Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report
BY Jim Harris
ON 03-04-2021
March 4, 2021
Jim Harris
Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine
This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for March 4, 2021. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please email jim.harris@agfc.ar.gov with information on possible sources for reports about that lake or river. Reports are updated weekly, although some reports might be published for two weeks if updates are not received promptly or if reporters say conditions haven’t changed. Contact the reporter for the lake or stream you plan to fish for current news. Note: msl = mean sea level; cfs = cubic feet per second. All Corps of Engineers lake and river readings were taken at 10 a.m. the day of publication (March 4).
****Buy an Arkansas Fishing License by clicking here. Your purchase of a Fishing License helps support the AGFC’s work in maintaining the fishing resources throughout the state.
Quick links to regions:
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
Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
(updated 3-4-2021) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said Wednesday morning that the lake is still slightly muddy after the weather that hit recently, which kept the lake still frozen in some spots last week. Water level is normal. Bream reports have been good, however. Use crickets or redworms. Crappie reports have been fair; go with minnows and jigs. Bass are biting for anglers dropping jigs. Catfish numbers have been good, with stink bait and nightcrawlers working best.
Lake Beaverfork
(updated 2-25-2021) Angler Dennis Charles said the lake had no ice by midweek but no one caught any fish. Also, he heard no reports from Brewer Lake. At Lake Conway, he said, it was still frozen over “but we found some holes to jig through.” For more from Dennis’s fishing excursions around the central Arkansas region, visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/arkansasfishingadventures
Little Red River
(updated 3-4-2021) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said, “The river is clearing after the last rain with two generators running about 12-13 hours per day starting at 6 a.m. This means high water and about 6,000 cfs flow during most of the day. The last report I had from the Corps of Engineers was for this to continue probably through Saturday or Sunday. The proposed generation schedule will be posted Friday afternoon for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Check this schedule before planning your trip to the river and use care during this higher water and increased flow.
“With the high water, streamer fishing or fishing deep with heavy flies (large weighted nymphs or micro jigs) will be the best choice.”
(updated 3-4-2021) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood says the river is a little high. The Corps of Engineers is generating at Greers Ferry Dam most of the day. The clarity is clear, though maybe a little stained if there is heavy generation. The trout bite has been good on jerkbaits, Countdowns, spoons, Rooster Tails, Trout Magnets and ShadRap-style baits.
(updated 3-4-2021) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-230-0730) reminds anglers to always check before heading to the Little Red River by calling the Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District water data system (501-362-5150) for Greers Ferry Dam water release information or check the Corps of Engineers website (swl-wc.usace.army.mil) for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website (swpa.gov) to see forecasted generation schedule.
Greers Ferry Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 462.08 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.04 feet msl).
(updated 3-4-2021) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 461.08 feet msl and is on a slow rise with melting snow and ice. The lake is 0.04 feet above normal pool of 462.04 feet msl. Water temp is low 40s to mid-50s, according to where you go, of course – on the northeast banks the water warms quicker. Some fish have made an initial move with spawning getting on their minds with longer days and the last few days of warmer nights. Crappie will eat if you get bait in front of them in 18-40 feet of water in and around brushpiles, or pole timber, or just floating around the guts of deep pockets; use jigs and minnows. No report on bream. Bass are good with crankbaits, traps, spinnerbaits, jigs, hair jigs, jerkbaits and C-rigs from super shallow – some are even in bushes sunning – out to 60 feet. Walleye lake fish are not doing much, and the river fish are spread out all over; try crankbaits and grubs or jighead tipped with minnow. No report on catfish, but the blue’s good bite is fast approaching shallow. Hybrid and white bass are eating in river bends, creek bends, deep guts, off the side of humps, points, etc., on spoons, grubs, swimbaits, inline spinners, Largo Specials and live bait in 30-80 feet.
(updated 3-4-2021) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood says the lake is at a normal level and is clear. Bass are pretty good on cloudy days using Alabama rigs and jerkbaits in 10-15 feet of water. On sunny days they are good on crankbaits, Rock Crawlers and Wiggle Warts in any crawfish color. Crappie are hit-and-miss these days, with popsicle color and Bobby Garland Jigs in monkey milk fished in 25 feet of water.
