Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report

September 3, 2026

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Antoine (no last name provided), who hails from Arkansas, landed a limit of Beaver Lake tailwater walleye while fishing with Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Robert Kennedy earlier this week. Robert’s brother, Austin Kennedy, reports this week in the Fishing Report that walleye fishing remains productive from the Beaver town area upstream toward Holiday Island. His tip for success: Don’t be afraid this time of year to speed up your presentation. Present those walleye with soft plastics jigged or a crankbait trolled in about 15 feet of water. And just like the trout bite on the Beaver tailwater (and probably everywhere else in Arkansas with this constant heat), the most productive periods have come early in the morning or late in the evening.

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: https://www.weather.gov/lzk/wxcntl4.htm
For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt
For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/state/Arkansas/
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) and Nursery Pond
For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s Lake Conway water level site.

(updated 9-3-2026) AGFC staff in Mayflower note that while Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond provides a nice fishing opportunity for area anglers. 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 renovation is proceeding on schedule. Read more here, or check out what was written in the May-June issue of Arkansas Wildlife magazine (or read online) for an in-depth look at the new weir and dam construction. 

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.

NOTE: On Feb. 1, 2026, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam. Anglers may keep two trout daily; trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 9-3-2026) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (501-507-3688) said, “The weather forecast for this Labor Day weekend looks like a hot one, with the temperature pushing 100 degrees and a heat advisory in effect. There’s little to no chance of rain until next weekend, so plan on some serious summer heat.
“With the heat we’ve had in place for several weeks now, the Southwestern Power Administration has been running a pretty consistent generation schedule at Greers Ferry Dam. They’ve generally been running two units, usually starting somewhere between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and releasing water for six to eight hours. As always, check the USACE Little Rock app before heading out to see the projected generation schedule. Generation is subject to change.

* “The Little Red River has been fishing well, thanks to the consistent generation schedule we’ve had over the past several weeks. The best bite has been early in the morning and again in the late afternoon into the evening. Early mornings have a good flow from the previous night’s generation, and the fish have been taking advantage of it.

“With the hot weather, remember not to overplay your fish. Get them back in the water quickly and give them a chance to recover.
“We’re also seeing a blue-winged olive hatch in the afternoons and into the evening, especially on the lower river sections. The bugs coming off look like small gray flies, and the fish have definitely been noticing them. We’re seeing fish raise and look up, so now is a good time to have a dry fly or hopper ready.

* “Wade fishing opportunities are good up and down the river. If I were fishing on foot, I’d start at either JFK Park below the dam or Barnett Access. Both have been solid choices, and they’ve been stocking both access points heavily.

* “When I’m fishing from the boat, I’ve been starting most days with a double-nymph rig. A Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle or Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear with a midge dropper underneath has been a good combination.
“For beginner fly-fishermen, I’ll usually simplify things and run a single Hare’s Ear or Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle under an indicator. A pink San Juan Worm is also hard to beat.
“Since the fish have been looking up, this is also a good time to fish a hopper or small dry fly. With the good water releases we’ve been having, there are plenty of different ways to approach the river right now.

“The streamer bite has been solid, too. Early mornings have been good while fishing the falling water, and the afternoon generation can get them going again. When the flows are high, don’t be afraid to pound the banks with some big articulated streamers.

* “A quick reminder on the new regulations: For anyone who hasn’t been on the river in a while, the AGFC has implemented some new regulations on the Little Red. The daily limit is now two trout, and no fish over 14 inches may be kept. The new regulations are posted at several access points along the river, but not everyone knows the rules have changed. I’d hate to see anybody get a ticket from a game warden, so make sure you know the current regulations before you start fishing. You can check the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website for all the details.
“Most importantly, get out early this weekend and beat the heat. The fishing has been good, the river is in great shape, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch them a bunch of different ways. I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend. Be safe, stay cool, and I hope to see you out on the river!
“If you’d like to book a trip or learn how to fly fish, give me a call at 501-507-3688.”

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. 

No reports.

Harris Brake Lake
(updated 8-27-2026) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) said catfishing has been good at night around the shoreline, with some big catfish caught. Some were reported in the 7- and 8-pound range.

Not many people are fishing in the daytime, other than the early risers. Most of the angling is coming at night.

The bream fishing has been good around the big island, also at night and early morning before the sun gets up. 

The water level is very low, she said. Anglers may find it hard to get around in boats, but you can put a boat in. Be careful, she urges.

