Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

August 20, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Sebastian (no last name provided) made a last-pass cast on a 100-degree day with guide Mike Winkler and landed this nice brown trout on the Little Red River at 3 p.m. He was fishing underneath an indicator. Read more of Mike’s report from the Little Red 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 8-20-2026) 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 8-20-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “It’s been HOT here in Arkansas! We’ve been dealing with 100-degree temperatures and excessive heat warnings for about the last 10 days, but it looks like we’re finally going to get a little break. Starting Sunday and into next weekend, the forecast is calling for temperatures in the upper 80s, with a few days pushing close to 90. That should make for some much more tolerable summertime conditions on the river.
“As far as generation goes, we’ve been in a pretty consistent pattern lately. With the extreme heat, the Southwestern Power Administration has been running two units, generally starting around 3 p.m. and running anywhere from three to six hours.

“With temperature dropping back into the mid- to upper 80s, I have a feeling the SWPA will cut back to one unit and possibly run it for one to three hours. In general, we should see some reduced flows as we get out of this stretch of 100-degree weather. As always, check the USACE Little Rock app for the current generation schedule and daily projected releases before heading out.
“So, how’s the fishing? The Little Red has been fishing pretty good, especially early in the morning. Get out early and beat the heat! Once the temperature climbs and the river starts falling out from the previous night’s generation, the bite will usually start to slow down. Some of the hot flies lately while fishing underneath an indicator have been Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, midges and San Juan Worms.

“We’ve also been seeing some blue-winged olive activity in the afternoons, and you’ll see fish rising to them. Another good setup is a midge dropper underneath a buggy Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear. If the bite starts to slow down, try downsizing your flies.
“Pay attention to the falling water in the mornings and fish anywhere you can find some remaining flow as the river drops. The deeper sections around the moss beds have also been holding fish. Those moss beds provide cover and are loaded with bug life, so don’t overlook them.
“The shoals will hold fish early in the morning, but as the river drops out, those fish will often move into the deeper plunge pools below the shoals.

“Wade fishing opportunities have been best around JFK Park and Barnett Access. Both areas received a good trout stocking and have been your best bets for wade fishermen lately.

“The streamer bite has been good with the increased flows we’ve been seeing. Morning flows are still somewhat high, making it a great time to break out the streamer rod and work the banks while there’s good flow.
“The afternoon generation can also be a prime time to throw big streamers toward the banks from the boat. That two-unit water will put fish tight to the banks. I usually like to wait an hour or two after the water comes on and let the fish get accustomed to the increased flow and move into position before launching the boat.

“Remember to take care of the fish. With the hot weather we’ve been having, be mindful when handling fish. Try not to overplay them, keep the fish in the water as much as possible, and get them released quickly.
“Hopefully, we’ll see you out on the river soon! Stay hydrated, get out early, and beat the heat. If you’d like to book a guided trip on the Little Red River, give me a call (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 8-6-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said catfishing has been good at night around the shoreline, with some big catfish caught and some, she’s heard from one angler, breaking the line a few times. “He says they were big catfish,” Bing said. Others reported to her that they caught some decent fish in the 7- and 8-pound range.

Not many people are fishing in the daytime, other than the early risers. Most of the angling is coming at night.

The bream has been good around the big island, also at night and early morning before the sun gets up. 

The water level is very low, she said. Anglers may find it hard to get around in boats, but you can put a boat in. Be careful, she urges.

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.

No reports.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 8-13-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said water temperature is a hot 89-92 degrees. The lake level has fallen to 9.33 feet below normal pool, and this has left the front launch ramp (the one closest to the store) having only 6 inches of water. The back launch is open with two drop-offs. Boaters are urged to use caution, and four-wheel drive is recommended.

Black bass fishing is fair. Largemouth are biting best in the morning and late in the evening. Anglers report catching them in those early or late-in-the-day hours on top as well as in 2-8 feet of water, and also some others in 15-20 feet. Try a buzzbait. The spotted bass bite is similar to largemouth; they are mixed in as well as in 12-18 feet off rocky points. Try using jigs and drop-shots.

Crappie are fair and reported being found stacked on brush 17-20 feet. Try using jigs, swimbaits and minnows.

