Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

April 2, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Keith McDaniel forwarded a photo of himself and his grandson out doing some spring fishing on a sunny March 25 on Nimrod Lake, which is in Perry and Yell counties in west-central Arkansas. His grandson, 6-year-old Connor McDonagh, caught a 10-pound drum on his 3-foot Spider-Man pole. “He was happy about the biggest fish he ever caught,” McDaniel told us.

Send us your fishing photo to be included in the weekly report at jim.harris@agfc.ar.gov.

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 4-2-2026) AGFC staff in Mayflower note that while Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond is open for fishing in the immediate area, with bream and trout being reported among catches of late. The 70-acre pond has been stocked by the AGFC with mature bass, crappie, catfish and bream as well as rainbow trout for the cold weather months.

Lake Conway renovation is proceeding on schedule with the demolition of the old dam and plans in place for the new dam and weir. Read more here. 

Little Red River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website or by calling (501) 362-5150). Also check the Southwestern Power Administration website to see forecast generation schedule.

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

(updated 4-2-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Looks like we might finally get some much-needed rain rolling in this weekend. Forecasts are calling for up to a couple of inches starting Thursday evening, with Saturday shaping up to be a real soaker. Greers Ferry Lake is still sitting below power pool, so it could definitely use the boost.

“Lately, the Southwestern Power Administration has been releasing water due to power demand when temperature climbs into the upper 80s. These releases have mostly been late in the day — typically starting around 5 p.m. and running one unit for up to three hours. That said, the generation schedule has been anything but consistent. Some days we get no water at all, and there was even a surprise (not projected) release Tuesday night. Bottom line: Always check the USACE Little Rock app before heading out to see what’s planned (or if anything changed last minute).
“I’ll be straight with you — the bite’s been tough when they don’t run water for a few days. Most folks launching boats have been putting in at Lobo Landing because of the deeper water there, but it’s getting a lot of pressure. When they do run water, though, things improve quickly — the river just fishes better with some flow.
“With these low flows, the entire river is wide open for wading, which is a plus. Focus on deeper sections around moss beds or anywhere you can find a bit of current. Shoals and plunge pools are also worth your time.
“We’ve been seeing some solid caddis hatches on sunny days, especially as temps warm up mid-morning. When they start popping, it’s a great time to run your favorite caddis pattern under an indicator.”
He says the hot flies lately have been Sunday Specials, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles and midges.
“If you’re looking to get out there or want help dialing things in, give me a call or check out the website (linked above).”

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 4-2-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the fishing has stayed in a familiar pattern with the way the temperature has dipped around the past week. For 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 4-2-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said the fishing is slow this week. The water is still very low. Most stumps can be seen sticking out. “We need this rain.”

Two weeks ago, a couple of anglers managed to catch largemouth bass and crappie fishing from a boat further out on the lake. Crappie appeared about to spawn, they told her. No update on that this week, though.

Crappie two weeks ago were 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 were working for slightly deeper bass. 

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

What water is in the lake looks muddy and pollen covered.

For more updates, follow Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page. 

Lake Overcup
No updates.

Brewer Lake
No updates.

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 4-2-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said with the slight dip in temperature and the bounce back during the week, nothing much has changed in the fishing from last week. If this weather starts to hold, anglers could see some changes next 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 4-2-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said anglers have been catching some crappie and catfish, both in good numbers. 

The lake is low, but no stumps were 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 4-2-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “The trout bite has brought excitement to kids of every age this week — children, parents, grandparents, every angler on the White River. The water level has been lower during morning and early afternoon hours, with late afternoon releases bringing a rush of cold, clear water for a whole different fishing adventure. Daytime flows have remained fairly constant, which is good news; steady water levels cause less stress to the trout than frequent changes to the generation amounts. Bull Shoals Lake level was sitting Wednesday at 655.32 feet msl continuing to slowly drop.

Lots of success with spinners and spoons on the low water, best in the morning. The sparkle from gold or silver Cleos is attracting really nice-sized rainbows, and the nickel/gold Colorado or a 1/6-ounce Rooster Tail with a gold blade, yellow skirt is hard for the trout to resist.

Another hard hitter this week: jig fishing, mossy green with some peach or solid white, 1/8 ounce, will provide some strikes. You can experiment with shrimp, too, or with various colors of floating eggs and you’ll increase your catch count, but the action will be faster when you use them together.

Brown trout catches continue to delight the anglers around Cotter, mostly with live bait taken from the river (minnows, crawdads, sculpins), but more than one brown was hooked with shrimp and PowerBait.

