Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

March 20, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Dick Engel has a handful with a Norfork Lake striper that he caught while fishing with guide Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters in recent days. Stripers are on at Norfork, Tom says; read more of his report below under “North Arkansas.”

Reports are updated weekly, although some reports may be published for two weeks if updates are not received promptly or if reporters say conditions haven’t changed. Contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for current news.

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 3-20-2025) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) had no reports.

While Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond is open for fishing 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.

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 3-20-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said Thursday that with Greers Ferry Lake back down to normal pool, there hasn’t been the need for generation for the past couple of days. And that, along with this weather, ought to be perfect for trout fishing. “You can go out there and throw just about anything. The fishing ought to be dang-good, they’ve been in high water for so long.”

Try something like a gold Rapala or some gold jerkbait for brown trout, focusing on little deeper stretches of the river. Along some shallower shoals, both rainbows and browns should be interested in Rooster Tails or a Little Cleo.

(updated 3-20-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) has had no recent reports. 

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 3-20-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said Greers Ferry has been fishing really well lately. Bass are being caught anywhere from 25 feet of water to 5 feet, and a lot of different baits are working. Anglers might want to try a crankbait, particularly a mid-diving crank focusing on 10-12 feet depth, such as a Wiggle Wart or Rock Crawler. Up shallower, you can catch bass on a Chatterbait, a spinnerbait, a jerkbait, targeting 5-10 feet of water.

You could also try a jig to fish any depth. Look for such jig colors as PB&J, or a green pumpkin with a little orange — that’s been a winner of late.

In the deeper water, go with a Damiki rig or maybe a single swimbait.

Crappie will be found now in standing timber. Minnows are a good bet, as well as a pink/chartreuse crappie jig, which will get the crappies’ attention because of the stain in the upper portion of the lake.
The lake level is about normal now. The water temperature is ranging from the low 50s to the high 50s.

(updated 3-13-2025) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said Wednesday the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 462.96 feet msl or almost a foot above normal pool (462.04 feet msl) and falling. The SWPA has been generating 12 hours a day and also has had floodgates open at times. There is great stain to water, and 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 lake rise; there is a lot more staging and some prestaging. They 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 the 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 replaced; now, anglers may keep up to 10 largemouth bass, but only one of those may exceed 16 inches.

Lake Maumelle
(update 3-20-2025) Crappie guide Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing (501-548-8990) said, “We had a phenomenal week of fishing last week through the weekend! Unfortunately, high winds have made it tough to get out this week.
“Lake Maumelle water level has reached the “critical” point in my opinion. I do not plan to launch my boat there again until the lake refills.” Lake Maumelle is nearly 10 feet below full pool because Central Arkansas Water has targeted a 10-foot drawdown to allow for repair of the dam.
“That said, I’ll be exploring some of our other awesome crappie fishing locations across Central Arkansas over the next few weeks. I’ll let you know how that goes!”

Schedule your next fishing adventure at www.nsfguide.com

(updated 3-20-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) had no report this week, noting that they had not had anyone fishing because of the wind. The lake is 9.5 feet low (Central Arkansas Water has lowered the lake to as much as 10 feet for work on the dam).
The front ramps are not accessible but WestRock’s back launch ramp is available. “We recommend having 4-wheel drive because it is steep and has a drop-off.”

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 3-20-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said crappie are still behind the jetties and in cuts in the jettings. Anglers report catching crappie on a white/chartreuse crappie jig, minnows, and other similar baits. White/chartreuse, black/chartreuse and red/chartreuse have been the most popular crappie jigs to use.

You’re having a mix of warm days followed by cooler days, and the depth of the fish will vary from around 5 feet on those warmer days to them moving back out to 10-15 feet (like Thursday).
Black bass are being caught mostly in the backwaters. A Texas-rigged creature bait is a great call, fishing it around wood or grass. Also, bass are biting on a white/chartreuse spinnerbait and a black/blue Chatterbait.
The water is stained to muddy and will remain that way for a few weeks.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 3-13-2025) 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 3-20-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “March is spring break month, and on the White River near Cotter that means lots of young anglers. Families enjoying the great outdoors, spending time together without the everyday hustle and bustle, is the best of times. Memory-making time: fishing for trout in the beauty of The Natural State, early morning chill and mid-afternoon warmth, catching and releasing more than can be kept. Priceless.

