Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

October 1, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Roger Fink of Tontitown in northwestern Arkansas landed this impressive 29-inch walleye while fishing with John Gerrard between Beaver town and Holiday Island on the White River/Beaver tailwater earlier last month. Fink was using a clown crankbait. The female walleye was released back into the water after the photo op. Thanks to Gerrard for sharing this photo. If you have a fishing photo to share with us, send it to jim.harris@agfc.ar.gov. We also have heard from the Beaver Lake area, both the lake and tailwater, in this week’s report below that striper fishing is going well, while walleye like the one above could be on the end of your line as well.

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 10-1-2026) 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, and as the weather begins to cool, it should provide a good fishing destination for families. 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).

According to AGFC Fisheries staff, there have definitely been times where it is getting a bunch of use and people are catching bream and smaller bass. 

Lake Conway renovation is proceeding on schedule. Read more here, or check out what was written in the May-June issue of Arkansas Wildlife magazine (or read online) for an in-depth look at the new weir and dam construction. 

Little Red River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website or by calling (501) 362-5150). Also check the Southwestern Power Administration website to see forecast generation schedule.

NOTE: Trout limits for the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam changed in early 2026. Anglers may keep two trout daily; trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 9-24-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “The cooler weather is finally here, and after a long stretch of high 90s and 100-degree temperatures from August through the end of September, it’s a welcome change! The forecast is calling for highs in the 80s throughout the week, with a chance of rain around Wednesday and Thursday. With the cooler temperatures, power demand has dropped, and we’re also seeing less water being released below Greers Ferry Dam.
“The Southwestern Power Administration is projecting one unit running for two hours on Wednesday and two units for one hour on Thursday. My guess is we’ll continue to see a similar generation schedule as power demand stays down.

“With the lower flows and cooler temperatures, this should be an excellent week to get out and do some wade fishing. If I were fishing on foot, I’d start at JFK Park or Swinging Bridge Access. Both areas have been getting heavy stockings and should be good places to find fish.

“For the guys fishing from a boat, Dripping Springs Access and Lobo Landing have both been fishing well over the last several weeks. We’ve had a good, consistent generation schedule in place for quite a while, and both locations have been producing about equally.
“With the decreased flows, I’d concentrate on the deeper sections of the river. The fish have been liking the deeper water around the moss beds and anywhere you can find a steady current. The plunge pools below the shoals are also worth spending some time on. They provide good, oxygenated water and tend to hold fish.

“A few flies that have been working well under an indicator include Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles, Hare’s Ears and Midges.
“Overall, the combination of cooler temperatures and lower flows should make for a really nice week on the Little Red. If you’ve been waiting for a break from the summer heat, this is a good time to get out on the river! Give me a call if you’d like to get out and fish.”

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 10-1-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said that not many people have been on the lake in recent weeks because of the hot weather. As the weather cools, though, look for bass, bream and catfish to bite, she said. “Still too hot for crappie,” she adds. Nighttime is good for catfish at Harris Brake, and bream are catchable at that time on crickets and redworms. Catfish at Harris Brake Lake favor chicken liver, and that was working well a couple of weeks back, she noted.
The lake water level is very low. It’s hard to fish from the bank with both the current water temperature as well as the level, Bing said. “Lots of stumps are showing around the lake.”

At the bait shop, she says she can see to the bottom of the lake. But she also adds that for people living on the lake, this is a good time to be working on their docks.

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.

Brewer Lake
(update 9-24-2026) AGFC staff note that several people have been calling, asking about the launchability at Brewer Lake. Nick Feltz, supervisor in the Mayflower office, said, “I was there the other day and you can definitely still launch from the south ramp, but the lake is really low and folks need to use extreme caution.”

Brewer Lake is a good getaway in the fall for crappie fishing as well as picking up some decent-sized largemouth bass. For crappie, focus on coves in the northern portion of the lake. Bass in coming weeks should be found on secondary points and isolated brush. Anglers may keep up to 10 largemouths, but only one of those may exceed 16 inches.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 10-1-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the lake level still continues to fall, sitting as of Thursday at 11.32 feet below the normal pool level. As far as good drops go, though, the water temperature has worked itself into the 70s, being recorded Thursday at 79.5 degrees.

