Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report
BY Jim Harris
ON 07-29-2020
July 29, 2020
Jim Harris
Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine
This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s weekly fishing report for July 29, 2020. 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 listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for current news. Note: msl = mean sea level; cfs = cubic feet per second.
* 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: https://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: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality
Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
NOTE: Employees and contractors with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are conducting herbicide applications to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir over the next several months. The herbicides cause no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life, but will kill gardens, flowerbeds and lawns if used on neighboring lands. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with water from the lake until Feb. 1, 2021. The use of herbicides is necessary to control the current problems with alligatorweed and other invasive vegetation species that have infested the lake, restricting access to boathouses, ramps and fishing locations and hindering native wildlife and fish populations. For more information, please contact the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at (877) 470-3309.
(updated 7-29-2020) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the normal Lake Conway stain is in place and the water level is normal. Bream continue to provide good catching; use redworms or crickets. For crappie anglers, fishing deep will get good results. Use crappie minnows or small jigs. Black bass are good. Topwater baits, frogs, poppers, short and 10-inch worms and buzzbaits were all reported to be working well. Catfish are good. Go with stink bait, trotline minnows, dough bait, nightcrawlers and goldfish.
Lake Beaverfork
(updated 7-29-2020) Angler Dennis Charles says lake clarity is up to 10 feet in spots. Bream are good, fish with redworms or crickets. Crappie are fair, use jigs in black/chartreuse, or minnows. Bass are good. Anglers are using spinnerbaits, plastic worms, topwater baits, chatterbaits, buzzbaits, frogs and jigs. Look for fry. Catfish continue to bite well on stink bait, nightcrawlers, dough bait, small bream, goldfish and trotline minnows. Watch the cloud cover and barometer and scattered storms, see how well you can locate the finned critters. Follow Dennis at his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Conways-Lake-Beaverfork-Fishing-Reports-111202737334235) for the latest reports out of Beaverfork.
Little Red River
(updated 7-29-2020) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said the river is clear with generation starting at 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and running until about 7 p.m. The Corps of Engineers is running two units during this time. This is a good schedule for the summer because it keeps the water temperature good throughout the trout water. Wade fishing is available at JFK Park, Cow Shoals and Winkley Shoals during the morning and early afternoon until the generated water reaches your area. Rainbows are hitting small emergers, small mayfly nymphs and midge pupa.
(updated 7-22-2020) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-230-0730) said the Little Red River is receiving a few hours of afternoon generation each day. This pattern provides wading opportunities on the upper river in the mornings and lower river in the afternoons. For fly-fishing, he recommends midges, pheasant tails, hare’s ears, sowbugs and streamers. Pink and cotton candy colored bodies on chartreuse jigheads are recommended for Trout Magnet spin-fishing Be safe while enjoying the river. Always check before heading to the Little Red River by calling the 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 Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 461.09 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.54 feet msl).
(updated 7-29-2020) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 461.09 feet msl, 1.45 feet below normal pool of 462.54 feet msl for this time of year. The level will continue to fall with generation as needed and evaporation. Crappie action is still great spider-rigging and vertical-fishing with minnows, small crankbaits and jigs. Fish 15-30 feet deep. Walleye are schooled up together, other than a few traveling under other species eating their leftovers from busting through shad. Try dragging a nightcrawler in 23-45 feet on flats. Catfishing is going strong all over lakes and rivers. Any live or manmade baits are working on various methods. Black bass are schooling – some are shallow chasing bream, some are sitting and staying on structure out to 45 feet deep, and a gauntlet of baits are working. Bream are eating well on crawlers, crickets, inline spinners and small crankbaits from super shallow out to 20 feet. Hybrid bass and white bass are chewing at different times throughout the day and night on live bait, spoons, inline spinners, the new Largo Super Spinner, topwater baits and swimbaits in 25-45 feet depth.
(updated 7-22-2020) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood says the water is clear and just a little low after weeks of running high. Night fishing is popular now. For bass, a ¾-ounce spinnerbait and a red bug Ol’ Monster Zoom Worm will catch them.
Harris Brake Lake
(updated 7-29-2020) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said the late clarity has improved. The water is clear and is at a normal level. Reports on bream are good. Redworms, waxworms and crickets all are getting bit regularly. Crappie are good. They are 10-14 feet deep and biting minnows and jigs. Black bass are good; use a topwater in the early mornings, use a plastic worm the rest of the day. Catfishing is good. A 39.5-pound catfish was caught this week, they report. Small bream or perch, shiners and goldfish will get the cats.
Lake Overcup
NOTE: Employees and contractors with the AGFC are conducting herbicide applications to Overcup over the next several months. The herbicides cause no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life, but will kill gardens, flowerbeds and lawns if used on neighboring lands. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with lake water through until Feb. 1, 2021. The use of herbicides is necessary to control the current problems with alligatorweed and other invasive vegetation species that have infested the lake and, if left uncontrolled, could restrict access to boathouses, ramps and fishing locations and hinder native wildlife and fish populations.
(updated 7-29-2020) Randy DeHart at Lakeview Landing (501-354-5309) said activity has been slow the last few days. Anglers are catching a few bream still, but crappie are slow and now in the deep water. He’s heard no reports on black bass or catfish. The lake is “nice and clear,” he reports. The lake level is about a half-foot below normal.
