Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

April 16, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

The Legacy Lunker catch-and-donation period may be over, but the big bass are still biting at Lake Monticello and around the state. Shannon Franks, fishing with her husband Gene Franks Sunday afternoon at the 1,500-acre renovated lake in southeast Arkansas, caught this bass that weighed 10-plus pounds, according to Gene in the information he sent along with the photo. Shannon was using a floating worm to catch the lunker.

In February, Rod Martinez of Benton caught a bass that weighed 10.22 pounds and qualified for the Legacy Lunker program. His donation of the fish was delivered to the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke to be spawned this spring with a male Titan Maxx Florida bass purchased by the AGFC from Red Hills Fishery in Georgia.

Arkansas’s first Legacy Lunker program competition ran from Jan. 1 to March 31. The winner will be announced later this year at a banquet that will also highlight all 19 fish that were caught during the competition period from various Arkansas lakes. Each donation had to weigh at least 10 pounds, verified by an AGFC biologist, to qualify.

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: https://www.weather.gov/lzk/wxcntl4.htm

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: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/state/Arkansas/

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 4-16-2026) 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 4-16-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “We had a forecast this past week calling for a few chances of rain, but unfortunately we didn’t get the rainfall we really need. I’ve been hearing Arkansas is around 25 inches short of getting out of this drought, so hopefully we start seeing some of that soon.
“Right now, Greers Ferry Lake is sitting about 6 feet below power pool, currently at 456 feet msl with power pool at 462.00. That’s definitely low for this time of year, and it’s had a direct impact on what’s going on below the dam.
“Because of the drought, we’re not seeing those typical springtime generation patterns. The schedule has been pretty hit or miss — honestly, more miss than hit. Over the past few weeks, there have been times where the Southwestern Power Administration has only run water one day out of the entire week. That’s mainly due to lower power demand and the mild weather we’ve been having.
“Now that the temperature is starting to creep up into the low to mid-80s, we’re beginning to see a slight increase in water releases. Looking ahead, the forecast is calling for more warm days in that same range, but still not much in the way of rain. With that said, I do think we’ll start seeing SWPA run a bit more water, which would be great news for the Little Red River. It’s been a while since we’ve had any kind of consistent generation schedule.
“As always, be sure to check the Army Corps of Engineers’ Little Rock app before heading out so you know if water is scheduled to run or if they’ve already generated. Fishing is almost always better when there’s some flow, so if you see water coming, try to time it and fish that falling water.
“The low flows we’ve had this spring have actually made for some excellent wade fishing up and down the river. Normally this time of year, wadable water is limited, so it’s been nice to be able to get out and cover more ground on foot — definitely a good time to break out the waders.
“With the low water, Lobo Landing has been getting a lot of pressure from boats because it holds some of the deeper water. If they do start releasing water, I’d recommend putting in further downstream. Those stretches have been fishing well, especially after a few days without generation.
“As for bugs, the caddis are starting to come off, especially on those warm, sunny afternoons. Now’s a great time to throw your favorite caddis patterns. Hot flies lately have been caddis patterns, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, midges, San Juan Worms and egg patterns.
“Focus on any water with a little bit of flow. Target shoals and the plunge pools below them, and don’t overlook the deeper runs around the moss beds — those areas have been holding fish.

“Good luck out there, and hopefully we’ll see some rain soon!”

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 4-9-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said the fishing is still slow again this week. Not many people were fishing and ones who did weren’t catching much. The water is still very low and they did not get enough rain, she said. Most stumps can be seen sticking out. The clarity of the water is dingy with the pollen.

Three 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.

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

Lake Maumelle
(updated 4-16-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said water temperature is steady, ranging around 65-68 degrees this week. The lake level has fallen incrementally to 7.51 feet below normal pool.

New ramps are open, but WestRock urges boaters to trim their motor.

The black bass bite is fair. Largemouth are being caught in 2-8 feet. The spawn should be underway. Try fishing with square bills, spinnerbaits, Senkos and Texas-rigged worms. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) had a good bite over the weekend, with anglers reporting several catches, but it slowed a bit during this week. You’ll find spots mixed in with the largemouth in that 2-8 feet range, as well as at 12 feet. Spinnerbaits work well for spots, too, as will jigs.

Crappie remain fair this week. It’s been a tough bite, but anglers are catching small ones when they find them anywhere from 10-20 feet. Minnows and jigs are your best bets.

