Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

May 28, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Kelly Robertson from Topeka, Kansas, was visiting Beaver Lake this week when she caught this very nice smallmouth bass while fishing with guide Jon Conklin of FishOn Guides NWA. Beaver Lake has a very good population of smallmouth, and they are biting well at this time, Conklin reports. Read more of his report below.

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

Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: 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 5-28-2026) 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. Read more here, or pick up the May issue of Arkansas Wildlife magazine this month (or read online) for an in-depth look at the new weir and dam construction. 

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: On Feb. 1, 2026, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam. Anglers may keep two trout daily; trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 5-28-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said the weather forecast as of Wednesday night is calling for several days of scattered showers going into the weekend. “We could definitely use the rain around here. Right now they’re predicting up to an inch of rain for the Heber Springs area, which would be good news for Greers Ferry Lake. The lake is currently sitting about 5 feet below normal pool, and typically an inch of rain in the Greers Ferry watershed will raise the lake close to a foot.
“The Southwestern Power Administration has continued running a pretty consistent generation schedule lately. They’ve been releasing one unit most evenings around 5-7 p.m. and running it for anywhere from 1-3 hours.

“With the current generation schedule, the entire river is open for wade fishing. Some of the better wade fishing this week has been at JFK Park and Barnett Access, or what locals call Swinging Bridge. Be sure to try the discharge pipes coming off the hatchery and the deeper water around Swinging Bridge access.
“The dam and Barnett Access both received a large trout stocking before Memorial Day weekend, and you can definitely tell they stocked those areas because the bite has been good there. On the other hand, the fishing has been tough from Lobo Landing down to 305 Bridge. I’m not sure if AGFC stocked Lobo, Dripping Springs, Ramsay or 305 before the holiday weekend, but the bite has definitely been slower in those sections.
“I’ve heard AGFC has primarily been stocking around the boat ramps and not stocking some of the secondary shoots on private property. I can’t say for sure if that’s factual, but you can definitely tell some of those areas with stocking shoots just don’t fish like they used to years ago.
“Like I’ve said before, I’m a straight shooter and this is an honest report. The bite has been tough at times lately. We’re still catching fish and have put a few really nice brown trout in the net over the last couple of weeks. The rainbow bite has been fair to good overall.
“It seems like the river fishes much better on the days they run water for 3 hours. If you see they’re planning to run water for a couple hours, that’s usually a good day to get on the river. When they only run for about an hour, the bite tends to get pretty tough.
“As far as hot flies go, it’s hard to beat a pink San Juan Worm right now. Eggs with a Rootbeer Midge dropper has also been a solid setup that’s putting fish in the boat. Focus on fishing the deeper sections around moss beds or anywhere with steady current. Most of the fish have been holding in the deeper water along with oxygenated shoals and plunge pools below them.”

(updated 5-28-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the fishing can be good early in the morning if the flow is right; you can catch trout on top with dry flies. There has been a caddis hatch going on lately, but “we’re near the end of it.” 

For below the surface, try Woolly Buggers in either black or olive. Also, Rapala Countdowns are ideal now for brown trout — try a CD5 in rainbow or brown trout color.

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 5-28-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said black bass (all three species) are active and biting around main lake points. Throw a watermelon Carolina rig with a Zoom Lizard. If there is runoff after a rain — and there will be runoff now, for sure — throw single swimbaits like a Keitech 3.8 or 4.3. Spoons are also working around cover, such as flooded timber or docks. And definitely consider using an “urchin-style” bait around main lake brushpiles, flooded timber or rocks. A Coike is a good choice there. 

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 5-28-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said catfish and bream are going “pretty good lately.” Bream are bedding right now and anglers report to her catching a lot of bream. Crickets and worms are the best baits, particularly crickets. One angler caught a large catfish earlier this week using crickets as well.

Crappie are slow, and she hasn’t heard anything about bass lately.

Last weekend brought out a lot of anglers, she reports. The lake water is on the rise a little bit, and the clarity is muddy.

