Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

October 29, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Have you heard about the condos going up on Blue Mountain Lake? We’re not talking condos that humans would reside in for a weekend getaway; no, these are pallet “condos” that will help with attracting fish on the U.S. Corps of Engineers lake when it is refilled and ready for fishing. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has been working on a variety of structures to serve as fish attractors and other work that will not only enhance fish habitat, but will also serve the migrating waterfowl that stop over at Blue Mountain. About 1,000 acres of exposed lakebed has been seeded with Japanese millet to boost winter duck hunting and return nutrients to the aquatic food web once the lake floods. As for those “condos” in the photo above, they have tree limbs woven in them to help attract the likes of crappie; they’ll be noted on the AGFC Fish Attractors webpage for anglers to find.

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 10-29-2026) 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. Click here for the latest news update.

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 the 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 10-22-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “Finally, fall has arrived here in Arkansas! After the excessive heat we dealt with all summer, it sure feels good to have some cooler weather. Daytime temperatures have been in the 70s and 80s, with nighttime lows in the 50s and 60s. With the cooler temperatures, power demand has dropped off, and that has meant a big change in the generation schedule on the Little Red River.
Over the last couple of weeks, the Southwestern Power Administration has been running a pretty consistent schedule, usually running two units for around two to four hours a day, generally starting somewhere around 5 or 6 in the evening. As always, generation schedules can change, so be sure to check the USACE Little Rock app before heading out to see what the current water releases are.

“With the current generation schedule, we’re seeing excellent wadeable water throughout the river. If I were fishing on foot, I’d start around JFK Park or Swinging Bridge access. Both areas receive plenty of stocking and can offer some great opportunities when the water conditions are right.

“For fishing from the boat, I’ve been spending most of my time fishing the deeper sections of the river, especially around the moss beds and anywhere there is steady current.
“Fall weather has really just arrived over the last couple of weeks, but the fish are still wanting that deeper water. That’s not to say you won’t find fish in the shoals, but with the decreased flows, I’ve been finding more fish in the deeper sections and in the plunge pools below the shoals.
“The fishing has been best early in the morning, when we’re still seeing some flow from the previous night’s generation. We’ve also been having some good late-afternoon and evening fishing. On those warm, sunny afternoons, small midges have been coming off up and down the river, and you’ll see fish rising and breaking the surface. The hot flies lately have been San Juan Worms, egg patterns and midge patterns.
“It’s a great time of year to be on the Little Red. The temperatures are finally comfortable, the river is in great shape, and the fall fishing is just getting started. Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather while we’ve got it! And if you’d like to learn how to fly fish or want to get out on the river with a guide, give me a call.”

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 10-29-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said the lake is very low, but one angler who visited the bait shop has caught some nice largemouth bass recently. She estimated the bigger ones near 3-4 pounds. She hears that a floating jig is working best for them. The bite is picking up in the morning and then later in the evening. Another angler out early in the morning on a boat this week caught a few crappie that were about 11½ inches in length. He was in the “deeper” area of the lake, although that’s relative to the drop the lake has taken over recent months.

“You can see some bass moving around, chasing shad near the shoreline,” Bing said. “It’s still way too low. The local people say they haven’t seen the lake this low before.” She added that it is very stumpy, and while you’ll still be able to get a boat into the lake with no problem, she urges caution moving around the lake. Trolling motors would be best now.

Some baby bream are being caught now, she added, but with the low water, most of the activity is around the shoreline. Nobody has talked about catfish in quite a while, she said.

For more updates, follow Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page.

Lake Overcup
(updated 10-29-2026) The Arkansas Crappie Trail held a tournament on Overcup on Oct. 24, and they picked a decent weekend to search for a crappie bite. Lamar Bunting and Gene Neumeier caught a winning 9.12 pounds with five fish. Their best fish measured 2.37 pounds. Steve Adams had 8.73 pounds of fish (including a 2.62-pound crappie) and Cody Kelley caught 8.60 pounds, slipping into third place by 0.01 pound. 

The Big Crappie was hauled in by Donnie Barnhart, a 2.75-pounder. Twenty-seven teams weighed in fish.

