Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

June 11, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Barry Schimke caught this nice 5.03-pound bass while fishing Brewer Lake recently. Barry was using a 4-inch TRD Ned Worm to attract the bass. He said he “had a lot of fun with that one,” bringing it to the boat. Brewer Lake is in Conway County.

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 6-11-2026) AGFC staff in Mayflower note that while Lake Conway is still drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond provides a decent fishing opportunity for area anglers. 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-June issue of Arkansas Wildlife magazine (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 6-11-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said Greers Ferry Lake “has climbed to within about 1 foot of power pool thanks to the rain we’ve received over the last few weeks. That’s great news as we head into the summer months. With hotter temperatures arriving, we’ll likely start seeing increased power demand and more water releases from the Southwestern Power Administration).
“This week marked our first stretch of true summer weather, with temperatures reaching the 90s and heat index values pushing 100 degrees. The SWPA has already responded by increasing generation on some of these warmer days. For the most part, they’ve been running a fairly consistent schedule of one unit for 2-4 hours daily, typically beginning between 5-7 p.m. However, on Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures in the 90s, they generated for around seven hours. If the hot weather continues, expect water releases to increase as power demand rises.
“The bite has been good at the Dam below JFK Park and at Barnett Access, better known to most locals as Swinging Bridge. Both areas are producing well for wade anglers, and the heavy stocking efforts by the AGFC are definitely helping. I expect the dam area to receive another good stocking this weekend. There’s also a Kids Fishing Derby scheduled for June 13 at JFK Park, so it’s a great opportunity to get the kids outdoors and introduce them to fishing. Check the AGFC website for more information about the event.
“On the other hand, the fishing has been much tougher from Lobo Landing down to the Arkansas Highway 305 Bridge. It seems the upper river is receiving more consistent stockings compared to some of the access points and secondary stocking locations farther downstream. The boat ramps and stocking chutes from Lobo Landing downriver simply don’t appear to be receiving the same number of fish they once did.
“You can definitely tell the difference compared to years past. Areas that used to consistently produce good numbers of trout just aren’t fishing the same right now. In my opinion, some of those secondary stocking chutes located on private property are not being utilized like they once were, and it’s showing in the fishing.
“I’m a straight shooter, and I try to give honest fishing reports. We’re still catching fish, but overall numbers have been low and the bite has been challenging while drift-fishing. I’ve been launching from both Lobo Landing and Dripping Springs Access, and the results have been very similar. After talking with several other guides, everyone seems to be experiencing the same thing — lower numbers and a tougher bite than we’re accustomed to seeing.
“Right now, the two hot spots remain JFK Park and Barnett Access.”
For anglers fishing under an indicator, the hot flies have been:

• Pink San Juan Worms
• Egg Patterns
• Midges
• Pheasant Tail Nymphs
• Hare’s Ear Nymphs

“The best fishing has been early in the morning and again during the evening hours. If the bite slows down, try downsizing your flies. Also focus on deeper water around moss beds and areas with steady current. The shoals and plunge pools below them continue to hold fish and are often worth spending extra time fishing thoroughly.
“As always, be sure to check the SWPA generation schedule and current river conditions before heading out. Good luck on the water, and I’ll see you on the river!”

(updated 6-4-2025) 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.

(updated 6-4-2026) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) reported that the water level is about normal and the clarity is good. He was uncertain about the water temperature. 

Crappie are being caught in 8-10 feet of water, but mostly at night. Bass are slow, but anglers are catching some decent fish. Catfish are being caught on trotlines and jugs using bream and nightcrawlers.
Bream are slow but should pick up anytime. 

“Just to let everyone know that there is a crazy number of shad spawns, and that it is making it tough to fish because they have plenty of food,” Catfish said. “Thanks for supporting my small business, and come get all your fishing needs.” 

Lake Maumelle
(updated 6-11-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the water temperature has moved into the low 80s. The lake level is low, but steady at 7.13 feet below normal level. Boaters are reminded to trim your motors with the new ramps at this low level. Ramps are open.