White bass in the lake have not been reported the past couple of weeks. But they’re out there and might take to Twister Tails, jigs, spoons and shad-imitating lures. Also, there were no reports this week of bream, although several folks were out fishing for them with live bait. Jigs and worms are best.

And catfish catches aren’t being reported either. But you can give them a go with bream, liver or worms.

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 4-16-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said just about everything is going in terms of fishing right now. The water is normal and clear. He didn’t know the specific temp but figured with the way the fishing was going, it was just right.

Crappie are being caught in 2-3 feet of water. Minnows and mainly jigs are the way to go. Try red/chartreuse and Monkey Milk for jig color.

Black bass are definitely up around the bank and about the spawn, he said. They’re being caught on chartreuse crankbaits and chartreuse spinnerbaits.

Bream haven’t really started to bed yet, Ray said, but there have been a few bream caught. Crickets and worms are working. A few people are catching catfish. They’re being caught on hot dogs and liver. Some are also catching a few on shiners. Fish deep. 

One angler “had a pretty nice mess of white bass” that were caught running up the river. He was using shad-looking crankbaits, Ray said.

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 4-16-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “It’s been a great week on the White — the water was consistently low and remained at a steady level, not rising or dropping too often. That changed (Tuesday), though. We’re beginning to see heavy generation in the late afternoon, up to 18,000 cfs for an hour or two. Bull Shoals Lake is continuing to slowly drop, at 655.1 feet msl.
“The trout fishing has been phenomenal, the catches healthy and the cold water refreshing as the air temperature begins to reach into the mid-80s. The fish have been snapping at a variety of baits. Shore anglers have been finding some luck with garlic-scented yellow and pink Power Eggs.
“Fishing with guides and from boats, the rainbows have been biting hard on yellow PowerBait with shrimp chasers. This strategy has also netted a few big browns, but the best way to catch a lunker has been with shad, sculpin or artificial minnows (Berkley Gulp or a glass blue Rapala Husky Jerk). Another good bet is the red/gold Thomas Buoyant Spoon.
“Once the trout have had their fill of the staples, cast something new and flashy to pique their interest.
“Come visit and experience The Natural State in all its springtime glory. Drop in and say ‘hey’ on your way to the river.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 4-16-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “The past week fishing has been good. For most of the week we’ve seen lower water with artificial lures working well. What we’ve noticed is the larger trout have moved up on the gravel bars feeding on fly larvae, snails, crawdads and sculpins. Drift-fishing also worked well with inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipping the hook with shrimp. The last couple of days we have seen higher and dingier water. Fishing has been slower but we are still seeing success drift-fishing. With the higher water, fishing the banks with Rapala Countdowns CD7 in brown trout, rainbow trout or black and silver worked well for some larger rainbows and browns.
“Over the last week we have received stockings from Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery of 2,400 rainbows at the Calico Rock boat ramp and another 2,400 rainbows at the Chessmond Ferry boat ramp. In addition, we received stockings from the Norfork National Fish Hatchery of 800 rainbows at Calico Rock and another 800 at the Sylamore Creek boat ramp.”

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 4-16-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the lake level remains at 655 feet msl; water temperature is still rising slightly to about 63 degrees. “The lake is low for spawning season. April means everybody has been catching on Bull Shoals. Moss is still a little annoying. But the lake is fishing good. Bam, just like that there are fish in all stages of the spawn.”

Powerfishermen are still catching on the right day: wind/clouds/rain/stain with spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits. You’re going to have to keep an eye out for shad — they’re moving. A small Tater Swimbait is working. “I’ve been using a traditional fluke, or try your favorite minnow to shake around the shad eaters. 

“Topwater has started as well. If the conditions are clear water and post-front flat and sunny, it will get tough. I have been able to see bottom in 26 feet in places. Get off the bank and bomb cast with lighter fluorocarbon line. Try a finesse Jewel Pee-Wee Jig in green pumpkin orange, and a green pumpkin shaky head and a Ned rig are also working. Time to start checking points and pockets in 5-25 feet. 

“The tube guys’ wobble headers, hula grubbers 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 4-16-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the fishing this past week has been fair. Fishing patterns seem to be taking place as water surface temps have come up a little. “We are still seeing few of the male walleye swimming the spawning point shorelines at night. Look for fish on and around those known spawning sites. Main lake and secondary points have been producing a few fish during the day.”

Fish shallow in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 6-8 feet of water and deeper in 15-35 feet of water if there is little or no cloud cover.

