Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

March 13, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

The high school bass fishing tournaments on Millwood Lake in southwest Arkansas are getting some big attention thanks to some seriously big bass being caught by the teen anglers. After a 13.43-pound largemouth was caught by Griffin Ralph in a March 2 tourney, the Trader Bill’s and Ark-La-Tex Bassmaster High School and Junior Fishing Trail event on Millwood saw Levi Whitman catch a 10.56-pound largemouth. Levi is a 14-year-old who was fishing for the Bossier Parish (Louisiana) Bass Team. Guide Mike Siefert had his camera out and caught Levi and his bass at the weigh-in on Millwood.

During January and February, Fishing Reports will run every two weeks. In between reports, contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for the most up-to-date information.

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

(updated 3-13-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said that while Lake Conway has been drawn down for renovation, customers have stopped in to head to various spots over the past several weeks, in between big rainfalls that temporary raised the lake. Anglers were going to Lake Atkins for a while, and lately to Brewer Lake and anything close by.
“People were hitting the (Arkansas) river and are waiting now for it to calm back down.” 

Nevertheless, “We’re open,” they say, with all your needed supplies.

The Lake Conway Nursery Pond is a fishing possibility in the immediate area, with bream and trout being reported among catches of late. The 70-acre pond has been stocked by the AGFC with mature bass, crappie, catfish and bream as well as rainbow trout for the cold weather months.

Lake Conway is drawn down for extensive renovation by the AGFC, the largest lake renovation project in the agency’s history.

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 3-13-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said Thursday that they had heard no updates on the trout fishing here. There has been a lot of water release lately at Greers Ferry Dam. The Southwestern Power Administration and Corps of Engineers are running wide open at the dam with two generators going, with the lake being high, and they advised waiting until that changes, or checking the SWPA website for updates at the link above. “They cut it a little earlier (last week) but there wasn’t enough time to get out and fish before water came back up.”

(updated 2-27-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said Wednesday, “Right now, Greers Ferry Lake is sitting at 466.07 feet msl, about 4 feet above the winter power pool of 462.04 feet msl. The Army Corps of Engineers is working hard to bring it down, running two generators 24/7 and releasing additional water over the dam’s floodgates. This effort is dropping the lake by about a half-foot per day, meaning we’ve got at least another eight days of this schedule — assuming no more rain. However, another weather system is expected to bring additional rain to the Ozarks, so we’ll have to wait and see how things shake out.
“With this much water moving, the Little Red River is running extremely high. If you’re heading out, make sure you’re comfortable handling a boat in big water — this is not the time for beginners. The river is fishable, but conditions are far from ideal, and you should expect lower catch numbers than usual.

“For streamer fishing, I recommend using an 8-weight rod, and target the banks where fish are holding tight. For deep nymphing, set up 9-12 feet deep with plenty of split shot to get your fly down. If you try shallow nymphing near the banks, fishing 6-8 feet deep along the bank ledges can also be productive.
“There are alternatives to the Little Red during this high water. If you’ve booked a trip with me, I’ve been giving clients the option to head over to the White River—either the upper section near Mountain Home or the lower stretch near Mountain View. Another solid choice is the Norfork River, all within an hour to an hour and a half drive. The fishing might be tough on the Little Red for now, but there are still ways to make the most of your time on the water. If you’re looking for a guided trip, give me a call at 501-507-3688 or visit littleredflyfishingtrips.com for updates and bookings.”

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 3-13-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said Greers Ferry Bass fishing has been “hit or miss,” with catching coming as water as deep as 3 feet out to 30 feet, depending on the day. “A few guys report catching fish up shallow on crankbaits and spinnerbaits, and there is catching out deep on a three-quarter-ounce football head jig or on Alabama rigs.”

Crappie are being caught in about 10 feet of water on brushpiles mainly by throwing an eighth-ounce jighead with a Tennessee Shad or Monkey Milk-colored jig.

The white bass are beginning to be seen up any creek arm. They are not fully up, but midway up the creeks in about 6 feet of water. Best bet for white bass is fishing either an eighth-ounce Rooster Tail in white or an Underspin in the same weight. The Underspin catches the white bass’ eye with a little bit of flash from the blade; you throw it and reel it in. It has the profile of a swimbait.

(updated 3-13-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said Wednesday the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 462.96 feet msl or almost a foot above normal pool (462.04 feet msl) and falling. The SWPA has been generating 12 hours a day and also has had floodgates open at times. There is great stain to water, and pretty much good catching color all over the lake and rivers. 