There were no reports on bream this week, but lately they’ve been fair on crickets and worms and anywhere from 6-12 feet.

White bass are slow, but anglers using crankbaits might catch some. Catfish also are slow; there were no reports this week, but bream, worms and liver will typically work.

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 8-6-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said that the water is normal and clear. Bass are still biting early and late and being caught on topwater and spinnerbait, as well as some crankbait catches. Most crappie that have been caught have been at about 8 feet, but there have not been a lot of catches. One regular angler gets about 7-8 crappie at a time, “but overall (the crappie) are slow,” Ray said. “That’s typical now.”
Catfish are being caught on hotdogs, with some around 4-5 pounds. “Good eatin’ size,” Ray adds.

He’s not talked to anyone who has been bream fishing, but he says that just about anytime, anglers will be able to catch some bream there.

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 8-20-2026) Despite the intense heat, we’ve noticed a handful of anglers were out trying their hand at 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.

Try the grass areas in the backwaters with a topwater very early in the day; the bass will 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 8-6-2026) 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: Trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam were changed in February by the AGFC and effective until further notice. 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 8-20-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “The first two weeks of every new school year see very light traffic on the river — you’ll have more of the river to yourself, and this August the fishing has been terrific. Keep a variety of flies and baits on hand and change it up often to interest the growing trout population. Looks like a break in the heat wave is coming; we’re promised some milder weather next week.”

Bull Shoals Lake is almost 3 feet below power pool, so we’re seeing very low water in the morning hours and varying amounts of generation in mid-afternoon, from 3,000 cfs to 18,000 cfs.
“The river level returns to near minimum flow amounts by dawn and remains that way until the afternoon rise. Great for fishing from the river’s banks and for wade fishing but requires extra attention on the part of john boat pilots.

“The rainbows are seeking deeper holes during the morning hours — crawdad tails and shrimp will lure them out for a nibble. Browns continue to be enticed by shad, soft-shell crawdads and, always, sculpins. Keep a Rebel Wee Craw in your tackle box. A lightning bug fly (there are many variations, but look for one with red highlights) or the Ruby Midge have been the go-to flies. Grasshopper season is here and are prevalent in

the area, so keep your hopper flies handy.
“Keep anglin’ and we’ll see you on the river.” 

Calico Rock Area
(updated 8-20-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “This week we have seen depths as high as 8-plus feet in the morning and dropping throughout the day with depths as low as 4 feet overnight. The morning water has been dingy with the water clearing up throughout the day. In the mornings we have seen the guides run upriver to meet the dropping water and fish back to the dock and then in the afternoon fishing downriver. 

“This week we have done better without an inline spinner. Instead using a No. 2 hook with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipping the hook with shrimp. Artificial lures such as Rapala Countdowns CD7 or Dynamic HD Trout have worked well for larger rainbows and brown trout and. as an added bonus. We are seeing some nice smallmouth bass being caught. 

“Within the last week the AGFC stocking raft stocked 2,100 rainbows between Norfork and Chessmond Ferry and another 1,400 rainbows between Chessmond Ferry and Calico Rock. We received one additional stocking at the boat ramp, but I didn’t get those numbers.”

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 8-20-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that water temp was back up to about 86 degrees. The lake level is down a foot from last week, sitting at 658 feet msl. “The heat wave and drought is hopefully about to change. The extreme temperatures need to go away. The bite hasn’t changed much at all. The bite is a little slow. Powerfishing is still slow; you better have wind/clouds/rain/stain. There are definitely some fish up shallow with oxygen levels getting low. Look for shallow brush and flip a Beaver, jig or worm in the backs of the right creeks with any kind of flow. If it’s the right conditions, you will most likely notice baitfish. Throw a Toad, buzzbait or Plopper-style bait on shallow windblown bushes on flats; cover water! Better get up early and beat the nasty heat. 

The topwater bite has slowed but not gone completely; try a Spook or Plopper if you find surface activity. A small white regular Tater Shad or a Mooch over treetops will work. Those we are fishing have noted moving in schools and they are fast. The Jewel Shad Spoon is working. Or you can take your favorite minnow to look at them. I’m using a one-eighth-ounce now.