On his Facebook page, which includes some photos from the tournament, Lamar Bunting said of the Overcup fishing, “The lake was fishing tough, to say the least, and the big fish did not want to bite for us. We kept our head down and foot on the gas and were able to get enough of the right bites to secure a win. We had a great time and really enjoyed being back in the swing of things and looking forward to the next one.”

The Crappie Trail visits Lake Nimrod on Nov. 7.

Brewer Lake
(update 10-15-2026) AGFC staff note that several people have been calling in recent weeks, asking about the launchability at Brewer Lake. Nick Feltz, supervisor in the Mayflower office, said, “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. Look for bass as temperatures fall around secondary points and isolated brush. Anglers may keep up to 10 largemouths, but only one of those may exceed 16 inches.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 10-29-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that the front launch ramp and the back launch ramp were both temporarily closed due to the low water levels. As of last week, Lake Maumelle was down 12.17 feet below normal pool. The surface water temperature is 71 degrees.

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 10-15-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is normal. The crappie have begun to bite again. They’ll bite at 3 feet on jigs — “probably can catch them on minnows, too,” Ray said, “but I’m only hearing about jigs.” Fish in 6 feet of water around the trees.
Black bass are still biting. Soft plastics and crankbaits are the best bets to catch them. They’re still biting in 2-3 feet of water.
One interesting idea Ray tossed out is for catfish anglers to try throwing noodles with persimmons on hooks under the persimmon trees, and you’ll catch all the catfish you want he said. Also, liver and worms, as well as hot dogs, will work. Folks are catching good-sized channel and blue cats now in the 3- to 5-pound range.

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 10-29-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said anglers have through Saturday to get their fishing in on Peckerwood before it’s turned over to serving waterfowl as a rest area during the winter migration, all the way until February.

Right now, crappie is the No. 1 target now on a lake that keeps dropping lower.

“It’s really low,” she said. Donna has lived around the lake since 1976 (her granddad Jess Herman started Herman’s Landing) and says this is the lowest she’s seen Peckerwood since probably 2015.

Anglers are able to get out on the lake even at its low level, but it’s mostly johnboats, plastic boats and the like with trolling motors. Some have tried bigger boats with bigger motors but they aren’t running the big motors, she said. It’s plenty stumpy now.

But that’s just right for crappie fishing. They’ll bite jigs and minnows around those stumps. Some catfish are being caught, but it’s only accidental for the anglers who have their sights set on crappie.

“They’re fishing for nothing but crappie.”

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 10-29-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Daily water releases from Bull Shoals Dam into the teeming White River tailwater have been steady throughout the last week: minimum flow during the early morning followed by higher generation (up to four units, or 12,000 cfs) in the late afternoon for a few hours. Bull Shoals Lake is 6 feet below the seasonal power pool of 659 feet msl elevation, currently sitting at 652.77 feet msl.
“Can an angler really get tired of catching fish? Some folks have been heard to say their casting arms are worn out from reeling in so many rainbows. Imagine that! But that’s been the case here on the White River in our breathtakingly beautiful Arkansas Ozarks.
“If you prefer bait, the guides have found shrimp and yellow, orange or sunrise PowerBait draws in the rainbows. For a little more challenge, anglers have been casting spinners. Under an overcast, cloudy sky, work a Rooster Tail with a gold blade, pink body or a gold Blue Fox. But when the sun comes out, put the artificial baits away and return to the scented or live baits.
“The brown bite remains fickle; your best bet is to get your hands on fresh river minnows or varied sizes of sculpins and dangle them near the bottom.
“It’s easy to see all that we have to be thankful for as we look around the hills and waterways here in the Ozarks. Respect the gifts we’ve been given and enjoy all The Natural State has to offer.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 10-29-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We continue to see lower water conditions. Last Thursday through Saturday, we were seeing low water in the morning with the water rising late in the morning. Sunday and Monday, the water levels were between 2-3 feet. Tuesday and Wednesday, the water returned to low in the morning and rising late morning. 

“With the rising water we are seeing “trashy” water with a lot of moss and leaves. We continue to have success throwing quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado Spoons, Rapala Countdowns CD5 and CD7 in brown trout and rainbow trout colors, and Dynamic HD Trout in ghost brown. Drift-fishing continues to work well with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp. Neo pink and blue eggs seemed to work the best. 

“Take advantage of nice weather the next couple of days, as the weather report is looking like we are going to get some much needed rain starting Saturday.”

