Arkansas weekly fishing report

Fishing Highlight of the Week: If you’re a beginner angler – or if you’ve been fishing for years and you’re not sure about which knot to use – learn to tie a few knots at home long before you’re on the water. Visit this Take Me Fishing website to get started: www.takemefishing.org/assets/downloads/essential_knots.pdf.

Arkansas 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

Family and Community Fishing Ponds: Click http://www.agfc.com/fishing/Pages/FishingProgramsFCF.aspx for a list of program ponds. The AGFC Family and Community Fishing Program has stocked catfish in all program ponds with 10 tagged fish in each pond. Fluorescent pink tags say “Community Fishing.” Lucky anglers who catch a tagged fish should call 866-540-FISH for information on redeeming the tag for a prize package. All tags returned with a postmark of July 9 or earlier will be eligible for the grand prize drawing for a two-man fishing boat, trolling motor and battery, donated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. One entry per angler. For stocking information, call 1-866-540-FISH (3474), or check us out online at http://www.agfc.com/fishing/Pages/FishingProgramsFCFStock.aspx.

Central Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) filed no fishing report this week.

Little Red River

Lindsey’s Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is clear and low; one generator is running about 2 p.m. Trout are good; try wax worms, Power Bait and marshmallows, or Carolina rigs or spinners. For fly anglers, go with sowbugs, Extra Krispies or an Adams dry fly.

Greers Ferry Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 458 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 461 msl).

Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water temperature was cool for this time of year at 78-81 degrees. Black bass are relating to brushpiles, shallow wood and on summertime drops; some are suspended. Use the Arkansas Claw for the suspended fish, Texas-rigged worms for the drop fish, as well as jigs. For shallow wood fish, use jigs and spinner baits, and on the in-between fish, use jighead worms and drop-shots. Bream fishing is good using crickets and night crawlers, shallow-running crank baits, as well as in-line spinners. The walleye bite is better now; fish night crawlers on jigheads in 15-35 feet of water. The catfish bite is great all over the lake. Crappie are eating jigs tipped with minnows. Hybrids and white bass are eating swim baits, the Arkansas Claw, in-line spinners and spoons fished from 25-40 feet of water.

Cody S. Smith of www.fishgreersferry.com said the lake is holding pretty steady about 3 feet below normal pool and 4 feet below seasonal pool, while 12 feet below the five-year average pool for this time of year. The reservoir is continuing to fish extremely well. Stable weather is always a plus here; however, during the last week we have seen mixed weather and clouds, which have seemed to scatter the fish a bit. With this cloud cover we have seen an awesome top-water bite for largemouth and Kentucky bass that can last all day. With higher skies and clearing weather, look for our game fish to really put their nose on some sort of structure and/or cover like sharp drops in the 20-foot range out to 40 and planted brush in the 15- to 35-foot range. White bass and hybrids are surfacing somewhere everyday on the reservoir but my other game fish bite has been good enough not to chase the surfacing temperate bass. I look for the schoolers to really start getting active for longer periods over the coming weeks, and the early morning bite should really get good.

Greers Ferry Tailwater

Just Fishing Guides said mornings are better than afternoons. Heavier flows are the norm in the afternoon as the weather heats up. Bead-head nymphs such as pheasant tails and hare’s ears are producing well. Early terrestrials like beetles and ants are getting some top-water action. Be sure to have some sulphur and light Cahill dries in your fly box. Try a hopper/dropper combo to maximize your chances of hook-ups or, if possible, a double-nymph rig. Doubles are very possible. Water releases have been once per day in the afternoon for two-four hours, 3,000-4,000 cfs.

Harris Brake Lake

Harris Brake Lakeside Resort (501-889-2745) said the lake is stained and low. Bream are good with worms and crickets. Crappie and bass have been poor. Catfish are good, especially with chicken liver and Danny King’s Blood Bait.

