June 17, 2021
Jim Harris Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine
This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for June 17, 2021. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please email jim.harris@agfc.ar.gov 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. Note: msl = mean sea level; cfs = cubic feet per second. All Corps of Engineers lake and river readings were taken at 11 a.m. the day of publication (June 17).
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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
TOP AND LEFT: Guide Tommy Cauley has been getting into the hybrid and white bass on beautiful Greers Ferry Lake these days. He's been finding them roaming around chasing schools of very small shad. Throw them an inline spinner, spoon or a topwater bait and look for them in 25-50 feet.
Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
(updated 6-17-2021) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the clarity no longer muddy as of Wednesday afternoon and is back to the normal Lake Conway stain. Water level, however, has fallen from high to low. Bream are good on redworms and crickets. Crappie were fair on minnows and jigs. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfish were being caught in good numbers on limblines.
Lake Beaverfork
(updated 6-3-2021) Angler Dennis Charles visited Beaverfork as well as several other lakes in the area with similar conditions (Lake Brewer, Lake Cargile, Woolly Hollow and Lake Barnett). Water level has been above normal and somewhat clear, the bite has slowed for the past week or so; BUT, Dennis says he caught a few bass who were schooling right before and during the rain.
For bass, he says the bite has slowed over the past two weeks. Water temperature is around 75 degrees and the crappie are slow in mid-level water; use floating lures with dive, as well as jigs. Bass are slow and in the shallows and in the grass. “Use plastic worms, topwater poppers and Chatterbaits. Bream are slow. Catfish are chasing plastics and almost anything in your box and can be found anywhere, you just need to find them.” Dennis says he caught several on bass baits where bass lurk.
Visit Dennis’ Facebook page (Arkansas Fishing Adventures) for more information – send Jim Harris, the AGFC’s Arkansas Wildlife Magazine managing editor, a photo of your catch and Jim just might post it here with the other photos.
Little Red River
(updated 6-17-2021) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-230-0730) says, “We are still seeing 12 hours of two-unit generation daily that normally kicks on during the late mornings. Plan on having this schedule for a while unless we receive significant rainfall or they cut back generation on the White River. This generation pattern is providing small windows of wading opportunities on the upper sections of the river during early mornings and on the middle and lower sections later in the day. With the water release of two full units of generation, the river will rise quickly. If wading, be observant of changing water levels and be aware of your surroundings for your safety.”
This pattern is also providing excellent drift-fishing on all sections. Lowell recommends midges, sowbugs, San Juan Worms and streamers for fly-fishing. For Trout Magnet fishing, use hot pink and red-colored bodies on chartreuse or gold jigheads. Always check before heading to the Little Red River by calling the Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District water data system (501-362-5150) for Greers Ferry Dam water release information or check the Corps of Engineers website (swl-wc.usace.army.mil) for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website (swpa.gov) to see forecasted generation schedule.
(updated 6-17-2021) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood says water is clear and generators are consistent (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Rainbow trout are good on Rooster Tails, Trout Magnets and Shad Raps fished earlier in the mornings, and on Rapala Countdowns in size 5 or 7.
Greers Ferry Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 472.88 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 463.04 feet msl, top flood elevation 487.0 msl).
(updated 6-17-2021) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 473.14 feet msl and on a slow fall with generation. The lake is 10.6 feet high up from normal pool (462.54 msl for this period). The species you’re used to catching and targeting this time of a usual year may and for the most part are hanging around close but not exactly doing what they usually do. Just stay with the shad and you cannot go wrong. No wind as of late has hurt as well; wind is your friend here.
Crappie are still chewing, fishing straight up and down or fishing horizontal, on crankbaits, beetle spins, live bait or jigs in 12-45 feet. Catfish are eating everyday all over the lake and rivers with your usual offering on rod and reel, jugs or lines. Bream have really showed up big-time now, a lot of monsters; use crickets, crawlers, inline spinners and small crankbaits from the shore out to 15-20 feet.
Walleye are hit and miss. Some will bite if you can stay with them as they are moving around a lot. Try crawlers on a jighead or drop-shot rig in 15-45 feet. Black bass are scattered all over, up shallow out to 50 feet eating a variety of baits top to bottom. Hybrid and white bass are hit and miss as well, roaming around chasing schools of very small shad. Use inline spinners, spoons and topwater baits; just move with them and fish at 25-50 feet.
(updated 6-17-2021) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood says water temperature is in the mid-80s, and the lake is clear and 11 feet high. Bass are fair in the bushes in 7-8 feet of water in the mornings at the upper end of the lake, being caught on topwater, buzzbaits, Spooks and wake baits. During the day, best success is coming from flipping bushes with a shaky head and Carolina rigs off the shoreline in 15-20 feet of water. Nighttime fishing is good using black spinnerbaits in ½ ounce or ¾ ounce, as well as Texas-rigging a worm in red bug, strawberry or cherry seed color.
Harris Brake Lake
(updated 6-17-2021) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) wanted to get the word out now to families that there will be a Free Fishing Derby at the lake on July 4 for kids ages 5-16 years old. The derby will run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call the resort for more information.
This week the lake is clearing up after its heavy muddy look, and water remains high. Bream remain good on redworms and crickets. Crappie reports have been poor (crappie headed back into deeper water in recent weeks). Black bass are fair, but expect to find them in deeper areas now. Catfishing is good; try stink bait, chicken liver and crickets, and bait your trotlines with baby bream or bass minnows.
Lake Overcup
(updated 6-10-2021) Phil Thomas at Lakeview Landing (501-354-5309) said the clarity is very clear and the lake level is back up to high. Bream are good using redworms or crickets. No reports on crappie or black bass. Catfish are good using worms or chicken liver.