Enjoy the best of spring with the best The Natural State has to offer: trout-catching on the White River in the Arkansas Ozarks. Come visit.

Calico Rock Area
(updated 4-2-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Another great week of fishing around Calico Rock. In the mornings we have been seeing water below 4 feet and clear, which is great for artificial lures. On these mornings, we started at the Calico Rock bridge and then fished downriver to stay ahead of rising water. Throwing quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold worked great for rainbows and the occasional brown trout. For larger browns and rainbows, Rapala Countdowns, CD5 or CD7, in brown trout or rainbow trout colors worked well. Additionally Dynamic HD lures in ghost brown or rainbow trout colors worked well. 

“In the afternoon, with the rising and dingy water, we were moving several miles upriver to find dropping and clearer water and changing to drift-fishing with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp. That resulted in some fat 16-inch-plus rainbows being caught. 

“North-central Arkansas is in a severe drought and we look forward to the rain coming on Friday and Saturday. As of now they are predicting over 1.5 inches of rain. The dry ground should soak up most of the rain, and we don’t expect there to be much effect on the river.”

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 4-2-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level is 655 feet msl; water temperature is around 58 degrees. “Looks like rain in the forecast; hopefully just not all at once. The lake is low. All right, April means easy bass fishing where everybody is catching on Bull Shoals. Moss is a little annoying. But the lake is fishing good.”
Look at early pre-spawn areas — areas where powerfishermen are still catching on the right day: wind/clouds/rain cranking parallel to the bank. A little color in the water helps. A Wiggle Wart and SPRO Craw green craws are working — don’t know for how much longer. Look at steeper, 45-degree, chunky, windblown, nasty rock and ledges and transition banks. If you’re in stained water, a Chatterbait and a spinnerbait will work. The shad are now everywhere and moving again. A small Tater swimbait is working, like a Tater Shad, traditional fluke or your favorite minnow to shake around the shad. 

If the conditions are clear water and post-front flat and sunny, get off the bank. The clear water has visibility up to 22 feet. Try a finesse Jewel; a Pee-Wee Jig in green pumpkin orange is working, and a green pumpkin shaky head and a Ned are also working. Look at points in 5-25 feet. 

The tube guys’ wobble headers and Carolina riggers are in play. They are starting to look down. 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 4-2-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the fishing this past week has been fair. Fishing patterns are still the same, as water temps have not changed much. We are still seeing a lot of male walleye swimming the spawning point shorelines at night. 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 like 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 4-2-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are starting to show up a little shallow and finding them on brush near spawning-type areas. Water temps are varying because of the unstable weather but hopefully we are almost past it. A 1/16-ounce jig and, of course, minnows under floats are working.

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

(updated 4-2-2026) 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 4-2-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake’s level of 1,115.58 feet msl (as of Wednesday) is pretty much unchanged from last week. The water temperature is in the 50s and climbing.

“Keeping fingers crossed that all things are coming together for a good spawn. We do not need a ton of water, only to have the Corps drop the lake at a crucial time.
“It has been a very off-year up the river arms so far for walleye and the white bass. Most of all the prime spawning shoals are too shallow to reach in a prop boat.
“We are expecting some rain in the coming days. My request is for a couple of inches and that would help a ton.
“Stripers are fair to good. Fish are still scattered from Camp War Eagle all the way down to Coppermine. Black bass are staging in all arms of the lake. Look at secondary points close to spawning areas.
“Crappie continue to move up. You can find them anywhere from 2 feet deep to 15 feet deep. That will continue until they’re committed to spawn.
“Walleye are fair. If you have a kayak or canoe, you can access the river at Wyman Road Access and drift down to the Highway 45 bridge and catch some walleye. White bass are staged up at Point 12 waiting for some good water flows to run upstream.
“Fishing is hitting that good time in April. Just cross your fingers that it doesn’t blow out with major rains. Stay safe and be aware as there are lots of boats and people enjoying the lake. Good luck!”

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 4-2-2026) 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 4-2-2026) Shelly Jeffery at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said that though the lake level remains low, the fishing for black bass, crappie and bream picked up this past week. Bass were good and interested in soft-plastic worms. Crappie were good and were biting crickets, live worms and plastics in all colors. Bream have become active recently, and the bite remained good this week on redworms and plastics. Bream are shallow, though that level describes much of the lake right now.

Surface water temperature on Monday afternoon was 67.4 degrees. The clarity is the usual murky.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 4-2-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said Lake Poinsett currently has fairly low water levels due to lack of substantial rain. However, anglers reported catching crappie in around 8 feet of water about an hour before sunset off of brushpiles found near the shorelines in the southern part of the lake. 