Whiskers Sporting Goods in Perryville (501-889-2011) said crappie have been biting No. 6 and 8 minnows, Slab Slay’R and Stroll’R in white/salt and pepper, red/chartreuse shad and bone white, and PowerBait Crappie Nibbles in green or yellow. Catfish have been good; they’re taking minnows, worms and goldfish. Bass are fair on tequila sunrise and dark-colored worms, spinner baits, Rooster Tails and Flukes. Bream are biting great on night crawlers, red worms, meal worms, crickets and rock hoppers.

Lake Overcup

Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the water is about normal and clear. Crappie are in deep water, about 15 feet; try fishing 8-10 feet deep. They are fair on pumpkin/chartreuse and chartreuse jigs, Tennessee shad Stingers and No. 6 minnows. Bream are good on crickets and red worms. Bass are slow. Catfish are fair on cut bait and minnows.

Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) said crappie are biting well on No. 6 minnows, Baby Shad, Stroll’R and Slab Slay’R in white/salt and pepper, red/chartreuse, bone white Baby Shad, and PowerBait Crappie Nibbles in green or yellow. Bream are biting great on night crawlers, red worms, meal worms, crickets and rock hoppers. Bass are hitting tequila sunrise and dark worms, spinner baits, Rooster Tails and Flukes.

Brewer Lake

Overcup Landing

(501-354-9007) said bream are good around the edges on crickets and wax worms. Crappie are hitting tube jigs and No. 4 minnows around brushpiles. Bass are fair on plastics and catfish are fair on cut shad and night crawlers.

Lake Cargile

Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) had no report this week.

Lake Maumelle

Jolly Roger’s Marina reports black bass are good, 15-18 feet deep. Blacks are hitting spinner baits early in the day, then go to deeper lures such as pig and jigs and Carolina rigs. Early do the drop-off and during the day, deep structure. Kentucky bass are good. Lots of Kentucky bass are being caught on Rooster Tails, jigheads and worms 10-18 feet deep. White bass are fair. They’re being caught toward the restricted area and north shore on Rooster Tails, trolling with lures 15 feet deep and jigging with CC spoons. Crappie have been excellent. They are 14-18 feet deep on the edges of the channels, and are hitting small jigs and colored grubs and small minnows. Bream are excellent. They’re hitting worms and crickets from 10-15 feet deep. Bream are really big this year. Catfish are excellent on trotlines with prepared bait and large minnows and bream. They are 10-13 feet deep; any deeper and the live bait dies quickly.

Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) said bream are good on worms and crickets. Crappie are good with minnows and jigs in 10-20 feet of water. Bass are good on top-water and buzz baits early in the morning. Try flipping a creature bait in the evening. Catfish are good with slicks and cut bait on trotlines.

Whiskers Sporting Goods in Perryville (501-889-2011) said crappie are good in coves and brushpiles on Baby Shad and Slab Slay’R in red/chartreuse, bone white and pearl, and orange/chartreuse, as well as No. 6 minnows and PowerBait Crappie Nibbles in green or yellow. White bass are biting in the river channel on Rooster Tails in white or salt and pepper. Bream are great on night crawlers, red worms, meal worms, crickets and rock hoppers. Bass are hitting tequila sunrise and other dark worms, spinner baits, Rooster Tails and Flukes.

Lake Valencia

Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) said catfish are good with worms, chicken hearts and chicken liver. No reports on other species.

Sunset Lake

Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the lake is clear and normal. Bream are good, especially on crickets. Crappie and bass are poor. Catfish are good with Bill Dance Catfish Dough.

Saline River Access in Benton

Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the river is low and clear. Bream are good on crickets. No report on crappie. Bass are good near shoals or swift water. No report on catfish.

