Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

March 6, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Griffin Ralph, an 18-year-old senior at Hot Springs Lakeside High School, landed a 13.43-pound largemouth bass at Millwood Lake last Sunday in the Arkansas Youth BASSNATION Southern tournament trail. Dylan Hann, an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologist, arrived onsite to get a fin clip of the fish for AGFC’s research on the bass’ genetics. The monster bass helped Griffin and his teammate, Grayson Goss, to first place in the event with a 24.78-pound stringer. See more on Millwood fishing in Mike Siefert’s report below.

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 2-27-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said that while Lake Conway has been drawn down for renovation, 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.

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 3-6-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said Thursday that the Southwestern Power Administration and Corps of Engineers are running wide open at the dam with two generators going, with the lake being high, and they advised waiting until that changes. This has been ongoing since the water in the lake went up a couple of weeks back. “They cut it a little earlier this week but wasn’t enough time to get out and fish before water came back up.”

(updated 2-27-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said Wednesday, “Right now, Greers Ferry Lake is sitting at 466.07 feet msl, about 4 feet above the winter power pool of 462.04 feet msl. The Army Corps of Engineers is working hard to bring it down, running two generators 24/7 and releasing additional water over the dam’s floodgates. This effort is dropping the lake by about a half-foot per day, meaning we’ve got at least another eight days of this schedule — assuming no more rain. However, another weather system is expected to bring additional rain to the Ozarks, so we’ll have to wait and see how things shake out.
“With this much water moving, the Little Red River is running extremely high. If you’re heading out, make sure you’re comfortable handling a boat in big water—this is not the time for beginners. The river is fishable, but conditions are far from ideal, and you should expect lower catch numbers than usual.

“For streamer fishing, I recommend using an 8-weight rod, and target the banks where fish are holding tight. For deep nymphing, set up 9-12 feet deep with plenty of split shot to get your fly down. If you try shallow nymphing near the banks, fishing 6-8 feet deep along the bank ledges can also be productive.
“There are alternatives to the Little Red during this high water. If you’ve booked a trip with me, I’ve been giving clients the option to head over to the White River—either the upper section near Mountain Home or the lower stretch near Mountain View. Another solid choice is the Norfork River, all within an hour to an hour and a half drive. The fishing might be tough on the Little Red for now, but there are still ways to make the most of your time on the water. If you’re looking for a guided trip, give me a call at 501-507-3688 or visit littleredflyfishingtrips.com for updates and bookings.”

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 3-6-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the lake is rising with all this rain earlier this week, and more in the forecast. On Thursday the lake was at 463.8 feet msl. “Up in the rivers you’ll notice stained clarity — in the Middle Fork, South Fork, Choctaw and Devil’s Fork. The lower end of the lake will be clear.”

They suggest concentrating on throwing single swimbaits (in a white or a Sexy Chad color, anything with a little blue and chartreuse) or Alabama rigs with swim baits a little deeper in 15-25 feet of water. Also try an 8- to -10-foot diving jerkbait. If the water is a little warm or on a sunny day, moving up shallow is recommended, where you can try a red crankbait. Also, a half-ounce or three-quarter-ounce green pumpkin or peanut butter and jelly football jig is a good choice.

(updated 3-6-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said Wednesday the water level at Greers Ferry Lake was at 463.71 feet msl, 1.67 feet above normal pool (462.04 feet msl) and rushing. Southwestern Power Administration and the Army Corps of Engineers have been generating 24 hours a day and also have had floodgates open at times. There is great stain to water — pretty much “good catching” color all over the lake and rivers. 

Most species have been on the move with water rising. Crappie should be super shallow out to 30 feet. They have been biting jigs, minnows or crankbaits. Fishing for them straight up and down in pole timber or a brushpile has been working great. 

A lot of walleye have moved upriver or close to it after the last big rise in the lake. A lot more are staging and some prestaging. 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 crankbaits 45-65 feet. For walleye that are shallow, fish a jighead minnow, jerkbait or big minnow-type deep-diving bait. Some are following under big schools of whites and hybrids; use spoons for those. For the ones just roaming, a spoon is best for vertical fishing them 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 set, use spoons, inline spinners, grubs and swimbaits in 25-80 feet. They want to settle in about 43 feet, which is magic water depth where they are comfortable here many months out of the year. It has the right temperature and oxygen.

