Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

June 18, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

This young fellow is Cai (no last name provided), who landed a terrific 24.5-inch brown trout on the White River at Cotter. Helping him with the catch is Jerry Coleman, a Cotter Trout Dock guide. Cotter Trout Dock says that it’s seldom been easier than it has been the last few weeks to catch rainbows in their area, and the bigger browns have been looking for sculpins or flat, floating nightcrawlers during rising water. And that’s what’s happening now on the White below Bull Shoals Dam with the lake finally above normal pool (664.12 feet msl this week) and with large flows moving in the late afternoon. Read more of Cotter’s report under “North Arkansas” 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 6-18-2026) AGFC staff in Mayflower note that while Lake Conway is still drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond provides a nice 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 6-18-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! It’s a great weekend to get outside and take a kid fishing.
“The weather forecast looks a little unsettled over the next several days with chances of rain throughout the week. We’re looking at daytime highs in the mid- to upper 80s, with a few days pushing 90 degrees and plenty of humidity. The rain is much needed as Arkansas continues to battle drought conditions. It doesn’t look like a washout by any means, but be prepared for some scattered pop-up thunderstorms, especially during the hotter afternoons.
“Greers Ferry Lake has risen slightly above summer power pool thanks to the rainfall we’ve received over the past several weeks. With the lake now above power pool and summer temperatures arriving, we’re beginning to see increased generation on the Little Red River.
“On Wednesday (June 17), the Southwestern Power Administration generated two units of water for roughly 10 hours. That’s the first time this year we’ve seen that much water released for that length of time. The same projection was scheduled again for Thursday. It’s still a little early to know exactly what the weekend generation schedule will look like, but with increased power demand and the lake sitting slightly above power pool, don’t be surprised if we continue to see higher flows.
“As always, I’d recommend checking the USACE Little Rock App before heading to the river so you can stay up to date on the latest generation schedule.
“Over the last few fishing reports I’ve mentioned that the bite has been tough at times, and that still holds true. The bright spots have been JFK Park and Barnett Access, both of which have been fishing well and have received heavy trout stockings recently. Wade-fishing below the dam has been particularly productive, and Barnett Access continues to fish well.
“The rest of the river, from Lobo Landing down to the Highway 305 bridge, has been a bit hit or miss. Some days the fish are feeding aggressively, while other days can be a grind. We’re still catching fish consistently, but some days are definitely better than others.”
Mike says the hot flies under an indicator have been:

* Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles

* Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears

* Midges

* San Juan Worms

“Focus on deeper water around moss beds and areas with steady current, especially during periods of no generation or while fishing falling water. The shoals and plunge pools below them continue to hold fish and are worth spending extra time on. If the bite gets tough, try downsizing your flies.

“Some good news is that streamer fishing has finally arrived with the increased flows we’ve been seeing.

“On Wednesday evening, fellow guide Bill Wilmert and I took advantage of the two-unit generation and spent some time throwing big articulated streamers along the banks looking for aggressive brown trout. Our preferred setup is a 9-foot, 8-weight rod paired with a 330-grain sinking line. We were throwing Flatliners and Double Deceivers in white and olive, as well as brown and yellow color combinations.
“Good luck on the river this weekend. Hope to see you out there.”

(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 6-18-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said in their most recent report that black bass (all three species) were 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 6-18-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said catfish and bream are still doing “pretty good.” Anglers are catching a lot of bream, she added, particularly around the shallowest areas. They’re using crickets and redworms and finding them most active in the early morning or later in the afternoon. Don’t bother with them around noon with this heat.

The lake overall remains low, though you can get your boat into the water, she said. “Lots of stumps are showing.” Any of those stumps are also good areas to look for bream now.

Catfish have been best on trotlines baited with baby bream. She has not heard any noteworthy reports on bass or crappie. “It may be too hot right now,” Bing said.