If the conditions are postfrontal, flat water, high pressure and bluebirds, it will get really tough. Lots of guys are going at night to beat the heat. I will slow down, downsize the bait 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 in suspended schools. Also try the Jewel five-eighths-ounce Football jig in green pumpkin orange, PB&J or Bass Whacker. Sitting off of deep points, traditional bass anglers are dragging the long points and ledges with big red worms or crave baits in brushpiles or around timber tops on bluffs and bluff ends. 

There is a thermocline down around 32 feet. Lots of fish are holding around this depth.

It’s that time of year to keep moving, hitting as many spots as possible. Hang in there; fall is coming. 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 8-20-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said summertime patterns are still in play. Fishing has been fair to good this past week. They have been running a little water through the dam in the afternoons and that helps the bite pick up a bit more. Fish are holding on flatter points with deep water on one side. Look for fish on the tips of long points as well as the sides that are close to the sharper drop-off. Walleyes located next to brushpiles seem to be situated on the offshore side of the brushpiles where deep water is closer.
Main lake and secondary points have been producing fish during the day. Fishing slow has been the key lately to picking up better-size fish. Fish shallower in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 30-32 feet of water, and deeper in 35-40 feet of water if there is little or no wind or cloud cover. This is working: Cast jigging spoons in white or chrome, blue spoons, or jigging Rapalas in blue and chrome, in half-ounce to three-quarter-ounce sizes, into 27 feet of water and work it back out into 35 feet. Also, drop-shotting live crawlers around the offshore side of brushpiles in 30-35 feet is working.

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 35-40 feet of water at speeds of 1.8 to 2.2 mph seems to work best. 

(updated 8-20-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports not much has changed. It’s the same as it was last week. Crappie are mainly on brush from 20-30 feet in the creeks. Minnows have been best lately.

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 8-20-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake continues its drop in water level, which is expected this time of the year. Level is at 1,117.28 feet msl, nearly 4 feet below normal pool.

Water temps are HOT. 

Stripers are still the best option at this point. Get out early at 4: 30 a.m. and get your fish before 8 a.m. Limits are still coming in.
Crappie are scattered throughout the lake, and trolling is the most consistent right now.

Walleye are scattered and can be found in 25-35 feet of water. Crawler harnesses and a drop-shot is your best method for some action. 

Catfish are doing well in 30 feet of water. Look near the main channel drop-offs.

“Hopefully the heat will break soon. Stay hydrated and keep safe while enjoying Beaver 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 8-20-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “The dog days of summer are officially here on the Beaver tailwater, and right now your best bet is to get on the water early in the morning or later in the evening. The middle of the day can be tough with the August heat, so take advantage of those cooler periods whenever possible.

“Trout numbers are still lower than what we would normally expect on the Beaver tailwater, and anglers need to adjust their expectations accordingly. There are still fish to be caught, but this isn’t the time of year to expect big numbers every trip. Getting an early start has been important.

“For bait fishermen, Pautzke Fire Bait, Fire Worms and nightcrawlers remain good choices. Drift them naturally with the current under a float or use a light bottom rig, depending on the water level and generation.

“For artificial lures, small spoons, inline spinners and marabou jigs are all worth throwing. Don’t be afraid to change colors and presentations until the fish tell you what they want.
“Fly-fishermen should continue working the usual summer patterns, including midges, small nymphs, Scuds, Sowbugs and San Juan-style worms. Keep your presentation natural and adjust your depth as water conditions change.

“The biggest thing right now is to cover water. If you’ve worked an area thoroughly without getting bites, don’t spend half the morning waiting for fish that aren’t there. Move and find another group of fish.

“Walleye are still being caught here and there, particularly farther downstream around Holiday Island. This isn’t a numbers game right now, but there are some good fish in the system if you’re willing to put in the time. Trolling remains one of the better ways to cover water and locate active fish. Crankbaits and other trolling presentations are worth working along channel edges, deeper holes and areas where shallow water transitions into deeper water.

