Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

March 12, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Adria Brennan brought in a beautiful, 30-inch brown trout with the help of guide Doug Knight while fishing the White River out of Cotter Trout Dock recently. The folks at Cotter Trout Dock say the brown trout season is in full swing downstream from Bull Shoals Dam, with their anglers pulling in more browns than rainbows this past week. Read more of Cotter’s report below.

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

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

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

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

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

Quick links to regions:

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

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation) and Nursery Pond
(updated 3-12-2026) 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.

No reports.

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 3-5-2026) 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 3-5-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said the water is still very low. However, she notes, anglers are starting to catch a few largemouth bass on crankbaits. Try something in a lighter red color, like crawfish, for the crankbait.

Last Monday, an angler and son visited with their boat and caught six decent crappie, about 14-15 inches each, she said. They were using minnows. No other anglers have been catching crappie lately. “The water is way too low right now,” she said. “The bass also are mostly out in the lake, the ones being caught. It’s difficult fishing from the bank because of the water level. Mostly, they are kayaking or boat-fishing.
“You can see all the stumps right now. We need some rain this weekend. That would be good for crappie. The season is coming soon.”

She said nothing else is being reported as being caught now.

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

Lake Overcup
(updated 3-12-2026) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) reported that water level is up by 1.5 feet and clarity is good. Surface temperature is around 65 degrees.

Bream haven’t started yet. Bass are off and on. Catfish are doing well on yo-yos and trotlines baited with bass minnows. Crappie are starting to pick up in 5-6 feet of water “but I haven’t been able to find them on the bank yet,” he said.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 3-5-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the water temperature Wednesday midday was ranging 57-58 degrees. The lake remains 7.3 feet below normal pool. New boat ramps are open; they suggest trimming your motor, however.

The largemouth bass bite this past week has been good. Reports have them still in pre-spawn mode, and anglers are catching them in 2-6 feet depth. The spawn should be happening soon. Try using square bills, spinnerbaits and Chatterbait. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) also have been biting well and are mixed in with the largemouths in that 2-6 feet depth, with some also being caught at 12 feet. Spinnerbaits and jigs are your best bet for spots.
Some good black bass stringers were brought in Feb. 28 in the WestRock Landing Winter Series Fish-Off, with Matt Hedrick hauling in 22.16 pounds of black bass. Daniel and Larry Romine were right behind with 21.24 pounds, including a 5.77-pound Big Bass.
White bass have picked up with good reports of late. There have been some reports of anglers catching males west of the bridge last weekend. There are also reports of a few females east of the bridge on Wednesday morning. One angler reported catching two still out in the main lake off the shoreline. With the rainfall forecast for this weekend, this should help with their annual patterns. Try using Twister Tails, jigs, spoons or shad-imitating lures. One a

Crappie have been slow. They are anywhere from 9-30 feet, so it’s been tough for anglers, but they are catching a few nice ones here and there.

No reports on bream or catfish.

Arkansas River at Morrilton
For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Little Maumelle River
(update 3-5-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water clarity has cleared considerably in the last couple of weeks, and on Wednesday the surface water temperature was 58 degrees. Crappie have come up to about 4 feet depth, he said, and are biting well on jigs and minnows. Try a blue/white or a red/chartreuse jig.

Black bass have gotten up to the banks and anglers have been catching them on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Your best bet is a chartreuse color. Also, soft-plastic worms are working.

“Guys I know are catching catfish at night on minnows,” Ray added. These are both blue and channel cats.

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.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 3-12-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said Anglers are back and catching some crappie and catfish, both in good numbers.

The lake is low but no stumps are showing. It’s about halfway to full and she’s hoping the rain in the forecast will fill the lake up.

They’re catching both species by yo-yoing and some anglers are jig fishing. Catfishers are using yo-yos, limblines and jigs baited with minnows. For the go-to crappie jig, make sure it’s a brown/chartreuse color, she said.

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 3-12-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said spring break has sprung and the fishing community is welcoming visiting families to the beautiful Arkansas Ozarks for memory-making trout fishing. It’s brown trout season on the White River downstream from Bull Shoals Dam. Our anglers are pulling in more browns than rainbows this past week and the guides are going all-out to continue the catching

Fever.