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 6-18-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said there were good reports this week of people catching a variety of fish while fishing for a specific species. The water temperature is ranging 82-84 degrees. The lake level dropped a bit from last week, even with the rains, and on Thursday was sitting at 7.40 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 again this week after several weeks of no reported action. Some white bass anglers are trolling on the roadbed and catching a few. Crankbaits are best.

Crappie are fair. Some anglers found some small crappie schooling, as well as other fish in 12-18 feet near brush. Use jigs or minnows.

Bream are improved to good this week and are being caught on brush. They should be anywhere from 6-12 feet; use crickets and redworms.
Catfish have begun biting and the results this week were fair. Reports had them being caught by folks who were fishing for bass and bream. 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 6-18-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the largemouth bass “are on fire, there is an early and late topwater bite” on the Little Maumelle. He adds that crappie are “kind of slow but are being caught in 5- to 6-feet depth mainly on minnows.”

Bream are still bedded, he reports, and are active on worms and crickets in shallow water, up to about 2 feet deep. Catfish started biting well a few weeks back and it’s still the same: a good bite on hot dogs and liver.

But the bass have become the main attraction. Ray says anglers are picking up bass in the 1.5- to 3-pound range. The fish have been on the buzzbait and any kind of a popping topwater lure (Pop-R, et al.). Also, a soft plastic worm will pick up some bass in the 4- to 6-foot range when they miss the topwater or it eases up.

He reports that the water is in good condition, fairly clear and normal. Rain is in the forecast but the next two to three days should provide good fishing. “I like to fish when the rain moves in. On the cloudy days, the fishing seems to be better,” he said.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
For the real-time water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam and David D. Terry Lock and Dam, as well as the Little Rock pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 6-18-2026) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said in their most recent report that bass were starting to get more out on the main channel of the river. Shad-colored square bills have been the bait to use, with anglers having success 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 were also active around wood. Your best bet there is a black and chartreuse jig.

The flow at Murray Dam earlier this week was over 100,000 cfs and that calls for a small craft advisory until it gets back below 70,000. Anglers and boaters are urged to stay off the water during the higher flows.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 6-18-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said anglers there are doing fair on largemouth bass and good on bream and catfish. 

The bass have been hit or miss, she added. Crappie aren’t doing anything now. “I haven’t had anybody trolling that much. Mainly bream fishermen right now,” she said.

Use the dependable crickets and worms to attract the bream. Hot dogs are the bait of choice for catfish here. Bass anglers keep their baits to themselves, but this should be a great time to try the topwater lures early and late, and a soft plastic worm or crankbait at other times.

Overall, fishing has been slow for much of the year, she said. The lake, though, is level full and clear for Peckerwood, she said.

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 6-18-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “The Arkansas Ozarks haven’t missed out on the heat wave that’s moving across the country, but we have the gem of the White River to cool us down. The trout love that cold water and the anglers love that cool mist, which lowers the air temperature by at least 10 degrees. The pattern from the dam continues with lower flows in the morning around one unit (3,000 cfs) and large flows (15,000 or more cfs) during the late afternoon. The lake level is 664.12 feet msl, 2.5 feet above seasonal pool.
“Catching rainbows has seldom been easier than it’s been the last few weeks. Silver blades and orange/brown skirts on a Rooster Tail, or a silver Vibrax Blue Fox with a silver, orange or bubblegum pink bell, will bring in a good share of trout. A nickel/gold Colorado Spoon, one-sixth ounce, is always a good choice in lower water.
“The bigger browns have been looking for sculpins or even a fat, floating nightcrawler during rising water. Keep your eye on the tip of your rod for a little tremor and watch that brown snatch your bait; play it slowly and carefully, no rapid movements, and you’ll be able to net it for a picture.
“Come on over and join us as we stay cool angling for a fat, energetic rainbow on the White.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 6-18-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Before the rains on Saturday, fishing was consistent using silver inline spinners, Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp. Some guides have reported limited success using artificial lures, but the fish that were caught were nicer 18-inch-plus rainbows and browns. 

