Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

March 26, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Millwood produces another Legacy Lunker as contest winds down

With five days remaining on the first Arkansas Legacy Lunker contest, an 18th Lunker was caught Thursday, this time from Millwood Lake in southwestern Arkansas, between Ashdown and Hope. It marks the second largemouth bass of over 10 pounds to be taken at Millwood Lake during the Legacy Lunker donation period.

Justin Rogers, a regular Millwood angler, hauled in a bass weighing 10.36 pounds to qualify as a Legacy Lunker.

The first Legacy Lunker to be caught on Millwood occurred on Jan. 16, when Jeff Pate pulled in an 11.10-pound largemouth. 

Rogers caught his bass and, seeing that it topped 10 pounds on his scale, immediately called the Legacy Lunker hotline at 833-948-BASS to report his catch. Rogers’ fish was measured by Eric Naas, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Black Bass Biologist, at Yarborough Access on Millwood and was transported to the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke to join 15 other official entries (one fish died after it qualified) in the contest, plus another 10-plus pounder that was caught on DeGray Lake and donated by AGFC Fisheries Division biologist Ethan Stokes, who isn’t eligible for the Legacy Lunker grand prize because he’s an employee of the agency. But the biologists at the Hogan Hatchery gladly accepted his donation of the fish to the program, which is designed to help improve the production of trophy-size bass in Arkansas lakes.

For donating his fish, Justin Rogers will receive a replica mount to commemorate his catch, courtesy of Harper’s Pure Country Taxidermy of Mountain Home. He also has a chance to win a fully rigged X21 Pro Xpress Boat donated by Xpress Boats of Hot Springs.

Thank you, Justin, for donating your catch to the Arkansas Legacy Lunker program and allowing the hatchery staff at the Hogan Hatchery to use your bass to improve trophy bass potential in Millwood Lake and other Arkansas Lakes. Each bass caught provides eggs that are spawned at the Hogan Hatchery with Titan MAXX males obtained by the AGFC from Red Hill Fishery in Georgia; the lunker is returned to the lake where caught and her fingerlings are also stocked in that same lake.

The contest, which began Jan. 1, concludes Sunday. Learn more about the program at www.agfc.com/legacylunker.

2026 Legacy Lunker Catches (as of March 26)

Kevin Riney, 12.04 pounds, Lake Austell, Jan. 10

Kyle Lochridge, 10.16 pounds, Lake Austell, Jan. 15

Dylan Riney, 11.65 pounds, Lake Austell, Jan. 15

Jeff Pate, 11.10 pounds, Millwood Lake, Jan. 16

Trace Loe, 11.16 pounds, DeGray Lake, Feb. 1

Levi Loe, 12.63 pounds, DeGray Lake, Feb. 1

Bryer Pennington, 10.45 pounds, Lower White Oak Lake, Feb. 14

Bryer Pennington, 10.11 pounds, Lower White Oak Lake, Feb. 15

Brian Widener, 10.36 pounds, Lower White Oak Lake, Feb. 21

Rod Martinez, 10.22 pounds, Lake Monticello, Feb. 21

Todd Davis, 10.72 pounds, DeGray Lake, Feb. 28

Ethan Stokes*, 10.55 pounds, DeGray Lake, March 1

Mickey Glover, 10.07 pounds, Lake Atkins, March 6

Michael Elmore, 11.35 pounds, Lake Hamilton, March 9

Bennett Bullard, 10.27 pounds, Lake Ouachita, March 14

Chris Darby, 10.02 pounds, Lake Ouachita, March 22

Michael Rollon, 11.85 pounds, DeGray Lake, March 24

Justin Rogers, 10.36 pounds, Millwood Lake, March 26 

*-not eligible for prizes

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 3-26-2026) 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

(updated 3-26-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Things are starting to warm up here in Arkansas, and it looks like we’re heading into the upper 80s by Thursday. With that kind of heat, we’re expecting to see some water moving. The USACE Little Rock app is projecting a release from Greers Ferry Dam Thursday evening — about one unit for roughly three hours.
“That said, the Southwestern Power Administration has been pretty conservative lately. Greers Ferry Lake is still sitting below power pool, and with the lack of spring rainfall, water has been limited. Moving forward, I’d expect generation to happen more on those warmer days. Let’s all hope April brings us some much-needed rain.