For more updates, follow Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page.

Lake Overcup
NOTICE: AGFC employees and contractors will be conducting herbicide applications at Lake Overcup in Conway County this summer, preventing the use of the lake’s water for irrigation by lakeside landowners until Oct. 1.
Application of the EPA-approved aquatic herbicides should take roughly two weeks, and multiple applications will take place throughout the summer. The treatment causes no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life, but water drawn from the lake could kill gardens, flowerbeds and lawns if used on neighboring lands. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with water from Lake Overcup until October.
The use of aquatic herbicides is necessary to control the current problems with nonnative invasive aquatic plants that can infest Arkansas lakes, restricting access to boathouses, boat ramps and fishing locations. If left unchecked, many of these invasive plants can outcompete and replace native vegetation.
For more information, please contact the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at 833-338-3636.

No reports.

Lake Maumelle
(updated 9-3-2026) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said water level has fallen to 10.05 feet below normal pool. The front ramp closest to the store is now closed off. The back launch is open, with one drop-off with a foot of water. Experience and four-wheel drive are recommended, they say. Please use caution on the ramp and in the main lake.

The water temperature is ranging 88-90 degrees, but the growing concern when it comes to boaters getting on the lake is the falling level, with Maumelle now 9.6 feet below normal pool. The front launch ramp by WestRock has 6 inches of water and can handle mostly flat-bottoms. The back launch is open with one drop-off. Please use caution; four-wheel drive is recommended.

The fishing bite hasn’t changed much lately. Black bass are fair. Reports say the largemouth bite is best in the morning and late in the evening. Some reports came in of largemouth schooling. Anglers are catching them on top as well as 2-8 feet depth, and some are biting at 12-16 feet. Use your favorite topwater early, jigs, A-rigs and spinnerbaits. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are similar to largemouth. They are mixed in with the largemouth as well as being found at 12-15 feet depth off rocky points. Try jigs and drop-shots.

White bass had reappeared with reports of them schooling on the east end week, but this week they disappeared again. Try a crankbait.

Crappie fishing is slow. Reports of crappie being found on brush in 12-18 feet of water. Jigs, swimbaits and minnows are good choices.

Bream were great last week with the full moon being big and bright around the partial eclipse Thursday night. But this week they’re just fair. They are still bedded on brush and small rockpiles around 6-8 feet. Try crickets and worms.

No reports on catfish, but you should see some response from using live bream, worms or liver.

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 8-27-2026) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said in his most recent report that the water was normal and clear. Bass were biting early and late and being caught on topwater and spinnerbait as well as some on crankbaits. Most crappie that have been caught have been at about 8 feet depth, but there have not been a lot of catches. One regular angler gets about 7-8 crappie at a time, “but overall (the crappie) are slow,” Ray said. “That’s typical now.”
Catfish are being caught on hotdogs, with some around 4-5 pounds. “Good eatin’ size,” Ray adds.

He’s not talked to anyone who has been bream fishing, but he says that just about any time, anglers will be able to catch some bream there.

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.

Peckerwood Lake
(updated 9-3-2026) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said very little has been going on at Peckerwood with the fishing. Anglers were still catching catfish, she said, and there were some bream being caught, though she says they are probably not very big now, “but they’re still catching them.” The bass are OK. “We’ve had a few (anglers) trolling (for crappie), but I don’t think they’ve done any good.”

She says the water was dropping out quickly, as farmers were using the lake water for irrigation. She said stumps weren’t showing and you can still get a boat in, but she advises caution.

White River
NOTE: Trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam were changed in February by the AGFC and effective until further notice. From the dam to the Norfork Access boat ramp, anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. From the Norfork Access boat ramp to Arkansas Highway 58 (at Guion), anglers may keep two trout of any species; only one may be longer than 14 inches. Brook trout must be 14 inches or longer to keep; brown, cutthroat and tiger trout must be 24 inches or longer to keep.

