Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report
BY Jim Harris
ON 08-05-2020
Aug. 5, 2020
Jim Harris
Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine
This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s weekly fishing report for Aug. 5, 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
Eighty-one-year-old Happy Caldwell had a happy time fishing DeGray Lake recently with guide John Duncan. Read more about the fishing going on at DeGray in its listing under Southwest Arkansas lakes below.
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 8-5-2020) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the normal Lake Conway stain is prevalent and the lake is at a normal level. Bream are responding with good results. Redworms, crickets and hand-tied jigs will work. Crappie reports are fair; try crappie minnows or small jigs. Black bass are good. Anglers report success with spinnerbaits, plastic worms, topwater baits, frogs and buzzbaits. Catfishing is good. Go with stink bait, dough bait, nightcrawlers, goldfish, trotline minnows or small bream.
Lake Beaverfork
(updated 8-5-2020) Angler Dennis Charles reports that there has been no change in the fishing from last week to this one, other than bass are hiding in the grass. The bass bite has been good; anglers are finding success using spinnerbaits, plastic worms, topwaters, chatterbaits, buzzbaits, frogs and jigs. 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. Dennis says lake clarity is up to 10 feet in spots. 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 8-5-2020) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said, “We’re in the summertime pattern of afternoon generation. This can vary slightly each day, so it’s best to check the schedule (USACE Little Rock is a good app for your phone). The schedule has been from about 3-6 p.m. with one or two units each day. Water temperature has been from about 52 degrees at the dam to 65 degrees at 305 bridge below Pangburn.
The banks are slick due to daily generation, so watch your step as you walk into the river.
The bite has been good on 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 460.62 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.54 feet msl).
(updated 8-5-2020) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 460.61 feet msl, 1.93 feet below normal pool of 462.54 feet msl for this time of year. The lake will continue to fall with generation as needed and through evaporation. Crappie action is still great spider-rigging and vertical-fishing with minnows, small crankbaits and jigs fished 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, and any live or manmade baits are working on various methods. Black bass are schooling, some are shallow chasing bream, and some are sitting and staying on structure out to 45 feet deep. A gauntlet of baits are working on the bass. Bream are eating well on crawlers, crickets, inline spinners and small crank baits 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. Most of the fish are 25-45 feet deep.
(updated 8-5-2020) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood says the water is normal, perhaps slightly low, and clear. Black bass are biting well in the early mornings and late evenings on Carolina rigs, deep-diving crankbaits and big swimbaits in 20 feet of water.
Harris Brake Lake
(updated 8-5-2020) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said the lake is clear and at a normal level. Nice-size bream are being caught in good numbers, they report. Redworms, waxworms and crickets all are working. Crappie are good. They’re in 10-14 feet depth and are biting minnows and jigs. Black bass are good. Try a topwater bait early in the morning, and go with minnows, the usual below-surface lures and purple worms and other plastic worms the rest of the day. Catfish are good, with some large catfish being hauled in. Small bream or perch, shad, shiners and goldfish are all catching them.
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 8-5-2020) Randy DeHart at Lakeview Landing (501-354-5309) said the water at Overcup remains “nice and clear” and the level is a half-foot low. Bream reports are fair. The catches are not high in numbers, but the fish being caught “are nice-size bream,” he said. Use redworms or crickets. Crappie are fair. They in deeper water; minnows or jigs (particularly one with a pink head and chartreuse body) will work. Black bass are good. Go with rattle-style baits and fish the grassy areas or under the docks. Catfishing is fair. Shad is working best for the cats.
(updated 8-5-2020) Johnny “Catfish” Banks of Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park (501-354-9007) had no report.
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 8-5-2020) Westrock Landing (501-658-5598) on Highway 10 near Roland said the water is warm and the fishing has been slow. Water temperature is in the 90s. Largemouth bass bite is 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 15-20 feet off drops and rocky banks. No one broke double-digits in pounds in Tuesday night’s black bass tournament; Matt Hedrick and Kevin Hannah won with a five-bass stringer of 9.04 pounds edging Robert and Tracy White’s 8.87 pounds. Gary Harris and Rudy Westbrook did land a nice bass for Big Bass, a 5.48-pounder.
The white bass bite remains slow, Westrock reports. Some can be found in 20-22 feet in or around the channel. Use 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. Go with 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 is fair on chicken liver, nightcrawlers and baitfish.
For information on fishing the Tuesday night tournaments, call the marina.
