Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

July 16, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Looking for a happy face from an Arkansas fishery in all this summer heat? Look no further than Cotter Trout Dock on the White River (Bull Shoals tailwater) and Uriah (no last name provided, but he’s from northwest Arkansas). He was fishing with his granddad (and guide) Eric Beecher when he caught this impressive brown trout. When you’re fishing below Bull Shoals Dam and you catch a fighter like this, you hardly know it’s July.

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 7-16-2026) AGFC staff in Mayflower note that while Lake Conway is 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 most recent 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 7-16-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said the weather forecast for the weekend is calling for several more days of hot summer weather, with temperatures in the upper 90s and heat-index values well into the 100s. Unfortunately, there’s very little chance of rain in the forecast.
“With the heat sticking around, I’d expect the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) to continue increasing generation as power demand rises. Right now, they’ve been running two units for about 4-6 hours each day, usually starting sometime between 3-6 p.m. Check the USACE Little Rock app before heading to the river to see the projected generation schedule and watch for any changes in flow.
“The best fishing has been early in the morning while temperatures are still cool and the river is dropping out from the previous night’s generation. It’s a great time to fish nymphs under an indicator, but don’t overlook the streamer bite. We’ve also been seeing some aggressive brown trout chasing big articulated streamers first thing in the morning. Then, when the water starts generating in the evenings, it’s another excellent opportunity to grab your streamer rod and work the banks looking for those hard strikes from browns holding tight to the bank.
“With the water levels changing each day, it’s important to adjust your tactics to match the conditions. Fortunately, the fishing on the Little Red has been good and continues to improve. The AGFC has been stocking not only the boat ramps, but also several of the secondary shoals, and it’s definitely showing in the catch rates.
“For wade anglers, JFK Park and Barnett Access have been the standout locations this week, as both have received heavy trout stockings.
“Hot flies under an indicator have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles. Hare’s Ears, midges and San Juan Worms.
“Stay cool, stay hydrated, and good luck on the river! If you’re looking to spend a day chasing Little Red trout, give me a call and let’s get 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 7-16-2026) 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 7-16-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the lake continues a slow fall, dropping to 8.03 feet below normal pool level. Boaters are urged to trim their motors with the new ramps in place. Surface water temperature has warmed back to the mid-80s.

Most of the fishing was just fair with the exception of a good bream bite. Black bass were fair for another week. Largemouth bass are reportedly biting best in the mornings and late evenings, typical of July. Anglers are catching them on top and in 2-8 feet of water, with some others being caught in 15-20 feet. Try jighead worms, drop-shots, topwater baits and soft plastics. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) also are fair and being caught among largemouths as well as in 12-18 feet off rocky points. Jigs and drop-shots are best for spots.

Bream are good. Anglers continue catching bream bedded on brush. You’ll find bream anywhere from 6-12 feet deep. Try crickets or worms.

Crappie have been fair and 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. 

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 7-2-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said very little is going on at Peckerwood with the fishing. Anglers are still catching catfish, she said, and there are some bream being caught, though she says they are probably not very big now “but they’re still catching them.” The bass are OK. “We’ve had a few (anglers) trolling (for crappie) but I don’t think they’ve done any good.”

She says the water is dropping out so quickly now, as farmers are using the lake water for irrigation. “We had rain the other day but it’s not going to bring it up.”

She said stumps aren’t showing and you can still get a boat in, but she advises caution.

White River

NOTE: In February, 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 7-16-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said the White River watershed has seen some rain this week, usually less than predicted in the Cotter area and mostly much appreciated. River clarity has remained very good and trout catching has been as usual — excellent and satisfying. Water level has continued to fluctuate, as it has over the last month, with lower water level in the morning hours and much higher generation in the late afternoon. Bull Shoals Lake has dropped slightly below power pool at 660.91 feet msl. When the channels narrow due to limited generation, please share the space with the rest of the family of trout-loving anglers.

