April 7, 2022
Jim Harris Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine
This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for April 7, 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 (April 7).
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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: Mark Crawford guided Hannah (no last name available) to a nice rainbow catch on the Spring River this past week. The Spring River has a lot of water now, making wading difficult, but the boating anglers are finding trout biting great when they add a little more weight to get the fly down. Also, Mark notes that the campgrounds have all opened for the summer season, and they'll provide more wade access when the high water drops. Recent trout stockings from the Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery have add more catch possibilities, too, he says.
Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
(updated 4-7-2022) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) reported that the lake has muddies and water remains high. Bream are good on redworms, crickets or hand-tied jigs. Crappie are good on minnows or any color jig. Anglers are having their best success in the flats and in the Gold Creek area. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits, 7- to 10-inch curly tail worms and anything resembling live baitfish. Catfish are good using stink bait, chicken liver, dough bait, nightcrawlers, goldfish, trotline minnows and baitfish.
(updated 4-7-2022) Hatchet Jack’s Sports Shop in Crystal Hill off I-40 (758-4958) says the word is that catfish are biting well in the spillway backwaters.
Little Red River
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the outflow at Greers Ferry Dam to be 6,236 cfs (both turbine and spillway). The tailwater is 276.44 feet msl.
(updated 4-7-2022) Mike Winkler, who operates Little Red River Guide Service (501-690-9166, 501-507-3688), said that with Greers Ferry Lake being over power pool the Army Corp of Engineers has been running two units of water to get the lake down. Check the USACE Little Rock app for generation schedule.
Fishing from the boat with a deep-water nymph rig has been producing. San Juan worms, egg patterns and various bead-head nymphs have been working. “I'm running a double-nymph rig and fishing any where from 6-12 feet deep – out of the boat with the current generation schedule.
“The streamer bite has been good on cloudy days fishing from the boat and casting to the banks with a sink line. Streamer patterns I've been throwing are Viking Midges in yellow and brown, and olive.”
(updated 3-31-2022) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the Army Corps of Engineers is running a lot of water at Greers Ferry Dam. Pay attention to the Corps’ reports; water is stained in some places. Trout are good on No. 7 Rapala Countdowns and Little Cleo Spoons in gold color, and on bigger jerkbaits like the Smithwick Rogue.
(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.
Greers Ferry Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 462.63 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.04 feet msl, top flood elevation 487.0 msl).
(updated 4-7-2022) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said Thursday the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 462.63 feet msl, 0.59 feet above normal pool of 462.04 feet msl. Black bass are eating a lot of baits right now. “Pretty much if ya can get bait in front of one presented right, you will get bit super shallow to 60 feet of water,” he says. “Stay with structure or baitfish and its hard to go wrong. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Rat-L-Traps or dragging something is good.”
Crappie are eating and moving and doing it all over again, 10-40 feet. Some are shallow with more to come. Try crankbaits, jigs or minnows.
Walleye are biting crankbaits and live bait. Fish slow; a lot will spawn soon, a lot have spawned and more coming to spawn. It’s so hard to catch them in mood to bite; just about have to stay with them 24/7 to learn it. Keep your bait wet.
Bream are showing up more and more, floating around docks and the bank. Crawlers, crickets or a moving bait will work, shallow to 20 feet. Hybrid and white bass are really moving and feeding; it’s really hard to stay on top of them, but they will bite spoons, inline spinners or Road Runners in shallow out to 60 feet.
Catfish are biting pretty decently on live bait, with mixed bait also working.
(updated 4-7-2022) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said bass are good on the north end on flooded brush, with flukes and white swim jigs working best.
Harris Brake Lake
(updated 4-7-2022) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says the lake is still muddy and high for yet another week. Bream are good around the shoreline. Use redworms or crickets. Crappie began biting again, but barely, and the ones being caught are less than 10 inches. Use minnows or jigs. Black bass are good, however. Watermelon or grape-colored plastic lures are your best bet. No reports on catfish.
Lake Overcup
(updated 4-7-2022) Johnny “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park (501-354-9007) off Arkansas Highway 9 had no new reports.
Brewer Lake
(update 4-7-2022) David Hall at Dad’s Bait Shop (501-289-2210) says the water is a little cloudy and the lake is high by about 1 foot. Bream are being caught around brushpiles in fair amounts on redworms and crickets. Crappie fishing is good. Anglers are catching them in 6 feet depth and spider-rigging down the channel. Try minnows or use jigs in chartreuse, red and white colors. Work the brushpiles. Black bass are good, with the best bite coming at sunset in shallow water. White Rooster Tails, crickets or worms have been working. Catfishing is good. They’re being caught on the bottom and are biting “on really anything,” David says, including live bait, goldfish and the like.