Sunset Lake
(updated 8-5-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said catfish have been biting chicken livers, nightcrawlers, skipjack and minnows. Fish shallow water in the early morning and at night, and go to the bottom of deep water during the hot part of the day. Bream fishing has been good with crickets and redworms around the brushy stuff and grassy areas. Try to set your bait just off the bottom under a small float and fish around the edges close to the cover. Crappie have been biting fair for some. The few minutes of light before the sun comes up is when you’ll get the bites and then it’s over. Fish around the dock and any vertical stick-ups like trees or brush. No. 4 and No. 6 minnows and pink crappie minnows or Bobby Garland Baby Shad Jigs have been working. Bass have been more active early and late in the day and are hitting Carolina-rigged and floating plastics as well as topwater baits and buzzbaits. Move around the lake and fish close to any cover. Remember, Sunset Lake is an AGFC Family and Community Fishing Program lake and has special regulations. Know the rules.
Bishop Park Ponds
(updated 8-5-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) says bream have been biting well for some young anglers fishing with crickets and redworms. Most have been small but a few nice ones and some catfish have been caught, too. All of them have been big fun for the kids. Bass fishing has been fair with minnows, floating worms and small topwater baits. Crappie have been slow but some small ones have been biting #4 and pink minnows. Catfish are biting fair on chickens livers, night crawlers, bait shrimp and minnows.
Saline River Access in Benton
(updated 8-5-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said bass are in the current and just below the shoals. Small plastics like 4-inch lizards or Baby Brush Hogs on a light Texas rig, live minnows or anything that resembles a crawdad will work. Crappie have been biting in some deep backwaters and along sunken logs that are in or near current. A small No. 4 crappie minnow on small hooks and light, clear line fished under a small bobber is the best rig to use. Catfish are biting at night on chicken livers, minnows, black salties and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Bream are plentiful and fun to catch on the river. Use light line and tackle, redworms and/or crickets and try to keep a count. It’s a perfect way to get kids started and into fishing. For a little more fight, take a little heavier tackle and some No. 12 minnows. Cast a minnow in front of one of the many gar you’ll probably see and watch it take the bait. Let the gar have a free line until it stops, then when it begins to move again, tighten your line and set the hook. Gar are hard to get a hook in, but when you do, even the small ones are a good fight. We’ve had no reports of walleye being caught recently and believe that they’ve all been caught (wink, wink).
It’s hot. Stay cool and fish hard. Leave the outdoors cleaner than you found it if you can.
Lake Norrell
(updated 8-5-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said bream fishing has been good with crickets and redworms. Fish deep around sunken logs and brush and out from the ends of docks. Catfish have been biting fair at night on chicken livers, nightcrawlers, black salties, goldfish and No. 12 minnows. Bass fishing has been good early in the morning and at night. Dark-colored plastics, buzzbaits and topwater baits are good right now. Fish the shallows and around docks and walls. Crappie have been biting well for a few anglers using No. 6 and No. 12 minnows around stick-ups and brush close to deep water or in the channel.
Lake Winona
(updated 8-5-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said catfish are biting late in the day and at night. Fish shallow and close to the bank with No. 12 minnows, nightcrawlers, chicken livers, bait shrimp, cut shad or skipjack. Bass fishing has been fair with Carolina-rigged plastics, chatterbaits, buzzbaits and live minnows. Crappie are biting slow and are scattered out, but some good ones have been hitting No. 4 minnows and small jigs. They have been coming from 12-30 feet deep. Bream are moving out to deep water and scattering as well but are biting crickets and redworms.
Arkansas River at Morrilton
(updated 8-5-2020) Charlie Hoke at Charlie’s Hidden Harbor at Oppelo (501-354-8080) said the black bass are mainly being caught in the early morning on topwater baits, and jitterbugs “seem like doing pretty good,” he said, as well as spinnerbaits going across the water. Then, as the day moves on, they’re going down around the jetties, and anglers are using medium-diving pearl- or shad-colored crankbaits. The bass bite is fair, not great, he said.
Catfish are being caught in the early morning on the grass lines with shad mainly. Later on, anglers are drift-fishing for them using a shad/nightcrawler combination. Catfish catches have been good.
Bream are biting on the grass lines and under the over hangs mostly in the early morning. Crickets will work then. As the day progresses, bream go to the jetties and drop down off the grass line a little bit. Use a black Rooster Tail there.