Harris Brake Lake
(updated 3-4-2021) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says the lake looks muddy but has returned to a normal water level. Crappie fishing remains good. Crappie are still in the deeper areas and anglers are catching them with minnows and jigs. They’re also being caught on trotlines baited with minnows. Bream are poor, as are bass. Catfishing is also poor.
Lake Overcup
(updated 3-4-2021) Randy DeHart at Lakeview Landing (501-354-5309) said the now-thawed Overcup is a little murky still, and the water level is high by 1-1.5 feet. The only real successful fishing now is for crappie. They’re being caught in fair numbers on minnows and jigs. Poor reports for bass, bream and catfish.
Brewer Lake
(update 3-4-2021) David Hall at Dad’s Bait Shop (501-977-0303) said the lake is clear and at a normal level. Crappie fishing is good. The crappie are being found 15 feet deep. Minnows and Bobby Garland-style jigs are working best along with “live stuff,” he said. Focus on the brushpiles. Crappie was all that was reported. David adds that the bait shop is now 24/7 self-serve.
(updated 2-25-2021) Angler Dennis Charles said he heard no reports from here since the bad weather hit. Before the winter weather fronts passed through, the word was that crappie are elusive and set up on the southwest end, favoring a drop-shot with small jigs. Catfish were catchable, it was just a matter of finding them. Bass were starting to show themselves along the grass.
Lake Maumelle
(updated 3-4-2021) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that water temperature at Lake Maumelle is in the low 40s. The largemouth bass bite is slow. Some can be found outside of the grass in around 8-12 feet biting a variety of lures. Try using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits and swimbaits. Kentucky bass (or spotted bass) are also slow. Some reports of them being found in 10-15 feet of water outside the grass line. They can also be found in 18-22 feet off drops and rocky banks. White bass also are slow. There have been reports of them being found still mixed in with the crappie and are in transition. White bass are staging to make their annual run, which could happen any day. Try using Rooster Tails, rattle-style baits and jerkbaits.
Crappie are excellent. Some reports have surfaced this week of the crappie being found in the deeper part of the lake, around 45-50 feet. Try using jigs and minnows. No reports of any bream caught this week, but try using crickets and worms. Catfishing is fair. Chicken liver, worms and crayfish will work best now.
Little Maumelle River
(updated 3-4-2021) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) says clarity is stained while the water level and current are normal. Best reports have come from crappie anglers, who report a fair bite on minnows and jigs. Catfishing also appears to be fair. Bream and black bass reports have been poor over the past week.
Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam was 48,708 cfs.
Arkansas River (Little Rock Pool)
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam was 53,498,465 cfs. Flow at the Terry Lock and Dam was 55,691 cfs.
(updated 3-4-2021) Fish ‘N’ Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river is at a normal level with 50,000 cfs flow on Wednesday morning. The clarity is muddy. Bass are hit or miss, with best results coming on black/blue Chatterbait in the backwaters. Also try white/chartreuse spinnerbaits, black/blue jigs and red Rat-L-Traps for success. Crappie have been good for anglers throwing orange/chartreuse, blue/chartreuse and black/chartreuse crappie jigs. They’re focusing on 10-15 feet depth of water behind the jetties. No other reports.
Clear Lake (off Arkansas River-Little Rock Pool)
(updated 3-4-2021) McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the lake has thawed but water level is high. The clarity is clear. There were no reports on any catches.
Peckerwood Lake
(update 2-25-2021) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) reports that they are ready to reopen for the season, other than having a still-frozen-over lake. No fishing reports.
(updated 3-4-2021) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “What a great week to be on the White River in the Arkansas Ozarks! Water levels have fluctuated greatly and frequently, challenging anglers’ fishing know-how and patience. Early in the week, we met with very, very low water and found the perfect occasion to wade into the stream for the first time in a long while. Anglers have had more success with sculpins than earlier this month and saw several healthy browns on the hook. White jigs bounced as close to the bottom as possible have also produced a very nice catch. Experiment with silver or silver-and-blue-colored baits, either stick baits or spoons under overcast skies, mid-depth or lower, and you’ll undoubtedly attract some attention.
“In the deep water, we hooked great rainbows with 4½-inch Rogues, still working the orange-bellied, blue-backed Rogue, but also had luck with the smoke-colored, suspending stick baits with silver bellies. Red wriggler worms also work as the fluctuations bring in the rise.