Dad’s is a 24/7 self-serve bait shop.
Lake Maumelle
(updated 4-7-2022) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said bass are good between 2-6 feet of water. Gold jerkbaits and wacky-rigged Senkos were working best.
(updated 3-24-2022) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) said the water temperature 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 (spotted bass) 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.
Arkansas River at Morrilton
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam was 79,649 cfs with a pool elevation of 284.90 feet msl. The stage is up at 17.66 feet. Flow further upriver at Dardanelle Lock and Dam was 83,347 cfs.
Little Maumelle River
(updated 4-7-2022) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) says the water is not in great shape – it is stained and murky as of Wednesday afternoon, but Ray is expecting it to clear up in a day or two. Most recently, crappie have been good and are being caught fairly shallow. They’re biting the yo-yos at night with minnows as bait. Black bass are good. They also are fairly shallow and biting spinnerbaits and plastics. No other reports.
Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam was 93,061 cfs with a pool elevation of 264.48 feet msl.
Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam was 104,156 cfs, and the stream gauge stage was at 9.31 feet. Pool elevation is 248.72 feet msl. Flow at the Terry Lock and Dam was 110,376 cfs with a pool elevation of 230.80.
(updated 4-7-2022) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) said bass are biting well in about 6-8 feet of water. Try a mid-diving crankbait.
(updated 4-7-2022) Hatchet Jack’s Sports Shop at Crystal Hill (501-758-4958) has heard reports from the hydroelectric plant area at Murray Lock and Dam that catfish are biting well.
(updated 3-31-2022) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) said crappie good in the backwaters on minnows and jigs. White bass are running well below the dams and biting white shad baits. Catfishing is fair below both dams; use the typical catfish bait. Anglers report catching a few stripers in the pool.
Clear Lake (off Arkansas River-Little Rock Pool)
(updated 4-7-2022) McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said crappie are good on jigs and crappie minnow, with good-sized crappie being hooked. The crappie are moving towards the shoreline.
(updated 4-7-2022) Hatchet Jack’s Sports Shop in Crystal Hill off I-40 (758-4958) says crappie fishing is good.
Peckerwood Lake
(update 3-31-2022) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said the lake is dingy but the water level is normal. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish continue to bite well on “pretty much anything,” she said. No other reports.
White River
(updated 4-7-2022) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “We fish for trout on the White River tailwaters of Bull Shoals Dam in the Arkansas Ozarks, and our Arkansas Game and Fish Commission-managed trout waters allow us to catch a good share of fish every day. Most recently, generation from Bull Shoals Dam has been heavy – nearly seven units (20,000 cfs) hourly over the last three days – making the river deep and swift. The saving grace is that the generation has been steady without excessive drops or rises, so the trout have settled down and are noticing our array of baits.
“Healthy, fighting rainbows are answering the call of the Smithwick rattlin' Rogues, white bellied, 4½ inches, blue or black back. The smoke-colored suspending stick baits with silver bellies have provided some success as have red wriggler worms. What trout doesn't like a twisting, dancing, live worm? Gold spoons (quarter-ounce Cleos) are still attracting attention, and white grubs or smaller white jigs played mid-depth will allow you to put your net to work.
“The browns continue to chase shad on the upper portions of our fishing ‘grounds,’ but I can't say how long that bite will persist. Sculpins, tied to a No. 2 hook, floating near the bottom of the stream, never fail to catch a hefty trout. Once they've had their fill of the staples, cast something new and flashy to pique their interest.
“The ever-changing April weather reminds you to bring your rain gear (just in case) when you come to the Ozarks to enjoy some all-round great fishing. Time on the river is restorative. Come see us.”
(updated 4-7-2022) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, reports that the storms last week dumped a lot of rain into the Buffalo River valley and the lakes. As a result, by Thursday the river reached over 15 feet and was very muddy. During the muddy conditions the trout moved into the creeks where they could find cleaner water and feed on the worms, etc. being washed down. By mid-morning Saturday the water cleared up enough for the fish to move out of the creeks. The river has remained over 11 feet throughout the last week. Fishing has been difficult this week but bright-colored Power Eggs worked best. If you plan to be on the river be aware of floating debris and fast water. Stay safe and good fishing.
