Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

September 5, 2024

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Steve Michelson shows off a nice Spring River smallmouth bass he caught recently while fishing with guide Mark Crawford. Mark says in his report from the Spring this week that the smallies have been hitting great this summer with the heat and are all up and down the river, “you just have to fish for them.” Various presentations will work; check out Mark’s full report below.

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

Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk

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: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality

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
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.

(updated 8-29-2024) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said catfish and buffalo are about it for catches this week. “That’s just about all the word. It’s about down to the nitty gritty now,” they say. Anglers were using worms. The fishing areas that provided some nice catfish and a few catches of crappie and other sport fish are extremely low.

They have not heard anything from anglers trying other area lakes of late. Anglers shopping at Bates have reported catching bass on the Arkansas River in recent days, however. Also, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond is seeing some fishing and there are reports of crappie, bream and small bass being caught.

While fishing is going on in the main lake, there are no creel or length limits during its drawdown phase as part of the AGFC’s renovation project. 

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.

(updated 9-5-2024) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said Thursday that the patterns remain the same, as do the conditions, on the Little Red this week as they have recently. The trout fishing has been good. Flow on the river is the same as it’s been, and water is released in the afternoon for a few hours each day during the week. Rooster Tails and Marabou Jigs are the best bets. Anglers are having best success targeting the top and bottom sides of shoals with a little bit of flow in those areas. 

(updated 8-29-2024) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said Thursday that the Southwestern Power Administration generation schedule on the Little Red River has been pretty predictable lately. They’re usually kicking things off around 2 p.m. and running two units of water through the turbines until about 8 p.m. This pattern has held steady for the last couple of weeks. On weekends, they’ve been scaling it back a bit, with around two hours of generation starting at the same 2 p.m. mark.

Despite the daytime temperatures climbing into the upper 90s, the bite has remained solid. The fish seem to be thriving under this current generation schedule, and we’re seeing good flows even with the heat.

If you’re heading out, the best action has been early in the morning before the heat sets in. As the water starts to recede, target the deeper sections of the channel, especially around moss beds. These areas offer shade and are loaded with food, making them prime spots. Don’t forget to check out the oxygenated shoals with plunge pools below – they’re a great place to find fish.

As for flies, the current hot picks include Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles and Root Beer Midges. Happy fishing!

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. 

(updated 9-5-2024) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said Wednesday the water level at Greers Ferry Lake had dropped about a half-foot from this time last week and was at 458.62 feet msl, or 3.92 feet below normal pool. Not much else has changed other than more fish schooling on top in different parts of the lake and rivers, and Southwestern Power Administration continues generating 4-5 hours in afternoons, which helps with oxygenation in the lake as well as the river below. It also helps with the bite as all species of game fish are eating off and on at opportune times. Most species are staying on structure where you can really work on them, but some are moving back shallower as the days are getting shorter.
Try super shallow and out to 30 feet for crappie. Use jigs, minnows or crankbaits. A lot of fish have migrated to cooler areas in timber where a lot of bait spend the summer, so fishing straight up and down is a must when fishing for crappie now. 

Walleye are eating in the main lake. For the few left up rivers and scattered throughout the lake, drag a crawler or crankbait in 28-50 feet depth. Some walleye will follow under big schools of white bass and hybrids; use a spoon for those. Just like with crappie, this is the time when the walleye hang out in timber while it’s hot; it’s a little cooler there, and there is more bait fish. A spoon is best for vertical jigging 10-50 feet depth.
Most hybrid and white bass are set up on the main lake for summer, while some are roaming and schooling on top. For ones that are set, use spoons, inline spinners, grubs and swimbaits in 25-60 feet. 

Catfish are biting the usual stuff working in the lake and rivers. Some bream are shallow, but most still around 8-30 feet; crickets and crawlers are working fine as well as inline spinners. Most black bass are out or roaming shallow and schooling — use Carolina rigs, topwater baits, wake baits, drop-shots, crankbaits and spinnerbaits for best action super shallow out to 60 feet. Be safe and wear your life jacket.