“Be ready for fickle weather and water conditions and come have fun in the best trout river in the country.”
(updated 3-4-2021) Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) reported Wednesday that fishing is fair. Anglers aren’t catching a lot of brown trout, but they are reeling in rainbows. Clarity of the river is clear. The Corps of Engineers is running six generators.
(updated 3-4-2021) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service said earlier this week that during the past week they had about one and a quarter inches of rain, warmer temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals rose 1.6 feet to rest at seasonal power pool of 659 feet msl. This is 36 feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock fell 0.8 foot to rest at 1.2 feet below seasonal power pool and 17.2 feet above the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose 0.5 foot to rest at 0.7 foot below seasonal power pool and 10.3 feet below the top of flood pool. The White had abundant wadable water. Norfork Lake rose 1.1 feet to rest at 0.3 foot above seasonal power pool of 553.75 feet msl and 26 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork tailwater had wadable water. All of the lakes in the White River system are below or near power pool. With the severe weather past us, expect lower levels of generation.
On the lower flows, the White has waded well. The hot spot has been Rim Shoals. The hot flies were olive Woolly Buggers (sizes 8, 10), Y2Ks (sizes 14, 12), prince nymphs (size 14), zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead sizes 16, 18), pheasant tails (size 14), ruby midges (size 18), root beer midges (size 18), pink and cerise San Juan worms (size 10), and sowbugs (size 16). Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective (John’s current favorite combination is an egg pattern with a pink San Juan worm).
Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers and Dry Run Creek are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soles that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.
John also mentions fishing after a huge snowfall: “Last Monday, after a couple of weeks of bad weather (we had cold rain followed by heavy snow) we had a break in the weather, where I actually observed what I can only guess was the sun. My wife, Lori, had braved the elements for the previous cold and snowy days to walk our two Labrador retrievers in tough conditions. I was also out there shoveling snow and chipping the ice from our back steps.
“Other than that, we were hunkered down in our house in Cotter hoping that the pipes did not freeze. Luckily they didn’t. Once the weather began to clear, I could only think of one thing: going fishing. Lori felt the same. We generally try to fish together once a week. It had been a while and we were ready to hit the river.
“I checked the conditions and noted that the White River was on the bottom and promised to be so for the rest of the day. The weather was predicted to be quite mild with highs in the mid-50s and abundant sunshine. The only potential problem was the possibility of winds from the west at 10-15 mph.
“Following our usual procedure, Lori walked the dogs while I loaded up the boat and drove to the river. I had just finished rigging our two rods just when she showed up at the ramp. I had rigged them differently. On the one I fished I had a pheasant tail nymph below a fluorescent pink worm. The other rod had a ruby midge below an egg. This gives us four flies to test to see which one will produce trout.
“I launched the boat and motored upstream. It felt good to both of us to be back on stream. The going was a bit slow, but on the third drift I picked up a fat and sassy 21-inch rainbow. The trout was hooked on the pheasant tail. Now when I study this, I consider one fish to be a fluke, two to be a coincidence and three to be a trend. Despite this, Lori’s rig was not producing and she eagerly changed over to the flies that I was fishing. It had an immediate effect and she began picking up fish.
“The problem was that the wind came up and began affecting our drifts. It is difficult to catch trout without a perfect drag-free drift. When the wind is blowing this hard, it can easily make the boat go faster than the river. As it changed direction, it would move us from side to side, which would push up from the most productive water.
“When we fish together, I prefer mild winds so that we can both fish together. When the winds are this heavy I have to concentrate on steering the boat and not fish myself. I laid down my rod and picked up the paddle. Lori got into the zone and caught several nice trout. I didn’t mind not fishing. It was a great day and I was with Lori watching her catch trout.”
Bull Shoals Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reported the lake’s elevation at 658.72 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 659.00 feet msl). The reported lake elevation at Table Rock Lake was 913.93 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 915.00 feet msl).
(updated 3-4-2021) Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock said, “Moss alert. Spring transition. Late winter early spawn. There has been a small wave of fish moving up. Target south facing creeks and pockets with a little warmer water. The shad are breaking up.” Spend your idle time on the graph looking for loons and gulls. The bite is all about timing. You’re either going to hammer them or have a day of fishing around shad.