“We’ve had a wide variety of water levels this week; Bull Shoals Lake now is at 658.93 feet msl, just a bit down from normal power pool. Generation from the dam has been variable: from minimum flow (700 cfs) to over four units (12,600 cfs). Be prepared to change your fishing tactics as the water level changes. Worms work well on the rise; shiny, flash helps during the drop. When the river is full of sculpins, you know the browns will hit on them, which has been the case this week. Still, keep a variety of baits on hand (i.e., shad and minnows). 

“Action is the key for spring break visitors, and the kids are busy catching with shrimp and bright fluorescent orange eggs. Cutthroats, rainbows and browns all responded to the call. Shiny gold spinners and spoons attracted the rainbows as well. 

“Sending them back to school with some great fish tales. Come on over and experience trout catching with Cotter Trout Dock on the White River in the Arkansas Ozarks. Arkansas hospitality never fails to please.”Co

(updated 3-20-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Hope everyone is safe after the storms that came in the last week. The storm didn’t cause any significant changes to the river. We have seen levels as low as 4 feet the last few days and high as 7 feet this week. Norfork Dam has been releasing water in the morning, which takes about 5 hours to reach Calico Rock.
“The best fishing has been in the morning before the Norfork water arrives. The biggest challenge has been the wind with gusts to 50 mph on Wednesday. It is a challenge to find a stretch of river to get out of the wind. The fish don’t seem to mind. We are seeing some more rainbows of 14 inches and larger being caught with many different methods. 

“During the low water, artificial lures such as Thompson Colorado quarter-ounce spoons in nickel/gold or Rapala CD7 Countdowns in rainbow or silver have worked well. The always good Uncommon Bait UV Eggs in Neo Pink or Bright Orange with shrimp or red wiggler worms worked well.

“This week, we received one stocking with the AGFC pontoon raft stocking rainbows between Calico Rock and Sylamore Creek.”

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 3-13-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302) said the lake level is 658 feet msl. Water temperature has ranged anywhere from 49-56 degrees depending on the creek. Bass fishing has been a little frustrating with good days followed by pulling your hair out. More fish are moving up. Powerfishing shallow has been favorable with high winds blowing square on the bank. Some fish are up roaming shallow in 5-15 feet. A spinnerbait, Alabama rig and a jerkbait will catch a few in the semi-clear water. Target wind-blown transition banks — yep, not easy with the winds but that’s where they are at. Also targets areas of chunk rock, steeper banks or small ledges close to deep water. A SPRO Crawler, Wiggle Wart, Red Craw or green variations. You can go bright in stained water. The crankbite will slow without wind. There are always fish to be caught on a jig — a Peewee seems to be getting a little more action. Try areas near shad. Once again: warm, little wind, sunny, points drop-offs or ledges or piles, your looking anywhere from 20-40 feet, and way shallower (5-10 feet) in stain or cloudy days. 
The offshore video-gamers are going to have to work — the shad are still spread out and are throughout the water column. Target larger bait balls or any bait you can find up high near the surface and closer to the shore. Some fish are still hovering, wanting to move up. They are moving around — every day is different and every creek will be a little different. If you are targeting shad eaters, it’s been work! A smaller 2.8 swimbait and/or a regular Tater Shad has been working, and try 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.  
For those of you who chase white bass, now is the time!

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 3-20-2025) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) says walleye fishing on the lower end of the lake has still been slow in the daytime this week. Best fishing this past week has been at night under the full moon. Fish are spawning at night and are scattered along chunk rock points with deep water close by and steeper creek channel swings that have shad. Best to fish low-light periods now. 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 the 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. 

We have not seen much up early along the shoreline before daylight, but 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 3-20-2025) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) says to look for crappie in the creeks around brushpiles close to 20-ish feet that are found closer to baitfish. Dead-sticking jigs with a small fry bait or minnows under a bobber has been decent but it seems it changes back and forth from day to day.

