March 24, 2022
Jim Harris Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine
This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for March 24, 2022. 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 (March 24).
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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: Wayne Walker of Springfield, Missouri, brought in a massive Norfork Lake striped bass this week. Walker caught the fish vertical-jigging a Tader Shad and showed it off at the marina at Hummingbird Hideaway Resort. Photo provide by Lou Gabric.
Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
(updated 3-24-2022) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) reported that the lake has its normal Lake Conway stain and water is high. Bream are good on redworms, crickets or hand-tied jigs. Crappie are good; use pink minnows or a jig. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits, Chatterbait, swimbait or anything resembling a batfish. Catfish are good using stink bait, chicken liver, dough bait, shad, nightcrawlers, goldfish baitfish shad and skipjack.
Little Red River
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the outflow at Greers Ferry Dam to be 6193 cfs (both turbine and spillway). The tailwater is 276.55 feet msl.
(updated 3-24-2022) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-230-0730) said, “We received substantial rain this past week that caused the mid- and lower sections of the river to get muddy. It also pushed the lake above normal conservation pool, which could mean upcoming heavy generation to draw the lake down. San Juan worms, pheasant tails, hare’s ear and Woolly Buggers for fly-fishing. For Trout Magnet fishing, pink and white-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 3-24-2022) Mike Winkler, who operates Little Red River Guide Service (501-690-9166, 501-507-3688), said Greers Ferry Lake as of Wednesday was 1.8 feet above power pool and rising. Army Corp of Engineers has been running two units of water usually starting around 5 a.m. or 8 a.m. and running until 8 p.m. and/or until midnight. Look for the same generation pattern until the lake gets down to pool. Check the USACE Little Rock app for generation schedule and/or changes.
Fishing from the boat with a deep-water nymph rig has been productive fishing the high water. Set your depths from 6-12 feet deep. San Juan worms and bead-head nymphs have been producing.
The streamer bite has been good. Throw streamer patterns on a 330 grain sink line toward the bank from the boat. Double Deceivers in brown and yellow and all olive have been moving and catching brown trout.
(updated 3-24-2022) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said water is stained and the Corps of Engineers have been running a lot of water from the dam. For catching trout, - early mornings is the best time on a No. 7 Countdown, jerkbait or Trout Magnet.
Greers Ferry Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 464.04 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.04 feet msl, top flood elevation 487.0 msl).
(updated 3-24-2022) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said Thursday the water level was at 464.04 feet msl, which is 2.39 feet above normal pool of 462.04 feet msl and rising. “It more than likely will come up about 2 more feet if we do get any more rain, but as well all know that’s not going to happen, so we shall see,” Tommy said, “Note, from this rain the Middle Fork came up over 8 feet in less than six hours, and usually you can gauge the lake – whatever the Middle Fork comes up, cut that in half and that’s what the lake will come up, in general.
Crappie are floating around eating well in lake and rivers. If you get your bait in front of one, 6-40 feet, jigs, crankbaits, minnows and beetle spins are working well. Catfish are starting to pop up more and more; live bait, stink bait and livers are working. Bream are eating crawlers and crickets on a drop-shot pretty well if you can stay out of the drum at 5-20 feet.
Walleye are moving at night and not doing much during the day on these high-sky days, but that will change back in a few days. Crankbaits, crawlers, jigheads with plastics and live bait, plus Carolina rigs are working. Hybrid bass and white bass are chewing at every opportunity that makes it easy on themselves. Inline spinners, swimbaits, some topwater and spoons working down to 80 feet. Black bass are all over, moving, eating, rubbing bellies, etc. Lots of baits are working all over lake and rivers – spinnerbaits, Wiggle Warts, thin-sided cranks, drop-shots, C-rigs, hair jigs, jigs, swimbaits, you name it. Just keep your bait wet, tip for this time of year, and if you slow roll a three-eighths or half-ounce chartreuse/white spinnerbait with a chrome hammered No. 5 single Colorado Blade in guts, you will not get a lot of bites but the bites you get will be bone-jarring.
(updated 3-24-2022) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said water is 52-56 degrees, varying in different parts of the lake. The upper part of the lake is dirty, while the lower part of the lake is stained and water is high. Bass are “pretty good” in 10-15 feet of water on crankbaits and swimbaits. Crappie are good in 15-20 feet suspended on trees and being caught on natural shad color hair jigs or gray/white crappie jigs.
Harris Brake Lake
(updated 3-24-2022) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says the lake is muddy and high. Bream came back out to be caught, with anglers having good results. They’re on the shoreline and love redworms and crickets. Crappie slow down considering with poor results this week. Black bass were good around the shoreline; use minnows or crappie jigs. Catfish were fair. They were doing “pretty good” on warmer days, they said.
Lake Overcup
(updated 3-17-2022) Johnny “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 says water level is normal and clarity is improving. Surface temperature is around 58 degrees. Bass are doing well in shallow water. Bream have not started yet but should if the weather stays this way. Catfish are starting to be caught on trotlines and yo-yos. Crappie are starting to move up in the buckbrush and brushtops. Males are moving in while the females are still in the deeper water, around 10-12 feet.
Brewer Lake
(update 3-24-2022) David Hall at Dad’s Bait Shop (501-289-2210) says conditions and the fish bite are the same as they were last week. The lake is slightly stained and at normal level. Bream are fair on redworms and nightcrawlers. Throw around the brushpiles. Crappie are good and have moved shallower. They’re being caught in 6-8 feet depth. Minnows and jigs will work. Anglers like the Bobby Garland jigs in Baby Shad, the patriot color and anything chartreuse. Black bass are good on jigs and anything white and spinning. They seem to be biting at 6 feet depth. Catfish are also good. They’re on the bottom and biting on anything (live bait, goldfish, etc.).
