Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

February 6, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service and Motel on the White River at Calico Rock, recently caught this 25.5-inch and 6-pounds-plus brown trout below Calico while fishing with Jeff Wallace, a local guide and friend. If you’re in the Rogers area this weekend and want to talk some trout with McCulley, he will be at the annual Northwest Arkansas Boat and Outdoor Expo at the Rogers Convention Center.

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

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

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

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

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

Quick links to regions:

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

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

(updated 2-6-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said Lake Conway filled back to winter pool with recent heavy rain, and that got some anglers back out trying to fish. “Some fish were caught but nothing to write home about,” they tell us. With the dam open, water is dropping as of Thursday.
Customers have stopped in to head to various spots over the past few weeks. Anglers were going to Lake Atkins for a while, and lately to Brewer Lake and anything close by.
“People were hitting the (Arkansas) river and are waiting now for it to calm back down.” 

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

“There are a million shad out there (in Lake Conway),” they report. “Surely the other fish are following them in from the river.”

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

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

Little Red River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website or by calling (501) 362-5150). Also check the Southwestern Power Administration website to see forecast generation schedule.

(updated 2-6-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said last week’s heavy rains — over 6 inches in the Ozark Mountains — pushed Greers Ferry Lake up 6 feet over the normal power pool. With the lake now sitting high, the Army Corps of Engineers has been running two generators nearly 24/7 to bring it back down to the winter power pool level of 462.0 feet msl. Expect this generation schedule to continue for a while.

“With the high water and steady flow, we’ve been targeting fish with a deep-water nymph rig. My go-to setup right now is a 12- to 14-foot leader with flies running 6-12 feet deep under an indicator. San Juan Worms and egg patterns have been producing. Depending on the current speed and depth, I’ll add split shot as needed to get the flies down where they need to be.
“For those who love streamer fishing, now is the time! High-water conditions are perfect for throwing big streamers and chasing some quality brown trout. I’ve been fishing an 8-weight rod with a 330-grain sink line, working streamers close to the bank from the boat. Vary your retrieve and stay patient — when a big brown commits, it’s worth the effort.
“But, safety first! If you’re heading out, be cautious while navigating the river in these conditions. The current is strong, and operating a boat in high water can be tricky. If you’re unsure about launching or fishing in these conditions, consider hiring a professional guide who can keep you safe and put you on fish.
“If you’re looking to get out on the water and learn more about fishing in high water, give me a call — I’d love to get you on some fish and show you the right tactics based on your experience level.”

(updated 2-6-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said Thursday that the Little Red is blowing out with the higher water in Greers Ferry Lake. “What we always say in these conditions is, be cautious and check the generation flow. On two generators, you can’t really fish it. Generating 20 hours out of 24, it’s wide open. They even let some out of the spillway today. It’s running 6,000-9,000 cfs today, and that’s the point of not even going out there.”

Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

(updated 2-6-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the rain had jumped the lake up 7 feet in recent days. The clarity has gotten muddy in the rivers. The fishing has gotten tougher because the lake came up so much so fast. 

Black bass fishing can be good especially using a red crankbait or a green pumpkin candy jig as main colors. They’ve heard of anglers catching them in 5 feet of water and in 35 feet of water. “The bass are kind of spread out.” The anglers who are fishing out deeper are throwing a jighead minnow or an Alabama rig if they are fishing in 15-feet-plus water.

(updated 2-6-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said 

the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 468.02 feet msl, which is nearly 6 feet above normal pool (462.04 feet msl). It has come up 6.98 feet since this last rain, and including the last rise of 6 feet, for a total of over 12 feet. Southwestern Power Administration is running both units pretty much 24 hours a day now. BE AWARE OF LOTS OF FLOATING LOGS, ETC., ALL OVER LAKE AND RIVERS! 