Arkansas River at Morrilton

Charley’s Hidden Harbor at Opello said shad are spawning; they are about 1.5 inches long. Try fishing with a sixteenth-ounce Rat-L-Trap in shad color for bass. Throw on rocks and crank back. This technique has been working very well. Fish the wood with jig-and-pig for bass, too. White bass are chasing shad in Flagg Lake cut-off, Copper Gap and Point Remove Creek. Fish sandbars and, late in the day, try Zara Spooks and shallow-diving crankbaits . Also try jetty points and back sides with CC Spoons and jigs in deep holes. Bream are bedding on sandbars. Use cane or crappie poles 14 feet long or better with crickets. Catfish have been good at night in 4-10 feet of water. Use cut skipjack.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)

Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had this report from Little Maumelle River and Maumelle River: Bream are fair with crickets and red worms. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Bass are good – try flipping jigs in crazy pumpkin or black/blue. In the evening, use jerk or twitch baits. Catfish are good with cut bait and chicken liver. Main River Channel: Bass are good. Look for flowing water and use shaky head Senko worms and Texas-rigged creature baits. Catfish have been excellent on slicks and cut bait. No reports on other species. Palarm Creek: Bass are fair; use medium-diving crankbaits or spinners near the mouth of the creek. Catfish are excellent with skipjacks and slicks. No report on other species.

Arkansas River (Little Rock Pool)

Vince Miller from Fish ’N Stuff said the river is stained to clear; no flow. Bream are good shallow with crickets in backwater areas. No report on crappie. Bass are good in 5-12 feet of water with deep-running crankbaits and plastic worms. Try the drop-offs around sandbars. Catfish are good with worms and cut bait in the main channel.

Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had this report from Burns Park and the main channel: Bass are good at jetty ends. Try shallow-diving crankbaits or shaky head worms. No reports on other species.

Fourche Creek: No report this week.

Murray Lock and Dam: No report on bream or crappie. Bass have been good, especially on jetty ends. Use shallow-diving crankbaits and shaky head worms. Catfish reports have been excellent. Try cut bait, skipjacks and slicks.

McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) filed no fishing report.

Clear Lake

McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) filed no fishing report.

Peckerwood Lake

Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is normal. Bream reports have been poor but try crickets. Crappie have been fair for those using minnows and jigs. Bass are good with a variety of artificial lures. Catfish have been good on worms or liver.

Lake Pickthorne

Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) said bream have been good with red worms and crickets. Crappie are fair; go 10-20 feet deep with minnows and jigs. Bass have been good on shallow-running crankbaits and Texas-rigged creature baits. No report this week on catfish.

Lake Willastein

Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) said bream are fair with crickets and red worms. Crappie are good with minnows and jigs; go deep. Bass are reported good; try going deep in brushpiles with deep-diving crankbaits or drop-shot rig. Catfish are excellent. They’re going for minnows, chicken hearts and worms.

North Arkansas

White River

Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said the water is clear and low with little generation. Trout fishing is excellent, especially with PowerBait; try yellow or pink. Go with small spinners and spoons – Rooster Tails, Little Cleos or Copper Johns. In higher water, try Rogues and Rapalas. For fly anglers, scuds, sow bugs, zebra midges and grasshoppers are working.

Jim Brentlinger at Linger’had this report for Buffalo City to Red’s Landing: Water level has remained very low with only small amounts of generation. Catching fish has been spotty at best and the overall quality of the fish you catch is not too good. Most all of your fish will be small and they will be caught in deeper holes when the water is low. Power Baits and Zig Jigs have been working the best. When you find an area that is holding fish, don’t be quick to leave; it might be a while until you find another one.

Triangle Sports (870-793-7122)

Buffalo River

Just Fishing Guides said as of Wednesday, the river was low and getting lower. Ponca was very low at 1.46 feet, Pruitt was very low at 3.28 feet, Tyler Bend was low at 3.47 feet and Buffalo Point was low at 2.77 feet. Water temperature was averaging in the upper 70s. The river level is extremely low for floating; the water is clear. Warm-water streams and rivers have been fishing very well (although HOT!) lately with both quantity and quality fish being caught. Fly-fishing has been good with Bogle Bugs in white, Tequeely streamers, woolly buggers and Clouser minnows. The top-water bite with flies is really going gangbusters. Spotted bass are holding near woody debris. Smallmouth are in the deeper channels. Sunfish have been caught with about anything that hits the water. Small poppers, woolly buggers, spiders, beetles and hoppers are raking in the sunfish. Sometimes it is hard not to catch them. Spin fishing has picked up fish with white or gray Flukes, 4-inch Zoom lizards in watermelon red and tube baits in green pumpkinseed. Crankbaits, buzz baits and spinners have worked well also.

