08-22-2008, 11:10 AM
This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's fishing report for August 20. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please call or e-mail us with information on possible sources for that lake or river.
Fishing Tip: During summer, all fish are active and must move around and eat more than during cold months. While a slowly falling lure is deadly in winter, summer fishing is more about drawing a reaction strike. Buzzbaits, heavily weighted worms and jigs, and lipless crankbaits are top-producers in warm water.
Arkansas River Levels are available at
http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WCDS/Re...o_rvrs.txt
White River Levels are available at<br />
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/t...hite.shtml
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Conway: Dan at Gold Creek Landing (501-607-0590) reports the bream are still biting well on crickets and worms against the bank. Crappie are slow. Bass are fair on frogs and buzzbaits fished near the creek channels. Catfish are good on trotlines.
Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is clear and low with one generator running. Trout fishing is good on Power Bait and wax worms with marshmallow combinations. Fly fishing has been very good on San Juan worms.
Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Powerhouse is releasing small amounts of water every day. Only one generator is being used for an hour or so beginning around 3 p.m. Every third day, the volume of water is increased by 50 percent. Fishing on the Little Red is incredible. A hopper-dropper is a particularly effective fly combination this time of year. Attach a size 10-12 hopper pattern to your tippet and use it as a strike indicator. Tie some skinny tippet material (6X) to the bend of the hopper hook and a midge fly pattern (#18-#22) about 18 inches below. You should get strikes on both flies during the day. Keep your false casts to a minimum to prevent tangles with this setup. Just don't use the combo anywhere regulations restrict anglers to a single hooking point. Effective dry flies include the crackleback (#12), adams (#18-#16) and royal coachman (#16). Good subsurface attractors include sowbugs (#14-#16; peacock, UV tan, UV gray or olive), zebra midge (#16-#22; red or black), copper john (#14-#16), hare's ear nymph (#14), San Juan worm (#14-#12; red or cerise) and wooly bugger (#8-#12; olive, brown or black).
Greers Ferry: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 461.39 feet MSL.
Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water temperature has dropped about 7 degrees from last week. The bass fishing is good. Most fish have moved shallow and can be caught with spinnerbaits, topwaters, crankbaits, and Rat-L-Traps. The bite should stay good through fall. Catfishing is good throughout the lake; all species are biting a variety of prepared baits on flats close to deep water. Some walleye are being caught on spoons, crankbaits and dragged nightcrawlers in 27-34 feet of water. Bream have finished spawning, but are still shallow. Try crickets and nightcrawlers. Crappie fishing is pretty good in the standing timber in 15-20 feet of water and on brush piles in 20-25 feet of water with a jig/minnow combination or Roadrunner. White bass and hybrids are roaming and suspended. There is some surface action, but it is all over the lake. They are not holding on any structure and the cooler water should push the shad down, making them even harder to find.
Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair on crickets. Bass are being caught on buzzbaits and plastic worms.
Lake Beaverfork: The City of Conway Parks and Recreation Department said the water is murky and at normal level. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing is good on jigs. Catfishing is good on chicken liver.
Lake Overcup: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature in the low 80s. Bream are fair on crickets and worms. Catfish are biting well on trotlines with cut bait and live bait.
Brewer Lake: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well around banks on crickets and worms. Crappie are biting well in deep water on minnows and jigs. Catfishing is good on goldfish and cut bait.
Lake Maumelle: Jolly Roger's Marina said the water temperature is 80 degrees, down from 88 degrees last week. Black bass are biting well. Kentuckies are biting very well in about 8 to 10 feet of water on 6-inch finesse worms. Largemouths are mixed with the Kentuckies and can be found about 15 feet deep as well. White bass are slow. Schooling activity has slowed, but some is around Jim's Island and the Chimney. A CC Spoon is about the best way to entice the whites right now. Crappie are fair in 20 feet of water in small jigs and minnows. Bream are excellent on small worms and jigs in 10 to 15 feet of water. Catfishing is good about 20 feet deep on live sunfish and prepared baits. North Shore and the Reese area have been good bets for catfish.
Sunset Lake: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets. Catfishing is good on Magic Bait.
Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is clear and low. Bream are biting well on yellow and black Rooster Tails. Bass are good on top-water lures. Catfishing is good on any bait.
Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley's Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said crappie are fair 15 to 20 feet deep on minnows. Drum are biting well near jetties on crawfish. Bream are biting well along grass lines in backwater areas on crickets. Black bass are very good early on buzzbaits and black jigs. Kentucky bass are fair near rock bluffs or any structure on crankbaits and black Spooks. Catfishing is very good early and late on cut bait and whole shad. Catfish are also doing well below dams 9 and 10 on live bait.
Arkansas River in Little Rock: Vince Miller from Fish "˜N Stuff said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well near brush on crickets. Crappie are being caught on jigs. Bass are fair on crankbaits.
Little Maumelle River: Josh Jeffers at Pinnacle Mountain State Park (501-868-5806) said the water level is receding and the surface temperature ranges from 80 to 85 degrees. The water visibility and clarity is low. Bream are biting fair on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow on shiners and black/chartreuse 1/8-oz. crappie jigs. Bass are fair, and are being caught on small top-water baits and frogs early in the mornings and late in the afternoons. Texas-rigged creature baits are working well around thick grass and vegetation in the heat of the day. Small crankbaits and jigs are producing good fish around ledges and drops. Catfish are biting fairly well on nightcrawlers and different types of stink bait around ledges and drops.
Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said bass are fair on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is good on shad and nightcrawlers.
Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said water conditions are normal. All species are slow.
Peckerwood Lake: Herman's Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is clear and low. Crappie are excellent on jigs and minnows. Catfishing is good on any bait.