(updated 4-7-2022) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service said that during the past week they had several rain events that combined for 3 inches in Cotter), warmer temperatures and heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals rose 1.2 feet to rest at 1 foot above power pool of 659 feet. This is 35 feet below the top of flood pool. Upstream, Table Rock Lake rose 1.8 feet to rest at 1.3 tenths feet above power pool and 14.7 feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose 1.6 feet to rest at 1.2 feet above power pool or 8.4 feet below the top of flood pool. The White had no wadable water. Norfork Lake rose 1.9 feet to rest at 1.1 feet above power pool of 553.75 feet msl and 25.1 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork tailwater has had no wadable water.
All of the lakes in the White River system are now above power pool. With the current lake levels, we can expect no wadable water in the near 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. 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 or a girdle bug.
John also recapped the recent Sowbug Roundup in Mountain Home: “After a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, it was great to be back at the Sowbug Roundup. I saw grown men hugging each other. They were fly-fishing and fly-tying buddies that had not seen each other in years. It was a moving sight. Most were maskless, but a few attendees wore a mask. I was able to see and talk to a bunch of fly-tyers from all over the United States that I had not talked to or seen for way too long a time.
“It was like nothing had happened. There were some great seminars led by some great fly-fishers and some great vendors selling some great fly-tying and fly-fishing gear that I did not need. When you have been fly-fishing for 40 years, you pretty much have it all.
“The big draw, as always, was the fly-tyers. There were over a hundred of them from all over the United States – People I wanted to see like Fred Dupre from Texas. Fred used to live here and was a member of the Sowbug committee when he lived here. This year he won the Buz Buzek award from Fly Fishers International (the organization that the North Arkansas Fly Fishers, sponsor of the Sowbug Roundup, is affiliated with), their highest award for fly-tying. Past winners include Dave Whitlock and Tony Spezio.
“Dave Whitlock was our honoree and he did a masterful job. He held a standing-room-only seminar and an incredible fly-casting class. He was available to talk to and sign books late every day. He is a living legend, and I have never seen one of these guys work as hard as he did. He painted an original piece of art that he donated. The proceeds will help set up a foundation committed to protecting and improving Dry Run Creek.
“One thing that did not appeal to me was the generation levels we had on our local rivers during the festival. Most of the fly-tyers and attendees want to fish when they are here. Most want to wade fish. To accommodate them, the Sowbug Committee requested that the United States Army Corps of Engineers hold back on the generation to allow for wade fishing during the Sowbug Roundup. Despite the fact that all of the lakes in the White River system were below flood pool, the Corps ran water almost continuously. There were a few days where they had a brief 4-hour window of low water on the Norfork tailwater. There was no wadable water on the White River. All of the fly-tyers and attendees were very disappointed to travel here and not be able to wade fish. We can do better!”
(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 660.07 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 659.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 695.00 feet msl). Total outflow from the dam is 18,201 cfs. The reported lake elevation at Table Rock Lake at 10 a.m. was 915.84 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 915.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 931.0 feet msl).
(updated 4-7-2022) Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock said his report this week that warming water temps have been good for bass fishing. Shad are spread out; look for the loons, that’s where the fish are. Use are jerkbait in the morning and later try a 2.8 Keitech on a quarter-ounce ballhead, or swim a grub/darter. Active diving loons will trigger feeding. 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 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 555.60 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 6,220 cfs.
(updated 4-7-2022) Steven “Scuba Steve” Street at Blackburn’s Resort said the lake level is 554.67 feet msl and has dropped 1.75 inches in the last 24 hours with both generators running continuously. They had some spillway gates open a bit for a couple of days but they are closed again now. The lake is approaching the power pool of 553.75 feet msl again, and that is good. There is some off-colored water but not bad after a 4-inch rain and the lake is in good condition for fishing. The surface water temperature is 57-58 degrees and rising slowly with cold fronts still coming through once a week.
The walleye, stripers and white bass have finished spawning and the crappie are ready and the black bass are not far behind. The spring topwater bite is beginning and the bass and stripers are coming up early after warm nights but not after cold ones. It should be in full swing by April 15. Surprisingly, some crappie and walleye are coming up with them. The male crappie are moving up in the creeks to make nests and the big females are still prespawn feeding, as are the female bass. “I am seeing no bass on the beds yet, but the water has been cloudy until just recently in the creeks.”