Most species have been on the move with water rising. Crappie should be super shallow out to 30 feet. They have been biting jigs, minnows or crankbaits. Fishing for them straight up and down in pole timber or a brushpile has been working great. 

A lot of walleye have moved upriver or close to it after the last big lake rise; there is a lot more staging and some prestaging. They have not even come out of deep water; they are scattered all over the lake and rivers. Look on any corner facing upstream and drag a minnow or crankbaits 45-65 feet. For walleye that are shallow, fish a jighead minnow, jerkbait or big minnow-type deep-diving bait. Some are following under big schools of whites and hybrids; use spoons for those. For the ones just roaming, a spoon is best for vertical fishing them in 10-50 feet.
Hybrid bass and white bass are set up in the main lake and some are roaming, schooling on top. For the ones set, use spoons, inline spinners, grubs and swimbaits in 25-80 feet. They want to settle in about 43 feet, which is magic water depth where they are comfortable here many months out of the year. It has the right temperature and oxygen.

You will start running into small groups of five to eight black bass up shallow. Most, though, are out or roaming shallow and schooling. Use Carolina rigs, Wiggle Warts and any flat-sided crankbait, drop-shots, spinner baits and Rat-L-Traps super shallow out to 80 feet. The spinnerbait will shine right now shallow or in the guts. Also be mindful of certain trees they will get on in the pole timber! Be safe and wear your life jacket.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 3-6-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says fishing has been “slow, slow, slow.” A young angler did catch a nice catfish off the shoreline using chicken liver on Sunday before the bad weather and cold temps this week.

Also follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page.

Lake Overcup
(updated 3-6-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing off Arkansas Highway 9 said this week that water level is about 2 feet high and rising. Clarity is murky and surface temperature is around 48.7 degrees. 

Bream haven’t started yet but bass and catfish are being caught on yo-yos and jugs using minnows. Crappie are doing well on minnows using rod and reel, as well as on jugs and yo-yos.
“Hopefully this weather will help. Come see us for all your fishing adventures at Overcup Bait Shop off Highway 9.”

Brewer Lake
(update 3-6-2025) AGFC staff checked out Brewer last week as the weather broke, though it was cold. Fishing was very slow. We need some warmer nights to bring up the lake water temperature, and crappie should start biting soon.
Brewer Lake has a new regulation for 2025: The 13- to 16-inch black bass slot limit on Brewer (as well as Lake Barnett in White County) has been replaced; now, anglers may keep up to 10 largemouth bass, but only one of those may exceed 16 inches.

Lake Maumelle
(update 3-13-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said the water level is extremely low now, approximately 9 feet below normal pool. Dam repair is underway by Central Arkansas Water. Launching and loading is possible but exceptionally risky. It is best to avoid boating on Lake Maumelle if you are unfamiliar with the lake.

Crappie fishing has been phenomenal! Water temps are in the low to mid-50s, and the fish are slowly moving into shallower water, 18-25 feet. Now is a great time to try your favorite color Original Baby Shad from Bobby Garland Crappie Baits.
Schedule your next fishing adventure at www.nsfguide.com

(updated 2-27-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said they didn’t have much to report this week, as fishing has been slow. There have not been many bites going around “but with this warmer weather, I have a feeling things will turn around any day now, most likely this weekend.” Water temperature is ranging 47-52 degrees. The lake is 7.25 feet low, drawn down while Central Arkansas Water addresses an infrastructure problem at the dam.

Before all the deep freeze of last week, though, largemouth bass had been biting well 2-5 feet with others being found deeper and scattered around brush anywhere from 10-20 feet. Try points and drop-offs and use topwater, spinnerbaits, jigs, jerkbait, Chatterbait or crankbaits. Spotted bass were good, scattered on drop-offs at 10-20 feet and biting on jerkbaits and jigs. Crappie were good in 20-30 feet in the channel on jigs.

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 3-6-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said he was fishing last weekend and the water temperature was 58 degrees. He figures it probably cooled down after Tuesday’s storm passed through, but he was unable to get a temperature by Thursday. Air temps are supposed to hit in the low 70s Friday afternoon, drip back into the 50s Saturday and Sunday, and then back to 70s starting Monday night week.

Last weekend, black bass were biting from 6 feet all the way up to 3 feet. Crankbaits and jig-and-pig were working best. Anglers nearby were catching crappie in 3-4 feet depth. They were using minnows and jigs.