“The shad kill was the biggest I have seen on Bull Shoals,” Del said. He suggests using jigs, Rapalas or spoons.
“The deep bite is slowly going away. If it’s windy, use Damiki drop-shot with a McMinnow. Shad are up high in the water column. Use jerkbait like a Megabass early on bluff end points with shad or close to them. The backs of creeks still have a little color.”
Surface water temperature is ranging 44-48 degrees. The lake is down by about a half-foot.
Norfork Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reported the lake’s elevation at 554.19 feet msl (normal conservation pool: Sept.-April, 553.75 feet msl; April-Sept. 555.75 feet msl).
(updated 3-4-2021) Lou Gabric at Hummingbird Hideaway Resort had no report. Click on the resort website linked above for more information.
(updated 3-4-2021) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters had no report. Look for new reports later in March.
Norfork Tailwater
(updated 3-4-2021) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said Norfork Lake rose 1.1 feet to rest at 0.3 foot above seasonal power pool of 553.75 feet msl and 26 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork tailwater had wadable water. All of the lakes in the White River system are below or near power pool. With the severe weather past us, expect lower levels of generation.
The Norfork is fishing well. Navigate this stream with caution as things have changed a bit during recent flooding. There has been major gravel recruitment at the bottom of Mill Pond and the dock hole. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns (sizes 18, 20, 22) like ruby midges, root beer midges, zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and soft hackles (sizes 14, 16) like the Green Butt.
John says, “Egg patterns have also been productive. Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a pheasant tail size 14 with a root beer midge dropper. My wife, Lori, did well with an olive Woolly Bugger. The fishing is better in the morning.”
Dry Run Creek is fishing well. There is less pressure with the colder weather. The Norfork National Fish Hatchery is open but the restrooms are still closed. The hot flies have been sowbugs (size 14), Y2Ks (size 12), and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise size 10), mop flies and egg patterns.
Buffalo National River/Crooked Creek
(updated 3-4-2021) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Buffalo National River and Crooked Creek are navigable. With the cooler temperatures the bite has slowed. John’s favorite fly is a Clouser minnow. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.
Beaver Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,119.91 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 1,120.43 feet msl).
(updated 3-4-2021) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said, “Well it’s that time of the year. Beaver is warming and so close in places to that magic 50-degree mark. River arms are close at 46-49 degrees. Water clarity is good in most parts. Stripers are fair to good. Several 25-plus-pounders caught last week. Crappie are good on brush in 10-20 feet of water.
“Look for warmer water and the fish are on the move. They are starting to stage. Walleye, same deal about two weeks and should be wide open. Look below Beaver dam and up river arms. War Eagle is holding fish. White bass are staging for a run up river arms.
“We’re catching mixed bags every time we fish. Black bass are hitting A-rigs and jerkbaits throughout the lake.
“Remember to be considerate and follow AGFC length and bag limits. Wildlife officers are out and doing a good job, and I for one appreciate their visibility out there. Get your license and follow the laws and you will not have any problems. Stay safe.”
(updated 3-4-2021) Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said a few male walleye are being caught. Crappie are biting well in 10-15 feet depth, with anglers using minnows, jigs and crankbaits. Try around the brushpiles or stumps. Black bass are fair on Alabama rigs and jerkbaits. Bream and catfish aren’t biting. Beaver Lake is clear and the surface water temperature is in the mid-40s. Water level is normal.
Beaver Tailwater
(updated 3-4-2021) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said, “Well, we seem to go from one extreme to another. This past winter storm really confused some certain species of fish, but more on that later. The trout bite has been good. Most are being caught on Pautzke Firebaits fished with light terminal tackle. With the water being low from Spider Creek up to the dam, if you are fishing from the shore you need to search out the deeper holes. Spoons and small hard plastics are also producing some nice fish as well. As for the Kentucky bass, you need to fish more toward Beaver and Holiday Island. These fish are in about 10-15 feet of water, hanging around structure and chunk rock. You can find other species in that area as well.
“This week’s hot spot for trout has been just below Spider Creek. Let’s hope we get some measurable rain or the Corps of Engineers releases some water soon. Good luck! Remember, for additional information, you can follow my fishing Facebook page at Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service. Be safe and catch some fish!