“Now, let’s talk fishing: The trout bite has been good — even without much generation. As always, things improve when they start moving water, but there are still plenty of opportunities out there right now.

“With these low flows, focus on oxygen-rich shoals and plunge pools just below them. Target deeper sections, especially around moss beds. The low water has made for excellent wade fishing conditions all along the river, so it’s a great time to get out and explore on foot.
“We’re seeing caddis starting to hatch once the sun gets up and temps warm — mostly midmorning. Keep an eye out for that activity.
“Hot flies right now (under an indicator are caddis patterns, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, midges and San Juan Worms.

“If you’ve been thinking about getting out, now’s a great time. Good conditions, solid bite and plenty of fish to be had.”

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 3-26-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said that anglers fishing for black bass (both largemouth and smallmouth), focus on 45-degree banks and throw a SPRO Rock Crawler. Also, spinnerbaits like a natural shad color (off-white) will work. A double willow blade shape would be a good choice for spinner.

Also give 5- to 6-inch swimbaits at try up shallow. If you’re around clear water, look for beds in 3-5 feet and throw a white or watermelon weightless soft plastic.

White bass have been doing well in mainly Salt Creek, Hill Creek and in Middle Fork. They’re being caught on 3-inch white swimbaits with an 1/8-ounce or 3/16-ounce jighead.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 3-26-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said a couple of anglers last week caught largemouth bass and crappie fishing from a boat further out on the lake. Crappie appear about to spawn, they told her.

Crappie this week are being caught off the bank and also being caught in 3-foot depth out on the lake using minnows. Largemouths are biting close to the surface. Grape-colored plastic worms also will work for slightly deeper bass.

Some catfish are starting to get active and are biting crappie anglers’ minnows. Some of the catfish ranged from 2 to 5 pounds.

The water looks muddy and pollen covered. The water level remains low.

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 3-26-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the water temperature Thursday was ranging 54-56 degrees. The lake is slightly higher, but 7.15 feet below normal pool. New boat ramps are open; they suggest trimming your motor, however.

The largemouth bass bite has been fair. Reports have anglers catching them in 2-8 feet of water. The spawn should be happening soon. Try using square bills and spinnerbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) have been good. They’re mixed in with the largemouth at 2-8 feet depth and also some at 12 feet. Use spinnerbaits and jigs.

White bass are fair. There have been some reports of anglers catching males west of the bridge last weekend. There are also reports of white bass out in the main lake off the banks. Try Twister tails, jigs, spoons or shad-imitating lures.

Crappie have been fair. They are anywhere from 4-30 feet. Try minnows and jigs.

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 3-26-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said anglers are catching good numbers of fish now that it’s warmed back up, and bass have been doing really well in the past couple of weeks.

Bass are active in 2-2.5 feet of water. The river is clear and normal level. Anglers have reported bass ranging from 3-5 pounds being caught. The bass are being caught on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Go with a color that includes chartreuse for both baits.

Decent-sized crappie are biting in about 3 feet of water. They’re being caught on minnows and on jigs (either blue/white and red/chartreuse).

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 3-26-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the fishing has been pretty good on the river this past week. For bass, they’re still mainly going to be found biting in the backwaters. Your best bet is throwing a white Chatterbait toward the insides of the jetties. And then, up on the bank, try throwing a black-and-blue jig around the grass and the wood with a green pumpkin trailer. Also, in some areas in the backwaters, black bass are going to start getting on beds. So, go with a weightless tube or a weightless worm in a bright color around those areas.

The crappie will also be most active now in the backwaters. They’re going to be shallow as well, so go with a black-and-chartreuse crappie jig with a 1/16-ounce jighead. You’ll find them shallow around grass or other cover.

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 3-26-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Visit the White River in Arkansas Ozark country and take some time to slow down and enjoy spring break like a kid.”