Black bass were improved this week with good reports. Anglers say the largemouth bass bite is best in the morning and then late in the evening. They are catching them on top as well as in 2-8 feet of water, with more biting at 12 feet depth. Use jighead worms, drop-shots, topwater lures and soft plastics. Spotted bass can be found mixed in with the largemouth, and others are being caught in 12-15 feet off rocky points. Try jigs or drop-shots.
White bass are fair this week after a few weeks of no reports. A few were reported caught by trolling this week on the roadbed. Crankbaits work best.

Crappie are fair. They’ve been reported hanging out in the channel as well as some on brush anywhere from 15-18 feet as well as at 25 feet. Use minnows or jigs.

Bream are fair and are being caught on brush. They should be anywhere from 6-12 feet; as expected for this time of year, they want crickets and redworms.
Catfish have begun biting well. Reports from a few days ago of someone putting lines out in the channel and catching some decent-size catfish — not great big size to them, but they caught some (there had been few if any reports on cats recently). Try live bream, worms or liver.

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 run 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 6-4-2026) 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 good bite. Angler 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 6-11-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said the White River watershed has seen some much-needed rain this week. Water clarity has remained very good, keeping the trout catching phenomenal. The water level has continued to be low; generation throughout the day averages between minimum flow and three units (9,000 cfs). Bull Shoals Lake is approaching seasonal power pool of 662 feet msl.

“The rainbow catches were achieved mainly with orange PowerBait tipped with shrimp on a size 6 Aberdeen or bait holder hook, bronze. Another favored bait for a great catch has been fresh soft-shell crawdads — when drifted mid-depth, you’ll increase your catch count. You might see higher water levels now that we’re nearing power pool, so watch for rising water and try a pumped-up nightcrawler. The rainbows are absolutely beautiful this year and the average size is increasing.
“The brown trout bite has been exceptional for late spring, with catches in the double-digits some days. Sculpins have been the ticket this week with several good keeper browns reeled in, photographed and sent quickly back to the river.
“With the recent heat wave, the cold, clear river provides even more of an escape than usual. Life is good. Come share it with us.” 

Calico Rock Area
(updated 6-11-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, ‘We have seen varied river conditions throughout the last week with lows around 3 feet and as high near 8 feet. When the water was lower, fishing was good using quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado nickel/gold spoons, Rapala CD7 Brown Trout or Dynamic HD in ghost brown. During the rising and falling water, drift-fishing with or without silver inline spinners with a No. 2 hook, Uncommon Bait Neo Pink UV eggs and raw shrimp worked well. 

“During lower water conditions, water temperatures have reached over 70 degrees and the bite dies down. The best chance to catch trout is to fish the deeper holes or find where there are springs in the river. The warmer water also stresses the fish; be careful handling the fish and release the fish as quickly as possible. 

“On Wednesday, the AGFC stocking raft stocked 4,000 rainbow trout between Calico Rock and Sylamore Creek. Stocking with the raft ensures wider distribution of the trout.”

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 6-11-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that Bull Shoals Lake’s level is still on the rise and has reached 661 feet msl, a foot shy of normal pool through July 15. It’s not a lot of jump in water from last week with the rain, but watch out for debris. Water temperature is around 78 degrees. The powerfishermen are enjoying some flooded bushes, doing fine on the right day (wind/clouds/rain/stain) by deep cranking in 2-15 feet, burning a spinnerbait and Chatterbait on shallow flats, ledges and transition banks in stained water. 

Better get up early and beat the heat, as summer is starting to heat up. The topwater bite can be good covering water with a Zara Spook-style bait 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 Big Spoon! A Jewel Shad Spoon is also hot right now 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, hot and sunny, just go home and take a nap. If you grind it out it will get tough. I will slow down, downsize and get off the bank and look at deep ledges and brushpiles, then bomb-cast with lighter, fluorocarbon line.
“You can try a drop-shot with a Robo, finesse a Jewel Pee-wee Jig in green pumpkin orange, or use a Bass Whacker in green pumpkin. Also try a shaky head.
“It’s time for summer areas. Start looking at long points and ledges, and fish them with big red worms in brushpiles, on timber tops, bluffs and bluff ends. Try the shallow stuff with deeper water close by. There are fish from the surface down 50 feet as they move deep and suspend in 30-40 feet, 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 6-11-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said walleye fishing this past week has been very good, depending on the weather. Summer patterns are in play. Some fish are moving with the shad in the old river channel and creek channels, while more seem to be holding on flatter points with deep water on one side. Look for fish on long points close to the channel swings. Main lake and secondary points have been producing fish during the day.
Fish shallow in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 20-25 feet of water and deeper in 35-45 feet of 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 20 feet of water and working the spoon back out into 35 feet has been working.

