Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

June 13, 2024

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Tim Keeble of the Kansas City area returned to the White River and Cotter Trout Dock recently, and this time landed a tiger by the mouth: a tiger trout. Tim was fishing with guide Eric Beecher. Tiger trout are a hybrid of brown trout and brook trout, and are noted for their feistiness. They are capable of growing much larger than their brook trout lineage. The AGFC has stocked small batches of the hybrid in the White River below Bull Shoals Dam since 2020.

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

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

For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt

For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality

Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page

Quick links to regions:

• Central Arkansas
• North Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast Arkansas
• Southwest Arkansas
• South-Central Arkansas
• West-Central Arkansas
• East Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

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

NOTE: The last of three planned public cleanups of the Lake Conway shoreline by the AGFC and its partners in the lake renovation is underway through Saturday, June 15. The hours for the cleanup will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. For more information, call 501-604-0492 or email nicholas.feltz@agfc.ar.gov.

(updated 6-13-2024) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said that anglers are still doing well on all species. Bream are biting on redworms (full moon is coming, June 22, and they should be back on the beds). Crappie can be caught with minnows. Black bass will hit topwater lures and soft plastics. Catfish are being caught on about anything being thrown at them now. White bass are back in the picture, biting on Rooster Tails and white jigs.

At the dam this week, water was murky coming through, but elsewhere the water is fine, they say.

Lake Conway has no creel or length limits while the lake is in its drawdown phase as part of the AGFC’s renovation project. All fish may be kept; in fact, it’s encouraged, hence the no limit regulation. Still chances to stock up on crappie and others for the freezer.
Also, the Lake Conway nursery pond is open for fishing with the AGFC stocking various sport fish there. The pond is more than 60 acres and has bass, crappie and bream.

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 6-13-2024) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said that this week the Little Red River has been experiencing low water levels. Typically at this time of year higher water flows are maintained to regulate Greers Ferry Lake. However, recent days have seen inconsistent generation schedules, resulting in extended periods of low flow. The low water conditions have opened up excellent opportunities for wade fishing. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of these conditions and explore the river on foot. The deeper holes below plunge pools have been particularly productive for wading.

For those fishing from boats during low flows, launching from Lobo Landing access has been effective. Targeting deeper waters around moss beds and areas with current has yielded good results.

Successful flies recently have included pink San Juan Worms, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Hare’s Ear and Rootbeer Midges. These patterns have been attracting bites and proving effective under current conditions.

Overall, despite lower water levels than usual, fishing on the Little Red River remains productive, especially for wade anglers targeting deeper holes. For the most current updates and to plan your trip, contact Mike Winkler at the number above or visit his website linked above.

“Enjoy your time on the water and tight lines!”

(updated 6-13-2024) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said Thursday that water temperature has been creeping up into the 60s with little water running at the dam. Fishing for trout has been good of late with more wading opportunities now. No. 5 and No. 7 Rapala Countdowns in rainbow or brown trout colors are a good bet for these conditions. Also, a Trout Magnet in a variety of colors is a good go-to, along with a Marabou Jig.

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 6-13-2024) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 462.07 feet msl — that’s 0.03 feet above normal pool of 462.04 feet msl. Not much else has changed other than more and more fish are coming up on top schooling in different parts of the lake and rivers. Power generation has been slim at best — just a couple of hours a day, or none at all. All species of game fish are biting on and off all day. Now, most species are staying out where they will summer and are staying on structure where you can really work on them.

For crappie, try super shallow and out to 30 feet, and use jigs, minnows or crankbaits. Walleye are eating in the main lake. The few walleye that are left up rivers, drag a crawler or crankbait in 10-22 feet. Some are following under big schools of white bass and hybrid bass — use a spoon for those.

Hybrid and white bass are trying to get set up in the main lake for the summer. A lot are still traveling, but the ones that are set, use spoons, inline spinners, grubs and swimbaits in 25-60 feet. A shad spawn is still going on in various places around the lake and rivers; when you find the shad, stay with them for good catches of all species.
Catfish are starting to show up more regularly, and the usual stuff is working in the lake and rivers. Some bream are shallow but most are still around 8-15 feet; crickets and crawlers are working fine as well as inline spinners. Some loner black bass are shallow, but most are out or roaming shallow and schooling — use C-rigs, topwater lures, wake baits, drop-shots, crankbaits and spinnerbaits for the best action. There are really too many baits that will work right now to mention, and fish what you have super shallow out to 60 feet.
“Be safe and wear your life jacket.”

(updated 6-13-2024) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the bass fishing has been doing really well. Anglers are catching lots of black bass, though there is not much size to them right now. The bass are concentrated around schools of baitfish, and anglers are catching them in 12-15 feet of water, mostly on the main lake close to some type of a drop-off. Bass are being caught on topwater when they’re chasing bait, best on a bone-colored Zara Spook or a clear topwater lure. When the bass are not chasing on top, mostly they are biting a crankbait, a Carolina rig or a Flutter Spoon.

Walleye are hitting really well now around standing timber in 16-25 feet of water. Try a nightcrawler on a chartreuse jighead.
The water is clear with a little stain in the rivers. Lake level is normal.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 6-13-2024) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said a man passed the big island on the lake and caught some big largemouth bass around 4-5 pounds. Also, he caught some nice crappie, including one that was 15.5 inches in length.