“We’re also seeing fish caught by anglers working soft plastics slowly. Jigging plastics around deeper water, current breaks and other likely holding areas can produce when the trolling bite isn’t happening. Earlier this summer, slow presentations with jigged soft plastics were also producing walleye in the tailwater.
“The first few hours of daylight are going to give you your best combination of cooler temperatures, less recreational traffic and active fish. Evening can provide another opportunity once the sun starts getting lower. The fishing isn’t easy right now, especially for trout, but there are still fish to be caught. Be willing to move, change presentations and put in some time.
“We’ll keep after them and keep everyone updated as conditions change.”

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

Lake Charles
(updated 8-13-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the tough fishing being seen on many lakes in this heat is also the case at Lake Charles, where bass fishing has been poor, while no catches were reported for bream and crappie. Catfish are all that seem interested, and that bite has been good. Use worms or shiny minnows for cats.
The water remains low and the surface water temperature earlier this week was 84 degrees early. The clarity is the usual murky.
The best fishing days according to the “moon times” this month will be Aug. 25-28, so plan accordingly. Good days are predicted for Aug. 17-19, Aug. 22-24 and Aug. 29-31, Marsha said.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 8-13-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said, “Lake Poinsett has been slower fishing-wise, but the bream are still biting. No reports for crappie or bass. There have been some reports of catfish caught on lines set out overnight.
“The heat has definitely been a factor negatively impacting anglers as of late, but they are definitely still tossing out lines.
“The Lake Poinsett State Park visitor center is open 8 a.m. -5 p.m. daily for bait sales: minnows, nightcrawlers, redworms, waxworms, dip and dough baits, and more bait and tackle.”

Spring River
(updated 8-13-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said in his most recent report that water levels are getting low at 280 cfs (350 cfs is average) and water clarity was 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 careful 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 8-13-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said fishing has slowed way down because of the heat. “We have had a few fishermen this week, but not many catching any bream, catfish or bass.
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 really early and beat most of that mid-morning-to-late-in-the-day heat.
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. 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, AGFC staff report.

Lake Monticello
(updated 8-20-2026) 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 staff 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. The staff observed a high abundance of threadfin shad, redear sunfish and bluegill earlier this year, and that means 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 8-20-2026) 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 8-20-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said there was nothing new going on at Millwood except MORE HEAT. “We should be back on the lake in a couple of weeks. 

“My colleagues report: Millwood Lake surface temperature is running 88-92 degrees. Bass and crappie are sluggish in midday heat. The best bite is early and late. Crappie Guru Mackey Harvin did slip out one day recently with a customer for a half-day morning run in an early morning rain, and they boated their limit of crappie by 10 a.m.

“The lake pool is about 5 inches above normal conservation pool, with the tailwater near 226 feet msl and discharge from the dam of only 870 cfs.”

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

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

(updated 8-6-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz on Tuesday that DeGray is among the area big lakes that is getting well below normal level for this time of year, sitting about 3.5 feet below normal pool (Lake Ouachita is in the same boat, he said). For both lakes, he said the lake water temperature is in the mid to upper 80s and the water color is very clear. The moon is on “the backside” now after the full moon of about a week ago, and we’ll have a new moon Aug. 12. The moss in Ouachita and DeGray is “very good,” he said. There is good matting in the guts of pockets holding good fish. Swim a worm Texas-rigged on the deep side of moss in 15-18 feet of water, or a wobble head. 

He notes that bullfrog season is in full swing on the grass or moss. FOr the fishing, a Plopper is also good now.

(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.”

(updated 5-28-2026) Randy Plyler with Plyler Outdoors Guide Service (870-210-0522) reports that black bass can be caught on Texas-rigged worms from 3-15 feet of water, as well as on some topwater baits and bream-colored crankbaits. Some bass have been schooling. In the evening into night, try using Texas-rigged worms on points and slow roll a black spinnerbait. Some bass at night can also be caught on a black bladed jig. 

Bluegills and bream can be caught up shallow on crickets as well as worms. Look for bream beds. 

Crappie can be caught on brush using minnows. 

No reports on hybrids.

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

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

(updated 6-25-2026) 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 Erling
(updated 3-6-2025) Lake Erling Guide Service (870-904-8546) said ASK FOR BUDDY

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.

