Weekly Fishing Report

March 1, 2017

Jim Harris Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for March 1, 2017. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please email AGFCfishingreport@outlook.com with information on possible sources for reports about that lake or river. Reports are updated weekly, although some reports might be published for two weeks if updates are not received promptly or if reporters say conditions haven’t changed. Contact the reporter 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

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

(updated 3-1-2017) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said crappie are good at Gold Creek, in the flats, and at the Lake Conway dam they are biting really well. Bass are real good this week on crankbaits and soft plastics. Bream are a little slow but biting about 15 feet out from the bank on worms and crickets. Catfish are a little slow but biting on trotlines and yo-yo’s. Water is high after Tuesday’s storms and heavy rain. Before the rain the temperature was in the low 50s.

Little Red River

(updated 2-22-2017) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service said the Greers Ferry Lake level is below pool for this time of year, allowing for sporadic water releases for the Little Red. They are receiving power generation on weekdays and very little generation on weekends. With the warmer temperatures, they are seeing good bug activity with hatches of BWO and March Browns on the middle and lower river. For fly fishing, Lowell recommends gold-ribbed hare’s ear, pheasant tails, soft hackles, sowbugs and streamers. For Trout Magnet fishing, black and cotton candy-colored bodies on gold jigheads are recommended. Always check before heading to the Little Red River by calling the Corps of Engineers Little Rock District water data system (501-362-5150) for Greers Ferry Dam water release information or check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website (swl-wc.usace.army.mil) for real-time water release and the Southwest Power Administration website (swpa.gov) to see forecasted generation schedule.

(updated 3-1-2017) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said fishing has been good on the Little Red. With the “early spring” along with lower than average generation, the insect activity has been good. The bite is good with hatches of midges, mayflies and some caddis. The river has cleared after last week’s rain. Greg was sending his report Tuesday evening still waiting to see how much rain they get from the cold front and storms. If they got a heavy rain, the river will again be dingy to muddy and will take a couple of days to clear. With normal generation, the river should clear by the weekend. Greg will update his website (see link above) later in the week to update the water conditions. The fish are taking nymphs and midge pupas in the morning. The fish are rising later in the day and begin taking emergers and dry flies during the insect hatches.

(updated 3-1-2017) James Dillard at Tailwater Fishing Co. said the fishing lately has been excellent. With warmer temperatures it has made the late "winter" fishing enjoyable for all anglers. With spring around the corner, the fishing will only continue to get better. Fishing has been best after water releases from the dam, and there have been good wading opportunities for anglers throughout the week, but especially on the weekends. The hot fly this week has been the sowbug, with pink and white Trout Magnets bringing fish to the net for spin fishing anglers as well.

Greers Ferry Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 455.64 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 461.44 msl).

(updated 2-22-2017) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake more than 6.5 feet below normal pool and on a steady rise. The weather and water both have warmed, making for a movement of all species toward being more active and easier to catch, the weather will tell the story as we move forward, but the bite will be good from now until the weather gets super-hot. The low water will have the river walleye more ganged up in places they have not had to spawn on in a while, in the lower sections of the rivers, and should be easier to target. Try using a drop-shot or a jighead tipped with a grub, minnow or a bream. Jerkbaits or crankbaits will work as well on cloudy days, or at night, as they will be shallower and more willing to eat. The crappie fishing is on and off and the fish are moving around a little. They are using depths from 7 or 8 feet out to 40 feet, with most suspended. Use jigs and jigs tipped with minnows or a beetle spin for the best catches. Around pole timber is a good place to start, or any wood or brush piles you can find. No report on bream. The catfish are on the move feeding as well; try using crawfish or small bream on jugs or lines on flats next to deep water. The hybrid and white bass bite is good all over the lake with them feeding on and off throughout the day, and some even breaking the surface at times. Just stay up with the bait and the fish will be close. Use spoons, in-line spinners, topwater baits and swimbaits for the best results. The bass fishing is good on Wiggle Warts, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, football heads-rigs and whacky rigged worms all over the lake, on main lake points and some secondary points as well as 45-degree banks.

(updated 3-1-2017) Cody Smith of Fish Greers Ferry guide service reports Greers Ferry is 7 feet below power pool and stable with very little generation and in flow. The reservoir has surface temperatures ranging 48-58 degrees depending on location and time of day. Cody says that while they have been primarily focusing on crappie, most all species are where they should be for this time of year. The crappie bite has been excellent while single poling minnows in 22-45-feet of water fishing 11-18 feet deep. Long-lining has also been productive in these same locations; hair seems to be out-fishing plastics at this time. All three species of bass are scattered in 5-20-feet of water and are willing to take a variety of baits. Sporadic surfacing fish can be found throughout the midmorning to early afternoon hours. Small pods of game fish are pushing our new population of threadfins up and out of the water, an extremely rare sight this early in the year. Shad imitations are your best bet for catching these fish while they’re active. Look for the shallow bite to really explode over the next couple of weeks and especially around the coming full moon. Call, text or message to book your spring fishing adventure on Greers Ferry. Check them out on Facebook for the most updated reports and fishing trip pics.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 3-1-2017) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) had no report.

(updated 2-15-2017) Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) said crappie are hit and miss. The best baits are Bobby Garland Baby Shad in Shiny Hiney, Glimmer Blue, BBQ Chicken, Cajun Crickets, Blue Ice, Shimmer, Monkey Milk, crystal or bone/chartreuse, Pennyback Shad and 1.25-inch Itty Bit Swim’r and minnows. Catfish are biting minnows, worms and shad. Bass are good on buzzbaits, worms and minnows. White bass are hitting Slab Slanger, Baby Shad and 1.25-inch Itty Bit Swim’r and Cajun Spin and silver minnows. Bream are biting on crickets and worms.