You will start running into small groups of five to eight black bass up shallow. Most, though, are out or roaming shallow and schooling. Use Carolina rigs, Wiggle Warts and any flat-sided crankbait, drop-shots, spinner baits and Rat-L-Traps super shallow out to 80 feet. The 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.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 3-6-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says fishing has been “slow, slow, slow.” A young angler did catch a nice catfish off the shoreline using chicken liver on Sunday before the bad weather and cold temps this week.

Also follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page.

Lake Overcup
(updated 3-6-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing off Arkansas Highway 9 said this week that water level is about 2 feet high and rising. Clarity is murky and surface temperature is around 48.7 degrees. 

Bream haven’t started yet but bass and catfish are being caught on yo-yos and jugs using minnows. Crappie are doing well on minnows using rod and reel, as well as on jugs and yo-yos.
“Hopefully this weather will help. Come see us for all your fishing adventures at Overcup Bait Shop off Highway 9.”

Brewer Lake
(update 3-6-2025) AGFC staff checked out Brewer last week as the weather broke, though it was cold. Fishing was very slow. We need some warmer nights to bring up the lake water temperature, and crappie should start biting soon.
Brewer Lake has a new regulation for 2025: The 13- to 16-inch black bass slot limit on Brewer (as well as Lake Barnett in White County) has been replace; now, anglers may keep up to 10 largemouth bass, but only one of those may exceed 16 inches.

Lake Maumelle
(update 2-27-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said crappie are scattered and following shad all over Lake Maumelle in 20-35 feet of water. Water temperature is low- to mid-40s. Bobby Garland Baby Shad and Slab Hunt’R plastics are the best choice! Water level is approximately 8.5 feet below normal pool and falling; Central Arkansas Water is lowering the lake to about 10 feet for repair work at the dam. Ramps at WestRock Landing are still accessible. Proceed with caution.

(updated 2-27-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said they didn’t have much to report this week, as fishing has been slow. There have not been many bites going around “but with this warmer weather, I have a feeling things will turn around any day now, most likely this weekend.” Water temperature is ranging 47-52 degrees. The lake is 7.25 feet low, drawn down while Central Arkansas Water addresses an infrastructure problem at the dam.

Before all the deep freeze of last week, though, 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 drop-offs 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 3-6-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said he was fishing last weekend and the water temperature was 58 degrees. He figures it probably cooled down after Tuesday’s storm passed through, but he was unable to get a temperature by Thursday. Air temps are supposed to hit in the low 70s Friday afternoon, drip back into the 50s Saturday and Sunday, and then back to 70s starting Monday night week.

Last weekend, black bass were biting from 6 feet all the way up to 3 feet. Crankbaits and jig-and-pig were working best. Anglers nearby were catching crappie in 3-4 feet depth. They were using minnows and jigs.

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 3-6-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) urge anglers and boaters to heed the small craft warning with the river flowing at 90,000 cfs at Murray Lock and Dam on Thursday. It will take some time for that to come down, especially with more rain in the forecast. There was 72,000 cfs flow at Toad Suck upriver and 60,000 or so at Dardanelle, so a big push of water was allowed through. “Be careful,” they advise.

When they water does come down closer to 50,000 cfs and safer for small craft, the cooler water temperature should still allow for some good bass fishing. Try fishing a spinnerbait really slow in between the main channel and backwaters (rather than in either). If you have a bright, sunshine day with little wind, you can fish up shallow throwing a black-and-blue Chatterbait or jig. If you’ve picked a cloudy day, stick with the white/chartreuse spinnerbait.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 3-6-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) is back to being a fishing destination after being a waterfowl rest area during duck season, and anglers have been visiting regularly the past few weeks. She says they’ve been catching quite a few catfish, with minnows and hot dogs the primary baits. Crappie, she added, are still “all over the place with this crazy weather.” Use minnows or jigs for crappie. She hasn’t heard anything on the bass so far. The lake water level is at normal pool.

White River
(updated 3-6-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said March is living up to its name as the windy month; we sure hope it blows itself out quickly. Bull Shoals Lake is on the rise after Tuesday’s rainstorm. The lake is sitting at 659.22 feet msl. Generation from Bull Shoals Dam has been variable from minimum flow (700 cfs) to over four units (12,600 cfs).

Old fishing adage: You can’t catch one if your line isn’t in the water, so come on over and drop a line (6-pound test, green monofilament is a good start). Jigs have been flying off the shelf, for good reason. The peach/mossy green D2 jig has been catching the eye of a lot of trout. White jigs (most any white bait right now) have hooked a bunch, too.

