Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

February 20, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Anthony Farmer landed this 3.42-pound crappie on Feb. 8 while fishing Lake Charles in Lake Charles State Park in Lawrence County. The fish measured 18.25 inches. Crappie fishing was reported good at Lake Charles before this latest winter storm rolled in. Thanks to Shelly Jeffrey at the state park for sending the photo.

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 2-20-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said late last week, “Looks like we’ve got another round of rain coming into Arkansas this weekend. With all the rain we’ve had the past few weeks, Greers Ferry Lake is now sitting about 4 feet over the winter power pool. To manage the rising water levels, the Army Corps of Engineers has been running two generators 24/7 and opening the floodgates to bring the lake back down to the winter power pool of 462.0 feet msl.

“We had another storm roll through Tuesday night into Wednesday, causing some localized flooding. Because of this, the Army Corps of Engineers temporarily cut back the release to just one generator and shut the floodgates. My guess is that once the water from this latest rain recedes, they’ll go back to full release with two generators plus floodgates open.
“When they dropped the release to one generator, the fishing was excellent. The floodgates create highly oxygenated water, which gets the bite going strong. With the current high-water generation, I’ve been running a deep-water nymph rig: 9-foot #5 weight fly rod with a long leader (12+ feet); fishing 6-12 feet deep, adding split shot as needed. For flies, I’ve been using egg patterns and San Juan Worms under an indicator. For those chasing big brown trout, now’s a prime time with the high water: 9-foot #8 weight fly rod with a 330-grain sink line; short leader (3-6 feet); throwing big articulated streamers toward the banks. This method has been producing well, and it’s a great time to target those aggressive browns.
“Here’s a safety reminder: Fishing in high water can be productive but also dangerous, especially if you’re new to boating in heavy current. If you’re unsure, consider hiring a professional guide to help you navigate these conditions and get you on fish. Stay safe, stay fishy, and I’ll see you next week for another Little Red River fishing report!”

(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 2-20-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said last week that the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 465.76 feet msl — that’s 3.72 feet above normal pool of 462.04 feet msl for this time of year. They have been generating 24 hours a day and also have had floodgates open at times. BE AWARE OF LOTS OF FLOATING LOGS ,ETC. ALL OVER LAKE AND RIVERS!
Most species have been on the move with water rising. For crappie, try super shallow and out to 30 feet and use jigs, minnows or crankbaits. Fishing straight up and down in pole timber or over brushpiles is working great. A lot of walleye moved up river or close to it after the last big rise in the lake; there is a lot more staging and some prestaging going on, while a bunch have not even come out of deep water. They are scattered all over the lake and rivers. Look on any corner facing upstream and drag a minnow or crankbait at 45-65 feet. Other walleye have been seen super shallow: Fish a jighead minnow, jerkbait or big minnow-type deep-diving bait. Some walleye will be following under big schools of whites and hybrids; use a spoon for those. With a lot just roaming around, a spoon is best for that vertical fishing at 10-50 feet.
For hybrids and white bass 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 here many months out of the year. It has the right temp and oxygen.

Catfish are biting all over the lake on the usual stuff. Try staying around schools of shad. Most bream are around 8-30 feet; crickets and crawlers will work as well as inline spinners.
Now is the time you will start running into small groups of five to eight black bass up shallow, 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, super shallow out to 60 feet. And that spinnerbait will shine right now shallow or in guts; also, be mindful of certain trees, they will get on in the pole timber!
Be safe and wear your life jacket.

(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.

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.” 

Brewer Lake
(update 2-20-2025) David Hall at Dad’s Bait Shop (501-289-2210), a 24/7 self-serve bait shop at the lake, had no reports.

Lake Maumelle
(update 2-20-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said he hadn’t been out much since the start of the new year, but did have a couple of nice outings, including one with a couple of AGFC Fisheries Division staffers Sean Lusk and Nick Feltz, and caught some nice fish. Look for more from Eric in future reports, or give him a call. “All I need now is a little cooperation from Mother Nature!” he said.

(updated 2-20-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) had no new reports. Most recently, they had noted that the water level was 8.7 feet low and dropping to 10 feet because of Central Arkansas Water’s repairs planned for the dam. 

Largemouth bass had been biting well 2-5 feet with others being found deeper and scattered around brush anywhere from 10-20 feet. Try points and drop-offs and use topwater, spinnerbaits, jigs, jerkbait, Chatterbait or crankbaits. Spotted bass were good, scattered on dropoffs at 10-20 feet and biting on jerkbaits and jigs. Crappie were good in 20-30 feet in the channel on jigs.