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 10-29-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said the water temperature has fallen to 69 degrees, give or take. The lake is at 652 feet msl, or 6 feet below normal pool. The bite is still a little tough. Powerfishing has been slow; better have wind/clouds/rain/stain. Some fish are up shallow. Square bill/Chatterbait in shad patterns are working.

Look for shallow brushpiles, bushes, anything to flip a Beaver, jig or worm in the backs of creeks. If it’s the right conditions, you will most likely notice baitfish. Topwater has been hit or miss; a lot of shad are on the move back into the creeks. Try a topwater Spook or Whopper Popper-style bait if you find them busting. Those fish have been moving in schools and they are moving fast! The Jewel Shad Spoon is working well. You can try your favorite minnow, Tater Shad or swimbait. 

“If the conditions are postfrontal, flat water, high pressure and bluebirds, it will likely be tough. I will slow down and drop-shot with a Robo in suspended schools. Try the Jewel half-ounce football jig in green pumpkin orange or PB&J if you’re sitting off of deep points dragging the long points, or try Craw baits in brushpiles and timber tops on bluffs and bluff ends. Work the steeper banks in the creeks around the shad. 

“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 10-29-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) reports that fall transition is occurring on the lower end of the lake. Schools of fish seem to be breaking up into smaller tighter packed pods and are roaming. Where they were today might not be where they are tomorrow. Follow the wind and start looking for the first holding sites in that direction. Some good fish are still being caught suspended 5 feet off bottom in 35-45 feet of water along with some undersized fish holding closer to bottom. Fishing has been fair to good this past week. Schools of walleye have been a little hard to find, but when you find them you need to work them over with different methods to get them to respond.

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. Main lake and secondary points have been producing fish during the day. Fishing slow this week has still been the key to picking up better-size fish.

Start out shallower in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 13-20 feet of water, or 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 colors or jigging Rapalas in blue, chrome or Helsinki Shad color, half-ounce to three-quarter-ounce, into 12 feet of water and working it back out into 30 feet has been working. Drop-shotting live crawlers or one-eighth-ounce jig and crawler around the offshore side of brushpiles in 32-37 feet is working. 

If trolling, try shad-style and small banana-style baits like No. 7 Flicker Shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnow in natural colors trolled in 15-20 feet of water at speeds of 1.5-1.8 mph seems to work best. 

(updated 10-29-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports that fishing for crappie has been productive on the main lake on timber and brushpiles mainly with live bait in 25-30 feet of water. Some days are definitely more productive than others. 

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 10-29-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake has dropped into the 1,111 feet msl range. It’s getting low, but it appears that rain is on the way. A fresh input of new water will certainly mix the lake and can only help.

Stripers are fair and are moving south from the dam towards Prairie Creek. From there they will trickle further south and end up from Hickory up to Camp War Eagle. 

Crappie are tough — tough to scratch out a limit, for sure. Look in brush in 15 feet of water. “This bite will get better as the lake cools. Looks like we are in turnover and that should finish in a couple of weeks. It’s later than usual due to the warm temps.
“I have heard catfish are still good on jugs, noodles and trotlines.
“We just need some fresh water flushing in the river arms and that will help dramatically. The weather is good. Get out there and enjoy Beaver Lake in this glorious time of the year!”

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 10-22-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “Water conditions on the Beaver tailwater remain low, and we could certainly use some much-needed rainfall. With limited water flow, anglers are having to work a little harder to locate fish. The key to success right now is to stay mobile, cover water and concentrate on the deeper holes where trout are holding.
“The good news is that the brown trout bite is beginning to pick up as we move further into fall. Early mornings and late evenings are providing some of the better opportunities, particularly for anglers targeting larger browns.
“Rainbow trout are still being caught, although the bite can be inconsistent. Pautzke Fire Bait, small spoons, jigs and other smaller presentations are worth trying. With the low, clear water, lighter line and longer casts can make a noticeable difference.