Lake Fayetteville
(updated 3-4-2021) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reported that surface temperature has risen to 39 degrees and the clarity is clear as of Wednesday. Water level is normal. Anglers have returned and have caught a fair amount of crappie, using jigs. Black bass are fair; try crankbaits or even a topwater lure. No reports on bream or catfish.
Lake Fort Smith
No report.
Lake Sequoyah
(updated 3-4-2020) Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said Wednesday that anglers are back out after a couple of weeks of cold, icy conditions. The clarity is clear and the water level is normal. Crappie are the best target, with good results reported on minnows and jigs. Bream are poor. Black bass are being found in shallow areas in fair numbers. Catfishing is poor.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Charles
(updated 3-4-2021) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said they are gearing up for March fishing at the visitor center. The lake is on the rise after having been drawn down for several weeks during the waterfowl season. Shelly says to drop by the visitor center, as they have nightcrawlers and a great supply of fishing tackle. There were no fishing reports in the past week for any species. Water temperature Monday was 50 degrees. The clarity is murky. She says that the best fishing days, based on moon cycles, should be March 10-16. Good days are expected to be March 25-31.
Lake Poinsett
(updated 3-4-2021) Seth Boone, the superintendent at the Lake Poinsett State Park visitor center (870-578-2064), says Lake Poinsett is filling up right now, though still no fish in it. This last rain really caused it to start taking form. It’s probably around 16 feet from being completely full.
The gate at the dam at Lake Poinsett was closed on Dec. 1, following the completion of a renovation, allowing the lake to begin refilling with rainwater. The lake, at Lake Poinsett State Park, has been undergoing a three-year renovation with a new water control structure, more than 10,000 linear feet of shoreline work, more than 100 habitat structures placed on the lakebed, and nearly 100 trees anchored for fish habitat with more anchoring in the plans as the lake begins to refill.
When the lake has enough water for stocking, channel catfish will be stocked to give anglers target fish to seek, while prey fish such as shiners and shad will be stocked. After the prey fish have established a base over the next year or so, predator fish such as largemouth bass and crappie will then be stocked.
Crown Lake
(updated 3-4-2021) Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) remains closed until further notice “due to unforeseen circumstances.” However, they are still accepting RV and cabin reservations.
Spring River
(updated 2-25-2021) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are running at 350 cfs, average flow, and water clarity has had a heavy green tint. “After last week with all the cold and snow the trout were happy to see us floating down the river this week.”
Olive and brown Woollies are working well and Y2Ks with a nymph dropper is the ticket for slower days. On spin-fishing, a gold Rooster Tail has been wearing them out. Trout cranks are working well in the deeper holes, especially below waterfalls where the water can get deep.
Mark says that starting in March the trout stocking “will increase a lot. That always makes for easier catching. For the next three months the river will be prime fishing as long as a monsoon does not move through. The canoe hatch does not begin until end of May when school lets out.”
(updated 3-4-2021) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Spring River is fishing well. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and North Fork rivers. Canoe season is coming and it will get busy. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive Woolly Buggers with a bit of flash (size 10), cerise and hot pink San Juan worms (size 10) and Y2Ks (size 10).
White River
The Army Corps of Engineers reported Thursday that the White River stage at Batesville was at 9.65 feet, well below the flood stage of 15.0 feet. At Newport, the river almost doubled from last week to 16.23, still almost 10 feet below the flood stage of 26.0 feet. The stage at Augusta is still high at 28.05 feet, a jump 8 feet from last week at this time, and 2 feet above flood stage of 26.0 feet.
(updated 3-4-2021) Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is clear and at a normal level. They had no fishing reports, however.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff Pool)
(updated 3-4-2021) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no report.
Cane Creek Lake
(updated 3-4-2021) Jeff Shell, superintendent at Cane Creek State Park, had no new reports.
Lake Chicot
(updated 3-4-2021) Brian Whitson, park interpreter at Lake Chicot State Park (870-265-5480), had no report.
Lake Monticello
(updated 3-4-2021) The lake is undergoing a repair to the dam by the City of Monticello and the AGFC is making improvements to the fish habitat while the lake is currently drawn down for the dam work.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Millwood Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 262.12 feet msl (normal pool: 259.20 feet msl).