Catfish and bream are being caught around the shoreline. Bream are doing really well on crickets and redworms.

A trotline user on the lake caught a 43-pound blue catfish using bream as bait. Catfish are doing well for bank anglers and boat users alike, they report.

Crappie are biting for boat anglers but nothing is being reported from the shoreline.

The water is clear enough to see minnows (and turtles) in shallow water. Water temperature Thursday at midday was 88.5 degrees. The water level is good.

Lake Overcup
(updated 6-13-2024) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing off Arkansas Highway 9 had nothing new this week, but crappie recently were being caught in 5-10 feet of water using jigs and minnows. Also, bass were doing well on buzzbaits and plastic frogs since their spawn. Bream were starting to get on their beds and doing well before the recent full moon. Catfish were being caught on jugs using nightcrawlers and bass minnows, and John said he was starting to run his trotlines.

Lake Maumelle

(updated 6-13-2024) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reported that water temperature is consistent, ranging 80-82 degrees. The largemouth bass bite remains fair. There are reports of the bass schooling on the east end of the lake. They’re biting shallow in the mornings and evenings, 2-4 feet, and others being found deeper to 15-20 feet. Try points and drop-offs. Try using drop-shots, Texas-rigged worms, and crankbaits. Spotted bass (Kentucky bass) also remain fair this week. Anglers report them being found on points in 15-20 feet mixed in with the largemouths, as well as being found on drop-offs. Jigs work best. The overall black bass bite picked up for the anglers in the weekly Tuesday night tournament here this week, with Cameron Nesterenko and Andrew Wooley hauling in a 5-bass stringer of 14.97 pounds, more than pound better than runner-up Vaughn Greenway and Daniel Romine’s 13.88. Cody Bryant and Brad Lequieu landed the Big Bass of 5.27 pounds.

There haven’t been any white bass reports in a while. A twister tail still might pick some off, though. Crappie are fair, with some reports of them being found suspended on brush anywhere from 12-14 feet and 16-21 feet. Jigs and minnows are best now. Bream are good (full moon is coming up June 22). They can be found around 6-10 feet as well as shallow in 3-5 feet of water. Crickets, worms and drop-shots are all working. No catfish catches have been reported lately, like the white bass. But they should bite bream, liver and worms now.

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 6-13-2024) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is in a lot better shape this week but it still has a little stain to it. Water temperature Thursday morning as reported by one of the anglers was 78 degrees. “It’s getting up there,” Ray said.

Black bass continue to do very well. Crankbaits and soft plastic worms are the favored presentations with some topwater also working. Ray says he’s heard some good reports on crappie this week, with minnows being all they are biting and at a 5-feet depth.

Bream are still on the banks and betting, and anglers are catching them on worms and crickets. Ray said he hasn’t heard a lot this week on catfish but they were biting well recently and he expects the same will be true this week — liver and hot dogs fished around the boats seem to be their preferred tastes now. “Liver and Oscar Meyer,” Ray said with a laugh.

There has been some schooling activity with the bass, he reports, even during the heat of the afternoon Sunday when he was on the water.

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

(update 6-13-2024) An AGFC staffer/local angler fishing the Maumelle Pool last weekend reported the Arkansas River is rolling in the 50,000-60,000 cfs range below Toad Suck Dam, which is ideal flow to draw fish out to the jetties and main channel obstructions during post-spawn. The water temperature ranged from 78 degrees on the main river channel to 81 degrees in the backwaters before Sunday night’s front-cooled temperatures (slightly). Bass were biting well on black/blue swim jigs and black/blue or green pumpkin weightless YUM Dingers and Senkos fished on the edges of grass patches at the edge of current breaks in the main channel and in the backwater areas. Look for small patches of grass instead of the large mats and swim a jig through the sparse stems in the morning, then switch to pitching at matted clumps as the sun gets high. Shad-colored crankbaits like the Bomber Fat Free Fingerling worked well on main river jetties, catching a mixed bag of everything from largemouth bass and spotted bass to drum and the occasional striped bass. Fish the crankbaits just beneath the swell of water found behind jetties and wingdams along outside river bends for the best luck.

No report on crappie. If the flow slows a little, it will be a great time to set out some jugs for catfish, but the higher flow we’re seeing, jug fishermen will spend more time chasing jugs and untangling lines from snags than hauling in fish.
 

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 6-13-2024) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) reports that the bass fishing has been pretty good; lots of black bass are being caught. Anglers are catching fish on a crankbait or Rat-L-Trap, as they’re finding hot spots on the main river, around jetties and the like. Fish are also getting around the chasing baitfish on sandbars. Most successful crankbaits seem to be in a Firetiger or black color. For the Rat-L-Trap, go with a chrome and blue or chrome and black.
Fishing tends to slow during the day, but anglers are fishing a Texas rig or jigs around main river grass. Black and blue is always a good color of jig, and green pumpkin and orange has also been a good color of late.

Water clarity is muddy. It depends on whether we get any rain as to it clearing out. The Water level was normal on Thursday with a good flow of about 50,000 cfs, falling a bit from earlier in the week.

