Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

July 30, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

It doesn’t matter if the fish are big or small; the smiles say it all, and that’s the case here with William (no last name provided), a young angler from Louisiana, who was fishing with his dad and brother out of Cotter Trout Dock on the White River. That’s fishing guide Elvin Weaver in the background, enjoying William’s nice catch of a brown trout on the Bull Shoals tailwater earlier this week.

The word from Cotter Trout Dock is that rainbow trout have seldom been earlier to catch than they have in the last few weeks, primarily due to the low water below Bull Shoals Dam. Minimum flows (less than 700 cfs) have been the norm for the mornings lately, while the water movement picks up to four or five units in the late afternoons and the early evening hours, as the need for power rises to battle this heat wave.

Read more of the reports from the White River under “North Arkansas” below.

Reports are updated weekly, although some reports may be published for two weeks if updates are not received promptly or if reporters say conditions haven’t changed. Contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for current news. 

Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: https://www.weather.gov/lzk/wxcntl4.htm
For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt
For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/state/Arkansas/
Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

• Central Arkansas
• North Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast Arkansas
• Southwest Arkansas
• South-Central Arkansas
• West-Central Arkansas
• East Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation) and Nursery Pond

(updated 7-30-2026) 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 7-30-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said this week has definitely been a hot one here in Arkansas. Temperatures have been in the upper 90s most of the week, with a couple of days hitting the 100-degree mark. Add in the excessive heat warnings and heat indexes hovering around 110 degrees, and “it’s been about as hot as it gets.
“The good news is it looks like we’re finally going to get a little break from the heat this weekend. The forecast is calling for slightly cooler temperatures along with a chance of scattered showers, which will be a welcome change.

“With all this hot weather, power demand has increased, and Southwestern Power Administration has been running two units for four to eight hours on most days, usually starting sometime between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. As always, be sure to check the USACE Little Rock app or SWPA’s projected generation schedule before heading to the river so you know what the water is doing.

“Now, let’s talk fishing:
“The bite has been really good lately all up and down the Little Red River. Both wade-fishing and drift-fishing from a boat have been producing plenty of trout.

If you’re looking to wade-fish, it’s hard to beat JFK Park below the dam or Barnett Access, better known to us locals as Swinging Bridge. Both areas have been receiving heavy stockings of rainbow trout, and the action has been excellent.
“Drift-fishing has also been solid throughout the river. Between SWPA’s consistent generation schedule and the AGFC stocking the public boat ramps along with the secondary chutes between ramps located on private property, there are fish spread throughout the system.
“The best bite has been early in the morning while temperatures are still cool and the river is falling from the previous evening’s generation. On these hot days, please be mindful when handling trout. Try not to overplay the fish, keep them in the water as much as possible, and release them quickly so they’ll have the best chance of survival.

“Hot flies under an indicator have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear and Midges.
“Focus on areas with steady current as the water falls out, along with shoals and the plunge pools below them. Don’t overlook the deeper runs around moss beds either. On these hot summer days, trout are holding in the deeper, cooler water. If the bite slows down, try downsizing your flies.
“For those who enjoy throwing big streamers, now is a great time to dust off the streamer rod and tie on your favorite articulated pattern. With SWPA generating two units most afternoons, the rising water has been producing some excellent streamer fishing in the evenings. Early mornings on the falling water have been just as productive for anglers fishing from a boat.
“Stay hydrated, get an early start before the heat sets in, and remember to handle fish with care while practicing catch and release. I hope to see you on the river. Tight lines! If you’d like to book a guided trip, give me a call at 501-507-3688 or visit https://littleredflyfishingtrips.com/”

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.

No reports.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 7-23-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said that the report hasn’t changed in weeks. It remains “kind of slow. It’s too hot for people to get out fishing.”

Crappie have been caught around the big island in the early morning. Minnows are being used. Some small or baby bream are being picked up on crickets and redworms to be used to try to catch catfish.