Most species have been on the move with the water rising. Crappie will bite from super shallow and out to 30 feet on jigs, minnows or crankbaits. Fishing straight up and down in pole timber or brushpiles is working great. Walleye are eating in the main lake off and on and are starting to prestage or stage and are scattered throughout the lake. Around bridge pilings and mouths of rivers, on any corner facing upstream, drag a minnow or crankbait in 45-65 feet. Some walleye are following under big schools of white bass and hybrids — use a spoon for those. And a lot just roaming around; a spoon is best for that vertical fishing in 10-50 feet. 

Hybrid bass and white bass are set up in the main lake and some are roaming, schooling on top. For the ones that are set, use spoons, inline spinners, grubs and swimbaits in 25-60 feet. They are wanting to get settled in about 43 feet, which is the magic water depth where they are comfortable here for several months out of the year — it has the right temp and dissolved oxygen level. 

Catfish are biting all over the lake and rivers on the usual stuff. Try staying around schools of shad. Most bream are around 8-30 feet, and crickets and crawlers will work fine as well as inline spinners. 

As for black bass, now you will start running into small groups of five or eight up shallow when you find them, but most are out or roaming shallow and schooling. Use C-rigs, Wiggle Warts and any flat-sided crankbait, drop-shots and spinnerbaits for best action, as well as the Rat-L-Trap, of course. Fish these baits super shallow out to 60 feet. That spinnerbait should shine right now in shallow areas or in guts. Be safe and wear your life jacket.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 2-6-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says fishing has been slow as the lake has risen 2-3 feet. “It’s hard to catch a fish.” Last week, anglers on boats using minnows caught some crappie and a couple of catfish, both around 4 pounds. Crappie is a bit slow now, she added. 

A few largemouth bass have been caught recently of OK size, not really big ones. Probably 1-2 pounds each, she said.

Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page.

Lake Overcup
(updated 2-6-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing off Arkansas Highway 9 said that water level is up by 2 feet and surface temperature is around 49 degrees. Clarity is murky. 

Bream haven’t started yet, he says. Black bass are feeding on the tons of shad in the lake. Catfish are doing well on jugs. Crappie have been doing well over the last weekend on minnows in 10-11 feet of water. There were several limits caught over the weekend. 

“Come see us at Overcup Landing off Highway 9.” 

Lake Maumelle
(updated 1-23-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reports that the water temperature is in the low 40s and the water level is 8.7 feet low and dropping to 10 feet because of Central Arkansas Water’s repairs planned for the dam. 

Largemouth bass have been biting well. They can be found shallow 2-5 feet with others being found deeper and scattered around brush anywhere from 10-20 feet. Try points and drop offs. Try using topwater, spinnerbaits, jigs, jerkbait, Chatterbait and crankbaits. Spotted bass also are good. There have been reports of them being found scattered on drop-offs at 10-20 feet and biting on jerkbaits and jigs.

The WestRock Landing Winter Series Tournament was held last Saturday, just before the major cold wave, and Daniel and Larry Romine caught five bass totaling 17.73 pounds, including a Big Bass of 5.05 pounds. Cody and Jerry Bryant were second with a 13.6-pound stringer.

Crappie are good, with crappie being found in 20-30 feet in the channel. Jigs are your best bet.
No reports on white bass, bream or catfish. White bass might be picked up with Twister Tails or crankbaits; catfish typically favor bream, liver or worms; and bream might bite a redworm.

(update 2-6-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) had no new reports, but by late in 2024 was reporting that crappie could be found in 25-30 feet of water on brush and were roaming. Jigs and minnows were working great when they’re not stuffed to the gills. As always, presentation is key! This is the absolute best time of the year to catch a mess of super-healthy slabs! “Give me a shout today at 501-548-8990 to get in on the action!”

Arkansas River at Morrilton
For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. 

Little Maumelle River
(update 2-6-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is clear, at a normal level and very fishable. The crappie are biting well in 8-10 feet of water on minnows. Black bass are active at the same depth and biting well on crankbaits or a jig-and-pig. Nothing has been reported on bream or catfish.

