10-09-2007, 03:10 PM
This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's fishing report for October 03, 2007. 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: Ever have one of those days where you just can't quite seem to set the hook when you're using your favorite spinnerbait? We've all had those days when bass are hitting short on those skirts. Try cutting the skirt back just a little. This will give your bait a smaller look without affecting the action of the spinnerbait.
Arkansas River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the Arkansas River stages are:
Trimble Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 13): Headwater - 391.34 feet, Tailwater - 378.92 feet, Flow - 83,076 cubic feet per second
Ozark Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 12): Headwater - 371.65 feet, Tailwater - 340.73 feet.
Dardanelle Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 10): Headwater - 338.18 feet, Tailwater - 288.45 feet.
Ormond Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 9): Headwater - 286.79 feet, Tailwater - 265.93 feet, Flow - 22,562 cubic feet per second
Toad Suck Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 8): Headwater - 265.07 feet, Tailwater - 252.37 feet
Murray Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 7): Headwater - 250.39 feet, Tailwater - 231.32 feet, Flow - 6,609 cubic feet per second
Terry Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 6): Headwater - 231.13 feet, Tailwater - 212.80 feet, Flow - 26,039 cubic feet per second
Sanders Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 4): Headwater - 196.22 feet, Tailwater - 182.27 feet
Hardin Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 3): Headwater - 182.20 feet, Tailwater - 163.12 feet.
Mills Dam (Dam 2): Headwater - 162.80 feet, Tailwater - 120.30 feet, Flow - 5,180 cubic feet per second
White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the White River stages are:
5.2 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage - 19 feet)
6.6 feet at Batesville (flood stage - 15 feet)<br />
2.1 feet at Newport (flood stage - 26 feet)<br />
13.1 feet at Augusta (flood stage - 26 feet)<br />
1.0 feet at Georgetown (flood stage - 21 feet)<br />
10.0 feet at Clarendon (flood stage - 26 feet)
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report: Catfishing has been fair on chicken liver and stinkbait and bream have been good on worms and brown jigs. About 13,000 catfish are scheduled to be stocked over the next few weeks in select program ponds. Fall is a great season to take the family out fishing and enjoy some quality time together. For more information on catfish stockings, call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS<br />
Lake Conway : Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the lake is clear and low. Bream fishing is fair on crickets. Bass fishing is good on buzzbaits. Some catfish are being caught on liver.
Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the river is normal. Generators are still running in the afternoons. Trout fishing has been excellent on chartreuse Powerbait and Power eggs and olive or brown marabou jigs.
Greers Ferry: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 461.51 feet MSL.
Shiloh Marina said the lake is pretty clear and its water level is normal. Bass are the best thing going right now using spinner and topwater baits.
Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said lake conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Bass are being caught on worms, crickets and minnows. Catfishing is good on minnows and nightcrawlers.
Lake Beaverfork : The City of Conway Parks and Recreation Department said fishing has been extremely slow.
Lake Overcup : Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said the water is clear and a little low. All species are slow.
Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said lake conditions are normal. Some bream have been caught on crickets. Crappie fishing is good on small minnows. Bass fishing is pretty good on topwater baits and plastic worms. A few catfish have been caught on live bait and nightcrawlers.
Brewer Lake : Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the water is normal. All species are slow.
Little Maumelle River: River Valley Bait (501-868-3279) said the river is clear and at a normal level. Bream fishing is good in 3 feet of water around the edges of the banks on worms and crickets. Crappie are being caught in 8-12 feet of water on minnows. Bass fishing is very good around lily pads on spinnerbaits and minnows. Catfish can be caught on about anything you throw out there.
Lake Maumelle : Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie is the best thing going on minnows in deep water.
Lake Valencia : Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said catfish are hot on liver and nightcrawlers.
Arkansas River at Little Rock: Fish N' Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river is clear and low. Bass fishing has slowed down a bit, but they can still be caught on plastic worms, crankbaits and jigs around rocky points.
Sunset Lake : Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is stained and at a normal level. Crappie are being caught on 2 in wooly beaver tails. Bass are being caught in 15 feet of water around brush on brown plastic worms.
Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) the river is clear and low. Bream and crappie are being caught on yellow and black rooster tails. Bass fishing is good in deeper water on frog colored top water baits.
Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley's Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said the flow from Lock 9 is 22,562 cubic feet per second with a headwater of 286.79 and a tailwater of 265.93.
Charley's Hidden Harbor said black bass are biting well on spinnerbaits. Kentucky bass are biting well on crawfish, jigs and mud bugs. White bass are doing well on shad and rooster tails. Catfish are biting well on whole shad. Bream fishing is good on black rooster tails and crickets. Crappie fishing is good in 4-8 feet of water on red or yellow jigs.
Murray Lock and Dam: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Catfishing is good on trot lines.
Big Maumelle Creek: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop bass fishing is good on chartreuse split tails and catfish are biting well on cut shad and minnows.
Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is clear and low. Black bass are being caught on watermelon red brush hogs around rocky points. Some catfish are being caught on cut shad.
Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is clear and low. Bream can be caught in 3-4 feet on crickets around logs. Black bass are being caught in 2-3 feet of water using 8 in. blood line worms.
Peckerwood Lake : Herman's Landing (870-241-3731) said lake conditions are normal. Some crappie are being caught on minnows. Bass fishing is fair on spinnerbaits and topwater baits. Catfishing is good on yoyos around wood areas.
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Sportsman's White River Resort said the water is clear and normal. The generators are on in the afternoon. Trout fishing has been excellent on yellow powerbait, lures, rapalas and buoyant spoons. Fly fishing is still good o midge patters.
Angler's White River Resort (870-585-2226) said the water is normal. Generators are being turned on in the afternoon. Trout fishing has been excellent on screaming eagle lures and powerbait.
Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 654.16 feet MSL.
Lake Norfork:As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 551.99 feet MSL.
Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said the water is clear and low. Bream fishing is good on worms and crickets. Crappie fishing is picking up on minnow and jigs around brush piles. Bass fishing is also picking up around deep coves on topwater baits.
Norfork Tailwater: Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381) said the water is clear and low. Trout fishing is good on nightcrawlers, red worms and Colorado spinners.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS<br />
Beaver Lake : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 1,120.45 feet MSL.
Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is clear and at a normal level. Bream fishing is good on crickets. Some crappie are being caught on worms. Bass fishing is good in the mornings on topwater baits and drop shots. Fishing for bass in the afternoon is good on spinnerbaits and plastics. Catfish are being caught on live or prepared bait.
Wiegmann's Guide Service (479-756-5279) said the water is clear in the mid lake and dam areas. Bass fishing has been decent, but is better at night for anglers. The most effective baits have been crankbaits, black Jitterbug, dark colored worms and spinnerbaits. Some small bass are being caught during the day using buzz baits. Some stripers can be caught on shad and shiners.
Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said the lake is clear and the level is normal. Crappie fishing is very good on minnows and jigs. Bass fishing is fair on topwater lures.
Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the lake is clear and a normal level and fishing is picking up. Bream are being caught on worms. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Bass can be caught on spinnerbaits.
Sugarloaf Lake: Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) said the water is clear and at a normal level. Bream fishing is good on worms and crickets and bass are being caught on spinnerbaits.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS<br />
Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the water is clear and low with a temperature in the lower 70's. Bream fishing is good on red worms. Crappie fishing is good on minnows. Bass are being caught on jigs and topwater baits.
Lake Frierson: Lake Frierson State Park said the water is clear and low. Bream fishing is good on crickets. Crappie are being caught on minnows. Catfishing has been good on liver and crickets.
Eleven-Point River : Woody's Canoe Rental and Campground (870-892-9732) said the river is clear and at a normal level. All species are currently slow.
Spring River : Many Islands Camp (870-856-3451) said the water is clear and normal. Trout fishing has been excellent using roosertails, spinnerbaits and salmon eggs.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS<br />
Lake Chicot : Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) lake conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on wax worms and crickets. A few crappie are being caught on minnow and jigs. Bass fishing is good on topwater baits. Catfishing is good on worms.
Grand Lake : Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said the water is normal. Crappie is the best thing going on minnows and jigs.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Millwood Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 260.16 feet MSL.
Millwood Lake Guide Service said the water conditions are normal, with a temperature in the mid 70s. Bass fishing has been very good on a variety of lures, swimming jig heads and jerk baits.
Lake Columbia: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said the lake conditions are normal. Bream fishing is good on worms and crickets. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs.