(updated 7-15-2020) Johnny “Catfish” Banks of Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park (501-354-9007) said water level is 8 inches below normal pool. Surface temperature is around 88 degrees and clarity is good. “We have am abundant amount of small shad across the lake,” Johnny notes. Bass are doing well with crankbaits and buzzbaits. Catfish are slow but anglers are still catching some 6- to 14-pounders on trotlines and jugs using catalpa worms and perch. Crappie are being caught in 12-14 feet of water about 4-7 feet down. Not catching a lot but still some good ones, 2- to 3-pounders. Bream are doing well on crickets and worms in 3-4 feet of water.
“It’s very hot out there so keep hydrated and be safe,” he says. “We have started on our new parking lot. All the boat lanes have been remarked and ready for business. Come see us at Overcup Bait Shop.”
Brewer Lake
(updated 7-29-2020) David Hall, owner of Dad’s Bait Shop (501-977-0303), said the lake remains stained and is at a normal level. Bream are biting well on worms. They are on the shoreline and around brush. Crappie are fair. You’ll find them 10 feet down around underwater brushpiles. Use minnows or jigs. Black bass are in the shallows and the bite is good. Use spinnerbaits, buzzbaits or frogs. Catfishing is good on jugs baited with goldfish or using Danny King’s Punch Bait. White bass are being caught now, with good results on topwater baits during the day.
Lake Maumelle
(updated 7-22-2020) Westrock Landing (501-658-5598) on Highway 10 near Roland said water temperature remains in the mid-80s, and the largemouth bass bite remains fair. Some can be found outside the grass in 15-20 feet, so most are moving into deeper water biting a variety of lures. Try using drop-shots, swimbaits, deep crankbaits and spinnerbaits. The Kentucky bass (spotted bass) bite is also fair, with some reports of them being found in 18-20 feet off drops and rocky banks. Despite that fair bite, Cameron Nesterenko and Andrew Wooley still fished their way to a nice 16.30-pound stringer of five bass in Tuesday night’s tournament, and also caught the Big Bass of 4.96 pounds. Lee Brizzolara and Wes Lowder hauled in 10.77 pounds for second place.
The white bass bite is slow, Westrock reports. Some can be found in 20-22 feet in or around the channel. Try using minnows, Rooster Tails, jerkbaits and rattle-style baits. Crappie are fair. Reports have them being found in 22-25 feet. Some can still be found scattered, mixed in with the whites. Try using jigs and minnows. Bream fishing is good. They can be found on windy points by drop-offs in 14-18 feet of water. Try using crickets, worms and beetle spins. Catfishing fell off a little, with fair results this week. Try using chicken liver, nightcrawlers and baitfish.
For information on fishing the Tuesday night tournaments, call the marina.
Sunset Lake
(updated 7-29-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said catfish are still doing great off of fresh chicken livers at this lake. Also biting as well on bait shrimp, Wild Cat Blood Bait and cut skipjack. Crickets and worms seem to be bringing in the bream. And crappie have been slow but are being caught deep off of No. 6 crappie minnows. Bass have been hitting on light-colored spinnerbaits, brooder minnows and No. 12 bass minnows.
Bishop Park Ponds
(updated 7-29-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) says some large bass have been caught on brooders, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Also on big plastic worms. Crappie been slow and small off of pink crappie minnows. Catfish still biting well here as well off of fresh chicken livers, nightcrawlers and brooder minnows. Bream are doing well off of crickets and redworms.
Saline River Access in Benton
(updated 7-29-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said trotlines baited up with goldfish and black salties have been producing some great catfish as well as some bass. Bream have been great off of crickets and redworms. Crappie are good off of No. 6 crappie minnows and pink crappie minnows. Bass also are good on brooder minnows and black salties, along with plastic worms and 4-inch lizards.
Lake Norrell
(updated 7-29-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said bream have been great off of crickets drop-shotting them. Bass have been good off of spinnerbaits, brooder minnows and assorted plastics. Crappie are fair off of No. 6 crappie minnows and pink crappie minnows. Catfish have been caught off of trotlines, from goldfish and black salties to cut baits, skipjack and also shad.
Lake Winona
(updated 7-29-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said catfish, especially flatheads, have been doing very well off of dead bream, which is kind of strange since they usually just go off of live bait. A couple of young men have been doing just that, catching some very nice ones, too. Other catfish have been caught off of fresh chicken livers, bait shrimp and brooder minnows. Bream are excellent on crickets. Crappie are fair off of No. 6 crappie minnows as well off of No. 12 bass minnows. Bass have been good on crankbaits and minnows, too.
Arkansas River at Morrilton
(updated 7-1-2020) Charlie Hoke at Charlie’s Hidden Harbor at Oppelo (501-354-8080) had big news about the catfishing in the river recently, with good flatheads being caught anywhere from 10-25 feet deep. “They are drift-fishing for catfishing … a lot of the catching is when they’re floating by the tip of the jetties and when they’re floating on the upstream side of the jetties.
“I haven’t seen catfish caught like this in 3-4 years. Of course, the river has been up until now.”
Charlie says numbers of anglers in his area have improved recently, particularly with the river dropping some. “Now, the river is nice, calm, the flows are good. It’s getting in the summer months, and we see mornings where the water is down, not much generating at the power stations, and then it starts building up in the mornings. I like it when the flows are between 40,000 and 70,000 cfs.”
The jetty tips have been good for bream and bass, he says, but where there is grass nearby the bass are moving toward the grass lines. White bass are “basically on the jetty tips” as well. Anglers are using anything from redworms to chartreuse and Firetiger crankbaits and doing “fairly well on that. When the water is starting to clear, they’ll probably have to go to pearl or white colors and they’ll be doing pretty good.” Anglers are also getting a few white bass now below the dam, catching those on crankbaits.