The lake is still very low. “We didn’t get much rain this year,” she said. Stumps are showing. Boats are still being launched with no problem, though.

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 7-30-2026) 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.

Lake Maumelle

(updated 7-30-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the lake is a very warm 88-90 degrees and the lake level slips ever-so-lower, now 8.6 feet below normal pool. They recommend that boaters putting their boats in at the new, open ramps have four-wheel drive, and make sure you trim your motor.

The fishing is in a stable, summertime pattern now with the hot air temps and the hot surface water temperature, and bream are back being the best target (a good bite), likely with the full moon.

Black bass remain fair, with best fishing early in the morning or late in the day. Some largemouth bass are being caught 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) are being found with the largemouths as well as by themselves in 12-18 feet off rocky points. Jigs and drop-shots are best for spots.

The crappie bite is fair. They reportedly are 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 have been biting well, and they’re seen bedded on brush. Look anywhere from 6-12 feet and use the usual crickets or redworms.

White bass are slow. Crankbaits will be best for them. No catfish catches were reported this week, but if you try for them, use small live bream, worms or chicken liver.

(update 7-23-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said that as of this week, Lake Maumelle is approximately 8 feet below normal pool. The lake is accessible with extreme caution. Crappie are on brush in 15-18 feet of water, and they’re active in the early mornings before the heat of the day sets in. Casting micro jigs and minnows under slip corks are the two most effective techniques. The lake must be navigated with caution as there are many shallow areas and flooded timber in inconspicuous places.
Visit www.nsfguide.com or call 501-548-8990 to schedule your guided crappie trip today!

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 7-23-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said that not a lot has changed there. The water is in good shape — clear and normal level — and “they’re still catching the fire out of the bass. But it’s an early and late deal.”

Best fishing for black bass will be in the first 2-3 hours of daylight and the last 2-3 hours. “By 10 o’clock (in the morning) you can hardly stay out there,” he said. “Those early and late hours and when they seem to hit the topwater the best.

The best topwater lure he’s been hearing about is a buzzbait. Also throw a white spinnerbait.

Crappie will still bite, but the bite has slowed down a bit. A few have been caught in about 8 feet of water. It’s mostly a minnow bite now. Ray says he’s not heard much on the bream.

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 7-30-2026) Despite the intense heat of Sunday at midday, a handful of anglers were out trying their hand catching catfish both near the Big Dam Bridge on the rocks as well as downstream at the Murray Park boat access. They reported a little success catching small to medium-sized catfish early on stink bait.

The Little Rock pool was low this past weekend with little current.  By midweek of this week, the flow at both Murray Lock and Dam and Terry Lock and Dam was holding around 20,000 cfs. If that holds through the weekend, and with temps falling somewhat, the fishing around the jetties and piers from a boat should pick up. Try the grass areas in the backwaters with a topwater early; the bass may be ready to respond. Bream should be biting in some spots near the east bank below the main Little Rock bridges. Catfish will hit lines down past the marina below downtown at night.

Peckerwood Lake

(updated 7-23-2026) 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 7-30-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “The Arkansas Ozarks haven’t missed out on the heat wave that’s moving across the country, but we have the gem of the White River to cool us down. The trout love that very cold water, and the anglers love the cool mist that lowers the air temperature by about 15 degrees.
“Catching rainbows has seldom been easier than it’s been the last few weeks, undoubtedly due to the low water we’ve had. The pattern from Bull Shoals Dam continues, with minimum flows (less than 700 cfs) in the morning and a full four or five units (12,000-plus cfs) during the late afternoon/early evening hours. (I don’t like to use the word “pattern” — once we begin to depend on a certain water level, somebody changes it — but it appears one has been established. For now.) The lake level is now 660.13 feet msl, nearly 1 foot below pool level for this time of year.
“Silver blades on an orange or brown Rooster Tail, or a silver Vibrax Blue Fox with an orange or bubblegum pink bell, will bring in a good share. A bronze Colorado Spoon, one-sixth ounce, is always a good choice in lower water.
“The bigger browns have been looking for sculpins and shad. Keep your eye on the tip of your rod for a little tremor and watch that brown snatch your bait. Play it slowly, carefully, no rapid movements, and you’ll be able to net it for a picture. If you are new to fly-fishing, we’ve found the red San Juan Worm or a red-and-silver Midge is a good way to catch your first trout on a fly.