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

Lake Overcup
NOTICE: AGFC employees and contractors will be conducting herbicide applications at Lake Overcup in Conway County this summer, preventing the use of the lake’s water for irrigation by lakeside landowners until Oct. 1.
Application of the EPA-approved aquatic herbicides should take roughly two weeks, and multiple applications will take place throughout the summer. The treatment causes no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life, but water drawn from the lake could kill gardens, flowerbeds and lawns if used on neighboring lands. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with water from Lake Overcup until October.
The use of aquatic herbicides is necessary to control the current problems with nonnative invasive aquatic plants that can infest Arkansas lakes, restricting access to boathouses, boat ramps and fishing locations. If left unchecked, many of these invasive plants can outcompete and replace native vegetation.
For more information, please contact the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at 833-338-3636.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 5-28-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the lake’s water temperature is in the low to mid-70s, while the lake level is very slightly up from last week, now sitting at 7.68 feet below normal pool. Remember, boaters, to trim your motors with the new ramps at this level. Ramps are open.

Black bass range from fair to good. The largemouth bass are still good, like last week, with reports of them going after topwater lures as well as biting at 2-8 feet depth. Square bills, spinnerbaits, Senkos, Texas-rigged worms and your favorite topwater baits are working. Spotted bass remain fair this week. You’ll find them mixed in with the largemouth as well as being caught in 12-15 feet off rocky points. Jigs are working best.

Crappie are still fair. They’ve been reported hanging out around brush and on rock beds anywhere from 12-18 feet. Use minnows or jigs.

This is a good time for bream. Reports have catches in good numbers around brush. They should be anywhere from 6-12 feet and actively going after crickets and redworms.

Still no reports on white bass or catfish this week. A few folks put out some lines for cats with no luck this week; use bream, liver or worms if you try. The white bass, when they bite, tend to go after Twister Tails, jigs, spoons and shad-imitating lures these days.

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 5-28-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the fishing was going very well until about 3 inches of rain fell Thursday and led to a flash flood warning in the area. The river will be muddying up and running a little bit higher, Ray said, but in a couple to three days, things should be clear again. 

“If you’re catfishing, this is the time to be fishing,” he said. With the water moving, the catfish get very active with all the bait available in front of them. Catfishing has been really good already, particularly with some big flatheads being hauled in, for anglers around the bank using live bream or cut bait.

Bream are getting on beds, black bass appear to be spawning, and while crappie “are on their downhill,” he said, a few are still being caught.

Bass are favoring topwater, but Ray said they’re biting on most everything thrown their way. They are right on the bank in 2 feet of water. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and the like will be successful.

The bedding bream are biting around the lily pads on crickets and worms. For crappie, use minnows.

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 5-28-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said bass are starting to get more out on the main channel of the river. Shad-colored square bills are the bait to use, fishing along the jetties perpendicular to the bank. When you get up in the grass, turn to weightless flukes, and use white or black buzzbaits around grass or wood.

Crappie are also active around wood. Your best bet there is a black and chartreuse jig.

Peckerwood Lake 

(updated 5-14-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) the lake is back to level full, and while bream, bass and catfish are doing OK to well for the anglers, the crappie have not responded like in years past. “I don’t know what other people are reporting but the crappie is slow here. Some folks said they are picking up a few, but they’re not catching them trolling and really are not catching them up in the brush unless its males. “The bream are doing “OK” on crickets and redworms. Use minnows or hot dogs for what has been a good bite. Anglers report a good bass catch going on, but you’ll have to guess right on the bait — they’re not sharing that info at the Landing.

White River

NOTE: On Feb. 1, 2026, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals dam. From the dam to the Norfork Access boat ramp, anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. From the Norfork Access boat ramp 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 14 inches or longer to keep; brown, cutthroat and tiger trout must be 24 inches or longer to keep.

Cotter Area
(updated 5-28-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “The bite is on, and the anglers on the White River in the Arkansas Ozarks are catching trout from morning until evening with a whole lot of catches in between. The action is downriver from Bull Shoals Dam in the Cotter neighborhood where the water is cold, clear and refreshing. Not only is the cold water essential for trout, but it also provides a cool

updraft when you’re moving in a john boat (essential on some summer days!).”