Cotter Area
(updated 9-3-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Bull Shoals Lake is 3.5 feet below power pool, so it’s not surprising that generation flows have been low and slow. Water level on the White River in the north-central Arkansas Ozarks has remained steady over the last week at minimum flow during the morning hours. Upticks in generation occur during late afternoon hours, often with close to five units discharged.
“Our rainbows are chasing shrimp, especially when paired with a small piece of PowerBait. A little piece of a red wiggler worm placed mid-depth in the main channel with green monofilament line (6- or 4-pound test) and a No. 8 hook might just attract those bigger rainbows you’re hearing about. It’s not uncommon to see 16- and 17-inch rainbows now. Berkley bubblegum Pink Mouse Tails are still a favorite when drifted from a boat, even in low water.
“As we move toward autumn and closer to the brown trout spawning season, change your bait color to orange or rainbow hues to attract them to your bait and distract them from nature’s call. The brown bite has slowed some in this lower water, but a sculpin drifted near the bottom might still ensure a good bite. Finding the deeper holes is your job in low-water years.
“Enjoy the cooler mornings on the river; they are so very refreshing. Then stop by and share your latest fish story.”

Calico Rock Area
(updated 9-3-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Fishing has been awesome on the days we see low and clear water. Those days, quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado nickel/gold spoons, Rapala Countdown CD7s in rainbow trout or brown trout colors, Panther Martin with a gold blade/black body/yellow spots and Dynamic HD Trout in brown trout worked well for rainbows, browns and smallmouth bass. There have been days with the low water that it seemed more like catching than fishing. 

“During the days where we see water rising to 7-ish feet before cresting, we have done well with silver inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipping the hook with raw shrimp. With the higher water, we see dingy water in the morning and then clearing up after the crest arrives around mid-morning.
“Stay safe during this Labor Day weekend.” 

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 9-3-2026) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com, said Wednesday, “Have a safe Labor Day weekend! It looks like the heat will be hanging around for a while. The water temperature is still around 85 degrees. The lake level is at 657 feet msl. The bite hasn’t changed much at all. The bite has been fair this week. Powerfishing can be slow; better have wind/clouds/rain/stain. There are definitely some fish up shallow with oxygen levels low. Look for shallow brush and flip a Beaver, jig or worm in the backs of creeks with any kind of flow. If it’s the right conditions, you will most likely notice baitfish. Throw a Toad, buzzbait or Plopper-style bait on shallow windblown bushes on flats; cover water!
“Better get up early and beat the nasty heat. The topwater bite has slowed a bit but is not done. If you find surface activity, try a big Zara Spook. Those who are fishing have noted schools moving in and they are fast. The Jewel Shad Spoon is working. Or you can take your favorite minnow to look at them. I’m using a one-eighth-ounce up high or deep with a three-eighth-ounce Tater. If the conditions are postfrontal, flat water, high pressure and bluebirds, it will get really tough. Lots of guys are going at night to beat the heat. I will slow down, downsize and get off the bank and look at deep ledges and brushpiles and bomb-cast with lighter fluorocarbon line.
“You can try a drop-shot with a Robo in suspended schools. Also try the Jewel half-ounce Football Jig in green pumpkin orange, PB&J or Bass Whacker. Sitting off of deep points, traditional bass anglers are dragging the long points and ledges with big red worms or craw baits in brushpiles or around timber tops on bluffs and bluff ends.

“There is a thermocline down around 32 feet. Lots of fish are holding around this depth. It’s that time of year to keep moving, hitting as many spots as possible. Remember: ‘Fish the conditions.’”

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

(updated 9-3-2026) Southernwalleye Guide Service (501-365-1606) said there have been no significant changes in walleye fishing patterns this last week with the exception that fish have moved a little bit deeper on the lower end of the lake and some good fish are being caught suspended 5 feet off the bottom in 35 feet of water. Summer patterns are still in play. Fishing has been fair to good. They have been running a little water through the dam in the afternoons and this has helped the bite pick up a bit more when they do. Fish are holding on flatter points with deep water on one side. Look for fish on the tips of long points as well as the sides that are close to the sharper drop-off. Walleye seen next to brushpiles still seem to be located on the offshore side of the brushpiles where deep water is closer.

Main lake and secondary points have been producing fish during the day. Fishing slow is still the key to picking up better-sized fish. Fish shallower in the early mornings and on cloudy days in 32-34 feet of water and deeper in 35-40 feet of water if there is little or no wind or cloud cover. Casting jigging spoons in the white, chrome or blue, and jigging Rapalas in the blue and chrome half-ounce to three-quarter-ounce size, into 30 feet of water and working it back out into 40 feet has been working. Drop-shotting live crawlers around the offshore side of brushpiles in 32-37 feet is also working.