Catfish are biting below the dam on nightcrawlers, stink bait and cut shad.

Peckerwood Lake

(updated 6-13-2024) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said anglers “are wearing the catfish and bass out.” As for crappie, some are trolling and some are spider-rigging for catches.

Catfish are biting hot dogs and liver.

Topwater is working now for the black bass. Donna noticed some anglers with some nice bass stringers. A few bream are still being caught, mainly on crickets.

“We’re level full and a little dingy, but not that bad. About normal for Peckerwood,” she said of the water conditions.

White River
(updated 6-13-2024) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said Bull Shoals Lake elevation measured 667.51 feet msl Wednesday with generation varying from minimum flows in the morning to midafternoon releases of over 12,000 cfs (four generators).

Browns have been hiding in the deep holes and biting on sculpin and crawdad tails. The rainbows are hitting silver spinners and pink PowerBait worms topped with white (mouse tails), with the ever-popular red/gold hammered Thomas Buoyant Spoon adding to the count. There’s been a late afternoon surge in the brown bite during this past week, which is a little uncommon but might be attributed to changes in pressure systems. A cup of nightcrawlers or redworms is a must during the higher water in the afternoon; play them close to the banks just a foot or so below the surface.
“Summertime is heating up, but the mornings here in Cotter are refreshing and cool enough to require a sweatshirt. Few things remain the same in this ever-changing world, but here’s something that has remained constant: Trout fishing on the White River in the beautiful Arkansas Ozarks provides a great catch of fish and as much action as you could ask for. Come see us.”

(updated 6-13-2024) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said water generation from the dams on the White River has been inconsistent over the last week. “We have seen depths as low as 3 feet and as high as 8.5 feet with water flows as low as 2,500cfs to as high as 19,000-plus cfs. As a result, we have had days of low and clear water to days of high and dingy water in the mornings with lower depths and clearer water in the afternoon. During the low and clear water we saw a lot of success with quarter-ounce Thompson Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold and Rapala Countdowns CD7 in rainbow trout colors, resulting in several 16-inch-plus rainbow trout and a few 20-inch-plus brown trout with one 24-inch brown trout. During the higher and dingier water, we saw success using Uncommon Baits UV eggs, with or without an inline spinner, tipping the hook off with corn or shrimp.

“I’m not aware of Calico Rock receiving a trout stocking this last week.

“I’ve had a few people ask how I track and predict water conditions in Calico Rock.  Mainly I use the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock app. When the app first opens it shows “Releases” from the different dams, which are updated every hour. Here I watch the releases for both Bull Shoals Dam and Norfork Dam. The water releases at Bull Shoals Dam (60 river miles upriver) take approximately 15 hours to affect Calico Rock, and releases from Norfork Dam (18 river miles) take approximately 5 hours to affect Calico Rock. If either dam has low generation and then rapidly increases generation, we can expect some dingy water with some debris washing off the banks and then clearer water once the initial water moves through.

“Additionally on the app, there is a USGS tab. From that tab you can see hourly updates on river water levels. During a normal day, I watch the water levels at Calico Rock (which is measured from the corner of our dock) and Norfork (rule of thumb I use to predict water levels at Calico Rock is whatever water level Norfork is at, we will be that level minus 2 feet in about 4-5 hours).

“When we receive a lot of rain I also watch the water levels on the Buffalo River, which flows into the White River about 30 river miles above Calico Rock. Since the Buffalo River is a natural river with no flood control when it rises, it is the biggest cause of muddy water and debris we receive. I like to use the Rivercast app to watch the levels at St. Joe (the only place on the Buffalo that Rivercast reports) and use the USGS app to watch the levels at Harriet. Rivercast gives a predicted water level (at both St. Joe and Calico Rock), which gives me a better idea of what the river may do, and Harriet is the last reading before the water flows into the White River. A general rule of thumb I use when the Buffalo is flooding is I take the reading at Harriet and halve it and that gives a general idea of what the water levels may reach at Calico Rock.”

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 6-13-2024) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302) said Wednesday the lake level was still around 667 feet msl. Parking and boat ramp can be limited with the high water. Water temperature is around 78 degrees, give or take, with warmer temperature in the stained water. Bass are set up on summer areas and patterns. Shad are spread out off deeper water points, ledges, drop-offs and channel swings. “Get up early, or if it’s cloudy, rainy and windy hit the surface with topwater!” he said.

“Zara Spook, a popper, Lucky Craft Gunfish and shad patters are working for me,” he added. As the sun gets up, try a 2.8 swimbait or Flutter Spoon; that will keep the bite going. Once the sun gets up, a lot of the fish will move deep. You can follow them out there and try a drop-shot Robo Worm or shad-shaped worm or Tater Shad. Or just go home and let the look-at-me’s have at it.
“If we get rain, I’ll powerfish covering water with a square bill, spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits in the stained backs, drains or runoff. Try a buzzbait if it’s windy and cloudy, or a frog/toad if it’s summer over submerged flooded bushes.