Hair jigs (1/8 to 3/8 ounce) and minnows or jigs and paddle tails or ringworms, as well as Ned rigs, work well after the sun comes up. Jerkbaits like the 110 and 110+1 or +2 style in black and silver or clown colors, as well as Table Rock Shad, are also good at this time.

If trolling, try stick baits like Rattlin’ Rogues in purple chartreuse or black and gold. Troll in 15-35 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 crankbaits 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 is the key. 

(updated 4-16-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are definitely scattered. The spawn has definitely started, but it has been all over the board. Some fish are not ready, some are and some have spawned. Key on brush or structure around gravel preferably in 10-15 feet. Try minnows under a bobber on wood or casting a jig to the bank and slowly reeling it, bumping the bottom or close to the bottom on spawning fish.

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

(updated 4-26-2026) 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 4-16-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is holding in the 1,117.40 feet msl range, which is 4 feet below normal. “It looks like the spawn should be a good one. We have more rain coming, supposedly, and that should keep water stable or coming up. So we are low and the Corps of Engineers shouldn’t be excited to drop it like they usually do mid-spawn with no thought about the spawning success or lack thereof.
“If you do not know, the fact is this is a flood control/hydroelectric lake, and fishing carries no weight. Sometimes, though, things work out, and in my opinion,  this may be a good year as long as it doesn’t snow or freeze.
“Stripers are on the move toward the south and, as the water clears — it was pretty muddy — stripers should fire up. I have been hearing reports that some action is happening at Point 12 and outside War Eagle Marina.
“Crappie are right at or on the shoreline. I have been catching them in 6 feet of water chock-full of good-looking eggs. Keeping fingers crossed!
“Bass are doing the same thing — ripe and ready. Look in the backs of coves and arms.
“Walleye are scattered all over and are very hard to get on numbers. They have been caught from one end to the other.
“White bass, wow, what a strange year. I was up way up the White and not one white bass to be found. And the other strange thing is no boats whatsoever. This low water played havoc on the whites and the walleye. Usually it looks like the 405 at rush hour. If you know, well, you know.
“Spawning should or has commenced and good times to be had. Enjoy and have ultra-patience as there are lots of people and not all are seasoned boat owners. 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 4-16-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says fishing conditions on the Beaver tailwater continue to transition as we move further into the post-spawn period for walleye. Water temperature is currently in the low 60s, which is contributing to shifting fish behavior throughout the system.
Walleye have largely moved out of the peak spawning phase. Larger females are beginning to retreat back toward the lake, while smaller groups of males remain in the river, holding in scattered pods. These fish are primarily relating to chunk rock, transition zones and current breaks. Activity levels are more moderate compared to before their spawn, and anglers are seeing better success by slowing presentations and covering water. Hair jigs in ⅛-ounce and quarter-ounce have been effective when worked slowly along the bottom, particularly in areas with rock and slight depth changes.
Trout fishing has been productive overall, with stronger bite activity reported above the U.S. Highway 62 bridge. Lower sections of the tailwaters have been more inconsistent under current conditions. Anglers are finding success using Pautzke Fire Eggs and Fire Bait fished on the bottom with light terminal tackle.
Maintaining a natural presentation with longer leaders has been important in the clear water conditions. Do-Dah hair jigs in ⅛-ounce have produced consistent results, with anglers increasing to a quarter-ounce in windy conditions or when additional depth control is needed. These jig presentations have been effective for both trout and walleye.
Looking ahead, increased generation from the Army Corps of Engineers would likely help reduce water temperatures and reposition fish, improving overall consistency. Additional rainfall would also benefit the system by increasing water levels and enhancing current flow.
Overall, fishing remains fair to good, with success dependent on adjusting techniques to match current post-spawn and water condition patterns.

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

Lake Charles
(updated 4-16-2026) Shelly Jeffery at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the water temperature is on the rise, though the level remains low, yet fishing is fair to good for the major species at Lake Charles.

Bream were fair last week on worms. Crappie are good, with minnows, worms and jigs of all colors working well. Black bass are good, with anglers reporting success using spinnerbaits. Catfish are good; try cut bait or worms. No reports on white bass.

The water temperature Sunday was 69.4 degrees. The clarity is the usual murky. “Moon times” indicate that great fishing should be had the rest of this week through Monday, Shelly said.