Lake Erling: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said the lake conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is good on minnows. Catfishing is decent on shiners and nightcrawlers.
White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park said bass have been hitting live minnows. Panfish are beginning to bite as well. Lake levels are dropping because of the lack of rain last week. Catfishing is good on jugs baited with live or prepared bait.
Lake Greeson: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 544.30 feet MSL.
Lakeside Grocery, Motel and Bait (870-398-5304) said the water is clear and falling, which has made for better fishing. Crappie are biting on minnows in 15-20 feet around brush piles. Bass fishing has been good on plastic worms, topwater baits and spinnerbaits. Some catfish have been caught on stinkbait, minnows and liver using trot lines and jugs. Striper fishing has been really good in 10 feet of water on topwater baits, spoons and crankbaits.
DeGray Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 407.58 feet MSL.
DeGray One Stop (501-865-3511) says the lake is clear and low. The temperature is in the mid 70's. Bream can be caught in 20-25 feet of water on red worms and crickets. Crappie are biting in 15-20 feet of water on live bait. Bass fishing is good on Carolina rigs, worms, jigs and early and late they can be caught on spinner and buzz baits. Some catfish have been caught on noodles and live bait.
WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS<br />
Lake Dardanelle : Murphy's Sporting Goods (479-229-3200) said the water is clear and low, with the current slowing down. Bream fishing is fair on worms and crickets. Bass fishing is decent on plastic worms and topwater baits. Catfishing is good on stink bait, liver and cut shad.
Bill's Bait and Tackle (479-754-6354) said the water is a little muddy, but at a normal level. Crappie can be caught on minnows. Bass are being caught on topwater baits. Catfishing has been good on shad.
Blue Mountain Lake : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 386.48 feet MSL.
CNC's End of the Line (479-947-2398) said the water is murky and low. Bream fishing is fair on about any bait. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs. Bass are being caught on lures. Catfishing is fair on worms, minnows and liver.
Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said the water is pretty normal. Bream can be caught on crickets and nightcrawlers in deeper water. Crappie fishing is fair in 18-20 feet of water on minnows and jigs. Catfish are biting below the dam on cut bait, nightcrawlers and minnows.
Lake Ouachita : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 577.46 feet MSL.
Mountain Harbor Marina said the water is clear and at 78 to 84 degrees. Largemouth bass are biting fairly well on buzzbaits, Rooster tails and flukes on main lake points and secondary points. Top-water buzzing frogs are working very well over and around moss beds. Kentucky bass are biting very well on live crayfish fished near brush in 15 to 25 feet of water. Walleye are fair on spoons and crankbaits fished over humps and main lake points near brush. Stripers are biting well on live brood minnows and gizzard shad, but live bluegill will work was well. The eastern end of the lake is the best for the stripers right now. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms in 18 to 25 feet of water. Crappie are fair in 20 to 35 feet of water around brush. Use minnows or Arkansas shad, Tennessee shad or white grubs. Catfish are fair on jugs and trotlines set in 20 to 25 feet of water.
Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said stripers are still on the slow side. Largemouth bass and spotted bass are biting very well. The large spotted bass are finally pulling up in 30 feet of water on main lake points and creek channel bends. Largemouth bass are relating to the grass and you can catch some big fish punching through with a 1-ounce black and blue jig. Walleye are fair and can be caught on ½-ounce spoons. No report on any keeping size bream. Crappie is slow. A few catfish have been caught on jugs.
Lake Catherine : Diamondhead Marina (501-262-2272) said the lake conditions are normal, but fishing is still very slow.
Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, reports that the rainbow trout bite remains very slow. Most of the water from the bridge to the dam is over 70 degrees and trout cannot survive in water that warm. Restocking begins in November and by mid-January the fishing will again be good. This cycle occurs every year, but we did have eight very good months of trout fishing. Since natural trout reproduction is very limited - all of our cold water dams in Hot Springs are dependent on stocking. Most of the trout have either been caught or migrated out of the area by the end of September. The striper and hybrid action is also hit-and-miss with most of the action taking place below the bridge during periods of generation. Top-water action is heavy at times with C-10 Redfins and Super Spooks doing most of the damage. Hybrids are mixed in with the stripers and they both feed heavily on the shad schools in the tailrace area.