The big bluegill have started to bite again. Topwater lures, spoons, grubs, creature baits and jigs are still the best baits. A cold front is coming in soon and then it is to get warm again this weekend and it should get things started. People are not catching fish in high numbers but are getting some good ones, he says.
For a daily fishing report and lake condition go to www.blackburnsresort.com and click on Scuba Steve's Blog.
(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. “Today 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 the area starts getting some stable weather. Crankbaits, swimbaits, spinners, A-rigs and topwater baits are all working. After a rain, head back into creeks that have some flowing water and 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 was close to 53 degrees. The water level is rising slowly due the rain last weekend. The current level is 553.38 feet msl. 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.”
Norfork Tailwater
(updated 4-7-2022) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said Norfork Lake rose 1.9 feet to rest at 1.1 feet above power pool of 553.75 feet msl and 25.1 feet below the top of flood pool. The Norfork tailwater has had no wadable water.
There has been no 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 eighteen 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. 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 4-7-2022) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are still navigable. With warmer temperatures, the smallmouths could soon become 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.
(updated 4-7-2022) Hatchet Jack’s Sports Shop in Crystal Hill off I-40 (758-4958) says catfish are biting well.
Beaver Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,121.40 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 3,970 cfs.
(updated 4-7-2022) Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said, “Well, the Army Corps of Engineers told us they were going to try to keep lake levels at normal pools and they seem to be holding their word! They are opening flood gates anytime we have a big influx of water. We had a massive rise in the rivers, but the lake barely came up. For people fishing below Beaver Dam, the releases are a really positive dynamic if you’re chasing walleye and white bass. It pulls them up out of Table Rock Lake and moves them close to Beaver spillway.
“On that note, some really nice walleye have been caught below Beaver Dam as of late. So, on to the lake report. As I said, we had some big rains. It brought into the lake a lot of mud and debris. The far reaches of the river arms are clearing, but there is a big push of muddy water moving through the system. It gets muddy around (U.S.) 412 bridge and goes towards Hickory Creek. Water is warming into mid-50s. Stripers are moving in search of clearer water. Look around Prairie Creek and the islands. Fish should be there.
“Crappie are really good with fish being caught from 2 feet deep to suspended in 10 feet of water. We are a couple good days of warmth and fish should be committed to the banks. Same thing with bass. Prespawn areas should be firing up. Walleye on the lake side of the White are, I would estimate, nearing end of the spawn in next two weeks. Trolling size 6 Flicker Shad are putting fish in the boat. Make sure you troll no greater than 2.2 mph.
“Catfish should really pick up also as water warms. There are a ton of spoonbill in the upper stretches of the rivers, so do not be surprised if you accidentally snag one – which, by the way, is legal. You cannot snag for them specifically unless, I believe, you are within 100 yards of a dam. I would check your regulations to make sure. Good luck and stay safe out there!”
Visit Jon’s Facebook page for latest updates, FishOn Guide Service Goshen AR.
(updated 3-31-2022) Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) reported that walleye are really good on jigs fished on the bottom, as well as grubs and minnows. Bream have appeared and are biting fair on redworms and crickets. Crappie are good on minnows and small jigs. Black bass are good on crankbaits, jerkbaits and jigs. Catfish are fair on chicken liver of cut bait. The lake’s clarity appears dirty as of Thursday morning after Wednesday’ storm front passed through, and surface water temperature is 51 degrees. 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 at 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 4-7-2022) Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said the lake clarity is clearing and the level is normal. Bream are excellent on redworms and crickets. Crappie are hit or miss; use minnows and jigs. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits and redworms. No reports on catfish.
Lake Sequoyah
(updated 4-7-2022) Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) says the clarity is better this week, just lightly stained, and the water level has dropped to normal level. Bream are good on redworms and crickets. Crappie are being found in 4-6 feet depth and the bite is good; use minnows, jogs or goldfish. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, bass minnows and crawdads. Catfish have started biting. They’re fair on chicken liver, nightcrawlers, shad or skipjack.
Lake Charles
(updated 4-7-2022) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said filling fell off a bit over the past weekend. Crappie were the only fish reported, with fair results. It appears the crappie had moved back into deeper water. Minnows and jigs were working along with worms. But no bream, black bass, white bass or catfish reports came in. The water is murky and high. Surface water temperature Monday morning was 54.8 degrees. Shelly says the water is warming up despite the recent cooler air temperatures. While the crappie are deep, she adds, she had reports of a few nice-sized crappie being caught.