The front ramp by WestRock remains closed. The back launch ramp has 2 inches of water left. Small craft will have to maneuver around, they report. You’ll also need four-wheel drive. They also say that it’s most likely the back ramp will be closed this weekend if the rain that’s forecast doesn’t help out.

“We are seeing bass schooling,” they report. “Caught a few small crappie this week.”

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 10-1-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is normal clear, and there have been some very active crappie and a few catches.

“They are catching them on a jig, believe it or not,” Ray said. Fish a cork and a jig in 6 feet of water and expect to find those crappie at 3 feet.

“Bass are still doing really good. They are being caught on soft plastic worms or crankbaits, and spinnerbait. They’re still shallow, and they’re catching them early in 2-3 feet of water. As the day heats up, they move deeper but they catch them there on cranks.”

Catfish are being caught around the docks on hot dogs and chicken liver. He’s heard nothing specifically on bream, but says bream can be caught there anytime.

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 10-1-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said in her most recent report that lingering summer heat was not deterring the crappie anglers. Conditions have been just right – low water, stumps showing and the main channel obvious – to put crappie fishermen in close proximity to their quest. “We have had quite a few fishing, actually,” she said. “They are wearing the crappie out.

“All the fall fishermen have been waiting on these stumps (to show). They find the channel and the fish are right on the edge of that channel.”

Jigs are the bait of choice at Peckerwood for crappie.

Those good conditions for crappie are a nonstarter for bass, though, and while a few people have picked up some catfish, the chief draw now is crappie. “You can’t do much else” than crappie fish, Donna says. “You’ve got to have a little boat and use your trolling motor. I wouldn’t bring a bass boat out here, just the two-man, johnboat style of boat to be able to get around.”

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 10-1-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said Bull Shoals Lake is 7 feet below the seasonal power pool level (661 msl). Generation flows are between 700 cfs to 3,000 cfs (one unit) for most of each day. Be on the lookout for small rises in the water level in the afternoon, and keep your tackle box stocked with a variety of baits to handle the fluctuation.
Old adage: Always keep some worms on hand to tantalize those trout when the water is rising — red wigglers, nightcrawlers or the scented XFactor or Berkley artificial worms. Doesn’t seem to matter; whichever one you’ve had the best luck with in the past. When the water steadies and flattens out some, you can experiment with trusty spoons (a favorite is the hammered red/gold Thomas-Buoyant) or, depending on water level, flicker a peach/moss or orange/brown jig.
Fishing for browns? A mid-sized sculpin played in the deeper holes adds greatly to your chance for a hefty strike. Shad season never really ended this year, so it can’t hurt to alternate a sculpin with some shad. The gold Cleo is moving into first place again after a few years of obscurity; turns out the browns haven’t lost their “taste” for them.
“Our weather is approaching a more seasonal outlook into next week; temperatures will drop about 10 degrees. Still a lot of sunshine after a (hopefully) rainy weekend and warm daytime temps. Perfect autumn weather. Come visit and enjoy everything Cotter.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 10-1-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “ Hard to believe we are already in October. The last week, we have seen water as low as 2.5 feet in the mornings, cresting around 4 feet and then start dropping again. The water clarity has been great. With the low and clear water, we continue to see success with artificial lures such as quarter-ounce or one-sixth-ounce Thomas Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold or copper/gold. CD5 Rapala Countdowns in rainbow trout or brown trout colors along with Dynamic HD ghost brown have worked well. We’ve talked to some fishermen who reported eighth-ounce jigs in various colors have worked well. There has been enough current that drift-fishing with Uncommon Bait Neo Pink UV eggs and shrimp worked well. 