Crooked Creek

Just Fishing Guides said the gauge at Kelley’s Slab was reading 9.72 feet Wednesday, a good level for wade fishing. Warm-water streams and rivers have been fishing very well (although HOT!) lately with both quantity and quality fish being caught. Fly-fishing has been good with Bogle Bugs in white, Tequeely streamers, woolly buggers and Clouser minnows. The top-water bite with flies is really going gangbusters. Spotted bass are holding near woody debris. Smallmouth are in the deeper channels. Sunfish have been caught with about anything that hits the water. Small poppers, woolly buggers, spiders, beetles and hoppers are raking in the sunfish. Sometimes it is hard not to catch them. Spin fishing has picked up fish with white or gray Flukes, 4-inch Zoom lizards in watermelon red and tube baits in green pumpkinseed. Crankbaits, buzz baits and spinners have worked well also.

Bull Shoals Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 653.7 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 654 msl).

Mike Worley’s Guide Service said the water temperature is 78-81 degrees. Walleye are biting well on jigging spoons, night crawlers and crankbaits fished 20 to 30 feet deep. Bottom bouncers with a half or full night crawler on a spinner rig or plain hook is probably the most productive way to catch walleyes throughout the day from mid-morning till sunset. Jigging spoons are working well on main lake points, drop-offs and brushpiles in the mornings, and under schools of shad throughout the day. Bass fishing is also good in 5-25 feet using night crawlers or crayfish on a split-shot rig on points and around brushpiles. Carolina- or Texas-rigged soft-plastic lizards or worms on brushpiles, as well as tube baits fished on a jighead, are working well. Crappie fishing is good on jigs fished shallow overbrush piles (5-15 feet) starting shallow in the early morning and working deeper as the sun gets up with a slip bobber on light line. I have seen good limits of crappie being cleaned by noon in the Diamond City to Tucker Hollow area the last couple of weeks.

Bull Shoals Tailwater

Just Fishing Guides said mornings are better than afternoons. Heavier flows are the norm in the afternoon as the weather heats up. Bead-head nymphs such as pheasant tails and hare’s ears are producing well. Early terrestrials like beetles and ants are getting some top-water action. Be sure to have some sulphur and light Cahill dries in your fly box. Try a hopper/dropper combo to maximize your chances of hook-ups or, if possible, a double-nymph rig. Doubles are very possible. Water releases have been all over the place but mainly in the afternoon for four-six hours, 1,500-6,000 cfs.

Lake Norfork

As of Tuesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 550.3 feet msl (normal conservation pool: September-April – 552 msl, April-September – 554 msl).

STR Outfitters Tom Reynolds said last week a major storm produced large waves and north wind for two days. Striper fishing slowed down after the storm. The stripers have remained inactive; trolling and spooning have produced the most fish this week. The fish are reacting to the quick movement of the lure, whereas live-bait fishing is slow. The stripers have too much time to study the bait. You can mark lots of fish but few takers. I expect next week’s normal weather should get the fish back in an active feeding pattern.

Guide Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service said the water temp is in the upper 70s to the low 80s. The fish are still in their summer patterns. Bass are still coming up early and just before dark, hitting top-water baits. Then you can throw a jig, Texas-rigged worm, Carolina rig or drop-shot to catch them after the top-water is over. At night, try a worm, salt craw (Texas-rigged) or a single-spin spinner bait. Look for stripers down at least 30 feet. I found some in a channel swing in a creek in 60 feet of water suspended at 30 feet, and caught a few on a jigging spoon.

Campground News: Jordan Campground on Norfork Lake is open April 1-Oct. 1 and managed by Jordan Marina. Formerly run by the Army Corps of Engineers, Jordan Campground is a favorite of families camping on the south end of Norfork Lake and is the gateway to Sand Island and Jordan area beaches. This area also is a favorite of scuba divers, with 30 dive sites within 2 miles of the campground. Jordan Campground has 41 RV and tent sites; sites with 50-amp service and 30-amp service are available for $20 per night. The campground, adjacent to Jordan Marina, also features a swimming beach, picnic pavilion, boat launch and two restrooms. For more information, call (870) 499-7223 or Jordan Marina at (870) 499-7348.