“Then you go up the Petit Jean River, and I had a man who caught some big crappie, not a lot, but some big crappie on live minnows,” he notes.
Bream are starting to move around a lot and are good now where water is coming up to the grass lines, and it’s good for the bass too. The bream are running the edges and biting crickets.
But it’s the catfish that have him pumped up. “The catfish are just going nuts. We’ve had some 40-pounders caught.”
Charlie urges people who stop on the river islands to be aware of the lease turns that are now in the islands now and to be careful where they stop. “I’m told they have chicks on just about every island, so be careful where you step if you’re going to get on an island.”
Arkansas River (Cadron Pool)
No report.
Little Maumelle River
(updated 7-29-2020) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) says the river is clear and at a normal level. Bream reports are good; use worms or crickets. Crappie are poor. Black bass are good early in the morning, then late in the day. The main river is better for bass fishing, he says. Spinnerbaits, soft plastic worms and buzzbaits are being used with success. Catfish reports are fair. Use worms or chicken liver.
Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
On Wednesday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam was 2,689 cfs.
(updated 7-29-2020) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) had no new reports.
Arkansas River (Little Rock Pool)
On Wednesday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam was 1,739 cfs. Flow at the Terry Lock and Dam was 1,534 cfs.
(updated 7-29-2020) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river fishing has been pretty tough with a low flow. The main channel is starting to clear up. The water level is perhaps a half-foot below normal. Bass are good on shaky heads, finesse jigs with watermelon red or natural colors off the jetties. Use Whopper Ploppers in the morning and other topwater baits in the late afternoons (close to sunset). They say that if you can find dirty water in the backwater areas or around wood, use a shad-colored spinnerbait or chartreuse-colored square-bill crank – the square-bill in that color is good in the main channel as well.
(updated 7-29-2020) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) said the catfish are biting well around Murray Lock and Dam and Murray Park on skipjack. Bream are good and being caught in 3-4 feet of water in the backwaters at the Willow Beach area and the Burns Park area; use crickets. Black bass are good on the early bite with topwaters fished around the rocks on the main river.
Clear Lake (off Arkansas-River-Little Rock Pool)
No reports.
Peckerwood Lake
(update 7-22-2020) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said clarity is clear and the water level is normal. Bream are good on worms and crickets. Crappie remain poor. Black bass are fair; topwater baits and plastic worms are being used most. Catfishing is good using worms, chicken liver, cut bait, prepared bait and hot dogs.
(update 7-15-2020) Wil Hafner, AGFC Education Program Specialist at Cook’s Lake Potlatch Conservation Education Center near Casscoe, fished Peckerwood recently and said he caught a limit of bream on nightcrawlers, crickets and Bonehead Tackle Stump Bugs. Most were on the bed in about 3 feet of water.
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River
(updated 7-29-2020) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “The water level at Bull Shoals Lake is dropping nicely; probably not as quickly as the lake anglers would like and probably a little too fast for river denizens who would like to see less generation from the dam. But less than two months ago we were very close to reaching flood pool and the possibility of spillway releases, so I applaud the Corps of Engineers for the successful management of massive amounts of water and keeping all of us in the White River water shed from being flooded.
“We continue to receive an average of four units (12,000 cfs) round-the-clock with little or no drop overnight. Food supply is plentiful for the trout, so look for something to shiny or catch their attention. We’re still seeing a good bite using the orange-bellied stick baits; blue backs are preferred over black. While the higher water level might produce a smaller fish count, you’ll be more likely to catch a fatter rainbow drifting a red wriggler or any of the XFactor scented worms. Try a white worm and see what bites.
“The golden rainbows are an eye-catcher and fun to watch. I’ll say it again: Hook them with purple – purple Trout Magnet with some added weight to keep the bait nearer the bottom than topwaters.
“Early morning is the best time to be on the river with casting crawdad tails or crawfish crankbaits near the bank. We’re looking forward to a small drop in the temperature and maybe a shower or two. That means overcast skies – the absolutely best time to fish for trout. Come on over and test the forecast for fishing. See you soon.”
(updated 7-29-2020) Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) says fishing is very good this week. Anglers are catching a lot of the hybrid tiger trout that were stocked in the White below Bull Shoals Dam several weeks back. They report that “everything is biting well.” The river clarity is “really good, a little mossy towards the evening.” The river continues to run high with eight generators running round-the-clock from Bull Shoals Dam.
(updated 7-29-2020) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said that this week they had no rain, hot temperatures (to include heat advisories) and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals fell 1.8 feet to rest at 26.4 feet above seasonal power pool of 661 feet msl. This is 7.6 feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock fell 2.7 feet to rest at 3.4 feet above seasonal power pool and 10.6 feet above the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell 0.8 foot to rest at 4.6 feet above seasonal power pool and 4 feet below the top of flood pool. The White had moderate generation in the morning and heavy generation in the afternoon. There was no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell 2 feet to rest at 15.7 feet above seasonal power pool of 555.75 feet msl and 8.5 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork tailwater had low flows overnight and heavy flows during the day. The lakes in the White River system are still near the top of flood pool. Expect heavy generation and no wadable water into the fall.
The grass hopper bite is upon us. Use a shorter leader and bang the bank. John’s favorite fly is a western pink lady size 8. Add a dropper (size 14 pheasant tail nymph) to increase your catch.