Local fishing adage: March is the best time to catch a brown. “We’ve netted more browns than rainbows some days, and the trout we’re netting are healthy and providing a lot of action. Most were caught with a sculpin, but don’t leave the minnows at home. Shad is a great treat for the browns. It might surprise you to find that a gold Little Cleo hasn’t lost its allure to the browns.

“Use a heavier weight to float your baits nearer the bottom in this deeper water after spring rains. Cast near the banks where the trout don’t have to fight the current. We’ve had a lot of success with spoons, in addition to the Cleo, especially the red/bold Thomas Buoyant quarter-ounce Spoon.
“We enjoy God’s great outdoors every single day. Join us in the Arkansas

Ozarks and experience the beauty of our Natural State.”

(updated 3-6-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said fishing last weekend was great. “We saw depths as low as 4.5 feet to around 6.5 feet. Drift-fishing with Uncommon Baits Ultraviolet Eggs tipped with shrimp or corn worked best for rainbow trout. Others saw success with a mix of orange and white Power Eggs with shrimp. Rapala Countdowns in CD5 and CD7 in rainbow trout or black and silver colors worked well. Additionally, Thompson Colorado quarter-ounce Spoons in nickel/gold worked well with the lower water. 

The rain Tuesday had minimal effect on the water in Calico Rock as of Wednesday afternoon. “I expect on Thursday we will see some dingy water, but the dirty water should clear up by this weekend. Other than a slight chance of rain on Saturday we should see some sunny days with mild temperatures into next week. Perfect weather to get out on the river and catch trout.”

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 3-6-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302) said the lake level is normal at 659 feet msl. Water temperature is ranging 44-50 depends “depending on the creek,” Del says. 

“There are more fish that have moved up staging in late winter, early spring areas. The powerfishing shallow should continue to improve. Some fish are up there roaming shallow. A jerkbait will catch a few in the semi-clear water. Target transition banks, chunk rock, steeper banks and small ledges close to deep water. In the wind! A SPRO Crawler or Wiggle Wart in red craw or green variations seems to be a bit better for me if we get some wind. The crank bite will be slow without it.

“There are always fish to be caught on a jig. Try a little slower presentation. Once again, with warm days and a little wind and sunny, try points, drop-offs or ledges, piles. You’re looking anywhere from 20-40 feet; way shallower (5-10 feet) in stain or clouds.
“The offshore video-gamers are going to have to work. The shad seem to have spread out. Target larger bait balls or any bait you can find up high near the surface and closer to the shore. It’s still winter — most fish are still hovering wanting to move up. They are moving around and every day is different and every creek will be a little different. Shouldn’t be long. 

“As always, graph time can pay off this time of year. If you are targeting shad eaters, a smaller 2.8 swimbait McMinnow or a regular Tater Shad has been working, and use a jerkbait around those high-swimming shad and shad balls early or late in the day when shad are up in the water column. They are being finicky if they aren’t actively feeding.
“Have fun, be safe and ‘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 3-6-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) says with this week’s past weather, walleye fishing on the lower end of the lake has been unpredictable at best. Fish are in prespawn/spawn mode and are scattered along creek channels that have shad. Best to fish low light periods at this time. Cloudy and windy days help the daytime fishing a lot. Fishing 4-15 feet of water with jerkbaits or fishing 4 feet out to 30 feet of water with jig and minnow, jig and plastics, or Ice Jigs — worked slowly back to the boat on points with deep water on at least one side — will produce fish. Fishing same structure after dark with 110-style jerkbaits or 5-inch floating stick baits and retrieved back at extremely slow speeds will get some bites. 

As the water in the creeks starts to warm a little bit more, right before daylight in the morning will also be another opportunity to catch some using the same methods.

If trolling, try to fish low light periods. Trolling 5-inch stick baits at slow speeds as low as .85 mph in 7-14 feet along windblown banks will also work.

(updated 3-6-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says crappie are in the creeks not too far from the shad. Look for brush, 20-30 feet, and dead-stick a jig above them or minnows on a slip bobber. They are definitely moving piles regularly, so they can show up overnight.

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 3-6-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is at 1,120.69 feet msl and that’s a little below normal level. Water temps are in the 40s to near 50 far up river arms. Tuesday, they received around 1.5 inches of rain, and that should kick up river movement for all species that use the river arms to spawn. It still remains a very spotty bite everywhere on the lake. It should really begin to ramp up in the coming weeks.

Stripers are mixed throughout the lake. Fish are being caught around the islands at Prairie Creek and all the way up to Camp War Eagle, and all the way up to Neil’s Bluff on the White side.