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 3-13-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the flow was up a little bit but was safe for fishing and boating on Wednesday, and the fish are starting to move up. The bass can be found in 3-6 feet of water in any live grass/green grass areas on the bank. Black and blue jigs and a shad-pattern spinnerbait are your best bets. The flow has receded from last week’s hazardous current.

Anglers are also catching white bass in any creek arm where you can find current. Use a white Rooster Tail. They are also throwing eighth-ounce Underspins with a 2.8-inch swimbait. Go with any kind of shad pattern, white or Tennessee Shad as well.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 3-13-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) is back to being a fishing destination after being a waterfowl rest area during duck season, and anglers have been visiting regularly the past few weeks. She says they’ve been catching quite a few catfish, with minnows and hot dogs the primary baits. Crappie, she added, are still “all over the place with this crazy weather.” Use minnows or jigs for crappie. She hasn’t heard anything on the bass so far. The lake water level is at normal pool.

White River
(updated 3-13-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Welcome to an early spring here in the Arkansas Ozarks. The water level on the White River below Bull Shoals Dam continues to fluctuate from high water (four or five units at 12,000 to 15,000 cfs) to one unit (3,000 cfs). Expect this to continue as the Army Corps of Engineers weathers through the spring rains. Bull Shoals Lake is 659.16 feet msl.

These spring days just shout “Come outside!” and fishing is one of the best ways to spend a day outdoors. Catching is good, too! Worms work great in the higher water levels for every kind of trout. The browns especially go for river minnows, sculpins and your silver flashy lures. Use a heavier weight to float your baits nearer the bottom in higher water; cast near the banks where the trout don’t have to fight the current.

This is great water for sinking Rapalas, even as heavy as a CD9. The best-kept secret: the brook trout Rapala. Shore anglers have been finding some luck with garlic-scented yellow and pink Power Eggs.

Kids are enjoying spring break on the river and staying busy catching rainbows with shrimp and bright fluorescent orange or yellow eggs. Send them back to school with some great fish tales. Come test the waters and enjoy a spring day in the Ozarks.

(updated 3-13-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Over the last week we have seen river conditions as high as 11-plus feet last Thursday to as low as 5 feet. The last few days, we are seeing water levels between 7-9 feet. Water has been lower in the mornings and starts rising around mid- to late morning. 

“As the water is coming in, the fish bite is great. Many fishermen will try to stay just ahead of the rise and ‘ride the rise.’ Once the rise passes, fishing slows for a while but picks back up as the fish adjust to the change. This week we continue to have success using Uncommon Bait UV egg (neo pink, bright orange or a mix with Pearl White) and tipping the hook with shrimp or redworms. During lower water, using lures such as quarter-ounce Colorado spoons in nickel/gold or CD7 Rapala Countdowns in rainbow or silver color worked best.

“Other fishermen report success using eighth-ounce jigs in white or dark color with a flash of red or orange. Additionally, quarter-ounce Rooster Tails in white or rainbow trout colors caught some nice browns. If your old ‘go-to’ bait or lure isn’t working, don’t hesitate to try something new.”

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 3-13-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302) said the level remains at 659 feet msl. Water temperature ranges from 48-50 (plus more depending on the creek). Bass fishing has been a little slower than average. There are more fish moving up. In the creeks it’s about to pop. If you’re planning to visit the area in the next couple months, don’t wait until the last minute to book a guide trip.

Powerfishing shallow should continue to improve as some fish are up there roaming shallow. A jerkbait will catch a few in the semi-clear water. Target windblown transition banks, chunk rock, steeper banks and small ledges close to deep water. In the wind!” A SPRO Crawler, Wiggle Wart or Red craw or green variations seems to be a bit better for me if we get some wind. The crank bite will slow without it.

“There are always fish to be caught on a jig — a peewee seems to be getting a little more action. Try areas near shad. Once again, warm, a little wind, sunny try points, drop-offs or ledges, as well as piles — you’re looking anywhere from 20-40 feet, and way shallower (5-10 feet) in stain or with clouds.  

“The offshore video-gamers are going to have to work. The shad are still spread out throughout the water column. Target larger bait balls or any bait you can find up high near the surface and closer to the shore. Some fish are still hovering, wanting to move up. They are moving around and every day is different and every creek will be a little different. If you are targeting shad eaters, it’s been work! A smaller 2.8 swimbait McMinnow or a regular Tater Shad has been working, and use a jerkbait around those high-swimming shad and shad balls and/or early or late in the day when shad are up in the water column. They are being finicky if they aren’t actively feeding.  