“The rainbow catches were lured in mainly with sunrise or orange PowerBait; or even better: slide on half of a yellow power egg and half of an egg of orange and you’ve got yourself a lot of action. It’s a good idea to use bronze hooks to reduce harm to the trout. Rebel Craw Babies were another favorite this week, unless you’re lucky enough to locate fresh soft-shell crawdads. Drift either mid-depth and chances are good you’ll increase your catch count. Play a redworm or a nightcrawler near the bank during rises in the water level to ensure a good catch, too. Then return to tying on a heavier spoon or a favorite jerkbait when the rise levels off.

“The river provides more of an escape now than at any other time. Cooling, refreshing, calming, calling. The natural life is good; come share it with us.” 

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-916-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We continue to see the river cresting in the morning around 9.5 feet and dropping throughout the day. In the last few days, the river has dropped to a level between 6-8 feet. Bull Shoals Lake level is very close to the power pool level (about 660 feet msl) and the water releases are based on electrical demands. Norfork Lake is a couple of feet above the power pool with the dam spilling some water through the spillway gates in addition to the electrical generation. 

“Fishing remains consistent and we’re seeing some better-than-average-sized rainbows being caught. With the current limit on our stretch of the river being two trout with one over 14 inches allowed, we are having some days where it has been difficult to catch the one trout under 14 inches. We continue to have success drift-fishing using silver inline spinners with a No. 2 hook with two Uncommon Bait Neo Pink UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. Put a size 7 split-shot sinker about 8-12 inches above the hook. The key is to get the bait to the bottom; if needed, add an additional size 7 sinker. You want to feel the sinker bouncing on the bottom.
“Rapala CD7 brown trout and Dynamic HD Trout in ghost brown continue to provide results with some 16-inch-plus rainbows and 20-inch-plus brown trout being caught. In the higher water, Rapala Shad Rap size 7 in shad colors is working well. 

“This week the AGFC used the stocking raft to stock 2,000 rainbow trout between Calico Rock and Mt. Olive, with an additional 1,000 stocked in the Sylamore Creek area. On Thursday, the raft will be used to stock rainbows between Norfork and Calico Rock.”

Bull Shoals Lake

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

(updated 7-16-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that the water temperature is around 86 degrees. The Army Corps of Engineers slowed down on running big water at the dam. The lake level is down to 660 feet msl. The powerfishing is slowing down; it’s better to have wind/clouds/rain/stain. Use a Whopper Plopper, a spinnerbait or Chatterbait on shallow bushes on flats close to ledges as they are dropping water. Better get up early and beat the heat; the topwater bite has slowed a bit, but try a Zara Spook or popper-style baits. Once that fireball rises up, try a small white regular Tater Shad over treetops. The Jewel Shad Spoon is working if they are busting the water’s surface. Take your favorite minnow to look at them, and shake around the shad. If the conditions are postfrontal, flat water, high pressure, bluebird day, hot and summer, just jump in.

But, if you decide to grind it out, it will get tough. I will slow down, downsize and get off the shoreline and look at deep ledges and brushpiles, then bomb casts with lighter fluorocarbon line. You can try a drop-shot with a Robo, finesse a Jewel five-eighth-ounce football jig in green pumpkin orange PBJ or bass whacker. Traditional bass anglers are dragging big red worms deep and suspended 30-40 feet, especially if there is shad around. Graph time pays off, as usual. 

The scuba divers are posting up on the points spear-fishing. Watch out for diver flags and be sure to give them their space.

And 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 7-16-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said fishing has not changed lately. 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 7-16-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports that crappie are still scattered and moving from brushpile to brushpile, look for brush in that 15- to 25-foot range and use a one-eighth-ounce jig with a Small Fry bait or minnows under a float. Keep the bait above the fish and swim the jig above the brush. 

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 7-16-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake has dropped nearly 2 feet over the last two weeks. The water temperature is warm and around 85 degrees.

Stripers continue to be very good. Again, it’s an early-morning bite. Fish are on the north end from Coppermine to the dam. Walleye are set up on points and flats in 25 feet of water. Crawlers, either on a harness or drop-shot, will work.