(updated 9-5-2024) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said Thursday that there was little change on the lake this week from what they’ve seen for past few weeks. The topwater bite for black bass has been going really well early in the morning and late in the day. A clear Zara Spook is good for targeting schooling fish. Anglers are finding the schoolers in the backs of pockets, the middle of creeks and out on the main lake. During the day, a Carolina rig is doing really well, they say, with anglers using that while fishing out a little deeper. Also, a football jig is a good bet, and a lot of anglers are fishing a Damiki rig, like a jighead minnow, for some success.
The walleye have been doing really well lately. Anglers are catching them on a chartreuse jighead with a nightcrawler. Walleye are being found in 30-40 feet hanging out around standing timber. 

Crappie also are biting. It seems the best way to catch crappie now is spider-rigging around standing timber or casting a jig. The best color for jig is the Bobby Garland Baby Shad in Monkey Milk with a pink jighead and targeting about 25 feet depth in the tops of standing timber.

The lake is still more than 3 feet below normal pool, but that’s considered good for this time of the year.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 8-29-2024) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said fishing is kind of slow and anglers are finding it too hot, though some are still catching catfish on trotlines with minnows or hot dogs, while another angler reported he caught some small bass at night. Bream are slow; catches are small. No crappie have been reported.

The water clarity is clear but the lake is really low right now. Stumps are showing.

Lake Overcup
(updated 8-29-2024) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing off Arkansas Highway 9 said water level is about normal and clarity is murky. Surface water temperature is around 95 degrees. “It’s been so hot, there really hasn’t been many anglers out until late evening and I haven’t been able to talk to anyone. Wish I had more news,” John said.

Brewer Lake
(update 9-5-2024) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) has fished Brewer as recently as two weeks ago and said it has been fishing about the same as Lake Maumelle (see report below), but during his last visit during a warming trend throughout the state, the water was running 88-89 degrees. It likely has cooled some since then. But at that time, crappie were on brush in 18-22 feet of water. Smaller profiles was key to fishing and is typically key when water is that warm. Eric likes Bobby Garland Itty Bit-type baits for warmer water crappie fishing. As the water cools down, he suggests upgrading to a Baby Shad and using natural colors like Monkey Milk or the something bright like a black/chartreuse or white/chartreuse jig. “Anything that really, really shines,” he said. 

Lake Maumelle
(update 9-5-2024) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) says fishing is “really, really great now” on Maumelle. The crappie are anywhere from 18-24 feet of water, and water temperature is ranging 81-82 degrees as of Wednesday. The lake has perfect clarity. Natural color profiles will outshine anything else on the bait end. “The Bobby Garland Itty Bit Slab Hunter is just dynamite on Lake Maumelle right now,” Eric says, though noting, “The smaller profile pattern won’t last long when the water cools and fish pull off the brush.” Then, he suggests, anglers will want to shift to some of the
bigger profiles like the Head-Turner Jig with a Baby Shad behind it, or a Crappie Magnet, Thin Spin or Slab Magnet.

(updated 9-5-2024) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reported Thursday that the water temperature is ranging 82-84 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair. They can be found shallow in the mornings in 2-5 feet of water, with some breaking but not staying up long. Others are being found deeper and scattered anywhere from 15-20 feet. Try points and drop-offs. Use drop-shots, Texas-rigged worms, topwater baits, jigs and crankbaits. Spotted bass are also fair. Reports of them being found on drop-offs in 15-20 feet. Try a drop-shot or a jig.

Crappie are good. Anglers report the crappie being found suspended around brush anywhere from 18-23 feet. Try jigs and minnows. Bream are slow. They can be found on beds still, around 10-15 feet, but this should slow down soon. Try crickets, worms and drop-shots. No reports on white bass or catfish this week. White bass might respond to a twister tail, while catfish will go for small bream, chicken liver and worms.

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 9-5-2024) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said that compared with last week, when few people ventured out in all the heat, he’s seen quite a few people out fishing this week on the Little Maumelle, and some have been very successful. “One guy told me he caught several bass, he caught a lot,” Ray said. “So, the bass fishing really hasn’t changed.” He added that water is still normal and clear.