“Good luck. Have fun, be safe, ‘Fish the Conditions.’” 

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

(updated 3-132025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) says with this week’s past weather, walleye fishing on the lower end of the lake has been unpredictable at best. Fish are in prespawn/spawn mode and are scattered along creek channels that have shad. Best to fish low-light periods at this time. Cloudy and windy days help the daytime fishing a lot. Fishing 4-15 feet of water with jerkbaits or fishing 4 feet out to 30 feet of water with jig and minnow, jig and plastics, or Ice Jigs — worked slowly back to the boat on points with deep water on at least one side — will produce fish. Fishing same structure after dark with 110-style jerkbaits or 5-inch floating stick baits and retrieved back at extremely slow speeds will get some bites. 

We have not seen much up early along the shoreline before daylight but as the water in the creeks start to warm a little bit more, right before daylight in the morning will also be another opportunity to catch some using the same methods.

If trolling, try to fish low-light periods, and trolling 5-inch stick baits at slow speeds as low as .85 mph in 7-14 feet along windblown banks will also work.

(updated 3-13-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are in the creeks — just smaller pods and the jig bite has been decent. Small fry baits or minnows have been best of late.

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 3-13-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is at 1,120.35 feet msl. Water temps have warmed into lower 50s and should keep a steady rise with the warm temps. 

Stripers are scattered from Horseshoe Bend up into river arms. Look for bait and you will find fish. Some days have been really good and others not so good. This should continue upwards as spawn will be here next four weeks or so. 

Walleye are showing as are the white bass way up the white. Walleye are being caught from Walkers Bluff up to the Sequioa Dam. Walleye are spawning right now.

Crappie are starting to move shallow 10 feet or less. Spawn will happen next full moon in April if weather stays like this. 

Bass are in all prespawn areas and will continue to move up.

“Weather is good, so go and enjoy the lake and put some fish in the boat.” 

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 3-6-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said, “This week is the tale of ups and downs, with the trout and walleye both! I will say this: When the fishing is on, it is on; however, Mother Nature does like to throw a nasty curve ball and keep us humble from time to time.
“Let’s start with the trout. Your best bet is to get out there early. Using silver and gold quarter-ounce spoons has been working nice. Also various dough baits, fished with light terminal tackle, have produced as well. If you’re looking to catch a big brown, try tossing a White River Zig Jig in olive/orange, ginger, brown/orange or white. You want to focus from Spider Creek down to the dam.

“Now let’s talk walleye. The spawn is progressing nicely. Remember, these fish are going to come up in waves and hit staging areas until they finally push their way up to the dam to do their business. You need to look for flats, humps and points. Do not be discouraged if you go out for 6-8 hours and only pull shorts or take an ‘L.’ These fish can be tricky to catch; you have to be persistent. Right time, presentation and conditions really matter. If the Army Corps of Engineers doesn’t let the water flow for a couple of days, you might want to hold off during those times. Trolling, jigging and working hard baits are all great methods. I assure you, this fish is a love/hate relationship that will keep you coming back for more.

“One more thing: With the increased boat traffic, please be mindful of other anglers. When you see another boat that is not underway and is anchored, don’t blow past them at 25 mag. Two things: One, that is a good way to get someone injured and bust equipment. Two, you are blowing out the area that person is trying to fish. I assure you, if you pull up on a pod of fish that you have looked all over for and folks keep blowing out your hole, you will not be too happy. Not to mention if your equipment gets damaged or you get hurt by being jarred around. Let’s all practice good etiquette while out enjoying this awesome fishery! 

“Remember to follow our fishing Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service) for weekly updates.”

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 2-27-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) was frozen for a few days but the last two days (Wednesday and Thursday) they had fishermen out on the lake catching some crappie and bass. There is a little size to both species caught, but quantity is not what they’d like. “They’re all keepers, but just not very many,” they say. “The bass were in the 2-3 pounds range, but maybe just one caught by a group. They’re not biting as well as we’d like. But they are awake!”

Anglers are using jigs for crappie, while bass are requiring the anglers to throw about everything they have. Swimbaits and jig-and-pig were working best.

Water temperature is 48 degrees and the clarity is stained with water running off into the lake; before, it was crystal clear.

Lake Charles
(updated 3-13-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said that the lake clarity remains murky as usual and the surface water temperature on Monday was 51.6 degrees. The water level remains high.

The crappie bite fell off. The fish are still deep and the activity was poor.
However, black bass were good. They are shallow and are talking to redworms for anglers fishing off the shore. Also, bream are good. They also have come up shallow and will bite redworms and jigs near the shoreline.