“Anglers should also experiment with different depths and retrieves. If fish aren’t cooperating in one location, don’t be afraid to move. Finding productive water is especially important under these conditions.
“Walleye remain another opportunity farther downstream toward Holiday Island. Focus on deeper areas and keep your presentations close to the bottom.”
Guide’s Tip: Fall can produce some excellent trout fishing on the Beaver Tailwaters. Pay close attention to changing water conditions, approach fishing areas quietly, and take advantage of the lower-light periods. As water temperatures continue to cool, expect brown trout activity to improve.
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 10-22-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) says that fishing picked up this past week for all species, likely as a result of the falling temperatures. Surface water temperature on Monday morning was a nice 62.7 degrees. The lake is still very low, only about 4.5 feet, or 8 feet below normal pool. Though the lake is annually a source for the water pumped into the AGFC’s Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA and its greentree reservoirs, it has not recovered all year from last year’s lowering due to drought conditions.
Crappie were good, with anglers along the shoreline having best success using jigs and worms. Black bass were fair; try a soft plastic worm, or go with a Chatterbait. Two weeks ago, an angler hauled in a bass in the 5- to 6-pound range.
Catfish have been providing the most consistent bite of late, and that continued this past week. Results were good, with worms and stink bait working best for both shoreline anglers and those who were out on boats.

Bream results were poor. However, the full moon is coming up and that bite might pick up even with water temps falling.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 10-29-2026) 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. There have been some reports of catfish caught on lines set out overnight.

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 month 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 10-29-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said last week that he was enjoying the cold, bitter weather! Dress for duck hunting and let’s go.” He said that leeches were hot as bait, with the sparkle minnow catching nice smallies.

In his most recent report, he noted that the river remains very low. Low and clear conditions can make for a good time with dry flies or nymphs. There had been plenty of bug hatches most mornings of caddis and mayflies. Hopper dropper can be good with egg or worm dropper. 

“The river is so low now, you’ve just got to find a deeper green pool to find the fish. Sight fishing is great right now with the low and clear clarity. On the tough days, the trout are usually biting on nymphs; a smaller nymph or a midge is the trick. Below a waterfall and in the deeper areas, a Woolly fished deep is the trick.
“Jim Hinkle Spring River Fish Hatchery is stocking really nice rainbows in the river, but with the super low-water conditions the trout are having trouble hiding from predators. A big osprey had a nice trout the other morning in its talons — the trout looked right at me for help as they flew by, but I could not help him. 

“Fall fishing season is here. It has been very quiet and peaceful on the water. Hopefully rain arrives soon. We’ve had record low-water levels on the Spring River. We may have to put wheels on our boats. Easy wading with the low water, and the rocks are still very slick. Be safe out there. 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. 

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 10-22-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) reports that the lake is very low and overrun with lily pads. She said they only had two anglers out 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 10-29-2026) 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 five bass, but only one bass may be 16 inches or more in length. Anglers may harvest 15 crappie, but only seven crappie may be longer than 12 inches. All other fish creel limits follow state regulations for the species.

Lake Chicot
(updated 10-22-2026) Shaun Mercer at Lake Chicot State Park said the water temperature has cooled to 68-72 degrees and the crappie are starting to turn on. The key has been 8 feet of water. Anglers are catching them on Bobby Garland Baby Shad on a white jighead, and Mercer said he’s only seen people using jigs — no shiners. One angler came in with about 32 slab crappie after fishing all day through a slow bite. That morning they’d met a man who fished a few hours before daylight and wore the crappie out in 8 feet of water. “Anything that looks like a shad or a minnow, or anything white, seems to be what they want,” Mercer said.

Bass are still good on topwater. Watermelon seed plastic worms are working, and anglers throwing swimbaits with chartreuse skirts and white tails have had good luck.

Catfish are still biting well in 4-5 feet of water. If you can get your hands on shad, the big ones are hitting it right now. Anglers are catching them tight-lining, running yo-yos and on limblines, but the biggest fish are coming from the middle of the lake on pool noodles.

No bream reports.

The marina at Lake Chicot State Park, run by Keith O’Loghlin (870-265-5480), is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The marina will close for the fall and winter beginning Oct. 31.

Crappie shorter than 10 inches must be released immediately on Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, and Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam. The crappie daily limit is 20.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)/Trusten Holder WMA
(updated 10-22-2026) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) said the White River, the waters in Trusten Holder WMA and surrounding backwaters offer fall fishing opportunities. For crappie, try jigs and minnows around brush and deeper structure. For bass, shad-colored crankbaits and soft plastics around channel edges will work best. Catfish will take to cut bait and worms in deeper holes and oxbows.
Last week, we noted that anglers were reporting good catfish catches in the deeper oxbows throughout the Dale Bumpers White River Refuge.