Most anglers in search of bass are catching them on topwater lures. The best choice now appears to be a Rebel Pop-R. A crankbait also will get the bass’ attention. Anything bream-colored is best now, Ray says — chartreuse and orange, multicolored type cranks. Try one that has chartreuse on the back and an orange belly and see if that gets a hit.

“I did have one guy who caught a small mess of crappie, so it’s good to see the crappie are starting to bite again,” Ray said, adding that crappie seekers should use minnows and fish 5-feet deep.

The “Oscar Meyer” loving catfish on the river will bite hot dogs around the dock, as well as chicken liver. 

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
For the real-time water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam and David D. Terry Lock and Dam, as well as the Little Rock pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 9-5-2024) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) reports that even with the little bit of rain this week, the fishing has been the exact same this week as the previous two weeks (and really much of the later summer) across the board. Topwater has been one of the major things of note on the river of late, especially if the mornings are cool, and this week was better. The topwater bite for black bass has been doing really well, especially for anglers throwing a bone-colored Zara Spook or a small, compact buzzbait in black or white. 

During the day, a shaky head and also a chartreuse black back or blue back crankbait have been working well off the ends of jetties.

They have not heard anything on crappie from the river.

The catfish are biting below the dam (Murray) on stink bait and nightcrawlers.
The water has a stained clarity. The level is about normal, and there is a little flow but not much.

White River
(updated 9-5-2024) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said extreme heat is behind us, trout fishing on blissful, cool days are on the agenda. Trout fishing on the White River in the north-central Arkansas Ozarks continues to offer all-day action for anglers of all ages. Bull Shoals Lake is 5 feet below the seasonal power pool elevation of 661 feet msl, recorded midweek at 655.90 feet msl. The average river flow over the past two weeks has been minimum flow (700 cfs) with higher releases still in the late afternoons.

The rainbow catch was abundant this past week. Nightcrawlers and red wigglers bested the bubblegum pink scented worm in this lower water. Low water level also means finding the deeper holes and drifting over them if you’re looking for the browns. Sculpins and river “slicks” are your brown baits of choice. Rainbows are looking close at spinners: gold or silver Blue Foxes, or pink bodied Rooster Tails with silver blades and pink and/or white skirts. Float your bait just above the bottom — the river bed is easy to see in the clear water of the White — best to keep it in or near the river channel during low-water generation. If you’re casting flies, the ruby midge, as well as black/silver, were a constant success; copper Johns made a splash last week, too.

Late summer is a great time to get on the water without having to sweat the temperatures or the catch. Respect the resource, and your fellow anglers, and continue to enjoy our Natural State.

(updated 9-5-2024) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Late last week we saw the ‘normal’ high and dingy water in the morning, then it dropped and cleared throughout the day. Starting Sunday we started to see very low and clear water that has continued through Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon Bull Shoals Dam increased generation back to what had been “normal.” 

During the times of higher and dingy water, drift-fishing with silver inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp worked well. During the days with the very low and clear water, quarter-ounce Acne Tackle Co.’s Little Cleo spoons in gold or Thomas Bouyant spoon in rainbow trout color resulted in some nice limits of rainbow trout. Additionally, Rapala CD5 Countdowns in rainbow or brown trout colors resulted in some nice 17-inches-or-more rainbows and 18-inches-or-more brown trout. 

This week saw one trout stocking of more than 1,000 rainbow trout at the Calico Rock boat ramp and another stocking of 1,000 or more rainbows at Chessmond Ferry boat ramp. 

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 9-5-2024) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302) said Wednesday that the lake level is still dropping slightly each day and is around 655 feet msl. Water temperature is steady at 83 degrees, give or take. Bass fishing has been fair. Bass are set up on summer areas and patterns, looking forward to cooler temps. The thermocline is set up around 30-32 feet. Shad are spread out from the back of the creek out to the main lake. They are starting to move in with shorter days. Check mouths of creeks, long points, ledges, drop-offs and channel swings as well as treetops that are close to deep water. The topwater bite has been hit or miss. The bite will definitely slow down if it’s flat bluebird sunny, and they will get fired up with wind/rain and generators running.
A smaller Flutter Spoon will fool a few, smaller minnow. Once the sun gets high up, a lot of the fish will move deep and suspend or move into piles or off ledges. They can be stubborn. Try a drop-shot or Jewel Scuba or big worm. If you get one or two to bite, you might as well go to the next pile. These fish have been educated all summer to fire; finesse will help. You can still catch them off points with a small Jewel Peewee Jig in green pumpkin orange or PB&J, or a tube or shaky head in 10-20 feet early, then at 25-35 feet. Keep the boat out for deep, long casts. There is a lot of activity around the 30-feet range. Fish the conditions.