With an amazing high of 80 forecast for Saturday in central Arkansas in between these much cooler days, Ray says, “If we don’t have any big rain between now and then, Saturday will be good.”

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

Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
For the real-time water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam and David D. Terry Lock and Dam, as well as the Little Rock pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

(updated 2-6-2024) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said river fishing “is tough right now.” There is not a lot going on with bass fishing. Crappie, though, is another story and is similar to what’s been going on since the new year. Anglers are catching them in about 15-20 feet of water behind jetties or on an oxbow off the river. The best approach is to throw a black/chartreuse crappie jig or by spider-rigging with minnows.

The river flow as of Thursday was 43,000 cfs, which “is not bad,” they say. The weather forecast for next week is expected to be very cold, especially at night, and will be very tough fishing, they note.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 2-6-2025) The lake will reopen for fishing Feb. 10, the Monday following the Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt weekend.

White River
(updated 2-6-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Spring break is coming! Seems our kids are here today and gone tomorrow; no better way to enjoy your time together than to spend a day on the river.”
Bull Shoals Lake elevation has jumped 2 feet over the last week due to a couple of heavy rains. Generation has been low, at minimum flow (700 cfs), for the past four days and, with mild temperatures expected, will likely stay low. But stay alert and keep an eye on the river level; changes occur quickly. Be especially cautious from the bank or if you are wading into the main channel.
The brown bite has alternated between sculpins and minnows. That trusty sculpin has beat out any secret baits you might have tried. So far this winter, we haven’t seen a big increase in the brown trout bite with shad. Live wriggly worms and nightcrawlers proved their worth for bank fishermen last week. Low water is perfect for working a jig and mesmerizing those trout.
“I’d try white with a silver, shiny collar first, peach and mossy green next. It’s fun and productive.”

The mornings remain pretty cool; the afternoons have been mild and often overcast (great for a good creel count.) Next week is looking like winter weather will prevail with morning lows averaging about 30 degrees and highs in the mid-40s. Staying warm makes fishing more fun, so dress for the weather and enjoy our Natural State.

(updated 2-6-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said the rain late last week caused the Buffalo River and White River to rise and become muddy. At Calico Rock, the river reached 15 feet Friday. By Saturday the creeks had cleared enough for boats to creep into them, anchor/tie up and catch trout using corn. The trout move into the creeks seeking clean water and often congregate near the mouths of the creeks. 

The rest of the time, the river has been in good condition with both the rainbow and brown trout going strong. Drift-fishing with a silver inline spinner with Uncommon Bait UV Eggs with shrimp or worms worked well for catching a limit of rainbow trout. Rapala CD5 and CD7 in rainbow trout color or black/silver worked well for catching nice brown trout. We have seen several 24-inch-plus brown trout being caught, with 17-inch-plus brown trout being frequently caught. 

This weekend we will be at the NWA Boat and Outdoor Expo at the Rogers Convention Center. If you stop by the Expo, swing by our booth and say “Hi.”

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

(updated 2-6-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302) said the lake level is up a couple of feet with the recent rains to 658 feet msl. Water temperature is 48 degrees, give or take, on the lower end. Lots of folks are having a tough time out there. The lake is going through some changes. Over the next couple months, the warm days and the post-frontal cold days will have you guys working for them day to day until they all move up into late winter early respawn areas.
Power fishing? There are plenty of fish on the bank — if there are warm wind and clouds, I’m covering water where the wind hits square on the bank. Check warming stained creeks, the outer sides of points, chunk steep banks or ledge rock. Fish close to deeper water and transition banks. Try a SPRO Crawler, Wiggle Wart or Red Craw or green variations You’ll have keep moving to find them, but when you do there’s usually a couple there. 