The White has fished well. The lower flows seen in the mornings have been extremely productive. 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 a cerise San Juan worm with a peach egg) suspended below it).
John said, “My wife, Lori, and I both consider ourselves teaching guides. We specialize in teaching beginners how to fly-fish, either in our fly-fishing classes at Arkansas State University Mountain Home or on-stream. The basic principle is individual attention. We concentrate our efforts in showing our students exactly how to catch fish. We are frequently called on to improve outcomes.
“My friend Dave Boyer, the president of the North Arkansas Fly Fishers, called me to assist him in helping his granddaughter to catch trout. It should be noted that Dave is an accomplished angler and an outstanding fly-tyer. He had taken her to Dry Run Creek and on the White River. She was hooking trout but was having a problem with line control while fighting fish and was not landing them. I suggested a return to Dry Run Creek but he was more interested in fishing on the White River, despite our current high-water conditions.
“We scheduled a trip. I asked Lori to accompany us because she is very competent when guiding children and I thought that she would be especially effective with Hope. She is a great example of women in fly-fishing and would be able to better relate with a young lady.
“Lori and I met them early to avoid the heat of the day. There was a heavy fog on the river. It was a cool start but the temperature was to climb into the 90s that afternoon. The river was high. The flow was around 17,000 cfs, or more than five full generators.
“The fishing was not easy. Because of the high water, we were casting heavily weighted two fly rigs with long leaders (10.5 feet). We tried several flies but had the best result with a weighted peach egg pattern suspended below a cerise San Juan worm. Lori concentrated her full attention on coaching Hope. I concentrated on operating the boat, keeping us on trout and netting Dave’s trout.
“When we started, Lori gave Hope an in depth-casting lesson that was specific toward handling the heavy rig. As we fished, she kept an eagle eye on Hope’s strike indicator and let her know whenever she had a strike. When Hope had a fish on, Lori jumped into action and would gently lift her rod to show her how much tension to put on the trout and to keep the line tight. She carefully coached her on how to land each fish. When she made an error, Lori gently explained what had gone wrong and how to correct it. We she did something right, Lori praised her. As the day went on, Hope improved. She began catching trout. She ended the day matching granddad fish for fish and caught the big fish of the day, a stout 18-inch rainbow. Hope learned a lot and Dave was pleased.
“The best way to teach is individual attention from an instructor than can relate to their student.”
Bull Shoals Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 686.92 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 661.20 feet msl). Table Rock Lake above Bull Shoals on Wednesday was at 919.96 feet msl (normal conservation pool is 917.00 feet msl).
(updated 7-29-2020) Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock says there have been no changes in the fishing and pretty much the water on Bull Shoals Lake the past week. The clarity is dingy to clear and the surface water temperature is 89 degrees. The water level, though high, is falling. The Corps of Engineers is still limiting access to ramps and parking, so Del suggests customers/boaters/anglers call first, especially on weekends. Summer fishing patterns are in effect. For largemouth bass, fish with topwaters in the mornings. Berkley Wake Bait, poppers, Whopper Plopper, buzzbaits or chatterbaits continue to work for power fishing shallow if it’s cloudy or stormy. During the day, smallies and spotted bass (Kentucky bass) are stacked out on main and secondary points, sunken islands, humps, channel swing bluffs and bluff ends. With shad present, fish position will change depending on sun, wind, current, clouds, etc. Still a lot of places for them to hide with high water, so keep it moving. Use a big worm in sunken trees, near ledges, or a half-ounce jig in green pumpkin orange or green pumpkin blue in 18-28 feet of water. Smallmouth bass are at gravel banks, boat ramps and old roads. Drag baits like the Ned rig, Hula Grubs, tubes, the Lil’ McMinnow, and fish a drop-shot suspenders off bluff points, main lake points and hump islands at 24-34 feet depth. Visit Del’s YouTube page (Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock) for video with more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.
Norfork Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 570.99 feet msl (normal conservation pool: Sept.-April, 552.00 feet msl; April-Sept., 555.95 feet msl).
(updated 7-15-2020) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters said Norfork Lake is in a state of flux. The stripers have migrated from the mid-lake area and are now being caught in Diamond Bay and the points around the dam. The oxygen level is good at 100 feet near the dam, and in the other parts of the lower part of the lake the oxygen levels are OK. “Each morning I start out fishing by 5:30 a.m. but rarely catch a striper until 6 a.m. I cannot figure out where in the early mornings they are hanging out. The thermocline needs to set into its normal level around 34 feet, and the high temperatures this week should drive it down. Right now we are catching stripers in 20-80 feet deep all at one time. It’s crazy on what we’re doing. My setup has two free-lines and six downlines all set from 20-80 feet. Normally I set the lines all the same, but now you have to stagger your lines just to catch stripers. Today I caught a striper on a free-line, one at 60 feet, and one at 80 feet.
“The other major problem is there is no consistent secondary bite. Once the main bite is over, which usually ends around 7 a.m., we are having a difficult time getting stripers to bite. You can see lots of stripers on the bottom but they just look at the bait. Once we can figure this out we should catch a limit each time we go out and the stripers quit biting due to the oxygen depletion.”
Norfork Tailwater
(updated 7-29-2020) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said Norfork Lake fell 2 feet to rest at 15.7 feet above seasonal power pool of 555.75 feet msl and 8.5 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork tailwater had low flows overnight and heavy flows during the day. The lakes in the White River system are still near the top of flood pool. Expect heavy generation and no wadable water into the fall.