Dad’s is a 24/7 self-serve bait shop.
Lake Maumelle
(updated 3-24-2022) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the water temp is in the high 50s. White bass are good. They are 6-8 feet deep on the spawn run in pockets on the west end of the bridge.
Largemouth bass are good. Some reports of the bass being found inside the grass 4-12 feet early in the morning and going deep after the sun comes out (scattered at all depths). They are hitting on Chatterbaits, Rat-L-Traps and Rock Crawlers. Kentucky bass (spots) are fair. Some reports of them being found near drop-offs around 16-20 feet and off rocky banks, and other reports of them being found on brushpiles. Try using Texas rig on brush or jigs.
Crappie are good. You can find them in shallow water hugging the banks; use swim jigs.
No reports this week on bream or catfish. Try using worms or crickets for bream, while catfish should take chicken liver, worms or crayfish.
(updated 3-17-2022) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said bass good between 10-20 feet of water on Alabama rigs and on 3.3-size swimbait.
Arkansas River at Morrilton
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam was 64,945 cfs with a pool elevation of 285.25 feet msl. The stage is at 15.73 feet. Flow further upriver at Dardanelle Lock and Dam was 70,831 cfs.
Little Maumelle River
(updated 3-24-2022) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) advises anglers to wait a few days before getting out on the Little Maumelle. “It’s in really bad shape. The river is high and muddy.” Before the recent rains, bream were good on the bottom on redworms or crickets. Crappie seemed ready to get shallow; use minnows and jigs. Black bass were biting in 5-6 feet of water on crankbaits and Chatterbaits.
Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam was 91,542 cfs with a pool elevation of 264.95 feet msl.
Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam was 107,668 cfs, and the stream gauge stage was at 9.13 feet. Pool elevation is 248.49 feet msl. Flow at the Terry Lock and Dam was 108.007 cfs with a pool elevation of 230.53. A small craft warning was in effect.
(updated 3-24-2022) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said the water is at 100,000 cfs flow and a small craft warning has been issued. They had no fishing reports from this past week.
(updated 3-24-2022) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) said crappie are good in the backwaters on minnows and jigs. White bass are running well below the dams and biting white shad baits. Catfish are fair below both dams.
(updated 3-24-2022) Hatchet Jack’s Sports Shop at Crystal Hill (501-758-4958) said the water is high. White bass are trying to start their run; it depends on where you area. Catfish are high or miss, but they are full of shad.
Clear Lake (off Arkansas River-Little Rock Pool)
(updated 3-24-2022) McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the lake is low and fishing is not great right now. When it was warmer a week or two ago, crappie were biting well on minnows and jigs.
Peckerwood Lake
(update 3-24-2022) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said that the gate is now fixed. The lake is “a little dingy,” she said, but the water level is stable and normal. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on pretty much anything. No other reports.
White River
(updated 3-24-2022) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “It's brown trout season on the White River, tailwater of Bull Shoals Lake: Our anglers are pulling in more browns than rainbows this past week and the guides are going all-out to continue the catching fever into the new week. No secret to what been tempting the browns: sculpins and minnows. Trap a few redfin minnows and you'll likely have a fight on your hands with a strong, healthy brown. Get a quick picture before the release to serve as bragging rights and rebait for your next catch. Handle with care.
Red and gold spoons are favored by the rainbows this week. If throwing spoons isn't appealing, try pink or Orange power bait or pink and/or pink/white Berkley mousetail worms. If the fish seem finicky, move on till you find a deeper hole where the trout are seeking refuge from fast water and you'll feel the tug.
“Feels like winter is having its last Hurray (we hope); there's been a cold wind blowing down the river these last few days. But it won't last, and it hasn't stopped the trout from biting. Just bundle up extra. Bull Shoals Lake has reached desired power pool level, now sitting at 659.13 feet msl. The lake has started to rise slowly from the rain and runoff this week. Generation from Bull Shoals Dam has stayed steady at around three units (9,600 cfs). Come visit the Arkansas Ozarks and enjoy a spring day in our Natural State. We have a great time each and every day enjoying and employing God's great outdoors.”
(updated 3-24-2022) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said the fishing has been great this week. Keeping it simple by using three Power Eggs on a No. 2 hook has done well. Sunrise-colored Power Eggs have worked best, but there has been success by mixing colors such as orange and white. Gold-colored spoons did OK when the trout moved onto the gravel bars to feed. Other lures such as Shad Raps and Countdowns had limited success. Use sculpins if targeting larger rainbows and browns.
The rain Monday and Tuesday combined with Bull Shoals and Norfork dams generating water had the river level reach a high of 11 feet on Wednesday. Luckily the rain didn’t muddy the water, so the main part of the river is fishable. If the river does get muddy, move up into the creeks where the trout will be looking for cleaner water, and if a person is lucky they may catch a smallmouth bass or catfish to augment the trout.
(updated 3-24-2022) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service said that during the past week they had about half an inch of rain in Cotter, warmer temperatures and moderate winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals rose 0.1 foot to rest at 0.2 foot below power pool of 659 feet msl. This is 36.2 feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake fell a foot to rest at 1.4 feet below power pool and 17.4 feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell 0.2 foot to rest at 0.6 foot below power pool or 10.2 feet below the top of flood pool. The White has had no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell 0.4 foot to rest at 0.8 foot below power pool of 553.75 feet msl and 27 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork tailwater had wadable water every day.
All of the lakes in the White River system are now below power pool. With the current lake levels, expect more wadable water in the future.