No secret to what been tempting the browns: sculpins, shad and minnows. We’ve seen several trophy browns caught with the mighty sculpin and returned to their home waters this week. Get a quick picture before the release to serve as bragging rights and re-bait for your next catch. Handle with care.

Blue and Silver spoons are favored by the rainbows this week, along with a brown-skirted Rooster Tail. Try Sunrise or Orange power bait or pink/white Berkley mousetail worms if throwing spoons isn’t your style. Combining any of those with shrimp or crawdad tail has been an excellent way to reel in some great-sized fish.

Bull Shoals Lake is below desired power pool level at 655.48 feet msl. The lake is rising slowly from the rain and runoff this week but generation from Bull Shoals Dam has remained mostly at minimum flow.

Come visit the Arkansas Ozarks and share a great time each and every day enjoying and employing God’s great outdoors.

Calico Rock Area
(updated 3-12-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said the rains last Friday created a muddy river early this week. On Monday and Tuesda, drift-fishing was difficult. By Tuesday the brown trout bite was good using a Rapala Countdown CD7 in silver/black, Dynamic J-Spec Holofoil Silver and Dynamic HD silver/black.
“We were seeing many 20-inch-plus brown trout. By Wednesday the river cleared enough that drift-fishing with silver inline spinners, Uncommon Baits Neo Pink UV eggs and shrimp worked well. Overall, we are seeing better-than-average fish being caught after a winter of little fishing pressure.”
This week Jim Hinkle Spring River State Hatchery stocked 1,200 rainbows at the Calico Rock boat ramp, with additional stockings at Chessmond Ferry and Reds Landing.

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 3-12-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level has risen to 655 feet msl. Water temperature is 50-54 degrees, give or take.
“It looks like we have some more rain in the forecast. The big monsoon last weekend made the creeks dirty, moving the bait and the fish around. Fish are moving up on the bank. Look at early pre-spawn areas. Power fishermen are doing well cranking parallel the bank. A little color in the water helps.

Del says a Wiggle Wart and SPRO Rock Crawler Red Craw are working, as well as variants like the Mo Craw. “Look at steeper 45-degree, chunky, nasty rock and ledges, transition banks. Try covering water, stay in the wind. Clouds are ideal. If you’re in stained water, a Chatterbait and a spinnerbait will work.
Shad are everywhere and spread out again. Graphing will pay off. “A swimbait is all you need some days, or a Tater Shad fluke or your favorite minnow to shake around the shad. A Megabass Jerkbait is also working.”
If the conditions are clear water and it’s post-frontal flat and sunny, he suggests getting off the bank and try a Jewel Jig in green pumpking orange.. That’s working as well as a green pumpkin shaky head or a Ned rig. Target points at 5-25 feet.
“The white bass are running if you’re into that,” hesays. “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 3-12-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said walleye fishing patterns have not changed much this past week. Look for fish on and around known spawning sights. Fish shallow during the early mornings and on cloudy days in 2-6 feet of water and deeper in 8-15 feet water if there is little or no cloud cover.

Hair jigs (⅛-ounce to ⅜-ounce) and minnows or jigs and paddletails or ringworms work well after the sun comes up. Jerkbaits such as the 110 and 110+1 or +2 style in black and silver or clown colors are also good now.

If trolling, try stick baits like Rattlin’ Rogues in purple/chartreuse or black/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, now is the time to start going. 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 3-12-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says they have been finding crappie on all sections of the creeks. The crappie have been a little stingy with the water getting blown out. They’re seeing lots of small ones on brushpiles, but they’re finding some nice ones if you cover enough piles in 15-20 feet. Minnows have been working well and also Tater Bait jigs. There are a few roamers to look for.

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

(updated 3-12-2026) 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 3-12-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake has risen with the latest rains. The level is at 1,115.38 feet msl and slowing coming up. Water temperature in most areas is around 50 to mid-50s up in river arms. Lake clarity is muddy from the U.S. Highway 412 bridge to Hickory. Clears the further north you go.

Stripers have been getting better as spawning season approaches. Stripers will be moving south for the most part. There have been some good reports also from Prairie Creek and up to Rocky Branch, but most stripers are on the move south.