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Sportsman's White River Resort said water conditions are normal with eight generators running. Trout have been fair on lures and plastic pink or red trout worms.
John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a real hot spot. The better fishing is in the morning when it is much cooler the water flows are generally a bit lower than in the afternoon. Most are caught on midge or worm patterns fished under an indicator with a lot of weight to get it down to the bottom. Hot flies have been black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead, San Juan worms in bright colors (cerise, hot pink and red). Many anglers were reporting success fishing sowbugs. There have been several reports of larger fish being caught on streamers. Cast to the bank and vary your retrieve to figure out whether they want it fast or slow. The hot new pattern has been Jim Mengle's Ozark Sculpin on a sink tip or full sinking line to get it down to the bottom. The section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter is producing well. There is still quite a bit of pressure here. The hot flies are trout crack, sow bugs, zebra midges and brightly colored San Juan worms. Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals catch and release section. It has received a bit more pressure lately, but it is not crowded except at lunch when a lot of guides pull in.
Mountain River Fly Shop said some anglers reported good action from Wildcat to Ranchette on heavily-weighted olive, black or "Bow River" buggers on a floating line. Streamers are also producing well, even in the middle of the day. You might not catch as many as on the drifted eggs and worms but it's a lot of fun. Work your flies close to the banks, over grassbeds and drop-offs. The section from Cotter to Wildcat has been fishing very well with eggs and worms. Run a red, orange or flame egg in front of a San Juan worm or dynamite worm. Sowbugs have been working well in the dam area as well.
Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 683.17 feet MSL.
Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock said bass are fair on 1/2 -ounce spoons fished in 28 to 32 feet of water around bluff ends and standing timber. Flukes, Spooks and other topwaters are working during low-light hours. Bass are fair on nightcrawlers and ¼-ounce white Road Runners in fished over the top of brush and standing trees in 25 to 35 feet of water. Drop-shot rigs are working in the same areas as well. White bass are fair on trolled Shad Raps and minnow-style stick baits in 25 to 35 feet of water. Some are being caught on spoons as well. Walleye have moved to the thermocline around 25 to 32 feet of water. Spoons are working well, as are nightcrawlers tightlined on a split-shot rig. Trolling shallow and medium-diving Reef Runners and Wally Divers is working around 25 feet deep. Crappie are slow and scattered. Night fishing under lights is the best way to produce some fish this time of year. Catfishing is good in shallower water on stinkbait, liver, shrimp and live sunfish.
Lake Norfork:As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 568.13 feet MSL.
101 Grocery and Bait said visibility is good and the water temperature is in the mid to high 80s. Striped bass fishing is good. Walleye fishing has been fair. Bluegill fishing is good. White bass fishing is fair. Largemouth bass are biting well on topwaters in the evenings. Smallmouth are fair. Catfishing is fair. Crappie fishing is fair.
Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said all species are slow
Norfork Tailwater: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the Norfork is not fishing as well as it has recently. There has been a lot of boat traffic, especially considering the width of the Norfork as compared to the White. Dry Run Creek Youth Area is still producing some really big fish. This has been the most comfortable place to fish in the twin Lakes area. The narrow valley and heavy tree cover help keep the temperatures on the creek several degrees cooler than any where else around. Wet wading in the creek has been the ticket to beating the heat. The hot flies have been sowbugs and San Juan worms.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 1,127.23 feet MSL.
JT's Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass fishing has been a bit slow. Try main-lake and secondary points using Carolina-rigged worms and drop-shot rigs. Crappie have been biting around main-lake brush piles. Once one is found, float a minnow over top the brush or vertically jig a Shineee Hineee jig next to the pile. Hickory Creek and Monte-NE have been good places to look. Whites have been schooling randomly around Hickory Creek and hitting small casting spoons early and late. Stripers have been hitting deep-diving crankbaits near Rocky Branch. Catfish have been biting well all over the lake from shore at night on worms and liver. Bluegill have been 2 to 6 feet deep along bluffs and docks and can be caught on crickets.
Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is murky and high. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are fair early on top-water lures and spinnerbaits. At night, jigs and plastics seem to be working well.
Beaver Tailwater: Ken Richards at justfishinguides.com said the water level is finally getting down to where wading is possible near the dam. Fly fishing has been very good with gray scuds fished under an indicator from 2-5 feet deep. Curved shank hooks are working better than straight shank hook patterns. Midges are working but not as well. Beadhead zebra midges in black/silver, gray/blue and red/gold are best. Many trout within the slot are being caught along with multiple species of warmwater fish.
Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said the water is murky and at normal level. A few bream have been caught on crickets. Some black bass have been caught on buzzbaits.
Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the water is dingy and at normal level. All fishing is slow.
Sugarloaf Lake: Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) said the water is clear and low. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are fair on plastic worms.
Kings River: Ken Richards at justfishinguides.com said the recent rain has brought the levels back up to good floating. Muddy water right after the rain calls for dark baits and flies with a larger profile to move some water. Floating and fishing should continue to be good with the forecast. Buzz baits, chuggers and torpedoes are working well, as are crease minnows, streamers, large hair poppers and crawdads for fly-fishermen.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Charles: Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the water temperature is 70-72 degrees. Water clarity is around 10 inches. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Catfish are biting fair on minnows and worms.
Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Catfishing is good on stink bait and chicken liver.
Lake Frierson: Lake Frierson State Park said the water is murky and low. Bream are fair on worms. Crappie are biting well near brush on minnows. Catfish are biting on chicken liver and worms.