There are always fish to be caught on a jig. If it’s warm with a little wind and sunny, look at the pints with drop-offs or ledges, but you’re looking anywhere from 20-40 feet — and way shallower if we get clouds or in stained water.
The winter patterns are changing because the shad have split. There are shad moving out deep into the main lake and some moving shallow. Target bigger bait balls. So, every day is different and every creek will be a little different. I’m having to put in a lot of graph time but it can pay off this time of year. I like a DC Tater Shad or jerkbait or Flutter Spoon around those high-swimming shad or dying shad balls and or early or late in the day when shad are up in the water column. If they are being finicky, just hang a Tater Shad over the side. They don’t have to chase hard to eat. 

Lots of different species are showing up out there in the middle. Each day is different so “Fish the conditions.”  

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

(updated 2-6-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) says the walleye are still holding in wintertime positions. The fish are following the shad. Searching for baitfish and good water clarity will be key to locating them. Channel swings midway back in creeks are going to be a good place to start looking, and long points with trees at the end of channel swings will also be a good place to find a few walleye.
The best fishing method now is going to be fishing deep in 60-80 feet of water using three-quarter-ounce or 1-ounce spoons or Ice Jigs. Throwing a jerkbait on windblown points in 8-15 feet of water also has been producing a few good fish. Search out points with deep water close by.

(updated 2-6-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are scattered in the creeks on brushpiles and still a few are on the main lake as well. Fish are definitely not on every brushpile, but we have had luck looking for ones around glass. But the fish have been sitting low in the brush since the last cold front. Try using a one-sixteenth or eighth-ounce jig with small fry bait. “I have been using Tater Baits in the Purple Monkey color and the new Aurora Blue. Patience is key as long as they show interest. If they don’t, move on to the next!”

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

No reports.

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

(updated 2-6-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake rose to 1120.39 feet msl, which is right at normal level. Water temps have been on a roller coaster, especially on the south end. Water temps are ranging from lower to upper 40s. There is a push of stained water starting at Blue Springs and drifting north toward Hickory. 

Fishing has been up and down, also — typical for early February. Hit the right day and you can do some damage. 

Stripers are all over the place now, all the way from Fords Creek up to and past Point 12. Be prepared to move and search with electronics. 

Crappie are roaming in 35 feet of water. They are also attached to structure in 10-25 feet of water.

White bass are starting to be caught in both river arms. Not huge numbers but they’re starting to trickle in. 

Everyone is asking about walleye. Well, we caught some last week from Blue Springs up to Neil’s Bluff. Jig and minnows are working. As with all of the species when this water gets above 50 degrees, hold on! 

“Looks like more snow next week maybe and colder temps. This will temporarily slow things down. We are entering prime prespawn time. Hold on for a few more weeks and things will be on the rise. Good luck and stay safe out there.”

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 2-6-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said, “How about these temperatures we are having?! If you planned on going fishing this past Sunday, you definitely picked a nice day to go, with temperatures in the mid-60s! The Army Corps of Engineers has been generating a little more, with a 24-hour push this past Saturday and 12 hours on Sunday and Monday. With the increase in temperatures and flow, that is going to help kickstart the walleye spawn. With that, you can also get a chance to get in on some trophy brown trout action. Our preferred method has been working jerkbaits along with using live baits. The rainbows have been really responsive to Pautzke Fire Eggs and Fire Bait fished with light terminal tackle. 

“As for the walleye, we are starting to catch a few here and there but not hitting limit numbers yet. Speaking with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission staff, they are not seeing a lot of numbers as well. So, what that tells me is it looks like the spawn will happen around the time it normally does, between the end of February and April. As long as the weather and Corps cooperate, we should have a pretty nice run. 

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

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 2-6-2024) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) has reopened after the winter break but had no reports.