Streamer season fishing is upon us. Now that the brown trout spawn is over, they are moving back to their regular locations. It is a good time to target them. Fishing is best with heavy generation. Bang the bank with big streamers on sink tip lines. White is John’s current favorite color.
On the White, the hot spot has been the State Park below Bull Shoals Dam. After opening day, there have been some big browns caught. The hot flies were Y2Ks, prince nymphs, zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver bead or red with silver wire and silver bead), pheasant tails, copper Johns, pink and cerise San Juan worms, gold-ribbed hare’s ears and sowbugs. Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try an orange egg with a size 18 purple zebra midge.
John also mentions this week’s Sowbug Roundup 2022: “It feels like my life is getting back in order. I feel like we have put the coronavirus behind us and we are starting to do things that we haven’t done in a couple of years. I have gone back to the gym and am working out several times a week. More importantly the Sowbug Roundup is scheduled for March 24-26 at the Baxter County Fairgrounds after a two-year hiatus. It is sponsored by our local fly-fishing club, the North Arkansas Fly Fishers. Admission is only $10 for all three days. Children under 12 years of age accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.
“The Sowbug Roundup is the top fly-tying show in the area and arguably the best in the United States. This year’s show will feature over 100 fly-tyers from throughout the United States. Some of these tyers are artists with feather and thread. Others like me tie down-and-dirty guide flies that catch fish. Whatever flies you prefer, there will be several tyers there who will pique your interest. Attendees are very much encouraged to sit and talk to the tyer as he ties a fly. The tyers all love to talk about fly-tying, fly-fishing and how to tie a fly.
“This year’s Sowbug is dedicated to living legend Dave Whitlock. He will be there and will have a booth featuring his artwork and books. He is supplying us with an original painting that we will raffle off. Dave will also teach a seminar or two and will be honored at the Shindig, the awards banquet Friday night at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. If you have any of Dave’s books, bring them to Sowbug and have him autograph them. He adds unique artwork to his autograph. It is truly awesome.
“There are other seminars, including one presented me and my wife, Lori Sloas, on Saturday on how to fish Dry Run Creek. In addition, Lori will be teaching fly-casting classes on Friday and Saturday. Other seminars cover a variety of fishing topics.
“In addition to Dave Whitlock, there are a variety of vendors selling fishing-related products and services. Alas, my old favorite, the Golden Rule Fly Shop, will not be there. However all of the local fly shops will be well represented. I will have a booth where I will be tying my signature fly, the Green Butt.
“I have been associated with the Sowbug Roundup for over 20 years. First I did seminars, then I started tying flies, later I became a vendor and now I am the chairman of the fly-tying contest. I believe it is the best thing we do. Stop by and let me tie you a fly.”
(updated 3-24-2022) White River Trout Club (870-453-2424) says the river flow is relatively stable. Trout are good. Cloudy days are better on midges and jigs around the bank. Four to five generators have been running at the dam.
Bull Shoals Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reported the lake’s elevation at 659.17 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 659.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 695.00 feet msl). Total outflow from the dam is 11,032 cfs. The reported lake elevation at Table Rock Lake was 914.31 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 915.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 931.0 feet msl).
(updated 3-24-2022) Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock said warmer temps have been good for bass fishing. Generation has been steady. The deep bite is going away. Shad are moving into the creeks if you’re going to do it. Graph to look for shad and look for loons. Fish a 2.8 Keitech on a quarter-ounce ballhead, or swim a grub/darter. Active diving loons will trigger feeding. Jerkbait, Damiki Moon Eye and Rapala Jigging Rap will work. As more fish move up and leave the shad, crawfish are on the menu. Dragging a jig, shaky head, Ned rig in green pumpkin variations in 5-20 feet on secondary points or in channel swings. Fish in the spots leading to spawning areas. Over the next couple of weeks, key in on areas outside of spawning areas, around south-facing pockets; creeks with stain are doing a little better. Temps rise and fish are seeing red. Rock Crawlers or Wiggle Warts on windy or steeper ledges and nasty rock transitions with stained water and wind. If you find warm, stained runoff, use a bright spinnerbait, Chatterbait or square bill.
White bass and walleye are spawning. Fish the conditions.
Visit Del’s YouTube site (Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock) for more information and tips on fishing Bull Shoals Lake.
Norfork Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reported the lake’s elevation at 553.54 feet msl (normal conservation pool: Sept.-April, 553.75 feet msl; April-Sept. 555.75 feet msl; top flood elevation 580.0 feet msl). Total outflow from Norfork Dam is 6,266 cfs.
(updated 3-24-2022) Lou Gabric at Hummingbird Hideaway Resort said Norfork Lake has had some fishing ups and downs due to the ever-changing weather patterns. But overall, the bite continues to be good for most species. Yes, you do have to look for bait to find the species that follow the bait fish, but typically once you find the bait the fish will not be far away. The bait moves from very shallow water out to deep water, then the cycle begins again.
Striped and hybrid bass are being found all over the lake. “(Wednesday) I found them in the back of a medium-size cove where the strong southwest wind was blowing straight in. There were big schools of bait at the mouth of the cove, but once I passed the points of the cove, I found that the bait was scattered out. The fish were in 15-25 feet of water feeding on shad. The fun part of this area was that the largemouth, spotted and white bass were all feeding heavily on the surface. I also located a few scattered out striped/hybrid bass in 60 feet of water just outside of the main river channel. The bait was scattered out so, of course the fish were scattered out as well. I am catching the shallower stripers either by casting out a small 3.5-inch paddle tail swimbait or a Kastmaster with a feather trailer. I have been catching all species on these two baits when I find them in relatively shallow water. The deeper stripers I have been vertical jigging a 3-inch plastic jig but you can vertical jig a spoon.|
“As stated above the bass are getting very energetic. Topwater action is starting and will only get better as the water temperature continues to warm. This will happen when the cool fronts stop and we start getting some stable weather. Crankbaits, swimbaits, spinners, A-rigs, and topwater baits are all working at this time. After a rain head back into creeks that have some flowing water, you will find some nice bass.