Bull Shoals Dam continues its minimum releases: 700 cfs all day, has been the norm. The lake is at 656.42 feet msl, 6 feet below the adjusted seasonal power pool, and continuing to rise slightly from the recent rains.
“Pink has been the color this week: pink PowerBait (eggs and dough), pink worms, pink Rooster Tails. But counter that with a gold Cleo, one-sixth to quarter-ounce, and you’ll keep them interested. Begin with the tried-and-true shrimp and egg pattern (pink) for a swift catch of rainbows, move to worms or to drifting a pink or orange 2-inch worm in the deeper holes. 

“The best brown bite here in the Cotter area has been with slimy sculpins, even better if they have a bluish tint to their bellies and average 2½ to 3 inches in length. Shad is still king upriver from Wild Cat Shoals.

“A family fishing adventure offers time together in an outdoor arena, sharing quiet moments and watching nature ‘happen’ in real time, in a digital-free environment (or as much as you desire it to be.) Go catching and enjoy Arkansas’s natural resources.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 5-28-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said at midweek, “Last Wednesday we saw dingy water from the rains last Tuesday. Even with the rain Friday we continue to see very low water levels through Tuesday. On Wednesday we saw some higher and dingy water from Tuesday evening’s power generation at Bulls Shoals Dam. Over the next week the weather forecast is calling for more rain. Based on the predictions, the rain will be spread out, so we may see some dirty water from the creeks and the Buffalo River. 

“For the bulk of the week, we continue to see great fishing. Quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado nickel/gold spoons remain our go-to lure, but we also see a lot of people drift-fishing with eggs and shrimp. Additionally, CD5 Rapala Countdowns in rainbow trout or brown trout colors, Dynamic J-Spec or HD lures in ghost brown or rainbow trout continue to work well. The Rapala and Dynamic lures are good when the water is dingy, and the brown trout bite seems better. 

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 5-28-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that Bull Shoals Lake saw a little rise, to 656 feet msl, after some much-needed rain. The water temperature is around 71 degrees. The power fishermen are doing fine on the right day (wind/clouds/rain/stain) deep-cranking in 2-15 feet with a spinnerbait or Chatterbait on shallow ledges and transitions banks in stained water. Better get up early for the topwater bite, covering water with a Zara Spook-style lure or poppers. Once that bite slows, try a small Tater Swimbait or Mayor 2.5 in natural shad imitation colors. 

“I’ve been using the Jewel Shad Spoon if they are busting the surface, or try your favorite minnow to shake around the shad. If the conditions are post-frontal, flat water, high pressure, blue birds and sun, it will get tough. I will drop-shot and slow down, downsize, and get way off the bank and look at deep ledges and brushpiles, then bomb-cast with lighter fluorocarbon line. Try a finesse Jewel Pee-Wee jig in green pumpkin orange. Or a Bass Whacker is working in a green pumpkin, and also a shaky head, 

“It’s time to check summer areas. Start looking at long points, ledges, brushpiles, bluff ends with deeper water close by. The post-spawn fish tend to be finicky, and some will move deep (30-40 feet) to recover, especially if there is shad around. Graph time pays off, as usual. 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 5-28-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said the walleye fishing this past week has not changed much and has been very good. Summer fishing patterns are in play. Some fish are still moving with the shad in the old river channel and creek channels, and more seem to be holding on flatter points with deep water on one side than they did last week.

Look for fish on long points close to the channel swings. Main lake and secondary points have been producing a few fish during the day.

Fish shallow during the early mornings and on cloudy days in 20-25 feet of water and deeper in 35-45 feet water if there is little or no cloud cover. Casting jigging spoons in white or chrome color and jigging Rapalas in the blue and chrome half-ounce size into 15 feet of water and working it back out into 35 feet has been working.

Bottom-bouncing spinner rigs and crawlers around points close to the channel are producing a lot of short fish as well as some good 18- to 23-inch walleyes.

If trolling, try shad-style and small banana-style baits like No. 7 Flicker Shad or No. 9 Flicker Minnow in natural colors. Trolling them in 25-35 feet of water at speeds of 1.8 to 2.2 mph seems to work best. 