At Trusten Holder WMA, the bass and crappie fishing has been productive in the fishable backwaters and along channel edges. Crappie anglers are finding success with blue-and-black or red-and-black Texas-rigged worms. Shad-colored crankbaits were producing good results with the bass, especially along channel edges and in accessible backwaters.

In and around the White River at Clarendon, crappie anglers can try jigs and minnows around brush and deeper structure. Bass anglers have told us there are opportunities around shad concentrations, while catfish anglers can try the dependable cut bait and worms along those deeper holes and channel edges there.

Also, don’t forget about the areas around St. Charles that are worth scouting now. Darker-colored jigs seem to work around brush and channel edges for crappie there. Look at using a shad-colored crankbait or soft plastics near deeper drop-offs for bass.

“Come see us at Webb’s in DeWitt for your hunting, fishing and outdoor needs. Thanks!”

Wilson Lake
(updated 10-22-2026) 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 10-29-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the main focus this week has been the discovery of the aquatic invasive species giant salvinia being discovered on Millwood in numerous locations along Little River, especially near the White Cliffs campground, boat ramp and near the entrance to Horseshoe oxbow. 

Siefert said, “The AGFC and USACE are working diligently applying herbicides, and removing hundreds of pounds of this invasive species to eradicate it before it has a solid foothold in Millwood Lake. Containment booms are placed strategically to hinder the migration of the giant salvinia and to focus on containment of the most recent locations.”

Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday was slightly below normal pool, at 259.1 feet msl and falling. Millwood Lake Dam was releasing about 170 cfs, and tailwater is near 223 feet msl and stable. 

Surface temperature over the past week ranged from 65 degrees early to 73 degrees later in the day along Little River. Clarity along Little River continues clearing up visibility with reduced river current. Little River clarity ranging 10-20 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility in the oxbows has improved, with visibility ranging 18-30 inches in many locations. 

Numerous areas on Millwood Lake are fully choked with alligatorweed mats and invasive Cuban Bulrush was several months back along Little River oxbows of Hurricane Creek going into Clear Lake, Horseshoe Lake, White Cliffs creek channel, Mudd Lake, Bagley Creek and Red Slough area, and McGuire and many areas have become inaccessible for navigation or fishing.

“Be sure to drain your bilge and live wells and flush your boat trailer from carrying and redistributing invasive species of giant salvinia, Cuban bulrush and alligatorweed to other bodies of water. Hopefully MORE herbicides can be applied to combat these invasive species on Millwood Lake.”
Siefert had these fishing specifics from the past week:
* Over the past week, the bass and crappie both have been hit or miss. Strangely, the active schooling with black bass and white bass are on again/off again. With these cooler nights and early morning chilled air recently, we have noted a lot more largemouth bass activity as they continue grouping and chasing threadfin shad over the past few weeks. The biggest change in bass activity levels since last week are where the bass are forcing shad to the surface on primary and secondary points as well as creek channel dumps into the oxbows. We are also seeing a lot more schooling activity on threadfin shad with the white bass this week up Little River near Cemetery Slough, Brown’s Slough (between McGuire Lake entrance along Little River) and Wilton Landing. A few largemouths are following shad into the backs of creeks this week, more at the back end, than what we noticed there last week.
The best black bass activity periods remain around midmorning. Creek bend sections of the creek channels continue holding fish on stumps from 5-12 feet of depth. Bass reactions to a variety of topwater baits continue improving on such lures as Heddon Dying Flutters in Coach Dog and chrome, while Cordell Crazy Shads in chrome/black back continue randomly bringing topwater explosions throughout midmorning, along with Bass Assassin Shads in Houdini and Salt & Pepper Silver Phantom colors when the schooling activities move shallow and into the remaining lily pad stands. Many of the largemouths continue roaming and pulling up onto the flats, randomly running shad into lily pad stands from 9 a.m.-noon. These chasing bass will hit soft plastic frogs, Bass Assassin jerkbaits and quarter-ounce Bill Lewis Lures Rat-L-Traps with a tail spinner in lily pad stands and emergent vegetation where you have flats from 4-8 feet deep dropping off into structure of 10-15 feet, where standing timber is broke off.