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

(updated 3-20-2025) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters (also Facebook.com/stroutfitters or 870-421-1541) says the lake is at normal pool, 573 feet msl, with clear clarity and a water temperature in the 50s. The warm weather has improved fishing for Norfork Lake stripers. They are moving closer to shore as the water warms, bringing the shad into the creeks. The stripers have moved from the main lake to the mid-section of the creeks.
“I have seen stripers in the creeks that drop off into the channel. The bigger stripers have started showing up and are activity feedings on mid-size gizzard shad and threadfin shad. Fish the creeks that have long flats and stained water; Steward Point, Pigeon Creek, Bennetts Bayou, Big Creek and Brushy Creek are areas with the best conditions to hold active stripers.”
Tom Reynolds guides out of Tracy Ferry Marina.

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

(updated 3-20-2025) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver lake is holding steady at 1,120.54 feet msl. Water temperature is fluctuating and the weather is doing the same. For the most part, water temps are in the 50s.
Stripers again this week have been very good. Some big fish are being caught. Fish are anywhere from Horseshoe Bend up to Point 9 and all the way south past Camp War Eagle. Stripers are moving daily, as you should also.
Crappie are all over the place, too. You can catch them roaming suspended over flats in 30 feet of water, or you can catch them on brush from 5-20 feet deep. 

They will be moving up as soon as the weather stabilizes.
“Walleye are hit and miss up in the river arms. The run was mediocre at best. Yes, some have been caught, but big numbers just didn’t happen. You can go up in the White and troll Flicker Shad and should be able to pick up a few. Most have been spawned out. Short males will stay up there for 30 days or so.”
White bass are moving up into spawning shoals and that will peak in mid-April.
“The weather will be getting better and fishing will follow. Stay safe and good luck!”

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

Beaver Tailwater
(updated 3-20-2025) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said, “How about this weather?! One day you’re basking in the sun, washing your boat, and the next day you have to anchor yourself to the ground to keep from getting blown away while bringing out the winter jacket! The fishing conditions this past week have been a little challenging; however, we are still pulling fish. 

“Let’s talk about the walleye first. We need the water temperature to be around the 50-degree mark for those toothy critters to get active. We got close in February, but Mother Nature has had other ideas with the past few systems. Right now, you need to have a slow presentation. The fish are scattered and you need to follow the bait and work habitats. I expect the bite to pick up with warmer days.
“The trout bite has been good. Trout are responding to various dough baits and soft plastics. The Army Corps of Engineers has been flowing pretty steady, so drifting has been the preferred method, along with casting jigs. The water temperature has averaged 43 degrees in the mornings to 45 in the evenings in the tailwater.
“We are still waiting for the white bass to make an entrance. When they do, we will update then!
“Remember to follow my Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service) for weekly updates.”

Lake Fayetteville
(updated 3-21-2025) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reports that crappie and bass are both coming up into shallower water to bite now that the water temperature is in the 50s. The claity is “a little dirty, but we like it a little dirty. With the water temp in the 50s, the fish are ready.”
Crappie are biting in jigs and coming up to about 4 feet depth. Black bass are chasing crankbaits. No reports on catfish.

Lake Charles
(updated 3-20-2025) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said crappie, bass and bream are all biting at the lake. Bream and crappie are beginning to bite shallow. Bream are biting redworms and the bite has been good. Crappie are good on jigs, minnows and worms. Black bass are good, but Shelly was unable to get baits used from the anglers. It’s probably a good time for spinnerbaits and crankbaits, and possible bigger jigs.

Terry Morris caught a 2-pound, 9-ounce white crappie on a jig minnow at the Overlook boat ramp on March 14, she reported.

The lake is the regular murky clarity and the water remains high. Surface temperature Monday was 54.8 degrees.

There have been no reports on catfish or white bass recently.

Looking ahead, the best fishing days based on “moon times” are forecast for March 26-April 1, Shelly noted.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 3-21-2025) Lake Poinsett State Park reports that anglers are still catching limits of crappie. Also, they are buying lots of minnows as well as worms, but the crappie appear best on minnows. On a nice day, you can see 15-30 boats on the lake.

Most anglers are targeting crappie, but a couple of anglers reported that they caught black bass on minnows as well as jigs.

The lake 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.

As always, the State Park Visitor Center sells live bait (currently nightcrawlers, redworms and minnows) and is now open every day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Spring River
(updated 3-13-2025) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels have maintained about 400-450 cfs all winter, with 350 average flow. That’s up about a foot above normal flow, making for a little tougher wading conditions. Wading staffs are very helpful with current flow. Water clarity is clear with storms moving through, murking up the water at times. Looking great this week.