The open-water trolling bite has been hit or miss this week, but some bigger fish are still being caught. If you can find the shad, fish deep-diving crankbaits like Bandits, Rapala Tail Dancers size 11, or Reef Runners a couple feet above where you mark them on the graph. Trolling over the flooded forest along the old river channel will get some nice fish this time of year.

(updated 5-28-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says

crappie are all mixed up sitting in brush in creeks in that 20-foot range, from what we’re seeing. Try a one-eighth-ounce jig with Tater Baits’ Crown Royale as well as minnows.

Norfork Lake

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

No reports.

Norfork Tailwater

Note: On Feb. 1, 2026, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for Norfork tailwater. Anglers in the Norfork tailwater may keep two rainbow trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately.

Beaver Lake

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

(updated 5-28-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake has remained at a steady level of 1,121.65 feet msl, which is normal level. Water temperature is creeping up into the lower 70s in some spots. “We are entering the post-spawn for bass, crappie and walleye. All of these will start to set up on summer spots through the lake. Look around main lake points and secondary points in 15-25 feet of water.
“Once the water hits 80 degrees, the thermocline will start to set up. To be successful, you must learn to identify the thermocline, especially on deep water reservoirs. Once that sets up, summer trolling will commence, and it is a very productive way on Beaver to put a mixed bag in the boat.”
Stripers are still very scattered, as they are in the river arms and they are all the way up at Point 6. 

“It’s starting to be a very early-morning bite with some topwater being seen in the Rocky Branch area and Coppermine and the islands at Prairie Creek.

“Crappie are starting to suspend and will really attach themselves to the top of the thermocline once it sets up.
“Bass are doing pretty well in Indian Creek and all points south of that area. Ned rigs are an easy go-to. We caught some really nice smallmouth from Rocky to Indian Creek last week.
“Walleye right now are near brush and suspended over the tops of brushpiles. Slip float time!
“Catfish will spawn this month, so jugs and the like will be in play on shallow flats. Bluegill are always there for the taking. Do not look over this fishery as it is a great way to keep anglers engaged.
“The weather has been rainy at times, so keep your eyes to the sky as lighting is a serious issue.”

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 changed trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, effective Feb. 1, 2026, due to significant loss of stocking population at two Arkansas hatcheries in 2025. Anglers may keep two trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 5-28-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says the Beaver tailwater has continued to produce good fishing this week, but conditions across the system have definitely been changing. Over the past several weeks, limited generation schedules created warmer-than-normal water temperatures throughout the river, which had trout scattered out and less concentrated in the typical deeper runs and shoals that anglers are used to targeting this time of year.

The good news is that the Army Corps of Engineers has once again started releasing colder water through the conduit system while continuing to work alongside AGFC biologists to closely monitor conditions throughout the tailwater. Over the last couple of days, those colder releases have already started bringing river temperature back down into a much healthier range for the fishery.

As those cooler temperatures continue moving through the system, trout activity should continue improving and fish will gradually begin repositioning into more traditional holding areas again. The overall outlook for the tailwater is definitely moving in a positive direction.

Rainbow trout are still being caught consistently using light terminal setups paired with Pautzke Fire Bait, especially during the early morning hours and lower light periods. Clear water conditions continue rewarding anglers who slow down, use natural drifts and focus on covering water carefully instead of rushing from spot to spot.

Walleye fishing remains steady following the spawn, but fish have become much more pattern-oriented lately. Many are sliding away from the shallow spawning structure and relating more to chunk rock, transition banks, current seams and slightly deeper holding areas during low flow periods. Slower presentations are continuing to outperform aggressive retrieves right now.

The biggest factor lately has simply been timing and patience. Feeding windows have been shorter under the low, clear conditions, but anglers staying persistent are still finding quality mixed-bag action with trout, walleye, bass and a few surprise species mixed in throughout the system.

With colder water now returning to the river and biologists continuing to monitor conditions closely, the Beaver tailwater should continue stabilizing as we move deeper into late spring and toward summer fishing patterns.