Bottom-bouncing orange or gold No. 3 Colorado or Willow Leaf Blade spinner rigs and crawlers around sides and tips of points close to channel is 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 Shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnow in natural colors It seems to work best if they’re trolled in 25-35 feet of water at speeds of 1.8 to 2.2 mph.

The open water trolling bite has still been slower this week, but some bigger fish are still being caught. If you can find the shad, fish deep-diving crankbaits like Bandits, RapalaTail Dancers (size 11) and Reef Runners a couple of 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 6-11-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are still on brush and structure in creeks in that 15- to 20-foot range mostly. Quality is still mainly mixed up. The jig bite has been a little slower, and so have minnows at times. Cover water until you find the ones that want to bite.

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 6-4-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake’s level remains at 1,121.65 feet msl. The only change was the Army Corps of Engineers opened floodgates for a couple of days and it looks like they want the water at normal pool level. Water temperature is in the upper 70s. Water conditions are clear from Prairie Creek to the dam and stained from Hickory Creek up to the U.S. Highway 412 bridge.
Stripers are still moving north toward Prairie Creek and further north to set up in summer areas. “Move and believe in what your sonar is telling you. Look for shad and birds and you should find fish.
“Crappie are starting to be caught trolling, and this will only get better as water warms and thermo sets up.

“Walleye are fair, and you can find them near and around brushpiles in 15-25 feet of water. Crawler harnesses are starting to be the preferred method. This will hold true all summer.
“Bluegill are spawning and are easy pickings and great action and very good to eat. Look for pea gravel and some wood near it in 10 feet of water or less. Catfish are also starting spawn and should be good on jugs.
“The weather looks decent with some more rain on the way next week. Good luck and stay safe out there!”

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 6-11-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says recent rainfall and increased generation schedules from the Army Corps of Engineers have raised both water levels and water temperatures throughout the Beaver tailwater this past week. These changing conditions have fish on the move, and anglers are finding success by staying flexible and covering water.
Trout fishing has remained steady, although fish are more scattered than they were during the low-water period. Anglers are catching rainbow trout on Pautzke Fire Bait, Little Cleos and Rooster Tails. With the higher water, focusing on current seams, eddies and slower water along the banks has been producing the best results. Increased flows have spread trout throughout the system, so don’t be afraid to move around until you locate active fish. Similar observations about warmer water and more dispersed trout have been noted in recent regional reports.
Walleye fishing continues to transition into a summer pattern. “Most of our success this week has come while pulling crankbaits and covering water. Fish are beginning to settle into their summertime locations, and trolling has been the most consistent way to locate active fish. While some walleye are still being caught by anglers casting jigs and live bait, crankbaits have accounted for the majority of our better fish.
“If you’d like to learn more about targeting White River walleye throughout the year, check out our new “Best Time to Fish for Walleye on the White River” article. To find it, visit buschmountainfishing.net and select the Fishing Tips & Resource Center on our website, then select the “White River Walleye” article. The page breaks down seasonal patterns, water conditions and the best times of year to target these fish.
“As always, generation schedules can change quickly this time of year, so be sure to check current river conditions before heading out. Good luck on the water, and we’ll see you on the river!

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

Lake Charles
(updated 6-11-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) reports that there were mostly no reports this week from anglers of any catches. “If you ask, they are not catching any!” She said. There were some reports than channel cats were biting on blood bait in fair numbers. Everything else rated poorly.