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 10-1-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday that water temperature dropped to about 78 degrees. The lake level was at 654 feet, or 4 feet below pool. We’re losing bushes. The bite still hasn’t changed much. It’s junk-fishing time of year. The lake is in a fall transition; you’re just going to have to put in the work. Powerfishing has been slow; better have wind/clouds/rain/stain. There are definitely some fish up shallow. Look for shallow brush, bushes, anything to 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 bait fish. “
Try a Toad, buzzbait or Whopper Plopper-style lure on shallow windblown banks while covering water. The topwater bite has slowed; Del hopes the schooling will pick up. Also try a big Spook. Those fish have been moving in schools, and they are MOVING. Take your favorite minnow to look at them. “Now that the bait is moving, there’s activity in the shad if you can find it. I’m using a one-eighth-ounce up high or deep with a three-eighth-ounce Tater or Mooch.

“If the conditions are postfrontal, flat water, high pressure and bluebirds, it will get really tough. I will slow down, downsize and get off the bank, 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. The half-ounce Jewel Football Jig in green-pumpkin orange, PB&J or Bass Whacker sitting off of deep points also will work. Traditional bass fishermen are dragging the long points and ledges with big red worms or craw baits in brushpiles and 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. The bait is moving and so are the fish. 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 10-1-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said walleye summer fishing patterns are still holding this week Some good fish are being caught suspended 5 feet off the bottom in 30-35 feet of water. “We are noticing fish closer to the lower end of the lake seem to be a few feet deeper than the mid-lake areas. Fishing has been a little slow this past week. Schools of walleye have not been hard to find, but you need to work them over with different methods to get them to respond.”

The Army Corps of Engineers are still running a little water through the dam in the in the day now, and this has helped the bite pick up a bit more when they do. 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 seen next to brushpiles still 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 still been the key to picking up better-size fish.

Fish shallower in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 32-35 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, chrome and blue and jigging Rapalas in blue and chrome or Helsinki Shad color, in half-ounce to three-quarter-ounce, into 30 feet of water and working it back out into 40 feet has been working. Drop-shotting live crawlers around the offshore side of brushpiles in 32-37 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 is 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. Trolling in 35-40 feet of water at speeds of 1.8 to 2.2 mph seems to work best. 

(updated 10-1-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports crappie are still mainly on brush and structure in 20-30 feet. “From where they’re seeing them, they seem pretty scattered as I have found them in the creeks and also the main lake during the last week. Jig bite is a little slow so minnows have been working better.”

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 9-31-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake water level is at 1,130.30 feet msl. Water temperature is in the upper 70s. “Lot of rain is predicted (Thursday) and Friday. This should really kick turnover into gear. Fishing has been stuck in summer mode but that’s going to change with each passing cool front.

“Striper fishing is still good. Fish are moving all over; there are fish located at the dam but also back to Prairie Creek.

“Crappie are fair, with fish scattered around the 20-foot mark. Some are suspended and some are finding brush a better place to hang out. They will keep moving toward structure as water cools.

“White bass starting to school at Point 12, which is typical for fall. Bass are starting to heat up also on points and secondary points. This too will get better as water cools.
“Turnover is around the corner, and after that we should have some good fall fishing. The lake is low, so stay diligent when operating your boats/jet skis. Wear your PFD and kill switch attached and prevent serious accidents. 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 10-1-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “The low water continues to be the story on the Beaver tailwater as the area waits for some much-needed rainfall. With limited rain recently, water levels remain low, concentrating fish in the deeper holes, runs and areas with a little more current.
“The trout bite has been fair. Anglers are still catching fish, but overall numbers remain lower than we would normally expect due to the lingering effects of last year’s hatchery die-off and subsequent stocking challenges. With the lower water, focus your efforts on deeper holes and current seams where trout have access to cooler water and cover. Small spoons, Trout Magnets and natural-colored presentations are good choices, while bait anglers should continue working proven trout baits near the bottom.
“Walleye are still being caught toward Holiday Island. White grubs and paddle-tail swimbaits worked slowly along the bottom have been producing fish. Slow down your presentation and keep the bait close to bottom, especially around deeper holes, current breaks and transitions.
“We have also seen some white bass showing up recently. Trolling Flicker Shads has picked up a few of these fish and is a good way to cover water while looking for active schools.