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

Lake Charles

(updated 5-28-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) reports that the fishing for bream and catfish remains good to great this week. Crappie are just fair and no reports have been coming in on black bass.

Bream are in shallow water and the bite is good. Try the usual worms or crickets, as bream are close to spawning, anglers report. Catfish are excellent. Cut bait and whole shrimp are working really well attracting the catfish, and you’ll have success from the shoreline using worms on lines.

Park officials note that, based on “moon times,” “good” days should be falling through Sunday. Looking ahead to June, when Free Fishing Weekend for Arkansas arrives, the start of the “best” days coincides with that: June 11-17.

Lake Poinsett

(updated 5-28-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said Lake Poinsett has been booming for fishing lately. Bream, bass and crappie have all been biting. Bream have been about 8 feet down approaching the shoreline. Crickets have been the favored bait for those. Black bass have been hitting on topwater baits as well as minnows. Some accounts say that the smaller minnows seem to be working slightly better. Crappie have not been reported in a specific location in the lake, but minnows were preferred. 

Spring River

(updated 5-14-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are running at 270 cfs (below the average of 350 cfs) and water clarity is clear. Rain showers have stirred up clarity on the Spring last week, but it’s still in need of rain to get river levels up. The river remains very low. Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery is stocking nice-sized rainbows “that have been a blast, but the pressure has been on the fish, too, with the nice weather and low-water conditions.”

Crawford says, “The best thing about the low, clear conditions has been the dry-fly and nymph action. Dry droppers can be a blast on those high-sun, clear days. Plenty of mayfly and caddis hatches most days. With low, clear conditions, a 5x leader may help; normally, we use 3x with the Spring River’s normal green tint.
“We are chasing smallmouth bass with the low river conditions, which has made them easier to target. Find a deeper hole with plenty of rocks, they are there, you just have to fish that river bottom. Sculpin patterns are my favorite, but on a good day they will chase streamers.
“I got to say that the last 20-incher we caught was on a plain ol’ bead-head olive Woolly. Fun fish to catch, but please practice catch-and-release. It takes a long time for a smallmouth bass to grow.
“When chasing smallmouth, we have caught a variety of other species: spotted bass, rock bass, drum and an occasional brown trout. 

“This is prime time for fishing the Spring River. The ‘canoe hatch’ is just around the corner. During the summer, the Spring River is very busy on Saturdays, but through the week is the perfect time to come up during the summer. Plenty of access areas in town to fish that are not float areas. 

“The water is low and clear, making for easy wading, but be safe out there with the very slick, solid rock river bottom. It can be tricky wading. Check out our campgrounds on the river for easier wading areas.”
Crawford’s website includes regular updates on his blog along with videos and photos. Check it out.

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 5-28-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said the crappie and bream have slowed down this past week. We had a lot of fisherman over the Memorial Day weekend, but they weren’t catching that many fish over the weekend.
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 5-21-2026) Southeast Arkansas AGFC biologists completed the lake’s annual nighttime electrofishing sample in late March. 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.
Another 10-plus-pound bass was caught at Lake Monticello in April, after the Legacy Lunker program donation period.
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 5-21-2026) 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 5-28-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said earlier this week that lake elevation was about 4 inches above NCP and rising; about 259.5 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam is releasing approx 3,800 cfs and tailwater level is near 230 feet msl and rising. 

Surface temps over the past week continue fluctuating, ranging 70 degrees early to 78 later in the day along Little River. Clarity in the river is still seeming to silt up with the increased current. Typical Millwood Little River clarity ranges 5-10 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility in the oxbows is greatly improved, and visibility is in the 10-20-inch range in many locations. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows continues to be fair and is about 12-25 inches visibility, based on location. Mud Lake had reduced sediment content this week and improved visibility ranging from 10-18 inches.

SIEFERT NOTES: Many river buoys along Little River have been replaced, yet several remain missing from Yarborough Point to Bee Lake to Outlaw Trail to Paraloma Trail to mile marker 2, on the main lake body. Use extreme caution navigating Little River along the main lake body, while the Army Corps of Engineers works diligently to replace all missing river buoys. Call the USACE to report missing (or found out of place) river buoys at (870) 898-3343 to assist them in recovering disconnected or missing river buoys.