“Crappie have started to school on tops of brush and are starting to roam back into their spawning areas. This is the time when I start trolling Berkley Flicker Minnows in size 7 and 9. Find a cove that has a lot of brushpiles and start trolling throughout the cove. You will pick up some really nice fish. There will still be some crappie in the brush, typically on the tops of the brush. Use a small plastic jig. Live bait drifted over the brush is also working great.
“This is a great time of year to catch most species in Norfork Lake.”
The surface water temperature this morning was close to 53 degrees. The water level is rising slowly due the rain last weekend. The current level is 553.38. The water is stained due to the rain, but is a great fishing color.
“I post almost daily on Facebook. If you want more frequent information please visit and like Hummingbird Hideaway Resort’s Facebook page.
“Happy Fishing and enjoy Norfork Lake.”
(updated 3-24-2022) Steven “Scuba Steve” Street at Blackburn’s Resort says the lake level is 553.37 feet msl and has risen about 2.5 inches in the last 24 hours with generation about three-quarters of the time. The White River at Newport is 19 feet and rising. “We are approaching the power pool of 553.75 feet msl, where the Corps of Engineers take over generation control again. We received about 2.5 inches of rain here at Blackburn’s in the last three days, but it is over now and another cold front is here with highs near 50 for a couple of days and then warm-up later this weekend and very warm early next week.
“It has been very windy and making it hard to fish. The water on both the main lake and in the creeks is stained and you can see your lure down only a couple of feet. The surface water temperature remains in the low to mid-50s depending on where you are. Overall fishing is just fair with the bass bite being the best followed by crappie. Most walleye have spawned and have moved to the main lake points in water less than 20 feet, and the bite is picking up nicely. White bass have moved to the backs of major creeks in big bays and the topwater bite for them and bass will start soon and get into full swing by April 15. Bass are both on main lake and back in the creeks near the bank, but I have seen none on beds yet (but the stained water makes it hard to see them).
“It was very clear near the bank, but not as of yesterday. It will clear rapidly now unless we get another big rain. Male crappie are in the backs of creeks on any wood and are staging to make nests. If you work the bank with a jig, you can catch singles. The warm weather next week will make a lot of changes. The night bite for stripers is nearly over with just a few being caught on the bank at and after dark. This is an exciting time.”
For a daily fishing report and lake condition go to www.blackburnsresort.com and click on Scuba Steve's Blog.
Norfork Tailwater
(updated 3-24-2022) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said Norfork Lake fell 0.4 foot to rest at 0.8 foot below power pool of 553.75 feet msl and 27 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork tailwater had wadable water every day. All of the lakes in the White River system are now below power pool. With the current lake levels, expect more wadable water in the future.
There has been wadable water on the Norfork during the day and it fished poorly. The most productive flies have been small midge patterns like zebra midges (black or red with silver wire and silver bead). Grasshoppers have produced fish, particularly when used in conjunction with a small nymph dropper (try a size 20 black zebra midge). Double-fly nymph rigs have been very effective. Try a small bead headed nymph (zebra midge, copper John or pheasant tail) suspended 18 inches below a brightly colored San Juan worm (hot fluorescent pink or cerise). The fishing is much better in the morning and late afternoon and tapers off midday.
Dry Run Creek has fished particularly well. Spring break is here and the creek can get busy during the week. Weekends can get a quite crowded. The hot flies have been sowbugs and various colored San Juan worms (worm brown, red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise). Small orange or peach eggs have been very effective. Carry a large net, as most fish are lost at the net.
Buffalo National River/Crooked Creek
(updated 3-24-2022) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are still navigable. With colder temperatures, the smallmouths are not active. The most effective fly has been a tan and brown 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 1,120.30 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 1,120.43 feet msl; top flood elevation is 1,130.0 feet msl). Total outflow from Beaver Dam is 3,871 cfs.
(updated 3-24-2022) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said Beaver Lake has felt the effects of the up-and-down weather. Water was warming nicely, then rain and a cold front dropped water temps to the low 50s. The latest rain brought the White River up 3.5 feet on gauges. The mudline is close to the U.S. Highway 412 bridge on the White and past Natural Walk on the War Eagle. It did not get extremely muddy on either, so it should clear in a few days. Fishing is good but Tuesday it slowed a bit due to drop in water temps. Walleye are spawning and are on a pretty good bite. Look up the White past Neill’s Bluff up to the Arkansas Highway 45 bridge. White bass are also starting to show. That will get better in the next few weeks. Bass are showing in the backs of main arms and are doing well on Alabama rigs. Stripers are still roaming and are fair. Look from Monte Ne to Point 12. They should make a good spring showing up both river arms within the next month.
“Hoping for warm weather. Stay safe and good luck!”
Visit Jon’s Facebook page for latest updates, FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.
(updated 3-24-2022) Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) reported that walleye are good in the rivers. They are spawning now and biting crankbaits and soft plastics as well as live minnows. White bass appear to be just getting started, and anglers report good results. Black bass are good on crankbaits, jerkbaits and jigs. Crappie are in prespawn mode and are biting well on minnows and jigs around cover. No reports on bream or catfish. The river arms are stained and the water level is normal.
Beaver Tailwater
(updated 3-24-2022) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said that with the generation schedule and the water levels going down, getting on the bite has been a little bit of a struggle, but definitely possible. The best response has been with light terminal tackle and various PowerBaits. Hitting the deeper holes and moving around will keep you on the bite.