Norfork Tailwater

Randy Oliver at www.randyoliverguide.com (901-832-1903)

Northwest Arkansas

Beaver Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,116.7 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 1,120 msl).

Jason PiperJT’s Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass have been biting well early and late in the day on 6-inch Finesse worms on a three-eighths-ounce shaky head jighead around docks and along bluff lines or boulders. In the middle of the day, try using a 4-inch Finesse worm Carolina-rigged over main lake points and flats. Crappie fishing has been very good early in the day. Fish have been holding tight to brushpiles and timber in 20-35 feet of water close to bluff lines, along channel drops and under docks. Best lures have been 1.5-inch Curl Tail grubs or tubes on a sixteenth-ounce round jighead. Horseshoe Bend, White River upstream from War Eagle Marina, Monte NE and Eden Bluff have been good. White bass have been schooling lakewide late in the day over main lake flats and the adjacent coves. Alabama-rigged 2-inch Curly Tail grubs or Kastmaster spoons have been most effective once a school has been found. Catfishing has been great at night from the shore with liver or worms. Horseshoe Bend, Monte Ne, Hickory Creek and the Arkansas Highway 12 bridge have been good places to fish.

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the lake is clear and normal. Bream have been good with crickets . Crappie are fair. Try minnows around brushpiles or trolling Hot ’N Tots and smaller crankbaits. Bass are good, especially at night. Use spinners, plastic worms and jigs, or go with top-waters early and late in the day. Catfish have been poor.

Beaver Tailwater

Just Fishing Guides said mornings are better than afternoons. Heavier flows are the norm in the afternoon as the weather heats up. Bead-head nymphs such as pheasant tails and hare’s ears are producing well. Early terrestrials like beetles and ants are getting some top-water action. Be sure to have some sulphur and light Cahill dries in your fly box. Try a hopper/dropper combo to maximize your chances of hook-ups or, if possible, a double-nymph rig. Doubles are very possible. Water releases have been all over the place but mainly in the afternoon for four-five hours at 4,000 cfs.

Lake Elmdale

Kings River

Just Fishing Guides said the river gauge near Grandview was reading 2.43 feet and 194 cfs Wednesday. Warm-water streams and rivers have been fishing very well (although HOT!) lately with both quantity and quality fish being caught. Fly-fishing has been good with Bogle Bugs in white, Tequeely streamers, woolly buggers and Clouser minnows. The top-water bite with flies is really going gangbusters. Spotted bass are holding near woody debris. Smallmouth are in the deeper channels. Sunfish have been caught with about anything that hits the water. Small poppers, woolly buggers, spiders, beetles and hoppers are raking in the sunfish. Sometimes it is hard not to catch them. Spin fishing has picked up fish with white or gray Flukes, 4-inch Zoom lizards in watermelon red and tube baits in green pumpkinseed. Crankbaits, buzz baits and spinners have worked well also.

Lake Fayetteville

Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said bream fishing is good with crickets or worms. Crappie are fair on Crappie Candy, minnows and jigs; white bass are going for these, too. Bass are excellent with spinners and purple plastic worms. Catfish are good with worms, cut bait, night crawlers and chicken liver.

Lake Sequoyah

Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the lake was stained and 3 inches low. Water temperature is 87 degrees. Catfish are fair with chicken livers, shad and live bait. No reports on other species.

Upper White River (Twin Bridges area)

Just Fishing Guides said warm-water streams and rivers have been fishing very well (although HOT!) lately with both quantity and quality fish being caught. Fly-fishing has been good with Bogle Bugs in white, Tequeely streamers, woolly buggers and Clouser minnows. The top-water bite with flies is really going gangbusters. Spotted bass are holding near woody debris. Smallmouth are in the deeper channels. Sunfish have been caught with about anything that hits the water. Small poppers, woolly buggers, spiders, beetles and hoppers are raking in the sunfish. Sometimes it is hard not to catch them. Spin fishing has picked up fish with white or gray Flukes, 4-inch Zoom lizards in watermelon red and tube baits in green pumpkinseed. Crankbaits, buzz baits and spinners have worked well also.