Brewer Lake
(update 6-17-2021) David Hall at Dad’s Bait Shop (501-977-0303) said the lake is high by 1-2 feet. Bream are good on redworms and crickets. Crappie are good on size 6 minnows and on jigs. Your best bet for catches is by trolling slowly down the middle.
Black bass are good during the evenings for anglers fishing close to the shoreline. Try a spinnerbait or bass minnows for the best responses. Catfishing is good on nightcrawlers.
(updated 6-3-2021) See Angler Dennis Charles’ report under Lake Beaverfork.
Lake Maumelle
(updated 6-10-2021) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) reported Thursday that with the rising water the crappie bite has picked back up with excellent results this week. Reports came in of the crappie being found 18-20 feet deep above structure. Go with jigs or minnows.
Meanwhile, largemouth bass are fair. Some can be found in the grass on the banks and around the grass in 8-12 feet biting a variety of lures. Try using crankbaits, spinnerbaits and swimbaits. The largemouths’ black bass brethren, the spotted bass (Kentucky bass) also are fair. Some anglers report finding them near drop-offs around 16-20 feet and off rocky banks. Try using jigs for the spots. Reflective these opinions on the black bass bite, the Tuesday night tournament on Maumelle had seen a bit of a drop on stringer size and size of Big Bass caught: Cody Bryant and Brad Lequieu won with 9.22 pounds of bass, edging Andrew Wooley and Cameron Nesterenko’s 8.48 pounds. Doug Rich and Frank Ramey hooked the Big Bass of 3.81 pounds, a mere .01 better than Noah White and Harley White’s best bass. Call the marina for more information on the tournaments or to participate.
White bass are slow. Some anglers said they were catching them shallow while trolling. Swimbaits are the best lures now. Bream range fair to good. Some have been found in 12-16 feet around the bream beds, while others are biting 14 feet off of points. Crickets and redworms are both working well. Catfish are fair off the shoreline in about 12-15 feet depth. Chicken liver, worms and crawfish are the best baits.
Arkansas River at Morrilton
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam was 69,418 cfs, significantly down from this time last week. Flow further upriver at Dardanelle Lock and Dam was 66,214 cfs.
Little Maumelle River
(updated 6-17-2021) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) says water remains muddy and high, and he heard no fishing reports.
Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam was 75,038 cfs, about half the flow of this time last week.
Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam was 78,690 cfs. Flow at the Terry Lock and Dam was 80,300 cfs. The flow has dropped by half of what it was at this time last week.
(updated 6-17-2021) Fish ‘N’ Stuff (501-834-5733) said Wednesday afternoon that the Little Rock pool is just now getting below 170,000 cfs flow but is still muddy. They are hearing some good reports, though. Black bass are good on crankbaits (chartreuse with black back, and chartreuse with blue back) around jetties and current breaks in 5-6 feet. Also, bass are biting on Bandit 200 crankbaits in black color, along with black/blue jigs, spinnerbaits and Chatterbait (try the chartreuse/white and black/blue colors of Chatterbaits) around any type of grass or wood just off of the main river.
Bream are good in shallow backwaters on redworms in about 3-4 feet of water. Catfish are good below the dam on stink bait and nightcrawlers.
(updated 6-17-2021) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) said bream are good in the backwaters around Willow Beach area 4-5 feet deep on redworms and crickets. Catfish are good below the David Terry Lock and Dam on cut skipjack. Bass are good in the backwaters around the Willow Beach area on black Racket Buzzbaits and black Bandit Crankbaits. Crappie have been caught in good numbers around the Cajun’s Wharf area, in 10-12 feet depth, on minnows.
(updated 6-3-2021) Hatchet Jack’s Sports Shop in Crystal Hill off I-40 (758-4958) said they’ve heard good reports from anglers who were able to safely navigate the river and find some hot fishing holes. Bream are excellent on waxworms and crickets. Crappie are fair; try a shad-colored jig now, or use minnows. Black bass are good early in the morning and late in the day on topwater baits. Catfishing is good using rice slicks and nightcrawlers.
Clear Lake (off Arkansas River-Little Rock Pool)
(updated 6-17-2021) McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) has heard no reports.
Peckerwood Lake
(updated 6-17-2021) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) reports that the lake is clear and remains high. Bream are biting well on redworms and crickets. Trolling continues to be the ticket for crappie, but results this week were just fair. Use minnows or jigs. Black bass are good on jigs. Catfish are good on yo-yos, and on rod-and-reel using jigs, minnows and hot dogs.
(updated 6-3-2021) With the water still high and in the parking lot at Cook’s Lake Conservation Education Center, making the fishing there a no-go, the AGFC’s Wil Hafner (870-241-3373) made another trip back to Peckerwood Lake, between Hazen and Stuttgart, for the bluegill and “was served a large slice of humble pie,” he said this week. “Either they moved out during the cold snap or lucky anglers have already picked off the first round of spawning males. I will probably give it until the next full moon to target them again.”
White River
(updated 6-17-2021) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “White River water levels below Bull Shoals Dam have been somewhat disparate over this past week, ranging from minimum flow (600 cfs) to six or more generators/turbines (19,000 cfs). Bull Shoals Lake level seems to have topped at 689 feet msl, although Beaver and Table Rock lakes are still above desired power pool and will continue to discharge into Bull Shoals and we'll eventually see the increase in the tailwater here in Cotter.
“The trout are still biting and the take has been respectable. Local anglers and the professional guides on the White River are becoming accustomed to high water and have figured out the best baits for varying water conditions.
“(Wednesday) the best bait was the trusty bubblegum pink worm. We drifted water that was fairly steady at about 2,500 cfs (less than one unit of generation). It beat out the gold and orange Vibrax spinner and the tri-olive Zig Jig. But the rainbow-hued Cleo played a role in a few catches, too: Make it dance during the retrieve to catch their attention. The Smithwick or Headhunter Clown Crankbait caused a stir that's worth your time to check out, especially as the water levels begin to creep up when the Army Corps of Engineers decides to lower the lake.