“Catching plenty of really nice rainbows thanks to Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery,” he said. “Stocking should increase over the next few months, getting ready for summertime fishing pressure. Big Woollies, with extra weight to get down, have been excellent — olive is the hot color, as always. On the high-pressure days, we have done well with Hopper droppers, with Y2Ks and nymphs as droppers. 

“The smallies have been biting great on good days. Using sculpin and baitfish patterns on long leaders or sink tips. Got to get down to them! The best fighting fish we have, except maybe a carp. One of the great things about fishing for smallies is that the brown trout like the same baits. Work the banks more for the browns.
“Tis the time to chase walleye on the nasty, overcast days. There are a lot of walleye in the Spring River. Big crankbaits work; my fav is Trout Magnets, Trout Crank, in rainbow and brown trout colors. 

“April and May are great months to fish the Spring River with lower fishing pressure and perfect weather. The canoe hatch kicks off at the end of May. Then look out.”

Visit Mark’s 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 3-20-2025) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no new reports with cold conditions through much of February and part of March. Look for updates soon as the water temperature picks up in the pool and particularly around Lake Langhofer.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 3-20-2025) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said one angler last Thursday was buying crickets to fish for crappie from a boat in the lake; no report on how his catches went. Three customers also bought crickets earlier in the week for some crappie fishing on the bank. This week, one crappie angler Monday was targeting the fish with minnows. Another angler on Tuesday reported that he had no luck crappie fishing.

Lake Monticello
(updated 3-20-2025) 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 3-13-2025) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Wednesday>
“Millwood Lake is on FIRE FOLKS! Millwood gave up a couple more fat female donkey, prespawn, largemouth bass full of roe this past week in another high school bass tournament. Levi Whitman, high school freshman, and his partner, Seth Nugent, both from Benton (Louisiana) High School, weighed in a 10.56-pound giant of a largemouth and took Big Bass and top stringer weight in the tournament. There were several guys at the weigh-in talking about another largemouth over 10 pounds caught the same day and released because the other bass anglers who caught it were not in the tournament in the same weekend.”

This comes on the heels of the 13.45-pound largemouth caught in a high school tournament on March 2.

“The 10.56-pound largemouth that Levi caught appeared to still be in prespawn condition,” Siefert said. “Congratulations to Levi Whitman, that bass is a fish of a lifetime!”

Millwood Lake elevation is about 10 inches above normal pool and falling as of Wednesday, at 260.1 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam is releasing about 13,000 cfs and tailwater is near 238.5 feet msl and rising. 

Always watch for broken timber and exercise caution during navigation, Mike urges. The Army Corps of Engineers is in the process of replacing river buoys from Yarborough 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 the Army Corps of Engineers website, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels. 

Surface temps continue fluctuating, ranging 60-70 degrees along Little River this week, depending on location and the time of day. Clarity along Little River for the past week worsened from increased discharge at Millwood Dam. Moderate to heavy stains are found in most locations.

Siefert provided these specifics of the fishing this past week. 

* Largemouth bass coming to scales in numerous bass tournaments in recent weeks are HUGE and NUMEROUS, with tournament Big Bass the past two weeks weighing 13.43 pounds and 10.56 pounds, respectively. The bass activity has been trending upward over the past three weeks with the warmer conditions, depending on location, but can seem random on high barometric days. Male bass continue cruising shallow bay and protected flats near grass and cypress trees searching bedding areas, and a few have already been making a few beds. 

We see more moving than sitting still with the bass. They seem to be more active and have been best midday and afternoon. Several males have been found roaming flats from 1-5 feet deep near old bedding areas, sunning in shallow water apparently for better temperature, or searching out new bedding sites. 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 will connect with roamers. 

Brazalo Strutter Chatterbaits in Millwood Mayhem Bream, black/blue and Texas Craw or green pumpkin/Fire Craw have been catching nice 5- to 9-pound bass for several weeks, and they will draw very good reactions in 5-9 feet depths near grass lines, stumps, cypress trees and timber. Brazalo Spinnerbaits in Arkansas River Shad, Peachy, Spot Remover and Hot Mouse are all good choices in the stained to clear water areas in the oxbow lakes up Little River.