Lake Overcup

(updated 3-1-2017) Johnny “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park (501-354-9007) said water level is still up but clarity is good. Surface temperature is around 61degrees. Bream are slow but still catching on crickets and worms in 3 feet of water. Bass are doing well on yo-yo's with bass minnows and on poles with plastic worms. Crappie are slow but picking up in 5-8 feet of water on jigs and minnows. Tim Head caught 19 last Saturday morning and 12 on Sunday morning. Catfish are doing well on yo-yo's with bass minnows and on trotlines using cut shad and bream. Gene Bennett had six good catfish this past week.

Brewer Lake

(updated 3-1-2017) Larry Walters at Bones Bait Shop (501-354-9900) said water is high. Bream bite is good on worms. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfishing has been good using shad. No reports on bass.

Lake Cargile

No report.

Lake Barnett

No report.

Lake Maumelle

(updated 3-1-2017) Jolly Rogers Marina (501-868-5558) said water temperature is ranging 57-60 degrees, with the temps at 59 on Monday. Lake level is still 1 foot down. Black bass are excellent and are biting on crankbaits, wacky rig worms and jigs. Blacks can still be caught in 25-30 feet on drop-offs and creek edges. But most black bass are moving into shallow water. The lake hosted the he Fourche Valley black bass tournament last Saturday with Creighton and Bruce Sawyer winning, pulling in 17.74 pounds; second went to Ricky and Matt France with 14.25 pounds; and third was Troy Denn and Jordan Ogle with 12.93 pounds. Kentucky bass are excellent and are being caught on jigs. They can be found in 30 feet of water, mixed in with the black bass. Movement to shallow water. White bass are excellent. Use Rooster Tails, CC Spoons and deep-diving Bandits and Bombers. They are scattered west on the edges. Watch the loons and the whites will be there in large quantities. The water temperature was 59 degrees Monday. Crappie are good. They are being caught on crappie minnows and jigs (chartreuse and white with very light line). Crappie are 20-25 feet deep, at the edges of the channel; you will catch a lot of whites mixed in with the crappie. Lots of 11- to 15-inch crappie being caught. Still no reports on bream. Catfishing is good and they are being caught in 25 feet of water on stink bait, small bream and chicken livers.

(updated 2-15-2017)Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) said crappie are biting on Bobby Garland Baby Shad and minnows and 1.25-inch Itty Bit Swim’r. White bass are biting on Slab Slanger, Baby Shad, Cajun Spin and silver minnows.

Palarm Creek

(updated 3-1-2017) Hatchet Jack’s (501-758-4948) had no report.

Sunset Lake

(updated 3-1-2017) Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said customers have been catching crappie on size 6 and pink minnows close to the bottom around the docks. Catfish have been biting fair for some using chicken livers and nightcrawlers. Bream have been hitting crickets and worms. Bass fishing has been fair with minnows, plastic worms and lizards and some crankbaits.

Bishop Park Ponds

(updated 3-1-2017) Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said catfish have been slow to bite but a couple have been catching a few on chicken livers, frozen shad and minnows. Crappie fishing has been slow as well, with pink minnows working for a few small ones. Bream are biting fair on crickets and redworms. Bass have been hitting minnows, but customers report only a few and most have been small ones.

Saline River Access in Benton

(updated 3-1-2017) Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said the river has been a little high and stained, but some have still been catching a few. Crappie have been biting well for customers using size 6 and pink minnows. Bass are hitting larger minnows, plastic worms and lizards. Catfish are biting minnows, nightcrawlers and black salties. Walleye fishing has slowed, but we expect another good spell before spring. Bream will almost always bite a cricket or worm on a small hand light line.

Lake Norrell

(updated 3-1-2017) Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said bream are starting to pick up the bite some. Fish deep with crickets or redworms for the big ones. Catfish have been biting fair on minnows, nightcrawlers, chicken livers and some stink baits. Bass fishing has been fair for some using minnows and Carolina rigged plastics. Some customers are catching crappie around some of the docks with size 6 minnows.

Tommy L. Sproles Lake Pickthorne

(updated 3-1-2017) Hatchet Jack’s (501-758-4948) had no report.

Lake Winona

(updated 3-1-2017) Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said crappie are biting size 6 and size 12 minnows, and some customers are catching some nice ones. Bass fishing has been good as well with minnows, crankbaits and Carolina rigged plastics. Catfish have been biting chicken livers, nightcrawlers and minnows. Bream are biting crickets and worms.

Lake Valencia

(updated 3-1-2017) Hatchet Jack’s (501-758-4948) reported that catfishing is fair. Use crawlers, hot dogs and livers.

Lake Willastein

No reports.

Arkansas River at Morrilton

(updated 2-22-2017) Charley’s Hidden Harbor at Oppelo (501-354-8080) said a few people were fishing last weekend and a lot of people are buying minnows and fishing local ponds doing pretty good, too. Lake Bailey is starting to get a few fishermen. Some good crappie are being caught on minnows. On the river, catfishing is slow, but try worms. Bass are slow, but are biting plastics (lizards). Crappie are slow but will bite minnows. Striper are fair below the dam on trotline minnows and bream. Crappie are fair in Copper Gap on crappie minnows. At Point Remove, the crappie are fair on minnows. In the Petit Jean River, the reports are that crappie are slow.

Arkansas River (Cadron Pool)

(updated 3-1-2017) Professional angler Cody Kelley, owner of Best in Bass Guide Service (501-733-5282), reported that fishing is great right now. The days slowly getting longer are really starting to help the bite. That extra sunlight is really helping the backwater areas warm, and that is exactly where you will find the fish. Bass are definitely in a solid pre-spawn pattern. Check backwaters that have good depth to them. Good lures to try include jigs and spinnerbaits with very large blades. Look for areas where the fish can get back to the deeper water easily. More crappie are beginning to show up. Look in the deep areas just off the main river where they can escape the current of the river. Many of these deep “scour” holes behind wing dams will hold structure, along with crappie. Go-to colors are still black and chartreuse. Cody says he hasn’t been looking for catfish this week, BUT they should still be in the main river deep holes. Look on the outside turns of the river. Set up 50 yards about the hole and use the current to “walk” your offering back to the big girls. Fishing will only be getting better from here. Check out Cody’s new Facebook page by clicking the Best in Bass link above. Tight lines!