“It's gotten pretty warm, so drink plenty of water, get your electrolytes to stay hydrated, and continue to enjoy our Natural State.”
(updated 6-17-2021) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service said Monday afternoon that during the past week they had three rain events that combined for a half an inch, brutally hot temperatures and, at times, heavy winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals rose 0.5 foot to land at 27.4 feet above seasonal power pool of 662 feet msl. This is 5.6 feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock rose 0.5 foot to rest at 6.1 feet above seasonal power pool and 7.9 feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell 0.2 foot to rest at 6.9 feet above seasonal power pool and 1.1 feet below the top of flood pool. The White saw significant wadable water this week. Norfork Lake rose 0.8 foot to rest at 16.1 feet above seasonal power pool of 556.75 feet msl and 7.1 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork tailwater had wadable water every day. Seasonal power pool has been reset for the lakes in the White River system. The lakes are all much higher due to recent rains. Expect high levels of generation in the near future.
On the lower flows, the fishing on the White River has been good! The top spot has been 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 combination is a pheasant tail nymph with a ruby midge dropper).
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.
John also described a boating situation on the water and a good lesson for others who attempt to negotiate tailwaters with bigger boats: “Last Saturday I had a guide trip with a couple of anglers from Missouri. They were seasoned fly-fishers and did well. The weather was nice, warm and sunny with little wind. It was a great day to be on the water.
“The river was on the bottom. I mean bottom. It just doesn’t get any lower than that. I have a propeller-driven motor and was limited where I could go. It should be noted that when the river is this low there are spots where even jet-drive motors cannot go. There are rocks and other subsurface obstructions just below the surface that can prevent passage in certain spots or worse harm your watercraft.
“As we were fishing near a riffle (riffles are turbulent sections of the river that are shallow and contain significant rock structures), we noted a large boat approaching. It was much wider than my river boat, which is about the widest production boat on the river. It looked like a lake boat with a center steering console and a big jet motor. There were two adults and three kids in the boat.
“They tried going through the riffle and were having difficulty making it through. A nearby wade fisherman told them to try going through the deep channel on the left side of the riffle. They continued trying to get through the riffle with no success. I motored nearby and explained that the only safe way through was the deep left channel. They moved their boat to the left and finally made it through the channel.
“A while later we were having lunch near the ramp when a couple of guides arrived at the ramp. They had been fishing far upstream and the water had come up and was running dirty. They came downstream to my location seeking clean fishable water. We determined that the water would come up early. We also compared flies and noted that we were successfully using the same patterns.
“Later that afternoon we saw the big boat heading back. To my surprise it steamed back through the middle of the riffle where it lodged on a large rock that was about an inch below the surface of the water. Rather than trying to back off the rock the boat operator gunned the engine to try and scoot across it. Now it was really stuck.
“I went nearby to survey the situation. There was no damage done to the boat and there was no danger involved. I suggested that the safest thing to do was to wait until the water came up in a few minutes and let the rising water free them.
“Another boat came by and decided to help. The new angler moved nearby and got out of the boat. He managed to push the boat off the rock but lost his shoes in the process. No one was hurt. A few minutes later the water came up.
“Knowing your boat’s limitation and listening to local anglers is always good advice!”
(updated 6-17-2021) Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said Wednesday afternoon that the river level is low for the most part. It’s down in the mornings, then the Corps of Engineers turns up the generators. Trout are good. Best baits working are pink PowerBait, Little Silver Cleo’s, Rooster Tails (light greens and browns), worms and shrimp.
Bull Shoals Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reported the lake’s elevation at 689.01 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 661.90 feet msl; top flood elevation is 695.0 feet msl). The reported lake elevation at Table Rock Lake was 922.85 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 917.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 931.0 feet msl).
(updated 6-17-2021) Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock reported Bull Shoals is 30 feet high. Temperature of the water is ranging from 78 into the 80s, depending on location. Limited parking and boat ramp access is an issue. Plan ahead, especially on the weekends. Despite the flooding water, clarity is still good. The fishing is fair. Warmer temps have led to more boat traffic. Some fish are up shallow with the high water, capitalizing on the perch and shad spawn. Look shallow on flats in the creeks. For smallmouth, check on the old shoreline toward the main lake area. Target long points and sunken humps and islands. The shad are moving. In the shad, try fluke or a 2.8 swimbait. The topwater bite has been good early or late using poppers or small walk-the-dog, Spook, Lucky Craft or some other smaller profile. Use Berkeley Surge early.
Powerfish windy, cloudy days with a Whopper Plopper, buzzbait, spinnerbait or Chatterbait in dirty water, in the flats and shallow. If it’s clear, use flat blue birds. Get vertical and use a drop-shot at 24-32 feet bluffs. Or use an ol’ Ned rig or deep crank in watermelon red color. Target points, humps, etc. Keep the boat off the old shoreline at 35 feet. The backs of creeks have a little color change. If the Corps of Engineers is running water, then fish points. You can always catch them on a jig in channel or channel swings.
Visit Del’s YouTube site (Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock) for more information and tips on fishing the lake.
Norfork Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reported the lake’s elevation at 573.03 feet msl (normal conservation pool: Sept.-April, 553.75 feet msl; April-Sept. 556.65 feet msl; top flood elevation 580.0 feet msl).
(updated 6-17-2021) Lou Gabric at Hummingbird Hideaway Resort said Norfork Lake is transitioning from the spring bite to the summer bite. In essence, the fish are going deeper as the water warms. “Thursday morning the surface temp was 84, but I don’t think this temp extends too far down at this time. As the warm water goes deeper, a thermocline will form and continue to go deeper as the water temp continues to rise.