The male largemouth bass we found roaming shallow over the last week were around 2-4 pounds and moving in and out of 3-6 feet deep flats with stumps present near creek channel drops from 4-9 feet deep, near vertical structure. They’ve been 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 or magnum lizard. We have been seeing and observing a few what appeared to be female bass cruising grass lines and dead lily pad stems in the 5- to 7-pound class — they were on a mission, but not glued down to a bed yet. Our estimation is the big girls are still staging and getting ready.
Warmer days are best daily conditions. Bill Lewis’s 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, you’ll find some decent-size bass these past couple of weeks. 

Southern Pro Flipping Tube or Tournament Tube in black/blue tail, or Pumpkinseed/black flake with chartreuse dip tail, have randomly connected with 3- to 4-pound males, over the past several weeks near dead pad stems and stumps from 8-10 feet deep in Little River’s oxbow lakes and creek channels, upriver near creek junctions and on tapering points. Little River just has too much current this week to be effective for largemouths. We have yet to observe any “beds” yet, but the water clarity is just now improving enough for good visibility. Berkley 7-inch Power Worms in blue fleck, black grape or June bug have been the best colors for a reaction to a plastic worm.

If you want to fish the 1- to 3-foot depths, turn off your electronics and raise your trolling motor to keep from spooking bass. In the clear water, throw a 6- to 8-inch lizard in Cotton Candy, and in the heavier stained areas throw black/blue, blackberry or a Bass Assassin 5-inch Shad Assassin in Houdini, and get weedless to snatch a big one out of the salad.

* The white bass continue staging and have moved farther up Little River, and are heavily schooled up at various creek dumps into Little River. A few nice-sized schools of whites were found from White Cliffs campground all the way up Little River to Cemetery 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. 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

“We talked to two guys at White Cliffs over the past two weeks, and they said they got into a school of whites upriver at the creek mouth before you get to McGuire Lake. We have not yet found the whites all the way up Little River near Patterson Shoals yet, but we think the river is warming more this week and we should begin to see the masses of wWhites appear there above Wilton Landing this week for their spawning run! It’s getting right on the temperature and really close. Upriver above Wilton Landing is still in the upper 50s and we need a few more warm days to make them really fire up, and the large schools we are expecting in short order!”

* Crappie continue to be on again, off again with the warmer temperatures, improving in brushpiles from 8-12 feet deep. A few nice 2-pound crappie have been hitting jigs and minnows over the past couple weeks.
* Catfish are fair; nothing new to report 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.

(updated 3-13-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been doing his fishing at lakes Ouachita and DeGray in recent days and said for both, “Springtime transition for the crappie is on. For those of you who cast jigs for crappie, you will find them in schools moving out of the wintertime deep water toward shallower warm water. You can already find some staging in brushpiles near spawning coves, and as the water temp continues to climb, you’ll see and catch more.”

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 3-20-2025) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below Carpenter Dam is 48 degrees with clearing conditions in the tailrace. Lake Catherine and Lake Hamilton are now at normal summertime pool and will remain at this level until early November and the 2025-26 winter drawdown. March 15 marked the final day of refilling for both lakes, so stained conditions are the norm at present.
Big numbers of rainbow trout have been stocked into Lake Catherine the last few months, but few fish have been caught due to weather and fast water conditions. This situation has been made worse by the lake refilling, which kills the trout bite for days and sometimes weeks. Stained and rising water are two of the most detrimental factors faced by fishermen attempting to catch rainbows and can only be overcome by allowing the lake to refill and conditions settle into the new norm. Cold fronts add to the difficulty of a consistent trout bite and the springtime in Arkansas brings a weekly barrage of such conditions. While every angler is faced with these problems —regardless of which species they fish for — it should be noted that rainbow trout are especially affected in a negative way, with the only cure being time for conditions to normalize.
The walleye spawn has been underway since late February and only in the last several days have fishermen been able to access the lake and target these fish. Some current flow is normally necessary for a successful bite and little to no flow has been the norm this week on Lake Catherine with the refilling in process. However, quality walleye have been taken by trolling shallow-running crankbaits that imitate shad or crawfish against the current in the late evening before dark. The larger females are weighing over 3 pounds on average with the smaller males at 1.5 to 2 pounds. These fish will be in the tailrace until late April and can be caught on jigs and live baits such as nightcrawlers and live minnows fished just off the bottom.
Crappie will begin migrating toward the dam at the end of this month and should be in full spawning mode by early April. These fish stage themselves from the bridge to the dam and offer anglers some wonderful table fare during the spring spawning run. The white bass migration starts later on Lake Catherine than in other river systems, with the average time in mid-May and lasting throughout the month of June.
Always wear a lifejacket when on the water and always follow all park and lake regulations when visiting Carpenter Dam. A hydroelectric dam is no place for carelessness and could cost you your life by ignoring proper protocol. Trash cans are very limited in Carpenter Dam Park, so pick up after yourself and don’t litter. 

