Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

July 2, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Cathy Wicker recently landed this 25-inch brown trout while fishing in the area of Bull Shoals White River State Park. She was guided to this monster by Eric Beecher of Cotter Trout Dock.

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 7-2-2026) 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.”
“A quick reminder: Arkansas Game and Fish has implemented a two-fish daily limit for the time being, with no trout over 14 inches allowed to be kept on the Little Red River. This change was made after significant fish losses at both the Spring River and Norfork hatcheries. Signs have been posted at access points along the river, but I’ve still seen several instances of anglers unintentionally over-harvesting because they weren’t aware of the new regulations. Help spread the word and be sure to check the AGFC.com website for complete details.
“The 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.”

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 7-2-2026) 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 7-2-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said fishing is “kind of slow right now. It’s too hot for people fishing.” Nevertheless, some anglers are taking advantage of an open lake with a decent bream and catfish bite now. Most anglers are catching bream on crickets; Bing says they’ve sold a lot of crickets in recent days. Trotlines are the go-to for folks seeing catfish. “Bank fishing is not going very well,” she said. Mainly, she notes, the bank is not where it should be with the lake still very low. None of the recent rains have helped the lake level much.

“You can still launch a boat, though, no problem,” she said. Also, she’s heard of a good bream bite in the area opposite the resort, where “the water is a little deeper over there.”

Use baby bream if you use trotlines, she 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 6-25-2026) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) said in his most recent report that water level is about normal and the clarity is good. Crappie were being caught in 8-10 feet of water, but mostly at night. Bass were slow, but anglers are catching some decent fish. Catfish were being caught on trotlines and jugs using bream and nightcrawlers. Bream should pick up. 

Lake Maumelle
(updated 7-2-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the lake’s surface water temperature was around the mid-80s. Lake level keeps dropping slightly and is 7.8 feet below normal pool. Boater operators, remember to trim your motor. New ramps are open.
The black bass bite is good again this week. Largemouth bass are biting best in the morning and late in the evening. Anglers are seeing a good topwater bite at those times, as well as in 2-8 feet of water, with some being picked up in 15-20 feet of water. Jighead worms, drop-shots, your favorite topwater lure and soft plastics reportedly are all working. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are being found mixed in with the largemouths, as well as being caught in 12-18 feet off rocky points. Jigs and drop-shots are best for the spots.

Crappie have picked back up and the reports are good. Anglers say they are stacked at 8-, 10- and 12-feet depths chasing shad. Also, there are reports of crappie being found stacked on brush in 17-20 feet. Jigs, swimbaits and minnows are working.
Bream are good, and that was expected with Monday’s full moon and the big, low moon earlier this week. There are reports of bream bedding on brush and biting crickets and worms. Look for bream anywhere from 6-12 feet.

White bass have been fair. Your best bet may be trolling on the roadbed to catch a few, and use crankbaits. Catfish are fair, with reports coming in of some cats snagging anglers’ lines. Bream, worms and liver should attract the catfish.

Arkansas River at Morrilton

For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

Little Maumelle River

(update 7-2-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said that not many people have been fishing in the past few days, but the ones who have are doing really well catching bass both early in the day and late. “One fellow caught some crappie in 7 feet of water on minnows. But overall, it’s nothing great. It’s kind of slowed down. The water is clear and normal, but it’s so hot out. They’re out early and gone by noon.”
Bass anglers are fishing topwater baits early, then moving to plastic worms. Try a white buzzbait or white spinnerbait early; Ray says purple is the color of choice for your soft plastic worms.