Spring River : Mark's Fly Shop said water levels are low and the water is clear. Turning over rocks this week has produced lime-colored caddis nymphs, black size 18 mayfly nymphs and short brown aquatic worms. Stomach contents from fish this week have contained crawfish, snails and moss. Cocktail shrimp have remained the go to bait for bait fisherman this week.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Monticello: Greg Gulledge with Basshunters Custom Crankbaits said fishing on Lake Monticello hasn't changed much since last week. The deep worm bite is still slower than normal. There are still a few nice bass coming in on the big worm in 8 to 20 feet. Schooling activity seems to be improving with cooler temperatures. The schoolers average 3 to 4 lbs. on Basshunter Kill Gills and Super Spook Jrs. Hopefully the cooling temps will help the top-water fishing in the coming weeks.
Lake Chicot: Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said the water is murky and at normal level. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows.<br />
Grand Lake: Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said all species are slow.
SOUTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Moro Bay: Moro Bay State Park said recent rainfall brought the river up 5 feet above normal summer level. The rise was swift and the fall has been pretty fast as well. The fresh rainwater brings with it sediment and debris which adds to the cloudiness of the river, further reducing visibility. These factors make fish harder to catch but not impossible. A few bass in the 1lb range have been caught on plastic worms in the river. The bream are still biting some for bank fishermen on red wigglers but crappie fishing is tough. Only the most experienced crappie fishermen are catching fish and they refuse to reveal the exact locations of their secret spots.
Tri-County Lake - Fishing is on the slow side. Bass are biting decently early in the morning on light-colored, shallow-running crankbaits. They are moving into the channels around mid-morning. No report on any other species.<br />
Ouachita River Oxbows - Crappie finally picked up in the Ouachita River oxbows where some fishermen were limiting out on minnows fished 4 feet deep around brush. Bass are still hitting some darker top-water baits in the morning and worms in the mid-morning and evening. Bream are good around cypress trees on crickets fished about 2 feet deep.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Millwood Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 259.58 feet MSL.
Millwood Lake Guide Service said the water clarity is 2 to 5 inches in the main lake away from current. The surface temperature is 77 to 82 degrees. Current in Little River is 3,194 cubic feet per second. All USACE boat ramps and campgrounds are open, as of Monday. The State Park has one boat ramp still under repair, but the one closer to the campgrounds is open. Bass continue to bite very well, definitely the best during early and late hours. The most consistent reaction bite is on toads, Bass Assassin Shads, white jigs with white chunk trailers, and 10- or 12-inch worms. Top-water action is the best right at daylight and dusk on Jitterbugs, Spit'n Images, buzzing toads and buzzbaits. The crankbait bite has improved. Fat Free Shads and Cordell Big O's in shad colors are working around flooded timber and laydowns. Bass Assassin Shads in blue glimmer or baby bass are best for a reaction bite in heavy lily pad stands. Wacky Worms, Salty Rat Tails and trick worms in watermelon/red, kiwi or peanut butter-and-jelly continue working. Siefert's Buzz Baits continue to draw good bites around pads and Primrose grass from 1-6 foot deep. Most early buzzbait fish are ranging from 15-19 inches long. War Eagle spinnerbaits, in Firecracker, Hot Mouse, or Aurora colors, are still working around flooded vegetation and cypress trees close to deep water. Rat-L-Traps in Sexy Shad, Shad Daddy and Silver are working as well. The crappie bite slowed with the low-clarity water. The most consistent bite remains on live shiners, grubs on light-wire jigheads, and white/chartreuse hair jigs. Blue cats and channel cats improved this week on trotlines using cut shad, Charlie or chicken livers. Bream continue to bite well along the banks on crickets and redworms around docks and cypress trees at Yarborough Landing, Jack's Isle, and Millwood State Park.
Cossatot River: Davy Ashcraft at Cossatot River State Park (870-385-2201) said USGA states that the water level is 2.11 feet, with the surface temperatures ranging from 75 to 80 degrees. With the water levels back to normal and the cooler temperatures, conditions are great for fishing. Bream are biting excellently on worms and crickets in 3 feet of water. Smallmouth bass are biting well on green pumpkin finesse worms and crawdad crankbaits around structure in the deeper pools at 4 to 5 feet of water. Small, dark-colored grubs and Rooster Tails are doing well, too. Black Bass are good with some being taken on dark colored finesse worms and dark colored grubs fished around deep structure, and as always minnow-rigged setups are producing some limits of bass. Catfish are hit and miss; most are being caught at night on nightcrawlers. Many fish are being caught across the park and as far south as the backwater of the lake.
Lake Columbia: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said the water is muddy and high. All species are slow.
Lake Erling: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said the water is muddy and high. All species are slow.
White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park said the water level is rising, temperature is lower and clarity is murky. Bream are hitting worms and crickets very well. Catfishing is good on minnows. Bass and crappie are slow.
Lake Greeson: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 544.41 feet MSL.
Lakeside Grocery (870-398-5304) said the water is clear and low with a surface temperature at 88 degrees. Bream are fair on crickets. Bass are fair near rocky points on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms. Stripers are schooling in the morning towards the dam. Jigs and spoons are working great. Catfishing is good on trotlines and jugs with goldfish and bream.
Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips Guide Service said the water temperature is starting to cool, but the crappie and bass are not turned on yet like they will be later this fall. Stripers are excellent in deep water. Limits have been caught in as little as 30 minutes.
DeGray Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 401.98 feet MSL.
DeGray One Stop (501-865-3511) had no report.