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

(updated 3-20-2025) 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 2-27-2025) 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.”

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 3-13-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) says the lake is finally back down after being very high following the big rains that passed through recently. Fishing for both bass and crappie are good for some, not as good for others. It’s a wide range. But fishing was tough for everyone first when the lake was drawn down and then recently with the flooding. Now, she says, it’s “OK.” The lake is not nearly as muddy as it was. The Corps of Engineers was dropping the lake 1.5 feet per day until getting to normal level.

Black bass are biting spinnerbaits. They’re not large-size bass now. Crappie might come in large, she says, or some small; some with a limit, and some anglers with 2. She’s selling a lot of minnows, but some regulars will stick with the jig. Some anglers have been requesting crickets for bream, though she says it’s not bream time like it will be. Still, she got those requested crickets in house for sale.

“There’s been a lot of emotion around here, people trying to get out to fish. Everyone is glad to get out on the lake right now.”

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 3-20-2025) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are excellent. Carolina-rigged lizards, jerkbaits, hover rigs and Alabama rigs are all producing quality catches. Walleye are moving back into the main lake from the rivers and major creeks. Try a watermelon-colored soft plastic or small swim jig. Stripers are very good and biting on topwater C-10 redfins, live bait and small minnow-like jigs on the western end of the lake. Bream are still fair on worms or crickets in 20-30 feet of water, holding near brush. Crappie are very good and relating to brush in the 8- to 20-foot range. Catfish should be picking up on trot lines with live and cut bait.
Water temperature is ranging 55-60 degrees. Water clarity is clearing. Lake level is 577.84 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

(updated 3-13-2025) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) has been doing his fishing at lakes Ouachita and DeGray in recent days and said for both, “Springtime transition for the crappie is on. For those of you who cast jigs for crappie, you will find them in schools moving out of the wintertime deep water toward shallower warm water. You can already find some staging in brushpiles near spawning coves, and as the water temp continues to climb, you’ll see and catch more.”

(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 a 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.”

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.

(updated 3-13-2025) Sheila at Carter Cove Bait-N-More (479-272-4025) says bait customers who stop in there before heading to Blue Mountain Lake say the fishing at Blue Mountain is going well for crappie. Minnows are being used. “Almost everyone I talk to is saying, ‘Crappie, crappie, crappie’ … Some customers are wanting to catch bream and are requesting crickets, though it’s not time for the bream to be spawning yet. I still got some crickets in, though.”

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 3-20-2025) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Nature Center (501-404-2321) said, “The water has fallen out of the parking lot and off of the dock, allowing Cooks Lake to be accessible. With that said, we will have the lake open this Friday and Saturday during normal business hours for youth and mobility-impaired anglers.”
He adds, “Although the lake will be open, I would not expect much. The water is still in the woods, causing the fish to spread out. Hopefully, this season will be better than last, but there is only one way to find out!”

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.

White River/Arkansas River (Pool 2)
(updated 3-20-2025) Webb’s Sporting Goods (870-946-0347) in DeWitt (1970 S. Whitehead Drive) reports that all the area rivers (White, Mississippi and Arkansas rivers) are on the fall from all the seasonal rain. In shallow reservoirs and lakes, the crappie are biting very well. Bass tournaments in southeastern Arkansas are kicking off — they are catching good numbers in these events.

The catfish are slow behind the hydroelectric plants on the river, but as soon as the water temperatures increase a few degrees, catfishing should kick off.

“As always, thanks to all our customers for supporting Webb’s Sporting Goods!

Shop with us at webbssportinggoods.com.”

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