Bream fishing is making its presence known as well and many anglers have been spotted along the banks. Lake Poinsett State Park’s visitor center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every day and has a variety of live and artificial baits including minnows, crickets and worms.

Spring River
(updated 4-2-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said that late last week he and his anglers had a beautiful day. “The river is low and with cloudy clarity. We need rain to get the river levels up, but fishing has been good! Olive (color) was king today. We caught a bunch of ’bows with a few smallies.”

He said last week, “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.

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 4-2-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said they are selling a lot of shiners and crickets at the park. “We have heard the fishermen have been catching big crappie, some bream and some catfish for the month or March here at the lake. That little cool spell that we had slowed the fish down some, but they are starting back up with the crappie.”
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 4-2-2026) Southeast Arkansas AGFC biologists on March 30 completed the lake’s annual nighttime electrofishing sample. While no lunkers were caught (the lake did produce one entry into the Arkansas Legacy Lunker program in February), the biologists say the lake is trending in the right direction with ample forage stocked after its renovation. A healthy number of smaller fish were sampled. Catch rates exceeded both the regional average and the 2025 numbers.
The survey produced bass in the 6-pound range, but AGFC Biologist Ryan Mozisek and crew continue to track and value reports from local anglers who have documented catches of 8 pounds and larger, including the 10-plus pounder donated to Legacy Lunker, throughout the spring.
The lake’s forage base is booming. Biologists observed a high abundance of threadfin shad, redear sunfish and bluegill. More forage is more fuel for growth for the sport fish like bass and crappie.
The AGFC approved new fishing regulations for 2026 regarding the harvest of sport fish on Lake Monticello. 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 4-2-2026) 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 4-2-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday that the lake is about 5 inches above normal pool and stable at 259.6 feet msl. Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 785 cfs and tailwater is near 225 feet and stable. Surface temperature is ranging 65 degrees early to 71 later in the day along Little River, depending on location. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain and visibility, improving daily with reduced river current. Typical Millwood/Little River clarity ranges 10-12 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows continue improving daily as levels stabilize, and visibility in the oxbows ranges 15-30 inches in many locations. Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows have 20-30 inches visibility.

Siefert had these fishing specifics from this week:

* Over the past two weeks, largemouth bass activity levels have increased and they have been responding well to several reaction-style baits like spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits and soft plastics. The bass have been moving shallow, cruising flats and bedding areas, with numerous beds having been observed. 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 spawning areas are situated. Many of the bass are now post spawn and pulling out to the next drop zone and structure from the shallow flats. Bass continue searching deeper drops for forage and baitfish in creek channels and structure, and are moving in and out of new lily pad bloom stands and are easy to spook in clear water flats. The back of the creeks, Millwood State Park and the oxbows are where you can find the warmest water and are the best bets to begin searching. 

Brazalo Lures’ Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs and 501 tandem willow blade spinnerbaits have been working well and getting good reactions for several weeks from black bass in creek channels. They’ll continue getting reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and creek channel bends near vegetation and fresh lily pad blooms, especially using a curly tail grub trailer. Best colors over the past couple of weeks were white, Spot Remover and Millwood Mayhem Bream using a Bass Assassin 3-inch FFS Split Tail Shad trailer on their Strutter 2.0 Bladed Jigs. A slow, stop and go approach will draw random reactions if you are in fairly clear to moderate stained water fishing it at 1-4 feet of depth.

In the oxbows and along dropping structure into 9-10 feet depth, heavy ¾- and 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps in Red Chrome Craw or, Millwood Magic will draw random reactions in the 8- to 12-foot deeper drops on a slow, jigging retrieve. And ⅜-ounce sized chrome/blue Spinner Rat-L-Traps (i.e., the Tail Spinners) will get a reaction when the bass roam into new blooming lily pads flats of 4-8 feet depths on warmer, bright sunny days, and will finesse well through the lily pad stems around vegetation. Red Chrome Crawfish and Red Chrome or 1-knocker Millwood Magic Rat-L-Traps have also been getting a few reactions 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- to 7-inch shad sizes — Texas-rigged on small, light wire Owner hooks — continue drawing random reactions in heavy vegetation or on stumps, and near cypress tree knees on warmer, sunny afternoons in 6-8 feet depth.

* The migration of the white bass up Little River for the annual spring spawn is pretty much over, though 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 between McGuire Lake entrance and Brown’s Slough recently, said they caught around 40 white bass from 2-3.5 pounds in heavy schools between McGuire Lake entrance on Little River and Black’s Branch. 

