Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

August 27, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission fisheries staff recently ran into a monster alligator gar that topped out at more than 6.5 feet long. The staffers were testing an electrified dozer trawl for silver carp when they met up with this native alligator gar. After the fish was safely measured and admired by the staffers, it was released back into its home waters.

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 8-27-2026) 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 8-27-2026) 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. Some were reported 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 fishing 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 8-27-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said in his most recent report that the water was normal and clear. Bass were biting early and late and being caught on topwater and spinnerbait as well as some on crankbaits. Most crappie that have been caught have been at about 8 feet depth, 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 any time, 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.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 8-27-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said very little has been going on at Peckerwood with the fishing. Anglers were still catching catfish, she said, and there were 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 was dropping out quickly, as farmers were using the lake water for irrigation. She said stumps weren’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 8-27-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “We’re enjoying a week of respite from the heat here in Cotter with just a little cooler days to close out the summer. Bull Shoals Lake is 3 feet below power pool at 657.80 feet msl. The dam continues its pattern of minimal releases through the day, until the late afternoon spike of around five units (15,000 cfs).
“We’re catching the heck out of rainbows — credit the decreased keep level or the slower traffic during the annual back-to-school interval, but whatever the reason, it’s been a lot of fun! Anglers have been bringing in healthy, brightly colored trout using spinners with gold blades and olive/brown skirts. We’ve seen more jig anglers over the past month than ever before; one-eighth or one-sixteenth-ounce brown or olive-peach jigs are the ticket. Or try your favorite Rooster Tail with a rainbow body and a bright pink tail.
“As always, the brown trout are gobbling up sculpins, minnows and soft-shell crawdads, but it never hurts to keep your options open and carry an array of baits to pique their curiosity.
“Come on in and share the news; 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 8-27-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that water temperature is around 85 degrees. The lake level is down another foot from last week, sitting at 657 feet msl. “The bite hasn’t changed much at all. The bite is a little slow. Powerfishing is still slow; it’s better with wind/clouds/rain/stain. There are definitely some fish up shallow with oxygen levels low. Look for shallow brush and flip a Beaver, jig or worm in the backs of 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 is not done. If you are finding surface activity, use a big Zara Spook. Those who are fishing have noted schools moving in and they are fast. The Jewel Shad Spoon is working. Or you can take your favorite minnow to look at them. Del says he’s using a one-eighth-ounce up high now, or going deep with a three-eighth-ounce Tater.

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. Del says he 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. He suggests trying a drop-shot with a Robo in suspended schools. Also try the Jewel half-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 craw 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, he reports.

“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 8-27-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said there have been no significant changes in walleye fishing patterns this last week. Summer 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 this has helped 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. Walleye seen next to brushpiles still seem to be located 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 this past week has still been the key to picking up better-sized 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. Casting 

jigging spoons in the white, chrome or blue, and jigging Rapalas in the blue and chrome half-ounce to three-quarter-ounce size, into 27 feet of water and working it back out into 35 feet has been working. Drop-shotting live crawlers around the offshore side of brushpiles in 30-35 feet is also 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 point close to channel swings are producing a lot of short fish as well some good 18- to 23-inch walleyes.

If trolling, try shad-style and small banana-style baits like No. 7 Flicker Shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnow in natural colors. Troll in 35-40 feet of water at speeds of 1.8 to 2.2 mph for best results. 

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 8-27-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports that little has changed. 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 8-27-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake level is at 1,116.80 feet msl, 5 feet under normal pool. Water temperature is near 90 degrees in most parts. “Not much change. We are smack dab in the dog days with some cooler weather in the next few weeks.
“Once we start to cool down, which in a normal year would be in mid-September, the fishing will slow down coming into the lake turnover. As soon as the turnover happens, fishing will again accelerate into fall mode. It’s a great time of the year, but that still is three to four weeks away.
“For now, stripers still remain the most consistent. Get out early, get your fish and be home by 9 a.m. This is how you catch them this time of the year.
“Crappie are still being caught on the troll. Lucas Cranks are a great option. If you have never tried these, you should. Drop them back 70-90 feet and troll from 1.8 to 2.2 mph.
“Walleye are still fair and are in 30 feet of depth. Crawler harnesses are the best option. You will pick up some nice catfish, also.
“That’s about all I have for now. Stay tuned in for some better fishing coming soon with cooler temps. Stay safe and good luck!”