“Overall, the fishing for most species on Norfork Lake has been very good. There is still a very good topwater bite for largemouth bass, as well as for striped and hybrid bass. I would assume the topwater activity for striped bass will not last much longer unless we get some cooler weather. It does not look like that will happen.
“I have mainly been using two different baits for topwater activity: my Kastmaster (blade-type bait) and a Zara Spook Jr. Today I strictly used the Kastmaster, as there was a lot of small debris floating and that is not conducive to using a Zara Spook. When I see fish chasing shad on the surface, I try to cast my bait just past the activity. When the bait hits the water. I count down 2 seconds, then I start the retrieval with a jerk, then pause, then reel, then pause and start it all over again back to the boat. You have to see what the fish are looking for speed-wise. The topwater activity for the striped bass starts around 5:30 a.m. and may last until about 6:30 to 7 a.m. Once the fish stop chasing shad on the surface, they start going deep. I am marking fish anywhere from 30 feet to 80 feet deep. Forty feet down seems to be a good place to set up your bait. Live bait is definitely working the best, but vertical jigging a ¾- to 1-ounce spoon is starting to pick us some nice fish.
“If you like trolling, an umbrella rig is working really well. Keep the bait 35-45 feet down and you will catch some nice stripers. A-rigs, deep-diving crankbaits and large swimbaits are also working well, but you will more than likely need to add some inline weight to get deeper. Using a down rigger would be the easiest.
“The largemouth bite has been very good. There are lots of fish up in the sunken brush, but many of them are shorts. The topwater for this species also starts at sunrise and typically has lasted longer than the striped bass topwater activity. I have found that the fish chasing shad close to shore are predominantly shorts, but if you look out in the same area in deeper water and notice fish chasing shad, you’ll find the bigger fish. Today I caught some real nice bass in 120 feet of water, roughly 50 yards away from the bank. The bass also are going deeper as the sun gets high in the sky. Start working the bottom when they go down, in 15-25 feet of water
“Best areas for me have been main lake points in the mid-lake area. I have always had the best luck finding fish on the points that have a deep-water channel swinging in close to the point. The fish are also back in several of the major creeks that are located in several different areas of the lake.
“If you are looking for almost daily fishing activity on Norfork Lake, go to our Facebook page for Hummingbird Hideaway Resort. I post daily fishing reports of what I am doing, as well as our guests. Norfork Lake level is fairly stable at this time and is rising less than 1 inch per day. The level is 573.02 feet msl. The surface water temperature was 84 degrees (Thursday) morning and the clear is fairly clear. If you are looking for a great vacation, call Hummingbird Hideaway Resort at 870-492-5113. Norfork Lake is all about fishing, playing or just relaxing on the water. Happy fishing.”
Norfork Tailwater
(updated 6-17-2021) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said Norfork Lake rose 0.8 foot to rest at 16.1 feet above seasonal power pool of 556.75 feet msl and 7.1 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork tailwater had wadable water every day. Seasonal power pool has been reset for the lakes in the White River system. The lakes are all much higher due to recent rains. Expect high levels of generation in the near future.
The Norfork is fishing moderately. Navigate this stream with caution as things have changed a bit during the recent flooding. There has been major gravel recruitment at the bottom of Mill Pond and the dock hole. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns (sizes 18, 20, 22) like ruby midges, root beer midges, zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead) and soft hackles (sizes 14, 16) like the Green Butt. Egg patterns have also been productive. Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective. John’s current favorite combination is a pheasant tail nymph with a ruby midge dropper.
Dry Run Creek is fishing poorly. There is increased pressure with warmer weather. Fish early or late to avoid the crowds (the creek is open to fishing from sunrise to sundown). The Norfork National Fish Hatchery is open but the restrooms are still closed. The hot flies have been sowbugs (size 14), Y2Ks (size 12), various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise size 10), mop flies and egg patterns.
Buffalo National River/Crooked Creek
(updated 6-17-2021) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Buffalo National River and Crooked Creek are navigable. With the warm temperatures the bite is better. John’s favorite fly is a Clouser minnow. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.
Beaver Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,128.18 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 1,121.43 feet msl; top flood elevation is 1,130.0 feet msl).
(updated 6-17-2021) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake is at 1,128.32 feet msl and remains high and steady. “The lake has really warmed up this last week. Water temps range 80 to 83 degrees depending where you are. The thermocline set up. Look for fish from 15 to 25 feet. Stripers are picking up another notch last two days. Look for fish really early, 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Areas to look are from Rocky Branch up to the dam. Brooders, shad and bream are working.
“Crappie are starting the crankbait bite. I did well (Tuesday) on Picos and Bandits. Troll at 1.5 mph with 70 feet of line out. Make sure you zig-zag every so often to trigger bites. Look for flats in the 30 feet range and fish are holding from 8 to 15 feet.
“Walleye are slow, but I’m hoping this heat will set them up on main lake points. Troll crawler harnesses for best results. Spotted bass are also setting up in humps and big rock in 20 feet of water from Rocky to the dam. Neds and drop-shots are working. There is a short window of topwater for bass and stripers from 6 to 7 a.m. Bream are good. Catfish are good.”
Check out Jon’s Facebook page for the latest updates, FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.
(updated 6-17-2021) Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) says the walleye action has been fair this week and the fish are going deep as water temps rise. Bream are good; use redworms and crickets. Crappie are fair with minnows or jigs. Black bass weren’t quite as on fire as last week, but results still were good. Your best action is going to come on a swimbait. Catfish are good; go with chicken liver or big minnows. The lake has been clearing up lately, but the lake remains high (7 feet over normal conservation pool). Surface temperature ranges from the low to upper 80s.