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 2-20-2025) The lake has reopened for fishing. It’s typically good for crappie early, and bass and catfish will begin to hit in coming weeks.

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 2-20-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302) said the bass, walleye and crappie guys are out of action due to the sub-zero temperatures. If you haven’t booked a trip or got cancelled and are thinking about rescheduling? I would guess the next couple days the guides will have some time.
Lake level is 658 feet msl, while the water temperature had dropped to 45 degrees two days ago on the lower end. Looks like we should be above freezing Saturday!

With wintry conditions and sub-zero temperatures, not a lot has changed for the reports. I expect that you are going to have to hit ’em on the head until we get back out there. Before the front, lots of shad were disbursed throughout the water column. However, with lack of better judgment, I did venture out before the deep freeze. I did see lots of fish suspended along steeper drops, bluffs and ledges close to shad. Also some are still shallow. 

Powerfishing shallow water will probably take a bit to pick back. We could use a warming trend and stained creeks. A jerkbait will catch a few in the clear water. A SPRO Crawler, Wiggle Wart, Red Craw or green variations seem to be a bit better for me if we get some wind. Looking forward to the warming trend that typically occurs in late February/ early March, that can be some of the best cranking bites of the year. So get ready.

There are always fish to be caught on a jig. Try a little slower presentation. Once again, warm and a little wind, try sunny points with drop-offs or ledges — you’re looking anywhere from 20-40 feet and way shallower (5-10 feet) in stain. The winter patterns are changing; target bigger bait balls. They are moving around and every day is different and every creek will be a little different. As always, graph time can pay off this time of year. If you are targeting shad eaters, a regular Tater Shad has been working and a jerkbait around those high swimming shad or dying shad balls 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; most of the bites are very subtle. You’re also gonna want to experiment with jig size. 

It’s not going to be much longer to get back out there. Have fun, be safe. “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 2-20-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) says walleye are scattered along the creek channels following the shad. “I am catching some around trees in 60-70 feet of water where the creek passes close to a steep banks or a point halfway to two-thirds back of creeks. Mostly fishing the longer creek arms. Staying close to trees with spoons and jigging Raps. I have also been catching a few on Rapala Rippin’ Raps and jerkbaits pitched up in 8 feet and jigged slowly back out to the boat in 35 feet. Lure colors have been white or shad pattern. This second pattern seems to be working best at low light periods.”

(updated 2-20-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are scattered in the creeks on brush, and still a few on the main lake as well. Fish are definitely not on every brushpile but we have had luck looking for ones around flats. But the fish have been sitting low in the brush since the last cold front. Try a 1/16- or ⅛-ounce jig with small fry bait. “I have been using Tater Baits in 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 2-20-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said before this latest deep freeze and snow that Beaver lake was hanging right at 1120.51 feet msl, about a foot below normal levels. The lake was warming up but now is cooling down. This makes for some tough bites . This time of year is tough on anglers as we are so close but seems so far away for that great prespawn spring bite.
“Stripers have been elusive and we’re also maybe dealing with some sort of small shad die-off. I have heard of pockets of dead shad in certain areas, and this makes it tough because the fish gorge.
“Crappie are all over the place, as some are suspended and some are attached to brush in 12-25 feet of water.
“Walleye were starting to file into prespawn areas. The water temps up the White were above 50 (last week), which is prime for walleye. But as of this writing it has dropped to 42 degrees. That temperature drop will put fish in a negative mood for a bit, and unfortunately it looks like another week of cold weather. 

“We just need to get through the next week and things should ramp up. Be safe and good luck!”

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 2-20-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) has reopened but has had no reports.

Lake Charles
(updated 2-20-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said last week that the lake clarity was murky as usual and the surface water temperature was 47.3 degrees. The water level is high.
Crappie are good, but there have been no hints of bait used. Minnows and jigs tend to be best, with minnows strong now. A 3.42-pound, 18.25-inch crappie was caught on Feb. 8 by Anthony Farmer. With the good weather that particular day, there were lots of boats on the water, Shelly noted.
There have been no other reports of late. Best fishing based on “moon times” is coming up Feb. 25 through March 3. 