“Come on over and join us as we stay cool angling for a fat, energetic rainbow on the White River.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 7-30-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “With the cooler temperatures late last week, we saw the dams releasing less water with lower water levels over the weekend, with levels as low as 2.5 feet. With the rise in temperature early this week, we are seeing water rising in the morning to as high as 8 feet and then dropping throughout the day. Fishing remains good with drift-fishing using silver inline spinners; Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp are working well.

“During the lower water we were seeing success with lures such as the Thomas Colorado quarter-ounce spoons in nickel/gold, Rapala CD7 in brown trout and Dynamic HD Trout in ghost brown.

“This week, we have seen several stockings, with 1,400 rainbows stocked here at the Calico Rock boat ramp, and additional stockings at Mt. Olive and Sylamore Creek, and 3,500 stocked between Shipps Ferry and Red’s Landing using the AGFC stocking raft.”

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 7-30-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that water temp was up to 89 degrees, give or take. The lake level is still holding at 660 feet msl. The dangerous heat wave looks like it’s about to give us a little break. The powerfishing is slow; you better have wind/clouds/rain/stain. There are some fish up shallow with oxygen levels getting low. Try a Plopper, spinnerbait and Chatterbait on shallow windblown bushes on flats close to ledges. You also better get up early and beat the heat. The topwater bite has slowed a bit; try a Spook or popper-type lure. Try a small, white regular Tater shad or a Mooch over treetops. The Jewel Shad Spoon is working if they are busting the surface; you can bomb that thing on a spinning rod. Take your favorite minnow to look at them. “I’m using a one-eighth-ounce.”
“If the conditions are postfrontal, flat water, high pressure, blue birds, hot and Sunny just let ’em have it. But if you decide to grind it out. it will get tough. Lots of guys are going at night to beat the heat. I will  slow down, downsize and get off the bank, look at deep ledges and brushpiles, and bomb casts with lighter fluorocarbon line. You can try a drop-shot with a Robo in suspended schools. The Jewel five-eighths-ounce football jig in green pumpkin orange, PB&J or Bass Whacker. Off deep points, traditional bass fishermen are looking at long points and ledges and dragging big red worms or craw baits in brushpiles, over timber tops on bluffs and bluff ends. Try shallow stuff with deeper water close by. There are fish from the surface down 50 feet as they move deep and suspend 30-40 feet, especially if there is shad around. Graph time pays off as usual. There is a thermocline down around 30 feet. It’s the time of year to keep moving, hitting as many spots as possible. 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 7-30-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said fishing has not changed much again this past week. Summertime patterns are holding. Fishing has been good to excellent. 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 27-32 feet of water, and deeper in 35-40 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 to three-quarter-ounce, into 20 feet of water and working it back out into 35 feet, has been working. Also, spooning and drop-shotting live crawlers around the offshore side of brushpiles in 25-35 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 30-35 feet of water at speeds of 1.8 to 2.2 mph seems to work best.

(updated 7-30-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports that the crappie have been pretty scattered mainly in the creeks on brush, sometimes really deep in it. Fish have gotten really finicky at times, so moving is key. One-eighth-ounce  jigs with Small Fry bait like Tater Baits Crown Royale 101 over the fish works sometimes, and minnows as well.