(updated 3-5-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) says he’s been doing his fishing among three major southwest Arkansas lakes: Greeson, DeGray and Ouachita. He reports that water temperature “is perfect.”

He says that black crappie are already spawning, while white crappie are still moving up onto staging brushpiles. Tightlining over the staging tops and casting jigs both have been productive. 

(updated 4-2-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz noted that Greeson is the lowest of the major reservoirs in Arkansas right now, down 6.5 below full pool.

“We need the rain that’s coming this weekend. Hopefully it will put a little fresh water in the lakes and fill some of these reservoirs up a little bit.”

He also said, “Incredible time to live in central Arkansas. Lake temps are anywhere from the middle 60s, upper 60s even to low 70s, especially in the late afternoons in most pockets. The water is ridiculously clear for this time of year. It’s just rare to have a spring when you’re dealing with water this clear. The only exception to that is in the back of pockets when you’re dealing with pollen, but that’s not muddy water. The biggest thing we’re talking about is the red oak noodle pollen clusters that are falling in the lakes. If you look at any pine tree, you’re looking at a pollen bomb that’s about to explode. That makes it a little more difficult to fish in the backs of pockets when you have all those pollen clusters floating around. That’s what you’re fighting.”

Wednesday marked the full moon peak for April, and there will be some carryover in the nighttime sky over the next few days. “You get one of these a year. The peak of a full moon, the peak of the black bass spawn especially with the water levels and the water temperatures the way they are.”

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

(updated 5-21-2026) Three largemouth bass were caught earlier this year, each topping 10 pounds, and that qualified them for the Arkansas Legacy Lunker program. All three were transferred to the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke. 

Since being renovated and reopened in 2013, Lower White Oak has been turning out a number of double-digit and near-double-digit bass, and the Legacy Lunker program is putting a new spotlight on that success.

(update 1-1-2025) Curtis Willingham at River Rat Bait in Camden (870-251-3831) had no new reports.

(updated 1-1-2025) Angler and guide Stephen Tyson Jr. had no report.

Lake Atkins
(updated 8-13-2026) 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 8-20-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 67 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Entergy is running 10-hour generation periods starting in the late afternoon. Weekend and recreational releases have been reinstated over the past month as rainfall amounts erased the drought conditions of early summer. The only productive fishing below the dam involves catching white bass and hybrid bass that remain in the area after the yearly spawn. Some topwater activity has been observed below the dam in the early morning as bass chase threadfin shad schools. Casting Alabama rigs has proven to be an effective technique to target these fish, which will strike a lure that closely resembles a fleeing shad. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits against the current, imitating shad, has taken numbers of bass in the late evening. 

Excessive heat has kept many anglers off the lake and shortened fish feeding times, which is a normal occurrence on Lake Catherine in the late summertime. 

Always remember to wear a life jacket when on the water and remember to follow all lake and park regulations. Trash cans are limited in the area, so pick up after yourself and be aware of rising lake levels when the turbines are running. 

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 8-20-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still slow. Try a big plastic worm near brush or a finesse drop-shot rig on main lake and secondary points.

Walleye are still very good. For best results, try a drop-shot rig or a Texas-rigged jig with a nightcrawler fished near brush when the sun gets up. 

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

Bream are good on crickets and worms. Try deep structure in the 20-foot range, give or take a foot.

No reports on crappie or catfish.

Water temperature is a steady 80-86 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level is still on a slight weekly fall, now at 573.47 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 8-6-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz on Tuesday that Lake Ouachita is like DeGray and other area lakes in that it’s a fallen a bit below normal pool with no real rain of late; Ouachita is about 3.3 feet below normal pool.

For both of those lakes, he said the lake water temperature is in the mid to upper 80s and the water color is very clear. The moon is on “the backside” now after the full moon of about a week ago, and we’ll have a new moon Aug. 12. The moss in Ouachita and DeGray is “very good,” he said. There is good matting in the guts of pockets holding good fish. Swim a worm Texas-rigged on the deep side of moss in 15-18 feet of water, or a wobble head. 

He notes that bullfrog season is in full swing on the grass or moss. For the fishing, a Whopper Plopper-style bait is also good now.

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.