(updated 3-4-2021) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said that as of Wednesday, Millwood Lake is approximately 3.5 feet above normal conservation pool) and falling; oxbows’ water clarity is excellent, Little River is normal stain. Millwood Lake pool elevation is at 262.6 feet msl with gate discharge at the dam around 21,400 cfs in Little River, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. The tailwater below the dam and gates is around 243 feet msl and rising with discharge. 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 jumped this week, ranging in 45-50 degrees depending on location. Continue to use caution in navigation on Little River and Millwood watching for random broken or floating timber in Little River. Lots of Little River buoy markers are missing along the main lake channel. Use extreme caution in navigating the main lake. There are only 2-3 markers from Yarborough point to Big Bayou Boat Run in Little River.
Clarity worsened over the past few days in the oxbows and along Little River. Current along Little River jumped this week with increased discharge at the dam, and river clarity was ranging 2-3 inches visibility depending on location. Millwood State Park is opened for campers. See the COVID-19 related information and camping reservation requirements at https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/millwood-state-park. Millwood State Park Marina has NOW REOPENED for the season at Millwood State Park. The Millwood State Park Office can be reached at 870-898-2800 for additional information.
As for fishing details this week:
* Largemouth bass: Bass were a little hungrier this week with warmer daytime highs and full sun. Pockets along South Hickory and along the golf course on the west bank continue to see improvement and activity. Rat-L-Traps in Millwood Magic or Rayburn Red Craw, ‘Lectric Red and Red Chrome are catching fish. Chatterbaits in Texas Craw, Black & Blue or Hot Mouse will draw a few reaction bites. Brazalo Spinnerbaits in white/chartreuse, Millwood Mayhem Bream and Spot Remover caught a few more decent bass this week, and Chatterbaits picked up a few 2-3 pound largemouths this week.
“Most bass we are finding continue randomly roaming shallow on full sun and bright skies in the 3- to 6-foot depths of flats adjacent to deeper drops into 7-10 feet depth ranges,” Mike says. “The best three or four hours are during the heat of the day, best on bright, sunny, clear days when water temps will rise a few degrees after lunch. Little John cranks got a few slow responses over the past week. Anywhere a creek channel runs into the deeper creek bends or vertical structure and drops into the oxbows, where stumps and creek mouths drop, have held some decent-sized bass over the past few weeks.
Heavy thumper tail swimbaits in Firecraw are working, Trick Worms in pumpkinseed/chartreuse, black/blue and Blue Ice, and Beaver Bugs, Brush Hogs and lizards were taking a few good male bass this week on flooded cypress trees, stumps and along vegetation lines in ditches, creeks and flats from 3-8 feet deep. “Best colors of Bugs and Beavers we had luck with were Kudzu, Blackberry and Big Texan. A few places we noted had the appearance of early bed making activities in numerous locations between South Hickory creek and Millwood State Park; however, we are guessing these were made prior to the ice and snow from the week prior. We did not see any tending activities, just the initial clearing of places where bottom visibility and clarity allowed us to see depth and bottom in a few pockets along South Hickory.”
* White bass: No report.
* Crappie: Have been slow.
* Cats: Channel cats and blues in Little River improved on trotlines, and in the oxbows on yo-yo’s, using King’s Punch Bait, hot dogs, and chicken livers and gizzards.
Lake Columbia
(updated 3-4-2021) Sportsman’s One Stop in El Dorado (870-863-7248) had no report.
Lake Greeson Tailwater
Visit www.littlemissouriflyfishing.com for a daily update on fishing conditions.
Lake Greeson
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at Narrows Dam was 542.48 feet msl (full pool: 548.00 feet msl).
No report.
DeGray Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 408.88 feet msl (full pool: 408.00 feet msl).
(updated 3-4-2020) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips Guide Service (501-844-5418) said, “I’ve been scouting around for crappie. The water is slowly warming up. They are still scattered and suspended in the deeper channels, so a slow trolling technique works best. As the water warms, they’ll stack up on the brushpiles better for a hovering, vertical presentation.”