Bottom Bouncing orange, chartreuse or gold No. 3 Colorado deep cup blades, or brass or gold willow leaf bladed spinner rigs, and crawlers around the sides and tips of point close to channel swings are producing a lot of short fish as well some good 18- to 23-inch walleyes.

If trolling, try shad-style and small banana-style baits like No. 7 Flicker Shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnow in natural colors. Troll in 35-40 feet of water at speeds of 1.8 to 2.2 mph for best results. 

(updated 9-3-2026) Crappie 101 Guide Service (870-577-2045) reports that little has changed. Crappie are mainly on brush from 20-30 feet in the creeks. Minnows have been best lately.

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

No reports.

Norfork Tailwater
Note: On Feb. 1, 2026, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for Norfork tailwater. Anglers in the Norfork tailwater may keep two rainbow trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately.

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

(updated 9-3-2026) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake continues to fall slowly and now is at 1,115.80 feet msl, close to 6 feet below normal level. “It’s official from the National Weather Service that the Fayetteville area has had the warmest August in recorded history and that looks to continue into next week. It’s been a hot one, my friends. 

“Fishing is stuck right now in the summer doldrums. Get out early on whatever you’re chasing, get it done and hightail it home.”
He says stripers are still good from Point 5 to the dam. Crappie still can be caught on the troll. Walleye can be caught on crawler harnesses.
“Nothing is exceptional, but if you get out early, fish can be had. The weather needs to break soon, as I am ready! Good luck and stay safe!” 

Visit Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates between weekly reports at FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.

Beaver Tailwater
NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission changed trout limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, effective Feb. 1, 2026, due to significant loss of stocking population at two Arkansas hatcheries in 2025. Anglers may keep two trout daily; all trout 14 inches or longer must be released immediately. This rule is in effect until further notice.

(updated 9-3-2026) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) says, “The trout bite on the Beaver tailwater remains fair. With the brutal summer heat, the best fishing has been during the early morning and late evening hours when water temperatures and conditions are more favorable.

“Most trout are being caught using Pautzke Fire Bait fished on the bottom with light terminal tackle. Quarter-ounce spoons have also been producing fish. Keep your presentation light, work the productive water thoroughly, and take advantage of those cooler periods at the beginning and end of the day.
“Walleye fishing remains productive from the Beaver town area upstream toward Holiday Island. This time of year, don’t be afraid to speed up your presentation. Most of our walleye are being caught by jigging soft plastics or trolling crankbaits in about 15 feet of water. As with the trout, early morning and late evening have been the most productive periods.
“Spotted bass are also cooperating, particularly during the early morning bite. Three-inch flukes and small swimbaits have been producing fish.

“The heat continues to be the biggest challenge. Get on the water early, take plenty of water, stay hydrated and don’t overdo it during the hottest part of the day.
“Here’s to hoping the weatherman is wrong and we get some relief from this heat soon.”

Visit Austin’s updated website, www.buschmountainfishing.net, for more information.

Lake Charles
(updated 9-3-2026) Marsha Robinson at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said crappie reappeared for anglers this past week. There were fair results around the shoreline using worms. Catfish also continued to bite well. Worms and cut bait are attracting cats. There were no reports from bream or bass, however.
The surface water temperature rose 3 degrees from the previous Sunday to this past Sunday, though it’s still lower than most readings in the area at 79.8 degrees. The water has been low for a long time. It’s also the usual murky clarity.

Lake Poinsett
(updated 8-13-2026) Jonathan Wagner, superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park, said, “Lake Poinsett has been slower fishing-wise, but the bream are still biting. No reports for crappie or bass. There have been some reports of catfish caught on lines set out overnight.
“The heat has definitely been a factor negatively impacting anglers as of late, but they are definitely still tossing out lines.
“The Lake Poinsett State Park visitor center is open 8 a.m. -5 p.m. daily for bait sales: minnows, nightcrawlers, redworms, waxworms, dip and dough baits, and more bait and tackle.”

Spring River
(updated 9-3-2026) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water level is running at 260 cfs (350 cfs is average on the Spring) and water clarity is clear. “It has been a very dry year. The river remains very low and, with this heat, that’s not ideal. Getting out early and fishing late has worked out great. In the heat of the day, take a nap. It’s been hot out there. With this heat, focus on waterfalls or fast stretches of water with higher oxygen content for aggressive fish. Deep pools can be very productive for the bigger fish.
“With the low water conditions, it is ideal for fly-fishing with simple weight-forward rigs. Dry flies can work well early and late. Hopper droppers have still been a blast. No telling what you might catch on a hot pink worm dropper lately. Everything from carp, trout, bass and big ole suckers have been eating them up. If you’re spin-fishing. A hot pink Trout Magnet is perfect. Fish below an indicator about 2 feet.