Charles at Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina said the water temperature is 83 degrees. Largemouth bass are schooling early and late in the day. Tiny Torpedoes, Zara Spooks and Rooster Tails are working well on the schoolers. During mid-day, bass are biting well on watermelon-colored jigs, 11-inch Red Bug, Cherry Seed, Tequila Green or Bloodline worms. Night fishing is still very good for bass. Kentucky bass are biting well on live crayfish 20-26 feet deep on points and drop offs. Hybrids are excellent on live shad fished 35-45 feet deep around the Dam and Caddo Bend areas. Some are schooling early and late and can be caught on topwaters and jigging spoons. Crappie are good on Tennessee shad grubs and live minnows fished around brush piles and moss points in 18-22 feet of water. Catfishing is good on trotlines and jugs baited with cut shad or live minnows. Bream are great on worms and crickets in 8-16 feet of water.
WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Dardanelle:Eric Pratt at Lake Dardanelle State Park said cooler weather has finally made it bearable to be able to spend a day out on the lake fishing. Bass tournaments have slowed down at the park. River flow through Lake Dardanelle is 46,000 CFS. Water temperature is 85 degrees. Anglers are reporting that bass are hitting crankbaits, black spinnerbaits, black/blue jigs and junebug Texas-rigged worms working old creek channels and rock piles. Catfish are still biting well on prepared baits, worms, cut shad and crickets. Bluegill and green sunfish are being caught on crickets and worms just about anywhere you can find some cover hanging in the water.
Murphy's Sporting Goods (479-229-3200) said the water is murky and low. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Catfishing is good on stink bait, chicken liver and shad.
Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said the water is clear and high. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair in creeks and backwater on minnows. Black bass are biting well on crankbaits and soft plastics. Catfish are fair on worms and cut bait.
Lake Ouachita: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 574.03 feet MSL.
Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said the bite has actually been pretty good with good breaking action in the mornings and bass and stripers running together chasing shad. Topwaters have produced, but the best bite has been on shallow-running crankbaits and jigging spoons. Stripers are hitting extremely well on large Berkley swimbaits. After the morning bite is over, fish a 10-inch worm on a 3/8-oz. weight and target the outside edge of the grass in 25 feet of water.
Mountain Harbor Resort said the water is clearing up and surface temperatures are 86 to 90 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged worms and jighead worms. Walleye are biting well on spoons and spinner rigs with a crawler harness fished over main-lake points. Stripers are still very good on live bait with shad or trotline minnows. White ½-oz. jigs and ¾-oz. spoons are working as well. Try around Brady Mountain and Bird Island. Bream are still very good with crickets or worms in 18 to 25 feet of water. Crappie are still slow and being caught over grass and brush. Try large moss flats and brush in water 20 to 30 feet deep. Catfish are very good and being caught on cut bait and live bait on jug lines and trotlines.
Trader Bill's said the rain has helped the bite a little. Some schooling action has been seen for stripers and black bass in open water. Small spoons, tailspinners and Zara Puppies are working on the schooling fish. Larger Sammies will work as well.
Dave Lindhag of Striped Bass Adventures (501-760-6474) said the cooldown was nice for boating, but may impact the fishing. Stripers are biting sporadically, but the bite is still good. Most are being caught in 25 to 40 feet of water on live shad around main-lake points with trees. If you can get them stirred up, you can catch a limit quickly. When going through a probable area, try to use your electric trolling motor instead of an outboard to troll over the school. Some anglers are reporting some decent striper fishing at the dam intake in the evenings.
Lake Hamilton: Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said bass fishing is very good at night using 10-inch Berkley worms with small weights 12 to 18 feet deep.
Trader Bill's said stripers are decent on spoons and live bait. Bass are scattered, but some are being caught on buzzbaits and spinnerbaits in creeks and coves.
Lake Catherine:Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, reports that before the heavy rains set in Entergy ran the turbines for 12-hour periods. This is a normal summertime pattern and provides Hot Springs with electricity as the need arises. August through November are very slow months for trout fishing at Carpenter Dam. Many of the fish have been caught or eaten by this time. Some trout are still being caught, but as reported, the numbers are low and inconsistent. Restocking begins again in late November. Striper and hybrid activity has been fair with most of the good fishing happening in the early morning hours just after the turbines are started. This sudden movement of water causes the threadfin shad to move away from the banks and out into open water where they are easy prey. Topwater action can be fierce at times but does not continue for long periods. Fishermen need to be in position when feeding is taking place and capitalize on the small window of opportunity. Many of these stripers are in the 20-pound range and can be caught on white ¼-ounce jigs and 6 to 8-inch soft plastics fished weightless. Live bait rigs have caught the most fish. Brood and gizzard shad work better than goldfish or bream at Carpenter Dam. Some quality hybrids have been taken on 1/8-ounce jigs in shad or white colors. These fish tend to stay on the outside of the feeding striper schools where competition for food is lower.
Diamond Head Marina (501-262-2272) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well near stumps on crickets. Bass are fair on artificial baits. Walleye are biting well on minnows in 7 to 10 feet of water.
Lake Atkins: Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said the water is clear and low. Bream are excellent in deep water on crickets. Crappie are good deep on minnows. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing is excellent on any bait.
EAST ARKANSAS
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): River City Sporting Goods (870-534-8303) said the water is murky and a little high. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing is good on shad, shrimp and nightcrawlers.
White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is murky and high. Bream are biting well on worms. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfish are good on any bait.
Maddox Bay:Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are fair on crankbaits.
Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said the water is dingy and high. Bream are fair on crickets and worms.
Horseshoe Lake: Local angler Clyde Gregory said water conditions are good. Crappie are fair in deep water on minnows. Catfishing is excellent on stink bait, cut bait and nightcrawlers.<br />
Island 40 Chute: Daily's Boat Dock (870-739-3478) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets and wax worms. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are being caught on spinnerbaits and top-water lures. Catfishing is excellent on stink bait.