Lake Charles
(updated 1-23-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) had no new reports.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 1-23-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park said, “Despite the cold, Lake Poinsett’s fishing has been anything but frozen. Numerous anglers are out catching crappie and bream mostly. A few that have stopped by the State Park’s Visitor Center have mentioned that with the colder temps and added fishing pressure, the crappie are moving to the deeper waters near the dam according to their LiveScopes. They mentioned the crappie were hitting on minnows and a variety of jigs still.
“Reports for the other main sport fish in the lake have been few, but there are still bream and bass being caught; no real mention of catfish, though. We see a lot of boats drive by the Visitor Center and hear a lot are putting in at the AGFC boat ramp at the dam. The limit on crappie is 15 fish (all sizes encouraged to be harvested to help prevent stunting) and for black bass you can keep 10 fish with one being larger than 16 inches. 

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

Spring River
(updated 2-6-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are at 480 cfs and water clarity is clearing. Rain last week has had the river up. It did get murky but cleared up by the weekend. River levels have been up all winter, making for tougher wading at times. The river bottom is very slick!

“The catching has been excellent when water conditions are good. Heavier flies that get down have been the trick this season. Big Woollies and streamers can work well. Sink tips can be useful with a fast sink rate. Long leaders can work well also, high-sticking the woollies. The big fish lately have been on White Lightnings on the fly. It’s a big white fly that we use under an indicator for big trout and smallies that imitate baitfish. Plenty of bugs hatching, but tough with the high-water levels for any dry fly action. 

“On spinning tackle, D2 jigs are the ticket for chasing the smallmouth through the winter, with white being the hottest. Fish them below a float or fast like a jerkbait. They really work! We have them in the shop.

Winter is the time to chase big trout, smallies and spotted bass. The Spring River always produces huge rainbow trout that come out in the cold months. Smallmouth bass move up through the winter looking for warmer water, too. Just got to layer up to stay warm and make sure to stay dry!

“Keep an eye on the blog (springriverfliesandguides.com) for the latest conditions on the Spring River!

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

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

(updated 2-6-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no new reports.

Cane Creek Lake
NOTE: The AGFC will close access to Cane Creek Lake Feb. 10-12 for nutria control. For additional information, call the AGFC Fisheries Division’s Monticello office at 833-363-7638.

(updated 2-6-2025) Melanie Fitzgibbon, superintendent at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said anglers had made several minnow and worm purchases over the beautiful first week of February weekend. Only one report came in from the anglers, though, and that was crappie being caught off the fishing pier using minnows. In late January, red wigglers seemed to be the bait of choice.

Lake Monticello
(updated 2-6-2025) Anglers are reminded that if they venture out for some fishing on Lake Monticello while the lake continues to refill after being renovated, that all fish caught must be released immediately.
The Hunger Run Access is open to boat traffic. Reports are good of anglers catching nice-sided black bass now.

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

(updated 2-6-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday that there is just no way to sugarcoat the messy situation at Millwood Lake this week after recent inclement weather: A muddy log truck wreck with a train would be a compliment, he says. He does add that the water temperature is warming up this week.

Millwood as of Tuesday is 3 feet above normal conservation pool and there is 30,000 cfs of discharge at the dam. Surface temperatures are running in the mid-40s, from 43 degrees to 48 this week.
“Trees, logs, limbs and wide debris fields as big as a school house with broken grass mats are coming downriver on Little River and navigation is hazardous,” he says, adding that many logs are mere inches under the surface in high discharge current.
“Use extreme caution in navigation,” he urges boaters.

As for the fish, bass and crappie are scattered. “Nothing consistent to report this week. Hopefully, conditions will improve by this weekend, early next week, and we can have a better report.”

Visit the guide service’s website linked above for the latest updates between this week and the next published AGFC Fishing Report on Feb. 20.

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

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

No reports.

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

No reports. 

De Queen Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from De Queen Lake, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website.

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

White Oak Lake Area
No reports.

Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro

(updated 2-6-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that beginning Friday, Feb. 7, through Feb. 14, Entergy will generate 6,000 cfs below Carpenter Dam for 24 hours a day. This flow of water will make the tailrace dangerous to navigate for both boaters and bank fishermen. Extreme caution must be used for anyone who attempts to be on or near the water for any reason during this time.
The water temperature below the dam has risen to 49 degrees due to the warmer temperatures of the last several days. Entergy was running round-the-clock generation because of the flooding experienced in our area, and the tailrace continues to be heavily stained but clearing nicely. Both lakes Catherine and Hamilton were drawn down 3 feet for the winter, and the drawdown will remain in place until early March, when the refill is scheduled.
Stained conditions and fast flows have been the norm the past week below Carpenter Dam with very little fishing or boating taking place. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocked quality rainbow trout in Lake Catherine in November and December and those fish thrived in the cold temperatures. January was a big month for trout stocking with 9,700 fish placed in the lake. February will be a banner month for trout with 12,000 fish scheduled to be released.
As soon as the tailrace clears and the runoff is passed through the system, very good opportunities will present themselves for catching good numbers of trout. Bank fishermen can use PowerBaits in yellow or white fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater and expect consistent action in the main channel. Waxworms or mealworms will also work well presented in the same manner. Spin fishermen should concentrate on areas of current where rocks and sandbars are present and cast Rooster Tails in silver or brown. Trout often hide in the areas to stay out of the main current and to ambush prey. Fly-fishermen can wade to these same areas and cast micro-jigs in black and white under a strike indicator. San Juan Worms in pink offer another quality lure to tempt finicky trout. 

Thousands of threadfin shad have been swept into the Carpenter Dam tailrace from Lake Hamilton this year. The freezing temperatures stun these baitfish, which are then drawn through the turbines during generation and float over the shallow water to be preyed upon by area game fish. This is one reason that the trout make such wonderful table fare due to the superior diet created by this process repeated over and over during the winter months. 

The walleye spawn will begin in the tailrace in the next week to 10 days. The smaller males will migrate into the area first to prepare the beds for the larger females. As soon as reports come in, more information will be given to location and bait choice. 

Anyone visiting Carpenter Dam park is advised to follow all park rules and regulations and always obey law enforcement officers who are constantly monitoring the area. Wearing a lifejacket is a must when navigating the tailrace and could save your life in an accident.

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

(updated 1-23-2025) Seth Boone, superintendent at Lake Dardanelle State Park (479-890-7474), said Lake Dardanelle has been frigid lately. Fish have been slow to bite but the bream are biting on live bait such as worms. Bass have been difficult but crankbaits and spinnerbaits off rock points have been successful. Catfish have been more active toward the evening hours on stink bait in deeper waters. Crappie fishermen have had success from minnows at tributary confluence points.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 1-9-2025) 2024 ended the way it began on Lake Hamilton, with a double-digit bass being caught at the lake. Lin Burnett hoisted an 11.14-pound black bass on Dec. 16. The fish measured 25.5 inches long. He said a fin clip was retained from the bass for genetic study by the AGFC. The year began with a couple of double-digit catches as well.

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

(updated 1-23-2025) Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025)

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

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

(updated 2-6-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports this week that black bass are fair to good. These fish are still schooling up in the mouths of major creek channels. Try a CC Spoon in 20-40 feet of water, or an Alabama rig. No reports on walleye, bream or catfish. Stripers are very good and biting on live bait and small minnow-like jigs on the western end of the lake. Crappie are still good and biting over the tops of brush in the 20- to 40-foot range.

Water temperature is ranging 44-50 degrees. The clarity is strained but clearing. The lake level is 580.84 feet msl and falling as of Tuesday this week. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

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

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

Horseshoe Lake
(updated 2-6-2025) Kent Williams of Oxbow Guide Service (870-278-7978) said crappie are biting but they are a little sluggish. Baits need to be moved slowly to entice a bite. Look for crappie in the deeper areas of the lake. “The fish we caught were biting a red-and-white hand-tied jig.”

He had no reports from bass, bream or catfish. The water temperature at Horseshoe is 49 degrees and the clarity is dingy. The lake level remains a little low.

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