“Plenty of bass out there on the Spring River. Streamers can be a lot of fun when the bite is on. From big Woollies to Clousers for flies, the chase is the race. But honestly, we’re catching a lot on Hopper droppers, too. Just got to fish for them, like the smallmouth we saw caught below a hopper on a pink San Juan Worm.
“The ‘canoe’ season is just about over, and hopefully rainy weather and cool temps will be here soon. The Spring River is always nice and cold. Just be safe wading; those rocks are slick. 

Crawford’s website includes regular updates on his blog along with videos and photos. Check it out.

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.

Cane Creek Lake
(updated 9-3-2026) Shelley Burr at Cane Creek State Park, (870-628-4714) said she had little to report. Between the excessive heat that lingered for most of the month, and then the storms, they have not had many fishermen. “But what we have had, they came in to buy minnows.”
Cane Creek Lake is a 1,700-acre lake in Lincoln County that was built in 1986 and is owned and managed by the AGFC. It is stocked with bass, crappie, bream and catfish. The visitor center offers a pier. The lake has always had abundant floating and submerged aquatic vegetation. Increased focus recently on invasive aquatic species at the lake led to the discovery of the Cuban bulrush.
AGFC district staff also are working to manage other vegetation, such as American lotus, water lily, water shield and hydrilla, that have reached undesirable levels for anglers and biologists at Cane Creek Lake, AGFC staff report.

Lake Monticello
(updated 9-3-2026) This one-time great trophy bass destination when it first opened in the 1990s appears headed back to that designation again, based on what anglers have been catching in the past few months since regulations were eased on bass and crappie. Two bass over 10 pounds were pulled out during the spring, one qualifying for the AGFC’s Legacy Lunker program before the March 31 cutoff. And AGFC biologists say the lake is trending in the right direction with ample forage stocked after its renovation. Catch rates in spring sampling exceeded both the regional average and the 2025 numbers. The survey produced bass in the 6-pound range, but AGFC staff continue to track and value reports from local anglers who have documented catches of 8 pounds and larger.
The lake’s forage base is booming. The staff observed a high abundance of threadfin shad, redear sunfish and bluegill earlier this year, and that means more fuel for growth for the sport fish like bass and crappie.
The AGFC approved fishing regulations for 2026 regarding the harvest of sport fish on Lake Monticello. Anglers may keep 5 bass, but only one bass may be 16 inches or more in length. Anglers may harvest 15 crappie, but only 7 crappie may be longer than 12 inches. All other fish creel limits follow state regulations for the species.

Lake Chicot
(updated 9-3-2026) 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 9-3-2026) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said Millwood Lake elevation as of Wednesday was about 4 inches above normal pool and falling; it’s at about 259.5 feet msl; Millwood Lake Dam was releasing about 430 cfs and tailwater was near 224 feet and stable. Surface temps over the past week ranged from 88 degrees early to 94 degrees later in the day along Little River. Clarity along Little River is beginning to clear up with reduced river current. Little River clarity is ranging 8-15 inches visibility depending on location. There is improved visibility in the oxbows, ranging 12-20 inches in many locations. Clarity in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows continues to be good this week and is about 15-35 inches visibility. Mud Lake had improved clarity this week and improved visibility ranging from 10-15 inches.

Numerous areas on Millwood Lake are fully choked with alligatorweed mats, and Cuban Bulrush, an invasive vegetation, has been found in the past year along Little River oxbows of Clear Lake, Horseshoe, White Cliffs, Mud Lake, Bagley Creek and Red Slough areas, and McGuire and many areas have become inaccessible for navigation or fishing. The Corps of Engineers and the AGFC are monitoring. Drain your bilge and live wells and flush your boat trailer from carrying and redistributing invasive species Cuban Bulrush and alligatorweed to other bodies of water.