“Drifting has done good as well, but not as good as fishing the deep holes and slack water,” Austin said. “I have not tried it yet, but with the low water levels, you may try to fish downstream from Houseman Access. Try pulling F-7s, S-R 5s and Flicker Shads. You may end up catching something other than a trout. Since the bite is spread out, there really has not been a real hot spot, just hit the deeper water. Good luck and catch some fish.”
Visit Austin’s fishing Facebook Page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service) for fishing videos and more tips on the tailwater.
Lake Fayetteville
(updated 3-24-2022) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said white bass are good on plastics and crankbaits. Bream are good using redworms, crickets and jigs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Black bass are good using crankbaits or a plastic worm. No reports on catfish. The lake is “really murky,” they report, and the level is normal.
Lake Sequoyah
(updated 3-24-2022) Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) says the lake is murky but beginning to clear. The water level is high by 1 foot. Bream are fair on redworms and crickets. Crappie are not on the shoreline yet, but the bite is still good on minnows, jigs and artificial lures. Black bass remain good on artificial lures. Still no reports on catfish.
Lake Charles
(updated 3-24-2022) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said crappie are slow to catch, but the ones being caught are nice-sized fish. Shelly also noticed a couple of nice bass caught, with one that was just under 5 pounds. She says that March 29-April 4 should be the best moon times for anglers.
Crappie bite minnows or jigs. Bass are best on crankbaits now. Bream are fair on worms and jigs. Catfish are biting well on worms.
Last Sunday, the surface water temperature was 53.6 degrees in the morning. Water is murky as usual and is high.
Lake Poinsett
(updated 3-24-2022) Lake Poinsett is in the process of refilling, but is rainfall dependent. The fishing now is predominantly catch-and-release for bream. They seem to be biting on crickets and worms.
The gate at the dam at Lake Poinsett was closed in late 2020 following the completion of a three-year renovation project, and the lake began to refill. The lake 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.
Other forage species that were stocked last year include fathead minnows, golden shiners and threadfin shad. They have been added in huge numbers to the lake to build up the food supply for the predators, which will be stocked this year.
Crown Lake
(updated 3-10-2022) Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said anglers are back at it and they’ve had success. Crappie fishing is good using minnows, jigs and jerkbaits. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits and jerkbaits. No reports on catfish or bream. The lake is murky and the surface temperature is 48 degrees. Water level is normal.
Spring River
(updated 3-24-2022) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said the Spring River has been flowing above average flows at around 480 cfs (350 cfs is average) and water clarity has been green tinted and mostly clear. Plenty of rain over the last month has kept the river flowing strong at about a foot above average flow. Tougher wading lately, but the hatchery stocking higher numbers getting ready for the spring season has plenty of rainbows coming in. From now till summer is a great time to get out and catch a lot of fish.
Egg patterns and Woollies in white and olive have been hot. Great on overcast dreary days and plenty on the warm sunny days, you just have to get the fly down deeper. Maybe even a split shot in fast water to get down to the fish.
For spin-fishers, trout cranks and crankbaits are doing well. Spoons in silver and gold can work well. You can never go wrong with a hot pink Trout Magnet on the Spring River, through you might need an extra piece of split shot.
“As the weather only gets better the Spring River will only get better. Get out and have a great time!”
Visit Mark’s blog at springriverfliesandguides.com/blog for the latest updates.
(updated 3-24-2022) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the water level on the Spring River is fishable. This is a great place to wade fish when they are running water on the White and North Fork rivers. Canoe season is over and the canoes are mostly gone. Fish the upper river at the Lassiter Access to avoid them or fish Dam 3 late in the afternoon, after they have left the area. 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, cerise and hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks.
White River
The Army Corps of Engineers reported Thursday that the White River stage at Batesville was falling at 10.91 feet, about 5 feet below the flood stage of 15.0 feet. The Newport stage is still up 20.35 feet, but more than 5 feet below the flood stage of 26.0 feet. The stage at Augusta is steady at 30.37 feet, which is about 4.3 feet above the flood stage of 26.00 feet.
(updated 3-24-2022) Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) in Batesville had no new reports.
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff Pool)
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Emmett Sanders Lock and Dam at Pine Bluff was 119.469 cfs. The pool elevation is 195.85 feet msl and the stage at Pine Bluff is 33.57 feet (flood stage is 42 feet). Further upriver at the C.D. Maynard Lock and Dam near Redfield, the flow was 106,016 cfs. The pool elevation is 212.40 feet msl.
(updated 3-24-2022) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team had no new reports.
Cane Creek Lake
(updated 3-24-2022) Jeff Shell, the superintendent at Cane Creek State Park, said had no new reports.
Lake Monticello
(updated 3-24-2022) Dam repair work has been completed 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, which will mostly be done by rainfall collection. The gates on the dam are closed and the lake refilling is underway, but it is rainfall dependent. Many artificial fish habitat structures have been created and put in place, and the AGFC has pumped several of the small ponds and has added rotenone to those areas for the elimination of unwanted species (i.e. grass carp, yellow bass), before the refilling of the lake began.
Millwood Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 260.28 feet msl (normal pool: 259.20 feet msl; top flood elevation is 287.0 feet msl). Total outflow at the dam is 15,437 cfs.
(updated 3-24-2022) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said that as of Wednesday, Millwood Lake was 1 foot above normal pool (260.2 feet msl and rising). Clarity was heavy stain to chocolate milk in a few areas along Little River. Millwood Lake tailwater elevation was near 240 feet msl with gate discharge at the dam around 15,278 cfs in Little River, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. 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. Watch for random floaters and broken timber during any navigation on Little River and Millwood Lake.