No reports on catfish or white bass.

Look for the best fishing days based on “moon times” to be March 26-April 1.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 3-13-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park had no new reports, but most recently had noted numerous anglers are out catching crappie and bream mostly. A few that have stopped by the State Park’s Visitor Center have mentioned that with the colder temps and added fishing pressure, the crappie were moving to the deeper waters near the dam according to their LiveScopes. Crappie were hitting on minnows and a variety of jigs.
“Reports for the other main sport fish in the lake have been few, but there are still bream and bass being caught; no real mention of catfish, though. We see a lot of boats drive by the Visitor Center and hear a lot are putting in at the AGFC boat ramp at the dam. The limit on crappie is 15 fish (all sizes encouraged to be harvested to help prevent stunting) and for black bass you can keep 10 fish with one being larger than 16 inches. 

“So, if the cold doesn’t bother you, come out to Lake Poinsett to test your luck and skill! As always, the State Park Visitor Center sells live bait (currently nightcrawlers, redworms and minnows) and is open with winter hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 1-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.”

Spring River
(updated 3-13-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels have maintained about 400-450 cfs all winter, with 350 average flow. That’s up about a foot above normal flow, making for a little tougher wading conditions. Wading staffs are very helpful with current flow. Water clarity is clear with storms moving through, murking up the water at times. Looking great this week.

“Catching plenty of really nice rainbows thanks to Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery,” he said. “Stocking should increase over the next few months, getting ready for summertime fishing pressure. Big Woollies, with extra weight to get down, have been excellent — olive is the hot color, as always. On the high-pressure days, we have done well with Hopper droppers, with Y2Ks and nymphs as droppers. 

“The smallies have been biting great on good days. Using sculpin and baitfish patterns on long leaders or sink tips. Got to get down to them! The best fighting fish we have, except maybe a carp. One of the great things about fishing for smallies is that the brown trout like the same baits. Work the banks more for the browns.
“Tis the time to chase walleye on the nasty, overcast days. There are a lot of walleye in the Spring River. Big crankbaits work; my fav is Trout Magnets, Trout Crank, in rainbow and brown trout colors. 

“April and May are great months to fish the Spring River with lower fishing pressure and perfect weather. The canoe hatch kicks off at the end of May. Then look out.”

Visit Mark’s blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for the latest conditions on the Spring River.

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 3-13-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no new reports with cold conditions through much of February and part of March. Look for updates soon as the water temperature picks up in the pool and particularly around Lake Langhofer.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 3-13-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said they had an angler late in February who bought minnows to go out on his boat on the lake and caught a few crappie. Several customers were out on the lake and fishing with minnows recently. Some bought red wigglers and nightcrawlers. Some fishermen have been using the shoreline with success.
Shelley reports that a man came in last weekend bragging about catching 60 or more crappie using minnows — he caught a bronze-colored crappie that weighed 2 pounds. He also picked up a couple of pound-and-a-half catfish. Another customer was attempting crappie fishing from the shoreline with minnows that weekend as it warmed some, while another customer bought some crappie bait at the store to fish out of his boat for crappie on Monday the first full week of March. On Sunday, two young gentlemen came into VIC to purchase minnows to crappie fish from spillway side of lake. They said they have been catching good size crappie’s this past week fishing from bank.

Lake Monticello
(updated 3-13-2025) Anglers are reminded that if they venture out for some fishing on Lake Monticello 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 nice black 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 3-13-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday>
“Millwood Lake is on FIRE FOLKS! Millwood gave up a couple more fat female donkey, prespawn, largemouth bass full of roe this past week in another high school bass tournament. Levi Whitman, high school freshman, and his partner, Seth Nugent, both from Benton (Louisiana) High School, weighed in a 10.56-pound giant of a largemouth and took Big Bass and top stringer weight in the tournament. There were several guys at the weigh-in talking about another largemouth over 10 pounds caught the same day and released because the other bass anglers who caught it were not in the tournament in the same weekend.”

This comes on the heels of the 13.45-pound largemouth caught in a high school tournament on March 2.

“The 10.56-pound largemouth that Levi caught appeared to still be in prespawn condition,” Siefert said. “Congratulations to Levi Whitman, that bass is a fish of a lifetime!”

Millwood Lake elevation is about 10 inches above normal pool and falling as of Wednesday, at 260.1 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 13,000 cfs and tailwater is near 238.5 feet msl and rising. 