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 4-9-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are at 290 cfs (350 is average for the Spring River) and water clarity has been clear. “A bit of much-needed rainfall has fallen lately, but mostly we have had strong winds — making for a tough day on the water; just put the wind to your back for effortless casting.
“But seriously, the area is still in need of rain. Easy wading conditions, but not as easy to float a drift-boat currently. Rafts, canoes and kayaks are the ticket for floating the river, and with all the campgrounds open, getting ready for the summer canoe hatch, these are available for rental. A great time for wade fishing at the campgrounds. Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery has been stocking very nice-sized trout at all locations on a more regular schedule.
“Low and clear has its benefits, with dry flies and small nymphs working great in the clear conditions. On several days, midges, caddis emergers and dries have been the ticket with light tippet. Hoppers with droppers are always fun with nymphs, Y2Ks, or squiggly worms for droppers. Tie the dropper with lighter tippet to save hoppers.
“The nice fish have been caught on olive Woolies and pine squirrel sculpins this week. Work all the pockets and every seam, that big fish is there. For spin-fishers, a Trout Magnet set up in hot pink, white and Purple Haze can work well. A small split shot above the Trout Magnet is important to get down fast.
“Smallmouth bass are there down deep or working the strong seams below riffles. Sculpin, leech and baitfish patterns work. Work them slow — the slower the better. The Spring River river bottom is a great place for a smallmouth bass to live and even better place to lose a fly. Clousers, Bug Woollies and sculpin patterns work great; just bring plenty. When working a stretch of water, a slow retrieve will entice smallmouth bass, and a fast retrieval will be the ticket for a big brown trout. Never know on the Spring what may be lurking in the waters.

“It’s not until the end of May that the canoe hatch begins on the river. All of the campgrounds are open, allowing for increased accesses to the river. The AGFC has a map on its website listing all stocking areas on the Spring River, under ‘Resources.’
“The river is very low, allowing for much easier wading with low water levels. Be careful out there, the solid limestone river bottom is very slick. Wading staffs are always handy. Rain is surely on the way. Keep an eye on the blog on our website (linked above) for changes in river conditions.”

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 4-16-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said anglers have been catching bream, crappie and catfish this past week and this week.
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 4-16-2026) 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 4-16-2026) 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 4-16-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday Millwood Lake elevation is about 4 inches normal pool and stable (at 259.5 feet msl); Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 1,300 cfs and tailwater is near 229 feet msl and stable. Surface temps are ranging 69-77 degrees along Little River this week, depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River is heavy stain and visibility, improving daily with reduced river current. Typical Little River clarity ranges 8-10 inches visibility depending on location. Visibility in the oxbows ranges 15-30 in many locations.

Visibility in Horseshoe and McGuire continues to be good this week and is 20-30 inches.

Mud Lake had higher stain content this week with visibility ranging 8-12 inches.
Siefert had these specifics while out fishing this week:

* Largemouth bass, for the most part, are post-spawn over the last week or so, and their activity levels are hit and miss — better on cloudy days. Many of the bass have moved off the flats and into deeper sections of creek channels. With the increased surface and lake pool temps again this week, and on cloudy days, we are getting fair reactions on a variety of topwater baits, like the Brazalo WeeWhacker, Bushwhacker and skirted buzzbaits. With most of the bass now post-spawn, and pulling out to the next drop zone and structure out from the shallow flats of the oxbows, soft plastics are beginning to draw reactions in the 6-10 feet zones. Seven-inch Power Worms in June bug and blue fleck or the 10-inch size in black, black grape or blue fleck are working. 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.
* White bass continue on the move as well all along Little River, and are also post-spawn in schools near creek dumps into the river. We are finding nice healthy 2- to 3-pound white bass from the McGuire Lake entrance downriver to White Cliffs campground. They continue moving up and down Little River again this week on primary and secondary points near deeper vertical drops into Little River from creek channels dumps. 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 all continue working.
* Crappie have greatly improved over the past 2-3 weeks of increased water temperatures in the 5-12 feet depths on jigs. Many crappie are also now post-spawn, but continue biting well from 2-2.5 pounds each on Cotton Cordell Smoke Grubs with a chartreuse tail, as well as jigs and minnows. They also improved in planted brush from 10-12 feet depth near Cottonshed campground, Okay Landing and Saline inflow in the main lake over the past week, but we are still seeing them over the last week in the cypress trees in 4-6 feet depths. 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 and a 2-inch Bonehead Brush Glider on the same jig, in Black Cherry Firetail, Bonfire Glow, Chartreuse Diablo or Cotton Candy in planted brush with forward-facing sonar.
* No report this week on catfish or bream.