Beaver Tailwater
(updated 6-10-2021) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said, "Well, with all the rain we have received, and the recent release from the dam, the river has filled up nicely. The trout bite has been great, most are being caught with light terminal tackle, fished with various PowerBaits. If the water temperature starts to rise, look for the 'slime line'; you will find some nice fish in this area. Also, try fishing around brush for bluegill and crappie when the water is like this. Most of the walleye are out of the system and back in the main lakes. You can still find a few white bass if you have a graph and can locate them. Kentucky bass are being caught early morning, along chunk rock and around structure. Suspended soft plastics have been the way to go with these fish.
“This week’s hot spot has been around Spider Creek and Bertrand Access.
“Sorry for the intermittent reports; running a Fire Department and working for the Sheriff's Office can get quite busy this time of year.
“Remember, if you have a question, please feel to reach out to me via phone of my Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service). Have fun, stay safe and catch some fish!”
Lake Fayetteville
(updated 6-3-2021) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said the water has stain and is at a normal level. The full moon had the expected effect on the bream, and the bite has been excellent this week. Try redworms or crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Black bass improved over the week with good catches on topwater lures. Catfishing is good; try regular worms, glow worms and basic catfish bait.
Lake Sequoyah
(updated 6-17-2021) Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said Wednesday afternoon that they are seeing a clearing up of the lake and the level has fallen to normal. Bream keeping responding in good numbers on redworms and crickets. Crappie still are fair; use minnows and jigs. Black bass are fair early in the day and late in the evening as water temperature picks up. Topwater baits and spinnerbaits are the go-tos now. Catfish continue to bite, as anglers reported good catches using chicken liver, cut bait or prepared bait.
Lake Charles
(updated 6-17-2021) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said fishing remains good for most species, as the surface water temperature passes 80 degrees (it read 81 degrees Monday morning) and the water level remains high with murky clarity. Bream are good on worms, crickets and jigs. Looks around the brushpiles, stumps and rocky points. Crappie are fair. They’re biting minnows, jigs and worms around brushpiles, stumps and points. Black bass are good; try spinnerbaits, topwater lures and plastic worms. Catfishing is good using worms, stink bait and cut bait.
Lake Poinsett
(updated 6-17-2021) Ben Batten, chief of the AGFC Fisheries Division, reported to AGFC commissioners this week that Lake Poinsett is about 7 feet away from being at full pool (Lake Poinsett at its deepest point is about 40 feet deep, and filling the lake is rainfall dependent, though this particular area of the state didn’t get quite as much recent rainfall as other areas, he said) as the Poinsett rebuild project continues. Plans are to stock the lake with channel catfish soon, but Fisheries is planning to ask the AGFC Commissioners in July to OK a temporary plan to limit catfish to 5 per angler, half of the normal catfish limit, through this year. Catfish will give anglers an immediate opportunity for fishing for take. Otherwise, angling in the lake will be catch-and-release until the lake population is rebuilt. Since March, the lake has been stocked with prey fish to build a forage base before the introduction of crappie and bass through stocking next year. Among the stockings this spring were thousands of 4- to 7-inch redear and 4- to 6-inch bluegill that you can catch and release.
First readings of the interim regulations were heard at the AGFC Commission meeting on June 17 in Little Rock. The Commission would take the matter up for vote at July's meetings. The other interim regulation, besides the catfish daily limit of 5 through Dec. 31, would be that effective Jan. 1, 2022, all sport fish except bream and catfish must be released immediately. Bream daily limit will be 25 beginning Jan. 1, and the catfish limit will go up to 10.
The gate at the dam at Lake Poinsett was closed Dec. 1, following the completion of a three-year renovation projection, and the lake began to refilling. The lake, at Lake Poinsett State Park, has been undergoing an extensive renovation with a new water control structure, more than 10,000 linear feet of shoreline work, more than 100 habitat structures placed on the lakebed, and nearly 100 trees anchored for fish habitat with more anchoring in the plans as the lake begins to refill.z
Other forage species that have been stocked this spring include fathead minnows, golden shiners and threadfin shad have been added in huge numbers to the lake to build up the food supply for the predators.
Crown Lake
(updated 6-17-2021) Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) reports that water clarity is clear and the water level is normal. Not a lot of fishing to report. Catfish are biting well on stink bait and nightcrawlers. Otherwise, no reports on bream, crappie or bass in the past week.
Spring River
(updated 6-17-2021) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels are at 475 cfs (350 cfs is average) and water clarity has been a little cloudy. The river is up about a foot above average flow. Still can be tricky wading. The trout are biting great on nymphs and streamers on cloudy days. The sunny hot days can be slow. “The fish are there, just got to get it down deep,” Mark says. “The smallmouth bass are starting to bite better. Definitely streamers with lead eyes to get the fly down quick. They love to hit on the drop. Ned rigs and tubes have been working well with spinning equipment.
“It is hot out, so hydrate and don't forget, the Spring River is ice cold.”
Read Mark’s blog at springriverfliesandguides.com for the latest conditions on the Spring River.
(updated 6-17-2021) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Spring River is fishing better. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and North Fork rivers. The canoe season is upon us. Look out for the aluminum hatch! 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
The Army Corps of Engineers reported Thursday that the White River stage at Batesville was at 8.56 feet, 5 feet below the flood stage of 15.0 feet. The Newport stage continued to fall to 12.81 feet, below the flood stage of 26.0 feet. The stage at Augusta has dropped below flood stage of 26.0 feet, sitting at 25.71 feet after being over 30 through much of the spring.
(updated 6-17-2021) Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water remains muddy and at a high level. No reports.
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff Pool)
(updated 6-17-2021) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no recent reports.