(update 2-25-2021) Local angler Charles Abernathy says water was around 40-42 degrees as of Wednesday depending on location. “The water up in the river around Point Cedar/Cox Creek was a blueish-green color I have never seen before,” he said. “I’m still seeing crappie schooled up in mouths of some major creek channels. I’m also seeing the larger ones hanging out in open water. I was in 30 feet of water and the fish seemed to be using the entire water column, but the majority seemed to be within 15 feet. On my latest trip, I was using an orange hand-tie and also a monkey milk Slab Slayer with chartreuse green head. They both worked fine. If you haven’t seen my two previous reports, look them up. That information is still valid.
“Spring is right around the corner and these crappie know it. If you wait for the spawn, you will miss a pretty good bite. They are feeding right now.
“I get quite a few emails and I enjoy reading/responding to every one of them. Thank you so much for reading these and thanks to everyone for letting me know. As always, feel free to reach out at c.abernathy32@gmail.com for more info. I have a new YouTube channel where I share some fishing content. Look me up. Good luck out there and be safe and be nice.
De Queen Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 442.89 feet msl (full pool: 437.00 feet msl).
Dierks Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 532.88 feet msl (full pool: 526.00 feet msl).
SOUTH-CENTRAL
White Oak Lake
(updated 3-4-2021) Curtis Willingham of River Rat Bait (870-231-3831) had the conditions are affecting any fishing. The lake is muddy and is high. No reports.
Felsenthal
No reports.
Lake Atkins
(updated 3-4-2021) Donald Ramirez at Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said Wednesday the water is clear but the level is high and there has been on fishing reports over the last few days.
Lake Catherine
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
Lake Catherine (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
(updated 3-4-2021) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below Carpenter Dam is 46 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Entergy is currently scheduling generation in the afternoon hours, which has enabled the public to take advantage of fishing opportunities and much safer boating. Due to recent heavy rains, generation has been necessary earlier and for longer times to keep area lakes stabilized. The weekly generation schedule is posted on the Entergy website each Wednesday afternoon and anyone planning on using the Carpenter Dam tailrace is advised to check out the report. Both lakes Hamilton and Catherine were scheduled to begin refilling March 1 to their normal summertime pool. Each lake will rise about 6 inches per day and this process will be completed by March 11.
Very good numbers of rainbow trout are present and feeding heavily on injured threadfin shad drawn through the dam from Lake Hamilton. Because of the huge influx of prey items, these fish are harder to catch and patience must be used for success. Rising water greatly hampers the trout bite and in many cases eliminates any chance of catching numbers of rainbows. Fly-fishermen can still wade to areas that hold numbers of trout and should use a fly that imitates something other than a shad. Worm imitations such as the San Juan worm can produce good catches of rainbow trout in current or slackwater conditions. Woolly Buggers in green or black are a time-honored fly that will produce results casted with a strike indicator. Egg pattern flies in orange or white have drawn strikes from finicky trout that are stuffed from threadfin shad feeding. Bank anglers have a chance at catching limits of fish by using PowerBaits and redworms fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater.
Much larger trout are scheduled to be released this month below area dams as the springtime approaches.
The walleye spawn has begun, but still no good reports have come in this week. Anglers can catch these fish by trolling shallow-running crankbaits against the current. These fish will be spawning in Lake Catherine until mid-April.
Many underwater hazards on Lake Catherine are still present in the low-water conditions and boaters must use extreme caution when attempting to navigate their way to the dam. Always wear a life jacket when on the water and wear a mask and observe social distancing when encountering others.
Lake Dardanelle
(updated 3-4-2021) Charles Morrison at Classic Catch Guide Service (479-647-9945) had no report.
(updated 3-4-2021) Jason Baumgartner, park aquarist at Lake Dardanelle State Park (479-890-7495), had no report. For questions contact our visitor center at (479) 967-5516.
Lake Hamilton
(updated 3-4-2021) Greeson Marine, hometown dealer of the Arkansas-born-and-bred Xpress all-welded aluminum fishing boats in Hot Springs, reported Hamilton’s water levels slightly up, but on March 5 the lake is scheduled to be raised to normal pool. Please be cautious of debris coming down the main channels. Whole trees will be coming down like icebergs!
Due to the large amounts of rainfall over the last week the water clarity is very muddy in most areas not on the main channels, and stained in the main channels. Visibility is about a foot or less all over the lake.