The Norfork tailwater 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. Egg patterns have also been productive. Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try an egg pattern 18 inches below a cerise San Juan worm. The fishing is better in the morning.
Dry Run Creek is fishing well. With summer here there is a lot of pressure. Fish early or late to avoid the crowds. The Norfork National Fish Hatchery is closed, so there are no open restrooms available there. The hot flies have been sowbugs (size 14), Y2Ks (size 12), various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise size 10) and mop flies.
Buffalo National River/Crooked Creek
(updated 7-29-2020) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Buffalo National River and Crooked Creek are low and gin clear. John’s favorite fly on these waters 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 Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,125.91 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 1,121.43 feet msl).
(updated 7-29-2020) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) says Beaver Lakes continues to slowly drop closer to normal level. Fishing is smack-dab into dog days. Striper are good early and late. Look for fish from Point 6 to the dam suspended 30-50 feet deep in water anywhere from 100-175 feet deep. It is recommended to not release fish right now because most will not survive. Of course, if they are short you must release them, but otherwise the AGFC recommends keeping them, and when you have your limit, stop fishing. Crappie are fair on brush and trolling cranks. Find the shad and crappie will be near. Bass have some real early topwater happening other than that bite is fair. Catfishing is good on all methods.
(updated 7-29-2020) Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said that fishing under the lights continues to produce good results. The lake is clear and while Beaver Lake remains above normal, it is coming down. Bream fishing is fair; use redworms or crickets. Crappie are good. Some crappie are in the cover and some are being caught in open water. Minnows, jigs, crankbaits, trolling and spider-rigging, are working. Black bass are good. Go with topwater baits in the morning, switch to a shaky head during the day. Various baits continue to work at night, but jigs seem to be as close to a sure thing as there is. Catfishing is good. Chicken liver or live bait is best on trotlines or jugs.
Beaver Tailwater
(updated 7-29-2020) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says fishing this past month has been quite good. “Sorry for no report last week, I have been tied up daily with fire department duties and guiding trips. The trout have been spread out throughout the tailwaters. Most have been between the dam and Bertrand Access launch ramp. A TON of slow fish have been caught and released in this time frame. Most are being caught with light terminal tackle and various PowerBaits. Spoons and jigs have also produced nice numbers as well.
“There is a easily identifiable ‘slime line’. Fish the cold water side, find good pockets of trout. If you fish the warm side, you will find some white bass, Kentucky bass and perch. Soft plastics, fished near structure and chunk rock, have produced nice numbers on these fish.
“The water is steadily going down, so the bigger boats that have been able to enjoy the tailwater will soon find it extremely difficult and maybe even dangerous to navigate. Hope you all are staying hydrated and safe. Until next time, tight lines to all.” For more information, contact Austin through his Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service).
War Eagle Creek/Beaver Lake Area
(updated 7-15-2020) Loy Lewis with War Eagle Creek Outfitting (479-530-3262) said, “Summertime is on, love it, and thank you very much!” Smallmouth bass fishing is happening in War Eagle Creek. Bass are schooled up in spring holes and when catching one, fish that spot a while longer and you may catch a half-dozen it the same pool. Use Ned rigs with red flakes or a Texas-rigged 4-inch or 6-inch watermelon-colored worm. When fish are feeding in the rapids, look for 3- or 4-foot deep small holes and throw a Mepps Spoon or spinnerbait and you just need to throw once in a hot spot while floating through the rapids, and hurry the reel up and cast in the next hot spot. Crankbaits and topwater baits are producing great action, and live minnows are everywhere and will be great bait!
In the Big Clifty arm of Beaver Lake, Rambo Cove access, North Clifty cove, the black bass fishing is excellent. “The old pig-and-jig works great, especially night fishing. The daybreak topwater is excellent on cove main channels! Catfishing on jugs with live perch and on poles will catch some great grilling fish. You can catch perch on live worms by waterfalls and land some perch big enough for grill, also!”
The Carroll County paved road 108 off of Arkansas Highway 23 goes to the easy bass boat ramp and anglers can fish all three coves easy, as well as get to the big waters in the main lake channel connecting coves. Madison County Road 8455 to 8465 off of Arkansas Highway 127 goes to the easy boat access at the end of cove and the no wake zone cove has great kayaking, canoeing and bank fishing access, Loy says. Follow War Eagle Creek Outfitting on Facebook for photos; call 479-530-3262 for guided trips and for free water access and parking.
Lake Fayetteville
(updated 7-29-2020) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) says the lake is still murky but the level is back up to normal. More bream were being caught in good numbers this week; use redworms or crickets. Crappie aren’t being caught now. Black bass are good on topwater baits and plastic worms. Catfishing is on fire now, with excellent catches. Use worms, chicken liver, glow worms and the basic catfish bait.
Lake Fort Smith
No reports.
Lake Sequoyah
(updated 7-29-2020) Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) says the lake remains a little stained. The water level is about 8 inches to a foot low. Bream fishing continues to be excellent. They are all up on the shoreline. Anglers have used worms, crickets and, like last week, most everything else a bream would bite. Crappie are good on minnows, jigs and trolling little crankbaits in deeper water. Black bass are good; anglers are using topwaters early in the morning and small creature baits the rest of the day. Catfishing is good on stink bait or cut bait.
Crown Lake
(updated 7-29-2020) Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) says that the lake is so clear, you can see about 6-8 feet deep. The water level is normal. Bream fishing has been good. Redworms and crickets are working, and the best fishing is around the docks or off the points. No reports on crappie. Black bass are good for anglers using topwaters early in the mornings and late in the evenings. Catfish are being caught in good numbers at night; use stink bait, perch or goldfish.