Cane Creek Lake
(updated 6-3-2021) Sarah Reap, assistant superintendent at Cane Creek State Park, said fishing activity at Cane Creek Lake this week has been on the downslope. There have been many reports of unsuccessful trotlines and shoreline fishing. Bream activity has remained steady with the bream being caught with crickets, while crappie are being caught with jigs and minnows.
Lake Monticello
(updated 6-17-2021) Kris Nault, AGFC district fisheries supervisor in Monticello, says dam repair work is underway by the city of Monticello’s contractor, while the AGFC has been rebuilding the lake bottom and areas near where the shoreline will be for fish habitat when the lake is refilled.
Millwood Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 261.47 feet msl (normal pool: 259.20 feet msl; top flood elevation is 287.0 feet msl).
(updated 6-17-2021) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said, “We have not been out on the lake this week due to current poor conditions and hazardous navigation with high volume discharge at Millwood Dam of over 36,500 cfs. From our colleagues, we learned there are tremendous debris fields, grass mats, broken timber and logs/trees with numerous floaters in the high current rates of Little River. Further up Little River is worse than lower Little River. Saline River also has high flow volumes. Several Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds/boat ramps are closed. Millwood State Park has reopened after briefly closing. Phone numbers are below recommended to check current status of parks and campgrounds/boat ramps. Yarborough and Jack's Isle boat ramps were open as of this writing. Extreme caution in navigation on Millwood Lake is advised.
Millwood Lake as of earlier this week was still 4 feet high in pool elevation due to the recent flash floods, thunderstorms and rainfall. The lake elevation on Tuesday was 48 inches above normal conservation pool at 263.2 and falling; oxbows' water clarity was heavy stained and muddy. Little River clarity was muddy with high current discharge this week. Millwood Lake tailwater elevation was near 255 feet msl with gate discharge at the dam around 36,500 cfs in Little River. Check the most recent lake level of Millwood Lake on the guide service’s website linked above, or at the Army Corps of Engineers website, for updated gate release changes and inflow rates with rising and falling lake levels.
Surface temps remain stable this week, ranging in 78-85 degrees depending on location. The Millwood State Park Marina at Millwood State Park has minnows and bait. Call the Millwood State Park Marina at 870-898-5334. The Millwood State Park Office can be reached at 870-898-2800 for availability or additional information.
As for the fishing specifics from last week’s report, before the rush of more water:
* Largemouth bass: slow to fair this week with falling pool levels, on Black/blue or Chartreuse Shad buzzbaits and Chatterbaits. Juvenile Bass from 12-14 inches seemed to be the most aggressive. Black grape or solid black, 10" power worms have been working for a few Bass over the past couple weeks. Brush Hogs and magnum 4-inch Gitzit Tubes with a rattle inside were working, randomly. Water temperature stable, but there is still almost 1 foot of fresh water in Millwood over the past week. Largemouths were slower responsive, this past week. A few busted our Horny Toads and Yum Tip Toads up shallow in the pads and grass.
Pitching a Bass Assassin Jingle Bug in black/blue tail, or Okeechobee Craw colors got a few reactions on stumps in 8-10 feet deep a few days ago. Bass Assassin Shad jerkbaits got a few reactions, early in the morning and best color we got reactions continue to be the pumpkin seed-chartreuse tail, and Black Shad in the 5" sizes. The Chatterbaits were slow, but a few largemouths around 12-14" reacted. Best Chatterbait color was Millwood Mayhem Bream using the Bass Assassin HPC in Chico's Red Ear, or the Skunk Ape in Blank Check. Berkley Pit Boss in Black/blue, June bug, or California 420 with chartreuse dip pinchers, got slow reactions on stumps near lily pads on receding flats from 5-6 feet deep tapering out to 8-9 feet deep.
Brazalo Custom Lures tandem Spinnerbaits in Millwood Mayhem Bream, and White/chartreuse continue to get reactions over the past few weeks using a trailer hook and burning the bait near the surface, making it wake and commotion at the surface, near stumps and floating alligator weed vegetation. Best water clarity we found over the past week was in back of Bagley Creek and Red Slough on the main lake, away from river current. South Hickory and State Park water clarity was heavy stain conditions over the past week, and we had a tough time buying a bite in those locations. Lots of floating alligator weed mats made fishing moving baits difficult in those areas. Very large grass mats are breaking loose and floating in those areas as well as in Little River this week. The USACE is currently monitoring and evaluating the excessive alligatorweed densities, lake wide.
* Bream: Appears there are a few bream in a pre-spawn mode, in a few areas with random bed making activities being seen. Bream bite should start to be good at Millwood State Park off the banks, or on the dock at Jack's Isle in the next week or so.
* White bass: No report.
* Crappie: Improved with reduction of lake elevation and better water clarity last week. Areas further from current were best with clarity and activity. Fish 2-3 feet deep areas with grass and vegetation with minnows and jigs near vertical structure. One day they're in the grass, next day they have pulled out to 10 feet of depth, but near grass.
* Catfish: continued to bite well again this week with the increased current along Little River. Limblines, trotlines, and yo-yos have been working for some nice Blues and Cats over the past couple weeks with the increase of discharge at Millwood Dam. Cut shad, hot dogs, spoiled chicken livers, gizzards, hearts, and soap have been working for the past several weeks for some nice size 4-8 pound cats on trotlines and yo-yos from 8-10 feet deep near current flows in creek channels near the river.
Lake Greeson Tailwater
Visit www.littlemissouriflyfishing.com for a daily update on fishing conditions.
Lake Greeson
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at Narrows Dam was 546.96 feet msl (full pool: 548.00 feet msl).
DeGray Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 407.17 feet msl (full pool: 408.00 feet msl).