Del regularly posts new YouTube videos. Visit his YouTube site (Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report) for more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.

(updated 9-5-2024) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) says walleye patterns on mid- to lower end of the lake have not changed much these past few weeks. The fishing has slowed down though. Changes in time of water flow fluctuations has changed a bit this past weekend, which seems to affect the early-morning bite more. Thermocline seems to be holding at 30-40 feet. There are times and areas that the fish can be found feeding at the 28- to 30-feet levels early in the morning. It seems when they are holding shallow they move deeper fast if there is no cloud clover. If clouds move in, move back shallow as fish move back in just as fast as they move out. A couple of feet can make a difference in the bite. Scan points, both sides and tip, by zigzagging in 25 to 40 to find fish. Try to fish when they are moving water through the dam; that seems to help the bite. 
“Pulling nightcrawler harnesses in 27-38 feet — depth depends on wind and clouds – slowly at 0.8 to 0.9 mph with 3-ounce bottom bouncers on the sides of primary and secondary points has been best for me. We’re fishing with 1.5 Smile Butterfly Blades in gold or orange and chartreuse with an orange bead patterns. No. 3 white Willow leaf Blade or No. 3 white Colorado with white pearl beads is also working. Also still just a No. 4 split shot and #No. 2 Aberdeen hook and nightcrawler, worked slowly around groups of fish or on deeper sides of brushpiles, will catch some especially when fishing is slow.”
Lots of fish in the 16- to 17-inch size are still being caught at this time. Spooning with a three-quarter-ounce white spoon off main lake points in 30 to 40 feet of water will also get some fish.
Here’s a tip: Cutting one of the hooks off a spoon’s treble hook will help reduce snags.

(updated 9-5-2024) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says the crappie bite has been fairly tough for the most part. Key on different brush on a daily basis and when you find some that cooperate, don’t expect it to be that way the next time you show up, the next day or days. They are very particular lately, and overall we have still been catching a lot of mixed quality and occasionally a few really nice ones. The jig bite is pretty slow, but if you’re going to fish one, a one-sixteenth-ounce with a small fry bait, minnows, have carried the majority of the load lately. The brush that’s around 20-30 feet seems to be the better stuff. Fall is around the corner and it’s going to get better before long. 

Norfork Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Norfork Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

No reports.

Beaver Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Beaver Lake Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 9-5-2024) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake continued its slow descent this last week. It sat Tuesday at 1,116.75 feet msl, which now is around 5 feet below normal pool level. Water temperature has dipped to 80 degrees and even to 79 in the early morning on Monday.

“Stripers are still good. It has been a good summer for stripers, although a bit smaller fish seems to be the norm lately. Don’t get me wrong; there still are some big fish. Look for stripers from Rocky Branch to the dam.
“Walleye are hit and miss. One day good; the next, no so good, but that’s what drives fishermen who target them. At this time, worm harnesses are your best bet. You will catch an assortment of fish using crawlers. And most are excellent table fare, so it’s all good!
“Crappie are still being caught on the troll. Biggest change is some are moving to brushpiles, and that will continue as water cools and sets the stage for fall fishing.
“Catfish and bream are good as usual.
“Some nice cooler weather is forecast for this weekend, so get out and enjoy!” 

