles Morrison at Classic Catch Guide Service (479-647-9945) says the river is still low, but clean from top to bottom. Water temperature is around 48 degrees, warming to 51. Creeks are a little bit cooler than the river. Large schools of shad are holding in deep water along the river. Some are starting to migrate up the creeks in the last couple days (earlier this month). But they are staying deep. 

Bass fishing has been really good. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jigs are working great in shallow water (3-4 feet). Jerkbaits, swimbaits and Rat-L-Traps are working well in 6-12 feet of water. 

Striped bass are beginning to run. Swimbaits, Rat-L-Traps and spinnerbaits have been working well.
Crappie were hit-and-miss with the warm temperatures earlier this month. “They have been scattered and on the move, not staying in one place very long. But when you do run across them, Monkey Milk and black red colors have been working well, and some days pink. I have seen them in different depths and on different structures.”
Catfish have been really good. The large catfish are deep with the shad. Skipjack and shad are working well; 2- to 5-pounders are good with large shiners and crawfish around brush in 6-10 feet of water with the drum.
“Good luck. Hope to see you on the water. Battle on.”

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.

No reports.

Lake Ouachita
For the current lake level at Blakely Dam, click here.

(updated 2-19-2026) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are good. Spoons and a jig fished in and around brush will produce results. Break out an Alabama rig, too, for all species. Stripers are still fair and are being caught on Bama rigs and live bait near major creek basins in the western and central parts of the lake. Crappie are still very good. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 30- to 50-foot range.

No reports on walleye, bream or catfish.

Water temperature is ranging 48-52 degrees as of Wednesday. Water clarity is clearing. The lake level is steady at 571.17 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 2-19-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says he’s been out on lakes Ouachita and DeGray of late. Water temperature is key this time of year. Warm nights are our friend, but realize that water temperature is still going to fluctuate. Crappie are slowly moving up and prestaging. White bass and hybrids are moving up the rivers and creek arms. Be safe and friendly on the water.

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

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

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

White River/Clarendon Area
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from Clarendon, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No reports.

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