Crappie are also everywhere, from suspended at 13 feet in 30 feet of water and also on structure in 8-30 feet. As water warms, they will start moving toward prespawn banks and points adjacent to spawning gravel flats and banks. 

Walleye are slow with a few caught up in the rivers but that should change next week, and also a few white bass are being caught upriver. 

“If you do not know, the AGFC has new spoonbill regulations above the Arkansas Highway 45 bridge. You can apply for a tag and there are 150 available. I am not sure how the process works, but if you want a spoonbill, here is your chance to actually to target them and not just ‘accidentally’ snag them.
“Good luck and let’s hope spring is gonna show soon!”

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 3-6-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said, “This week is the tale of ups and downs, with the trout and walleye both! I will say this: When the fishing is on, it is on; however, Mother Nature does like to throw a nasty curve ball and keep us humble from time to time.
“Let’s start with the trout. Your best bet is to get out there early. Using silver and gold quarter-ounce spoons has been working nice. Also various dough baits, fished with light terminal tackle, have produced as well. If you’re looking to catch a big brown, try tossing a White River Zig Jig in olive/orange, ginger, brown/orange or white. You want to focus from Spider Creek down to the dam.

“Now let’s talk walleye. The spawn is progressing nicely. Remember, these fish are going to come up in waves and hit staging areas until they finally push their way up to the dam to do their business. You need to look for flats, humps and points. Do not be discouraged if you go out for 6-8 hours and only pull shorts or take an ‘L.’ These fish can be tricky to catch; you have to be persistent. Right time, presentation and conditions really matter. If the Army Corps of Engineers doesn’t let the water flow for a couple of days, you might want to hold off during those times. Trolling, jigging and working hard baits are all great methods. I assure you, this fish is a love/hate relationship that will keep you coming back for more.

“One more thing: With the increased boat traffic, please be mindful of other anglers. When you see another boat that is not underway and is anchored, don’t blow past them at 25 mag. Two things: One, that is a good way to get someone injured and bust equipment. Two, you are blowing out the area that person is trying to fish. I assure you, if you pull up on a pod of fish that you have looked all over for and folks keep blowing out your hole, you will not be too happy. Not to mention if your equipment gets damaged or you get hurt by being jarred around. Let’s all practice good etiquette while out enjoying this awesome fishery! 

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

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 2-27-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) was frozen for a few days but the last two days (Wednesday and Thursday) they had fishermen out on the lake catching some crappie and bass. There is a little size to both species caught, but quantity is not what they’d like. “They’re all keepers, but just not very many,” they say. “The bass were in the 2-3 pounds range, but maybe just one caught by a group. They’re not biting as well as we’d like. But they are awake!”

Anglers are using jigs for crappie, while bass are requiring the anglers to throw about everything they have. Swimbaits and jig-and-pig were working best.

Water temperature is 48 degrees and the clarity is stained with water running off into the lake; before, it was crystal clear.

Lake Charles
(updated 2-20-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said 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. 

Lake Poinsett
(updated 3-6-2025) 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 are 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 3-6-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no new reports with cold conditions through much of February. Look for updates soon.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 2-27-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said the catching may be slow according to some anglers they spoke with, but they’ve seen a few customers coming in buying a good numbers (quarter-pound to half-pound) of minnows to fish for crappie. Fishing was ongoing off the bank at the spillway side of the lake on Sunday, and on Tuesday there were a couple of anglers fishing off the main fishing dock for crappie with minnows. Two others were at the spillway after trying the dock on Tuesday.

Lake Monticello
(updated 3-6-2025) 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 black bass now.

Lake Chicot
(updated 3-6-2025) Crappie reports have been good from AGFC staffers in recent weeks. Anglers putting in from the Connerly Bayou Access have been seeing good results. 

Lake Chicot, part of Lake Chicot State Park, is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, redear sunfish and other bream, in addition to crappie. If you fish Lake Chicot, Connerly Bayou downstream of Connerly Dam, or Ditch Bayou from Lake Chicot downstream to Ditch Bayou Dam, be aware that crappie shorter than 10 inches must be immediately released and that the crappie daily limit is 20.

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 3-6-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday that Millwood Lake gave up a couple more “Millwood Donkeys” this past weekend in a high school bass tournament. Griffin Ralph from Lakeside High School in Hot Springs weighed in a 13.43-pound giant of a largemouth. There was talk at the ramp of another lucky angler with a largemouth over 11 pounds the same weekend. The 13-pounder appeared to still be prespawn condition. Congratulations to Griffin, that bass is only a few gizzard shad away from a new Millwood Lake record of 14.5 pounds. 