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates, FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 8-29-2024) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said this past week has seen its up and down with the trout fishing bite on the tailwater. “We are getting better results as we fish into the evening hours. Most of the fish have been caught between the U.S. Highway 62 bridge and Houseman Access using Fire Bait on light terminal tackle. Quarter-ounce spoons have also produced some nice numbers, along with fishing jigs. The surface temperature has been in the mid- to high 50s, with it reaching 70 downstream from Houseman.
“As the fall months start to approach, we are definitely seeing some prespawn signs from the trout. I suspect the bite will start to increase as we get closer to fall. We are expecting some cooler weather this coming up week — what a relief! I hope you’re able to get out and catch some fish!”

Follow Austin’s fishing Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service) for regular updates.

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 8-15-2024) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) says nobody’s out fishing. “We’re in a heat wave,” they reported. “No one has been out all week.” Before the heat rolled in, bass and crappie were both biting. Bass were good on a spinnerbait. Crappie were fair on worms. 

The water is murky and is at a normal level.

Lake Charles
(updated 8-29-2024) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said water temperature was down almost 5 degrees Sunday from where it stood earlier in the past week, and fishing was good to fair for bream, bass and catfish. Bream were being found shallow last weekend and biting worms and crickets. They were mostly relating to the brushpiles and stumps. Black bass are deep but are biting fair on minnows and plastic worms. Fish around brush and rocky points for best success. Catfish are good on worms, chicken liver, crickets and minnows. The crappie bite these days is poor.
The water is at a normal level and murky, with surface water temperature of 75.9 Sunday morning.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 9-5-2024) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park had no new updates. Remember, however: Bass and crappie continue to be catch-and-release at Lake Poinsett.

Spring River
(updated 9-5-2024) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are low at 310 cfs and water clarity is clear. “River looks great with great clarity. Storms moving through can change conditions at any time.
“The trout have been hitting great. Lots of stockers in the river making for fun times and a great time to teach. After this month, stocking will be reduced for the winter season. This will make for slower catching, but will give us a chance to chase the big holdovers in the river. Winter can be a great time to chase the smallies, too.

The trout have been hitting great on Woollies and nymphs on good days, pink worms and Y2Ks on the tougher days, or just drop a tiny nymph down to the bottom. Use hot pink Trout Magnets right off the bottom for spin-fishing. A trout crank in rainbow or brown trout colors will sometimes get a big ol’ walleye to bite. They like eating the rainbow stockers. Lots of stockers out there right now, and I hope they get in the river system. Catch-and-release works and would make for bigger fish in the river, but I didn’t see that much this summer. We only catch-and-release! There is a limit of one fish over 14 inches, but they’ve got to get to that size first.
“The smallies have been hitting great this summer with the heat. The smallmouth bass are all up and down the Spring River, you’ve just got to fish for them. Big Woollies fished deep on the bottom work; I even had a client that fished his big olive zonked fly below an indicator and he wore them out. A D2 jig below a float works well — they are there but you have to fish for them! Safely catch and release all smallmouth bass; that’s the only way to keep big smallies in the river!
“Cool weather ahead, and it looks like a great fall and winter season coming up. Get ready, it’s coming!”
Check out Mark’s blog for the latest river conditions on the Spring River on his website linked above.

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.

(updated 8-29-2024) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reports water temperatures in the upper 80s. Visibility up to about 12 inches. Flow has finally stopped on the main channel, leaving wind and barge traffic as the only mechanisms moving water. Black bass have slid out to the outer edges and points of jetties, especially if wind is pushing on or across those points. Expect to find freshwater drum, white bass, striped bass, catfish and both spotted and largemouth bass hanging out on the same productive jetty points; so, if you get a bite on a jetty, keep casting to the same spot and nearby a few more times at least, as that fish likely was not alone. 

Brushpiles on sand drops and shady cover are producing in Lake Langhofer, though these fish are more pressured and you must present lures to them several times to get bites in many cases. Buzzbaits and walking topwaters in shad colors are producing first thing in the morning, moving to swimming and finesse jigs in bluegill to craw patterns during the middle of the day when working water willows, jetties and brushpiles/woody cover. 