Bass fishing has been really good lately, even with all the up and down weather and rain. The most effective setups for bass have been the drop-shot rig with a wacky-rigged white or pink worm and dragged in 5 feet intervals on flats that are 25 feet deep and near current. The Ned rig fished vertically is still doing really well in green pumpkin or pink, but this will end soon as the water temps get to the 50-degree mark. A white spinnerbait slowly rolled along the bottom in shallower water depths of 12 feet or less has been doing well also. Not surprising that it has come into play as the fish are gearing up for pre-spawn.
Crappie have been really good on jigs suspended in or on top of brush in depths of 45 feet or more where the structure comes up to 20-25 feet.
“Be safe out there folks! The water is still cold and hazardous conditions will remain for a while. Wear those life jackets at all times and live to fish another day! Good luck, and go Greeson!”
(updated 3-4-2020) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips Guide Service (501-844-5418) said, “I’ve been scouting around for crappie. The water is slowly warming up. They are still scattered and suspended in the deeper channels, so a slow trolling technique works best. As the water warms, they’ll stack up on the brushpiles better for a hovering, vertical presentation.”
Lake Nimrod
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 351.48 feet msl (normal pool: 342.0 feet msl).
(updated 3-4-2021) Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) said the lake is muddy and water level has risen; it was high on Wednesday morning. Surface temperature went unrecorded. They also had no reports of any fishing over the past week.
Lake Ouachita
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at Blakely Dam was 577.24 feet msl (full pool: 578.00 feet msl).
(updated 3-4-2021) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood reports that Lake Ouachita is a little high with a clear clarity, though there is slight stain in the creeks and up the river. As for black bass, there was enough bite for a team to win a tournament there last weekend with a stringer totaling 23 pounds. Anglers report catching fish on Chatterbait, Alabama rigs and Rat-L-Traps in 15 feet of water.
(updated 3-4-2020) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips Guide Service (501-844-5418) said, “I’ve been scouting around the Shangri La resort area for crappie. The water is slowly warming up. They are still scattered and suspended in the deeper channels, so a slow trolling technique works best. As the water warms, they’ll stack up on the brushpiles better for a hovering, vertical presentation.”
(updated 3-4-2021) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out of state) had no reports. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.
Blue Mountain Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 388.31 feet msl (full pool: 384.00 feet msl).
No reports.
White River/Clarendon Area
The Army Corps of Engineers on Thursday reported the Clarendon gauge at 25.94 feet, almost slightly below flood stage of 26.00 feet.
Cook’s Lake
(updated 3-4-2021) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Conservation Education Center (870-241-3373) reports that Cooks Lake was set to reopen for youth and mobility impaired fishing Wednesday, March 3. The lake is stained, however the large rain event last weekend has caused the White River to rapidly rise. The high water conditions will make fishing difficult and fishing will close if the White River at Clarendon reaches 26 feet (it was 0.06 below that mark Thursday at 10 a.m.). There has been no fishing since last fall, therefore no updated report. We hope to have some anglers fish so we can let others know how to tackle this lake.
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. The scenic lake is full of slab crappie, giant bluegills, largemouth bass and catfish of all species. Due to current guidelines, Cook’s Lake will be open to fishing during normal business hours, starting March 3, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., water level pending Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youth under 16 or mobility-impaired anglers, and up to two helpers (who may also fish). Fish from the 140-foot mobility-impaired accessible dock or launch a boat, but we ask for trolling motors only. To comply with current guidelines, we ask that you call ahead at least a day in advance to register to fish. Before launching, please check in at the Conservation Education Center, and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, please contact the center at 870-241-3373.
Horseshoe Lake
(updated 3-4-2021) Kent Williams of Oxbow Guide Service (870-278-7978) says the lake is thawed and the fish are biting. For crappie, try spider-rigging in 18-25 feet of water 20 feet deep with minnows or jigs. As the water temperature continues to rise with warmer weather, expect the crappie to move up some in the water column. Also, look for schools of baitfish and the crappie should not be far away.
No reports on bass, bream or catfish this week.
Bear Creek Lake/Storm Creek Lake
(updated 2-25-2021) Tyler Ball, park ranger at Mississippi River State Park (870-295-4040), had no report; no anglers were out during last week’s snow and ice and low temperatures.
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