As of Wednesday, Millwood Lake’s elevation is about 7 inches normal pool, at 259.8 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 6,000 cfs and tailwater is near 232.5 feet msl and falling.

USACE are in the process of replacing river buoys from Yarborough access to Paraloma Trail boat lane. Use extreme caution where Little River buoys are still missing.
Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or at the US Army Corps of Engineers website linked under “Millwood Lake” above, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels.

Surface temps continue fluctuating, ranging 58-67 degrees along Little River. Clarity along Little River for past week improved from reduced discharge at Millwood Dam. Moderate to heavy stain is found in most locations, muddy in some areas further up Little River. River clarity is ranging 5-8 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows will vary widely from heavy stained to fair visibility from 10-15 inches, and we observed around fair visibility in a few wind- and current-protected areas like McGuire Oxbow up to 18 inches clarity.
Siefert had these specifics on the fishing this week:

* Largemouth bass continue slowing improving over the past two weeks with the warmer conditions, depending on location, but it can been random on high barometric days. Male bass continue cruising shallow bay and protected flats near grass and cypress trees from 2-6 feet searching bedding areas, and a few have already bedded. We see more moving than sitting still. The largemouth seem to be more active and have been best midday and afternoon. A few of those roaming males have been random to fair to strike on red chrome three-quarter-ounce Rat-L-Traps. The smaller quarter-ounce Spinner Tail Rat-L-Traps will get a random reaction near flats through dead lily pads with deep creek bends. Throw brown/orange or red chrome Crawfish, red shad/gold back, or Natural Craw colors in the smaller to mid-size Trap when you need to work shallow. Spin Traps with a gold tail spinner will also work through the dead lily pad stems flawlessly and connect with roaming bass. Chatterbaits in Millwood Mayhem Bream, black/blue and Texas Craw or green pumpkin/fire craw will draw random reactions.

The males we found roaming shallow over the last week were around 2-2.5 pounds and moving in and out of 3- to 6-foot deep flats with stumps present near creek channel drops from 4-9 feet deep, near vertical structure, and were slow to fair on a red or chartreuse/white Chatterbait, a Brazalo Spinnerbait in Spot Remover or chartreuse/white, or a 6- to 8-inch and magnum-sized lizard. We did observe what appeared to be a few female largemouths cruising grass lines and dead lily pad stems in the 5- to 7-pound class, but they would not strike — like they were on a mission. Our estimation is the big girls are still staging and getting ready.
Warmer days are best daily conditions. Square bills, Little Johns and Bandit 100-200 Series crankbaits will randomly connect with the shallow-roaming bass. Bill Lewis MR-6, Echo 1.75 and SB-57 crankbaits in Sneaky Shad, Tennessee Shad, Millwood Magic and Rayburn Red Craw will draw a few random reactions. Anywhere a creek channel runs into the deeper creek bends or vertical structure and drops into the oxbows, where stumps and creek mouths drop, have held some decent-sized bass over the past couple weeks. The best bite continues during heat of the day from noon to 3 p.m.
* The white bass continue roaming and staging all along Little River and have schooled up heavily at various creek dumps into Little River for several weeks now. A few nice-sized schools were found from White Cliffs campground all the way up Little River to Brown’s Slough, but we have yet to speak with anyone who’s connected with any large whites at U.S. Highway 71 at Wilton yet. Temperatures are not quite there yet for the whites to begin their annual spawning run, but it’s coming soon. Up river above Wilton Landing is still in the mid-50s and we need some more warm days to make them really fire up, and run in large schools that far.

Hammered Cordell Chrome Spoons with a red bucktail, Rocket Shads, Bill Lewis MR-6 Crankbaits, and Spin Traps in chrome/blue and Threadfin Shad colors will get a reaction once you find them staging. Last week, we talked to two guys at White Cliffs, and they said they got into a school of whites upriver at the creek mouth before you get to McGuire Lake.
* Crappie continue to be on again, off again with the warmer temperatures. They are improving in brushpiles from 8-12 feet deep. A few nice 2-pound crappie have been hitting jigs and minnows over the past couple of weeks.
* Catfish are fair some days. Nothing new to report since the current in Little River slowed somewhat this week.