Small swimbaits in shad patterns are also producing near schooling areas. Always have a small topwater popper/walking bait, a weightless fluke or small swimbait on deck ready to take advantage of sudden schooling activity that could erupt anywhere at any time. Finally, keep an eye out for floating debris while running. There was an unusually high number of potentially damaging logs in the main channel this past weekend.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 9-5-2024) Claire Humes at Cane Creek State Park (870-628-4714) said a boating angler on the lake last Friday was fishing with a black beetle spin and mentioned catching some big redear sunfish. Some anglers on Sunday were fishing with minnows and jigs and reported catching bass and nice-sized crappie. Also on Sunday, a boater caught some large bream out on the lake. Anglers fishing from the camper dock on Sunday reported catching bass, bream, crappie and gar while fishing with redworms.

Lake Monticello
(updated 9-5-2024) Anglers are reminded that if they venture out for some fishing on Lake Monticello now while the lake continues to refill after being renovated, that all fish caught must be released immediately.
The Hunger Run Access is open to boat traffic. Reports are good of anglers catching bass now.

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 8-29-2024) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said, “What a difference a cold front makes! My guides tell me not a lot has changed, but water temperatures are beginning to come down considerably over the last couple of weeks, and bass activity on surface shad continues to be good. I have been on vacation, and will be for most of the month of September, and not on the lake. However, my guides and associates are keeping me abreast of changing conditions daily. Clarity continues improving and water temps continue falling.”
Millwood’s elevation is stable during the Army Corps of Engineers’ 2-foot drawdown of the lake, and the dam is releasing about 162 cfs; the tailwater is holding near 224 feet. Mike urges boaters to use extreme caution while navigating Millwood during the drawdown conditions. Underwater hazards, stumps and obstacles will be at or near the surface, especially in the boat lanes along the river and main lake.

Surface temperature is stable and ranging 78 degrees early to 85 degrees later in the day along Little River.
The Corps’ drawdown is for planting millet for migrating waterfowl and improving shoreline vegetation, as well as to promote sediment compaction. The planting of millet improves water quality, increases fish production and provides habitat for ducks and other waterfowl this winter. The Corps plans to raise the lake pool 6 inches on Sept. 13 and then will be raised Nov. 1 to the top of the normal conservation pool.
Mike had these reports passed along to him from his guides in recent days:
* With a cold front helping lower the water temperature, groups of adolescent largemouths have been schooling in the mornings along various locations in Little River. The best bite of the day over the past few weeks continues to be from dawn to around 9 a.m., but random schools of largemouths and spotted bass (Kentucky bass) can begin surface breaking on threadfin shad at any given moment all morning long. “We thought the schooling was done last week around 9:30 a.m., and around an hour later they fired up again near the mouth of Jack’s Isle, busting and chasing shad. The mouths of creeks dumping into Little River are where we are seeing the most aggressive surface-schooling activities and are holding nice groups. For the past few weeks, bass have been active early up to 2-4 pounds on topwaters — and cloud cover mornings still see the best activity. Feeding activity levels have improved with the recent decrease of surface temperatures in the mid- to low 80-degree range during the mornings. 

There were numerous sections all along Little River this week from around 7-9 a.m. where white bass, largemouth bass and spotted bass were schooling and surface-breaking on threadfin shad from Jack’s Isle up Little River to Hurricane Creek. In another section, schooling bass were noted along Little River from the dump of Pugh Slough into Little River almost halfway down the south bank to Snake Creek. Rat-L-Trap Hammer Traps in Millwood Magic or Chrome Blue, Spin Trap Rat-L-Traps with a tail spinner in chrome/blue, Kastmaster Spoons, Smithwick Rogues and Brazalo Custom Lures Swim Jigs in Shad Cracker color, as well as the Wee-Whacker Buzzbaits with a creature trailer in shad colors all were getting the better reactions.