Northeast Arkansas

Crown Lake

Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) reports the lake is clear and a foot low. Bream are fair on red worms and crickets. Crappie and bass have been poor. Catfish are good with worms and chicken liver.

Lake Frierson

Lake Frierson State Park filed no fishing report this week.

Spring River

Mark Crawford with Spring River Flies and Guides said water flow is 300 cfs at the spring and the water is clear. The river remains low and wading conditions have been great. Guppies, Y2ks and woolly buggers have been the hot flies over the week. With the low water it has been no problem to get down to the trout but with clear water the trout can get picky at times. Trout Magnets in hot pink are working really well. The Spring River runs a constant 58 degrees and feels really good during the hot weather we are having. Get out, catch some fish and have a good time.

Southeast Arkansas

Cane Creek Lake

Cane Creek State Park Geoff Wright said bream fishing was really picking up. Lots of good-sized panfish are being caught with crickets. The best spots are between underwater log piles and lily pads.

Southwest Arkansas

Millwood Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 259.6 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 259.2 msl).

Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the lake level remains slightly above normal. There is reduced current in the river. Little River’s oxbows have much improved water clarity. Warmer temperatures over the last week have again increased surface water temps, which range from 79 degrees early to 87 degrees later in the afternoon. Discharge rate as of Monday with 1 gate open at 0.4 feet, a total discharge of 175 CFS. The tailwater level as of Monday was 224.6. The best largemouth bass bite over the last week continues to be around dawn through mid-morning hours, then again a couple hours before dusk. Numerous techniques are catching bass, including buzz baits, soft-plastic Bass Assassin shad jerk baits; soft-plastic frogs and toads are working around grass and lily pads. Creature and hog baits like Brush Hogs, Pit Bosses, Wooly Bugs, and big, bulky 10-inch worms, spinner baits, and jigs around stumps, grass, new lily pad growth and wood laydowns in the oxbows, away from river current, are sporadically taking 14- to 16-inch largemouths. War Eagle spinner baits in spot remover or aurora colors, buzz baits in black shad, bleeding bluegill, and limetreuse colors, 10-inch worms in peanut butter ’n’ jelly or blue fleck, are working. Yum Wooly Bugs and Berkley Pit Bosses in watermelon red or California are best colors for bass over the last couple weeks. We are also catching 14- to 17-inch bass on stumps in 10- to 12-foot depths with magnum or over-sized Gizit tubes. The best colors of tubes in clearer water back in the oxbows are purple smoke, watermelon-red and green pumpkin. For the oxbows, pumpkin/chartreuse, black/blue, or Texas craw-colored StrikeWorks jigs around stumps, laydowns and in lily pad stems are working. Rat-L-Traps and Bomber crankbaits get bites from aggressive white bass roaming the oxbows in large, broken schools, and nice largemouth bass chasing shad. Whites are scattered along Little River and the oxbows in loose and broken schools, and can be found by trolling crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps in the Little River and the oxbows. Several broken schools were busting shad at the surface in McGuire and Horseshoe oxbow lakes up Little River over the last few weeks. Daylight is the best time for these schooling fish. Crappie have moved over planted brushpiles and can be located with electronics in 15- to 18-foot depths on jigs and grubs on light-wire jig heads in brushpiles and standing timber. Catfish are fair this week, mainly because of reduced current in Little River. Trotlines, yo-yos and tight lines, in any remaining current and break lines in the outer bends of Little River, are best bets. Blues and channel cats were biting best on cut bait, shad and cottonseed cake in 15-20 feet of Little River on the outer break lines in any remaining current, or on yo-yos tied along the Little River or hung from cypress tree limbs in 8-10 feet of water in the oxbows.