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 6-25-2026) 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 through the Little Rock Pool continues to run fast. As of Thursday afternoon, the flow 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 7-2-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “A day on the river offers the opportunity to spend some quiet, one-on-one time with your kids. Enjoy the early-morning river mist with temperatures in the 60s, add some great trout-catching action and you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime. When the afternoons warm up, you can dip your cap in the river or wet a hand towel in the cold clear water, lay it across your shoulders and keep angling.
“Bull Shoals Lake elevation measured 664.63 feet msl Wednesday with morning releases continuing at around three units (9,000 cfs) before rising to 12,000 cfs or more in afternoon. Releases will likely remain higher for power generation during this heat streak. The lake is about 3feet over power pool level.  Stay hydrated (low caffeinated, high electrolyte drinks).
“Browns have been hiding in the deep holes, coming out to the scent of a sculpin or the call of a crawdad tail. Rainbows are less picky; they’re always attracted to the pink and white PowerBait mouse tail worms, and they’ll nibble at shrimp and live red worms when the water is rising. It’s fun to drop a D2 Trout Magnet peachy jig, eighth-ounce is best, and see what comes up.
“Stop in and say ‘hey’ when you’re in town. Enjoy the day. “It’s fun to watch the rainbows follow the spinners — try a three-sixteenth-ounce Blue Fox Spinner with a red bell or the bleeding frog Rooster Tail. We found that bleeding frog pattern in a Thomas Buoyant Spoon and worked it for several catches. Yellow and sunrise PowerBait are bringing in the rainbows with or without a morsel of shrimp added to the mix.
“Come on over, get out of the house and enjoy the cool of the river in the beautiful Natural State and the Arkansas Ozarks.” 

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-2-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “This week we continue to see water depths between 7.5 to 9.5 feet. We continue to have success drift-fishing using silver inline spinners with a No. 2 hook with two Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. The key is to get the bait to the bottom. If needed, add an additional size 7 split shot 8-12 inches above the hook.

“Rapala Countdowns in CD5 or CD7 in brown trout and rainbow trout colors have worked well when fishing near the bank. The guides are reporting having to move around to find the fish and then catching a few before the bite dies, and they move again. 

“Even with Norfork Dam opening some of the spillway gates, the water is in good condition. Enjoy your Fourth of July Holiday and be safe on the water.”

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 7-2-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday, “We’ve got another Big Lake Holiday. With the lake level up, watch out for some debris. Some parking and camping areas are being affected, so phone first.

“Water temperature is 82 degrees, give or take. Nothing has changed as far as the fishing from last week, and I’m out of town this week, but will continue updates next week.

“The powerfishermen are up in the flooded brushes doing fine on the right day (wind/clouds/rain/stain) using buzzbaits, Whopper Plopper, spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits on shallow bushes on flats close to ledges and transition banks. There is stained water still in the backs of creeks.

“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 or popper-style lure. Once that fireball rises up and the topwater bite slows, try a small Tater Swimbait or Mayor 2.5 – both are working natural shad imitation colors. I’ve been using the big spoon! A Jewel Shad Spoon is 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 with flat water, high pressure, bluebirds, hot and sunny, just jump in. 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 and bomb-cast with lighter fluorocarbon line. You can try a drop-shot with a Robo, or finesse a Jewel Pee-Wee Jig in green pumpkin orange. Or a Bass Whacker is working in green pumpkin. Or also try a shaky head worm.

“Fish are favoring summer areas, so start looking at long points, ledges and fish big red worms or craw baits in brushpiles, timber tops and on bluffs and bluff ends. Fish 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. 

“I’m only doing half-days now unless we get a major cold front. The scuba divers spearfishing are out and about; watch out for diver flags and be sure to give them their space. And remember: Fish the conditions. And everyone have a safe and happy Fourth!”

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 7-2-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said fishing this past week has been fair to good. Summer fishing patterns are holding. Walleye are holding on flatter points with deep water on one side.

Look for fish on the tips of long points as well as the sides that are close to the sharper drop-off. Walleye located next to brushpiles seem to be situated on the offshore side of the brushpiles where deep water is closer. Main lake and secondary points have been producing fish during the day.

Fish shallow in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 24-30 feet of water, and deeper in 35-45 feet of water if there is little or no wind or 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 it back out into 35 feet has been working. Also, spooning around the offshore side of brushpiles in 27-30 feet is working well.

Bottom Bouncing orange, chartreuse or gold No. 3 Colorado deep cup blades, or brass or gold willow leaf bladed spinner rigs, and crawlers around the sides and tips of points close to channel swings are producing a lot of short fish as well 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. Trolling in 25-35 feet of water at speeds of 1.8 to 2.2 mph seems to work best . 

(updated 7-2-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports that “we are still finding most crappie scattered throughout the creeks on brushpiles in that 20- to 25-foot range. Quality is still mainly mixed up in a lot of places and the bait is starting to sit on structure with the fish, which normally makes it get a little tougher in places as the summer goes on. Minnows have been best lately, with the jib being hit -and-miss depending on the day.”