Lake Charles
(updated 7-29-2020) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said black bass are biting well on plastic worms (dark colors) and live worms, and also shad. Also, don’t forget the topwater baits. The bass are biting around 5 feet depth. Bream are hitting worm as well, plus jigs will work. Crappie are good on minnows, jigs and worms. Catfish are good on worms, blood bait, stink bait and chicken liver. Shelly says the expected good fishing days in August are Aug. 1-6, then the best days should be Aug. 16-22. The lake remains murky and the surface water temperature Sunday morning was 65 degrees. The lake level is normal.
Lake Poinsett
(updated 7-29-2020) The lake at Lake Poinsett State Park has been undergoing a renovation with plans to refill it later this year and for fishing to resume at levels far better than in recent years, thanks to improved fish habitat and new underwater structures. The water control structure was also repaired.
Spring River
(updated 7-15-2020) Mark Crawford of Spring River Flies and Guides said water levels are at 490 cfs (350 average), and water clarity has been green tinted. No rain in the last few weeks has water levels coming down. “Still flowing little strong but getting easier to wade. The river has been up for so long the trout are biting really good as river levels drop,” Mark says.
Lately Woolly Buggers in brown, olive and flaming orange have been hot. “We are fishing early and off the water after lunch due to the heat. The trout have been biting great early in the day, and as the day heats up, the bite slows.”
Trout cranks and hot pink and black Trout Magnets have been working well with spin-fishing. “Any type of crankbait is good about getting down to the fish. Like the trout cranks, it must float. Fishing the Spring, it will hang on bottom in the rocks constantly. If it floats just give some slack and a lot of times it will float out.”
Mark also said, “The river is very cold this time of year and feels great! Get out and have a good time. And please keep our river clean.” For the latest river conditions and more information from Mark, visit his blog at springriverfliesandguides.com.
(updated 7-29-2020) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Spring River is navigable. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and North Fork rivers. Canoe season is here and it can get very crowded. 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 Wednesday that the White River stage at Batesville was at 10.14 feet, almost 5 feet below the flood stage of 15.0 feet. At Newport, the river is at 12.19, more than 13 feet below the flood stage of 26.0 feet. The stage at Augusta is 24.19 feet, almost a 2 feet below the flood stage of 26.0 feet.
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff Pool)
(updated 7-29-2020) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no reports.
Arkansas River (Pool 2)
No reports.
Lake Chicot
(updated 7-29-2020) Brian Whitson, park interpreter at Lake Chicot State Park (870-265-5480), had no reports.
Lake Monticello
(updated 7-29-2020) The lake is undergoing a repair to the dam and improvements to the fish habitat and is currently drawn down.
Cane Creek Lake
No report.
Millwood Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 259.42 feet msl (normal pool: 259.20 feet msl).
(updated 7-29-2020) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said that as of Tuesday Millwood Lake is near normal level, current 1-2 inches above normal conservation pool with a discharge around 1,700 cfs in Little Rock, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. The tailwater below the dam and gates as of Monday remains around 227 feet msl and stable with discharge. Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or at the Corps of Engineers website, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels. Millwood State Park and Marina are open. See the COVID-19 related information and camping reservation requirements at www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/millwood-state-park.
Surface temps are stable this week ranging 84-88 degrees. Continue to use caution in navigation on Little River and Millwood watching for random broken, or floating timber. We noted numerous river markers along Little River from Yarborough Point, down iver to open lake have been replaced, and in good condition to Paraloma Trail!
Clarity in the oxbows is improved and consistent. Little River is normal stain this week, ranging 10-12 inches. Further up Little River has more stain. The oxbows clarity is moderate stain, ranging 18-25 inches depth of visibility depending on location.
Also, Millwood Lake has received 611,275 Florida Bass fingerlings stocked this year per the AGFC. Additionally, the AGFC added another 40-50 PVC fishing attractors last week in the Saratoga, Beard’s Bluff, Cottonshed and Okay Landing areas. These attractors should be uploaded to the AGFC website/active map shortly.
As for fishing details:
* Largemouth bass: Over the past couple weeks, most largemouths are actively feeding at night and at early daybreak for a few hours in the oxbows of McGuire, Mud and Horseshoe lakes. Stuttersteps and shallow square-bill cranks in Millwood Magic were drawing random reactions the last few weeks. Bill Lewis Lures’ SB-57 and Echo 1.75 crankbait square bills in Ghost Minnow, Bluegill and Sneaky Shad and MR-6 Crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps in Millwood Magic, SplatterBack or Ghost continue getting good responses as the sun rises and the largemouth transition to vertical structure after 9-10 a.m. Target vertical drops near 3-6 feet deep flats that transition into 12-14 feet structure. With the lake on a slow fall, lots of the bass are pulling out of creek channels dumping into Little River and onto the points with large stumps and pads. A random straggler can still be found well into the creek channel as long as adequate depth and a fast escape route is close to the points extending into the river.
Schooling juvenile bass have presented for several mornings over the past few weeks in Mud and Horseshoe oxbows up Little River. SpinTraps in chrome/blue, Rat-L-Traps in SplatterBack or Millwood Magic, custom-painted Little John Crankbaits, and square bills are catching these surface breakers during the shad-busting frenzy. Several schools were simultaneously surface-breaking on threadfin shad over the past few mornings. Clear Baby Torpedoes, chrome/black Dying Flutters and Spooks were also catching these schooling juvenile bass this week at the surface between 6-10 a.m.