Little Maumelle River

(updated 2-22-2017)River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is muddy and fishing overall is slow. Catfish reports, though, were good using worms and chicken livers.

(updated 3-1-2017) Hatchet Jack’s (501-758-4948) reported that crappie are good on minnows or jigs. Try a red/chartreuse or a chartreuse with silver flake jig for best results.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)

(updated 3-1-2017) Hatchet Jack’s (501-758-4948) reported that crappie are good around Murray Lock and Dam on jigs (white/chartreuse, red/chartreuse and black/chartreuse). Catfishing is fair; use skipjack or shad. White bass are biting fair on chartreuse or twister tail jigs.

Arkansas River (Little Rock Pool)

(updated 2-22-2017) Vince Miller from Fish ’N’ Stuff (501-834-5733) said the water is stained and the level has been low. Bream reports were poor. Crappie reports were good with crappie found in shallow water around brush piles and jetties. Bass are good using spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Catfishing produced no reports.

(updated 3-1-2017) McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said bream are biting now in the Clear Lake area; use worms or crickets. Crappie are beginning to bed in the Clear Lake area and are biting minnows and jigs. Bass are good on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing has been poor around Clear Lake, but things pick up for catfish around the Terry dam on cut bait. Bass are good on that end of the pool on crankbaits and plastic worms, and the crappie and bream are good throughout the pool.

(updated 2-15-2017) Hatchet Jack’s (501-758-4948) said crappie are fair on red and white jigs. White bass are biting fair. Not reports on bream, bass or catfish.

(updated 2-22-2017) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) reported that water is dingy but at a normal level. Surface temperature at midweek ranged 55-58 degrees. Crappie reports have been excellent. Crappie are being found in 10-15 feet of water and around jetties. Try minnows or purple and chartreuse jigs. Bass are fair on crankbaits. Catfishing is good using worms and blood bait. Bream results were poor. No report on white bass.

Peckerwood Lake

(updated 2-22-2017) Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is clear and surface temperature was 50 degrees. Water level and current is normal. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing is fair on blood bait and livers. No report on bream.

NORTH ARKANSAS

White River

(updated 3-1-2017) Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said that this week has been pretty much like last week, another great week for catching brown trout. River level is low and the bite for trout overall was excellent.

(updated 3-1-2017) Debbie Gamble at Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) says lots of rainbows blessed our anglers' hooks this past week, mostly nipping at shrimp and fluorescent yellow eggs. Garlic-scented bait might increase the bite when traditional scents lose their attraction. To keep that shrimp on your hook a little better, steep it in salt overnight; firms the bait and makes it last longer. Use topwater, emerging baits if fly-fishing. Some nice pools of browns were found near Red Bud and up by Wildcat Shoals. Save your bigger baits for evening fishing, using smaller spoons in a variety of colors for the sunlight hours. The water level remains very low, take it slow out there and save your prop. Enjoy all Arkansas has to offer; thanks for keeping it pure for the fishers downstream.

(updated 3-1-2017) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service (870-435-2169) said that during the past week they have had rain (about an inch in Cotter), milder temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals fell 0.1 feet to rest at 7.9 feet below seasonal power pool of 659 feet. This is 43.9 feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock rose 0.3 feet to rest at 8.2 feet below seasonal power pool and 24.2 feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose 0.2 feet to rest at 9.5 feet below seasonal power pool and 19.1 feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we had significant wadable water with little generation, while the bite has been spotty. Some days have been excellent and some poor. The hot spot has been the catch-and-release section at Rim Shoals. The hot flies were olive Woolly Buggers (sizes 8, 10), Y2Ks (sizes 14, 12), prince nymphs (size 14), zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead sizes 16, 18), pheasant tails (size 14), ruby midges (size 18), root beer midges (size 18), pink and cerise San Juan worms (size 10), and sowbugs (size 16). Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective (John’s current favorite is a size 14 hare and copper nymph with a size 18 ruby midge suspended below it). Streamer season is here. Unfortunately the generation has been a bit low for optimal streamer conditions. The idea is to bang the bank with large articulated streamers delivered with heavy 24-30-foot sink tips (350 grains or heavier). You will need an 8- or 9-weight rod. This is heavy work but the rewards can be great. Some larger browns have been caught at night using mouse patterns.

John says that a week ago Monday and Tuesday he had a two-day guide trip with a father and son from Kansas City. Dad had fished here in the past but not lately. His son, Will, had fished Dry Run Creek but had never been on the White and Norfork. The plan was to fish from a boat on the White River and wade the Norfork the next. John has been guiding both rivers quite a bit lately and they have been fishing well.

He says, “On the first day, we fished the White River at Rim Shoals. The weather was warm but very windy. I found a spot that offered a bit of protection from the wind but not enough. I had rigged their rods with red fox squirrel and copper nymphs a ruby midge dropper, a bit of lead and a strike indicator. The red fox squirrel nymph accounted for about a third of the fish and the ruby midge accounted for two thirds. We were catching fish pretty much at will. We landed around 50 trout, the largest being about 16 inches long. It was all numbers but not much size. The next day we fished the Norfork. We started at the dam because we were waiting for the water to drop out downstream. It was unseasonably warm and there was a gentle rain falling with no appreciable wind. I personally love fishing in the rain because nothing thins the herd like a little rain. We had the river to ourselves for the entire day. We began with the flies that we had used the previous day. The going was slow below the dam. We finally caught a few trout. I quickly pumped their stomachs to see what they had been eating. I thought if I knew what they were keying in on that I could change flies and catch more and better trout. I was very concerned when I found that they were gorging on daphnia. These are really small aquatic insects that periodically come through the dam. Their common name is water flea. They are impossible to duplicate with a fly, and when the trout key in on them, the fishing can be very challenging.