Always watch for broken timber and exercise caution during navigation, Mike urges. The Army Corps of Engineers is in the process of replacing river buoys from Yarborough to Paraloma Trail boat lane. Use extreme caution where Little River buoys are still missing. Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or the Army Corps of Engineers website, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels. 

Surface temps continue fluctuating, ranging 60-70 degrees along Little River this week, depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River for the past week worsened from increased discharge at Millwood Dam. Moderate to heavy stains are found in most locations.

Siefert provided these specifics of the fishing this past week. 

* Largemouth bass coming to scales in numerous bass tournaments in recent weeks are HUGE and NUMEROUS, with tournament Big Bass the past two weeks weighing 13.43 pounds and 10.56 pounds, respectively. The bass activity has been trending upward over the past three weeks with the warmer conditions, depending on location, but can seem random on high barometric days. Male bass continue cruising shallow bay and protected flats near grass and cypress trees searching bedding areas, and a few have already been making a few beds. 

We see more moving than sitting still with the bass. They seem to be more active and have been best midday and afternoon. Several males have been found roaming flats from 1-5 feet deep near old bedding areas, sunning in shallow water apparently for better temperature, or searching out new bedding sites. A few of those roaming males have been random to fair to strike on red chrome three-quarter-ounce Rat-L-Traps. The smaller quarter-ounce Spinner Tail Rat-L-Traps will get a random reaction near flats through dead lily pads, with deep creek bends. Throw brown/orange or red chrome crawfish, red shad/gold back, or Natural Craw colors in the smaller to mid-size Trap when you need to work shallow. Spin Traps with a gold tail spinner will also work through the dead lily pad stems flawlessly, and will connect with roamers. 

Brazalo Strutter Chatterbaits in Millwood Mayhem Bream, black/blue and Texas Craw or green pumpkin/Fire Craw have been catching nice 5- to 9-pound bass for several weeks, and they will draw very good reactions in 5-9 feet depths near grass lines, stumps, cypress trees and timber. Brazalo Spinnerbaits in Arkansas River Shad, Peachy, Spot Remover and Hot Mouse are all good choices in the stained to clear water areas in the oxbow lakes up Little River.

The male largemouth bass we found roaming shallow over the last week were around 2-4 pounds and moving in and out of 3-6 feet deep flats with stumps present near creek channel drops from 4-9 feet deep, near vertical structure. They’ve been slow to fair on a red, or chartreuse/white Chatterbait, a Brazalo Spinnerbait in Spot Remover or chartreuse/white, or a 6- to 8-inch or magnum lizard. We have been seeing and observing a few what appeared to be female bass cruising grass lines and dead lily pad stems in the 5- to 7-pound class — they were on a mission, but not glued down to a bed yet. Our estimation is the big girls are still staging and getting ready.
Warmer days are best daily conditions. Bill Lewis’s MR-6, Echo 1.75, and SB-57 crankbaits in Sneaky Shad, Tennessee Shad, Millwood Magic and Rayburn Red Craw will draw a few random reactions. Anywhere a creek channel runs into the deeper creek bends or vertical structure and drops into the oxbows, where stumps and creek mouths drop, you’ll find some decent-size bass these past couple of weeks. 

Southern Pro Flipping Tube or Tournament Tube in black/blue tail, or Pumpkinseed/black flake with chartreuse dip tail, have randomly connected with 3- to 4-pound males, over the past several weeks near dead pad stems and stumps from 8-10 feet deep in Little River’s oxbow lakes and creek channels, upriver near creek junctions and on tapering points. Little River just has too much current this week to be effective for largemouths. We have yet to observe any “beds” yet, but the water clarity is just now improving enough for good visibility. Berkley 7-inch Power Worms in blue fleck, black grape or June bug have been the best colors for a reaction to a plastic worm.

If you want to fish the 1- to 3-foot depths, turn off your electronics and raise your trolling motor to keep from spooking bass. In the clear water, throw a 6- to 8-inch lizard in Cotton Candy, and in the heavier stained areas throw black/blue, blackberry or a Bass Assassin 5-inch Shad Assassin in Houdini, and get weedless to snatch a big one out of the salad.

