Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

July 9, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

We’ve had this photo in our Fishing Report collection for a few weeks now, and it helps cool us off just looking at it as the July heat sets in. Guide Austin Kennedy, who reports to us from the Beaver Lake tailwater in northwest Arkansas, landed this very impressive smallmouth bass back in May, when we were having some surprisingly unseasonable, cooler weather.

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 7-9-2026) 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 check out what was written in 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 7-9-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said Greers Ferry Lake is sitting at 462.24 feet msl, with the summer power pool target level at 462.54 feet msl, so we’re just slightly below pool heading into this week. The weather is looking like typical July in Arkansas, with daytime highs in the mid- to upper 90s and heat indexes climbing into the 100s. There is a chance of scattered rain on Saturday and Sunday, but it doesn’t look like a washout.
“We’ve been seeing a fairly consistent generation schedule from SWPA (Southwestern Power Administration). They’ve generally been running two units for 4-6 hours, with generation usually starting around 3 p.m. each day.
“The fishing on the Little Red River has definitely improved. Over the last few reports, I’ve mentioned that the bite had been a little tough, but things are looking much better now. You can really tell the hatchery trucks have been busy stocking not only the primary access areas, but also the secondary chutes on private property from Lobo Landing down to the Arkansas Highway 305 Access. JFK Park below the dam and Barnett Access have both received heavy trout stockings, and the wade fishing at both locations has been very good. Drift-fishing from the boat has also picked up, and you can definitely tell those fresh fish are spread throughout the river.
“The best bite has been early in the morning while the water is falling from the previous night’s generation. Once the summer heat starts building, the fishing tends to slow down, so my advice is to get an early start and take advantage of that morning bite.

“Fly-wise, I’ve been catching fish on Buggy Hare’s Ears and Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles. As always, San Juan Worms, egg patterns and midges continue to produce. If the bite slows down, don’t be afraid to downsize your fly.
“Focus on the deeper runs around the moss beds, and don’t overlook the shoals and the plunge pools just below them. Those areas have been holding plenty of fish.
“Stay safe in the heat, keep plenty of water in the boat, and good luck if you’re headed to the river this week. Hope to see you on the water!”

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 7-9-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the lake’s level has dipped to nearly 8 feet below normal pool (7.9 feet as of Thursday), while surface water temperature is in the mid-80s. Boaters are urged to trim their motors with the new ramps in place.

The black bass bite fell off somewhat this week to fair. Largemouth bass are reportedly biting best in the mornings and late in the evenings, typical of the hot part of the summer. Anglers are catching them on top as well as in 2-8 feet of water, with some others being caught in 15-20 feet. Jighead worms, drop-shots, topwater baits and soft plastics are the most successful lures now. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are fair and being caught among largemouth as well as in 12-18 feet off rock points. Jigs and drop-shots are best for spots.

Crappie and bream are both good. Crappie are reportedly stacked at 8, 10 and 12 feet depth chasing shad. Also, there are reports of crappie being found stacked on brush in 17-20 feet. Jigs, swimbaits and minnows are all working. Bream are being seen bedded on brush and being caught there. They should be anywhere from 6-12 feet deep. Use crickets or worms.

White bass are slow. Crankbaits are best for them. Catfish are fair. Some of the bass anglers reported catching catfish while they were targeting black bass. Use 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 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 6-25-2026) 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 7-9-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Change is hard for some folks, so we hang on to the best of our world: Trout fishing on the White River here in the beautiful Arkansas Ozarks continues to produce great catches and tons of action. The beauty, peace and hospitality you’ll find in Cotter, Trout Capital USA, and the whole of north-central Arkansas will keep you coming back for more.”

Bull Shoals Lake measured 662.01 feet msl Wednesday, fast approaching desired power pool elevation, with generation continuing with three units (9,000 cfs) in the morning, rising a little earlier than it has been, to almost 12,000 cfs (four generators) by midafternoon.

“Browns have been hiding in the deep holes and biting on sculpin and crawdad tails. Wouldn’t hurt to tie on a Rebel WeeCraw or TeenyCraw and watch for a chase. There’s been a late-afternoon surge in the brown bite this past week, which is a little uncommon but might be attributed to the changing pressure systems and the occasional pop-up showers.

“Rainbows are hitting gold spinners and pink and white PowerBait mousetails. The always popular red/gold hammered Thomas Buoyant Spoon is living up to its reputation by adding to the count. Keep a cup of nightcrawlers or redworms on hand and play them close to the banks just a foot or so below the surface, especially in rising water. Try inflating a nightcrawler for more buoyancy and for a heck of a catch.

“Treat yourself to some time on the river. You’ll return home refreshed, revived and thankful for all the great outdoors in The Natural State has to offer.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-9-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Last week we saw the river crest in the morning around 10 feet, dropping throughout the day to about 8 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. Put a sinker, about a size 7 split shot, 8-12 inches above the hook. The key is to get the bait to the bottom, if needed, add an additional size 7. 

