“The rainbows have been feisty and paying most attention to orange baits, and the average size continues to increase. Xfactor steelhead orange eggs are a favorite for two weeks running paired with a bead of shrimp or used alone. Lures with orange bellies were favored, too. However, the jig fishers found most success with brown or brown/orange-colored jigs, one-sixteenth- or one-eighth-ounce, depending on water depth.
“Lower water level also means finding the deeper holes and drifting over them if you’re looking for the browns. The brown bite has been good, and we’re still seeing action with sculpin and minnows. The shad bite is picking up and will get stronger as the cold weather approaches.
“You’ll enjoy your fishing adventures much more if you come prepared for Arkansas weather extremes. This week we experienced some cool autumn mornings (as low as 52 degrees) however, the afternoon sunshine brought temperatures up to the low 80s. Whatever the weather, we celebrate life here in The Natural State and always look forward to meeting fellow trout lovers.”
Calico Rock Area
(updated 10-8-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We continue to see rising water levels in the morning, then cresting late morning and dropping throughout the afternoon. Fishing has been consistent with plenty of trout being caught with numerous 14-inch-plus inch trout being caught. In the morning better fishing has been down river and, in the afternoon, better fishing has been upriver. Thompson Colorado ¼ ounce spoons in nickel/gold are working well. We are also seeing success with Rapala Countdown CD5 or CD7 in rainbow trout and brown trout. If your arm gets tired casting and retrieving lures try a #7 split shot about 8 inches up the line from a silver in line spinner with a number 2 hook with two Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. The AGFC stocking raft stocked 1075 rainbows from the Calico Rock boat ramp to Glass Island about a mile downriver, an additional 1075 rainbows were stocked at the boat ramp, 800 rainbows stocked at Chessmond Ferry boat ramp and 800 rainbows stocked at the Mt. Olive boat ramp.