Lake Hamilton: Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said the best way to catch a lot of fish is to fish a 1/8th-oz. jighead Tennessee shad grub across the flats and wait for the white bass and yellow bass to nail it. Stripers are mixed in with the whites and will occasionally be caught as well. Largemouth and Kentucky bass are biting fairly well on oxycraw-colored Magic Worms fished around docks. Walleye are being caught on drop-shot rigs with the new Gulp! Minnow around bridge pilings and rocks.
Lake Hinkle : Bill's Bait Shop (479-637-4719) said the water conditions are clear and normal. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie fishing is good in 12-15 feet of water on minnows. Bass fishing has picked up on topwater plugs. A few catfish have been caught on worms, liver and perch.
Lake Atkins : Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said the water is clearing up and still low. Bream can be caught in deeper water on worms and crickets. Crappie can be caught on worms, crickets and minnows. Bass fishing is fair, but the baby bass that were just stocked are driving everyone crazy. Catfishing has been really good on about any kind of bait.
Lake Nimrod : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 345.42 feet MSL.
Bait N' More (479-272-4025) said the water conditions are normal. Catfish are biting on about anything you put on the hook. Crappie fishing is pretty good on minnows and jigs.
SOUTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS<br />
No report this week.
EAST ARKANSAS
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): The Tackle Box (870-534-1498) said the water is murky. Bream fishing is good on wax worms and crickets.
River City Sporting Goods (870-534-8303) said river conditions are normal. Bream fishing is fair around the banks on red wigglers and crickets. Bass fishing is fair on crankbaits and plastic worms. Catfish are being caught in about 30 ft. of water on cut shad.
White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is extremely low and fishing has been terrible.
Maddox Bay: Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said the water is clear and low. Crappie fishing is fair in 6-8 feet of water on minnows. Bass fishing is fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. No reports of bream or catfish.
Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said the water remains murky and low. Bream fishing is fair on worms and crickets. Bass fishing is very good on plastic baits.
Horseshoe Lake: Bond's (870-339-2464) said the water is normal. The best thing going are crappie on minnows.
Island 40 Chute: Daily's Boat Dock (870-739-3478) said all species are slow.
Fishing Tip: Ever have one of those days where you just can't quite seem to set the hook when you're using your favorite spinnerbait? We've all had those days when bass are hitting short on those skirts. Try cutting the skirt back just a little. This will give your bait a smaller look without affecting the action of the spinnerbait.
Arkansas River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the Arkansas River stages are:
Trimble Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 13): Headwater - 391.34 feet, Tailwater - 378.92 feet, Flow - 83,076 cubic feet per second
Ozark Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 12): Headwater - 371.65 feet, Tailwater - 340.73 feet.
Dardanelle Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 10): Headwater - 338.18 feet, Tailwater - 288.45 feet.
Ormond Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 9): Headwater - 286.79 feet, Tailwater - 265.93 feet, Flow - 22,562 cubic feet per second
Toad Suck Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 8): Headwater - 265.07 feet, Tailwater - 252.37 feet
Murray Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 7): Headwater - 250.39 feet, Tailwater - 231.32 feet, Flow - 6,609 cubic feet per second
Terry Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 6): Headwater - 231.13 feet, Tailwater - 212.80 feet, Flow - 26,039 cubic feet per second
Sanders Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 4): Headwater - 196.22 feet, Tailwater - 182.27 feet
Hardin Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 3): Headwater - 182.20 feet, Tailwater - 163.12 feet.
Mills Dam (Dam 2): Headwater - 162.80 feet, Tailwater - 120.30 feet, Flow - 5,180 cubic feet per second
White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the White River stages are:
5.2 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage - 19 feet)
6.6 feet at Batesville (flood stage - 15 feet)<br />
2.1 feet at Newport (flood stage - 26 feet)<br />
13.1 feet at Augusta (flood stage - 26 feet)<br />
1.0 feet at Georgetown (flood stage - 21 feet)<br />
10.0 feet at Clarendon (flood stage - 26 feet)
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report: Catfishing has been fair on chicken liver and stinkbait and bream have been good on worms and brown jigs. About 13,000 catfish are scheduled to be stocked over the next few weeks in select program ponds. Fall is a great season to take the family out fishing and enjoy some quality time together. For more information on catfish stockings, call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS<br />
Lake Conway : Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the lake is clear and low. Bream fishing is fair on crickets. Bass fishing is good on buzzbaits. Some catfish are being caught on liver.
Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the river is normal. Generators are still running in the afternoons. Trout fishing has been excellent on chartreuse Powerbait and Power eggs and olive or brown marabou jigs.
Greers Ferry: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 461.51 feet MSL.
Shiloh Marina said the lake is pretty clear and its water level is normal. Bass are the best thing going right now using spinner and topwater baits.
Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said lake conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Bass are being caught on worms, crickets and minnows. Catfishing is good on minnows and nightcrawlers.
Lake Beaverfork : The City of Conway Parks and Recreation Department said fishing has been extremely slow.
Lake Overcup : Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said the water is clear and a little low. All species are slow.
Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said lake conditions are normal. Some bream have been caught on crickets. Crappie fishing is good on small minnows. Bass fishing is pretty good on topwater baits and plastic worms. A few catfish have been caught on live bait and nightcrawlers.
Brewer Lake : Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the water is normal. All species are slow.
Little Maumelle River: River Valley Bait (501-868-3279) said the river is clear and at a normal level. Bream fishing is good in 3 feet of water around the edges of the banks on worms and crickets. Crappie are being caught in 8-12 feet of water on minnows. Bass fishing is very good around lily pads on spinnerbaits and minnows. Catfish can be caught on about anything you throw out there.
Lake Maumelle : Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie is the best thing going on minnows in deep water.
Lake Valencia : Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said catfish are hot on liver and nightcrawlers.
Arkansas River at Little Rock: Fish N' Stuff (501-834-5733) said the river is clear and low. Bass fishing has slowed down a bit, but they can still be caught on plastic worms, crankbaits and jigs around rocky points.
Sunset Lake : Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is stained and at a normal level. Crappie are being caught on 2 in wooly beaver tails. Bass are being caught in 15 feet of water around brush on brown plastic worms.
Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) the river is clear and low. Bream and crappie are being caught on yellow and black rooster tails. Bass fishing is good in deeper water on frog colored top water baits.
Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley's Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said the flow from Lock 9 is 22,562 cubic feet per second with a headwater of 286.79 and a tailwater of 265.93.
Charley's Hidden Harbor said black bass are biting well on spinnerbaits. Kentucky bass are biting well on crawfish, jigs and mud bugs. White bass are doing well on shad and rooster tails. Catfish are biting well on whole shad. Bream fishing is good on black rooster tails and crickets. Crappie fishing is good in 4-8 feet of water on red or yellow jigs.
Murray Lock and Dam: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Catfishing is good on trot lines.
Big Maumelle Creek: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop bass fishing is good on chartreuse split tails and catfish are biting well on cut shad and minnows.
Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is clear and low. Black bass are being caught on watermelon red brush hogs around rocky points. Some catfish are being caught on cut shad.
Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is clear and low. Bream can be caught in 3-4 feet on crickets around logs. Black bass are being caught in 2-3 feet of water using 8 in. blood line worms.
Peckerwood Lake : Herman's Landing (870-241-3731) said lake conditions are normal. Some crappie are being caught on minnows. Bass fishing is fair on spinnerbaits and topwater baits. Catfishing is good on yoyos around wood areas.
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Sportsman's White River Resort said the water is clear and normal. The generators are on in the afternoon. Trout fishing has been excellent on yellow powerbait, lures, rapalas and buoyant spoons. Fly fishing is still good o midge patters.
Angler's White River Resort (870-585-2226) said the water is normal. Generators are being turned on in the afternoon. Trout fishing has been excellent on screaming eagle lures and powerbait.
Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 654.16 feet MSL.
Lake Norfork:As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 551.99 feet MSL.
Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said the water is clear and low. Bream fishing is good on worms and crickets. Crappie fishing is picking up on minnow and jigs around brush piles. Bass fishing is also picking up around deep coves on topwater baits.
Norfork Tailwater: Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381) said the water is clear and low. Trout fishing is good on nightcrawlers, red worms and Colorado spinners.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS<br />
Beaver Lake : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 1,120.45 feet MSL.
Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is clear and at a normal level. Bream fishing is good on crickets. Some crappie are being caught on worms. Bass fishing is good in the mornings on topwater baits and drop shots. Fishing for bass in the afternoon is good on spinnerbaits and plastics. Catfish are being caught on live or prepared bait.