“The water dropped out and it was time to move downstream to the Ackerman Access, to try our luck in the catch-and-release section. We kept the same flies and waded far upstream from the access. Our first hookup was a 21-inch rainbow. I thought things might be looking up. We began picking up trout on a regular basis. I pumped the stomachs of a couple of trout and noted no daphnia. Maybe it has not worked its way this far down stream.

“We continued fishing, and Will caught an even larger trout. This one was a 23-inch rainbow. It was the biggest rainbow that he had ever landed and a trophy in anybody’s book. We caught several more nice trout but nothing that would beat that. We finished the day with about half as many fish as the day before. They definitely preferred the fishing on the Norfork due to the quality of the fishing. They had two great days of fishing on our local trout streams and they left with smiles on their faces.”

Bull Shoals Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 651.10 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 659.00 msl).

(updated 3-1-2017) K Dock Marina is closed for the season and will reopen March 3.

(updated 3-1-2017) Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock had no update.

Norfork Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 546.47 feet msl (normal conservation pool: September-April – 552.00 msl, April-September – 554.00 msl).

(updated 3-1-2017) Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters says March on Norfork Lake is a great time for spring fishing. In the Ozarks the spring begins with the southerly winds that arrive in late February. The water warms fast and the stripers, crappie, bass and walleye all start their spawning migration. Once the water stays in the 50s the shad will move into the creeks to begin their spawn, which triggers the fish to move up from the deep water and start heavy spring feeding. The major creek arms on Norfork are Pigeon, Bennett’s Bayou, Big Creek and Brushy Creek. Float and Panther creeks will hold fish but they are short and the fish move in and out too fast to stay consistent. The major fishing patterns for Norfork are:
* Stripers: Tom presents the gizzard and threadfin shad using long lines with no weight, planer boards and floats. Most of the lines will have no weight or just a split shot. Tom says he looks for the most stained water in 30 feet or less. This water will be the warmest and probably blowing to the north shores as the southern winds will warm that water faster. The great thing about March fishing is you can catch stripers every part of the day and night. The night bite begins again when the south winds warm the north shores. The main lures are Smithwick Rouges thrown parallel to the bank and reeled very slowly. The best bite is the first 3 hours after dark. Some of the biggest fish of the spring are caught at night.
* Crappie: They’re in the final stage of their pre-spawn. Large schools are roaming the main channel and flats and in all the major creek arms. Depending on how fast the lake warms you can expect to catch crappies in stained shallow water and on the flats. The best technique is spider rigging, slow trolling with minnows and jigs. If the bite is slow, move up to the stained shallows and probe the brush piles. Remember to look for the stained water with brush; you will catch the most crappies there if they have moved off the flat.
* Bass: March is one of Tom’s favorite times of year for bass. They are moving up to feed before their spawning cycle and can be caught on many different types of baits. Tom’s personal preference is spinnerbaits, either chartreuse/white during the day or, if it’s low light, a black skirt with 1- or 3-inch black curly tail. Really, if you’re into bass fishing you will be able to catch bass on any presentation. Look for the warmest stained water or find a creek arm where the wind has been pounding the shore and you will find bass ready to take your lure.
* Walleye: They’ll be in full spawning cycle in March. The best place to catch them using live bait is from Calamity Beach to the U.S. Highway 160 bridge. They will move into the shallows to spawn and slide back to the holes during the day. There are long stained water flats that hold the fish, plus some deep holes from Bryant Creek up to the Udall boat ramp. The best bait is nightcrawlers on worm harnesses slow-trolled using your trolling motor. Another great method is night fishing using Rogues. You may catch a striper, but if you target the pea gravel banks, you should zero in on the walleye. Remember to reel slowly and keep changing your colors until you can find what they want. March can be a fun month to catch fish, but you should be prepared to have lots of wind, rain and cold weather mixed in with those sunny days.

(updated 2-22-2017) Lou Gabric at Hummingbird Hideaway Resort said fish on Norfork Lake are in transition from their winter pattern to an early spring pattern. Yes, this is very early, due to an abnormally warm winter that has kept the water temperature warmer than normal. The surface water temperature is 5-8 degrees warmer than the last three years at this time. The baitfish have started to move into shallow water, which in turn makes the predators follow suit. Striped bass can be found at all different depths. Tuesday morning Lou located a couple large schools of striped bass still out in 65 feet of water, following shad that was 50 feet down. Last weekend a couple of his Facebook followers (father and son) took my advice and headed back into a major creek and found some nice fish on the bottom in 35-40 feet of water, again chasing the baitfish. As the water continues to warm, the majority of the bait will move out of the deep water into shallow water, which will make for a great spring bite. Assuming the weather pattern holds as is, we are due for a very early spring bite, but this is a very big assumption. Only Mother Nature will control what happens with our weather. Lou says he’s started to see small signs of topwater feeding fish; not much, but it's still encouraging. Don't get your hopes up too much because this is really early for topwater action. The best place to look for striped bass is halfway back in the major creeks. Live bait and vertical jigging a spoon have been his best way of catching stripers, but throwing stickbaits and flukes at sunrise are starting to work. Lou says he’s only fished after dark for striped bass once since his last report, with little success. The water temperature is just right for the night bite to start, so he says he’ll be out more and more after dark here real soon.
Lou adds that white bass are moving back into the major creeks on their annual spawning run. Start looking for big females staging in 30-45 feet of water. The males are the first to move into the creeks, and then the females will follow. Once they start their spawn you will find them close to the banks. Small spinners, blade baits and spoons are some of Lou’s favorites for the white bass. Largemouth bass are also starting to move into shallower water. Tuesday morning, Lou was live bait fishing for striped bass and moving slowly along a deep bluff line. He found a small cut in the rocks and started casting his Kastmaster to the shore and letting it sink about 10 feet. He ended up landing five largemouth out of this little pocket. They are getting very aggressive. Crankbaits will be working, as well as spinnerbaits on those windblown banks. The Norfork Lake water level is currently at 546.92 with minimal power generation at this time. The lake surface water temperature was 53 degrees Tuesday morning and is rising slowly. The main lake as well as parts of the creeks and coves are clearing. Once you get halfway back into the major creeks the water is stained, making it great for fishing.