Fishing Tip: During summer, all fish are active and must move around and eat more than during cold months. While a slowly falling lure is deadly in winter, summer fishing is more about drawing a reaction strike. Buzzbaits, heavily weighted worms and jigs, and lipless crankbaits are top-producers in warm water.
Arkansas River Levels are available at
http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WCDS/Re...o_rvrs.txt
White River Levels are available at<br />
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/t...hite.shtml
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Conway: Dan at Gold Creek Landing (501-607-0590) reports the bream are still biting well on crickets and worms against the bank. Crappie are slow. Bass are fair on frogs and buzzbaits fished near the creek channels. Catfish are good on trotlines.
Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is clear and low with one generator running. Trout fishing is good on Power Bait and wax worms with marshmallow combinations. Fly fishing has been very good on San Juan worms.
Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Powerhouse is releasing small amounts of water every day. Only one generator is being used for an hour or so beginning around 3 p.m. Every third day, the volume of water is increased by 50 percent. Fishing on the Little Red is incredible. A hopper-dropper is a particularly effective fly combination this time of year. Attach a size 10-12 hopper pattern to your tippet and use it as a strike indicator. Tie some skinny tippet material (6X) to the bend of the hopper hook and a midge fly pattern (#18-#22) about 18 inches below. You should get strikes on both flies during the day. Keep your false casts to a minimum to prevent tangles with this setup. Just don't use the combo anywhere regulations restrict anglers to a single hooking point. Effective dry flies include the crackleback (#12), adams (#18-#16) and royal coachman (#16). Good subsurface attractors include sowbugs (#14-#16; peacock, UV tan, UV gray or olive), zebra midge (#16-#22; red or black), copper john (#14-#16), hare's ear nymph (#14), San Juan worm (#14-#12; red or cerise) and wooly bugger (#8-#12; olive, brown or black).
Greers Ferry: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 461.39 feet MSL.
Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water temperature has dropped about 7 degrees from last week. The bass fishing is good. Most fish have moved shallow and can be caught with spinnerbaits, topwaters, crankbaits, and Rat-L-Traps. The bite should stay good through fall. Catfishing is good throughout the lake; all species are biting a variety of prepared baits on flats close to deep water. Some walleye are being caught on spoons, crankbaits and dragged nightcrawlers in 27-34 feet of water. Bream have finished spawning, but are still shallow. Try crickets and nightcrawlers. Crappie fishing is pretty good in the standing timber in 15-20 feet of water and on brush piles in 20-25 feet of water with a jig/minnow combination or Roadrunner. White bass and hybrids are roaming and suspended. There is some surface action, but it is all over the lake. They are not holding on any structure and the cooler water should push the shad down, making them even harder to find.
Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair on crickets. Bass are being caught on buzzbaits and plastic worms.
Lake Beaverfork: The City of Conway Parks and Recreation Department said the water is murky and at normal level. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing is good on jigs. Catfishing is good on chicken liver.
Lake Overcup: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature in the low 80s. Bream are fair on crickets and worms. Catfish are biting well on trotlines with cut bait and live bait.
Brewer Lake: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well around banks on crickets and worms. Crappie are biting well in deep water on minnows and jigs. Catfishing is good on goldfish and cut bait.
Lake Maumelle: Jolly Roger's Marina said the water temperature is 80 degrees, down from 88 degrees last week. Black bass are biting well. Kentuckies are biting very well in about 8 to 10 feet of water on 6-inch finesse worms. Largemouths are mixed with the Kentuckies and can be found about 15 feet deep as well. White bass are slow. Schooling activity has slowed, but some is around Jim's Island and the Chimney. A CC Spoon is about the best way to entice the whites right now. Crappie are fair in 20 feet of water in small jigs and minnows. Bream are excellent on small worms and jigs in 10 to 15 feet of water. Catfishing is good about 20 feet deep on live sunfish and prepared baits. North Shore and the Reese area have been good bets for catfish.
Sunset Lake: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets. Catfishing is good on Magic Bait.
Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is clear and low. Bream are biting well on yellow and black Rooster Tails. Bass are good on top-water lures. Catfishing is good on any bait.
Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley's Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said crappie are fair 15 to 20 feet deep on minnows. Drum are biting well near jetties on crawfish. Bream are biting well along grass lines in backwater areas on crickets. Black bass are very good early on buzzbaits and black jigs. Kentucky bass are fair near rock bluffs or any structure on crankbaits and black Spooks. Catfishing is very good early and late on cut bait and whole shad. Catfish are also doing well below dams 9 and 10 on live bait.
Arkansas River in Little Rock: Vince Miller from Fish "˜N Stuff said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well near brush on crickets. Crappie are being caught on jigs. Bass are fair on crankbaits.
Little Maumelle River: Josh Jeffers at Pinnacle Mountain State Park (501-868-5806) said the water level is receding and the surface temperature ranges from 80 to 85 degrees. The water visibility and clarity is low. Bream are biting fair on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow on shiners and black/chartreuse 1/8-oz. crappie jigs. Bass are fair, and are being caught on small top-water baits and frogs early in the mornings and late in the afternoons. Texas-rigged creature baits are working well around thick grass and vegetation in the heat of the day. Small crankbaits and jigs are producing good fish around ledges and drops. Catfish are biting fairly well on nightcrawlers and different types of stink bait around ledges and drops.
Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said bass are fair on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is good on shad and nightcrawlers.
Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said water conditions are normal. All species are slow.
Peckerwood Lake: Herman's Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is clear and low. Crappie are excellent on jigs and minnows. Catfishing is good on any bait.
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Sportsman's White River Resort said water conditions are normal with eight generators running. Trout have been fair on lures and plastic pink or red trout worms.