(updated 6-17-2021) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips Guide Service (501-844-5418) said, “I’m still, believe it or not, catching crappie 8-10 feet deep on brushpiles in 15-20 feet of water. Get an early start at first light because they shut off the bite between 10-11 a.m. I’ve heard reports of schooling white bass and hybrids but haven’t seen any myself. Also, I’ve observed many bass anglers catching a lot of spotted bass on points early in the morning.”
(updated 6-17-2021) John Duncan of yoyoguideservice.com at Iron Mountain Marina said water level is 407.28 feet msl and water temperature is 86 degrees. There is debris floating from Arlie Moore to Point Cedar. “The summertime is here. Crappie have really started to slow down on brushpile fishing. Drop-shot is the way to go for me. Crappie seemed to have moved to lower cover. By that, what I mean is that they are holding closer in the structure. They don’t seem to want to follow jigs out of the piles to strike as they have been lately.
“So, I’m fish slower and closer to cover. Laydowns are improving for the bigger fish. Snipping is always a way to chase crappie. Lots of fish in the timber to be chased with Livescope. Surface action is slowly picking up around Shouse Ford and Lenox Marcus areas.
“Bedding bream bite has slowed down. It’s hot out there. Go early, hydrate and be courteous.”
(update 6-3-2021) Local crappie angler Charles Abernathy said, “I fished a lot over Memorial Day weekend with my family. The water temp was mid-70s. Water was fairly clean throughout, even up past Point Cedar. We caught some good sized crappie on 1/16-ounce jigs (hand ties/Bobby Garland/Mr. Crappie Slab Slangers). The bite was pretty good over the weekend, even with all the traffic. The brighter colors worked good (pinks w/green char). When the sun got bright and the skies opened up, a gray bucktail did pretty good. Small profiles work good … even the micro sizes (1 inch).
This time of year, a crappie fisherman has multiple patterns to choose from (like most seasons). One method that I’m very fond of is to look for fish piling up on a stick of timber over deep water (I’m talking 40-50 feet). They’ll usually be in 15-20 feet range from surface. They’re easier to spot with Livescope/side scan. When you find them take note. They’ll be very close by tomorrow, the next day, and even next week. Stay away from them and cast to them. I treat my crappie fishing a lot like deer hunting. I try to be as stealthy as possible. Most folks don’t tear off through the woods like a silverback gorilla while slip hunting deer (ha ha) … maybe crappie fishing should be approached the same way: slow and steady. If they stop biting, change baits or even change your angle on them. If they quit all together go somewhere else. Let them be for a couple of hours and come back. My main advise would be not let them know you are there.
DeGray is full of timber and it’s no surprise, a crappie can be caught on a stick of timber in this lake year around and it’s probably my favorite structure to fish. Navionics maps can help you to locate timber if you are not already using it.
“I appreciate you all reaching out and feedback you have provided. As always, feel free to ping me at c.abernathy32@gmail.com for more info. I have a YouTube channel where I share some fishing content and have already posted this trip. I hope everyone had a safe Memorial weekend. Lake DeGray is a wonderful resource and is big enough for us all to enjoy. I hope you are on it enjoying it whether you are fishing/skiing/swimming. Be safe. I look forward to seeing you on the water.”
De Queen Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 463.36 feet msl (full pool: 437.00 feet msl).
Dierks Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 551.24 feet msl (full pool: 526.00 feet msl).
White Oak Lake
No reports.
Lake Atkins
(updated 6-17-2021) Donald Ramirez at Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said the lake has cleared and the water level is back to normal. Bream remain fair on the bite; use redworms or crickets. The crappie bite has disappeared; no reports. Black bass are staying deep and barely biting, with anglers reporting poor results this week. No reports on catfish.
Lake Catherine
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
(updated 6-10-2021) Slycked Back Fishing LLC, manufacturer of the finest built and tied-by-hand fishing jigs in Hot Springs, reports Slycked Back Fishing LLC, producer of the highest quality hand tied jigs in Hot Springs Arkansas reports Lake Catherine’s lake levels slightly up with stiff currents in the main channel due to the ongoing water releases in the chain of lakes. Water temps vary from 53 in the upper river channel and up to 76 degrees in the lower end and pockets. Water is stained throughout. With the heavy currents in the river, bass have been pushed into points and pockets and are holding close to structure and cover. Dragging a large worm in dark colors into brush and under docks. Top water is starting to come into its own but with the large amount of forage in the water it takes a ton of casts to fill a limit of 12-inch bass. Bigger bass have been caught but the tournament weights are on a downward swing. Try a Spook or small topwater frog fished slowly and you can get some fish in the boat. Also, for some reason bass also like the white swim jig. Slycked Back Fishing LLC makes a dandy that has a nice wobble to it. No crappie report. Walleye have been decent on live night crawlers on Secondary points. Bream are outstanding on shallow brush and laydowns using live worms and crickets. CAUTION: Heavy fog is a real issue lately in the evenings. All boaters slow down and use caution along with lights.
“Check us out on Facebook at Slycked Back Fishing LLC.”
Lake Catherine (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
(updated 6-17-2021) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that Lake Ouachita has finally fallen out of flood pool and Entergy will reduce flow times starting Friday, June 18. Dangerous flows have been the norm for weeks below all area dams in an effort to bring the big lake back to normal levels. No fishing report for Lake Catherine has been given the past month because fishing has been nearly impossible due to the constant flooding caused by heavy rains. The rainbow trout population has been adversely affected by the high waters with fish scattered for miles downstream.
The next week to 10 days will tell if there are significant numbers of trout left in the trailrace for fishing by area fishermen. The summer season will bring large numbers of white bass into the Carpenter Dam tailrace to spawn and feed on threadfin shad. These fish can be caught on live minnows, spinnerbaits and small jigs in white or grey. Hybrid bass often accompany these fish and feed on the same prey items. Catfish are now spawning below the bridge in the main channel and will strike cut baits and stink baits fished on the bottom.