Norfork Tailwater

(updated 3-1-2017) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service said Norfork Lake remained steady at 6.8 feet below seasonal power pool of 553.75 feet and 33 feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we had less generation with more wadable water. There has been more wadable water on the Norfork. Daphnia has been spotted on the upper river and could adversely affect the bite. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns (#18, #20, #22) like ruby midges, root beer midges, zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and soft hackles (#14, #16) like the green butt. Egg patterns have also been productive. Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended eighteen inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise #10). There have been reliable hatches of small midges (try a size 24 Adams parachute) and caddis (try a size 18 elk hair caddis). The fishing is better in the morning. My favorite rig has been a hare and copper nymph with a ruby midge dropper.
Dry Run Creek has been very crowded due to the unseasonable warm weather. The hot flies have been sowbugs (No. 14), Y2Ks (No. 12) and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise No. 10). While you are at the creek you should visit the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases.

Remember that the White and Norfork rivers and Dry Run Creek are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.

Buffalo National River

(updated 3-1-2017) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Buffalo is navigable. With warm weather, the smallmouths should be more active. Berry’s favorite fly is a Clouser minnow. Carefully check the water level before entering the Buffalo River. There are no dams, it has large drainages and is prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.

Crooked Creek

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Beaver Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,110.79 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 1,121.00 msl).

(updated 3-1-2017) Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said water is clear. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Lots of good reports coming from Blue Springs. Bass are good on jerkbaits and crankbaits. Anglers are also catching walleye all over the lake.

(updated 3-1-2017) Bailey’s Beaver Lake Guide Service (479-366-8664) said water surface temps in the high 40s to low 50s, and stripers remain in the creek arms and are on the feed with most stripers using 20-60 feet of water. Some stripers are using gravel bars, points, humps, treetops and cuts in the bank to corner bait. Fishing free lines and lightly weighted downlines will definitely get you some fish. There has been some topwater activity from striper and white bass. Beaver lake striper fishing will be good using live shad fished on free and downlines from the surface down to about 20 feet deep; also try trolling small umbrella rigs with white grubs or chartreuse for stained water, or plugs like Rapala No. 14 husky jerks in black back or purple back colors and Smithwick Rogues in similar colors in 5-6-inch model on plane boards with snap weights to get some depth and stagger your presentation. Jerkbaits like flukes, swimbaits and jigs will also produce. Topwaters like 7-inch Redfins, Spooks, Pencil Poppers also need to be tied on and ready to throw. Fish location is greatly influenced by lake level and current flow; current in the lake from generation will generally position fish on upstream or downstream edges of structure. Check the daily lake level and flow data link on Mike Bailey’s website. On the mid- and lower sections check out these hot spots: Indian Creek (numbers of stripers being caught and some have been real hawgs, Mike says), Lost Bridge North (same as Indian Creek), at points 5 and 6 (check in 10-60 feet of water) and Rambo Creek Arm (check in 10-60 feet of water). In Shaddox Hollow, check in water 20-60 feet deep for striper as they are making their way up the creek arms and keep your eyes out for surfacing fish. The upper section continues to have an array of hot spots; check out these areas: Highway 12 bridge (check the main channel and check Bear Creek), Prairie Creek (20-50 feet of water), Coose Hollow (20-50 feet of water), Blackburn Creek (20-60 feet depth), Beaver Shores (20-50 feet of water), Mont Ne (20-60 feet), Hickory Creek (40-60 feet), War Eagle (20-60 feet of water) and at the War Eagle/White River Junction, or Point 12 (20-60 feet of water).

Bailey adds that around Horseshoe Bend in the upper section, white bass are surfacing, while walleye are being caught in good numbers and also can be found scattered still around the lake and are on the feed. Walleye can be found 10-30 feet deep depending on areas you fish. Try three-way rigging Rapalas in natural colors for clear water or chartreuse/orange and clown colors in areas of stained water. Also use Rapala Tail Dancers, Bagley Rumble B's, Flicker Shad, Bandit 300 series in colors that include orange and chartreuse. Slow death rigs and spinner rigs on bottom bouncers in orange/chartreuse will also work. Bink Pro Scale 1-ounce jigging spoons in white or white/chartreuse combination, as well as a variety of jigs, are also producing walleye.

Beaver Tailwater

(updated 2-22-2017) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said he put in at Houseman this past week to check out water levels and the bite. Water levels from Houseman up to Spider Creek are horrible if you plan on using a boat. Austin says he had to get out and push the boat three different times. With that being said, there are a few holes that are holding some very nice trout. Most trout were being caught on light terminal tackle with PowerBaits. The trick is getting to the fish by boat; if you can, you will be in the fish. Shore fisherman should have no problem picking a spot to fish, unfortunately the holes Austin mentioned are very difficult to reach by foot, he says, but it can be done. Water temperature is around 54 degrees and staying pretty consistent. So needless to say, he doesn't see things getting better for the Tailwaters unless they get rain. Up in Table Rock, bass are hitting on various plastics thrown at and worked in structure and rock. Good luck!