No report on crappie. No report on stripers. White bass are schooling and are at the mouths of creeks early and late. Shad-colored and pearl-colored crankbaits are the way to go for white bass. Catches have been good.
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 24,483 cfs.
No reports.
Arkansas River (Little Rock Pool)
On Wednesday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam was 21,858 cfs. Flow at the Terry Lock and Dam was 24,006 cfs.
(updated 8-5-2020) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said fishing the river is a little tough right now. Black bass are doing pretty well on small white and black buzzbaits in shallow water on the main river and in the backwaters. Also, a quarter-ounce shaky head worm in 16 feet of water on the main river has been working, and shad-colored crankbaits fished around the jetties on the main river have gotten bass. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers and stink bait by Murray Lock and Dam. The river is slightly stained and at a normal level.
(updated 8-5-2020) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) said catfishing is good on skipjack below the hydroelectric plant at Murray Lock and Dam. Bream are good around the Willow Beach area and close to Burns Park and that area. The bream are spawning and full of eggs, and they will bite a cricket. Black bass are being caught in the early mornings off the end of rock jetties using black/red tubes and Firetiger Bomber Crankbaits. Also, a shaky head redbug Trick Worm will work. Crappie are said to be fair. Most are being found in 8-10 feet off the rocks. Go with a Beaver Bottom bait (the lightning bug color works best now). Anglers report catching a few stripers below the Terry Lock and Dam in Vibrant White Rooster Tails.
Clear Lake (off Arkansas-River-Little Rock Pool)
(updated 8-5-2020) McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) says the lake is clear and at a normal level. Bream reports are good, with both worms and crickets working well. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Bass are good using spinnerbaits and crankbaits, as well as worms. Catfish reports were good; no word on the bait used.
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.
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River
(updated 8-5-2020) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “If ever you wanted to be on the river, it would be now. We have been blessed with fantastically mild August weather: sunshine, low(er) humidity, and temperatures in the low to mid-80s for a few more days. Breathtaking and gorgeous. Water levels have decreased to just below 9,000 cfs during the day, but evening releases of six generators (18,000 cfs) continue. Orange and black jigs have proven successful on the lower water, and rogues and stick baits with orange bellies, black backs and silver sides compete nicely. Swim them mid-depth with a small tug now and again.
“Yellow and/or Sunrise PowerBait are bringing in the rainbows of a good size and color. The catch of golden rainbow trout is not as large as you might expect based on how luminous they appear in the clear, cold White River waters, but they’re a favorite to look for and lots of fun when you finally hook one. Come on over, get out of the house, and enjoy the great weather in the beautiful Natural State and the Arkansas Ozarks.”
(updated 8-5-2020) Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) says the water is still high. Trout fishing, though, is very good. Drift-fishing with PowerBait and Power Worms has been excellent. Fly-fishing is working out well for anglers, too. The clarity is “really good,” they report, with just a little moss seen toward the evenings. Eight generators are running round-the-clock at Bull Shoals Dam.
(updated 8-5-2020) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said that during the past week they had a few minor rain events that combined for about half an inch, warm temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals fell 1.1 feet to rest at 25.3 feet above seasonal power pool of 661 feet msl. This is 8.7 feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock fell 1.5 feet to rest at 1.9 feet above seasonal power pool and 12.1 feet above the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell 0.3 foot to rest at 4.3 feet above seasonal power pool and 4.3 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 1.2 feet to rest at 14.5 feet above seasonal power pool of 555.75 feet msl and 9.7 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork Dam tailwater had low flows overnight and heavy flows during the day. Most of 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,” John said. “Use a shorter leader and bang the bank. My 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 in the morning recently have been extremely productive. The hot spot has been Wildcat Shoals. The hot flies were olive woolly buggers (sizes 8, 10), Y2Ks (sizes 14, 12), prince nymphs (size 14), zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead sizes 16, 18), pheasant tails (size 14), ruby midges (size 18), root beer midges (size 18), pink and cerise San Juan worms (size 10), and sowbugs (size 16). Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective (John’s current favorite combination is a cerise San Juan worm with a girdle bug suspended below it).
Remember that the White and Norfork rivers and Dry Run Creek are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soles that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.
Bull Shoals Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 685.87 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 661.20 feet msl). Table Rock Lake above Bull Shoals on Wednesday was at 917.98 feet msl (normal conservation pool is 917.00 feet msl).