The flew in the face of the “moon times,” which had predicted a good weekend last week. Supposedly there will be a stretch of “good” days coming up, based on the “moon times,” and they’ll be June 11, June 15-16 and June 24-30. The surface water temperature Sunday was 77 degrees and the water remains low and murky.

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 6-4-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are running at 300 cfs (350 cfs is average) and water clarity is mostly clear. Thursday and Friday of last week, there was enough rain to stir the water up and mess up fishing for two days, then it was back to low and clear by Monday. “The river is still well below average flows. I need it to get up another foot for some of the lower smallmouth stretches. Thankfully with a raft, there is no problem floating down trout waters, but I would advise loading light.
“The trout have been hitting nymphs and, on a good day, dry flies. Hopper droppers have been productive and a lot of fun, with nymphs in smaller sizes for droppers, with the clearer clarity. Cloudy days are perfect for streamer/Woolly action. Not much weight is needed on flies with the low-water conditions. On the bright sunny days, drop a Y2K or pink worm below a hopper and let it ride.
“The smallies are hitting good and have been focusing on baitfish along the shoreline. Low water has the bass herding the baitfish in the shallows. Perfect popper conditions on the really good days when it works. Big, unweighted Woollies can be the ticket in the shallows, but go heavy with flies below falls to chase the big fish. And you’ve got to get down.

“The ‘canoe hatch’ has been light with the overcast conditions. Fishing with a relatively quiet river can be had through the week and on a Sunday. Please be safe on Saturdays when the paddling folks are having fun. Access areas in town tend to be float-free of folks. Fish early to miss the canoe hatch, take a break and it should pass by 4 p.m., grab the rod and go back to it. Late evening has had the best caddis and mayfly hatches, just before dusk.
“The low water has allowed for easier wading on the river. As always, be safe out there, the river bottom is very slick. A wading staff can really help with wading and scaring away pesky critters.”

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 6-4-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said the anglers are still catching crappie, bream and catfish this week. Late last year, the AGFC began treating certain areas of the lake for Cuban bulrush, an invasive aquatic vegetation, according to Ryan Mozisek of the AGFC’s Monticello district office. 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 6-11-2026) 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 and another 10-pounder after the contest ended), 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.
The lake’s forage base is booming, according to Mozisek. The staff observed a high abundance of threadfin shad, redear sunfish and bluegill. They say that 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 15 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 6-11-2026) 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 6-11-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said that Millwood Lake elevation of Wednesday was about 8 inches above normal pool and on the rise (259.9 feet msl); Millwood Lake Dam was releasing about 8,300 cfs and tailwater was near 235 feet msl and rising. Surface temps over the past week continued to fluctuate, ranging from 79 degrees early to 89 degrees later in the day along Little River, depending on location. Clarity along Little River is beginning to silt up with increased river current and visibility is ranging 5-10 inches depending on location. In the oxbows, there is diminished visibility from 10-12 inches in many locations.
Siefert had these fishing specifics:
* Summertime patterns continue for largemouth bass, and activity levels are best in the early morning and late afternoon with the increase in surface temps. Many of the bass we are seeing are roaming the flats overnight, and early morning hours are best for fishing. Creek bend sections of the creek channels continue holding fish on stumps from 5-12 feet. Reactions to a variety of topwater baits continue improving at daybreak — try Heddon Spit’N Images, Jumbo Pop R’s in bone color, Brazalo WeeWhacker, Bushwhacker, Horny Toads, Shad Assassins and skirted buzz baits. Many of the bass continue roaming and pulling up onto the flats in lily pad stands at daybreak chasing plastic frogs and Bass Assassin jerkbaits. 

Between daylight and 11 a.m., Bill Lewis Lure’s ATV Crankbait in Bluegill, Tennessee Shad and Pro Green Gizzard, along with the MR-6 Crankbait in Millwood Magic, Silverado, Bluegill and Citrus Shad are drawing hits in off-colored water clarity along creek channel swings on stumps.