“And there are always a few surprises on the tailwater. Our own guide, John Maynard, recently landed a solid 25-inch striped bass, proving once again that you never quite know what might grab your line on this stretch of the White River.
“As we move further into fall, cooler temperatures should continue improving fishing conditions. For now, deeper water and slower presentations remain the name of the game. Here’s hoping we get some much-needed rain soon.”
For additional information, bi-weekly Beaver tailwater and Beaver Lake fishing reports can be found on the Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service website.

Lake Charles
(updated 10-1-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said black bass have made a reappearance with the anglers. There were fair catches last week in shallow water. Shad and soft plastic worms were the baits of choice.
Bream and catfish continue to be active. Bream were fair and being caught in shallow water, mostly around the shoreline. Try worms and target brushpiles and rocky points
Catfish are good and are biting worms and chicken liver.
Water temperature is finally getting comfortable for the fish again, and earlier this week it was 73.9 degrees. Water is down to about 4 feet in many spots. The clarity is murky.
Some good days are ahead if you follow the “moon times” for activating the fish bite. Best days start Friday and Saturday, and then pick up again late in the month. Good days for October are noted as Oct. 6-7, 11-12, 16-20 and 23-28, Marsha said.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 10-1-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, in his most recent report 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.”

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality earlier this week issued a warning for algae bloom on Lake Poinsett. The area of focus earlier this week was on the eastern side, and while the bloom is not considered dangerous, anglers are urged to use caution handling fish, while swimmers are urged to steer clear of the posted year.

Micah Tindall, an AGFC fisheries biologist in Jonesboro, said a small amount of surface algae was found during a routine inspection. ADEQ was notified and a follow-up inspection by ADEQ confirmed the algae bloom. The warning will stay in place until two all-clear inspections by ADEQ, and those inspections are made every 10-14 days.

Fishing is safe, and eating the fish from the lake is safe with some minor precautions. Clean your fish well with potable water and eat the fillet portion only. Boaters also should adhere to the Clean, Drain and Dry policy of the AGFC and to the rules on boat drain plugs.

Spring River
(updated 10-1-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said, “It has been a very dry year. The river remains very low and, with this heat, that’s not ideal. Getting out early and fishing late has worked out great. In the heat of the day, take a nap. It’s been hoer fit out there. With this heat, focus on waterfalls or fast stretches of water with higher oxygen content for aggressive fish. Deep pools can be very productive for the big fish.
“With the low water conditions, it is ideal for fly-fishing with simple weight-forward rigs. Dry flies can work well early and late. Hopper droppers have still been a blast. No telling what you might catch on a hot pink worm dropper lately. Everything from carp, trout, bass and big ole suckers have been eating them up. If you’re spin-fishing. A hot pink Trout Magnet is perfect. Fish below an indicator about 2 feet.

“Plenty of bass out there on the Spring River. Streamers can be a lot of fun when the bite is on. From big Woollies to Clousers for flies, the chase is the race. But honestly, we’re catching a lot on Hopper droppers, too. Just got to fish for them, like the smallmouth we saw caught below a hopper on a pink San Juan Worm.
“The ‘canoe’ season is just about over, and hopefully rainy weather and cool temps will be here soon. The Spring River is always nice and cold. Just be safe wading; those rocks are slick. 