(updated 8-5-2020) Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock reports that the Corps of Engineers is allowing limiting access to ramps and parking; customers/boaters/anglers should 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.
The water continues to run high, but it’s at 27 feet above normal at last check and falling. The clarity is dingy to clear, and surface water temperature is 87 degrees. 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 569.68 feet msl (normal conservation pool: Sept.-April, 552.00 feet msl; April-Sept., 555.95 feet msl).
(updated 8-5-2020) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters said, “Norfork Lake continues to frustrate me. One day you can catch your limit in minutes, then you only catch one or two stripers. After a couple of days of catching only a few fish, Tuesday was the exception – the stripers and hybrids went crazy in Hand Cove area. Acres of hybrids and stripers were feeding from 20-40 feet and it only took 20 minutes to catch a limit. What’s crazy is the first fish we caught were in 70 feet of water and we caught it at 60 feet. Right now you have to fish all the water columns within a four-hour trip.
“Today I left the dock at 4:30 a.m. and had poles in the water by 4:45 a.m. We fished for almost an hour and were on hundreds of stripers but did not get a bite. I moved to my second spot and found hundreds of hybrids feeding at 30 feet. We caught one quickly but we spent over an hour following the school but only caught a short striper. They would not bite. Some of the problems are all the short storms and fronts and the full moon. Stripers are like deer – they will feed all night on a full moon. We caught a nice striper, and at 8:30 a.m. at our fourth spot, again we were all over the stripers but we could not get them to hit. If we did not have the hot weather it probably would be better to fish in the afternoon.”
Tom says the thermocline is at 25 feet and they are seeing stripers at all water columns. “Some of this to feed on crawdads and the other is to find better oxygen. You will see a lot more of this as we move into August,” he said.
Norfork Tailwater
(updated 8-5-2020) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said Norfork Lake fell 1.2 feet to rest at 14.5 feet above seasonal power pool of 555.75 feet msl and 9.7 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork Dam tailwater had low flows overnight and heavy flows during the day. Most of 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 is fishing well. Navigate this stream with caution as things have changed a bit during flooding over the past two years. 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 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.
John says, “From time to time, guides are asked to fish three anglers at the same time. It is usually a family group or three close friends that want to fish together. It can be problematic and many guides do not want to do it.
“When you are wading it is difficult to find productive fishing spots for three anglers that are reasonably close together. This means that the guide is required to constantly troop the line and deal with tangled lines, correct angling techniques and net fish. A full day is quite a workout. On Dry Run Creek it is even more challenging. At any one time one angler has his fly in a tree, another is hopelessly tangled and a third has a huge trout on the line. Any hope of individualized attention is lost. The emphasis is always on the big trout.
In a boat it can be even more problematic. A White River Jon Boat is usually 20 feet long and there is just not enough room for three anglers to cast at the same time. Lines can cross and tangle and an energetic trout can create havoc by swimming into another line. Netting a trout with three lines out can be very tricky. Guides with jet motors and oars or drift boats simply do not have enough room for three anglers to sit.
“I have found a simple technique to handle three anglers in my boat. I have a large boat (60 inches wide) and a propeller motor with no oars (I have a trolling motor). This gives me enough room to handle them. I allow two anglers to fish at a time. The third angler is designated the netter. I will handle any big trout. As one angler catches a few fish, they replace the netter so everyone gets a chance to catch trout. I let them decide when to switch places.
Last Friday I had a three-person family group – a father, son and grandfather. In addition to fishing three in a boat, they were concerned with their fly-fishing prowess and asked if they could also bring spinning rods. I explained that it would be unnecessary but if they wanted to bring them they could. I felt sure that I could have them catching trout on flies in no time, even in heavy water.
“We began at 7:30 a.m. It was a cool start but it promised to get hot in the afternoon. They (the Corps of Engineers) were running about 11,000 cfs (about three and a half full generators). The day went well and soon everyone had caught trout. When we stopped for lunch, they put the spinning rods in their truck. We continued fishing and ended the day with over 30 trout. They were stoked.
“With a little patience and planning you can handle three anglers. It is a full day’s work for the guide but is also rewarding to please your clients and meet their needs.”
Buffalo National River/Crooked Creek
(updated 8-5-2020) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Buffalo National River and Crooked Creek are low and clear. John’s favorite fly is a Clouser minnow. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.
Beaver Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,125.44 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 1,121.43 feet msl).