“The rains on Saturday caused flash floods on the Buffalo River and Crooked Creek, resulting in the muddy water arriving Sunday afternoon. By this Wednesday the river was dingy but fishable. The weather forecast has chances of rain throughout the remainder of this week into next week. Hopefully we don’t get too much at any one time. 

“Both Bulls Shoals and Norfork Lake levels are above the power pool, and we have seen increased water releases from both dams. We have seen kayakers make what is normally a 6-to-7-hour float into a 4-hour float. If you are on the river in a kayak or canoe, remember to never approach a dock from the upriver side, we’ve seen and heard of too many kayaks and kayakers getting pushed under a dock. With both Beaver Lake Dam and Table Rock Lake Dam opening their floodgates, Bull Shoals Lake will continue to rise. 

“On Thursday the AFGC stocking raft stocked from Norfork down to Calico Rock.” 

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 to focus on 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 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 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, Rapala Tail 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 6-18-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake has risen another foot or so and is now at 1,124.36 feet msl. Water is 80 degrees or so in most parts. Water clarity is muddy on the south end and gradually clearer to Prairie Creek. Then there’s a slight stain to Rocky and then clear down to the dam.
“Stripers are cranking up on a summer pattern and that is: Be fishing by sunrise, load up on them and be done by 9 a.m. Fish are moving toward the north end with good results from Rocky to Starkey.
“Bass are also setting up on main lake points and structure in and around 20-25 feet. There is some early and late topwater going on, so have that Spook or something similar and ready to fire it at blowups.
“Walleye are starting to be consistent on crawler harnesses. Look on flats and points adjacent to the main river channel/deep water. Walleye slide up and back during feeding periods.
“Crappie are starting to hit cranks. This will be the case all summer. Lucas cranks are some of the best. If you don’t have any, we’ll get you some. Also, Bandits work well. Put them out at 70 feet back and troll around 2 mph.
“Bluegill are doing the bluegill thing and are always there to participate in the catching. Catfish are good on jugs and trotlines. Good luck and stay safe!”

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 6-18-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “Did you know that Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service now has a brand-new website? Be sure to visit www.buschmountainfishing.net for real-time fishing information and resources. The site includes links to Beaver Lake conditions, weather forecasts and generation schedules, so there’s no more calling the dam to check water releases. You can monitor generation and flow schedules directly from the website, along with other helpful fishing tips and resources.
“Fishing on the Beaver tailwater has been quite good this week, despite water temperatures continuing to run warmer than normal for this time of year. The Army Corps of Engineers has been periodically releasing water through the generators while also utilizing conduit releases. This combination has helped bring water temperature down into the mid-60s, creating improved conditions for trout and other species.
“Trout fishing has been especially productive. Most anglers are finding success using Pautzke Fire Bait, Fire Eggs and nightcrawlers. With the warmer water temperature, trout tend to spread out across the river in search of cooler, oxygen-rich water. Anglers willing to move around and cover water have been finding the most consistent action.
“Walleye are still in the tailwater as well. Most fish are being caught in approximately 15 feet of water using hard crankbaits. As summer progresses and water temperatures remain elevated, many walleye seek deeper, cooler water while taking advantage of baitfish concentrations near current seams and structure.
“Bluegill and sunfish fishing has also been good, providing excellent opportunities for families and young anglers. However, once the generators return to regular operation, many of these fish are expected to move farther back into Table Rock Lake as stronger flows alter their preferred habitat.
“Warmwater conditions affect fish behavior in several ways. Trout become more sensitive to temperature and oxygen levels, often seeking out areas influenced by cooler releases. Walleye frequently feed during low-light periods and hold deeper during the day. Panfish remain active but will relocate as water flow patterns change.
“With improving water temperature and a variety of species available, now is a great time to get out and enjoy the Beaver tailwater. Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water!