“You can still catch them on points with a Ned rig or tube or a shaky head in 10-20 feet. Keep the boat out deep, especially in the clear water, and you can hit the old shoreline. There is a lot of activity in the 15-feet range. You can go up there with a Beaver-style bait or Jewel football jig. Green pumpkin variants are best colors, and also a Texas-rigged Big Worm. Some shallower brush piles closer to deep water in less than 25 feet are holding some fish.

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

(updated 6-13-2024) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) says that pulling crawler harnesses in 15-20 feet early will get some fish. Fish a little deeper, 25-30 feet, later after sunrise. If contour trolling, try shad-style baits in 20-25 feet of water. Slide out to deeper water, 30-40 feet, after daylight.

If you’re open-water trolling for suspended fish, they are getting a little tougher to catch and are going a little deeper — down as deep as 60-70 feet. Troll early morning for a few hours, then switch over to crawler harnesses later. Find shad and try trolling with snap weights from 50-70 feet deep over flooded forest over 100 feet or more of water while using any type of deep-diving crankbait. Trolling the crank over the old river channel at 1.5 to 1.8 mph will put some fish in the boat.
Jigging spoon fishing has also been another tactic that is working. Casting a half-ounce spoon into 15 feet and hopping it off bottom back into about 35 feet might also get you a few fish.

(updated 6-13-2024) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports crappie are definitely more scattered and finding some on the brush and structure in about 15-25 feet. “Quality is still kind of mixed up and we are having to really work at it to catch good numbers. Jig bite has definitely slowed down, but still catching a few on the Tater Baits Tater Shad Jr. with a one-sixteenth-ounce head and, of course, minnows. Stay patient as conditions stabilize — it should really get good.”

Norfork Lake

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

(updated 6-13-2024) Lou Gabric at Hummingbird Hideaway Resort (870-492-5113) said Wednesday, “There are many memories and great times to be experienced on Norfork Lake, whether you are fishing, boating, swimming or playing on your favorite lake toy. I had another fun morning fishing on Norfork Lake, but being on the lake is always fun no matter what you are doing. The lake is warm and inviting.
“I fished two different areas this morning. I was in 100-plus feet of water in both locations. I started fishing in the first spot at about 4:15 a.m. with my green light. Bait was still in the area and was 25 feet thick starting on the surface. Whites were inside of the bait and the bigger fish were below the bait from around 40 feet down to 70 feet. I ended up landing three striped bass and one hybrid. The fish either hit my Tater Shad on a very slow fall or on a very slow reel-up. I only had about an hour in this area, since when it got light out (5-5:15 a.m.) the bait and fish started to disperse. At about 5:30 I headed to the second area along a bluff wall. There was bait on the surface and scattered stripers 30-90 feet deep. They would not take my Tater Shad, so I switched to a 1-ounce green-with-white-belly Binks Spoon. When there were three or four fish under me, they all would chase the spoon up when I quickly raised the bait as high as I could, then let it free fall back down. One fish would hit the spoon on the fall. These fish were larger than at my first spot. The first area the fish I landed were in the 8- to 10-pound range, which is the average size you can expect to catch. The first fish caught in the second area was in the 13- to 14-pound range. What a great battle. I ended up landing six stripers/hybrids in total along with a few white bass. The second area was one of the areas I scouted out yesterday. Oh, by the way, all of my fish today were released on-site to be caught another day.

“The surface water temperature this morning was around 78-79 degrees. The lake level is 560.62 feet msl. The water is clear on the main lake and slightly stained in the creeks and coves. The water level is rising very slowly. Be careful out on the lake as there may be some floating debris due to the rise in water. I did not notice much floating this morning.

“Hummingbird Hideaway Resort still has cabins available during June and July. Summer fishing and family vacation fun time is here. Give us a call with any questions or for reservations. If you have not been to Norfork Lake before, you will absolutely fall in love with it! If you have visited in the past, it’s time to come back! Enjoy Norfork Lake in the Arkansas Ozark.”

Lou posts fishing reports nearly every day to his blog on the Hummingbird Hideaway Resort webpage.

Beaver Lake

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

(updated 6-13-2024) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is coming down some and the water is heating up. Water temperature is in the low to mid-80s and the level is around 1,123.40 feet msl, which is near 2 feet above normal. Fishing is still in fair to good range.

Stripers are being caught from Horseshoe to Point 5 as of this week. It is an early morning bite. You need to be out at sunup ready to go. As soon as the sun rises and wake boats arrive, the bite shuts off.

Crappie are starting to be caught on trolled crankbaits. Look for flats adjacent to main river channels — areas such as Point 12, Nelson’s Hollow, Friendship Creek and the U.S. Highway 412 bridge area. “Lately the cranks I am having the best luck with are anything with pink on it or just straight bubblegum Bandits and Picos.

Walleye are still slow but should pick up as the thermocline sets up. It is starting to show and will get stronger daily. That will set the stage for bottom bouncers /crawler rigs. Find some humps or a point and look in 20-30 feet of water.

Catfish are spawning, and noodles and jugs set in coves are working well.

Bluegill can always be caught shallow on crickets and or worms and make a great dinner and some good fun on top of that. Panfish are an underused resource on Beaver.

“Good luck and stay safe out there!”