(updated 8-5-2020) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) says Beaver Lake is on a slow lowering trend but still is above normal levels. Water temps have dropped a bit with this awesome cooler weather but are still in lower ’80’=s. Striper continues on a fairly good early morning bite. You need to be on the lake at sunrise. Look from Point 5 to the dam for the best action. Brooders and small bream are working well. Walleye are starting to become active on main points in the same area as the stripers. Look around the thermocline and troll crawler harnesses. “I have seen some pretty nice limits last week.” Crappie are in the brush and also suspended anywhere from 12-20 feet deep. Jigs and minnows are working well. Trolling cranks will also do well right now. Troll at 2 mph or less. Fish mid lake areas for best results. Catfish are good. Bass are good early and late. Look in river arms for some better quality largemouth. “Heard of some nice bass being caught on large plastic worms up in the White River.
(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 8-5-2020) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says fishing has been consistent this past week. In the tailwater, up to the dam, the trout are spread out. Water temps are holding steady in the low 50s to upper 40s as the water levels continue to drop. Most trout are being caught with various PowerBaits fished with light terminal tackle. Spoons, Rooster Tails and crankbaits are doing well, too. Kentucky bass are being caught between Beaver town and Holiday Island throwing soft plastics at chunk rock and structure. A few white bass have also been caught in these areas as well using the same methods. There are still walleye to be had if you can locate them. Check for them on humps, drop-offs and points. “That’s about it this week. If you need further input, please message me on my fishing Facebook page at Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service. Have fun, be safe and catch some fish.”
War Eagle Creek/Beaver Lake Area
(updated 8-5-2020) Loy Lewis with War Eagle Creek Outfitting (479-530-3262) had no recent reports. 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 report.
Lake Sequoyah
(updated 8-5-2020) Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) says the lake has cleared. Water level is normal. Bream are excellent, with many being caught near the shoreline. Use redworms or crickets. Crappie are excellent. They’re being found in the 6- to 12-foot range on minnows. Black bass are fair; go with topwater baits. Catfishing is good; use stink bait or cut bait.
Crown Lake
(updated 8-5-2020) Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) reports that the lake remains clear and is low by about 1 foot. Bream are good on redworms and crickets. The best success catching bream is coming from fishing around all the docks and off the points. Crappie reports are fair. They have moved into deeper water. Fish them with minnows and find the stumps. Black bass are good early in the mornings and late evenings. Like crappie, they’re running deep now, at about 25 feet depth. Fish with jigs. No reports on catfish.
Lake Charles
(updated 8-5-2020) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said anglers enjoyed a beautiful weekend at Lake Charles last week. “Lots of fishing going on,” she said, though the only actual report she received was on bass and bream. Bream were good on worms and crickets, as well as muddy water (bright-colored) jigs. Black bass were good, with spinnerbaits, crankbaits, dark plastic worms, topwater lures and regular worms working. The best bass fishing was around brush or rocket points focusing at 4.5-5.5 feet depth. No reports on crappie or catfish. “We have worms and a good selection of artificial bait,” Shelly said. “Stop in and see us. We are in good days for fishing; the best ‘moon times’ run until Aug. 6. The best overall fishing days for August should be Aug. 16-22.” Surface water temperature on Sunday morning was 70 degrees. The water remains murky and is at a normal level.
Lake Poinsett
(updated 8-5-2020) 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 8-5-2020) Mark Crawford of Spring River Flies and Guides said water levels are running at 450 cfs (350 cfs is average), and water clarity has been heavily green tinted. There has still been a lot of rain in the area, keeping the river from getting clear, but it has dropped over a foot in water level from the spring rainy season.
With the water conditions it has been very hard to beat Woolly Buggers for trout. Olive has been the go-to color, with brown being very hot after rains. “We tried some hopper dropper action and have got fish on the droppers but not much on top,” Mark said. For the smallmouth bass, olive skull heads are great and olive Woolies with lead eyes, tied Clouser-style, and of course crawfish patterns. “The smallmouth really like a fast-dropping fly and hit a lot of times on the drop.”
Mark adds, “With the COVID-19 crisis the river has been very busy on the weekend. It is highly recommended that visitors come up and fish through the week to avoid crowds. The Spring River is a quiet place during the week. Above Dam 3 up into town was heavily stocked with really nice trout. Lassiter Walk-In has good trout again. The moss has been thick and heavy this time of year. Fish the open channels. They are watching them.”