Crappie are suspended near the thermocline, which in different parts of the lake are different depths, so be aware of that depth and troll baits accordingly.

Bass are usually in summer patterns, which means points and humps also in the 20- to 25-foot range.

Catfish are good on the usual baits and methods.

“Fishing should remain in this pattern until fall arrives in a couple months’ time. Good luck and stay safe on the lake!”

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 7-16-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) reported that catfish were the only species biting this past week — or was the only species reported by anglers to be biting. The catfish bite was good on worms, with most of the cats being caught off the shoreline. Bream, crappie and bass went unreported this past week.

The lake remains low, and the A campground loop is still only half-full, Marsha reports. Water temperature earlier in the week was 79.1 degrees and the clarity is the usual murky.

The best fishing days according to the “moon times” this month are July 28-31. “Good” days are coming up though: July 17-18, July 21-22 and July 26-27. 

Lake Poinsett

(updated 7-16-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said, “Lake Poinsett has been receiving a lot of rain lately, but anglers are still out on the water! Bream have been biting well, from recent reports. Many bream have been 6 inches or bigger. These have been found slightly off shore, 20-30 feet.” 

The Lake Poinsett State Park Bait Shop has crickets and nightcrawlers again, with more minnows on the way. Wagner says minnows are scheduled to be stocked Friday, July 17. Redworms and other baits are also in stock.

Spring River

(updated 7-16-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said late last week on his blog that the river “is low and clear. Had an easy morning with black Woolies; (you) should have seen the one that got away! Plenty of heavy rain all around us, but not where it counts. The local storms have been dropping heavy rainfall but have been hit or miss, and mostly miss in our area.”

In his most recent report here, Crawford was favoring Woollies and leech patterns for trout, but that was after a lot of water and muddy river conditions.

“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 7-16-2026) 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 state regulations for the species.

Lake Chicot

(updated 7-16-2026) 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 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 pull 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 7-16-2026) John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service (870-942-6291 or yoyoguideservice@gmail.com) at Iron Mountain Marina says, “Anyone think summer is here? Wow. The water temperature on the surface is in the high 80s and I have seen 90 degrees also. The lake level is 405.64 feet msl with a slight fall.

“This is one of the hardest times to produce big catches of crappie, but it is possible. Right place, right time! So, here is the deal with crappie:

“Use the smallest bait you can. That goes for even live bait. If you are casting, you may have to go below one-sixteenth ounce. The smallest profile you can present.\

“Next is speed. Present your offering slowly. These fish are lethargic with hot water. Your speed may actually be dead still. This applies to all offerings.

“Now, where? The fish that I am finding in brushpiles are the ones just above the thermocline. If you are brushpile fishing, you need to be as deep but above the thermocline. Catching some 20-plus depths. Fish appear to be populating brushpiles from Caddo Bend to Point Cedar. 

“There is also the option of fishing for the roamers. They seem to be showing up. Whether you do this with a single pole or casting, remember size and speed, watch for the fish for a reaction to your offering, and change as needed. 

“It’s hot out there! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Watch out for others. Go get ’em.”

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.

No reports.

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 7-16-2026) 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 7-16-2026) 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 level goes, 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 and will 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. 

Blue catfish are in the tailrace. actively feeding on the threadfin shad schools. 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, and the season is over until late November when stocking resumes. 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. 

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 7-2-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said last 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 7-16-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are fair. Try a jighead Brush Hog or soft-plastic worm.

Walleye are very good. For good results, drop-shot a nightcrawler near brush when the sun gets up. 

Stripers are good and still being caught on hair jigs and live bait near main-lake humps in the eastern part of the lake.

Bream are still good on crickets and worms. 

Crappie are very slow. Try a small minnow-colored jig over brush in the 10- to 20-foot range. There were no reports on catfish.

Water temperature is a steady 80-86 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level has fallen slightly to 576.22 feet msl (about a foot lower than two weeks ago). Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(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.

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