Lake Poinsett
(updated 3-31-2022) Lake Poinsett is within about 2.5 feet from full pool. The fishing now full harvest for bream and half limits for catfish. Bream are biting on crickets and worms. Largemouth bass are scheduled to be stocked later this spring. Crappie will be stocked in the fall.
The lake was "rededicated" with a special ceremony signifying the reopening of Poinsett on April 5 following a nearly 5-year renovation project costing $3.5 million, the biggest AGFC lake renovation effort to this point. Several thousand more channel catfish were stocked in the lake during the event.
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 4-7-2022) Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the lake is “pretty clear” with a surface water temperature of 55 degrees. Water level is normal. The only reports they’ve heard on the lake have come from bass anglers, who report good catches. They’re using Dingers and Trick Worms.
Spring River
(updated 4-7-2022) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said water levels have been at 520 cfs (350 is average) and water clarity has been fair. Plenty of rain lately has the river flowing strong, about a foot above average flows. Anglers have needed to be careful wading lately.
The trout have been hitting great with a little more weight to get the fly down. Lead eye Woollies and tungsten bead-head nymphs are great. “And we are tying big Y2Ks to help on the slow days,” Mark said.
The campgrounds have all opened for the summer season and this provides more wade in access. “Stocking has ramped up also with Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery stocking really nice fish the last few weeks. Just need some dry weather!”
Visit Mark’s blog at springriverfliesandguides.com/blog for the latest updates.
(updated 4-7-2022) 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. 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, 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 rising and at 12.15 feet, about 3 feet below the flood stage of 15.0 feet. The Newport stage was still rising at 23.27 feet, or less than 3 feet below the flood stage of 26.0 feet. The stage at Augusta is rising at 31.59 feet, which is about 5.5 feet above the flood stage of 26.00 feet.
(updated 4-7-2022) Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) in Batesville reported that the river remains high and muddy, and they had heard no fishing 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 111.290 cfs. The pool elevation is 195.65 feet msl and the stage at Pine Bluff is 32.89 feet (flood stage is 42 feet). Further upriver at the C.D. Maynard Lock and Dam near Redfield, the flow was 110,530 cfs. The pool elevation is 212.57 feet msl.
(updated 4-7-2022) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Bass Fishing Team said water temperature is in the upper 50s on the main channel of the river, low 60s in Lake Langhofer, and mid- to upper 60s in protected backwaters. Visibility is only inches on the main channel, and up to about 16 inches in protected backwaters. Water level has stayed around normal even with the recent rain events. The river is flowing at a moderate rate and is carrying some debris. Nothing severe, but pay attention when navigating the main channel. There appears to be more filamentous algae growth in Lake Langhofer this spring than normal; it's affecting crankbaits meant to deflect off of cover/bottom a noticeable bit. Black bass are in all stage of spawn (pre-, active and post-) depending on where you fish. Some backwaters already have post-spawners transitioning into late spring/early summer behavior (try slow topwater lures). In general, spinnerbaits and bladed jigs are producing well near all types of cover. Slow topwater lures (frogs, poppers) are starting to get bit in backwaters. Dark-colored jigs and soft plastic creature baits are working in dense cover and along rock banks when the fish aren't committing to moving lures.
Cane Creek Lake
(updated 4-7-2022) Jeff Shell, the superintendent at Cane Creek State Park, said had no new reports from Cane Creek Lake.
Lake Monticello
(updated 4-7-2022) 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 261.40 feet msl (normal pool: 259.20 feet msl; top flood elevation is 287.0 feet msl). Total outflow at the dam is 17,562 cfs.
(updated 4-7-2022) Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said that as of Wednesday, Millwood Lake is currently 2 feet above normal conservation pool at 261.12 feet msl and rising. Clarity of heavy stain to chocolate milk continues along Little River. Recent thunderstorms on Tuesday hit Millwood and drastically jumped the water level in 24-36 hours. Millwood Lake tailwater elevation is near 241.5 feet msl with gate discharge at the dam around 17,200 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 webpage linked above, or 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. ALWAYS BE OBSERVANT FOR BROKEN TIMBER IN BOAT LANES THAT OCCUR WITH HEAVY RIVER CURRENTS!