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 7-30-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level is 1,120.23 feet msl. “The lake has dropped another foot or so, which is expected. Water temps are HOT! As has been the weather.
“Fishing is smack dab in the summer pattern. That means early or late is the best option.
“Stripers will bite from sunrise until 7:30 a.m. or so and turn back at dusk into the night. Fish are being caught from Point 5 down to the dam.
“Walleye are setup on points adjacent to deep main channel waters. Look in the 20- to 30-foot range . As usual in summer, crawler harnesses are your best bet.
“Bass are on those same points. Early and late on them are also your best bet. Crappie are suspended and catchable trolling. Try 70 feet back at 1.8 mph while pulling Lucas Cranks — that’s a great option. And catfish are there for the taking on noodles and trotlines.
“It’s hot! Stay hydrated — the heat can sneak up on you very fast right now. Good luck and stay safe.”

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

Beaver Tailwater

NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, effective Feb. 1, 2026, due to significant loss of stocking population at two Arkansas hatcheries in 2025. Anglers may keep two trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 7-23-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “If you’re planning a trip to the Beaver tailwater, it’s important to know that conditions have changed significantly over the past months. The trout bite has dropped off dramatically due to the ongoing stocking issues stemming from the losses late last year at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. In my 14 years of guiding on the Beaver tailwater, I have never seen trout numbers this low. While we are still catching a few trout, the numbers simply are not where they need to be to consistently provide the type of trip our clients expect.
“Because of that, we are currently recommending that most anglers consider one of our multispecies trips instead of a dedicated trout trip — to keep numbers from declining more and to sustain and protect our fishery.
“The good news is that the Beaver tailwater continues to produce excellent opportunities for several other species. Walleye, crappie, spotted bass, largemouth bass and a variety of panfish have all been providing steady action and are making for fun, productive days on the water.
“The walleye bite has remained consistent, with most fish being caught by vertically jigging soft plastics in about 15 feet of water. Fish have been relating to current breaks, rocky transitions and deeper channel edges. Working your presentation slowly has been the key to triggering bites.
“Crappie fishing has also been solid. Anglers trolling Berkley Flicker Shads and Rapala Shad Raps have been catching good numbers of crappie along with plenty of aggressive spotted bass mixed in. The stretch between Houseman Access and Holiday Island has been producing the most consistent action, especially during the early morning hours before boat traffic increases.
“Water temperature has recently been about 48-56 degrees, making early morning trips your best opportunity for active fish. As the sun gets higher, many species are moving deeper or positioning tighter to structure, making electronics and precise presentations increasingly important.
“If you’re visiting the Beaver tailwater over the next few weeks, flexibility will be your biggest advantage. Rather than targeting trout exclusively, anglers willing to chase multiple species are enjoying much better success and far more action.

Visit Austin’s new website, www.buschmountainfishing.net, for more information.

Lake Charles

(updated 7-30-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said that one angler there had a great report on the fishing, but that no one else reported catching from the shoreline in the past week. The one angler who did, however, said the bream he saw from his boat were deep and the bite was fair. He reported that black bass were biting well on shiny minnows around brush. They would bite minnows on limblines. He also said that catfish were good on worms and minnows. Crappie have gone into hiding.
The lake water temperature earlier this week was 86.9 degrees. The lake is low,
The best fishing days according to the “moon times” this month continue through Friday, July 31.

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 7-23-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are getting low at 280 cfs (350 cfs is average) and water clarity has been clear. “Plenty of rain around, just not here. The water remains cold in this heat. Fish early and take a break in the heat of the day. With the low, clear conditions, hopper droppers with nymph, Y2K or worm droppers have been a blast. A pure dry-fly setup can work early or late depending on hatches of caddis and mayflies. Sunny days are good for the bugs and trout, but tie-on Woolly Buggers for the smallies. Brown and black have been hot lately. On most days, work them slow and deep, but they do turn on and chase on those magical days.

“Good streamer water with the low conditions. You’ve got to work it to keep from hanging on the bottom. On those dreary overcast days, working a streamer off the banks can make crazy things happen. If it’s really hot, bounce the hopper dropper off the bank for a fun time with rock bass and sun perch on the dropper and a smallie hit on the hopper. Lots of action on that rig.