Wiegmann's Guide Service (479-756-5279) said the water is clear in the mid lake and dam areas. Bass fishing has been decent, but is better at night for anglers. The most effective baits have been crankbaits, black Jitterbug, dark colored worms and spinnerbaits. Some small bass are being caught during the day using buzz baits. Some stripers can be caught on shad and shiners.
Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said the lake is clear and the level is normal. Crappie fishing is very good on minnows and jigs. Bass fishing is fair on topwater lures.
Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the lake is clear and a normal level and fishing is picking up. Bream are being caught on worms. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Bass can be caught on spinnerbaits.
Sugarloaf Lake: Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) said the water is clear and at a normal level. Bream fishing is good on worms and crickets and bass are being caught on spinnerbaits.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS<br />
Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the water is clear and low with a temperature in the lower 70's. Bream fishing is good on red worms. Crappie fishing is good on minnows. Bass are being caught on jigs and topwater baits.
Lake Frierson: Lake Frierson State Park said the water is clear and low. Bream fishing is good on crickets. Crappie are being caught on minnows. Catfishing has been good on liver and crickets.
Eleven-Point River : Woody's Canoe Rental and Campground (870-892-9732) said the river is clear and at a normal level. All species are currently slow.
Spring River : Many Islands Camp (870-856-3451) said the water is clear and normal. Trout fishing has been excellent using roosertails, spinnerbaits and salmon eggs.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS<br />
Lake Chicot : Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) lake conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on wax worms and crickets. A few crappie are being caught on minnow and jigs. Bass fishing is good on topwater baits. Catfishing is good on worms.
Grand Lake : Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said the water is normal. Crappie is the best thing going on minnows and jigs.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Millwood Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 260.16 feet MSL.
Millwood Lake Guide Service said the water conditions are normal, with a temperature in the mid 70s. Bass fishing has been very good on a variety of lures, swimming jig heads and jerk baits.
Lake Columbia: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said the lake conditions are normal. Bream fishing is good on worms and crickets. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs.
Lake Erling: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said the lake conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is good on minnows. Catfishing is decent on shiners and nightcrawlers.
White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park said bass have been hitting live minnows. Panfish are beginning to bite as well. Lake levels are dropping because of the lack of rain last week. Catfishing is good on jugs baited with live or prepared bait.
Lake Greeson: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 544.30 feet MSL.
Lakeside Grocery, Motel and Bait (870-398-5304) said the water is clear and falling, which has made for better fishing. Crappie are biting on minnows in 15-20 feet around brush piles. Bass fishing has been good on plastic worms, topwater baits and spinnerbaits. Some catfish have been caught on stinkbait, minnows and liver using trot lines and jugs. Striper fishing has been really good in 10 feet of water on topwater baits, spoons and crankbaits.
DeGray Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 407.58 feet MSL.
DeGray One Stop (501-865-3511) says the lake is clear and low. The temperature is in the mid 70's. Bream can be caught in 20-25 feet of water on red worms and crickets. Crappie are biting in 15-20 feet of water on live bait. Bass fishing is good on Carolina rigs, worms, jigs and early and late they can be caught on spinner and buzz baits. Some catfish have been caught on noodles and live bait.
WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS<br />
Lake Dardanelle : Murphy's Sporting Goods (479-229-3200) said the water is clear and low, with the current slowing down. Bream fishing is fair on worms and crickets. Bass fishing is decent on plastic worms and topwater baits. Catfishing is good on stink bait, liver and cut shad.
Bill's Bait and Tackle (479-754-6354) said the water is a little muddy, but at a normal level. Crappie can be caught on minnows. Bass are being caught on topwater baits. Catfishing has been good on shad.
Blue Mountain Lake : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 386.48 feet MSL.
CNC's End of the Line (479-947-2398) said the water is murky and low. Bream fishing is fair on about any bait. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs. Bass are being caught on lures. Catfishing is fair on worms, minnows and liver.
Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said the water is pretty normal. Bream can be caught on crickets and nightcrawlers in deeper water. Crappie fishing is fair in 18-20 feet of water on minnows and jigs. Catfish are biting below the dam on cut bait, nightcrawlers and minnows.