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

Beaver Tailwater

(updated 6-6-2024) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “This past week has been up and down on the tailwater. The Army Corps of Engineers has been flowing water pretty steady from the dam, causing swifter and higher water. This has made the bite a little trickier; most trout have been caught with Pautzke Fire Eggs and Fire Bait, fished with light terminal tackle. The majority of the trout have been caught between Houseman Access and U.S. Highway 62 bridge.
“There are still a few walleye in the system, with most being caught in the deeper waters. Jigging soft plastics or tossing jerkbaits with Walleye Fire Gel have produced nice numbers. The white bass are still around, but most have retreated. Tossing crankbaits and Alabama rigs have done the trick with these guys.
“With all the rain we have been getting, try to match the hatch as much as possible. Try to hit the coves early in the morning and fish the main channel later in the morning to afternoon. I hope you’re all able to get out and fish!”

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

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 6-6-2024) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) says anglers are still having success catching bluegill on worms. Channel cats are blue catfish are being brought in with crickets and minnows; they’re being caught near the dam and off boats as well as off the shoreline.

Bass are being caught, but anglers aren’t revealing their techniques or baits.

The lake’s clarity is murky.

Lake Charles

(updated 6-13-2024) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said a guest at Lake Charles caught a 30-pound flathead on a jug line baited with beef liver. The catfish had a bluegill in his mouth. Anglers looking for cats are dipping meat in garlic and/or Kool-Aid.

Overall, fishing for catfish and bream remains good, she said. Bream are biting on worms and crickets as well as jigs — some of the favored colors appear to be Gill Candy and Shinee Hinee, but she said all colors seem to be working. Besides the beef liver, catfish are hungry for hot dogs, worms and blood bait. Shelly also reported that anglers picked up a good amount of white bass in the past few days. Black bass still aren’t being reported, she said, and crappie have disappeared in the past week.
Water temperature was 74.1 degrees on Sunday.

Lake Poinsett

(updated 6-6-2024) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park said Lake Poinsett has been buzzing with activity this last week. Anglers have been using things like the Booyah Buzzbaits for bass and continue to predominantly use crickets for the bream. Bream have been the most prevalent fish caught both from the bank as well as from a boat and are currently spawning. Recently, Chuck Long caught some nice ones on a trip to the lake.

Bass and crappie continue to be catch-and-release. Bream and catfish may be kept at state limits.

Spring River

(updated 6-6-2024) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said the water level is running at 480 cfs, while the water clarity is good but can get murked up with storms moving through. The last few forecasts have been wrong and we have been dry this week. “Really don’t need any more rain.
“The rainbows are biting great on about everything lately when the water is right. Definitely hitting cicadas on top with a Woolly dropper can be super-hot. Dark Woollies have been hot, but (Wednesday) Y2Ks and Mega Worms were hot.
“The bad weather has kept the pressure off the river. Easy fishing for a while with weekly stocking. This time of year, stocking numbers are up.

“Smallies are biting with clearer water conditions; it should be good once things dry out. Had a few really nice smallies on a Woolly dropper below cicada, but not many. Always got to fish the bottom, real slow with Clousers or my fav, the big Woollies with heavy bead head.
“The summer is upon us and the canoe hatch is on. Saturdays on the Spring River can be very busy with floaters from Dam 3 downriver. Through the week can be very nice and Sundays are usually quiet and the time to fish during the summer. Also, areas in town will be free of floaters, like Lassiter walk-in.
“It’s hot out, they are just trying to cool off, but be aware most are inexperienced.
“The river is swift and the bottom is slick, so be safe and have fun! The Spring River is a cool 58 degrees!”

Always check Mark’s blog for the latest river conditions on the Spring River on his website linked above.

White River

For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time gauge level and flow from the White River stages at Batesville, Newport and Augusta and all other sites within the White River basin in Arkansas, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

Arkansas River (Pine Bluff Pool)

For the real-time water flow at the Emmett Sanders Lock and Dam and Maynard Lock and Dam, as well as the Pine Bluff pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 5-23-2024) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team reported water temps are around 80 degrees. The main channel is muddy with less than 4-5 inches visibility and up to 8-10 inches visibility in parts of Lake Langhofer. Black bass have been biting fairly well in Lake Langhofer around flooded vegetation on shore, but dropping water levels are drawing them away from those areas. Begin looking at the first sand drops from shore and especially artificial brush piles to start holding bass more as the water returns to normal level.

The main channel has been flowing too hard for the past several days for the jetties to be holding bass well, but they will improve quickly as flow rates continue to decline. Shad-colored crankbaits, bladed baits and swim jigs have been doing very well near shallow cover. Light jigs and large worms should start producing more as the fish transition into their summer patterns and cover use.

Cane Creek Lake

(updated 6-13-2024) Teresa Atchley at Cane Creek State Park (870-628-4714) said this week was a slower fishing week for them. One angler reported catching bream on crickets and worms on the exterior pier last Thursday. Reports on Saturday included fishing for bream using crickets at the interior pier, while nightcrawlers and liver were being used on trotlines for catfish. One lone angler went the minnow route for anything that would bite while fishing the interior pier. Another used minnows and redworms from a boat for anything as well. On Tuesday of this week, there were reports of redworms being fished for bream at the interior pier and nightcrawlers for catfish at the courtesy dock, as well as nightcrawlers being fished around the lake for whatever would bite.