“Rapala Countdowns in CD5 or CD7 in brown trout and rainbow trout colors and Dynamic HD Trout Ghost Brown have worked well when fishing near the bank or up into the creeks. In addition to some nice trout being caught, we have had a few smallmouth and largemouth bass caught. 

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 7-9-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water temperature is around 84 degrees. “Feels great to jump in for a swim if you get hot. The Corps of Engineers have been running big water. Not looking forward to the summer squeeze. Once generation slows down, the lake typically will form a thermocline. The lake level is down to 661 feet msl and the flooded bushes are going away. Powerfishing is slowing down; it’s better to have wind/clouds, rain/stain. 

“Once that fireball rises up and the topwater bite slows, try a small white regular Tater Shad over treetops. I’ve been using the Big Spoon! Also, a Jewel Shad Spoon is hot right now if they are busting the surface. Take your favorite minnow to look at them and shake around the shad. 

“If the conditions are post-frontal flat water, high pressure, bluebirds, hot and sunny, just jump in. But if you decide to 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. Traditional bass anglers are dragging big red worms and are looking at long points and ledges, or they’re using craw baits in brushpiles and timber tops on bluffs and bluff ends — 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. The scuba divers are posting up on the points spearfishing. Watch out for diver flags and be sure to give them their space. 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 7-9-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said fishing thas not changed the past week. Fishing has been good to excellent. 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 close to the sharper drop-off. Walleye seen 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 all 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. Trolling in 25-35 feet of water at speeds of 1.8 to 2.2 mph seems to work best. 

(updated 7-9-2026) 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 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 jig 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 7-9-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake water level has dropped a bit to 1,125.35 feet msl. Water temperature is in the mid-80s. “Summer is here and the lake is starting to show a good thermocline in certain areas.
“Stripers are on fire very early and late. Look from Point 6 to the dam. Shad is the bait of choice. Brooders and bluegill will also work right now.

Crappie are good on trolled cranks. This will continue until fall. Lucas Cranks and Bandits are great choices. Troll 70 feet back at 1.8 to 2.3 mph.
“Walleye are good on points in 25 feet of water. Crawlers are good — either drop-shot or on crawler harnesses. Catfish are good.

“Stay safe and good luck!”

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 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 7-9-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says the Beaver tailwater has been changing almost daily as the Army Corps of Engineers continues releasing water through both the spillway and hydropower units. Those releases have caused water temperatures to fluctuate more than usual, and the trout have definitely noticed.

The trout bite has been a bit of a roller coaster. During periods of cooler water and increased generation, fish have been more active. As temperatures climb between releases, trout tend to become less aggressive and hold in areas with stronger current and better oxygen.

If you’re targeting trout right now, focus on fishing early in the morning whenever possible. Target current seams, deeper runs and oxygen-rich water. Drift natural baits under a float or present them naturally along the bottom. Small spoons, inline spinners, marabou jigs and finesse soft plastics can also produce when worked slowly. Don’t be afraid to downsize your presentation during warmer parts of the day, as trout often become more selective.

Patience is the key right now. When the water cools with fresh releases, feeding windows can open quickly.

“If you’ve been looking for consistent action, now is a great time to take advantage of our new Beaver Tailwaters Multi-Species Trips. Instead of focusing solely on trout, we’re targeting walleye, crappie, bass and perch — and the fishing has been outstanding.

“Common techniques that have been producing include vertical-jigging soft plastics and hair jigs for walleye; live minnows or small jigs around timber and structure for crappie; Ned rigs, finesse worms, tubes and small swimbaits for bass; and light tackle with small jigs or live bait for perch.

“The biggest advantage of a multi-species trip is that if one bite slows down, there’s almost always another species ready to cooperate. It keeps rods bending, gives anglers the chance to catch several different species in one trip, and showcases just how diverse the Beaver tailwater fishery really is.

“As always, be sure to monitor generation schedules before heading out, as changing water levels and temperatures can quickly alter fish behavior. Stay safe, adapt to the conditions and good luck on the water!”

Visit the ‘Resources’ section of Austin’s new website, www.buschmountainfishing.net, to learn more.

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 6-25-2026) 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 7-9-2026) 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 7-9-2026) 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.

Several big bass boats were out on the main lake Monday after the holiday, in the late afternoon, in the run-up before a storm rolled in.

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 7-9-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said they’re still around but the guide service will be on summer vacation the rest of July and into August trying to beat this southwest Arkansas heat wave! “Our contacts and colleagues on Millwood are keeping us informed as to the tournaments, conditions, activity levels and action on the lake while we are away. A 10-POUND LARGEMOUTH BASS was caught during a bass tournament last week around July 4 by a local angler in this heat! Unreal. We are told the bass was released healthy back into Millwood after the weigh-in at Yarborough Landing.”

Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday was about 4 inches above normal pool and falling; about 259.5 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam was releasing about 1,500 cfs, and tailwater level was near 227 feet and stable. Surface temps over the past week continued to fluctuate, ranging 82 degrees early to 91ºF later in the day along Little River. Clarity along Little River is beginning to clear up with decreased river current. Little River clarity ranging 8-12 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility in the oxbows improved, with visibility ranging 15-25 inches in many locations.
Siefert offered these specifics on the fishing:
* Largemouth bass remain active with best activity levels early morning and late afternoon. Many 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 from 5-12 feet of depth. Reactions to a variety of topwater baits continue improving at daybreak, such as on Heddon Spit’N Images, Jumbo Pop R’s in Bone color, Brazalo WeeWhacker, Bushwhacker, Horny Toads, Shad Assassins and jerkbaits. Many black 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 Lures’ 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 in 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 and are easy to spook in clear water flats. 

Brazalo Custom 501 Jigs in PB&J, Blue Oyster and Gilly, with various craw bug trailers and swim bait tail-thumper trailer colors, are getting reactions on stumps, laydowns and standing cypress trees in the creek channels. River bugs, Berkley Pit Bosses, Power Hawgs and Bunker Hawgs are working along Little River in grass. Brush Hogs or Baby Hogs are getting good reactions, and best colors with the increased water stain have been pumpkinseed/chartreuse, black, blue-fleck and Grunge.

In the oxbows, and along dropping structure into the 9- to 10-foot range, Bass Assassin Shads continue drawing good reactions, and Chico’s Red Ear, pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail and Mama’s 14K in the 5-inch shad sizes continue working best around vegetation and lily pads. They’re best Texas-rigged on small light-wire Owner hooks and will draw random reactions in heavy vegetation, or on stumps, and near cypress tree knees in the 6-8 feet depth.

Brazalo Lures’ 501 tandem willow blade spinnerbaits continue working well and gaining good reactions for several weeks from black bass in creek channels. They should continue getting reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and deeper creek channel outer bends. Some days, using curly tail grub trailer works better than straight tail, with best colors over the past couple of weeks being white (around shad spawn areas), Arkansas River Shad, Spot Remover and Millwood Mayhem Bream in the creek channels. A slow, stop and go retrieve will draw random reactions if you are in fairly clear to moderate stained water, moving deeper in 4-9 feet of depth.
* White bass continue on the move as well all along Little River, and are roaming deeper washouts. Large schools have been located between Jack’s Isle and Mud Lake and react fairly well to jigging Cordell Hammered Spoons, with red or white bucktails, from 15-18 feet deep on structure and circle-back eddies.
* Crappie improved drastically over the past week or so with the reduction in current in Little River and the water clarity improving. Best action, we were told, was on minnows and jigs from 8-14 feet depth in brush and stake beds, planted bamboo limbs and cypress tops.
* Catfish improved again this week on trotlines and limblines set from 10-18 feet deep along outer bends of the river. The lines are taking decent blues and channel cats up to 8 pounds using frozen catalpa worms, King’s Punch Bait, cut shad or buffalo, and chicken hearts and gizzards.
* Millwood State Park continues reporting bream biting fairly well near Millwood State Park campground and off the dock up Little River at Jack’s Isle. Campers at Millwood State Park recently told us last week they were having good luck with crickets, bread and redworms off the bank for goggle eye and bluegills.

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

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

(updated 6-25-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said, “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.”

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 7-9-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 66 degrees with stained conditions in the tailrace. Summertime heat has set in throughout our area, prompting Entergy to generate 8-10 hours per day to accommodate electric demands. Drought conditions earlier in the year had caused Entergy to cease weekend recreational flow and greatly reduce daily generation times, which caused a dramatic temperature rise in tailrace water below the dam. 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 complete. These fish remain in the area to rest and feed in preparation for the migration downstream. Trolling small crankbaits that imitate shad or crawfish against the current will draw strikes from these fish, which look to feed primarily during periods of generation. 

Freshwater drum are still present near the dam. These fish are strong and active and very capable of jerking rods off the shoreline 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 be aware when leaving tackle unattended. 

The month of 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 season is over until late November with the resumption of stocking, and the fishing has been extremely slow. Diminished rainbow numbers have shortened times that anglers can catch trout. Overall size this year was the attraction, with fish from 15 to 18 inches taken fairly consistently. 

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 hydroelectric dams as opposed to the cycles occurring in an area not controlled by hydro power. 

As always, abide by lake rules and regulations and pick up after yourself, as trash cans are very limited. Littering has become a problem in the park area and violators will be ticketed by officers patrolling the scene. Also, when severe weather is forecast 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 7-9-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said, “There’s nothing new to report from Ouachita other than start early! The bite stops at mid-morning. Go rigged ready for a variety of species. Casting and trolling for bass; use downlines for catfish.

(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.

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 7-9-2026) Wil Hafner at the AGFC’s Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said the nature center and lake will reopen for fishing on this Friday and Saturday, July 10-11, after taking the holiday weekend off.
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.