Bass have been in pre-spawn mode and are biting well. Look for secondary points further back in main arms that are located near known spawning areas.

Crappie are moving up, and some have been very shallow — less than 5 feet. They’re also still located on brush in 8-15 feet depth.
“Now for the big news: Water has risen, and the rivers rose fairly substantially, and that will start the beginning of the white bass runs and also hopefully drag walleye up into the shoals on the White and War Eagle arms. It will be interesting to see how the walleye respond. They are 30 days or so late from loading up on spawning shoals. Water temps were near 60 degrees, which is way above spawning temps at 53 or so.
“All in all, it looks like it will be on for all species once weather settles back a bit. Good luck and stay safe!”

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 3-12-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says fishing has been improving lately, although there are still a few slow days mixed in. Recent rains have helped bring water levels up and are slowly pushing water temperatures higher, which has helped increase fish activity throughout the system.

Walleye are beginning to move and stage as the spawn progresses. “We are seeing more consistent activity from them, especially around rocky areas and current breaks where fish tend to hold before and during the spawning process. As water temperature continues to rise, that bite should only continue to improve over the coming weeks.

“White bass are also starting to show up in better numbers, and anglers are beginning to catch them while targeting walleye. Their spring run should continue to build as conditions stay stable and the water warms.
“Overall, fishing is trending in the right direction. With warming temperature, rising water levels and spawning activity underway, the next few weeks should offer some of the best opportunities of the season for anglers getting out on the water.

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

Lake Charles
(updated 3-5-2026) Shelly Jeffery at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) had no reports of any catches lately and that the lake is still low. “We now have nightcrawlers and redworms along with a good bait selection at the Visitor Center,” she added.

The lake is murky, and water temperature was 53 degrees on Feb. 21. Call the park for any updates.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 3-12-2026) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park said Lake Poinsett remains very busy. There have been a lot of anglers out on the lake and coming through the State Park to buy bait. Minnows have been the primary seller. It was reported that the crappie here have mostly been biting on smaller minnows and lighter-colored jigs. There were reports of catfish being caught on the north end of the lake, and that there are clusters of fish around the shoreline now.

“If you are launching a boat on Lake Poinsett, I would suggest, if it is larger than a small flatbottom boat, that you launch from the dam ramp, as the State Park and Deckleman Road ramps have been reported to be shallow at this time.”

Spring River
(updated 3-12-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said the river is clearing up and he hoped it has come up a lot for my float trips. “More rain Wednesday and we need it! I will post report tomorrow evening!”

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for latest 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 3-12-2026) 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 3-12-2026) 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 3-12-2026) 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 3-12-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday that bass and crappie continue to move toward spawning areas. Lake elevation is about foot above normal pool and rising; Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 8,400 cfs and tailwater is near 236 feet and rising. Surface temps over the past week continue fluctuating, ranging 60 degrees early to 68 later in the day along Little River. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain and low visibility, ranging 10-15 inches; typical Millwood lighter stain is seen in the oxbows of Little River. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows this week is over 18 inches visibility.
Siefert had these fishing specifics:

* Largemouth bass activity levels continue to improve with recent warm days and increase of surface temperatures on Millwood Lake. Largemouth Bass are responding well and continue roaming flats and bedding areas. With the increased surface and lake pool temps again this week, and on warmer, sunny, afternoons, we are observing male bass, and a few very large females, roaming shallow in backs of flats outside creek channels, where spawning areas typically are located. Males continue searching out good bedding areas with a few beds beginning to show up. Females continue to be observed over the past week cruising grass and vegetation lines in the warmer flats and creek channels in and out of new Lily Pad blooms.

The increase of several degrees in these pockets along the main lake, bays and pockets along the Golf Course, all the way down the west end are beginning to warm. This time of year, 3-5ºF will make a big difference in the way the Bass will respond, and cruise in the backs of the creeks, and spawning flats near stumps and where you have emergent vegetation. Be flexible this time of year, and keep moving with search baits until you find the warmest, clearest water, away from muddy current of the river, as possible. In the back of the creeks, South Hickory pockets, and Millwood State Park, is where you can find the warmest water away from the muddy current of Little River, is the best bet to begin searching. New lily pads are now in bloom, and Alligators have been noted coming out of hibernation in many locations, we observed several from 8-12 feet in length sunning again this week.