Also, Be sure to drain your bilge and live wells and flush your boat trailer from carrying and redistributing invasive species Cuban Bulrush and Alligator Weed to other bodies of water.

Siefert provided these details to the fishing this week:

Siefert provided these specifics to the fishing on Millwood this week:

*Typical summertime patterns are still emerging for largemouth bass, for the most part, and activity levels continue improving. Many we are seeing are roaming the flats overnight and early morning hours are best. Creek bend sections of the creek channels are holding fish on stumps from 5-12 feet depth. Bass reactions to a variety of topwater baits continue improving at daybreak, such as with Heddon Spit’N Images, Jumbo Pop R’s in Bone color, Brazalo WeeWhacker, Bushwhacker, Horny Toads, Shad Assassins and skirted buzzbaits. Many continue roaming and pulling up onto the flats in lily pad stands at daybreak, chasing plastic frogs and Bass Assassin jerkbaits.

Later in the midday hours, they are pulling out to the next drop zone and structure, 10-20 out from the shallow flats of the oxbows. Power Worms, 7 and 10 inches, in June bug, blue fleck, black, black grape, continue working in the Little River and in the oxbows. Bass continue searching deeper drops for forage and baitfish in creek channels and structure, and moving in and out of new Lily Pad bloom stands and are easy to spook in clear water flats. 

River bugs, Berkley Pit Bosses, Power Hawgs and Bunker Hawgs are working along Little River in grass. Brush Hogs or Baby Hogs are getting good reactions, and the best colors with the increased stain in water lately have been pumpkinseed/chartreuse, black, blue-fleck and Grunge.

In the oxbows, and along dropping structure into the 9-10 feet depth range, Bass Assassin Shads continue drawing good reactions, with Salt and Pepper Silver Phantom, Houdini and Chico’s Red Ear, in the 5-inch Shad sizes working best around vegetation and lily pads, Texas-rigged on small, light wire Owner hooks, drawing random reactions in heavy vegetation, or on stumps, and near cypress tree knees, in the 6-8 feet dept

* 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, and we are finding nice healthy 2 and 3-pound white bass from McGuire Lake entrance downriver to White Cliffs campground. Many of these migrating schools have big fish from 2-3 pounds, and are continuing 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. Use the same baits recommended for the past couple of months. 

* Crappie have greatly improved over the past few weeks of increased water temperatures in the 5-12 feet depths on jigs. Crappie are between spawn and post-spawn in different locations, but continue biting well this week on Cotton Cordell Smoke Grubs with a chartreuse tail, jigs and minnows.

* There has been increased activity with catfish recently with the current in Little River. Best trotline and limbline baits over the past couple weeks are chicken gizzards/hearts/livers, Kings Punch bait, cut buffalo, cut shad and hot dogs from 12-18 feet depth in current.

* Bream continue their bed-making activities to spawn and we’re seeing them near Millwood State Park and in a few backwater sloughs adjacent to Little River between Jack’s Isle and Mud Lake. Campers at Millwood State Park told us they were having good luck with crickets, bread and redworms fished off the bank for goggle-eye and bluegills.

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

DeGray Lake

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

(updated 5-28-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) reports that black bass can be caught on Texas-rigged worms from 3-15 feet of water, as well as on some topwater baits and bream-colored crankbaits. Some bass have been schooling. In the evening into night, try using Texas-rigged worms on points and slow roll a black spinnerbait. Some bass at night can also be caught on a black bladed jig. 

Bluegills and bream can be caught up shallow on crickets as well as worms. Look for bream beds. 

Crappie can be caught on brush using minnows. 

No reports on hybrids.

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 5-14-2026) 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.

White Oak Lake Area

(updated 5-21-2026) Three largemouth bass were caught earlier this year, each topping 10 pounds, and that qualified them 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 Atkins

(updated 5-21-2025) Lucky Landing as a bait shop and restaurant is not open, but the AGFC’s access to Lake Atkins and fishing pier remain open to all anglers, according to the AGFC’s Frank Leone, supervisor of the Russellville district.