Surface temps are stable this week, ranging in 59-64 degrees depending on location and the day. Current along Little River is stained this week with discharge release at the dam, and river clarity ranging 2-4 inches visibility depending on location. Clarity and visibility of the oxbows is 5-8 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.
The Millwood State Park MARINA is for boat rentals, camping supplies/food, fishing baits/lures, no-ethanol gasoline and boat docking. Minnows are back in stock this week! The Millwood State Park IS OPEN for camping, and the State Park Office can be reached at 870-898-2800 for availability or additional information. USACE Campgrounds ARE OPEN for camping. Call (877) 444-6777 or the Millwood Tri-Lakes office at (870) 898-3343.
As for the fishing specifics, Mike says:
* The largemouth bass activities have been slowly getting better each week. Numerous male bass and a few fat prespawn females, continue to be found roaming flats from 2-6 feet deep where bedding areas exist, searching out new bedding sites. For the last several weeks, these roaming largemouths have been quick to strike on lizards, Brazalo Spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, Trick Worms, Senkos, salty rat tails and Bass Assassin Shads. A recent bass tournament yielded several good strings of bass for 35-42 pounds, including several in the 7- to 10-pound class of largemouths. “With the wacky weather in southwest Arkansas we've had lately on Millwood, one day the big healthy fat girls are all geared up, happy and hungry; next day it's hunker-down time with thunderstorms and 50 mph winds hitting them in the head. This time of year has always been a hit or miss on Millwood due to "Tornado Alley" and Millwood's shallow river bottom geography,” Mike says.
“The shallow-cruising male largemouth bass we found roaming bedding areas over the past couple weeks 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. 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. Several nice and healthy female largemouth have been recently caught and released from 8-10.5 pounds over the past week to 10 days on Millwood Lake.”
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. The best bite of the day for largemouths continues to come during the heat of the day – sunny, clear days when water temps will rise a few degrees in mid-day and early afternoons.
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, and smoke purple flake with chartreuse dip tail will connect with 2- to 4-pound male bass near dead pad stems, 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 methylate, black/blue tail, black grape and California 420.
* The white bass continue schooling up for 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 fishermen recently caught over 50 White Bass in a few hours. 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 rainfall and flash flooding hit the river and turned it into chocolate milk.
* 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. Yo-yos and limblines have been improving for cats from 4-8 pounds, over recent weeks.
Lake Columbia
No reports.
Lake Erling
(updated 4-7-2022) Lake Erling Guide Service (870-904-8546) reports the lake is fairly clear, while the level is high (4 inches over the spillway). Crappie are fair around the shoreline. Use minnows, jigs or hand-tied jigs. Black bass were good. They are on the shoreline and around beds. Catfish are excellent on cut bait or minnows. No reports 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 545.19 feet msl (full pool: 548.00 feet msl).
DeGray Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 407.94 feet msl (full pool: 408.00 feet msl).
(updated 4-7-2022) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said that the crappie and bass are spawning. Males are on the banks (lots of searching). Females are running back and forth from staging brushpiles and the shoreline.
De Queen Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 439.51 feet msl (full pool: 437.00 feet msl).
Dierks Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 531.59 feet msl (full pool: 526.00 feet msl).
White Oak Lake Area
(updated 4-7-2022) Angler and guide Stephen Tyson Jr. reported on his Facebook page recently his new personal best black bass catch of White Oak Lake, a fish that topped 11 pounds.
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 4-7-2022) Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 49 degrees with stained conditions in the tailrace. Spring storms have kept Lake Catherine conditions a day-to-day event with heavy downpours and extreme temperature changes. Entergy has completed the refill of lakes Hamilton and Catherine with each lake now at normal summertime pool. Rainbow trout are everywhere in the Carpenter Dam tailrace and thriving in the nutrient-rich waters of Lake Catherine. The AGFC stocked an additional 9,700 rainbow trout in March. An additional 4,320 fish are scheduled to be stocked this month. 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 can account 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 spinner baits and jigs in 1/8 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 1 1/2 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 stained 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. Temperature 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 5 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 83,347 cfs. Elevation was 337.54 feet msl, with the tailwater at 293.89 feet msl. (Top navigation pool is 338.2 and bottom pool is 336.0.) The stage is falling at 13.32 feet (flood stage is 32 feet).