Brazalo Lures’ Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs and 501 tandem willow blade spinnerbaits, are still drawing good reactions from male Largemouth and Kentucky Bass from 12-19″ 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 fresh lily pad blooms, using curly tail grub trailer, with best colors over the past couple weeks being White, Spot Remover, Millwood Mayhem Bream, and Firecraw colors, and using a split tail Bass Assassin 3″ FFS Split Tail Shad trailer on their Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs. Slow, stop & 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.

Along ledges and dropping structure into the 12-15′ depth range, heavy 3/4 and 1oz sized Rat-L-Traps in Red Shad, Red Chrome Craw, Millwood Magic, will draw random reactions in the 8-12 foot deeper drops on a slow, jigging, retrieve, and 3/8oz sized Chrome/blue Spinner Rat-L-Traps (i.e., the Tail Spinners) will get a reaction in lily pad stems, when the Bass roam into dead lily pads flats, of 4-8′ depths, on warmer, bright sun days, and will finesse well through the lily pad stems around vegetation. Red Chrome Crawfish, Red Chrome, or Natural Crawfish (46N), and 1-knocker Millwood Magic Rat-L-Traps were also getting a few reactions, from a few prespawn fish from 6-8 feet deep near vertical drops.

Bass Assassin Shads in Salt and Pepper Silver Phantom, Houdini, Panhandle Moon, and Chico’s Red Ear, in the 5-7″ Shad sizes, Texas rigged on small, light wire Owner hooks, will draw random reactions in heavy vegetation, or on stumps, and near Cypress tree knees, on warmer, sunny afternoons in the 3-6′ depth zones.

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, Mudd Lake, and Horseshoe oxbows where water temps are 3-5º higher. High sun and bluebird days can see movement in 3-5 feet of depths on the spawning flats, more especially male bass from 2-3lbs. Big female Largemouths have been observed this week cruising spawning flats, and are beginning to move out of deeper water. A few big fish have also been found in shallow grass, reeds, and vegetation, on warmest afternoons cruising shallow, as indicated by photos attached.

* White bass continue moving up Little River and were found again this week on primary and secondary points near deeper vertical drops into Little River from creek channels dumps into Little River. With the increase in surface temps into the mid 60ºs over the past week, around mid-day, these White Bass were found moving up Little River from McGuire up to Cemetery Slough and Wilton Landing, near Cossatot inflow. Mid-day and mid-afternoons, were best search periods on high sunny afternoons, and Bomber Fat Free Guppy’s, Fat Free Fingerlings in Tennessee Shad and Citrus Shad patterns, 1/2 Rat-L-Traps, Chuck’N Spins, Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3″ white grub, and Beetle Spins, were all working best.

The Migration of the White Bass up Little River for the annual spring spawn is beginning, and we are seeing a lot of action and anglers running up Little River to Wilton Landing. A few anglers we spoke with at Wilton Landing, said they caught around 30-40: 2 to 3.5lb sized White Bass schools near Wilton Landing and Patterson Shoals. They also said they caught 10-15 nice sized Kentucky (Spotted) Bass mixed in with the White Bass this week, hitting crankbaits in the same general vicinity as the Whites. Most definitely the White Bass are moving from Cemetery Slough and further upriver this week.Have greatly improved over the past week of increased water temperatures in the 5-12 foot depths on jigs. Crappie continue biting well this week and even hitting our Bass spinnerbaits in McGuire Oxbow this week and in Horseshoe Oxbow, as we were Bass fishing and we caught over 5-6 huge Crappie from 2-2.5lbs each on our spinnerbaits see photos attached. They have also improved 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 updated this week, and are reporting improved reactions over the past week. One day they are better on jigs & tubes, alternating with minnows, but that changes daily. Crawfish colored jigs, small grubs on light wire jig heads, Black & Chartreuse jigs, Southern Pro 1.5″ Hot Tubes, 2″ Crappie Stinger in Red/chartreuse/pearl, and Pro Series Lit’l Hustler Tubes in Cajun Cricket, or Mexican Sunrise were working fair 3 weeks ago. Lots of the Crappie we are seeing are still holding in the 10-11 feet deep zones on our brush piles, but we are beginning to see them move over the last week into the Cypress trees in 4-6′ depths.
* Catfish continue biting well on trotlines in Little River current, upriver, set between White Cliffs and McGuire Lake Oxbow this week. Catfish anglers had fairly good luck with channel cats using chicken gizzards, livers, hearts, and cut buffalo, set on trotlines in Little River from 9-15 feet deep in river current.