* The white bass continue staging and have moved farther up Little River, and are heavily schooled up at various creek dumps into Little River. A few nice-sized schools of whites were found from White Cliffs campground all the way up Little River to Cemetery Slough, but we have yet to speak with anyone who’s connected with any large whites at U.S. Highway 71 at Wilton yet. Temperatures are not quite there yet for the whites to begin their annual spawning run, but it’s coming soon. Hammered Cordell chrome Spoons with a red bucktail, Rocket Shads, Bill Lewis MR-6 Crankbaits, and Spin Traps in chrome/blue and threadfin shad colors will get a reaction once you find them staging

“We talked to two guys at White Cliffs over the past two weeks, and they said they got into a school of whites upriver at the creek mouth before you get to McGuire Lake. We have not yet found the whites all the way up Little River near Patterson Shoals yet, but we think the river is warming more this week and we should begin to see the masses of whites appear there above Wilton Landing this week for their spawning run! It’s getting right on the temperature and really close. Upriver above Wilton Landing is still in the upper 50s and we need a few more warm days to make them really fire up, and the large schools we are expecting in short order!”

* Crappie continue to be on again, off again with the warmer temperatures, improving in brushpiles from 8-12 feet deep. A few nice 2-pound crappie have been hitting jigs and minnows over the past couple weeks.
* Catfish are fair; nothing new to report this week.

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.

No reports.

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

No reports.

(updated 3-13-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been doing his fishing at lakes Ouachita and DeGray in recent days and said for both, “Springtime transition for the crappie is on. For those of you who cast jigs for crappie, you will find them in schools moving out of the wintertime deep water toward shallower warm water. You can already find some staging in brushpiles near spawning coves, and as the water temp continues to climb, you’ll see and catch more.”

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 3-13-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below Carpenter Dam is 45 degrees with stained conditions in the tailrace. Lake Catherine and Lake Hamilton are in the process of being refilled, which is the cause of cloudy water conditions in both lakes. Each lake is rising 6 inches per day and should be at normal summertime pool March 15. Floating debris is another problem this time of year, and anyone navigating area lakes should be aware and take the proper precautions. 

Big numbers of rainbow trout have been stocked in Lake Catherine the last few months, but few fish have been caught due to weather and fast water conditions. This situation has been made worse by the lake refilling, which kills the trout bite for days. Stained and rising water are two of the most detrimental factors faced by fishermen attempting to catch rainbows and can only be overcome by allowing the lake to refill and conditions settle into the new norm. Cold fronts add to the difficulty of a consistent trout bite and the springtime in Arkansas brings a weekly barrage of such conditions. While every angler is faced with these problems – regardless of which species they fish for – it should be noted that rainbow trout are especially affected in such a negative way with the only cure being time for conditions to normalize. 

The walleye spawn has been underway since late February and only in the last several days have fishermen been able to access the lake and target these fish. Some current flow is normally necessary for a successful bite, and little to no flow has been the norm this week on Lake Catherine with the refilling in process. However, quality walleye have been taken by trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate shad or crawfish against the current in the late evening before dark. The larger females are weighing over 3 pounds on average with the smaller males at 1½ to 2 pounds. These fish will be in the tailrace until late April and can be caught on jigs and live baits such as nightcrawlers and live minnows fished just off the bottom. 

Crappie will begin migrating toward the dam at the end of this month and should be in full spawning mode by early April. These fish stage themselves from the bridge to the dam and offer anglers some wonderful table fare during the spring spawning run. 

The white bass migration starts later on Lake Catherine than in other river systems, with the average time in mid-May and lasting throughout June. 

Always wear a life jacket when on the water and always follow all park and lake regulations when visiting Carpenter Dam. A hydroelectric dam is no place for carelessness and could cost you your life by ignoring proper protocol. Trash cans are very limited in Carpenter Dam Park, so pick up after yourself and don’t litter. 

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

(updated 3-6-2025) Seth Boone, superintendent at Lake Dardanelle State Park (479-890-7474), had no new fishing reports this week, but reported most recently that Lake Dardanelle had been frigid lately. Fish were slow to bite but the bream were biting on live bait, such as worms. Bass had been difficult, but crankbaits and spinnerbaits off rock points were successful. Catfish were more active toward the evening hours on stink bait in deeper waters. Crappie fishermen had success before all the bad weather this month using minnows at tributary confluence points.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 2-27-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing both lakes Ouachita and Hamilton, and says, “Crappie season is upon us. They are in transition from a winter, deep pattern to their normal springtime pattern. (Wednesday) I caught crappie as deep as 24 feet when the morning water temperature was still 45 degrees. As the day warmed, so did the water. By noon the crappie were holding over brushpiles 15-foot deep. 

“Watch your water temperature and keep checking the northwestern, sunny corners of spawning coves.”