Later, in the midday hours, they are pulling out to the next drop zone and structure, 10-20 feet out from the shallow flats of the oxbows. Power Worms (7 and 10 inches) in June bug, blue fleck, black and 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.
Brazalo Custom 501 Jigs in PB&J, Blue Oyster and Gilly — with various craw bug trailers and swim bait tail-thumper trailer colors — are getting reactions on stumps, laydowns and standing cypress trees in creek channels. 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 best colors with the increased stain in water lately have been pumpkinseed/chartreuse, black, blue-fleck and Grunge.
* White bass continue on the move as well all along Little River and are roaming deeper washouts. Large schools have been located between Jack’s Isle and Mud Lake and are reacting fairly well to jigging Cordell Hammered Spoons with red or white bucktails from 15-18 feet deep on structure and circle-back eddies.
* Crappie have greatly improved over the past two or three weeks as water temperature increased in the 5- to 12-foot depths. They were best this past week on minnows or a jig-tipped minnow. Several in the 2- to 2.5-pound range were biting well on minnows. They also improved in planted brush from 10-12 feet of depth near Cottonshed campground, Okay Landing and Saline inflow in the main lake. Bonehead Tackle Stump Bugs in Slick Diablo, Blue Ice or Chartreuse Diablo are working on a one-sixteenth-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.
* There was nothing consistent to report on catfish this week.

* Bream continue biting fairly well near Millwood State Park, and off the dock at Jack’s Isle. Campers at Millwood State Park recently told us last week 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 6-11-2026) John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service (870-942-6291 or yoyoguideservice@gmail.com) at Iron Mountain Marina says, “Hello fisher people. Summer is here for sure. Summer showers break up a good day of fishing. Do not let them unless they are electrical. Rain aerates the water. Had some great days in summer showers.
“Here’s the latest on DeGray: Water temperature (depending on the location) is around 86 degrees. My experience says that when the temperature reaches 86 degrees on the water’s surface, it raises the scale of nonaggressive bite. By that I mean the fish you find are more lethargic. This is normally around the Fourth of July. Hot weather moved the date up considerably. 

“There are some roamers around the lake, also. So, the methods that are producing best are by dialing in your minnow depth as exact as you can on these “slow biters.” Smaller minnows the better. Be patient! 

“Long poling is also a method for picking crappie off of structure or even chasing roamers. If you are a jig caster, downsize your bait to a one-sixteenth-ounce if you can handle it.

“Now to find the fish. Determine the thermocline using your electronics. That gives you the maximum depth to look for fish at. Now look for structure just above the thermocline. And bingo, there you are.
“There is some surface activity going on early and late. Areas with fish from Arlie Moore and upriver are producing well.”

(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 6-11-2026) Dierks Lake ranked in 2025 as the top destination lake in the Arkansas Tournament Information Program report, according to the AGFC Fisheries Division. 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 6-11-2025) 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 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 6-11-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 69 degrees with stained conditions in the tailrace. Numerous storms with heavy rainfall have been the norm for the last couple of weeks in Hot Springs. Summertime heat has also set in, bringing tailrace temperatures upward of 5-10 degrees around the bridge. 

The lake is in very good shape water-wise, as far as lake level and clarity, considering state-wide drought conditions through spring. 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 when 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 couple of weeks. 

Entergy has alerted the public on a cessation of all full-time generation on the weekends concerning floating 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 6-11-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still good. Try a fluke-style bait or topwater lure on main lake points near creek mouths, or use a jighead Brush Hog or soft-plastic worm.

Walleye are very good. Drop-shot a nightcrawler near brush when the sun gets up for good results. 

Stripers are fair to good and are being caught on hair jigs and live bait near major creek basins in the central and eastern parts of the lake.

Bream are very good on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 10- to 20-foot range. Trotlines and jigs are still producing some quality catches of catfish in the 15- to 30-foot range. 

Water temperature has moved on up to summertime temps of 80-86 degrees. There is still a light stain to the water in the western part of the lake. Lake level is up another half-foot from last week, now sitting at 576.26 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 6-11-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said Cook’s will be open this Friday and Saturday, normal hours. “The lake level has been fluctuating quite a bit but the conditions look great right now!”
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.