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 7-2-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake water level rose to 1,126.56 feet msl. Water temperature is in the low 80s . Water goes from stained in Hickory Down to Horseshoe. Water gets clearer from there to the dam.

“Big weekend coming up and there will be tons of people out on the lake. Be aware of boaters and lots of floaters, as in trees, logs, etc. are being seen throughout the lake . When the water rises, it drags lots of debris off the shore and ejects it into the entire lake.
“If any of you fisherman watch “MLF Bass Fishing,” watch Mark Daniels Jr. hit a floater at full speed. He is lucky and he tore off all of the lower unit and about flipped the boat. He was visibly shaken, as he should be. His message, and mine, is: Wear a life vest and kill switch and a newer product called a leash that prevents the motor from ejecting into the boat after this type of collision. It’s no joke, and I write about this all the time. Floaters will float just below the surface when waterlogged and you really have to be aware when running at all times. Watch his video and he will convince you that it is a very realistic danger right now on Beaver. This boat accident was over on Grand Lake. That’s my public safety announcement.
“On to the report. Stripers have been on fire. Look from Prairie Creek all the way to the dam. This is a very early morning bite and late evening. You have to be fishing by sun-up.
“Walleye are starting to really turn on as expected. Summer is crawler harness time. Look on main points in 20-30 feet depth. Best areas are the same as stripers — from Prairie Creek down to Starkey.
“Crappie are suspended and can be caught on another summer staple: trolling cranks. Lucas Cranks are a very good choice, as are Bandits. Catfishing also cranked up last week. With lots of water coming in, the river arms are where you want to be. Bluegill/bream are good and always there for the taking.
“Big weekend on the lake; let’s be patient and safe. Good luck and Happy 250th birthday, USA.”

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 6-25-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says the Army Corps of Engineers generators are back online, “and that’s great news for the Beaver Tailwaters.” Water temperatures have dropped back into the upper 40s to low 50s, just in time for the dog days of summer. The cooler water has really improved conditions, and the trout bite has been picking up.

Most trout are being caught between Houseman Access and the U.S. Highway 62 Bridge. Pautzke Fire Bait fished on light terminal tackle has been one of the top producers. If you prefer throwing artificials, quarter-ounce spoons and Rooster Tails are also putting some quality fish in the net.

Walleye are still being caught, but they require a little patience. A slow presentation with jigged soft plastics has been the most consistent pattern. Focus on water depths of 10-20 feet and work your bait deliberately.
“If you’re looking to learn more, be sure to visit the ‘Resources’ section of our new website, www.buschmountainfishing.net. We’ve added several in-depth articles covering White River walleye fishing, trout fishing, and Beaver Lake striped bass that are packed with useful information.

“We’re glad to see the river cooled back down. It should make for some excellent fishing as we move deeper into summer. We hope you get the opportunity to get out on the water and catch a few fish. Tight lines!”

Lake Charles

(updated 7-2-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) reported that Lake Charles received a large amount of rainfall last week that helped bring the water level up, but it’s still low. Fishing suffered with the exception of crappie, as she received no reports on bream, bass or catfish.

Crappie, however, were biting fair around the shoreline on minnows and jigs.

Rainfall totaled 3.3 inches over the past week, and the water temperature fell some as a result. Earlier this week it was 77.7 degrees, about a 5-degree drop from the same time last week.

The “moon times” indicate that this weekend should be among the best times this month for anglers to get out on Lake Charles, she said. Good days are scattered throughout the middle of the month, and “best days” are back again in lake July.

Lake Poinsett

(updated 7-2-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said, “IT’S HOT! With the oppressive heat, there haven’t been too many anglers out, it seems. However, there were still reports of some bream being caught after the recent flooding, as the waters slowly go back down back to normal. Overall, not too much to report at the moment. I would suspect that fish would be retreating to deeper water or finding good shade to also try to escape the heat.
“As a reminder, the Lake Poinsett State Park Bait Shop will be limited on live bait and tackle for a bit longer. Currently, there are redworms, waxworms and a few nightcrawlers in stock for live bait. Artificial items vary in availability.”