Texas-rigged Senkos, Trick Worms and Salty Rat Tails continue working near cypress trees and knees, drawing a fair response from lethargic bass in 8-12 feet depth. Best colors have been the watermelon candy, Blue Ice and June bug/blue tail.
* White Bass: Disappeared, and none of the several folks we spoke with has found them yet. We’re planning to drop some spoons in some 30-35 feet deep water, old white bass summer structure, washout holes in Little River this week and see if we can locate them again. Stay tuned.
* Crappie: Best bite continues to be early, as it has for the past 3-4 weeks. Minnows and jigs have had the most consistent response with minnows having a slight edge, working away from current and flow of Little River, in any clearer water sections of the oxbows and Millwood State Park, and near Okay Landing and Cottonshed areas near cypress trees from 3-5 feet deep and planted brush piles from 8-10 feet of depth. Millwood State Park continues seeing good activity in the pockets and coves near cypress trees and grass from 6-12 feet of depth. Several guys we spoke with over the past few days were catching one here, one there in planted brush along Little River, but river crappie haven’t been as consistent as the ones in the clearer sections of the main lake or oxbows.
* Catfish: Have slowed somewhat over the past few days on tight lines in Little River, at least according to a few folks we stopped and yakked with in the river the other day. Cut shad or buffalo, goldfish (available at Millwood State Park Marina), spoiled chicken hearts and gizzards, or Punch Baits were working well for 2-4 pound blues and channel cats. They’re randomly taking a few, but it was slow.
* Bream: No report.
Lake Columbia
No reports.
Lake Greeson Tailwater
Visit www.littlemissouriflyflishing.com for a daily update on fishing conditions.
Lake Greeson
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 542.29 feet msl (normal pool: 548.00 feet msl).
No reports.
DeGray Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 404.12 feet msl (normal pool: 408.00 feet msl).
(updated 7-29-2020) John Duncan of yoyoguideservice.com at Iron Mountain Marina said the lake level is at 404.33 feet msl with a slight drop. Water is clear and warm. Water temperature is in the high 80s. “It’s the summer slowdown. Black bass are really locked in on the summer pattern. Topwaters like Whopper Plopper early or buzzbaits. Crankbaits and jerkbaits as the sun gets higher, and finishing off on points with soft plastics.
He says some black bass are surfacing with whites and Kentucky bass. Bream can be found in the brushpiles above the thermocline and along the edges of the shoreline brush using crickets. “Try the brushy points or beds you locate with your electronics,” he said.
Crappie are very slow. “You can find them in the vertical timber and brushpiles. They are just very finicky on the bite. Minnows or jigs, same bite.
“Hybrid fishing is also slow right now. Some reports of midday surfacing around the state park and Iron Mountain. Whites are being seen pretty well all over. These schools have been reluctant to stay up for long periods of time. Whopper Plopper or Pistol Minnow is great on surfacing fish. Crankbaits and spoons also produce. Be safe and remember social distancing.”
De Queen Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 437.31 feet msl (normal pool: 437.00 feet msl).
Dierks Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 525.91 feet msl (normal pool: 526.00 feet msl).
White Oak Lake
(updated 7-22-2020) Curtis Willingham of River Rat Bait (870-231-3831) said he’s been in the river with the river finally at normal level. The catfish are good on Sonny’s Stink Bait, nightcrawlers and cold worms. Bream will bite well on crickets and worms in the oxbows. He reports that maintenance is being done on Upper White Oak Lake with a drawdown for habitat work. Water is a little murky and at a normal level.
Felsenthal
No reports.
Lake Atkins
No reports.
Lake Catherine
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
No reports.
Lake Catherine (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
(updated 7-29-2020) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 64 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Entergy has scheduled an 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. generation pattern that has included an open floodgate at times below Carpenter Dam, which has created a dangerous flow. Boaters are cautioned to remain a safe distance from the dam during this time. Rainbow trout fishing is very slow with the majority of fish either caught or migrated away from the dam. Months of the trout season were lost due to flooding, much like last year. Typically the trout season is now over on Lake Catherine, and this year is no exception. While the white bass spawn is over, good numbers of fish remain in the tailrace and are feeding on shad. The size is running small but these fish are actively feeding and are being caught on jigs, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and live minnows. Walleye are also present from the bridge to the dam and being taken on the same presentations. The hot weather draws these fish to the tailrace to feed on shad and crayfish.
The hot summer weather has drawn big numbers of freshwater drum into the tailrace. These fish range from 2 pounds to 20 pounds and larger. These fish feed on shad and crawfish and are also caught on nightcrawlers. The strikes are hard and fast and bank anglers are cautioned not to leave rods unattended. Expensive tackle is easily jerked into the lake by actively feeding drum.
Little topwater action has been observed around the dam this week, which normally marks the feeding patterns of big stripers that migrate in and out of the area to rest and feed. Hybrid bass often accompany these predator fish and both species can be hooked by casting Super Spooks and weightless jigs in a rainbow trout color.
Flow discharges can change rapidly and anyone navigating the Carpenter Dam tailrace is urged to stay alert and always wear a life jacket when on the water.