John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the upper river from Bull Shoals Dam, through the State Park down to Cane Island Shoals has been a real hot spot. The better fishing is in the morning when it is much cooler the water flows are generally a bit lower than in the afternoon. Most are caught on midge or worm patterns fished under an indicator with a lot of weight to get it down to the bottom. Hot flies have been black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead, San Juan worms in bright colors (cerise, hot pink and red). Many anglers were reporting success fishing sowbugs. There have been several reports of larger fish being caught on streamers. Cast to the bank and vary your retrieve to figure out whether they want it fast or slow. The hot new pattern has been Jim Mengle's Ozark Sculpin on a sink tip or full sinking line to get it down to the bottom. The section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter is producing well. There is still quite a bit of pressure here. The hot flies are trout crack, sow bugs, zebra midges and brightly colored San Juan worms. Another hot spot has been the Rim Shoals catch and release section. It has received a bit more pressure lately, but it is not crowded except at lunch when a lot of guides pull in.
Mountain River Fly Shop said some anglers reported good action from Wildcat to Ranchette on heavily-weighted olive, black or "Bow River" buggers on a floating line. Streamers are also producing well, even in the middle of the day. You might not catch as many as on the drifted eggs and worms but it's a lot of fun. Work your flies close to the banks, over grassbeds and drop-offs. The section from Cotter to Wildcat has been fishing very well with eggs and worms. Run a red, orange or flame egg in front of a San Juan worm or dynamite worm. Sowbugs have been working well in the dam area as well.
Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 683.17 feet MSL.
Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock said bass are fair on 1/2 -ounce spoons fished in 28 to 32 feet of water around bluff ends and standing timber. Flukes, Spooks and other topwaters are working during low-light hours. Bass are fair on nightcrawlers and ¼-ounce white Road Runners in fished over the top of brush and standing trees in 25 to 35 feet of water. Drop-shot rigs are working in the same areas as well. White bass are fair on trolled Shad Raps and minnow-style stick baits in 25 to 35 feet of water. Some are being caught on spoons as well. Walleye have moved to the thermocline around 25 to 32 feet of water. Spoons are working well, as are nightcrawlers tightlined on a split-shot rig. Trolling shallow and medium-diving Reef Runners and Wally Divers is working around 25 feet deep. Crappie are slow and scattered. Night fishing under lights is the best way to produce some fish this time of year. Catfishing is good in shallower water on stinkbait, liver, shrimp and live sunfish.
Lake Norfork:As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 568.13 feet MSL.
101 Grocery and Bait said visibility is good and the water temperature is in the mid to high 80s. Striped bass fishing is good. Walleye fishing has been fair. Bluegill fishing is good. White bass fishing is fair. Largemouth bass are biting well on topwaters in the evenings. Smallmouth are fair. Catfishing is fair. Crappie fishing is fair.
Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said all species are slow
Norfork Tailwater: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the Norfork is not fishing as well as it has recently. There has been a lot of boat traffic, especially considering the width of the Norfork as compared to the White. Dry Run Creek Youth Area is still producing some really big fish. This has been the most comfortable place to fish in the twin Lakes area. The narrow valley and heavy tree cover help keep the temperatures on the creek several degrees cooler than any where else around. Wet wading in the creek has been the ticket to beating the heat. The hot flies have been sowbugs and San Juan worms.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 1,127.23 feet MSL.
JT's Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass fishing has been a bit slow. Try main-lake and secondary points using Carolina-rigged worms and drop-shot rigs. Crappie have been biting around main-lake brush piles. Once one is found, float a minnow over top the brush or vertically jig a Shineee Hineee jig next to the pile. Hickory Creek and Monte-NE have been good places to look. Whites have been schooling randomly around Hickory Creek and hitting small casting spoons early and late. Stripers have been hitting deep-diving crankbaits near Rocky Branch. Catfish have been biting well all over the lake from shore at night on worms and liver. Bluegill have been 2 to 6 feet deep along bluffs and docks and can be caught on crickets.
Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is murky and high. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are fair early on top-water lures and spinnerbaits. At night, jigs and plastics seem to be working well.
Beaver Tailwater: Ken Richards at justfishinguides.com said the water level is finally getting down to where wading is possible near the dam. Fly fishing has been very good with gray scuds fished under an indicator from 2-5 feet deep. Curved shank hooks are working better than straight shank hook patterns. Midges are working but not as well. Beadhead zebra midges in black/silver, gray/blue and red/gold are best. Many trout within the slot are being caught along with multiple species of warmwater fish.
Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said the water is murky and at normal level. A few bream have been caught on crickets. Some black bass have been caught on buzzbaits.
Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the water is dingy and at normal level. All fishing is slow.
Sugarloaf Lake: Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) said the water is clear and low. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are fair on plastic worms.
Kings River: Ken Richards at justfishinguides.com said the recent rain has brought the levels back up to good floating. Muddy water right after the rain calls for dark baits and flies with a larger profile to move some water. Floating and fishing should continue to be good with the forecast. Buzz baits, chuggers and torpedoes are working well, as are crease minnows, streamers, large hair poppers and crawdads for fly-fishermen.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Charles: Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the water temperature is 70-72 degrees. Water clarity is around 10 inches. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Catfish are biting fair on minnows and worms.
Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Catfishing is good on stink bait and chicken liver.
Lake Frierson: Lake Frierson State Park said the water is murky and low. Bream are fair on worms. Crappie are biting well near brush on minnows. Catfish are biting on chicken liver and worms.