Lake Charles
(updated 6-18-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) says that bream picked back up this past week. Bream were biting fair in shallow water on small jigs. Work those jigs around rocky points for best success.

Catfish are still biting well. They’re favoring blood bait and will also go after those small jigs that are being used for bream.

But, overall, there weren’t many good reports on fishing from the anglers this week, she said. Bass and crappie rated poorly. “We did get 1 inch of rain the night of June 13,” she added. That was a big help considering the weeks of low water conditions of late.

Some good fishing days based on “moon times” are coming June 24-30. 

The surface water temperature Sunday was 78.6 degrees and clarity is the usual murky.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 6-18-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said that with the warming weather, Lake Poinsett has been busy with bream! Crickets and redworms have been the choice bait. Most bream have been around 20-25 feet from the shoreline in around 5-6 feet of water.
Catfish have been biting off of the northwestern shoreline and on the north end of the lake. Anglers were using stink baits. Bass and crappie have not had a lot of reports, but several reports of 3- to 5-pound bass have been given. 

“It should also be noted that the Lake Poinsett State Park Visitor Center’s bait shop will likely be in short supply of live and artificial baits beginning Monday, June 22 (pending stock). We will gladly sell bait while supplies last and recommend anglers call the park before attempting to head out here for bait. This (mostly live) bait shortage will likely last three to four weeks. We apologize for any inconvenience.”

Spring River
(updated 6-18-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said Thursday, “Finally, we had enough rain north of the area to get river flows up just above average flows. Water levels are running at 380 cfs and water clarity has been poor this week. A lot of rain to the north had the river nasty brown on Sunday and began to calm on Monday. Back on the water guiding on Tuesday and no trouble catching nice ’bows this week. The river is back to normal and looks good!
“With all the water now, Woollies and leech patterns are hot. A black leech has been the ticket the last few days. The river will be low and clear by Friday if there is no more heavy rain to the north. 

“We’re catching a few smallies, but with river levels coming up, it will open up smallmouth stretches on the river. Perfect time to chase smallies for the rest of the summer. Target waterfalls, riffles and in the deeper stretches around the big boulders in the Spring River. 

“I love the fight of smallies on a fly rod! Let them go to let them grow. Takes a long time for a smallie to get big, and honestly, it is a lot more fun to hook up with a 5-pound smallmouth bass, and that is a big one!
“With river flow just above average, it should still be easier wading, but the river has a very slick solid limestone bottom in areas, so always be careful out there. Wading staffs and felt sole boots do help. The great thing about our campgrounds is they mostly have much easier wading than our public areas. So, check them out.
“The ‘canoe hatch’ is heavy on Saturdays. Through the week and on Sundays, it can still be very peaceful. Areas like Lassiter walk-in in town can be great to fish at on the weekend. It is not in the ‘canoe hatch’ stretch. Hydrate and be safe out there.”

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 6-18-2026) 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 6-18-2026) 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 6-18-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Millwood Lake elevation earlier this week was 8 inches above normal pool and falling, at about 259.8 feet msl. The dam was releasing about 12,000 cfs and the tailwater was near 238 feet and rising. Extreme caution is urged in navigating Little River along the main lake body while the Army Corps of Engineers replacing missing river buoys; call the USACE to report missing (or out of place) river buoys at 870-898-3343 to assist the Corps in recovering disconnected or missing buoys. 

Surface temps over the past week ranged 82 degrees early to 90 degrees later in the day along Little River. Clarity along Little River is beginning to silt up with increased river current. Visibility ranged 0-8 inches depending on location. Clarity and visibility in the oxbows diminished, and visibility was ranging 10-12 inches in many locations. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire continues to be fair this week and is 10-15 inches of visibility. Mud Lake had increased sediment content this week and improved visibility ranging 5-8 inches.
Siefert had these fishing specifics from the past week on Millwood:
* Best activity levels for largemouth bass have been during the early morning and late afternoon. Many of the bass we are seeing are roaming the flats overnight, and early morning hours are best. Creek bend sections of the creek channels continue holding fish on stumps in 5-12 feet depth. Bass reactions to a variety of topwater baits continue improving at daybreak, like Heddon Spit’N Images, Jumbo Pop R’s in bone color, Brazalo WeeWhacker, Bushwhacker, Horny Toads, Shad Assassins and jerkbaits. 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 in lily pad stands and emergent vegetation. 