Frank’s advice to anglers fishing Lake Atkins in late spring or early summer depends on their species of choice. “For bluegill anglers, I would advise them to use crickets and move around until they find a school/bed where they can catch multiple fish. For bass anglers, I’d advise throwing a topwater bait (frog, popper, buzzbait) early in the day and transitioning to flipping soft plastics around the cypress trees as the sun gets higher. Crappie anglers can likely find fish suspended in the dead timber and will catch them on jigs and or minnows.” 

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)

For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 5-28-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 67 degrees with stained conditions in the tailrace. The lake is in very good shape water-wise, as far as lake level and clarity, considering state-wide drought conditions. Rainbow trout fishing is extremely slow as the season for catching trout here is quickly coming to an end. Diminished numbers have shortened times that anglers can catch trout, and that time is now until the fall stocking begins again in November. Overall size this year was the attraction, with fish from 15 to 18 inches taken fairly consistently until the past week. 

Entergy has alerted the public on a cessation of all full-time generation on the weekends until further notice due to continued drought conditions. 

The crappie spawn started later on Lake Catherine than normal, with some crappie caught in the tailrace on jigs and minnows. Fewer fish were taken this year than in recent memory. Crappie tend to spook easily in the tailrace, and the sound of outboard motors will scatter and ruin the bite. Spawning times for area fish are normally later around hydro-electric dams, as opposed to the cycles occurring in an area 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. 

The month of June brings blue catfish to the tailrace to begin their annual spawn. These fish actively feed on the threadfin shad schools that migrate into the tailrace every May. Live bait presentations, such as nightcrawlers and redworms, will draw strikes from these fish, as well as gizzard shad fished under a bobber. 

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 area.
Also, when severe weather is forecasted in the area, the public should stay off the lake and seek shelter. Storms are more likely to strike around large areas of water, and the severity is usually worse than occurs on dry land. No fishing trip is worth being injured and personal property destroyed.

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 5-7-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that this is the fifth-straight week of similar weather conditions. The water color of the area lakes is ridiculously clear. Lake levels are holding and rising very slowly, which is also unusual for this time of year. “We’re on the backside of the full moon from this past weekend. The bream are spawning. There’s a huge topwater bite going on.”

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 5-28-2026) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are good. Try a fluke-style bait or topwater lure on main lake points near creek mouths, or use a jighead Brush Hog.

Walleye are good. Try a jerkbait or Rapala Shad Rap fished in the 8- to 15-foot range. Drop-shot a nightcrawler near brush when the sun gets up for good results. Stripers are fair and being caught on C-10 Redfins and live bait near major creek basins in the central part of the lake.
Bream are still good on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 10- to 20-foot range. Trotlines and jigs are still producing quality catches of catfish in the 15- to 30-foot range. 

Water temperature is steady in the 74- to 78-degree range. There is a light stain to the water in the western part of the lake. Lake level keeps slowly working its way up, now at 575.17 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

Blue Mountain Lake

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

NOTE: Blue Mountain Lake is undergoing a two-phase drawdown proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers to improve aquatic and waterfowl habitat by exposing mudflats for seeding and for critical maintenance on the lake’s intake structure. Phase one began Sept. 2025, lowering the lake to its normal winter pool elevation of 384 feet. The second phase will begin May 1, 2026, with the lake further lowered to 374 feet through Nov. 1, 2026. During the drawdown, water activities will be limited, boat ramps may be affected, and areas around the lake will be seeded.

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

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

Cook’s Lake
(updated 5-28-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said water has risen a few inches since last weekend. “Our anglers last Friday braved the rain and caught a few drum,” he said. “Other than that, the water was very muddy and the bite was slow.” Cook’s Lake will be back on its regulation schedule, open both Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cook’s Lake gets little pressure and is waiting and willing for youthful anglers and the mobility-impaired anglers and a couple of helpers who can accompany them.
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.
Wil’s suggestions for fishing Cook’s Lake now: “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.”

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