For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

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

(updated 3-12-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) reports that black bass can be caught in shallow on finesse worms, Carolina rigs, lipless crankbaits and square bills.

(updated 3-5-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reports that he’s been regularly fishing DeGray Lake, along with lakes Ouachita and Greeson the past couple of weeks. Water temperature is perfect. Black crappie are already spawning, while white crappie are still moving up onto staging brushpiles. Tightlining over the staging tops and casting jigs both have been productive.

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 3-12-2026) AGFC Fisheries staff note that if bass production in tournaments is any indication of how good the bass fishing is, Dierks Lake should definitely be among an angler’s target destinations. Based on results from the 2025 Arkansas Tournament Information Program Report, this lake in Howard and Sevier counties in southwest Arkansas was the state’s top tournament fishing destination last year. Biologists use data on the numbers of anglers, fish caught, average weights of fish and numbers of fish weighing 5 pounds or greater to develop key indicators of fishing quality. Those indicators are compiled into rankings for each body of water to help keep tabs on trends in tournament angling and offer anglers a peek into where they may want to schedule their next event.

While mainstays like Lake Dardanelle, Millwood Lake and Lake Ouachita continued to appear in the top rankings of the ATIPR, Dierks snuck into the report for the first time and did so in impressive fashion. During five tournaments at lake in 2025, the average winning weight was 20.77 pounds. Anglers also brought 22 fish to the scales in excess of 5 pounds, despite the low number of overall tournaments and tournament anglers.

“At 13,600 acres, Dierks is one of our smaller reservoirs, especially of those created by the [Army Corps of Engineers],” Eric Naas, Black Bass Biologist for the AGFC, said. “It’s tucked away in southwest Arkansas, so it’s sort of a hidden gem, but local anglers really enjoy fishing there. This is just the first time we had enough tournament results to include it in the rankings.”

Lake Greeson Tailwater
For the most updated Narrows Dam generation schedule from SWEPCO, click here.

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

(updated 3-5-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says he’s been doing his fishing among three major southwest Arkansas lakes: Greeson, DeGray and Ouachita. He reports that water temperature “is perfect.”

He says that black crappie are already spawning, while white crappie are still moving up onto staging brushpiles. Tightlining over the staging tops and casting jigs both have been productive.

White Oak Lake Area
(updated 3-12-2026) AGFC Fisheries Division biologists note the three largemouth bass that have been caught in the past month that qualified for the Arkansas Legacy Lunker program. All three were transferred to the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke. Since being renovated and reopened in 2013, Lower White Oak has been turning out a number of double-digit and near-double-digit bass, and the Legacy Lunker program is putting a new spotlight on that success.

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

(updated 3-12-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that the spring refill of both lakes Hamilton and Catherine are underway. Each lake will be refilled 6 inches per day until scheduled refill completion March 15. Water temperature below the dam has risen to 52 degrees with extremely muddy conditions due to local heavy rainfall and lake refilling. Enough water has been added to the tailrace to safely use the winter loading ramp, and the ramps adjacent to the fishing docks will be available for use in the next week or so.

Rainbow trout fishing has been terrible on Lake Catherine with the constant raising of the lake, as rising water is the death sentence for catching trout near the dam. Experienced guides always advise fishermen to target other species of fish in the tailrace in times of rising lake waters due to this hard fact. Until Lake Catherine is brought back to normal summertime pool, rainbow trout fishing will be extremely difficult.

The walleye spawn is in full gear in the tailrace, as male walleye have prepared the beds for the larger females since mid-February. These fish are spawning from the bridge to the dam on both banks and can be found by trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate shad or crawfish. Walleye in the 3- to 5-pound range have been caught using this method this past week, as the rising water doesn’t affect the bite. Tipping a jighead with a live minnow has proven to be effective in the deeper water around the bridge. These fish will be in the tailrace all the way through the month of May and can provide anglers exciting action in addition to some fine table fare.