Surface temps are stable this week, ranging in 57-61 degrees depending on location and the day. Lots of Little River buoy markers along the main lake channel may have moved with recent gate changes at the Millwood Dam and high wind but are in process of being replaced by the Corps of Engineers on Wednesday along main lake channels. Use caution in navigation on main lake river channels where river buoys may be out of channel from recent high wind, or not yet replaced.
Current along Little River was stained this week with discharge release at the dam, and river clarity ranges 2-4 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of oxbows was at 5-10 inches depending on location. Further up Little River near White Cliffs and Wilton Landing has heavier stain/muddy conditions. Clarity and visibility can change dramatically on Millwood in just a few hours with high winds, gate discharge, rain or thunderstorms.
As for as fishing specifics, Mike said:
* The largemouth bass were hammered again this week with thunderstorms, 4 inches of rainfall, high wind and hail, and were hit and miss. The prime activity for largemouth has been best midday and afternoon. Numerous male bass continue to be found roaming flats from 2-6 feet deep where bedding areas exist, searching out new bedding sites. For the last two to three weeks, these roaming largemouths have been quick to strike on Brazalo Spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, trick worms, Senkos, salty rat tails, and Bass Assassin Shads.
“The shallow cruising male largemouths we found roaming bedding areas this week were around 2.5-3 pounds, and fairly spooky anywhere you can find the clear water, and continue moving in and out of 2-6 feet deep flats with stumps and grass present near creek channel drops from 4-9 feet deep, near vertical structure,” Mike said. “We have coaxed a few to hit a Chatterbait, a Brazalo Spinnerbait in Spot Remover or Sexy Shad, or a black and blue salty rat tail and Bass Assassins over the past week.”
Warmer days with bright skies continue to be best daily conditions. The best locations are near vertical structure and deeper drops with 3-8 feet deep flats in close proximity. Over the past week, bass were fair on swim jigs with thumper-tail trailers, Chatterbaits, jigs and heavy thumping 1-Knocker Rat-L-Traps deep in the creek channel outside bends near stumps and standing timber. Anywhere a creek channel runs into the deeper creek bends or vertical structure and drops into the oxbows, where stumps and creek mouths drop, have held some decent-sized bass over the past week. Cordell or Kastmaster Spoons are finding vertical-suspended bass from 10-15 feet on ledges or deep creek, outside bends, with stumps present.
Lizards have been getting a fair reaction in the oxbows near bedding areas by males and female bass alike. Best lizard colors have been June Bug, Blackberry, black/blue tail, pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, and white. Southern Pro Flipping Tube or Tournament Tube in black/blue tail, smoke/black/red flake with chartreuse dipped tail, smoke purple flake with chartreuse dip tail, will connect with 2- to 4-pound male bass near dead pad stems and near stumps from 8-10 feet deep in Little River's oxbow lakes and creek channels upriver near where creek junctions and on tapering points where they will eventually pull into the creek channels to spawn.
Salty Rat Tails, Senkos and Trick Worms are working in the stained water, one day on cypress trees, the next in the dead lily pad stems. Best colors are the Mythiolate, black/blue tail, black grape and California 420.
* The white bass have begun their spawning run. All the creek dumps into Little River, from Browns Creek up to Cemetery Slough, are holding good schools of white bass on their annual migration to spawn at Patterson Shoals. Two anglers caught over 50 white bass in a few hours late last week and the weekend. Best reaction lures were the Bomber Fat Free Shad, Bill Lewis MR-6, Little Cleos and Little Georges, and red Rooster Tails. Tennessee Shad, Citrus Shad, Sexy Blue Back Herring, Millwood Magic and Green Gizzard Shad were best crankbait colors over the past week. Spoons were working from 9-15 feet deep until the last torrential 4-inch rainfall and flash flooding that hit the river and turned it into chocolate milk. “We look for the river to clear up late this week, and the bite to get only better as the water temps increase in the low 60-degree ranges.”
* Crappie continue to improve this week with the warmer temperatures and have been stacked up in planted brush piles from 8-12 feet deep. A few nice 2- to 2.5-pound crappie have been hitting jigs and minnows over the last week.
* Catfish improved this week with the increase of river current. Best on yo-yos and limblines over the past few weeks with cut buffalo, homemade blood meal, chicken hearts and livers. The cats have ranged 4-8 pounds over the past few weeks.
Lake Columbia
No reports.
Lake Erling
(updated 3-24-2022) Lake Erling Guide Service (870-904-8546) reports the lake is murky and is high by 1.5 feet after being several feet low for weeks. Surface water temperature is 54 degrees. Crappie slowed down the week. They are fair on minnows and jigs. Black bass were schooling before the recent bad weather. The bite has been fair. Catfish are good on any kind of bait. No report on bream.
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 542.56 feet msl (full pool: 548.00 feet msl).
DeGray Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 406.27 feet msl (full pool: 408.00 feet msl).
(updated 3-24-2022) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he’s been fishing both DeGray and Lake Ouachita and has found similar conditions in both. Lake level and water temperature is on the rise here. “We’ve been catching crappie as shallow as 3 feet and as deep as 10 feet mostly on live bait under slip corks in the backs of creek arms and coves. Don’t get too discouraged because when they are making babies; they don’t eat much. Once they are done with their business, they’ll be hungry and stacked up on the midrange brushpiles fished 6-12 feet deep.
De Queen Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 441.03 feet msl (full pool: 437.00 feet msl).
Dierks Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 531.79 feet msl (full pool: 526.00 feet msl).
White Oak Lake Area
No reports.