Lake Monticello
(updated 6-13-2024) Anglers are reminded that if they venture out for some fishing on Lake Monticello now while the lake continues to refill after being renovated, that all fish caught must be released immediately.
The city of Monticello has opened Hunger Run Access to boat traffic as of May 31.

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 6-13-2024) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the lake level is almost back to normal Thursday after recent heavy storms sent it high, and is about 5 inches high now. River current has slowed to 9,200 cfs. There is still heavy stain from recent flash flooding. Water temperature has been reaching the mid-80s lately.
Check with the guide service’s website for any updates, or see the Army Corps of Engineers real-time lake level and outflow report linked above under “Millwood Lake” before heading out on the lake. Use caution in navigating the lake.
Fishing has been fairly consistent when the weather calms down. Here is how Mike has seen the different species fishing lately:

* The best bite from largemouth bass is early on cloudy days, while the topwater bite is consistent. Recent bass tournaments on Millwood Lake in the last few several have weighed several bass over 9 pounds, including a few in the 10- and 11-pound class, in post-spawn condition. Many large female bass between 7-9 pounds each have been caught and released in recent weeks. Best activity is being seen early mornings near flats of 1-6 feet deep, where fresh lily pad blooms, stumps and vegetation are holding fish. Topwater frogs, Spit’n Images, Dying Flutters, soft plastic jerkbaits, Senkos, Trick Worms, 5-inch Bass Assassin Shads and buzzbaits continue drawing reactions from 3- to 8-pound largemouths from 1-8 feet of depth at dawn and dusk.

Once the sun gets up above the tree line, switch over to a Brazalo Spinnerbait in Spot Remover, or a Bill Lewis crankbait like the MR-6 or Echo 1.75, and SB-57 MDJ crankbaits for random reaction bites from active roaming bass (and white bass, too) in the deeper sections of creek channels and near drops from the flats into 8-10 feet depth structure. In Little River, the current has muddied up the primary points, and white bass are roaming these points in and out of creek dumps, too. Fat jumbo 4-inch tube jigs, Brush Hogs, 10-inch Power Worms and lizards — fished near stumps, lily pads and buckbrush and cypress trees — will draw a reaction from 2- to 4-pound largemouth bass.

The best water clarity continues to be more reliable in the oxbows of McGuire and Clear Lake, and was drastically better in recent days. The water clarity in Mud Lake and Horseshoe Lake oxbows blew out with muddy influx over the past week and current pushing mudlines into those areas. The further away from river current you could get was best. Bang Skunk Apes, Woopah Craws, Salty Rat Tail baits, jumbo magnum 8-inch lizards and Brush Hogs continue taking some decent 14- to 17-inch largemouths roaming flats in the back of the oxbows near stumps and lily pads. You can get a reaction to a topwater frog or jerk bait in and near shallow stumps, cypress knees and cover around 5-8 foot depth flats with vegetation like fresh lily pad blooms.
Millwood State Park muddied up over the past week with the increase in discharge at the dam, and a rapid 2- to 3-foot rise in lake pool elevation, which has now begun a slow fall. Those areas should settle out in a few days provided we don’t get additional rainfall this week.
Best reaction colors for Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits where active bass are holding have been Spot Remover, Millwood Mayhem Bream and black/blue. Target cypress tree knees from 4-9 feet with 12-15 feet of depth nearby. Lizards in sizes from 6-8 inches in Blackberry, Blue Fleck, Grape and Junebug have been picking up random-cruising bass near stumps, on 5-7 feet drops near 10 feet deep structure.
* The white bass continue scattering back down Little River and there has been nothing consistent to report lately with the muddy current. However, when the lake was not stirred up as badly, Bomber Fat Free Shads, or Fingerlings, and Bill Lewis MR-6 Crankbaits in Tennessee Shad were working behind points along Little River, and we caught some decent 2- to 3-pound whites there that ranged from 7-12 feet deep on and behind those primary points. Vertical-jigging a chrome three-quarter-ounce Cordell Hammered Spoon with a red/white hair bucktail behind primary points, near the bottom where stumps were located on the backside of points, worked for us, with a few nice sized 2- to 3-pound whites. Swimming a hair jig with a heavy-thumping tail swimbait trailer picked up a few white bass in 10-14 feet, swimming and dropping the bait.

The deeper-running Fat Free Guppy crankbaits in Tennessee Shad or Citrus Shad, Bill Lewis MR-6 Crankbaits in Tennessee Shad and Millwood Magic, Little George’s, little Rocket Shads and red/white Rooster Tails continued working earlier this month. Random and broken schools of white bass were found again over the past couple of weeks between Brown’s Slough and Cemetery Slough along Little River where points intersect with creek mouths dumping into the river, although the water was heavily stained or muddy with current.