With the increase in surface temps into the upper 60s over the past week, white bass were biting well along Little River near McGuire Lake entrance, Black’s Branch, Brown’s Slough and Wilton Landing. Mid-day and mid-afternoons were best search periods on high sunny afternoons. 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. 

* Crappie have greatly improved on jigs over the past two to three weeks with increased water temperature in the 5- to 12-foot depths. Crappie continue hitting our black plastic lizards and white spinnerbaits while we were bass fishing in McGuire and Horseshoe oxbows — we caught several larger crappie from 2-2.5 pounds each on our spinnerbaits again this week. They have also improved in planted brush from 10-12 feet of depth near Cottonshed campground, Okay Landing and Saline inflow in the main lake over the past week, but we are beginning to see them move over the last week into the cypress trees in 4-6 feet depth. Bonehead Tackle Stump Bugs in Slick Diablo, Blue Ice or Chartreuse Diablo are working on a 1/16-ounce Northland Tackle Tungsten Crappie King Jig, while a 2-inch Bonehead Brush Glider on the same jig, in Black Cherry Firetail, Bonfire Glow, Chartreuse Diablo or Cotton Candy, is working in planted brush on forward-facing sonar.

* Flathead and channel catfish have been biting well. And from two guys we visited with along Little River this week, they were catching 5- to 8-pound flatheads as well as blue cats on limblines, yo-yos and tightlining using a variety of cheese dough baits, chicken gizzards, cut buffalo or shad, and Blue Day bait.

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

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

(updated 4-2-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) reports that black bass can be caught on finesse worms and Carolina rigs in 5-15 feet water. Some can also be caught wacky-style. Some have also come on crankbait. Also, some white bass have been running the creeks as well, too, and can be caught on jighead shads and spoons. 

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.

(updated 4-2-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz noted that Greeson is the lowest of the major reservoirs in Arkansas right now, down 6.5 below full pool.

“We need the rain that’s coming this weekend. Hopefully it will put a little fresh water in the lakes and fill some of these reservoirs up a little bit.”

He also said, “Incredible time to live in central Arkansas. Lake temps are anywhere from the middle 60s, upper 60s even to low 70s, especially in the late afternoons in most pockets. The water is ridiculously clear for this time of year. It’s just rare to have a spring when you’re dealing with water this clear. The only exception to that is in the back of pockets when you’re dealing with pollen, but that’s not muddy water. The biggest thing we’re talking about is the red oak noodle pollen clusters that are falling in the lakes. If you look at any pine tree, you’re looking at a pollen bomb that’s about to explode. That makes it a little more difficult to fish in the backs of pockets when you have all those pollen clusters floating around. That’s what you’re fighting.”

Wednesday marked the full moon peak for April, and there will be some carryover in the nighttime sky over the next few days. “You get one of these a year. The peak of a full moon, the peak of the black bass spawn especially with the water levels and the water temperatures the way they are.”

White Oak Lake Area
(updated 4-2-2026) Three largemouth bass were caught earlier this year 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 4-2-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that the spring refill of both lakes Hamilton and Catherine is 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. 

Now that the lake is back at normal summertime pool, the rainbow trout bite is much more consistent. Despite the lack of numbers, trout are being caught from the bank and boat using nightcrawlers and redworms fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater. Rainbows are chasing threadfin shad, which is a main forage item in the tailrace. Casting jigs in a 1/16- and ⅛-ounce size around rock structure and sandbars in times of generation has taken limits of trout over the past week.

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. 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 through the month of May and can provide anglers with 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 due to major losses last year at two trout hatcheries. 

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.”

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 4-2-2026) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are excellent. Use a Carolina rig on main lake points near creek mouths, or a floating worm/Zoom Dinger up shallow. 

Walleye are fair, but few reports at this time; green soft plastics or Rapala Shad Raps fished in the 10- to 14-foot range.

Stripers are excellent and are being caught on C-10 Redfins and live bait near major creek basins in the western part of the lake. 

Crappie are very good. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 10- to 20-foot range.
For catfish, trotlines and jugs are producing some quality catches in the 15- to 30-foot range.

Water temperature is ranging 58-62 degrees. Water clarity is clearing. The lake level Thursday was 572.90 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(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.”

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 4-2-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said there were no anglers last week, but the lake is still holding steady and will be open for fishing this Friday and Saturday — though rain is on the way.
Last week, when the water temperature had jumped up to 63 degrees, Wil expected that more fish had pulled up near the shoreline.
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.