Lake Atkins
(updated 3-24-2022) Donald Ramirez at Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said that the lake is clear and the level is high. No temperature was recorded. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Black bass fell back slightly to fair results. They are on the bed and “noting biting great yet,” Donald said. Use a jerkbait. Catfish are good; use minnows and set up limblines or jigs. No reports on bream.
Lake Catherine
(updated 3-24-2022) Slycked Back Fishing, home of the world’s strongest and quality fishing products and built in Hot Springs, reports Lake Catherine’s temps at or about 55 degrees. Water levels are back to normal and slightly off-color. Bass have begun moving up shallow already in the last week since the river’s level returned to normal. Lots of lake areas have been cut off to spawning fish until recently. Floating worm presentations along with wacky-rigged Senko-style worms fished weightless have been doing well and getting bites. Right now, especially, fish will stage on a 6-12 feet dock or brushpile near the spawning pocket (maybe just inside) and feed. A Slycked Back Rowdy Ravager or Dirty Money Jig pitched up to these structures does a great job finding “unseen” prespawn fish.
With the onset of heavy rains at the beginning of this week, Lake Catherine will turn muddy, no doubt. Chatterbaits, Whopper Ploppers and Colorado-bladed spinners in very light or very bright colors are the only way to go in these conditions. Fish will be shallow and eager to ambush something noisy put right on top of them. It’s a reflex and they just can’t help it.
“Good luck to everyone and stay safe out there! Live to fish another day.”
Lake Catherine Tailwater (Below Carpenter Dam)
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro
(updated 3-24-2022) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 45 degrees with muddy conditions in the tailrace. Entergy has completed the refilling of Lakes Hamilton and Catherine to normal pool level. Very heavy rainfall Monday night into Tuesday afternoon led to three flood gates being opened and maximum generation implemented below Carpenter Dam to bring area lakes under control. A safe flow pattern has now been scheduled on Lake Catherine of 3,600 cfs planned for Friday, March 25, through Thursday, March 31, for four hours each day.
Rainbow trout are everywhere in the Carpenter Dam tailrace and thriving in the nutrient-rich waters of Lake Catherine. The AGFC are stocking an additional 9,700 rainbow trout in March. It is important to remember that while trout numbers are in the many thousands, the bite can be unpredictable and always subject to rapid change due to weather and lake conditions. A very good bite pattern can disappear in a matter of hours, so anglers should be aware of this potential problem and have an alternative plan of action. Bank anglers should stick to basic patterns of live bait such as waxworms or mealworms fished just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater. Nightcrawlers will also work when cut into 2-inch sections presented in the same manner. PowerBait can save a fishing trip due to the fact that this presentation is designed to capitalize on a trout's inborn instinct to feed on fish eggs. Fly-fishermen casting egg patterns in white or yellow under a strike indicator have caught and released decent numbers of rainbow trout in the tailrace where current is present. Micro-jigs and Woolly Buggers have taken trout over 14 inches, although there has been a huge influx of smaller trout. The San Juan worm in hot pink has accounted for nice catches of trout, especially when the fish are in a slower bite pattern.
White bass have been observed breaking in the early morning hours chasing threadfin shad below the bridge. Casting spinnerbaits and jigs in one-eighth-ounce weights has been the best presentation to catch these fish. Hybrid bass often school alongside white bass and can be caught on the same techniques. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits against the current has been productive catching white bass and hybrids, as well as walleye in the 2-pound class. Walleye thrive in the tailrace in the summer and early winter months as these fish prefer colder water temperatures than other area game fish. The walleye spawn below Carpenter Dam is now in full swing with smaller males being caught in the 1½-pound range. Some larger females have also been taken in the 3- to 4-pound class. The best action has taken place during times of generation.
The muddy conditions have slowed all game species below the dam, but the water is slowly clearing. Entergy will be generating below all area dams to control the lake levels, so caution on waterways must be used during this time.
Finally, it cannot be stressed enough that anglers will experience dramatic changes in bite patterns as cold fronts move in and out of our area. Temperatures can change as much as 30 degrees or more in less than a day. Rapid temperature change shuts down many fish species until consistent weather resumes. Rising and stained water spells the death sentence for quality rainbow trout fishing. Trout despise muddy conditions and often refuse to feed for days and sometimes weeks.
Always wear a life jacket when on the water and continue to follow park rules and regulations. The daily possession limit for rainbow trout is five fish per person. Don't make the mistake of attempting to keep more than the legal limit of any fish species from Arkansas waters. Always have your fishing license up-to-date and be ready to cooperate with our game officials when asked.
Lake Dardanelle
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s flow at Dardanelle Lock and Dam as 70,821 cfs. Elevation was 337.80 feet msl, with the tailwater at 291.75 feet msl. (Top navigation pool is 338.2 and bottom pool is 336.0.) The stage is falling at 11.15 feet (flood stage is 32 feet).
No reports.
Lake Hamilton
(updated 3-24-2022) Greeson Marine, hometown dealer of the Arkansas-born-and-bred Xpress, all-welded aluminum fishing boats in Hot Springs, reports, “We got a chance to fish over the weekend with the beautiful weather and enjoyed some bass fishing! Water temps were in the mid-50s all over and the water was clear. Bass, both spotted and largemouth, are moving up to shallower areas and positioning themselves on the interior corners of points. Most fish have not moved all the way back in the pockets. We had good success with a floating worm (in any bright color) under and around docks and other manmade structures. Fish seem to position on the gangplank to the dock and not the dock itself.
“Things have drastically changed since this weekend. We have received no less than 4 inches of rain so far this week and the lake is high and muddy. This is the perfect time to get a white or chartreuse bladed jig out and start banging away at structure that is visible. Fish will get shallow and right up against any structure. Some really big fish get caught in conditions like we have now!