Late March marks the beginning of the crappie migration to the dam for their yearly spawn. Jigs and live minnows will be the ticket to success in catching numbers of these fish as they congregate around sandbars and rock structure. Hopefully, the crappie and white bass spawn will be give anglers an opportunity to catch fish and somewhat make up for the huge void created by the lack of quality numbers of trout stocked in the lake. Catfish will migrate into the tailrace in early June to spawn, and these fish will greatly add to the chances of fishing success on Lake Catherine.

As always, Carpenter Dam park visitors must obey all rules and regulations and cooperate with law enforcement officials when asked.

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

Lake Hamilton
(updated 3-12-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) says that Lake Hamilton black bass can be caught in 1-8 feet of water on finesse worms, crankbaits and Chatterbaits.

(updated 3-5-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted earlier this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that the Phoenix Bass Fishing League tour was at Lake Hamilton last Saturday, and local angler Matt Baker tied for first in the event with an 18.3-pound bag of bass. Nicholas Brown’s 5-bass stringer of 18.3 pounds caught Baker, though Baker officially won more prize money after contingency awards. Keith Green caught 18.1 pounds for third, but even better, he caught an 8-pound, 12-ounce Big Bass, fishing with a half-ounce swimbait around boatdocks. Tenth place had 15.9 pounds.

Baker found his fish on the lower end of Hamilton, according to BFL reports, while Brown was fishing mid-lake. Both anglers reportedly found success in shallow water. Baker said he was fishing with a lipless crankbait and also had a Z-Man JackHammer Chatterbait on deck to throw for the low-light morning bite. He moved later to a War Eagle half-ounce jig targeting isolated wood that he said caught “better” fish, Kastner noted. He caught 25 fish he felt would be “keepers.”
Meanwhile, Brown said he targeted shallow, stained water that held any kind of structure and attacked with a lipless crankbait, bladed jig or swimming jigs. His best success started around 11:30 a.m. and finished up catching a couple near 3 p.m.

An Arkansas Legacy Lunker qualifier (topping 10 pounds) was recently caught on Hamilton by Todd Davis and donated to the AGFC.

Kastner said that Lake Hamilton is mostly clear. There are streaks of off-color water, but for the most part it is pretty clear and is refilling from its 5-foot winter drawdown. The heavy rain forecast to come in during the weekend “will change a lot of things real quick,” he said.

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 3-12-2026) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are good. Use a Carolina rig on main lake points near creek mouths. Stripers are very good and are being caught on C-10 Redfins and live bait near major creek basins in the western part of the lake. Crappie are 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 53-58 degrees. Water clarity is stained. The lake level at midweek was 572.43 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 3-12-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) has been fishing the major lakes between Arkadelphia and Hot Springs and reports that on Ouachita (as well as DeGray), black bass can be caught in shallow on finesse worms, Carolina rigs, lipless crankbaits and square bills.

(updated 3-5-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) reports that he’s been checking out Ouachita, DeGray and Greeson in recent days. Water temperature is perfect. Black crappie are already spawning, while white crappie are still moving up onto staging brushpiles. Tightlining over the staging tops and casting jigs both have been productive.

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. 2025, 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.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 3-12-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said, “The time has finally come to reopen Cook’s Lake for the fishing season starting this Friday and Saturday.
“Due to the level of the White River, Cook’s Lake remains low, but that could mean good fishing for black bass or crappie.”
Cook’s Lake is open both Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., but anglers are still encouraged to call ahead (501-404-2321) and let staff know they are coming.
Cook’s Lake is a 2.5-mile-long oxbow off of the White River, nestled in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge near Casscoe in Arkansas County, with black bass, crappie, bream and catfish. This fertile oxbow receives very little fishing pressure due to it being used only for education purposes and youth and mobility-impaired fishing. Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility-impaired anglers who must possess the AGFC mobility-impaired access permit, and up to two guests (who may also fish), during the specified fishing season. Fish from the 140-foot mobility-impaired accessible dock or launch a boat. Fishing will be allowed only on Fridays and Saturdays through August, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., water level pending. Before launching, please check in at the Nature Center classroom and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, please call the center at 501-404-2321.

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