Lake Hamilton
(updated 4-7-2022) 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 are normal with water clarity good but stained in most areas. Water temps in the mid-60s throughout the lake. “Over the last week we have had heavy rains that have turned the watercolor stained slightly and storm debris has become a factor in the main channels. Bass have already started the spawning process, and many small “bucks” (males) have been caught just inside main lake points under trash, pollen sludge, submerged grass and docks. Females are scattered in the deeper areas, and it’s hard to tell if they have moved up to the shallows already or, are making their way back out. Floating worm is obviously a great choice for this time of year. It is very effective at getting in tight places that bass like hide during the spawn. “The best tactic we have found over the past week is the frog pattern. A Booyah Pad Crasher or Zoom Horney Toad fished down seawalls and through the trash that collects in certain areas has been effective and seems to draw larger fish.”
Bream are lingering in the 10- to 14-foot range just off submerged grass and wooden docks. Worms are always go along with live crickets. No catfish or crappie reports.
Lake Nimrod
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 349.15 feet msl (normal pool: 342.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 373.0 feet msl).
(updated 3-31-2022) Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) said Thursday morning that the lake is muddy and the level is high. Surface water temperature dropped some this week and was 51 degrees Thursday morning. Crappie are good. They are being caught in 3-7 feet depth below the dam and off the shoreline on minnows and chartreuse jigs. Black bass are fair. Best baits now are a white spinnerbait, crahibait or a floating worm in motor oil green color. Catfish are fair on limblines and yo-yos with minnow; hang them in the brush. Bream have not begun to bed, they report.
(updated 4-7-2022) Hatchet Jack’s Sports Shop in Crystal Hill off I-40 (758-4958) says crappie fishing is good.
Lake Ouachita
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at Blakely Dam was 576.91 feet msl (full pool: 578.00 feet msl).
(updated 3-31-2022) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out of state) said black bass are very good. Try a lipless crankbait or jerkbait over main lake points for these fish, or in runoffs use a spinnerbait. 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 excellent. Trolling an Alabama rig or throwing a topwater C-10 Redfin are producing quality catches. Bream are still fair on crickets or worms 20-25 feet deep on brush. Crappie are very good on small jigs or minnows. Try brushpiles in the 18-30 foot depth range. Catfish are very good on juglines or trotlines with stink bait, shad or nightcrawlers. Water temperature is up to the 56- to 60-degree range. Water clarity is stained. The lake level is 575.05 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information
(updated 4-7-2022) Masterbaiters Bait and Tackle (501-209-6538) on Arkansas Highway 7 outside Hot Springs Village reports that Lake Ouachita is on fire – big bass! Biting floating worms, Rat-L-Traps, jerkbaits. “It’s on fire, not much more I can say,” John says. “Rabbit Tail, and all creek channels on both sides of the lake.” He says the water temp as of Wednesday was a nice 63-64 degrees. “Go get them and have some fun.”
(updated 3-31-2022) Capt. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said that like fishing at DeGray, where Darryl also has been getting out, the water temp his last time out here was 58 degrees. “So, that means the crappie and black bass are beginning their spawn. We’ve been catching small females on staging brushpiles and the bigger males and females are in the banks. During the spawn, your catch can slow because their interest is on the spawn and not eating. So, don’t become discouraged and have a great time during post-spawn.”
Blue Mountain Lake
As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 394.97 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 is steady at 27.63 feet, or 1.6 feet above the flood stage of 26.00 feet.
Horseshoe Lake
(updated 3-31-2022) Kent Williams of Oxbow Guide Service (870-278-7978) said that he found the water temperature at 54 degrees on Sunday. “With the weather fronts continuing, look for the lake temperature to slowly rise. Hopefully the wind will lay a couple days a week to allow for some fishing.”
Crappie were still holding over deeper water. Most fish were caught 10-12 feet deep, but some were caught as deep as 18 feet. “Slowly the fish are scattering, which means it won’t be long before they head to the shallows. Males are starting to show some color as well. A variety of techniques will still work, with most people opting for spider-rigging and others are using advanced electronics. Baits are about the same, with minnows, jigs or a combination of the two working.
“As for black bass, once again no official report, but I am still seeing some bass fishermen working the shallows in the warmer part of the day.”
No reports on catfish or bream.
Cook’s Lake
(updated 4-7-2022) Wil Hafner, facility manager at Potlatch Cooks Lake Nature Center (870-241-3373), said there has been no change here. The White River is holding at 27.5 or more feet at Clarendon, and Cooks Lake fishing is inaccessible.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 4-7-2022) Mississippi River State Park (870-295-4040) had no new reports.