(updated 2-22-2017) Beaver Dam Store said that when you’re using fly tackle, use a micro jig under strike indicator. PJ’s Jig is working well. In your conventional tackle, make sure you’re trying Rapala crankbaits, Flicker Shad, worms with white and yellow PowerBait and Colorado and Bouyant spoons for best results there. Good luck, and bring the crew a fish story to tell. The store will move to seasonal hours later in March; for now it’s Friday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lake Elmdale

(updated 2-22-2017) Lucky Key at Duck Camp Fishing Retreat (479-871-6305) is reopening the Bait Shop on Lake Elmdale beginning Feb. 24. He’s open Fridays through Mondays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lucky says the lake is a little lower than normal, water is fairly clear with visibility usually around 3-4 feet. The water temperature has been 56 degrees on the west side, and 53 on the east side. If this weather holds steady and warm, we could see a turnover by the end of the week. The fishing on Lake Elmdale is already off to a good start! Several Bass have been caught in the last week, by boaters using "suspending" jerkbaits and jigs with soft crawfish trailers. Red wiggle warts are also a good lure in early spring. I personally watched one man catch three bass on three casts, as he fished out in front of the bait shop. That same fisherman stated he had caught a 16-inch long Crappie on a jerk bait around Rock Island, near the flood overflow end of the dam. One man reported catching a 4 pound Bass, near the bait shop dock. All agree the fish were holding at a depth of 8 to10 feet. I've seen large Bluegill feeding 2 feet below the surface around my dock this week! Nothing came to the surface, but should soon, as the lake continues to warm. Use red worms, or crickets fished under a bobber around 3 feet to catch a big Bluegill. Crappie; Fish the over flow area of the dam, stay back and throw a minnow, or small white jig, under a bobber up in the 8 foot water. Fish 5-6 feet below the bobber. No word on any catfish being caught. Spring is still a few weeks away, but the fishing is pretty good right now, so get ’em while you can. Lake Elmdale has a boat ramp, public parking area, and nice dock, and the lake never closes.

Kings River

No report.

Lake Fayetteville

(updated 3-1-2017) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) reported water surface temperature of 55 degrees with the level normal. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are good on minnows or jigs. Bass are good using plastic worms or chatterbaits. Catfish reports were fair.

Lake Sequoyah

(updated 3-1-2017) Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) reported water conditions as clear with a surface temperature of 53 degrees. Water level is normal. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits and jerkbaits. Catfish are good using chicken livers. No bream reports.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Lake Poinsett

(updated 3-1-2017) Ome Coleman at Lake Poinsett State Park said the weather is getting right and they can tell it at Lake Poinsett State Park. Minnows, goldfish, nightcrawlers and redworms are all in demand. They expect to start getting crickets next week. They have plenty of other fishing supplies and bait on hand. Be sure to come by the park or call and they will tell you about the Fishin’ The Ridge Tournament there April 1. Ome says it will be fun to grab your fishing buddy and compete for bream and crappie. There will be lots of good prizes, and you can take home your catch for supper. Call 870-578-2064 to enter or for more information.

Crown Lake

(updated 3-1-2017) Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said lots of bass were pulled in during its tournament over the weekend. Water surface temperature is 52 degrees. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs.

Lake Frierson

Lake Frierson State Park had no report.

Spring River

(updated 3-1-2017) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are running at 320 cfs and water clarity has been clear. The river has been low and clear. Hot and cold temps have the trout biting really well some days and turning off on other days. Y2Ks and olive Woollies have been hot, and on the really tough days hot pink Trout Magnets work great. White and chartreuse work well, also. Use the Trout Magnet floats and fish the Trout Magnet just off the bottom of the river.

(updated 3-1-2017) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Spring River is fishing well. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over and there are fewer boats on the river. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers with a bit of flash (size 10), cerise and hot pink San Juan worms (size 10) and Y2Ks (size 10).

White River

(updated 3-1-2017) Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) reported that fishing continues to be “poor, poor, poor” at this time. Few anglers and no reports.

SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS

Arkansas River at Pine Bluff

(updated 2-22-2017) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Team said water temperatures are in the upper 50s to low 60s (in protected backwaters). Water visibility has improved slightly, with some areas up to about one foot of visibility. Black bass and striped bass are biting very well right now in Lake Langhofer. Although it is very early, black bass are in pre-spawn locations and feeding up. Look for woody cover near sand flats and use black/blue soft plastics and jigs, and cover water with spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and shallow running crankbaits in-between pieces of cover.

Cane Creek Lake

(updated 3-1-2017) Jennifer Albertson at Cane Creek State Park said fishing is picking up at Cane Creek Lake. Crappie are good right now and biting on shiners. Bass are fair and biting on spinnerbaits. Catfish are also fair; they are biting on worms this week, but stink bait is always a favorite among the Cane Creek catfish. Bream are still nowhere to be found, but spring is around the corner. Bream should pick up soon. As the spring continues to roll in, try for crappie in shallow water where they are breeding. The park bait shop is now open regular hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. every day.

Lake Chicot

(updated 3-1-2017) Brandy Oliver at Lake Chicot State Park (870-265-9705) said catfish are biting on nightcrawlers and stink bait, with the best fishing on the bottom. Crappie are biting on red rosy minnows, chartreuse and black, and chartreuse and white jigs with a light-colored jighead, in Ditch Bayou about 3 feet deep. The bass are biting on black and neon pocket craws. Bream are hitting red wigglers and crickets on warmer days. Also expect to catch stripers on every bait. They have been very active.

Lake Monticello

No report.

SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS

Millwood Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 259.94 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 259.20 msl).