Between daylight and 11 a.m., Bill Lewis Lure’s ATV Crankbait in Bluegill, Tennessee Shad and Pro Green Gizzard and the MR-6 Crankbait in Millwood Magic, Silverado, Bluegill and Citrus Shad in off-colored water clarity are drawing hits and reactions along in 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 Little River and in the oxbows. Bass continue searching deeper drops for forage and baitfish in creek channels and structure, and are moving in and out of new lily pad bloom stands. They 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 swimbait 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 and 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 9-10 feet depth, Bass Assassin Shads continue drawing good reactions, with Chico’s Red Ear, pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, and Mama’s 14K in the 5-inch shad sizes, working best around vegetation and lily pads. They’re best Texas-rigged on small, light-wire Owner hooks, drawing random reactions in heavy vegetation, or on stumps, and near cypress tree knees in 6-8 feet depth. Brazalo Lures’ 501 tandem willow blade spinnerbaits continue working well with from black bass in creek channels, and will continue getting reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and deeper creek channel outer bends near vegetation and fresh lily pad blooms.

* White bass continue on the move all along Little River, and are roaming deeper washouts in Little River. 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, in 15-18 feet depth on structure and circle-back eddies.

* No reports on crappie.

* Catfish improved this week with the increase of current in Little River. Trotlines set from 10-18 feet deep along outer bends of the river are taking decent blues and channel cats up to 8 pounds using Danny King’s Punch Bait, cut shad or buffalo, as well as chicken hearts and gizzards.
* Bream are still biting fairly well near Millwood State Park and off the dock at Jack’s Isle. Campers at Millwood State Park recently told us they were having good luck with crickets, bread and redworms off the bank to catch 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 6-18-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing this past week at both DeGray Lake and Lake Ouachita. “We are still catching crappie 14-18 feet deep on brushpiles near deeper water channels. We are also transitioning into summertime bass by casting swimbaits, spy baits, spoons and trolling crankbaits.”

(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 6-4-2026) 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 6-18-2026) 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 6-18-2026) 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 lately in Hot Springs. Summertime heat has also set in our area, bringing tailrace temperature upwards of 5-10 degrees around the bridge. The lake is in very good shape water-wise as far as lake level and clarity considering statewide drought conditions. 

Rainbow trout fishing is extremely slow as the season is quickly coming to an end in terms of catch numbers. 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 15-18 inches taken fairly consistently until recently. Entergy has alerted the public on a cessation of all full-time generation procedures on the weekends concerning floating until further notice due to the 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 that 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 need to be aware when leaving tackle unattended. 

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. When severe weather is forecasted in the area, the public is urged to 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
No reports.

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 6-18-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing this past week at both Lake Ouachita and DeGray Lake. “We are still catching crappie 14-18 feet deep on brushpiles near deeper water channels. We are also transitioning into summertime bass by casting swimbaits, spy baits, spoons and trolling crankbaits.”

(updated 6-18-2026) 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 walleye fishing on Ouachita “is very good.” Use live nightcrawlers on drop-shot rigs, or try a shad-colored crankbait around flooded timber points.

At all the major lakes, he said, summer patterns are in full swing and that means it’s a good time for night fishing. The lakes are up, with Bull Shoals jumping 7 feet in three weeks, while the Arkansas River has heavy flow at several dams in the middle of the state.

(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 6-18-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said, “The lake is looking perfect and we will be open for youth and mobility-impaired angling again this Friday and Saturday during normal hours.”
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.