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 3-6-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam has stabilized at 47 degrees and should climb into the low 50s this week due to the warm temperatures forecasted for our area. Entergy has been running round-the-clock generation because of the flooding experienced in our area and the tailrace has cleared itself of debris and muddy water. All of January and February were lost to fishermen due to flooding and snow and ice accumulations. Entergy had 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. Lakes Catherine and Hamilton were lowered 3 feet for the winter drawdown and that level will remain in place until Sunday, March 9, when the refill is scheduled to begin. This process is expected to be completed in a week. 

Fast flows have been the norm the past week below Carpenter Dam with very little fishing or boating taking place. The AGFC 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 was the most heavily stocked month for rainbow trout with 12,000 fish released in Lake Catherine.
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 these 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. One reason that these trout make such wonderful table fare is due to the superior diet created by this process repeated over and over during the winter months. 

A vital point to remember concerning the rainbow trout bite is that rising water greatly inhibits the bite. Rising water is most always dingy and debris-filled, which is destructive when anglers attempt to catch rainbow trout. 

The walleye spawn is underway in the tailrace, but no one has been able to fish due to the unsafe flows. 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 law enforcement officers 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 3-6-2025) 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 2-27-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing both lakes Ouachita and Hamilton, and says, “Crappie season is upon us. They are in transition from a winter, deep pattern to their normal springtime pattern. (Wednesday) I caught crappie as deep as 24 feet when the morning water temperature was still 45 degrees. As the day warmed, so did the water. By noon the crappie were holding over brushpiles 15-foot deep. 

“Watch your water temperature and keep checking the northwestern, sunny corners of spawning coves.”

(updated 1-14-2025) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted earlier this week on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, “It’s ridiculous how good topwater bass fishing is on all of our area lakes. Lake Hamilton, Ouachita, DeGray, Greeson, Greers, in central Arkansas the topwater bite is incredible because of the warm fall we’re dealing with. If you want to go catch a bunch of fish, all you have to throw is a topwater bait.

“If there’s cloud cover (like on Wednesday this week), regardless of whether you’re throwing a buzzbait, or a topwater bait or a Spook of some kind or whatever you’re going to throw, with the big cloud cover coming through that’s where you’re going to catch a lot of fish.”

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 3-6-2025) 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 3-6-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are very good. Lipless crankbait, jerkbait, hover rig and an Alabama rig are all producing quality catches. Walleye are up the rivers and major creeks. Stripers are very good and biting on live bait and small minnow-like jigs on the western end of the lake.

No reports on bream or catfish. Crappie are very good and biting over the tops of brush in the 20- to 30-foot range.

Water temperature is ranging 50-55 degrees and clarity is clearing. The lake level Wednesday was 577.78 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 3-6-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted Tuesday night on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that that most big lakes in the region, with the exception of Lake Greeson (down more than 9 feet), is above normal pool. “That is odd for them for this time of year. And Lake Hamilton fills this week after its winter drawdown. So, for most of the lakes for this time of year to not be at normal level is odd.”

The Trader Bill’s Team Trail event was held last weekend on Ouachita, and an 8.99-pounder and 7.74-pound largemouth were among the catches. Marvin Lewis and Phil Lancaster caught a 5-bass stringer of 20.52 pounds, including the Big Bass (8.99 pounds). Second and third place finishers were 19.97 and 19.71 pounds, respectively. 

Also, Kastner said, the most of the winning stringer came via a Carolina rig. “When was the last time you heard that a Carolina rig won a tournament,” he marveled. Angler Mark Hedrick on the show added, “They’ve got grass back on Ouachita and that’s helping a little bit.”

(updated 2-27-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing both lakes Ouachita and Hamilton, and says, “Crappie season is upon us. They are in transition from a winter, deep pattern to their normal springtime pattern. (Wednesday) I caught crappie as deep as 24 feet when the morning water temperature was still 45 degrees. As the day warmed, so did the water. By noon the crappie were holding over brushpiles 15-foot deep. 

“Watch your water temperature and keep checking the northwestern, sunny corners of spawning coves.”

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 3-6-2025) Kent Williams of Oxbow Guide Service (870-278-7978) said had no new reports, but in early February he said crappie were biting but were a little sluggish. Baits needed 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 in early February was 49 degrees and the clarity was dingy. The lake level remained a little low.

Cook’s Lake
(updated 2-27-2025) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said, “Although we are headed into March, as I mentioned last week Cooks Lake will have a delayed opening this year because we are dealing with flood water.
“I sure am ready to start catching a few myself!” He says Cook’s Lake 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 Fridays and Saturdays March through August, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., water level pending. Before launching, please check in at the Nature Center classroom and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, please call the center at 501-404-2321.

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