Lake Greeson

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 546.4 feet msl (Flood pool – 548 msl).

Lakeside Grocery and Bait (870-398-5304) said the lake is low and clear in deep water but murky in shallow areas. Surface temperature is 85 degrees. Bream have been good on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows in 20-25 feet of water. Bass are fair early and late in the day on worms, jigs and top-water baits around rocky points. Catfish are good; try chicken liver. On trotlines, try bream in about 10 feet of water. Walleye are good on jigs and crankbaits in deeper water.

For more information on crappie fishing at Lake Greeson, visit Jerry Blake’s website, www.actionfishingtrips.com/tripreports.htm.

Lake Greeson Tailwater (Little Missouri River)

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

DeGray Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 404.2 feet msl (flood pool – 408 msl).

Local angler George Graves reports that hummingbirds are still scarce, probably migrated to a more cooler and less arid area. Still plenty of rabbits. The lake’s surface water temperature is in the low 80s and the lake is clear throughout. Bass fishing is fair with a few surface-feeding fish being taken early in the morning. Look for breaking fish along the south side of the state park between Caddo Bend and DeRoche Ridge. Also some fish in the spillway area. Throw a Zara Spook, Sammy, Pop-R, Fluke or a 4-inch swim bait. The Alabama Rig is producing when the fish are schooling. Lure color is not too important as long as it is some natural shad pattern. Later in the day, fish the deep side of main lake points, ledges and humps in 15-30 feet of water. Try a Texas- or Carolina-rigged worm, (6-10 inches) in green pumpkin, red shad or June bug. Also a heavy half- to quarter-ounce jig with a plastic crawfish trailer has been fairly productive. Night bass fishing is picking up nicely on big double-blade spinner baits in black. Remember, the best night fishing is after midnight. Crappie fishing has really slowed and is fair. About the only time they are biting is early in the morning, even before sun-up. Look for attractors on the main lake at 20-25 feet deep. A minnow on a slip-float rig is the best bet. Set the float to have the minnow just above the brush or at about 15 feet. If you can’t use minnows, try a 2-inch Tennessee Shad grub or tube on a sixteenth-ounce jighead and fish vertically just above the thickest part of the brush. Add a Crappie Nibble to the jig; it really helps. Look for attractors between Alpine Ridge and Iron Mountain. Hybrid fishing remains good with the fish schooling along the south side between Point 4 and the mouth of Brushy Creek. Very few breaking fish, so use sonar to locate schools, which will be suspended about 20 feet down. Fish relate to humps, points and ledges. Best way to locate fish is to troll a 5-arm umbrella rig with 3-inch Curly Tail white grubs on quarter-ounce jigheads. Best trolling depth is 12-15 feet; fish will come up to the lure. Also try trolling a heavy chartreuse spoon. When fish are found by trolling, stop and throw spoons or big in-line spinners and work them up through the school. Best fishing is before sun-up and is usually over by 8 a.m. Bream fishing is good with the fish off the beds, but they are still shallow in most any cove with some rock or wood cover. Use red worms or crickets. Try tight-lining the bait at about 20 feet just off the bottom for bigger fish. Catfish are good on noodles and trotlines set at mid-lake. Use Catfish Charlie, blood bait, hot dogs/soap or night crawlers. For bigger cats, use small live bream or big minnows.

West-Central Arkansas

Lake Nimrod

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 344.6 feet msl (flood pool – 373 msl).

Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) said crappie are biting around brushpiles and the upper Fourche River on No. 6 and 8 minnows, Baby Shad, Slab Slay’R and Stroll’R in white/salt and pepper, red/chartreuse, bone white shad, and PowerBait Crappie Nibbles in green or yellow. Bream are biting great on red worms, meal worms, crickets and rock hoppers. Bass are going for tequila sunrise and dark worms, spinner baits, Rooster Tails and Flukes.

Lake Bailey (Petit Jean Mountain)

Whiskers Sporting Goods in Perryville (501-889-2011) said bream are biting great on night crawlers, red worms, meal worms, crickets and rock hoppers. Catfish are biting well on worms, minnows and goldfish. Bass are good on dark-colored worms, spinner baits, Rooster Tails and Flukes.