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 9-17-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said it has been a slow, hot fishing week with not very many anglers out on Cane Creek Lake this week. “I have not heard if they are catching anything or not. I know the fishermen are ready for cooler weather. Not selling much bait here this week.”
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 10-1-2026) 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 10-1-2026) Shaun Mercer at Lake Chicot State Park said the water temperature was 82 degrees Tuesday, and the bass fishing picked up when the weather cooled into the mid-80s. Air temperatures have climbed back to near 98 degrees this week. Largemouth bass are biting early in the morning and in the evening on topwater. A shad-colored Rebel Pop-R has been working well, and frog topwater baits are also producing really well.
“My wife and I along with several other anglers were fishing the same area, and we were all fishing purple plastic worms with success,” Mercer said. When fishing plastic worms or a Baby Brush Hog, work it slowly and all the way back to the boat.
“A lot of my fish hit right at the boat, and that’s where I set the hook,” he said. Most bass are running small and under the 15-inch limit, but 4-pounders are showing up now and then, and an occasional 6- to 7-pound bass is being caught.
Catfish are good for both bank and boat anglers, and around 4½ feet of water seems to be the right depth. Anglers reported success on red wigglers, nightcrawlers and chicken livers, with keeper-size fish going home. One angler running noodles in the middle of the lake in front of the visitor center, with about 12 feet of line, has been catching very nice catfish using bream heads for bait.
A few crappie were caught during the cool-down, but the crappie are still deep and biting slow. The best place to catch them is on the AGFC fish attractor structures in the lake, and anglers will need their boat’s GPS to find them. Bream are biting well from three days before the full moon until three days after.
The marina at Lake Chicot State Park is about to go into reduced fall hours and will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The bait shop has nightcrawlers and shiners but is out of red wigglers, and may not restock them before shutting down for the fall and winter. A full selection of tackle is available.
Lake Chicot is the largest oxbow lake in North America and the largest natural lake in Arkansas, curving in a C-shape for almost 22 miles. It is about a mile wide and covers 5,000 to 5,300 acres. The French explorer La Salle named it in 1686. He took the many cypress knees for stumps, and “Chicot” means stumpy. Lake Chicot 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.

Wilson Lake
(updated 10-1-2026) Angler Shaun Mercer reported that Wilson Lake, between Portland and Montrose, is extremely low. “There’s not enough boat ramp to launch your boat,” he said. Anglers should not plan on launching until water levels come back up.

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 10-1-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said they are seeing a few more large schools of largemouth bass chasing threadfin shad over the past couple of weeks. They are also getting additional reports of white bass schooling in a few more areas early in the morning near the largemouths. The biggest change in bass activity levels since last week are where bass are forcing shad to the surface on primary and secondary points and in creek channel dumps into the oxbows. “We anticipate a lot more schooling activity on threadfin shad with white bass next week as these cooler nighttime low temps fall back into the mid- to low 60-degree range.”

Millwood Lake elevation is near normal pool and stable. The dam is releasing about 514 cfs and the tailwater is near 224 feet and stable. Surface temps over the past week ranged 84-89 degrees. Clarity continues to clear with reduced river current.
The Army Corps of Engineers recently applied 5 acres of herbicides around the Cottonshed walkway to combat the overgrown areas of vegetation.

Siefert had these fishing specifics:

* The best activity periods for largemouths remain early to mid-morning. Many of the bass that Mike and his guides 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 at 5-12 feet depth. Bass reactions to a variety of topwater baits continue improving at daybreak: Heddon Spit’N Images, Arbogast Jitterbugs in Coach Dog, Cricket Frog, and Perch colors, Pop-R’s in bone color, Brazalo WeeWhacker and Bushwhacker buzzbaits, Horny Toads in June Bug or Pumpkinseed, and Bass Assassin Shads in Houdini, Pumpkinseed and Chico’s Red Ear. Many of the largemouth bass continue roaming and pulling up onto the flats in lily pad stands at daybreak chasing plastic frogs and Bass Assassin jerkbaits.
The oxbows have seen various schools of black bass randomly schooling at daybreak as well and hanging around for a few hours before slowing in the heat of the day.

Random surface strikes continue on Bill Lewis Stuttersteps, Cordell Boy Howdy’s, Clear Baby Torpedoes, Heddon Dying Flutters, and Cordell Crazy Shads in chrome/black back. Blow-up reactions continue in the lily pads, early on plastic frogs in black, white or pumpkinseed/pearl belly. Look in the oxbows near vertical structure where the flats drop off into 8-15 feet of depth.
The 9-11 a.m. period is perfect for Bill Lewis Lure’s Square Bill ATV Crankbaits in Tennessee Shad and Pro Green Gizzard colors, and the MR-6 Crankbait in Millwood Magic, Silverado and Citrus Shad in clear water clarity to draw hits and get reactions along creek channel swings on stumps and grass lines.