It is important to note that Entergy will reduce flow speed this week, but heavy generation will remain for 11 hours each day to provide power for the cities’ summertime demands. Always wear a life jacket on the water and continue to observe COVID-19 protocols.
Lake Dardanelle
(updated 6-17-2021) Charles Morrison at Classic Catch Guide Service (479-647-9945) had no report.
Lake Hamilton
(updated 6-10-2021) Greeson Marine, hometown dealer of the Arkansas-born-and-bred Xpress all-welded aluminum fishing boats in Hot Springs, reports Lake Hamilton’s water levels slightly up with moderate currents due to the ongoing rains. Water clarity is still good in most areas, but the water is stained. Bass have been fair at best over the last couple weeks. The rainwater has washed a ton of food into the lake and the bass will not chase baits. Fish can still be caught with the Ned rig or drop-shot rig with a worm in green pumpkin or black on points and on bridge and dock pilings. Even with the finesse approach, it’s tough! If you prefer powerfishing, try throwing a slow topwater bait like a popping frog or a Spook. Again, think finesse even fishing power. Bream have been good on brushpiles and docks in 10 feet or less of water on worms and Crickets. Catfish are fair in all areas at night but especially on creek channel drop offs to main lake water. The one high spot of this week was the Chain Pickerel. These toothy, long suckers are whacking spinnerbaits and topwater minnow presentations at the top end of the lake in the sloughs of the river, and it’s very entertaining when times are as they have been! Good luck and Go Greeson!
Lake Nimrod
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 354.82 feet msl (normal pool: 344.65 feet msl; top flood elevation is 373.0 feet msl).
(updated 6-17-2021) Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) said Wednesday afternoon that Nimrod is clearing up well and the water, while high, has been going down. The bream bite remains poor. Crappie are good and are being caught a little higher in the water this week, at 6-8 feet depth. Use minnows and jigs (preferably chartreuse with gold willow leaf skirt), and focus around the brushpiles. Black bass are good (a 5-pound stringer caught last week totaled 23 pounds). Bass are being caught mostly in 4-6 feet depth on a chatter bug, Chug Bug and on worms. Catfishing is good. Limblines continue to get regular catches, as well as short trotlines, with cut bait on the hooks up in the rivers.
Lake Ouachita
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at Blakely Dam was 577.27 feet msl (full pool: 578.00 feet msl).
(updated 6-17-2021) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out of state) reports that black bass are good. Jighead worms and a drop-shot finesse worms have been working. Black spinnerbait or big Ole Monster worm would be good bets at night. Walleye are fair and being caught on spoons and drop-shot nightcrawlers near brush on points. Stripers are good. These fish are being caught on live bait on the eastern half of the lake. Bream are very good and can be caught on worms and crickets. These fish are on beds 6-10 feet deep. Crappie are good. Try a small jig or minnow near brush in 10-20 feet of water. Catfish are good and being caught on juglines and trotlines with live or cut bait. Lake water temperature has been ranging 76-80 at the surface, and the clarity is clear. Lake level on Wednesday was 577.53 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.
Blue Mountain Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 393.79 feet msl (full pool: 384.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 419.0 feet msl).
No reports.
White River/Clarendon Area
The Army Corps of Engineers on Thursday reported the Clarendon gauge had dropped to 26.40 feet, still almost a half-foot above the flood stage of 26.00 feet.
Horseshoe Lake
(updated 6-17-2021) Kent Williams of Oxbow Guide Service (870-278-7978) said Horseshoe’s water level rose over a foot in the past week due to the tremendous amount of rain in central and southern Arkansas. With the rising water comes some changes in the fishing for sure.
Crappie is probably the biggest change at Horseshoe right now. A recent trip found a few fish in the 12- to 18-foot range and they were not overly cooperative. The water temperature was 74 degrees at sunrise and the fish went deeper after the rain. People fishing the pads were experiencing similar results. Eight to 10 fish were the average for most people fishing late last week into the weekend. As the water level settles and starts falling again, look for the bite to return strong.
A few folks are spider rigging or pulling crankbaits and those techniques seem to returning some similar results with several small fish being caught.
No reports on bream, bass or catfish. With rising water, bass and catfish should move up to feed on bugs, worms, etc. Catfish should be close to spawning as well.
Cook’s Lake
(updated 6-10-2021) The AGFC’s Wil Hafner at Cook’s Lake Conservation Education Center (870-241-3373) said the story will not change for Cook’s Lake as long as the water is this high off the White River, as the place in accessible and parking lot is flooded. Cook’s Lake will remain closed until water recedes enough, Hafner said.
After a couple of visits to Peckerwood Lake in recent weeks, Wil said, “I have not made any trips anywhere else to speak of in the last week, just some culvert hopping here and there catching a few nice bass. With all of this rain, culverts will be blown out for a while again.”
Bear Creek Lake/Storm Creek Lake
(updated 6-3-2021) Tyler Ball, park ranger at Mississippi River State Park (870-295-4040), said anglers at Bear Creek Lake report having great success in catching crappie and blue catfish within the last week. Crappie have been reported to be biting at depths of 3-4 feet, particularly in coves. Artificial baits and minnows have grown to be the most popular for catching these wonderful tasting fish. Blue cats have also been on the menu. Anglers report having success catching blues in depths of 6-8 feet using mostly homemade baits.
Surveying has been completed for the construction of the spillway at Bear Creek Lake; however, the park is still waiting news from the U.S Forest Service on when the project will be started and an approximate date on completion.
At Storm Creek Lake within the state park, anglers report catching blue catfish within in the past week in depths of about 8 feet using homemade baits. “The fishing activity at Storm Creek Lake is starting to pick up, it seems,” Ball said. “We hope to hear more positive outcomes in these hot summer months!”