Fourche La Fave River

Whiskers Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) said the river is stained and very low. Crappie are hitting minnows and white/salt and pepper and red/chartreuse Baby Shad, and PowerBait Crappie Nibbles in green or yellow. Catfish are fair. Try stink bait, livers and goldfish in the river. Bass are going for tequila sunrise and dark worms, spinner baits, Rooster Tails and Flukes.

Lake Hamilton

For a daily fishing report from Darryl Morris, visit Family Fishing Trips.

Lake Hinkle

Bill’s Bait Shop (479-637-7419) said the lake is clear and normal. Bream are excellent, mostly on crickets. Crappie are fair; try minnows and jigs in deep water. Bass have been good with crankbaits, spinners and minnows. Catfish are good with chicken liver.

Blue Mountain Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 386.4 feet msl (flood pool – 419 msl).

Lake Ouachita

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 386.4 feet msl (flood pool – 419 msl).

Lake Catherine

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

Shane Goodner,reports the water temperature below Carpenter Dam is 59 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Regular generation schedules have kept water temperatures down to safe levels, which has greatly aided the area fish population in the shallow water around the dam. Moss growth is heavy in many areas so anglers should avoid bottom-fishing techniques in these overgrown areas. Rainbow trout fishing is very slow with the majority of fish caught or migrated away from the dam. This is normal for this time of year, especially since the lack of flooding in April and early May allowed anglers to catch hundreds of trout during this period. A few trout are being caught, but numbers are low and will remain that way until the stocking schedule begins again in November. The typical bite pattern that fishermen can expect is a small number of strikes each trip and then a complete shutdown in activity. Live bait is a must for any success to be had and should include wax worms and red worms, along with small minnows and crickets. Corn will entice finicky rainbows to bite since whole kernel corn closely resembles a fish egg. These baits, whether presented on the bottom or under a bobber, provide anglers the best chances for catching trout. Also, avoid periods of generation and target slack-water periods for best results. Walleye move into the tailrace during summer in search of cooler water and to feed on threadfin shad. Carolina rigs tipped with live minnows or night crawlers have taken fish in the 3- to 5-pound class during the last week. The best times to fish are at night or in the late evening. White bass are being caught in the current on black/silver jerk baits and white jigs. These fish are chasing shad and thrive close to the dam in the deep pockets of water. Hot temperatures bring the striper schools close to dam because stripers and hybrids seek highly oxygenated water, which is plentiful around hydro-electric facilities. Balloon rigs hooked with gizzard or brood shad have been the techniques to use when targeting these large predator fish that often ignore large artificial lures. Most of the bass caught have been in the 10- to 12-pound class, but much larger stripers have been seen below the bridge in the main channel. Alabama rigs trolled or cast have accounted for numerous catches of both species. Action is often short-lived so anglers much be observant for top-water activity and be ready to act.

East Arkansas

Bear Creek Lake

Mississippi River State Park said shellcrackers have been excellent about 2 feet deep in shaded coves around logs using crickets. Catfish are biting fairly well on worms and crickets in shaded coves around logs. Bass are fair on top-water lures in deeper water early in the morning and in the evening. Crappie have been fair on worms around banks.

Storm Creek Lake

Mississippi River State Park said fisherman at Storm Creek Lake said bream are good on plastic worms and crickets early in the morning and late in the evening. Bass are slow to bite early in the morning; try fishing with top-water lures. Catfish are good on trotlines.

White River

Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) had no report this week.

Maddox Bay

Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said the water is clear and low. Bream are good, especially with jigs and minnows. Crappie reports have been good; try trolling minnows and jigs. Bass are good on buzz baits, spinners and crankbaits. Catfish are good with worms and stink bait.

Horseshoe Lake

Local angler Clyde Gregory said the water is clear and at normal level. Bream are good in lily pads cypress trees; try worms and crickets. Crappie are poor. Bass have been fair on frogs in lily pads. Catfish are good; try cut bait or night crawlers on limblines.