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 7-2-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said she can tell the fishing has picked up with crickets selling out at the visitor center, and red wigglers also being picked up in good numbers by customers. She’s told that anglers are catching a lot of panfish this past week. “Many people are asking for crickets and we sell out almost as fast as we can get them,” she said.
This, of course, coincides with the full moon and bream bedding again, leading to a good bream bite and the bass hanging around to get some of the bream too. Nightcrawlers and minnows are also being purchased in good numbers, she added.
On Tuesday, she said, customers were still wanting crickets and reporting that they were catching a lot of large bream.
Try a bream-colored bait to see if the bass will respond to it. Also, crappie might be starting to move around again.
Cane Creek is an enjoyable body of water to paddle, and fishing from a kayak can be a blast. Of course, now that it’s really hot, get out early and beat most of that mid-morning-to-late-in-the-day heat.
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 7-2-2026) This one-time great trophy bass destination when it first opened in the 1990s appears headed back to that designation again, based on what anglers have been catching in the past few months since regulations were eased on bass and crappie. Two bass over 10 pounds were pulled out during the spring, one qualifying for the AGFC’s Legacy Lunker program before the March 31 cutoff. And AGFC biologists say the lake is trending in the right direction with ample forage stocked after its renovation. Catch rates in spring sampling 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 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 7-2-2026) Lake Chicot, part of Lake Chicot State Park, is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, redear sunfish and other bream, in addition to crappie. If you fish Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, or Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam, be aware that crappie shorter than 10 inches must be immediately released and that the crappie daily limit is 20.

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

(updated 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.”

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 6-25-2026) 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

No reports.

Lake Atkins

(updated 6-25-2025) 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 7-2-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 71 degrees with slightly stained conditions in the tailrace. Summertime heat has set in in our area, bringing tailrace temperature upwards of 5-10 degrees higher around the bridge and below. The lake is in very good shape water-wise, as far as lake levels go, and weekend generation recreational plans have been reinstated now that rainfall amounts have been high enough to erase the statewide drought conditions.

Walleye are still present in the Carpenter Dam tailrace, although the spawn is long completed. 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 near the dam. These fish are strong and active and very capable of jerking rods off the shoreline or boat from unwary anglers 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 brought 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.

Rainbow trout fishing is extremely slow as the season is over until late November. Diminishing numbers have shortened times that anglers can catch trout and that time is now until the fall stocking begins. 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. 

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.

No reports.

Lake Hamilton

(updated 6-25-2026) 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 area lakes are clear and the water temperature is in the low 80s. The moon is building to a full moon on June 29. Topwater bite is very good early morning and late in the day. Night fishing is good. In the Hot Springs area lakes now, you’ll have success fishing a black spider in the guts of pockets and soft plastic worms in the brush. For night anglers and night boat drivers: Kastner urges dimming your sonar and GPS screens. They can blind you and hurt your night vision.

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 7-2-2026) 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 still excellent. For good results, drop-shot a nightcrawler near brush when the sun gets up. 

Stripers are fair and still being caught on hair jigs and live bait near major creek basins in the eastern part of the lake.

Bream are still very good on crickets and worms; the full moon is Monday. Crappie are still 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 is a steady 80-86 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level is steady this week, sitting at 577.02 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

On Saturday, Mountain Harbor will be celebrating the Fourth all day beginning at 9 a.m. with a full program of events, culminating with fireworks over the lake at 9:30. You can probably time some fishing between all the festivities.

(updated 7-2-2026) 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 lakes Ouachita and Greeson are at their highest level of the year and should probably start following on its normal summer pattern of falling. Water temps in the low 80s and climbing. The moon phase earlier this week was full and spectacular. Walleye fishing on Ouachita is very good. Use live nightcrawlers on drop-shot rigs, or try shad-color crankbaits on flooded timber points. At all the major lakes, summer patterns are in full swing, and that means it’s a good time for night fishing.

(updated 6-25-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said, “We are still slaying the slab crappie in the 14-foot range. No little ones. Then, when the morning crappie bite is over, we troll and keep a few large ‘ditch pickles’ (bass). Start early, like 0530, and finish by mid-morning. Enjoy the sunrise and be safe on the water.”

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 7-2-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said the nature center and lake will be closed, therefore there’s no fishing scheduled for the holiday weekend. They will reopen for fishing on the following Friday and Saturday, July 10-11.
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.