For the latest river conditions and more information from Mark, visit his blog at springriverfliesandguides.com.
(updated 8-5-2020) 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, especially on the weekends. 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 8.76 feet, more than 6 feet below the flood stage of 15.0 feet. At Newport, the river is at 12.30, more than 13 feet below the flood stage of 26.0 feet. The stage at Augusta is 24.31 feet, almost a 2 feet below the flood stage of 26.0 feet.
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff Pool)
(updated 8-5-2020) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no reports.
Arkansas River (Pool 2)
No reports.
Lake Chicot
(updated 8-5-2020) Brian Whitson, park interpreter at Lake Chicot State Park (870-265-5480), had no reports.
Lake Monticello
(updated 8-5-2020) 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 259.22 feet msl (normal pool: 259.20 feet msl).
(updated 8-5-2020) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service noted that Millwood Lake has received 611,275 Florida-strain black bass fingerlings stocked this year from the AGFC, and also the AGFC has added another 40-50 PVC fishing attractors in Saratoga, Beard’s Bluff, Cottonshed and Okay Landing areas. These attractors, he said, should be uploaded to the AGFC website/active map shortly.
As of Tuesday, Millwood Lake is near normal; currently less than 1 inch above normal pool. Millwood Lake pool elevation near 259.3 feet msl; and the discharge around 1,000 cfs in Little River, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. The tailwater below the dam and gates as of Monday remains around 225 feet msl and falling with discharge. Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or at the Army Corps of Engineers website, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates. 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, ranging 84-88 degrees. Clarity is consistent in the back of the oxbows, improving stain this week. Clarity and visibility along Little River is at 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, several oxbow lakes continue improving clarity. Continue to use caution in navigation on Little River and Millwood watching for random broken, or floating timber in Little River. Mike says, “We noted numerous river markers along Little River from Yarborough point, downriver to open lake, have been replaced and in good condition to Paraloma Trail!”
As for fishing details:
* Largemouth bass: They’ve been in their typical summer habits and haunts for last few weeks. Early morning continues to be key for the best bite of the day. Cypress trees/knees near lily pads on shallow flats are drawing topwater blowups early, using soft plastic frogs, crankbaits and Stuttersteps in the oxbows. Best activity period remains from dawn to around 10 a.m. Juvenile largemouths are breaking on threadfin shad early in multiple locations, near and in lily pads for short duration periods. Bass Assassin Shads, Johnson Chrome Spoons with a short grub trailer, or H&H Short-Arm Spinnerbaits will work through the pads when bass move into the pads to feed for quick cycles.
Over the past couple weeks most largemouths continue active 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 over 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 largemouths transition to vertical structure after 9-10 a.m. Target vertical drops near 3- to 6-feet-deep flats that transition into 12- to 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 bass 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.
* White bass: Disappeared and no consistent reports yet. Still searching for the whites!
* Crappie: Best bite continues to be early as it has for the past 3-4 weeks. Minnows and jigs have been 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 were catching one here, one there, in planted brush along Little River we spoke with over the past few days,” Mike says, “but river crappie haven’t been as consistent as the one in the clearer sections of the main lake or oxbows.”
* Catfish: They have slowed over the past couple weeks, on tight lines in Little River with reduction of current along Little River. Cut shad or buffalo, goldfish, spoiled chicken hearts and gizzards, or Punch Baits were working well for 2- to 4-pound blues and channel cats; anglers were randomly taking a few, but it was slow.
* Bream: No report.
Lake Columbia
No report.
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 541.56 feet msl (normal pool: 548.00 feet msl).
No report.
DeGray Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 403.06 feet msl (normal pool: 408.00 feet msl).
(updated 8-5-2020) John Duncan of yoyoguideservice.com at Iron Mountain Marina said there was not much to report in changes on the bite. Lake level is 403.12 feet msl, down some. Fishing has the summer slowdown. Bream should be on the beds with the full moon happening. Crappie are slow in brushpiles; fish the ones that are just out of the thermocline and fish near the bottom. Try drop-shotting. Trolling is showing little success. Brushpiles are full of fish – it’s just that they are full of little bream and bass about 3-inches long, too. Some surface activity is being reported from Brushy to Shouse Ford. Find the calm water. Hybrids are slow. Little surface activity. Black bass are in their summer pattern. “Sorry there is no better news. Need a weather change,” John says. “Be safe and remember social distancing.”