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 3-13-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) says the lake is finally back down after being very high following the big rains that passed through recently. Fishing for both bass and crappie are good for some, not as good for others. It’s a wide range. But fishing was tough for everyone first when the lake was drawn down and then recently with the flooding. Now, she says, it’s “OK.” The lake is not nearly as muddy as it was. The Corps of Engineers was dropping the lake 1.5 feet per day until getting to normal level.

Black bass are biting spinnerbaits. They’re not large-size bass now. Crappie might come in large, she says, or some small; some with a limit, and some anglers with 2. She’s selling a lot of minnows, but some regulars will stick with the jig. Some anglers have been requesting crickets for bream, though she says it’s not bream time like it will be. Still, she got those requested crickets in house for sale.

“There’s been a lot of emotion around here, people trying to get out to fish. Everyone is glad to get out on the lake right now.”

Carter Cove has a Facebook page, and the email address is cartercovebaitnmore@gmail.com, with updates and photos. 

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

(updated 3-13-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still very good. Lipless crankbait, jerkbait, hover rig and an Alabama rig are all producing quality catches. Walleye are up the rivers and major creeks. Stripers are very good and biting on live bait and small minnows like jigs on the western end of the lake. Bream are fair on worms or crickets in 20-30 feet of water, holding near brush. Crappie are good and biting over the tops of brush in the 20-30 foot range. No report on catfish.

Water temperature is climbing to a range of 52-56 degrees. Water clarity is clearing. The lake level on Wednesday was 577.94 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 3-13-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been doing his fishing at lakes Ouachita and DeGray in recent days and said for both, “Springtime transition for the crappie is on. For those of you who cast jigs for crappie, you will find them in schools moving out of the wintertime deep water toward shallower warm water. You can already find some staging in brushpiles near spawning coves, and as the water temp continues to climb, you’ll see and catch more.”

(updated 3-6-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted Tuesday night on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that that most big lakes in the region, with the exception of Lake Greeson (down more than 9 feet), is above normal pool. “That is odd for them for this time of year. And Lake Hamilton fills this week after its winter drawdown. So, for most of the lakes for this time of year to not be at normal level is odd.”

The Trader Bill’s Team Trail event was held last weekend on Ouachita, and a 8.99-pounder and 7.74-pound largemouth were among the catches. Marvin Lewis and Phil Lancaster caught a 5-bass stringer of 20.52 pounds, including the Big Bass (8.99 pounds). Second and third place finishers were 19.97 and 19.71 pounds, respectively. 

Also, Kastner said, the most of the winning stringer came via a Carolina rig. “When was the last time you heard that a Carolina rig won a tournament,” he marveled. Angler Mark Hedrick on the show added, “They’ve got grass back on Ouachita and that’s helping a little bit.”

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.

(updated 3-13-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) says bait customers who stop in there before heading to Blue Mountain Lake say the fishing at Blue Mountain is going well for crappie. Minnows are being used. “Almost everyone I talk to is saying, ‘Crappie, crappie, crappie’ … Some customers are wanting to catch bream and are requesting crickets, though it’s not time for the bream to be spawning yet. I still got some crickets in, though.”

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.

Horseshoe Lake
(updated 3-6-2025) Kent Williams of Oxbow Guide Service (870-278-7978) said had no new reports, but in early February he said crappie were biting but were a little sluggish. Baits needed to be moved slowly to entice a bite. Look for crappie in the deeper areas of the lake. “The fish we caught were biting a red-and-white hand-tied jig.”

He had no reports from bass, bream or catfish. The water temperature at Horseshoe in early February was 49 degrees and the clarity was dingy. The lake level remained a little low.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 2-27-2025) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said, “Although we are headed into March, as I mentioned last week Cooks Lake will have a delayed opening this year because we are dealing with flood water.
“I sure am ready to start catching a few myself!” He says Cook’s Lake will reopen once flood waters recede and allow the lake to be accessible for boat and dock anglers. “Last year was a weird year and we are hoping these high-water conditions will reset the lake and create great opportunities for spring and summer months.”

Cook’s Lake is a 2.5-mile-long oxbow off of the White River, nestled in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge near Casscoe in Arkansas County. This fertile oxbow receives very little fishing pressure due to being used only for education purposes and youth and mobility-impaired fishing. 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. Fish from the 140-foot mobility-impaired accessible dock or launch a boat. Fishing will be allowed only on Fridays and Saturdays March through August, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., water level pending. Before launching, please check in at the Nature Center classroom and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, please call the center at 501-404-2321.

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