“Crappie are moving shallow, moving from submerged structure in reverse of the fall patterns. Time to connect the dots! Minnows or slow-rolled jigs in shallower areas have been getting bites, but this is secondhand information.”
No catfish or bream report. Pleasure boat traffic is very high on nice days, so be aware and keep your head on a swivel not only for other boats, but also the massive wakes those types of boats leave. God Luck and Go Greeson.”
Lake Nimrod
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 350.12 feet msl (normal pool: 342.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 373.0 feet msl).
(updated 3-24-2022) Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) said Wednesday afternoon that the clarity is murky and the lake level is high. Surface water temperature was 53 degrees. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs, with catches coming on yo-yos and limblines. Black bass are fair on the shoreline; try spinnerbaits, crankbaits, Chatterbaits, jerkbaits and fish for them with yo-yos and limblines. Catfish are fair on “just about anything,” they report. Bream aren’t biting.
(updated 3-10-2022) Masterbaiters Bait and Tackle (501-209-6538) on Arkansas Highway 7 outside Hot Springs Village says Nimrod has been hot under the dam on minnows for crappie, as well as up the river. Bass are being caught on Rat-L-Traps, while crappie are about 14 feet on the edge of the channel. “Good luck from Masterbaiters Bait and Tackle, and don't forget to take the kids fishing.”
Lake Ouachita
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at Blakely Dam was 574.65 feet msl (full pool: 578.00 feet msl).
(updated 3-24-2022) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said lake level and water temperature is on the rise. “We’ve been catching crappie as shallow as 3 feet and as deep as 10 feet mostly on live bait under slip corks in the backs of creek arms and coves. Don’t get too discouraged because when they are making babies; they don’t eat much. Once they are done with their business, they’ll be hungry and stacked up on the mid-range brushpiles fished 6-12 feet deep.
(updated 3-24-2022) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out of state) said black bass are good. Try a lipless crankbait or jerkbait over main lake points for these fish or a spinnerbait in runoffs. Floating worm and Carolina-rigging season are here!
Walleye are making their way back down to the lake. A swim jig or Shad Rap should work to find and catch these fish. Stripers are very good and are staging to make their runs up the river channels. Trolling an Alabama rig or throwing a topwater C-10 Redfin are producing quality catches. Bream are fair on crickets or worms 20-25 feet deep on brush. Crappie are still very good on small jigs or minnows. Try brushpiles in the 18-30 foot depth range. Catfish are good on juglines or trotlines with stink bait, shad or nightcrawlers. Water temperature is ranging 54-57 degrees. The water clarity is stained. Lake level Thursday was 574.36 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.
(updated 3-10-2022) Masterbaiters Bait and Tackle (501-209-6538) on Arkansas Highway 7 outside Hot Springs Village reports that they are still getting good numbers of walleye on crankbaits and nightcrawlers from 40 feet in the trees to rocky points in 20-25 feet. Also look in the grass; also getting some mixed in with the white bass on jigging spoons
Blue Mountain Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 389.60 feet msl (full pool: 384.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 419.0 feet msl).
No fishing reports.
White River/Clarendon Area
The Army Corps of Engineers on Thursday reported the Clarendon gauge was still at 27.38 feet, almost 1.4 feet above the flood stage of 26.00 feet.
Horseshoe Lake
(updated 3-24-2022) Kent Williams of Oxbow Guide Service (870-278-7978) said this week found the water temperature holding around the 54-degree mark. The calm sunny days are putting lots of boats out on Horseshoe. Please remember to use caution, as many are fishing the deep water and it can be a little congested out there.
The crappie are still holding in deep water. “Don’t look for them in the shallows too quick. With the upcoming weather patterns, I think they will stay in open water a few days more. This week we found fish from 16-18 feet deep in 18-21 feet of water. Red/white, blue/white and chartreuse/white jigs were the ticket. When there are a lot of boats on the lake, the fish are a little spooky. Keep boat noise to a minimum and you will increase your chances.
“I did not talk to any of the bass fishermen but I saw several working the shallow areas. There may be a few bass looking for baitfish shallow as the water warms in the afternoon.”
No reports on catfish or bream.
Cooks Lake
(updated 3-17-2022) Wil Hafner, facility manager at Potlatch Cooks Lake Nature Center (870-241-3373), said that at the lake it’s the same story, different week. The White River has been holding steady in the 27-foot range at Clarendon, making fishing inaccessible at Cooks Lake. “We will keep an eye on the water and let everyone know when we plan to reopen,” Wil said. “Now is a great time to find some smaller water bodies as they warm up quicker. It should not be too long until the crappie start to pull up shallow. Hope you can get some time to enjoy this weather!”
Cook’s Lake is a 2-mile long oxbow off of the White River, nestled in the heart of the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge near Casscoe in Arkansas County. This fertile oxbow receives very little fishing pressure due to being used only for education purposes and youth and mobility-impaired fishing. The scenic lake is full of slab crappie, giant bluegills, largemouth bass, and catfish of all species. Under current guidelines, Cook’s Lake will be open to fishing during normal business hours Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., water level pending. Cook’s Lake is open to fishing for youths under 16 or mobility-impaired anglers and up to two helpers (who may also fish). Fish from the 140-foot mobility-impaired accessible dock or launch a boat. To comply with current guidelines, please call ahead at least a day in advance to register to fish. Before launching, please check in at the Conservation Education Center, and report back before leaving. For information or unscheduled closures, call the center at 870-241-3373.
Bear Creek Lake/Storm Creek Lake
(updated 3-24-2022) Mississippi River State Park (870-295-4040) had no new reports.