Lake Dardanelle
(updated 7-29-2020) Jason Baumgartner, park aquarist at Lake Dardanelle State Park (479-890-7495), said that with less rainfall and slower river flow, the water has cleared up near the surface and visibility reaches a few feet. Surface temperature is 88 degrees. As of Tuesday the Army Corps of Engineers last reported river flow at Ozark Lock and Dam was at 18,000 cfs. The Ozark tailwater was near 338 feet msl. River flow at Dardanelle Lock and Dam has been near 8,000 cfs Tuesday morning. Dardanelle tailwater level has moved between 4 and 5 feet. The pool elevation near the State Park has held in recent days and is near 337 feet msl. River flow at both Ozark and Dardanelle has been fairly stagnant at times and most, if not all, of the flow has been through the powerhouses, which have been generating most days.
As for fishing, no fishing tournaments were held at the State Park this past weekend.
Lake Dardanelle State Park continues to comply with State and Federal guidelines and directives for social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The status of our facilities continues to be evaluated. In accordance with the governor’s directive, tournament officials are required to submit an event plan and permit application to the Arkansas Department of Health prior to their event. Tournament officials are also required to present their ADH permit and event plan to Lake Dardanelle State Park and agree to tournament regulations regarding COVID-19. For details or questions contact our visitor center at (479) 967-5516.
A persistent high-pressure system settled over Arkansas this past week with very little upper level flow in atmosphere to move any weather fronts. The region experienced mostly clear skies with sunshine, heat and humidity. According to the National Weather Service, a couple of factors in play for the upcoming weather forecast. Currently, a frontal boundary has been stalled over southern Missouri. The upper level jet stream over Canada is expected to create ridging over the western U.S. and flow from the northwest toward Arkansas. This will interact with that stalled frontal boundary to bring increased rain chances to the area Wednesday through Friday with possible rainfall amounts ranging 2-4 inches.
“Be safe while on the river and take time to put a line the water!” he said.
Lake Hamilton
(updated 7-29-2020) Greeson Marine, hometown dealer of the Arkansas-born-and-bred Xpress all-welded aluminum fishing boats in Hot Springs, reports Lake Hamilton’s temperatures in the mid-80s in most parts of the lake with exception to the river channel. Bass have been doing pretty well lately! Largemouths are biting in the early morning and evening and even doing well at night. Dragging or dropping big black worms and lizards in shaded areas are getting strikes. With that said don’t forget about topwater! Shaded areas hold bass all day long. Spotted bass (God love ’em!) are hungry all the time and will eagerly take drop-shot rigs, Ned rigs and wacky rigs all day long on main points, piers and under boat docks. Colors are simple green, watermelon seed and black and blue. Spots can also be caught on topwater baits when they do their feeding frenzy throughout the day.
Crappie are hit or miss lately. Skipping or shooting shaded boat docks in the 10-15 foot range has been working if you are patient enough to find the dock that they have congregated on! Shad imitations and minnows are the go-to here.
Catfish are good everywhere and easily caught after dark anywhere in the 20-foot-depth range near or in current. “My favorite is cheddar cheese hunks. The less expensive the better! Just throw it out on a weighted line and enjoy the evening tight lining. Good luck, and Go Greeson!
Lake Nimrod
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 344.31 feet msl (normal pool: 344.31 feet msl).
(updated 7-29-2020) Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) says the water is clear and surface temperature is 91 degrees. Water level is normal. Bream are good. They are in 3-5 feet depth on the points. Use worms or crickets. The crappie bite continues to be excellent. They are being caught 6-8 feet deep away from brush. Any jigs in white/chartreuse or blue/white colors will lead to success, and minnows are also working. Black bass are good. Topwater baits, worms, June bugs and War Eagle Buzzbaits in chartreuse, black and white colors are the way to go. Catfishing is good on limblines or jugs set 6-feet deep and by noodling.
Lake Ouachita
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 574.92 feet msl (normal pool: 578.00 feet msl).
(updated 7-29-2020) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out of state) reports that black bass are slow to fair. Big Texas-rigged worms and jighead worms are working best. Try red bug, plum or blood line colors. Walleye are good. Spoons and bottom bouncers with small spinners tipped with a crawler are working best. Stripers are good. They’re being caught on live bait on the east part of the lake. Bream are still good with crickets or worms in 15-25 feet of water. Crappie are slow. Try a small jig or minnow near brush in 15-25 feet of water. Catfish are good and being caught on trotlines and jugs. Cut bait and live bait are working best. Water temperature is ranging 80-85 degrees and the clarity is clear. The lake level earlier this week was 575.07 feet msl. 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 Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 386.27 feet msl (normal pool: 386.36 feet msl).
Cook’s Lake
(updated 7-29-2020) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Conservation Education Center (870-241-3373) says that the first couple of weeks of fishing at Cook’s Lake has been hot! Black bass are being caught around cypress trees. Most are being caught flipping black and red flake tubes or green pumpkin finesse jigs. Some bass can be picked off with square bills and white spinnerbaits. Bluegill have been good around laydowns and cypress trees with crickets. Crappie have been hit-or-miss but should get better as the water goes down. Try black and chartreuse jigs in hollow cypress trees. “No one has targeted catfish, but they should be biting, too!” Wil says.
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 Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., water level pending. Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility impaired, 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, please 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, call the center at 870-241-3373.
Bear Creek Lake/Storm Creek Lake
(updated 7-29-2020) Natalie Faughn, assistant superintendent at Mississippi River State Park (870-295-4040), had no reports.
Horseshoe Lake
(updated 7-29-2020) Fishing guide Ronnie Tice (901-687-6800) said had no report.
White River/Clarendon Area
No fishing reports. The Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday reported the Clarendon gauge at 21.38 feet, well under the flood stage of 26.00 feet.
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