Siefert had this updated fishing specifics:
* The most active periods for largemouth bass remain early and late, with best activity levels in the early morning. Many bass we are seeing are roaming the flats overnight. Creek bend sections of the creek channels continue holding fish on stumps from 5-12 feet depth. A variety of topwater baits continue improving in reactions at daybreak like Heddon Spit’N Images, Arbogast Jitterbugs in Coach Dog, Cricket Frog and Perch colors, Pop R’s in bone color, Brazalo WeeWhacker and Bushwhacker buzzbaits, Horny Toads in June Bug or Pumpkinseed, and Bass Assassin Shads in Houdini, Pumpkinseed and Chico’s Red Ear colors. Many bass continue roaming and pulling up onto the flats in lily pad stands at daybreak, chasing plastic frogs and Bass Assassin jerkbaits. 

Between daylight and 11 a.m., Bill Lewis Lure’s Square Bill ATV Crankbaits in Tennessee Shad and Pro Green Gizzard colors, and the MR-6 Crankbait in Millwood Magic, Silverado and Citrus Shad, are drawing hits and reactions along in creek channel swings in clear water on stumps and grass lines.

In the midday hours, they are pulling out to the next drop zone and structure, 10-20 feet out from the shallow flats of the oxbows, and the bite gets tough. Bass remain sluggish as the sun and surface temp continue to rise after 11 a.m. through late afternoon. Power Worms (7- and 10-inch) in June Bug, blue fleck, black and black grape will continue to draw a few random reactions in Little River and in the oxbows near grass mats and vegetation. Bass are abandoning the shallow flats for cooler water temps and higher oxygen levels in the 10-15 feet depth range between 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Brazalo Custom 501 Jigs in PB&J, Blue Oyster and Ghillie, with various craw bug trailers and swimbait tail-thumper trailer colors, are getting reactions on stumps, laydowns and standing cypress trees in creek channels. River bugs, Berkley Pit Bosses, Power Hawgs and Bunker Hawgs are working along Little River in grass. Brush Hogs or Baby Hogs are getting good reactions, and the best colors with the increased stain in water lately have been pumpkinseed/chartreuse, black, blue-fleck and Grunge.

Brazalo Lures’ 501 tandem willow blade spinnerbaits continue working well for largemouth and spotted bass in creek channels, and will continue getting reactions in the oxbows on points near stumps, lily pads and deeper creek channel outer bends, near vegetation and fresh lily pad blooms. Some days, using curly tail grub trailer works better than straight tail, with best colors over the past couple weeks being shite around shad spawn areas and Arkansas River Shad, Spot Remover and Millwood Mayhem Bream colors in the creek channels. Slow stop and go retrieves will draw random reactions if you are in fairly clear to moderate stained water, moving deeper from 4-9 feet of depth.

* Over the past week, we have been following large schools of white bass along Little River’s deeper washouts. These large schools of whites continue on the move all along Little River from Wilton Landing all the way down river to White Cliffs, and are roaming the deeper washouts and outer bends of Little River. Large schools have been located between Jack’s Isle and Hurricane Creek’s second entrance, reacting fairly well to jigging Cordell Hammered Spoons, with red or white bucktails, from 15-18 feet deep on structure and circle-back eddies, and staging behind primary and secondary points. With the reduced current of Little River over the past week, the whites are not moving as much as the few weeks before when there was more current along the river.
* Crappie are fair to good from early morning up until 11 a.m. on jigs, minnows and grubs from 10-15 feet of depth on standing timber. Electric Chicken, Monkey Milk and Firecracker were good colors on jigs and tubes.
* Catfish were fair this week with the reduced current in Little River. Trotlines set from 15-20 feet deep along outer bends of the river are taking decent blues and channel cats up to 3-4 pounds using King’s Punch Bait, cut shad or buffalo, and chicken hearts and gizzards.
* Goggle eye and bluegills were slow this week at Millwood State Park, according to our contacts there. The backwater sloughs at Millwood State Park were getting a lot of vegetation and grass/vegetation blooming up, and was getting hard to fish for bream and bluegills due to the vegetation densities at various locations. 

For more details, visit the Millwood Lake Guide Service webpage.

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

(updated 9-3-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs noted on the weekly “Wild Side Show” on KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz in his most recent report of DeGray that it’s among the area big lakes that is getting well below normal level for this time of year, sitting about 3.5 feet below normal pool (Lake Ouachita is in the same boat, he said). For both lakes, he said the lake water temperature is in the mid to upper 80s and the water color is very clear. The moss in Ouachita and DeGray is “very good,” he said. There is good matting in the guts of pockets holding good fish. Swim a worm Texas-rigged on the deep side of moss in 15-18 feet of water, or a wobble head. 