De Queen Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 437.22 feet msl (normal pool: 437.00 feet msl).
Dierks Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 525.69 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 report.
Lake Atkins
No report.
Lake Catherine
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
Lake Catherine (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
(updated 8-5-2020) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 65 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. The rainbow trout season is over with the majority of the year ruined by constant flooding. The stocking program will begin again in late November. Hopefully the upcoming year will be much better than the last two seasons. 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 fishermen are cautioned not to leave rods unattended. Tackle is easily jerked into the lake by drum that are actively feeding. 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
On Wednesday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Dardanelle Lock and Dam was 12,891 cfs.
(updated 8-5-2020) Jason Baumgartner, park aquarist at Lake Dardanelle State Park (479-890-7495), said that in the past week the area has experienced very comfortable temperatures with a break from summer humidity. The low-pressure system from the northwest brought some rain throughout the area late last week and a reprieve from the muggy weather. The National Weather Service forecast discussion expects hot and humid conditions for our upcoming weather forecast. Upper level flow in the atmosphere will become stagnant again and heat indices over 100 degrees may return for the weekend.
With less rains and slower river flow the water has cleared up near the surface and visibility reaches a few feet. The surface temperature is 87 degrees.
As of Tuesday the Corps of Engineers reported river flow at Ozark Lock and Dam increased to 34,000 cfs. The Ozark tailwater had risen to 339 feet msl. River flow at Dardanelle Lock and Dam was near 19,000 cfs Tuesday morning. Dardanelle tailwater level had briefly risen to 7 feet late Monday night but has since fallen to below 6 feet. The pool elevation near the State Park has been relatively low and is just below 338 feet msl. River flow at both Ozark and Dardanelle has been slow with the exception of runoff from the recent rains and most, if not all, of the flow has been through the powerhouses, which have been generating most days.
No fishing tournaments were hosted at Lake Dardanelle 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 our governor’s directive, tournament officials are required to submit an event plan and permit application to the AR 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 our tournament regulations regarding COVID-19. For details or questions contact our visitor center at (479) 967-5516. Be safe while on the river and take time to put a line in the water!
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 344.12 feet msl (normal pool: 344.31 feet msl).
(updated 8-5-2020) Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) says the water is clear with a surface temperature of 89 degrees. Water level is normal. Bream fishing remains good. Bream are being caught in 3-5 feet depth on the points and the beaches using redworms or crickets (Andrews just received a new shipment of crickets). Crappie are excellent. In a crappie tournament there last week, Brandon Smith caught seven crappie weighing a total of 14 pounds. Anglers are finding the crappie 3 feet deep in 6-8 feet of water. The best baits now are Beaver Bottoms in purple/chartreuse, they report. Black bass are good; they’re in 8-10 feet depth. They are liking purple/chartreuse and black/blue colors. Use a topwater bait or a purple ribbon Trick Worm. Catfishing is good using black salties, goldfish, trotline minnows and noodling at 6 feet deep, and pretty much any other bait you choose.
Lake Ouachita
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 574.05 feet msl (normal pool: 578.00 feet msl).
(updated 8-5-2020) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out of state) reports that black bass are still slow to fair. Big Texas-rigged worms and jighead worms are working best right now. Try red bug, plum or blood line colors. Walleye are still good. Spoons and bottom bouncers with small spinners tipped with a crawler are working best. Stripers are fair to good. These fish are being caught on live bait on the east part of the lake. Bream are 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 fair and being caught with 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 574.14 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 386.03 feet msl (normal pool: 386.36 feet msl).
Cook’s Lake
(updated 8-5-2020) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Conservation Education Center (870-241-3373) says the fishing report for the oxbow is the same as it’s been since reopening for the season two weeks ago. Anglers are still catching bass and bream. 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 8-5-2020) Natalie Faughn, assistant superintendent at Mississippi River State Park (870-295-4040), said Bear Creek Lake has seen some good catfish activity over the last few weeks. They are biting on stink bait or homemade bait, mostly in the cooler hours of the day (early morning or evenings). With the increase in air and surface temperature, most other species have moved into deeper water.
Storm Creek Lake has not had any substantial reports of successful angling.
Remember, the Mississippi River State Park Visitor Center is OPEN and stocked with your fishing needs. Live and artificial bait, hooks, line and other accessories are available.
Horseshoe Lake
(updated 8-5-2020) 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 20.66 feet, well under the flood stage of 26.00 feet.
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