“The canoe hatch is on Saturdays, so it gets busy on the river; through the week and on Sundays are the days to fish on the Spring River; most days are very quiet. Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery is stocking really nice rainbows at the campgrounds and public accesses — a blast on the fly and not real picky most days. Great time to learn how to catch trout. Be safe wading out there; the rocks are always slick! A wading staff can really help!”

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 7-30-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said anglers are big after the bream at Cane Creek this week. She’s basing that on all the crickets they have been selling at the visitor center.
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. Maybe this lower temperature forecast for the weekend will get some paddlers/anglers out to try it.
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 7-30-2026) 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 7-30-2026) 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 7-30-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said 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.”

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 Spiting Images, Jumbo Pop R’s in Bone color, Brazalo Wee Whacker, 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 7-30-2026) John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service (870-942-6291 or yoyoguideservice@gmail.com) at Iron Mountain Marina says, “Hello, Fisher-People. Well, I have seen the surface water temperature hit 90 degrees twice this year, once before the Fourth and then the storms cooled the water down to high 80s. Now we have the 90s temperatures again. Man, does it affect the bite. Water level is 404.6 feet msl with a slight fall.

“So, for the crappie, if you are fishing brushpiles, it’s simple: Slow down and downsize. Downsizing jigs to the one-sixty-fourth-ounce is even practical. I like to use a brighter color in clear water. Monkey Milk is always a good color for clear water for me. Lots of work and very precise fishing. Hair jigs, Crappie Magnets, small minnows.

“The other options are chasing roamers, long-lining and trolling crankbaits. All of these can be productive; pick your poison. Paddle boards increase distance from the boat, and that helps.

“This time of year, the water has little temperature difference throughout the lake. I prefer to fish from Arlie Moore to Point Cedar.
“Hybrids and white bass are showing signs of surfacing in the mornings and evenings. As the water heats up, so do the bass. I am told that pulling Alabama rigs is producing some good bites. I prefer the larger size A-rigs. I like the color of blue and white for my jigs.”

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.

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 7-30-2025) 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 7-30-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 64 degrees, down a couple of degrees from last week, with clear conditions in the tailrace. Entergy is now generating 10 hours each day in the afternoons on Lake Catherine to provide electric power needed for the hot summer months.

The rainbow trout season in terms of catching good numbers has been over for months; the fall stocking program will begin in mid-November when water temps cool. The occasional rainbow trout can be caught below the dam, but consistent numbers are not present. June brings the white bass spawn into the Carpenter Dam tailrace, and fish numbers are still fairly good as the run continues through early August. Threadfin shad are plentiful, providing forage for these fish. Anglers have caught bass from the bank and boat casting white or gray jigs in one-eighth-ounce weights around visible rock structure. Periods of generation offer the best times for success. Hybrid bass are also present and mixed in the feeding schools of white bass and taken on the same lures. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits against the current is a proven method of covering area and finding feeding fish.

Walleye are always present near the dam in the summertime taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and abundant forage.

The majority of quality fishing is taking place in the evening while the turbines are running, but the extreme heat will take a toll on the time people can stay on the water. Always wear a life jacket when on the water and remember to follow all lake and park regulations when visiting the Carpenter Dam park area. Trash cans are limited so take the time to pick up after yourself as game wardens are present to enforce littering and game regulations.

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

No reports.

Lake Nimrod

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

No reports.

Lake Ouachita

For the current lake level at Blakely Dam, click here. 

(updated 7-30-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said, “We are still trolling crankbaits and catching a variety of bass.”
Darryl also wanted to let folks know he’ll be off the water for the month of August. “See ya in September getting ready for fall crappie season.”

(updated 7-23-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still fair. Try a big plastic worm near brush or finesse a drop-shot rig on the main lake and secondary points.

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

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 good on crickets and worms.

No reports on crappie or catfish.

Water temperature is a steady 80-86 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level has fallen to 575.62 feet msl (about a half-foot lower than last week). 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.

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