* The crappie bite was improving just before the lake got very muddy from the flash floods. Go with either a Monkey Milk or Electric Chicken and see what the crappie are favoring. Also, we like smoke-colored grubs with a chartreuse tip tail on a light wire jighead for a few bites.
* We saw bream beds in Hurricane Creek earlier this month and near Jack’s Isle. We spoke with several bream fishermen then who were having fair results using crickets around cypress trees not far from the floating fishing dock near Jack’s Isle. We have not seen any bream guys out with the muddy current in Little River, though.
* Catfish improved with increase of river current along Little River and in Mud Lake on trotlines, yo-yos, noodles and limb lines. King’s Punch Bait, spoiled chicken livers and gizzards were getting bit early and late, if you can get the fish before the alligators do.

(updated 6-6-2024) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz this week noted that the two-day Mr. Bass of Arkansas Championship Classic on Millwood June 1-2 produced some impressive totals of black bass. Jeffrey Grappe won the event with a two-day stringer of 29.09 pounds. Fifteen anglers caught more than 20 pounds over the two days. Cole Lamb was second with 27.33 pounds. The average fish weighed among the competitors was 2.05 pounds. There were 355 bass released out of the 360 caught.
Grappe caught a 9.31-pound fish as part of his winning catch, this coming on Saturday when his five-bass stringer led the way with 16.40 pounds. Five-bass limits were caught by 37 of the 56 anglers participating on Saturday.

Lake Columbia

No reports.

Lake Erling

(updated 6-13-2024) Lake Erling Guide Service (870-904-8546) said anglers in recent weeks have been catching lots of crappie, bream and catfish, and they’re hauling in some black bass, too. Lots of good-sized bream and a lot of redear, some ranging a pound to a pound and a half, were being caught.
The crappie are around structure, and most recently they were being caught in 6-16 feet depth. Use hand-tied jigs.

Many flathead catfish were being caught on limblines.

Lake Greeson Tailwater

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

Lake Greeson

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

(updated 5-30-2024) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the May 21 “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz that Greeson was a great host for the wrap up to the Trader Bill’s Team Trail schedule with a good bass bite for all the entrants, and the top three teams May 18 on Greeson were separated by just half a pound. Nathan Hall, who caught a 5-pounder just moments before the fishing was to cease and weigh-in begin, teamed with Matthew Hamby for a winning 14.5 pounds of bass. They won a $54,000 Vexus boat and motor for finishing first.

DeGray Lake

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

(updated 6-13-2024) John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service (870-942-6291 or yoyoguideservice@gmail.com) at Iron Mountain Marina says, “Hello fisher people. All good news for the bite today. Water level is 407.59 feet msl and the water temperature is in the 80s by midday. Fishing is good all over the lake.”

John says crappie are “in the brush piles big time. Use your electronics to locate piles out of the thermocline (around 20 feet). Either stay away and cast jigs to the fish on top or use minnows. However, these fish are sensitive to shadows and the sound of the trolling motor after you catch the ones at your starter depth (usually 10-12 feet). Deepen up 2 feet and go again. Continue this process until you begin to get hung up. If you throw jigs, I throw one-eighth-ounce because I like the fall rate and control. Smaller is better, usually, but harder to throw.

“We are all watching the moon for the next bream bedding cycle. June 22 is the day for the full moon. Locate bream beds with side imaging or perspective view with forward-facing sonar. Back off and throw crickets or worms to the beds.
“Surface action for the bass is increasing daily. They are showing up from Brushy to Shouse Ford. Look for the action or a group of boats and go get them. Spoons for the non-surface ones and baits like the Whopper Plopper for the ones on the surface.

“Good fishing, and HYDRATE!”

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 6-13-2024) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below Carpenter Dam is 64 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Both lakes Hamilton and Catherine are at summertime pool. Overall, it has been another terrible year for fishing in the tailrace. Constant flooding and bad weather consumed the majority of the rainbow trout season and kept many anglers off the water during the peak spawning times of area game fish. Bad weather forces Entergy to run huge amounts of water from area dams to control lake levels and this process creates dangerous boating and fishing conditions. The last three years have been very unproductive for catching rainbow trout on Lake Catherine due to these circumstances.

Before fishing below a hydroelectric dam, it is a good idea to check the weekly generation schedules and plan your outings accordingly. The Entergy website features a hydroelectric page for the general public to view current lake levels and conditions. This website has been down for several weeks for upgrades to be installed but, hopefully, should be back online soon.

Below Carpenter Dam, fly-fishermen can still wade to areas that have numbers of trout and can have had some success casting micro-jigs in white or black under a strike indicator. This presentation perfectly matches the injured shad drawn through the turbines from Lake Hamilton. San Juan Worms offer feeding trout a different look and will often work equally well when fished in the same manner. Trout Magnets should not be overlooked by fly-anglers and often make the difference between a successful outing and an unsuccessful one. Bank fishermen using waxworms or mealworms cast with a small bobber or fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater can catch rainbows. Boaters can anchor in and around sandbars and rock structure and catch trout using small inline spinners such as a Rooster Tail or Mepps Spinner in brown or silver colors.

Conditions are favorable now for trolling to be effective against the current. Catching a limit of rainbow trout as June commences should be considered a good day on the water as the bite is very inconsistent and short in duration. The walleye spawn is long complete on Lake Catherine but numbers of male and female walleye remain to rest and feed before making the move downstream to the main body of Lake Catherine. These fish can be caught by trolling shallow-running crankbaits against the current on both sides of the river below the dam. Shad or crayfish imitations work best as both of these are present in large numbers in the lake and offer game fish a solid food source throughout the year.