(updated 3-1-2017) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said lake level is approximately 8 inches above normal conservation pool and rising as of Monday. There is current in Little River with the gates releasing around 3,200 cfs as of Monday. Water temps rose over the past week and ranged 58 to 65 degrees Monday. There were good numbers of fishermen on the lake over the past week as lake level has risen slightly over the past few days while water temps continue a slow rise. Largemouth bass are staging for pre-spawn, white bass are running up Little River, and crappie staging. Clarity and visibility is stained and muddy this week in most areas on main lake. As of Monday on main lake structure away from current, clarity and visibility ranged 2-3 inches. Little River's visibility ranges 3-5 inches depending on location and current. The oxbow's clarity is ranging 10-15 inches depth of visibility. Clarity and visibility can change dramatically on Millwood in just a few hours with high winds, rain, or thunderstorms.
Siefert also says that over the past couple weeks, as water temperatures slowly continuing to rise, it is staging the bass to move out of their deeper winter holes to the spawning areas. They have been watching/seeing/catching males running in and out of bedding areas preparing to build beds over the past few weeks, and females are staging just slightly deeper. Big, bulky lizards and 10-inch worms, Rat-L-Traps and slow moving crankbaits have been taking staging bass on points, ditches and in creek channels. The key continues to be finding water that is 5-8 degrees warmer than surrounding areas, and clearer water with the current conditions. The pre-spawn females are staging just a few feet deeper in the creeks from the flats, and several in the 5-9 pound range full of eggs continue to be caught and released over the past week. The further from Little River current and heavy stain water, and in deeper sections of creeks, will produce best largemouths. Smithwick Rouges continue taking a few good-size bass in south Hickory pockets of the area of main lake by the golf course and Lake Millwood State Park. Chatterbaits in black/blue/purple and spring bream colors are taking nice 4-6-pound largemouth females full of eggs along creeks and ditches. Real Deal Custom Tackle jigs continue catching nice female bass staging. Best colors over the past week with the stained water clarity are bruiser, habanero and grasshopper colors with a Black Bug trailer. Pre-spawn female bass in the 5-7-pound range are eating in preparation for bedding activities. War Eagle Spinnerbaits in Spot Remover and white/chartreuse continue taking 2-4-pound largemouths in McGuire Oxbow upriver. Large-size Rat-L-Traps worked much slower and deflecting off stumps and timber, deeper in the creek channels, are still catching largemouths. Best colors over the past few weeks continue to be the Toledo Gold, Red Shad Zombie or Red Chrome on sunny days, around 5-10 feet depth in ditches and flats near creek channel swings. Bass Assassin Shads in Houdini, Mississippi Hippie and Gold Pepper Shiner colors are catching good largemouths along old vegetation lines, dead lily pad stems, and buckbrush. Jingle Bugs are working in these same areas, and best colors over the past week or two have been the Okeechobee Craw, Black/Red Glitter and Red Shad/Green Glitter.
Siefert added that white bass continue staging between McGuire Lake and Patterson Shoals in a pre-spawn condition. Points all along Little River are holding wads of these nomads. Cossatot inflow ditch and creek channels protruding into Little River were giving up a great number of whites and hybrids over the weekend on shad-colored Bomber and XCalibur crankbaits, chrome/blue or Smokey Joe Rat-L-Traps. Whites continue to move toward annual spawning grounds. Little Georges, Rocket Shads, Little Cleos, Spin Traps and Blakemore Road Runners were all catching these whites over the past week, but Little River continues to be heavy stain to muddy over the past week with all the rain and fresh water coming into the lake. The crappie are moving in right with the largemouths. Good locations have been around cypress trees in 5-8 feet of depth with a white/blue or white/chartreuse jig, and a flat tail grub in smoke with chartreuse tip. Blues and channel cats continue biting well with the current in Little River. They’re biting on cut shad, Berkley Gulp chunks, hot dogs and Punch baits.
To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park information, contact Tony Porter at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office. To receive project updates, daily lake level information updates, gate release flows, tailwater information, park and campground information, or volunteer, Millwood Project information line (888-697-9830) or the Corps of Engineers' main number (877-444-6777) to verify another Corps project is open.

Lake Greeson

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 541.34 feet msl (Flood pool – 548.00 msl).

(updated 3-1-2017) Darryl Morris at Family Fishing Trips said that due to the early spring-like weather, the water has warmed considerably. All bass and crappie will quickly move up to spawn. Shallow to mid-range water depth should be your strike zone.

Lake Greeson Tailwater (Little Missouri River)

Visit www.littlemissouriflyfishing.com for a daily update on fishing conditions.

Cossatot River

Cossatot River State Park had no report this week.

DeGray Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 406.66 feet msl (flood pool – 408.00 msl).

(updated 2-22-2017) Local angler George Graves said surface water temperature is in the low 50s and the lake is clear up to Point 14 and a slight stain farther up. Bass fishing is good with some nice catches coming from the upper end of the lake between Point 15 and Cox Creek. Even though the days have been warm, the fish are still on their winter pattern because the nights are cold. Try medium-running crankbaits, both lipped and lipless, worked across secondary points in the big coves and creeks. Most any natural shad pattern with some chartreuse will work. The fish will be in small schools, so keep moving until fish are located. Also try a Texas or Carolina rigged worm worked down the steep side of the points. Try green pumpkin or red shad. Crappie fishing has slowed somewhat, but the fishermen in the know are still making decent catches from the deep attractors. Look for brush cover in 22-28 feet of water and fish a 2-inch tube on a 1/16-ounce jighead to the top of the brush. Best color has been black/chartreuse. Also be sure to add a crappie nibble, the fish love them. Once again, look for fish in the upper end of the lake. Hybrid and white bass fishing has been good with lots of fish coming from the Shouse Ford area, especially at the mouth of Beaton Creek and the north side of Goat Island. Try trolling with the small 5-arm umbrella loaded with 4-inch swimbaits. Best colors are white or chartreuse. Also, if the fish are on the bottom a 1-ounce jigging spoon in white will produce. A few bream were reported coming from the crappie attractors. Try redworms or crickets. A couple of crappie nibbles on a No. 8 hook will also work. Fish just off the bottom next to, but not in, the attractor.

SOUTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Felsenthal

(updated 2-22-2017) Sportsman’s One Stop in El Dorado (870-863-7248) said bass are biting well on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and creature baits. Crappie being caught on upper and lower side of river and on yoyo’s. Also, no report on catfish or bream.

Lake Columbia

(updated 2-22-2017) Sportsman’s One Stop (870-863-7248) said a few bass being caught, but it is still a little early. Also, a few crappie being caught on shiners. No report on catfish or bream catches.

Mike Knoedl Tri-County Lake

No report.

Moro Bay

Moro Bay State Park, at the junction of the Ouachita River, Raymond Lake and Moro Bay, had no report this week.

White Oak Lake

White Oak Lake State Park (870-685-2748) had no report.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Atkins

(updated 3-1-2017) Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said water is clear and the surface temperature was 56-57 degrees. Water is lower than normal but not bad. Anglers are catching a lot of small bream. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs, but you’ll find better success off the bank. Bass are good and crankbaits are working best. You’ll find the bass out in the lake. No report on catfish.

Lake Bailey (Petit Jean State Park)

(updated 2-15-2017) Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) said catfish are biting on minnows and worms. Bream are biting on crickets and worms. Bass are biting now.

Lake Catherine

For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro.

(updated 3-1-2017) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below Carpenter Dam is 49 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. The 5-foot winter drawdown is about to end with the refilling of Lake Catherine scheduled to begin on Friday, March 3rd. The lake will return to normal summertime level March 13. Rainbow trout are plentiful in the tailrace from the dam to the bridge with thousands of fish thriving in the nutrient rich water. Thousands more trout are scheduled to be stocked this month which will make fishing opportunities excellent for area anglers. Fly fishermen are able to access areas that hold good numbers of trout and are recording limits by casting micro-jigs in black or white colors with a strike indicator. Current is key so targeting the head and rear sections of shoals has produced the best results. Olive colored woolly buggers and black midges have also taken trout in the 15 inch class. Egg patterns in yellow or white will often draw strikes from finicky fish that refuse other offerings. Bank fisherman have done well on live bait presentations such as wax and meal worms, red worms, crickets and small live minnows. Whether fished just off the bottom or under a bobber, these baits are proven trout killers in slack or moving water situations. Spin fishermen have accounted for the largest trout caught in the last several weeks by using Super Dupers and Rooster Tails in white or silver colors. These lures imitate a dying shad and often attract larger rainbows that feed on the bait fish drawn thru the turbines from Lake Hamilton. Trolling shallow running crankbaits against the current below the bridge is highly effective during periods of current flow. Shad killed from the freezing temperatures provide large amounts of food for all the tailrace gamefish and should be imitated by anglers serious about catching numbers of rainbow trout. No reports of striper or white bass caught near the dam. This can change overnight as more and more trout are stocked in the area. Shad are plentiful during freezing temperatures which will attract numbers of bass in any weather or current flow. The walleye spawn has begun with smaller males present in the tailrace below the bridge. The larger females are migrating into the area ready to spawn and protect the nests. These fish can be found by trolling shallow running crankbaits in the main channel during periods of generation. Carolina rigs tipped with live minnows or nightcrawlers will also work well in current or slack water. The majority of fish will be in the 3- to 5-pound range.

Lake Dardanelle

(updated 3-1-2017) Charles Morrison at Classic Catch Guide Service (479-647-9945) had no report.

Lake Hamilton

Lake Hinkle

Bill’s Bait Shop (479-637-7419) had no report this week.

Lake Nimrod

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 343.41 feet msl (flood pool – 342.00 msl).

(updated 2-22-2017) Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) reported water was dingy. Level is normal and the surface temperature at midweek was 58 degrees. Crappie are good; try minnows or use black and red jigs. Bass are good on spinnerbaits and blue and black crankbaits. Catfishing is fair. No reports on white bass. Bream results were poor.

(updated 2-15-2017) Good Ole Boys Trading Post (479-272-4710) is back open for fishing, but it’s been very slow. Water level is high. Crappie reports were poor.

(updated 2-15-2017) Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) reported crappie are hit and miss. The water is low and there has been no rain recently. For crappie, use Bobby Garland Baby Shad in Shiny Hiney, Glimmer Blue, BBQ Chicken, Cajun Crickets, Blue Ice, Shimmer, Monkey Milk, crystal, bone, Pennyback Baby Shad, and Slab Slay’r, and 1.25-inch itty bit swim’r and minnows. Catfish are biting on minnows, worms and shad. Bream are biting on crickets and worms

Lake Ouachita

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 572.08 feet msl (flood pool – 578.00 msl).

(updated 3-1-2017) David Draper of the Lake Ouachita Striped Bass Association said fishing has been touch-and-go on Ouachita. The water is still cloudy in some areas and the surface temperature is higher than normal in the mid-50s. This has changed the patterns; David suggests trying what you would normally do around the last week of March or beginning of April. There have been reports of some nice fish being caught near and in the 30-pound range, so that's encouraging. Brood minnows are good but fish are already hitting shad as well, it just depends on the day. Good fishing to all, send photos of your fish and we will get them on the website.

(updated 3-1-2017) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out of state) said black bass are still very good and being caught with chatterbaits fished 6-10 feet deep or lipless crankbaits, crawfish color, in major creek basins. Walleye are fair and being caught up the rivers during their spawning run. Stripers are very good on Bama rigs. The west end of the lake is the best area for these fish. They are making their spawning run up the rivers. No report on bream. Crappie are still very good. Try using minnows or crappie jigs at depths around 15-20 feet deep fished near brush. No report on catfish. Water temperature is ranging 50-55 degrees. The water is clearing.

Blue Mountain Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 385.14 feet msl (flood pool – 384.00 msl).