If you’re in the vertical structure where the alligatorweed and lily pads converge on receding flats or deeper drops on secondary points, try custom painted S-cranks and Little John Cranks in bream and shad patterns. In the area from 5-6 feet deep tapering out to 8-9 feet deep, these have been getting random reactions over the past few weeks. Bandit 200 Crankbaits in various colors also have worked randomly for black bass, especially when they are surface-breaking chasing shad.

Siefert had these other specifics of the fishing on Millwood lately:

* White bass continue roaming Little River but showing up randomly. Over the past couple of weeks, anglers reported finding large schools of whites in McGuire oxbow, schooling with the largemouths near standing timber in creek mouths near vertical structure, and in creek channel dumps into the oxbow near back of McGuire and in front of standing timber. Random schooling was taking place from daylight until around 9-10 a.m. with shad pods breaking as the whites were pushing them to the surface. Red Rooster Tails, spinnerbaits, chrome spoons with a white/smoke colored bucktail and a variety of other lures were all randomly catching fish over several days in McGuire.
* The crappie bite has been good for the past couple weeks, and best from early morning up till 9-10 a.m. on hair jigs, minnows and grubs from 10-15 feet of depth on standing timber. Monkey Milk and Firecracker have been good colors on jigs. 

* Bream were active again last week at Millwood State Park and off the fishing/picnic dock at Jack’s Isle. Bite was best from 9-11 a.m. and from 5-6 p.m. on redworms and crickets.

* No reports on catfish with the reduced current in Little River.
For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

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

(updated 10-1-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been fishing lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Hamilton this week. “We’ve done a few guided trips and scouted all three lakes. As usual we are seeing small pods of bass chasing shad and catching them casting spoons, swimbaits and trolling For the crappie fishermen, the crappie are in fall transition with the water starting to cool. Deeper brushpiles near the channels at the entrance of coves and smaller creek arms are holding some nice crappie. Fish 12-20 feet deep with the usual jigs or minnows at all three lakes.”

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 10-1-2026) 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, including weekend releases. 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, imitating shad, against the current has taken numbers of bass in the late evening. 

Excessive heat kept many anglers off the lake and shortened fish feeding times, which is a normal occurrence on Lake Catherine in the late summer. Now that fall has begun more fishermen can stay on the water and catches should improve somewhat. This report will stay much the same until November, when the first stocking of rainbow trout is scheduled for the lake. Trout in the tailrace completely changes the dynamic of the area for the better.

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 10-1-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been fishing lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Hamilton this week. “We’ve done a few guided trips and scouted all three lakes. As usual we are seeing small pods of bass chasing shad and catching them casting spoons, swimbaits and trolling For the crappie fishermen, the crappie are in fall transition with the water starting to cool. Deeper brushpiles near the channels at the entrance of coves and smaller creek arms are holding some nice crappie. Fish 12-20 feet deep with the usual jigs or minnows at all three lakes.”

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 10-1-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been fishing lakes Ouachita, DeGray and Hamilton this week. “We’ve done a few guided trips and scouted all three lakes. As usual we are seeing small pods of bass chasing shad and catching them casting spoons, swimbaits and trolling For the crappie fishermen, the crappie are in fall transition with the water starting to cool. Deeper brushpiles near the channels at the entrance of coves and smaller creek arms are holding some nice crappie. Fish 12-20 feet deep with the usual jigs or minnows at all three lakes.”

(updated 10-1-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still slow. Try a riser bait or Plopper-style lure for a fun topwater bite. 

Walleye are still fair. For best results, try a drop-shot rig or a Texas-rigged jig with a nightcrawler near brush in the 20-foot range.

No reports on stripers, bream, crappie or catfish. 

Water temperature is cooling, now ranging 78-84 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level continues to fall, and on Thursday it was 570.01 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 9-17-2026) 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 topwater bite is great in the mornings. Use small lures; the bass are chasing small shad. The Berkley Krej has been very good. The grass mat is getting very good. Frogs are on top and punching in the holes.”

Kastner noted that in the Mr. Bass Championship on Tuesday, a 24.73-pound bag of bass one the event, and the big bass was 4.07 pounds, both by Justin Howard. The top five finishers all caught at least 19 pounds of bass, and two anglers were in the 24s.

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.