Spring River : Mark's Fly Shop said water levels are low and the water is clear. Turning over rocks this week has produced lime-colored caddis nymphs, black size 18 mayfly nymphs and short brown aquatic worms. Stomach contents from fish this week have contained crawfish, snails and moss. Cocktail shrimp have remained the go to bait for bait fisherman this week.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Monticello: Greg Gulledge with Basshunters Custom Crankbaits said fishing on Lake Monticello hasn't changed much since last week. The deep worm bite is still slower than normal. There are still a few nice bass coming in on the big worm in 8 to 20 feet. Schooling activity seems to be improving with cooler temperatures. The schoolers average 3 to 4 lbs. on Basshunter Kill Gills and Super Spook Jrs. Hopefully the cooling temps will help the top-water fishing in the coming weeks.
Lake Chicot: Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said the water is murky and at normal level. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows.<br />
Grand Lake: Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said all species are slow.
SOUTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Moro Bay: Moro Bay State Park said recent rainfall brought the river up 5 feet above normal summer level. The rise was swift and the fall has been pretty fast as well. The fresh rainwater brings with it sediment and debris which adds to the cloudiness of the river, further reducing visibility. These factors make fish harder to catch but not impossible. A few bass in the 1lb range have been caught on plastic worms in the river. The bream are still biting some for bank fishermen on red wigglers but crappie fishing is tough. Only the most experienced crappie fishermen are catching fish and they refuse to reveal the exact locations of their secret spots.
Tri-County Lake - Fishing is on the slow side. Bass are biting decently early in the morning on light-colored, shallow-running crankbaits. They are moving into the channels around mid-morning. No report on any other species.<br />
Ouachita River Oxbows - Crappie finally picked up in the Ouachita River oxbows where some fishermen were limiting out on minnows fished 4 feet deep around brush. Bass are still hitting some darker top-water baits in the morning and worms in the mid-morning and evening. Bream are good around cypress trees on crickets fished about 2 feet deep.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Millwood Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 259.58 feet MSL.
Millwood Lake Guide Service said the water clarity is 2 to 5 inches in the main lake away from current. The surface temperature is 77 to 82 degrees. Current in Little River is 3,194 cubic feet per second. All USACE boat ramps and campgrounds are open, as of Monday. The State Park has one boat ramp still under repair, but the one closer to the campgrounds is open. Bass continue to bite very well, definitely the best during early and late hours. The most consistent reaction bite is on toads, Bass Assassin Shads, white jigs with white chunk trailers, and 10- or 12-inch worms. Top-water action is the best right at daylight and dusk on Jitterbugs, Spit'n Images, buzzing toads and buzzbaits. The crankbait bite has improved. Fat Free Shads and Cordell Big O's in shad colors are working around flooded timber and laydowns. Bass Assassin Shads in blue glimmer or baby bass are best for a reaction bite in heavy lily pad stands. Wacky Worms, Salty Rat Tails and trick worms in watermelon/red, kiwi or peanut butter-and-jelly continue working. Siefert's Buzz Baits continue to draw good bites around pads and Primrose grass from 1-6 foot deep. Most early buzzbait fish are ranging from 15-19 inches long. War Eagle spinnerbaits, in Firecracker, Hot Mouse, or Aurora colors, are still working around flooded vegetation and cypress trees close to deep water. Rat-L-Traps in Sexy Shad, Shad Daddy and Silver are working as well. The crappie bite slowed with the low-clarity water. The most consistent bite remains on live shiners, grubs on light-wire jigheads, and white/chartreuse hair jigs. Blue cats and channel cats improved this week on trotlines using cut shad, Charlie or chicken livers. Bream continue to bite well along the banks on crickets and redworms around docks and cypress trees at Yarborough Landing, Jack's Isle, and Millwood State Park.
Cossatot River: Davy Ashcraft at Cossatot River State Park (870-385-2201) said USGA states that the water level is 2.11 feet, with the surface temperatures ranging from 75 to 80 degrees. With the water levels back to normal and the cooler temperatures, conditions are great for fishing. Bream are biting excellently on worms and crickets in 3 feet of water. Smallmouth bass are biting well on green pumpkin finesse worms and crawdad crankbaits around structure in the deeper pools at 4 to 5 feet of water. Small, dark-colored grubs and Rooster Tails are doing well, too. Black Bass are good with some being taken on dark colored finesse worms and dark colored grubs fished around deep structure, and as always minnow-rigged setups are producing some limits of bass. Catfish are hit and miss; most are being caught at night on nightcrawlers. Many fish are being caught across the park and as far south as the backwater of the lake.
Lake Columbia: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said the water is muddy and high. All species are slow.
Lake Erling: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said the water is muddy and high. All species are slow.
White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park said the water level is rising, temperature is lower and clarity is murky. Bream are hitting worms and crickets very well. Catfishing is good on minnows. Bass and crappie are slow.
Lake Greeson: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 544.41 feet MSL.
Lakeside Grocery (870-398-5304) said the water is clear and low with a surface temperature at 88 degrees. Bream are fair on crickets. Bass are fair near rocky points on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms. Stripers are schooling in the morning towards the dam. Jigs and spoons are working great. Catfishing is good on trotlines and jugs with goldfish and bream.
Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips Guide Service said the water temperature is starting to cool, but the crappie and bass are not turned on yet like they will be later this fall. Stripers are excellent in deep water. Limits have been caught in as little as 30 minutes.
DeGray Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 401.98 feet MSL.
DeGray One Stop (501-865-3511) had no report.