* White bass were schooling along Little River with the largemouths during the early mornings this week, and they continue hitting vertical-jigged half-ounce Slab Spoons and Rat-L-Traps in Little River between Jack’s Isle and the first entrance into Mud Lake, and also in Hurricane Creek from 10-15 feet deep. Little River has improved clarity and the bite over the past couple weeks and the reduced current has clarity much improved on primary or secondary points. With the drawdown in effect, many white bass are found in close proximity to the Kentucky and largemouth bass, all feeding on threadfin shad.
Three-quarter-ounce Cordell Hammered Spoons, Kastmaster chrome/blue spoons with white bucktails, or Bomber Fat Free Fry and Guppys, Fingerling Crankbaits and Bill Lewis MR-6 Crankbaits in Citrus Shad, Tennessee Shad or Millwood Magic colors will draw reactions from white bass. Little George’s, Rocket Shads and red/white Rooster Tails also continue working.
* Crappie continue to bite well from daylight to around noon with water clarity improving in many locations. Planted brushpiles in Horseshoe, Bee Lake, Millwood State Park or along Little River, with the reduced current, are holding nice schools of slab crappie. The crappie are best using minnows one day, and jigs the next, or jigs tipped with a minnow, in planted brush piles at 12-18 feet of depth. Best colors for jigs and tube jigs over the past few weeks have been Houdini, Monkey Milk and Electric Chicken. Cordell smoke-colored grubs with a chartreuse tip tail on a light wire jig head will pick up a few extra bites.
* Bream finished their annual spawn for the most part. Several nice bluegills and Mason bream, along with goggleye, have been caught in the three-quarter- to 1-pound range over the past several weeks by shoreline anglers at Millwood State Park and Jack’s Isle. Crickets, redworms and minnows, were working best over the past several weeks.
* No reports on catfish.

Lake Greeson Tailwater
For the most updated Narrows Dam generation schedule from SWEPCO, click here.

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

(updated 8-29-2024) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted “We’ve gotten enough rain that these lakes are still full. You’ve got to take advantage of a full pool during this time of year as it’s falling, as it’s going to for the next 30 days or so if we don’t get a hurricane that pumps a lot of water in. It’s buzzbait season, it’s topwater season. There’s a bunch of topwater fish being caught now.

“What’s you’ve also got to realize, too, it’s Kentucky bass (spotted bass) season. If you have ever done anything with crawfish or drop-shot season, my goodness, this is it. August, September, October. A dropshot or live crawfish with LiveScope is poison.” 

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

(updated 8-22-2024) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) continued to fish both here and Lake Hamilton this week, and he says bass of all species are breaking early in the morning. A few may be caught on or near the surface, but most are feeding deeper. “Our best has been on a spoon and counting it down deep and pulling that spoon past the feeding fish through the thermocline.”

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.

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

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

(updated 9-5-2024) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature is 64 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Entergy has scheduled 8-hour generation times during the week with special periods of flow on the weekends for downstream activities. Tailrace conditions are very good for this time of year as moss and grass growth has been kept at a minimum by the consistent flow of water from the dam. Rainbow trout fishing hit rock bottom with experienced guides recording zero catches around the dam to the bridge. This occurs every year around this time, but was forced earlier by the spring flooding that displaced thousands of trout downstream that never returned. Trout fishing will return to the area in November when the stocking schedule resumes for the fall season. 

Thousands of threadfin shad have migrated into the tailrace in huge schools. These baitfish are easily spotted as they congregate near the top of the water column. Striper and hybrid bass activity has been observed in the early morning times, which intensifies during times of generation. Anglers can catch numbers of fish casting topwater lures into areas of activity, such as Zara Spooks and Alabama rigs that closely match the size of the shad. Too large of a presentation is ignored and rarely produces results. 

Summertime fishing reports below Carpenter Dam usually resemble a broken record with the absence of rainbow trout and the walleye, crappie, white bass and catfish spawns complete. The doldrums of summer heat go on for months in Arkansas and it appears that a void is created in the area for catchable fish. There will be times where good numbers of white and hybrid bass feed near the dam due to the huge numbers of shad present, and anglers will have to be diligent in search for these fish as action is short-lived and sporadic. Big stripers move in and out of the tailrace seeking cooler water and forage and can be seen feeding below the bridge in deeper water in the main channel. Always wear a life jacket when on the water and remember to follow all park and boating regulations as law enforcement is present and checking for violations. 

Lake Dardanelle
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow and gauge level reports from Dardanelle, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

No updates.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 8-29-2024) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) continues to fish both Lake Hamilton and DeGray Lake and says the fishing remains the same as it was last week. He says bass of all species are breaking early in the morning at both places. A few may be caught on or near the surface, but most are feeding deeper. The best results have “been on a spoon and counting it down deep and pulling that spoon past the feeding fish through the thermocline.”