They report that Bull Shoals Dam is continuing slow releases from the lake with a daily norm of around one generator, about 3,300 cfs. Lake level is 656.08 feet msl.
“Keep your bait closer to the bottom and expect the bite nearer the bank. This week the rainbows have been turning to lemon-lime-colored baits; chartreuse might be close enough. That’s the entomology for both fly- and spin-fishers. The old faithful baits — red-gold Thomas Buoyant Spoon and rainbow Rapalas — were causing a splash this past week as well as rainbow-colored Rooster Tails with yellow skirts.

“The browns kept us busy this week, too. Find some really nice sculpins and you’ll attract some really nice browns. They’ve been moving downriver since the end of the spawn and are a little more scattered than earlier in the year. Chances are good for a trophy brown in lots of new places.

“Whatever form your fishing takes, bring it to the river and enjoy Arkansas, The Natural State.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 3-26-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “For most of the week we saw water levels varying between 3.5 and 6 feet except for Monday and Tuesday, where we saw water stay under 4 feet. In the morning before the rising water arrives, we are doing well fishing quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold. The bite is good if you stay just ahead of the rising water. Once the rise passes, there is a lull in fishing for about an hour before the trout start biting again.

With the higher water, drift-fishing with silver inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV neo-pink eggs with shrimp or corn worked well. We have seen some success drift-fishing with sculpins. Sculpins are on the bigger rainbow and brown trout favorite meal list. Using sculpins we have seen several 3-plus-pound rainbows to include one topping out over 5 pounds and also several brown trout over 20 inches, with a few over 25 inches.

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 3-26-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is 656 feet msl, while water temperature is around 56 degrees. “Fronts have the fish moving around. We could use a little rain, just not all at once. Look at early pre-spawn areas, areas with deep water nearby where they can drop down when it gets cold.”
Powerfishermen are still catching on the right day (wind/clouds) cranking parallel to the shoreline. A little color in the water helps. A Wiggle Wart and SPRO Rock Crawler green craws are working, as well as variants like the Mo Craw. Look at steeper, 45-degree, chunky, nasty rock and ledges and transition banks. If you’re in stained water, a Chatterbait and a spinner bait will work.

The shad are everywhere and spread out again; graphing will pay off. A small Tater swimbait is working — try a Tater Shad, traditional fluke or your favorite minnow to shake around the shad. A Megabass jerkbait is also working. If the conditions are clear water and post-front flat and sunny, get off the shoreline — the clear water has visibility up to 22 feet. Try a finesse Jewel Peewee Jig in green pumpkin orange, or use a green pumpkin shaky head or a Ned rig. They’re all working, and focus on points in 5-25 feet.

The white bass are running if you’re into that. 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 3-26-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the fishing this past week has been fair. Fishing patterns are still the same. Look for fish on and around known 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.

Hair jigs (1/8 to 3/8 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 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 — 1.0 to 1.5 mph seems to work best. Look for an open water trolling bite to start soon as the walleye start to migrate back to the summer holding spots. Deep-diving crankbait like Bandits, Rapala Tail Dancers (size 11) and Reef Runners trolled over the flooded forest along the old river channel will get some nice fish.

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 at night is the key.

(updated 3-26-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says

crappie are in creeks on brush and structure. They are also roaming. Some males are getting gray, which means we aren’t too far away from the start of the spawn as long as mother nature doesn’t keep bringing cold fronts.

Crappie have been caught on jigs and minnows — a 1/16-ounce jig tipped with a Small Fry bait has been working well.
“We’ve been having awesome luck with the Tater Baits Crown Royale 101 color.”

Norfork Lake

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

(updated 3-26-2026) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina. He offered this pointers 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 3-26-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said

Beaver Lake level is 1,115.73 feet msl, down some from last week. Water temperature is right around 50 degrees and warmer on the south end.

Stripers are good. Look around the islands at Prairie Creek and down south toward Horseshoe and further up the War Eagle. Fish are moving as they mostly do. Stripers will be heading south in numbers. Trust your electronics and don’t fish an area if you do not see bait.