Over the past few weeks, various black bass schools have been randomly schooling in the oxbows up Little River for a few hours in the morning. The best feeding periods have been shifting from early daylight to around 9-11 a.m. 

Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Bill Lewis Lures Square Bill SB-57 and ATV Crankbaits in Tennessee Shad or Pro Green Gizzard colors, and the MR-6 Crankbait in Millwood Magic, Silverado and Citrus Sha are drawing hits and reactions in clear water along in creek channel swings on stumps and grass lines. Our custom-painted Little John Crankbaits in Millwood Magic, School Bus Splatterback and Tennessee Shad continue working near vertical structure where the alligatorweed and lily pads converge on receding flats or deeper drops on secondary points, from 5-6 feet deep tapering out to 8-9 feet deep. 

* The white bass are still holding in large pods and schools near the threadfin shad in the oxbows from 5-12 feet of depth, and over the past few weeks were schooling with the largemouths. Anglers recently are 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 10- a.m.-noon, with shad pods breaking as the whites were pushing them to the surface.
* The crappie bite was on like Donkey Kong one day, and cold as ice the next. We are curious if the full moon earlier this week had them feeding overnight. The crappie have been good for the past couple weeks, and best from early morning up till 10-11 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. 

*No report on catfish with the reduced current in Little River, and no update on bream.

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

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

(updated 10-29-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs again noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz on Tuesday how much below normal pool the “big” lakes are.

The surface temperature has fallen into the mid-70s on average. The water color is still gin clear. Earlier this month, Kastner noted that “the topwater bite is incredible. All the lakes are on fire. Also, a buzzbait and Fluke bite are both very good. Ouachita and DeGray have some of the best moss crops they have ever had in a very long time, maybe ever. Big jig season is just around the corner.”

(updated 10-29-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) in his most recent DeGray report noted that bass were chasing shad and anglers were catching them casting spoons, swimbaits and trolling. For the crappie fishermen, the crappie are in fall transition with the water cooling. 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 10-29-2026) 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.

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 10-29-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 64 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Entergy is currently running 10-hour generation periods starting in the late afternoon. However, with the fall season underway, this schedule will change soon. No generation schedule has been posted online for the last several weeks. Lake Catherine’s annual winter drawdown (this year scheduled for 3 feet) is set to begin Nov. 1.

The fall stocking of rainbow trout below Carpenter Dam is scheduled for Nov. 30. Rainbow trout numbers are predicted to be down statewide, but not as dramatically as last year after the losses at the two major trout hatcheries in-state. 

The only productive fishing below the dam now 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 that will strike a lure that closely resembles a fleeing shad. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate shad against the current has taken numbers of bass in the late evening.
Excessive heat kept many anglers off the lake this summer and early fall, and shortened fish feeding times, which is a normal occurrence on Lake Catherine in the late summertime. Now that fall is underway, 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. 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 10-29-2026) 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 how much below normal pool the “big” lakes are in the area, and with the long-lasting summer-like conditions, boat owners would be wise to consider winterizing their boats now before winter comes. He notes that Lake Hamilton will start its annual winter drawdown Nov. 1, with a 3-foot drop.

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 10-29-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said the crappie are doing GREAT early in the mornings on live bait on brushpiles in 18-24 feet of water near deeper water channels. As the sun gets higher, move deeper onto brushpiles in the channel. Fish 8-12 feet deep in the early morning. Fish 18-24 feet deep by midmorning. 

The bass are everywhere roaming from surface feeding to patrolling the bottom. 

(updated 10-29-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are fair to good. Try a riser bait or Plopper-style lure for a fun topwater bite. Or drop-shot a live crawfish for spotted bass in the 15- to 30-foot range on points or brush.

Walleye are slow. For best results in the 20-foot range, try a drop-shot rig or a Texas-rigged jig with a nightcrawler near brush or the outside edge of a moss line.

No reports on stripers, bream, crappie or catfish. 

Water temperature is steady, if slightly warmer than last week, at 70- to 74-degree range. Water clarity is clear. Lake level continues its slight drop weekly, now at 568.69 feet msl (more than 9 feet below normal pool). Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

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

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

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

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

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