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

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

(updated 4-16-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) reports that DeGray “has been pretty hot. Just had a big bass tournament down here this past weekend where several decent-size bass were weighed in, including two over 8 pounds, a 7-pounder, a couple of 6-pounders and several that were 5 pounds.”

Black bass can be caught on finesse worms, swim baits and wacky worms, as well as Texas-rigged Brush Hog or lizard.
Some crappie are on beds and can be caught on jigs. 

(updated 4-9-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing this past week at both DeGray and Ouachita, and they are similar in conditions and bite. “Water temperature is in the mid-60s and holding, so obviously the crappie are in full spawn. The black crappie are getting mostly done and the white crappie are just getting started. Don’t become discouraged if your catches are reduced while their priorities are not on eating. You will find some on shallow habitat and some scattered. We have caught crappie on brushpiles as shallow as 2.5 feet deep in 6feet of water. We are also catching scattered crappie moving between beds and brush trolling shallow crankbaits. Be safe everyone.”

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 4-16-2026) 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 4-16-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 53 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. The lake is in very good shape water-wise, as far as lake level and clarity, considering the statewide drought conditions. Rainbow trout are being caught in Lake Catherine in decent numbers from the shoreline and boat. Overall size this year is the attraction, with fish from 15-18 inches taken on live presentations such as waxworms or mealworms along with live minnows presented under a bobber. Artificial presentations have been largely ignored as trout are actively searching for food in current and slackwater conditions.
Trout have migrated from downstream to the bridge all the way to the dam to escape warming water and locate adequate food sources. Redworms or nightcrawlers fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater have been a productive method of taking rainbows this past week. Feeding cycles vary greatly, but late afternoon and evening periods have produced the most numbers of trout.
The crappie spawn has started later on Lake Catherine than normal, with some crappie caught in the tailrace on jigs and minnows, but action should increase greatly in the next week to 10 days. Spawning times are normally later around hydroelectric dams as opposed to the cycles occurring in areas not controlled by hydro power.
Walleye are still present in the Carpenter Dam tailrace, although the spawn is complete. These fish remain in the area to rest and feed in preparation for the migration downstream. Trolling small crankbaits that imitate shad or crawfish against the current will draw strikes from these fish, which look to feed primarily during periods of generation.
Freshwater drum are present and spawning near the dam for their yearly run. These fish are strong and active and very capable of jerking rods off the bank or boat from unwary fishermen taking in the scenery. Drum over 40 pounds have been caught in the tailrace feeding on shad and crawfish, so anglers should be aware when leaving tackle unattended.
As always, be prepared when on the water by abiding by lake rules and regulations and pick up after yourself as trashcans are very limited. Littering has become a problem in the park area and violators will be ticketed by officers patrolling the scene.

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 4-16-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said recently on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that spring has sprung and the main channel on Lake Hamilton is 65 degrees 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.”

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 4-16-2026) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still excellent. Use a Carolina rig on main lake points near creek mouths, or a floating worm/Zoom Dinger up shallow. 

Walleye are still good. Try green soft plastics or Rapala Shad Raps fished in the 10- to 14-foot range.

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

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 heading upward, ranging 62-68 degrees. Water clarity is clearing. The lake level Wednesday was 573.32 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 4-9-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said earlier this week, “Water temperature is in the mid-60s and holding, so obviously the crappie are in full spawn. The black crappie are getting mostly done and the white crappie are just getting started. Don’t become discouraged if your catches are reduced while their priorities are not on eating. You will find some on shallow habitat and some scattered. We have caught crappie on brushpiles as shallow as 2.5 feet deep in 6feet of water. We are also catching scattered crappie moving between beds and brush trolling shallow crankbaits. Be safe everyone.”

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 4-16-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said Cook’s Lake will not be available for fishing on Friday, but the lake will be available for visitors on Saturday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
He said last week that the water temperature was in the low to mid-70s. The water was still dingy but clearing up some. The lake has been very low and cut off from the river, creating stable conditions.
“I would focus on black bass or crappie in and around hollow stumps. For the bass, I would flip a soft plastic like a Beaver, a tube or a lizard in black and blue or black and red flake. For the crappie, I would use minnows or a black/chartreuse or purple/chartreuse plastic with a pink head.”
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.