Crappie continue to stage and are very close to commitment to the banks. Look for structure anywhere from 5 to 15 feet deep. “Hopefully the stars will align and water will rise and temps hold steady and the Corps of Engineers holds some water. Lots of if’s, but I am hoping for a stellar spawn as we need it.
“Black bass, just like crappie, are staging. Look around secondary points towards backs of any arms of lake that have good spawning habitat. I have heard of some good smallmouth as of late being caught.
“White bass are good in the Point 12 area and will bolt upstream on the next rise.

“Walleye are here and there. They need some water movement to pull further up the river arms.
“It’s a great time to be on the lake. Stay safe and have some patience as it gets busy.”

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 3-26-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says fishing conditions continue to trend upward, with only a few slower days mixed in. Recent rainfall has improved water levels, and the shift toward warmer weather is helping push water temperatures up, leading to increased overall fish activity.

“Walleye are now transitioning out of the spawn, with many fish moving into a close-to post-spawn phase. We are actively catching post-spawn females, confirming that progression. Males are still holding shallow over chunk rock, but more fish are beginning to slide out and reposition as they recover and start feeding more consistently.

“With warming conditions sticking around, this transition should continue to build momentum, and the bite should become more reliable day by day.

“White bass are also showing up in better numbers. Anglers are starting to connect with them more frequently while targeting other species, and their spring run should continue to strengthen as temperatures rise and flows remain steady.
“The trout bite has stayed consistent. Most fish are still being caught on Pautzke products, and there have been some quality fish in the mix, including several in the 20- to 24-inch range.
“Overall, everything is lining up well. With warming weather, improving water conditions, and fish moving into post-spawn patterns, the coming weeks should offer solid opportunities for anglers getting on the water.”

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

Lake Charles

(updated 3-26-2026) Shelly Jeffery at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said bream started biting last week and crappie continued to bite well. The water remains low and most areas are shallow. That seemed to work great for picking up some bream on redworms and crickets, especially around the shoreline. The bite was good. Crappie also were good, with anglers using minnows.

There were no reports on black bass, white bass or catfish.
The water is the usual murky, and water temperature Sunday at midday was 63.8 degrees.

Lake Poinsett

(updated 3-26-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said Lake Poinsett has been incredibly busy. Boats and bank anglers alike are trying to land the big one.
From some of the campers at Lake Poinsett State Park, it was revealed that crappie were found in about 8 feet of water near the brushpiles. They were staying in or near the piles through the day and started to venture out just before dark. It was reported that the crappie were hitting on smaller minnows and minnow-colored jigs.

Bream have also started moving a bit in the shallows, but no detailed reports have been given as of yet. Bass and catfish have similarly not received any specific details so far this year.

Lake Poinsett State Park visitor center is also a bait shop selling minnows, worms, crickets, frozen shrimp/liver/shad, dough and stink baits, and various artificial baits as well. The visitor center is open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Spring River

(updated 3-19-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said Thursday that the river “looks real good.” Water levels are running at 310 cfs (350 cfs is average), and water clarity is a little murky. “We still need more rain. It’s been a tough year to get a boat down the river! We need more rain. If you’re wade fishing, it’s perfect.

“Well, I’m booked up for April now. If you want to chase smallies, text me to get on my calendar. Still plenty of openings in May and through summer. Water is still too low to get down through the smallie section. But I’m sure rain is on the way. It’s that time of year!”

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for updates, videos (March 18th’s video can also be found at https://youtu.be/1jduiXF2asU?feature=shared) and latest 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.

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 flat bottom 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 3-19-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said Wednesday that they had a great day with olive Woollies. “I was busy over the weekend and had several calls about what they were biting on. The recent rain has got the water levels up a lot, but we could use more. The river looks great, with a heavy green tint. Olive Woollies were about the only fly we used (Wednesday). It was hot all day. The sun came out and we had to get the fly down, but no problem getting the fish to bite today.”

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 3-26-2026) 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 3-26-2026) 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 3-26-2026) 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 3-26-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday morning that “big largemouth bass are on the move to the beds, crappie are biting with a vengeance near cypress trees, and white bass are feeding like there’s no tomorrow!”

Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday is near normal pool and stable at 259.3 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 700 cfs and the tailwater is near 225 feet and falling. Surface temps are ranging in 63 degrees early to 69 later in the day along Little River, depending on location. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain with visibility improving daily with reduced river current. Typical Little River visibility ranges 8-12 inches depending on location. Clarity and visibility of the oxbows continues improving daily as the level stabilizes, and visibility in the oxbows is ranging 15-30 inches in many locations. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire continues to be good this week with over 18 inches visibility. Further up Little River from White Cliffs to Cossatot inflow at Wilton Landing remains more heavily stained, and with more current.

Siefert had these specifics on the fishing this past week and best baits to use:

* Largemouth bass continue to respond well and are moving to shallow cruising flats and bedding areas. With the increased surface and lake pool temps again this week, and on warmer, sunny afternoons, we continue seeing male bass and a few very large females roaming shallow in backs of flats outside creek channels where there are spawning areas.

Bass will respond to a variety of lures. The back of the creeks, Millwood State Park and the oxbows are where you can find the warmest water away from the muddy current of Little River, and your best bet to begin searching. New lily pads are now in bloom.

Brazalo Lures’ Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs and 501 tandem willow blade spinnerbaits continue working well for black bass from 12-19 inches in backs of creek channels. They’ll continue getting reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and creek channel flats and bends using curly tail grub trailer, with best colors over the past couple weeks being white, Spot Remover and Millwood Mayhem Bream and using a Bass Assassin 3-inch FFS Split Tail Shad trailer on their Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs. Slow, stop and go will draw random reactions if you are in fairly clear to moderate stained water from 1-4 feet of depth.

In the oxbows, and along dropping structure into the 9- to 10-foot depth range, heavy ¾- and 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps in Red Shad, Red Chrome Craw and Millwood Magic will draw random reactions in the 8- to 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 in lily pad stems when the bass roam into new blooming flats. 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 pre-spawn fish from 6-8 feet deep near vertical drops.
Magnum Lizards (5-8 inches), Zoom Trick Worms, Dingers and Salty Rat Tails are starting to get good reactions. June bug/blue tail, Cotton Candy/Chartreuse, 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. On high sun and bluebird days, you can see movement in 3-5 feet depth on the spawning flats, especially male bass from 2-3 pounds. 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 the warmest afternoons.

* White bass are still on the move all along creek dumps into the river, and we are finding nice healthy 2- to 3-pounders from Cemetery Slough all the way up Little River past Wilton Landing. These big white bass are moving up and downriver again this week on primary and secondary points near deeper vertical drops into Little River from creek channels dumps. With the increase in surface temps into the mid-60s over the past week, they were biting well along Little River near McGuire Lake entrance, Wilton Landing and Cossatot inflow. Midday and mid-afternoons were best search periods on high sunny afternoons, and Bomber Fat Free Guppy, Fat Free Fingerlings in Tennessee Shad and Citrus Shad patterns, H&H Spinnerbaits, half-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Chuck’N Spins, Rooster Tails, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, UnderSpins with a 3-inch white grub, and Beetle Spins are all working.

We are seeing a lot of action and anglers running up and down Little River between Cemetery Slough and Wilton Landing. A few other anglers we spoke with said they caught around 40 white bass from 2-3.5 pounds in heavy schools between the McGuire Lake entrance on Little River and Black’s Branch.

* Crappie have greatly improved over the past 2-3 weeks with increased water temperatures in the 5- to 12-foot depths on jigs. Crappie continue biting well this week and even continue hitting our black plastic lizards and white spinnerbaits in McGuire oxbow and in Horseshoe Oxbow while we were bass fishing. We caught several more huge crappie from 2-2.5 pounds each on our spinnerbaits again this week. They have also improved in planted brush in 10-12 feet depth near Cottonshed Campground, Okay Landing and Saline inflow in the main lake, but we are beginning to see them move over the last week into the cypress trees in 4-6 feet depths.
* Flathead catfish were beginning to shallow up in Little River above Wilton Landing this week on limblines, yo-yos and tightlining using a variety of cheese dough baits, chicken gizzards, cut buffalo or shad and Blue Day bait, according to several catfishermen we spoke with at Wilton.