Catfish are spawning in the tailrace from the bridge to the dam and can be caught on cut bait fished on the bottom. These fish will be in the tailrace the entire month of June and offer anglers a hearty fight and some wonderful table fare. The heat of summer also brings striper action closer to Carpenter Dam as these large predator fish search for prey and cooler temperatures. Alabama rigs and large topwater lures work well when the turbines are running, which is a key ingredient for success when attempting to catch these wary predators.

Despite the safer conditions and warmer weather, it is extremely important to remember that fish in the tailrace have proven difficult to catch this entire year. Trout can be caught but not in the numbers expected in past years. Normal pool levels will bring a more consistent bite from the rainbow trout population. Patience is a must this year for anglers to have success due to the flooding and heavy flows the lake has experienced. Always wear a life jacket when on the water and remember to follow all park and boating regulations. Pick up after yourself as the number of trash cans are limited in this area. Always cooperate with all wildlife officials and law enforcement.

Lake Dardanelle

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

No reports.

Lake Hamilton

(updated 6-6-2024) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said that at both lakes Ouachita and Hamilton, where he has been fishing mostly of late, the crappie have thinned out on the shallow brush piles and moved deeper onto cover on points where primary and secondary channels are close by. Bream are ample everywhere.
He says that now is the time to be transitioning into early morning bass and walleye. Casting topwater baits, spoons and spy baits at first-light gets the bass. Vertical jigging spoons on points near the bottom can produce walleye.
“Stay safe on the water. Start early because summertime pleasure boating is upon us anglers,” he says.

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 6-6-2024) Sheila Ferrebee, owner of Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025), says a lot of catfish are being caught. Quite a few anglers are out trying for crappie. Some who know the spots are having good luck (one angler caught 16 crappie in the brush); others are not — the lake is in a drawdown until October. Anglers are buying pounds and pounds of No. 6 crappie minnows.

A catfish angler had six or seven flathead catfish in the boat, one of which was 52 pounds measured at the dock. Try goldfish or other live bait for the catfish.

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

Lake Ouachita

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

(updated 6-13-2024) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) said black bass are a little picky but still biting. Try a topwater bait near main lake and secondary points or a Texas-rigged Ole Monster near brush. Walleye are still very good and being caught on shad-style baits or nightcrawlers near structure. Stripers are good. These fish are being caught in the central and eastern portions of the lake and can be caught on C-10 Redfins or live bait. Bream are good and are being caught on crickets and worms in the 6- to 15-foot range. Crappie are fair. Try minnows or small jigs over structure in the 15-20 foot range. For catfish, try stink bait or cut bait on a rod-and-reel set up in the 10-20 feet range; especially near structure and brush. Enjoy your favorite cold beverage for a fun and hydrated trip.
Water temperature is ranging 78-84 degrees. The water clarity is clear. Lake level on Wednesday was 577.54 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 6-6-2024) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said that at both lakes Ouachita and Hamilton, where he has been fishing lately, the crappie have thinned out on the shallow brush piles and moved deeper onto cover on points where primary and secondary channels are close by. Bream are ample everywhere. Now is the time to be transitioning into early morning bass and walleye. Casting topwater baits, spoons and spy baits at first light gets the bass. Vertical jigging spoons on points near the bottom can produce walleye.

Stay safe on the water. Start early because summertime pleasure boating is upon us anglers.

(updated 6-6-2024) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted earlier this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, the amazing stringers of bass caught on Ouachita last week in the Trader Bill’s Team Trail senior high tournament. Grayson Goss and Wally Wilcox caught a two-day total of 27.27 pounds. “That’s an incredible stringer,” Kastner said. Hunter Sanders and Zane Cox edged out Cole McNeely and Cole Martin for second, 22.98 pounds over two days to 22.29 pounds.

Kastner recently noted that for best success, anglers should “pay close attention to lake levels. With all the rain and storms we’re getting, you’ve got a lot of things to deal with. And, for the most part, all of Arkansas’s central lakes are at full pool. It’s rare to see this many lakes where they are right now. Ouachita, DeGray…. are all at full pool.”

For Free Fishing Weekend, Kastner says, “It’s all about bream fishing — whether you’re using crickets, nightcrawlers or whatever, as long as the kids are having fun.”

Blue Mountain Lake

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

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

Cook’s Lake
(updated 6-6-2024) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) reports that Cook’s Lake is still high and starting to flood into the woods. He adds that no one has even been getting a bite!

Cook’s Lake is nestled in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge near Arkansas County. This fertile oxbow has slab crappie, black bass, bream and every species of catfish and 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 Saturday 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.

Horseshoe Lake

(updated 6-13-2024) Kent Williams of Oxbow Guide Service (870-278-7978) had no new reports. Most recently, he reported that crappie were getting into a post-spawn pattern and feeding heavily. Fish were scattered in the lake with plenty of fish still shallow but also enough for those that like to fish the deeper water. Jig color has not changed much — orange, silver and Electric Chicken get plenty of attention to catch fish.

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