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

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

(updated 8-27-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “The Beaver tailwater continues to experience an unusual season because of the trout stocking and hatchery issues that have affected fishing across Arkansas. That has certainly changed what anglers should expect from a normal August trout trip, but there are still plenty of opportunities for fishermen willing to adapt.

“Rainbow trout remain available, quality brown trout are still present, walleye continue to move through the system, and the lower river offers excellent opportunities for bass and panfish.
“Right now, versatility is the name of the game.
“Come prepared with more than one technique, watch what the water is doing, and don’t hesitate to change locations or species when the situation calls for it.

“Sometimes the river tells you what you’re fishing for that day.”

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

Lake Charles
(updated 8-27-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said fishing fell off for everything except catfish this past week. Anglers reported a good catfish bite, with most fishing from the pier. They were using dough balls, worms and even chicken breasts.
The lake received a needed nine-tenths inch of rain last Saturday. The water level is still quite low. The surface water temperature earlier in the week, before the latest rain storms arrived at midweek, was 76.8 degrees.
Look for “best” fishing days based on moon times to be Thursday and Friday of this week. The full moon arrives Thursday night. Good days should continue through Aug. 31. 

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 8-27-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) recently was in Wyoming trout fishing. Returning home, he says, “Ok, it’s been like this for a while: The river is very low and clear, not good in this heat. We are fishing early and done by lunch. Catching plenty on Hopper droppers, with worms, Y2Ks, and nymphs when the hatch is on, as droppers. 

In his most recent report, he noted 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 8-27-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said she had little to report. Between the excessive heat that lingered for most of the month, and then the storms, they have not had many fishermen. “But what we have had, they came in to buy minnows.”
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 8-27-2026) 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 8-27-2026) 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 8-13-2026) 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 8-27-2026) 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 the moss on both DeGray and Lake Ouachita “is incredible … some of the best ever.”

He added, “Topwater bite is very good in the morning and on cloudy days. The big worm bite is very good in brush and on the deep edge of moss in 15 feet of water.”

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 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 8-27-2026) 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
(updated 8-20-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that area lakes are enjoying some of the best moss he’s seen on these lakes in years. Water temps have been in the upper 80s, “bath water,” as he describes. Color of water in all these lakes is gun clear, he said. Topwater fish are breaking everywhere, many are mixed: black bass, Kentucky bass, white bass, yellow bass, stripers. All are chasing small shad.

He suggests fishing the deep edge of the moss line with a big worm or jig or spinnerbait.  

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 8-27-2026) 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. Try a riser bait for a fun topwater bite, too!

Walleye are good. For best results, try a drop-shot rig or a Texas-rigged jig with a nightcrawler fished near brush. 

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

Bream are still good on crickets and worms. Try deep structure in the 20-foot range, give or take a foot. The full moon is late Thursday (Aug. 27).

Still no reports on crappie or catfish.

Water temperature is a steady 80-86 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level remains on a slight weekly fall, now at 572.87 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 8-27-2026) 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 the moss on both DeGray and Lake Ouachita “is incredible … some of the best ever.”

He added, “Topwater bite is very good in the morning and on cloudy days. The big worm bite is very good in brush and on the deep edge of moss in 15 feet of water.”

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

NOTE: Blue Mountain Lake is undergoing a two-phase drawdown proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers to improve aquatic and waterfowl habitat by exposing mudflats for seeding and for critical maintenance on the lake’s intake structure. Phase one began Sept. 2025, lowering the lake to its normal winter pool elevation of 384 feet. The second phase will begin May 1, 2026, with the lake further lowered to 374 feet through Nov. 1, 2026. During the drawdown, water activities will be limited, boat ramps may be affected, and areas around the lake will be seeded.

Japanese millet will be seeded on the mudflats during phase one to improve habitat for waterfowl and other aquatic species. Call 479-947-2372 for more information.

White River/Clarendon Area
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from Clarendon, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

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