Charles at Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina said the water temperature is 83 degrees. Largemouth bass are schooling early and late in the day. Tiny Torpedoes, Zara Spooks and Rooster Tails are working well on the schoolers. During mid-day, bass are biting well on watermelon-colored jigs, 11-inch Red Bug, Cherry Seed, Tequila Green or Bloodline worms. Night fishing is still very good for bass. Kentucky bass are biting well on live crayfish 20-26 feet deep on points and drop offs. Hybrids are excellent on live shad fished 35-45 feet deep around the Dam and Caddo Bend areas. Some are schooling early and late and can be caught on topwaters and jigging spoons. Crappie are good on Tennessee shad grubs and live minnows fished around brush piles and moss points in 18-22 feet of water. Catfishing is good on trotlines and jugs baited with cut shad or live minnows. Bream are great on worms and crickets in 8-16 feet of water.
WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Dardanelle:Eric Pratt at Lake Dardanelle State Park said cooler weather has finally made it bearable to be able to spend a day out on the lake fishing. Bass tournaments have slowed down at the park. River flow through Lake Dardanelle is 46,000 CFS. Water temperature is 85 degrees. Anglers are reporting that bass are hitting crankbaits, black spinnerbaits, black/blue jigs and junebug Texas-rigged worms working old creek channels and rock piles. Catfish are still biting well on prepared baits, worms, cut shad and crickets. Bluegill and green sunfish are being caught on crickets and worms just about anywhere you can find some cover hanging in the water.
Murphy's Sporting Goods (479-229-3200) said the water is murky and low. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Catfishing is good on stink bait, chicken liver and shad.
Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said the water is clear and high. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair in creeks and backwater on minnows. Black bass are biting well on crankbaits and soft plastics. Catfish are fair on worms and cut bait.
Lake Ouachita: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 574.03 feet MSL.
Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said the bite has actually been pretty good with good breaking action in the mornings and bass and stripers running together chasing shad. Topwaters have produced, but the best bite has been on shallow-running crankbaits and jigging spoons. Stripers are hitting extremely well on large Berkley swimbaits. After the morning bite is over, fish a 10-inch worm on a 3/8-oz. weight and target the outside edge of the grass in 25 feet of water.
Mountain Harbor Resort said the water is clearing up and surface temperatures are 86 to 90 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged worms and jighead worms. Walleye are biting well on spoons and spinner rigs with a crawler harness fished over main-lake points. Stripers are still very good on live bait with shad or trotline minnows. White ½-oz. jigs and ¾-oz. spoons are working as well. Try around Brady Mountain and Bird Island. Bream are still very good with crickets or worms in 18 to 25 feet of water. Crappie are still slow and being caught over grass and brush. Try large moss flats and brush in water 20 to 30 feet deep. Catfish are very good and being caught on cut bait and live bait on jug lines and trotlines.
Trader Bill's said the rain has helped the bite a little. Some schooling action has been seen for stripers and black bass in open water. Small spoons, tailspinners and Zara Puppies are working on the schooling fish. Larger Sammies will work as well.
Dave Lindhag of Striped Bass Adventures (501-760-6474) said the cooldown was nice for boating, but may impact the fishing. Stripers are biting sporadically, but the bite is still good. Most are being caught in 25 to 40 feet of water on live shad around main-lake points with trees. If you can get them stirred up, you can catch a limit quickly. When going through a probable area, try to use your electric trolling motor instead of an outboard to troll over the school. Some anglers are reporting some decent striper fishing at the dam intake in the evenings.
Lake Hamilton: Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said bass fishing is very good at night using 10-inch Berkley worms with small weights 12 to 18 feet deep.
Trader Bill's said stripers are decent on spoons and live bait. Bass are scattered, but some are being caught on buzzbaits and spinnerbaits in creeks and coves.
Lake Catherine:Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, reports that before the heavy rains set in Entergy ran the turbines for 12-hour periods. This is a normal summertime pattern and provides Hot Springs with electricity as the need arises. August through November are very slow months for trout fishing at Carpenter Dam. Many of the fish have been caught or eaten by this time. Some trout are still being caught, but as reported, the numbers are low and inconsistent. Restocking begins again in late November. Striper and hybrid activity has been fair with most of the good fishing happening in the early morning hours just after the turbines are started. This sudden movement of water causes the threadfin shad to move away from the banks and out into open water where they are easy prey. Topwater action can be fierce at times but does not continue for long periods. Fishermen need to be in position when feeding is taking place and capitalize on the small window of opportunity. Many of these stripers are in the 20-pound range and can be caught on white ¼-ounce jigs and 6 to 8-inch soft plastics fished weightless. Live bait rigs have caught the most fish. Brood and gizzard shad work better than goldfish or bream at Carpenter Dam. Some quality hybrids have been taken on 1/8-ounce jigs in shad or white colors. These fish tend to stay on the outside of the feeding striper schools where competition for food is lower.
Diamond Head Marina (501-262-2272) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well near stumps on crickets. Bass are fair on artificial baits. Walleye are biting well on minnows in 7 to 10 feet of water.
Lake Atkins: Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said the water is clear and low. Bream are excellent in deep water on crickets. Crappie are good deep on minnows. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing is excellent on any bait.
EAST ARKANSAS
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): River City Sporting Goods (870-534-8303) said the water is murky and a little high. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing is good on shad, shrimp and nightcrawlers.
White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is murky and high. Bream are biting well on worms. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfish are good on any bait.
Maddox Bay:Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are fair on crankbaits.
Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said the water is dingy and high. Bream are fair on crickets and worms.
Horseshoe Lake: Local angler Clyde Gregory said water conditions are good. Crappie are fair in deep water on minnows. Catfishing is excellent on stink bait, cut bait and nightcrawlers.<br />
Island 40 Chute: Daily's Boat Dock (870-739-3478) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets and wax worms. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are being caught on spinnerbaits and top-water lures. Catfishing is excellent on stink bait.