Lake Ouachita : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 577.46 feet MSL.
Mountain Harbor Marina said the water is clear and at 78 to 84 degrees. Largemouth bass are biting fairly well on buzzbaits, Rooster tails and flukes on main lake points and secondary points. Top-water buzzing frogs are working very well over and around moss beds. Kentucky bass are biting very well on live crayfish fished near brush in 15 to 25 feet of water. Walleye are fair on spoons and crankbaits fished over humps and main lake points near brush. Stripers are biting well on live brood minnows and gizzard shad, but live bluegill will work was well. The eastern end of the lake is the best for the stripers right now. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms in 18 to 25 feet of water. Crappie are fair in 20 to 35 feet of water around brush. Use minnows or Arkansas shad, Tennessee shad or white grubs. Catfish are fair on jugs and trotlines set in 20 to 25 feet of water.
Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said stripers are still on the slow side. Largemouth bass and spotted bass are biting very well. The large spotted bass are finally pulling up in 30 feet of water on main lake points and creek channel bends. Largemouth bass are relating to the grass and you can catch some big fish punching through with a 1-ounce black and blue jig. Walleye are fair and can be caught on ½-ounce spoons. No report on any keeping size bream. Crappie is slow. A few catfish have been caught on jugs.
Lake Catherine : Diamondhead Marina (501-262-2272) said the lake conditions are normal, but fishing is still very slow.
Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, reports that the rainbow trout bite remains very slow. Most of the water from the bridge to the dam is over 70 degrees and trout cannot survive in water that warm. Restocking begins in November and by mid-January the fishing will again be good. This cycle occurs every year, but we did have eight very good months of trout fishing. Since natural trout reproduction is very limited - all of our cold water dams in Hot Springs are dependent on stocking. Most of the trout have either been caught or migrated out of the area by the end of September. The striper and hybrid action is also hit-and-miss with most of the action taking place below the bridge during periods of generation. Top-water action is heavy at times with C-10 Redfins and Super Spooks doing most of the damage. Hybrids are mixed in with the stripers and they both feed heavily on the shad schools in the tailrace area.
Lake Hamilton: Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said the best way to catch a lot of fish is to fish a 1/8th-oz. jighead Tennessee shad grub across the flats and wait for the white bass and yellow bass to nail it. Stripers are mixed in with the whites and will occasionally be caught as well. Largemouth and Kentucky bass are biting fairly well on oxycraw-colored Magic Worms fished around docks. Walleye are being caught on drop-shot rigs with the new Gulp! Minnow around bridge pilings and rocks.
Lake Hinkle : Bill's Bait Shop (479-637-4719) said the water conditions are clear and normal. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie fishing is good in 12-15 feet of water on minnows. Bass fishing has picked up on topwater plugs. A few catfish have been caught on worms, liver and perch.
Lake Atkins : Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said the water is clearing up and still low. Bream can be caught in deeper water on worms and crickets. Crappie can be caught on worms, crickets and minnows. Bass fishing is fair, but the baby bass that were just stocked are driving everyone crazy. Catfishing has been really good on about any kind of bait.
Lake Nimrod : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 345.42 feet MSL.
Bait N' More (479-272-4025) said the water conditions are normal. Catfish are biting on about anything you put on the hook. Crappie fishing is pretty good on minnows and jigs.
SOUTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS<br />
No report this week.
EAST ARKANSAS
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): The Tackle Box (870-534-1498) said the water is murky. Bream fishing is good on wax worms and crickets.
River City Sporting Goods (870-534-8303) said river conditions are normal. Bream fishing is fair around the banks on red wigglers and crickets. Bass fishing is fair on crankbaits and plastic worms. Catfish are being caught in about 30 ft. of water on cut shad.
White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is extremely low and fishing has been terrible.
Maddox Bay: Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said the water is clear and low. Crappie fishing is fair in 6-8 feet of water on minnows. Bass fishing is fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. No reports of bream or catfish.
Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said the water remains murky and low. Bream fishing is fair on worms and crickets. Bass fishing is very good on plastic baits.
Horseshoe Lake: Bond's (870-339-2464) said the water is normal. The best thing going are crappie on minnows.
Island 40 Chute: Daily's Boat Dock (870-739-3478) said all species are slow.