He notes that bullfrog season is in full swing on the grass or moss. For the fishing, a Plopper is also good now.

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.

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.

White Oak Lake Area

No reports.

Lake Atkins
(updated 8-13-2026) Lucky Landing as a bait shop and restaurant is not open, but the AGFC’s access to Lake Atkins and fishing pier remain open to all anglers, according to the AGFC’s Frank Leone, supervisor of the Russellville district.

Frank’s advice to anglers fishing Lake Atkins: “For bluegill anglers, I would advise them to use crickets and move around until they find a school/bed where they can catch multiple fish. For bass anglers, I’d advise throwing a topwater bait (frog, popper, buzzbait) early in the day and transitioning to flipping soft plastics around the cypress trees as the sun gets higher. Crappie anglers can likely find fish suspended in the dead timber and will catch them on jigs and or minnows.”

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

(updated 9-3-2026) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 67 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Entergy is running 10-hour generation periods starting in the late afternoon. Weekend and recreational releases have been reinstated. The only productive fishing below the dam involves catching white bass and hybrid bass that remain in the area after the yearly spawn. Some topwater activity has been observed below the dam in the early morning as bass chase threadfin shad schools. Casting Alabama rigs has proven to be an effective technique to target these fish, which will strike a lure that closely resembles a fleeing shad. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits, imitating shad, against the current has taken numbers of bass in the late evening. 

Excessive heat has kept many anglers off the lake and shortened fish feeding times, which is a normal occurrence on Lake Catherine in the late summer. This report will stay much the same until November, when the first stocking of rainbow trout is scheduled for the lake. Trout in the tailrace completely changes the dynamic of the area for the better.

Always remember to wear a life jacket when on the water and remember to follow all lake and park regulations. Trash cans are limited in the area, so pick up after yourself and be aware of rising lake levels when the turbines are running. 

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

No reports.

Lake Hamilton
(updated 8-20-2026) Philip Kastner of Trader Bill’s Outdoors in Little Rock and Hot Springs said on “The Wild Side” on KABZ, 103.7 The Buzz, that area lakes are enjoying some of the best moss he’s seen on these lakes in years. Water temps have been in the upper 80s, “bath water,” as he describes it. Color of the water in all these area lakes is gin clear, he said. Topwater fish are breaking everywhere, many are mixed: black bass, Kentucky bass, white bass, yellow bass, stripers. All are chasing small shad.
He suggests fishing the deep edge of the moss line with a big worm, jig or spinnerbait.

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.

No reports.

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

(updated 9-3-2026) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said, “Crappie are tough for me right now. They are scattered and holding tight to deep brush. Bass are chasing shad early in the mornings feeding over and near the ever-growing and spreading aquatic vegetation. Casting spoons, spybait and topwater lures have produced for us. Trolling crankbaits have produced well, too. The best advice I can give right now is: Start early, finish by mid-morning and don’t get overheated.” 

(updated 9-3-2026) Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) reports that black bass are still slow. Try a big plastic worm near brush or a finesse drop-shot rig on main lake and secondary points. Try a riser bait for a fun topwater bite, too!

Walleye are good. For best results, try a drop-shot rig or a Texas-rigged jig with a nightcrawler fished near brush. 

Stripers are still good and are being caught on live bait near main-lake humps in the eastern parts of the lake.

Bream are still good on crickets and worms. Try deep structure in the 20-foot range, give or take a foot. 

Still no reports on crappie or catfish.

Water temperature inched up slightly this week, ranging 82-88 degrees. Water clarity is clear. Lake level remains on a slight weekly fall, now at 572.16 feet msl, about a half-foot lower than this time last week (nearly 6 feet below normal power pool). Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.

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

NOTE: Blue Mountain Lake is undergoing a two-phase drawdown proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers to improve aquatic and waterfowl habitat by exposing mudflats for seeding and for critical maintenance on the lake’s intake structure. Phase one began Sept. 2025, lowering the lake to its normal winter pool elevation of 384 feet. The second phase will begin May 1, 2026, with the lake further lowered to 374 feet through Nov. 1, 2026. During the drawdown, water activities will be limited, boat ramps may be affected, and areas around the lake will be seeded.

Japanese millet will be seeded on the mudflats during phase one to improve habitat for waterfowl and other aquatic species. Call 479-947-2372 for more information.

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.

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