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.

(updated 9-5-2024) Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) reports that the Corps of Engineers drawdown continues and the lake level is being held at 10 feet below normal pool, or 337 feet msl — leaving only two ramps with any real accessibility, and of those, Carden Point is the access most being used. Anderson Access is on the more difficult side to access, they say. 

In their most recent report, they said that despite the drawdown, fishing was still going well and anglers are still catching crappie and catfish. The drawdown seems to have brought more catfish into play and they have been active for several weeks.

Some parts of the lake that are only about a foot deep. Boaters/anglers are urged to follow the buoys and “go slow!” 

Carter Cove has a Facebook page, and the email address is cartercovebaitnmore@gmail.com, with updates and photos. Stop in for live bait, tackle, cabin rentals, pizza, burgers, sandwiches and more.

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

(updated 9-5-2024) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) said black bass are fair. Keep trying a topwater early and big Texas-rigged worms. Walleye are still good and being caught on nightcrawlers near structure with a drop-shot rig or Texas rig. No reports on stripers. Bream are still good and being caught on perch-colored hand grenades in the 15- to 25-feet range. No reports on crappie. For catfish, try stink bait or cut bait on a rod-and-reel set up in the 15- to 25-feet range.
Water temperature is ranging 78-82 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level on Thursday measured 572.14 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 8-29-2024) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted Wednesday night on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that Lake Ouachita is 5.5 feet below full pool, (Lake) Greeson is minus 4, and Greers (Ferry Lake) is minus 2, DeGray (Lake) is minus 5, “so there we go. Nimrod (Lake) is minus 5. Holy cow. You can’t take 5 feet of water out of Nimrod and compare it to everything else … Nimrod is coming down for a reason. Everything else is above normal for this time of the year. Nimrod is coming down for a reason, they’ve got to work on the dam and work on the lake.
“If you are going to any lake other than Nimrod in our area, you’re still catching topwater fish in the morning, you’re catching topwater fish in the afternoon. Nimrod is a different creature, you’ve got to be able to, first of all, get your boat in the lake — that’s a completely different creature — and be able to catch fish.

“So, topwater bite in the morning on all of our lakes. The second thing is, all the championship tournaments, whether you’re fishing Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, are coming up. Big Worm in the brushpiles, and the big Spider going through that same brushpile, is what’s winning every night tournament on all the area lakes.

“We’ve gotten enough rain that these lakes are still full. You’ve got to take advantage of a full pool during this time of year as it’s falling, as it’s going to for the next 30 days or so if we don’t get a hurricane that pumps a lot of water in. It’s buzzbait season, it’s topwater season. There’s a bunch of topwater fish being caught now.

“What’s you’ve also got to realize, too, it’s Kentucky bass (spotted bass) season. If you’ve ever done anything with crawfish or drop-shot season, this is it. August, September, October. A drop-shot or live crawfish with LiveScope is poison.” 

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.

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.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 9-5-2024) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) says fishing has concluded at Cooks Lake for the season. 

Will says they hope “to reopen in the spring when the water level allows. Hopefully the fishing will be much better next season.” The lake from this point will serve as a waterfowl rest area for migrating birds until fishing resumes in 2025.

Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility-impaired anglers who must possess the AGFC mobility-impaired access permit, and up to two guests (who may also fish), during the specified fishing season. Call 501-404-2321 for more information.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 8-22-2024) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) reports that fishing has slowed a bit, but folks are still catching catfish in deeper holes on all three area rivers — Arkansas, White and the Mighty Mississippi — on these hot summer days.
Hunters are getting ready for the new velvet deer hunt (Sept. 7-9 statewide on private land and AGFC-owned public lands). “Customers at the store are showing us a lot of good deer on their trail cam pictures. Farmers are harvesting, making the deer move as always during the fall season. We are seeing deer in places that we normally don’t. We’re hoping to have a good hunting season this year! Thanks to all our customers from Webb’s Sporting Goods!”

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