Lake Poinsett
(updated 2-20-2025) Jonathan Wagner at Lake Poinsett State Park had no new reports, but most recently had noted 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 were moving to the deeper waters near the dam according to their LiveScopes. Crappie were hitting on minnows and a variety of jigs.
“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 2-20-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said that except for the blizzard conditions this week, fishing has remained the same. He says he’s seen great catching when conditions allow.
Last week, water levels were at 480 cfs and water clarity was clearing. Rain two weeks ago had the river up. 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 2-20-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no new reports.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 2-20-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said the lake was closed for three days early last week for the AGFC to take care of nutria control around the lake. Since reopening, there have been no reports. Most recently, there had been crappie being caught off the pier as well as by boat using minnows. In early February, a boating angler was catching some very large crappie, including a limit in one outing. Another angler caught two large crappie from his boat Feb. 6. Anglers were also trying for crappie fishing from the bank.

Lake Monticello
(updated 2-20-2025) 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 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 2-20-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Tuesday as the latest winter storm was rolling in that he had nothing to add to his most recent report, but cold rain, freezing rain, sleet and hazardous navigation on Millwood Lake with broken timber, trees, logs, limbs, grass mats and wide debris fields were coming downriver at a rapid clip of over 19,500 cfs of current. “Zero boat trailers in the parking lot,” he added.

Lake level is almost 2 feet above normal pool with more rain falling as we speak, muddy and rising. Water temperature remains in the mid-40s, and fish are scattered. Tailwater below Millwood Dam is 242 feet msl and falling. “We didn’t see anyone fishing below the spillway. Hopefully we’ll have some better news and a report for you next week. We are certainly ready for spring fishing fever!”

Visit the guide service’s website linked above for the latest updates.

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 2-20-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam has fallen to 44 degrees due to the latest snow and ice storm to move through this area. Entergy has been running round-the-clock generation because of the flooding experienced in our area and the tailrace is, once again, very muddy and debris-filled. Most of January and February have been lost to fishermen due to flooding and snow and ice accumulations. Entergy has no choice but to schedule high-generation flows below area dams to rid the lakes of excess water to maintain lake levels. This process has been the norm on Lake Catherine for weeks because of the winter weather.

Both lakes Catherine and Hamilton were lowered 3 feet for the winter drawdown and will remain in place until early March. Muddy conditions and fast flows have been the norm the past week below Carpenter Dam with very little fishing or boating taking place. 

The 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 is the most heavily stocked month for rainbow trout with 12,000 fish 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 those 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 these 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 is underway in the tailrace, but no one has been able to fish due to the unsafe flows from the dam. The smaller males have migrated 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 the law enforcement officer constantly monitoring the area. Wearing a life jacket 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 2-20-2025) Seth Boone, superintendent at Lake Dardanelle State Park (479-890-7474), had no new fishing reports this week, but reported most recently that Lake Dardanelle had been frigid lately. Fish were slow to bite but the bream were biting on live bait, such as worms. Bass had been difficult, but crankbaits and spinnerbaits off rock points were successful. Catfish were more active toward the evening hours on stink bait in deeper waters. Crappie fishermen had success before all the bad weather this month using minnows at tributary confluence points.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 2-20-2025) 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 2-20-2025) 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. 

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

(updated 2-20-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are fair to good. These fish are still schooling up in the mouths of major creek channels. Try a crawfish-colored jig in 20-40 feet of water or an Alabama rig. No reports on walleye, bream or catfish. Stripers are still very good and biting on live bait and small minnow-like jigs on the western end of the lake. Crappie are good and biting over the tops of brush in the 20- to 40-foot range.
Earlier this week the water temperature was ranging 44-50 degrees and the water clarity was clearing. The lake level was 579.46 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
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.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 2-20-2025) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said they are gearing up and looking forward to opening fishing back up at Cook’s Lake this spring after the lake has served as a waterfowl rest area for the winter. “Currently we are looking at a delayed opening due to flooding conditions but will reopen once flood waters recede and allow the lake to be accessible for boat and dock anglers. Last year was a weird year and we are hoping these high-water conditions will reset the lake and create great opportunities for spring and summer months.”

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. Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility-impaired anglers who must possess the AGFC mobility impaired access permit, and up to two guests (who may also fish), during the specified fishing season. Fish from the 140-foot mobility-impaired accessible dock or launch a boat. Fishing will be allowed only on Friday’s and Saturday’s March through August, 8:00am until 4:00pm, water level pending. Before launching, please check in at the Nature Center classroom and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, please call the center at 501-404-2321.

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