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

DeGray Lake

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

(updated 3-26-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) reports that black bass can be caught on Carolina rigs in 6-20 ft of water as well as crankbaits. Wacky worms and Neko rigs have been productive as well. Some crappie have started to move up to spawn, but they can be caught in water from 2-20 feet on brushpiles using jigs.

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 3-26-2026) 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 the 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.

No updates.

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 3-26-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that the spring refill of both lakes Hamilton and Catherine is now complete. Water temperature below the dam has risen to 56 degrees with clear conditions from the dam to the bridge. All loading ramps in the Carpenter Dam tailrace are available and safe to launch boats in current and slackwater conditions.

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. Ten full days of consistent water levels and much warmer temperatures have slowly brought the trout bite back into existence. 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.

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 3-5 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 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, people visiting the Carpenter Dam Park 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 3-26-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said Wednesday on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that spring has sprung and the main channel on Lake Hamilton is 65 degrees (as of Wednesday evening, with Lake Ouachita also being at 67 degrees in its main channel) and “it’s just unbelievable this time of year where you’ve got that main channel for those temperatures, which means the creeks are warmer, or colder in the morning obviously, it just depends on when you are fishing. The water color is ridiculously clear, very clear because of the lack of rain. We’re talking about ridiculous amounts of lack of rain for this time of year. The pollen needs to be talked about. If you’re trying to float a worm in the back of pockets, it’s hard to do with red oak noodles. They’re still on the trees right now. You can float a worm wherever you want and be good. But next week, it’s going to be a lot more difficult.

“So, float a worm right now. A Senko in the back of pockets is still the way to catch fish.

That’s going to be a lot more difficult next week.

“The full moon is April 1, just one week away. All of the white bass are running in most of the major creeks. You’ve just got to be able to get back there and fight the pollen.”

(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.

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 3-26-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) reports that black bass on Lake Ouachita can be caught on Neko rig as well as wacky worms. They also can be caught on Carolina rigs and jigs in 8-20 feet of water. Some have come off of jerkbaits as well as lipless crankbaits. Some bass are on beds. Should get better toward the full moon.

(updated 3-26-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said Wednesday, “As you probably know, the crappie are in full spawning mode. Lower lake level is forcing us to fish shallower over the staging brushpiles. We are catching most of our crappie 5 feet deep on habitat in 11-15 feet of water. Some days are better than others, so don’t become discouraged and watch for the three major keys to springtime crappie: water temp, length of daylight and stable weather. Fish On and be safe!”

(updated 3-19-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said that next two weeks is the time to use an excuse to be sick and get out fishing in any of the major lakes near Hot Springs. “This goofy front that came through has put water temps anywhere from 55-65 degrees. A 10-degree variance. But what we’re talking about in the next few days, we’re talking about temperatures in the 70s and 80s and possibly 90s and that will set everything into full-blown spawn season. Water color is very clear in most of the main channels of the lakes. You can find off-color in the creeks. It’s streaky. It really is. We haven’t had that much hard rain yet, thank goodness”

He notes that most of the lakes are below full pool, with Ouachita 5 feet below normal pool. DeGray is just short of 2 feet. Hamilton, he pointed out, is finally at full pool from its winter drawdown, reaching the normal level on Tuesday.
“This is the big deal, you gotta pay attention to the moon phases. And I know that it’s kinda hokey maybe, maybe not. I don’t think it is. This Wednesday night (May 18) is the new moon, there will be no moon. The full moon is April 1. So we’re talking about less than two weeks, just right around the corner, peak of the spawn on all of these lakes as long as we don’t have any goofy weather going through.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re going after white bass, black bass, crappie, it really doesn’t matter, the peak of the spawn is going to be the full moon April 1.”

(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.

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.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 3-26-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Potlatch Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said, “The lake is still holding steady. Last weekend the water temperature was 63 degrees and a few anglers reported catching a few crappie up shallow. We have had a nice warm week, so I expect the temp has increased and more fish have pulled up near shore.
“We will be open again this Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for those willing to give it a try!”
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.