01-17-2008, 10:10 PM
Fishing Tip: The 26th Annual Arkansas Marine Expo at the StatehouseConvention Center will be held this weekend, Jan. 18-20. Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service will be giving fishing seminars throughout the weekend at the AGFC aquarium and will be available for tips and tricks at the Trophy's Corner Booth.
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 - 391.50 feet, Tailwater - 373.29 feet, Flow - 25,960 cubic feet per second<br />
Ozark Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 12): Headwater - 371.81 feet, Tailwater - 339.70 feet, Flow - 29,100 cubic feet per second<br />
Dardanelle Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 10): Headwater - 337.59 feet, Tailwater - 287.24 feet<br />
Ormond Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 9): Headwater - 287.58 feet, Tailwater - 264.90 feet, Flow - 6,290 cubic feet per second<br />
Toad Suck Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 8): Headwater - 265.13 feet, Tailwater - 249.81 feet<br />
Murray Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 7): Headwater - 249.22 feet, Tailwater - 231.48 feet, Flow - 7,920 cubic feet per second<br />
Terry Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 6): Headwater - 230.92 feet, Tailwater - 212.94 feet, Flow - 9,982 cubic feet per second<br />
Sanders Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 4): Headwater - 196.06 feet, Tailwater - 183.19 feet<br />
Hardin Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 3): Headwater - 182.47 feet, Tailwater - 163.41 feet<br />
Mills Dam (Dam 2): Headwater - 162.29 feet, Tailwater - 125.14 feet, Flow - 16,160 cubic feet per second<br />
White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the White River stages are:<br />
3.24 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage - 19 feet)<br />
6.26 feet at Batesville (flood stage - 15 feet)<br />
3.42 feet at Newport (flood stage - 26 feet)<br />
16.05 feet at Augusta (flood stage - 26 feet)<br />
6.01 feet at Georgetown (flood stage - 21 feet)<br />
16.72 feet at Clarendon (flood stage - 26 feet)<br />
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report: Despite the cold weather, trout fishing has been excellent in the ponds on chartreuse Powerbait, GULP crawlers and 1/8 ounce, white Roostertails. Rock Creek was stocked earlier this week, and trout are hitting Trout Magnets, spoons and nymph patterns. For more information on trout stockings, call 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Conway: Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) the water is clear and a little low. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs.<br />
Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is clear and high with 1-2 generators running all day. Trout are biting well on artificial baits such as red or gold buoyant spoons and Countdown Rapalas.<br />
Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry powerhouse has been releasing water every day all day long. They are continually operating one generator and occasionally ramping up the second unit. The plan is to continue Greers Ferry water releases until the percentage of lake volume equals that of Table Rock Lake, then they intend to reduce releases at Greers Ferry and begin releases at Table Rock. The temperature of the water driving the turbines has been 48 degrees. Midges are hatching all along the Little Red every day, and trout are feeding on them. Dry fly midges in cream or black (sizes 22-24), sulphurs (sizes 16-18) and Adams (sizes 18-20) are patterns of choice. Below the surface, zebra midges (sizes 16-22, red, black or copper), sow bugs (sizes 14-16, peacock, UV tan or light gray) and woolly buggers (sizes 10-12, olive or black) are catching fish=2E<br />
Greers Ferry: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 459.19 MSL.<br />
Shiloh Marina (501-825-6237) had no report this week.<br />
Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service had no report this week.<br />
Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows and jigs around brush. Catfishing is fair on large minnows and stinkbait.<br />
Lake Overcup: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie fishing is fair on white jigs. Catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers and shad.<br />
Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said water conditions are normal. Crappie is the best thing going right now on minnows and jigs.<br />
Brewer Lake: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007 said water conditions are normal. Bream fishing is good on crickets. Catfishing is fair on nightcrawlers and shad.<br />
Sunset Lake: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is good in brush on 2-inch grubs in 12 to 15 feet of water. A few bass have been caught in 12 to 15 feet of water on bass jigs.<br />
Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is clear and a little high. Crappie fishing is fair on 2-inch pink or chartreuse grubs. Bass fishing is excellent on green crankbaits. Smallmouth bass are biting well on jigs in deep holes. Walleye are biting well in deep water on live bait.<br />
Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley's Hidden Harbor had no report this week.<br />
Arkansas River in Little Rock: Vince Miller from Fish "˜N Stuff said fishing is slow.<br />
Little Maumelle River: River Valley Bait (501-868-3279) said the water is a little dingy and at normal level. Crappie fishing is good in covered areas on crappie minnows and assorted jigs. Bass fishing is fair on spinnerbaits and topwater lures. Catfishing is fair using any bait on the bottom.<br />
Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is good on minnows. Catfishing is good using shad and cut bait on trotlines.<br />
Big Maumelle Creek: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is fair on pink minnows and slip-cork rigs. Catfishing is good on cut bait using trot lines.<br />
Lake Maumelle: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is good on the creek channel in 25 feet of water.<br />
Murray Lock and Dam: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is fair on live minnows and slip-cork rigs. Catfishing is good on cut shad.<br />
Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said water conditions are normal. All fishing has been slow.<br />
Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said water conditions are normal. A few bream are being caught in 10 feet of water on worms. Crappie fishing is good in 5 feet of water on pink minnows.
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Mountain River Fly Shop had no report this week.<br />
Angler's White River Resort said the water conditions are normal. Trout fishing has been pretty good on Powerbait and crankbaits.<br />
Bull Shoals Lake: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 651.26 feet MSL.<br />
Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock (870-445-4424) had no report this week.<br />
Lake Norfork: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 547.53 feet MSL.<br />
Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair in shallow water on minnows and jigs. Bass fishing is fair on crankbaits and jigs.<br />
101 Grocery & Bait (870-467-5223) said water level is normal and clear with a temperature in the low 40's. Striper fishing has been fair in 40 to 50 feet of water. Crappie fishing has been fair on small minnows around brush piles.<br />
Norfork Tailwater: Mountain River Fly Shop said it seems like more and more people have been hitting Norfork the past week, and with good reason. Fishing has been good, and though the water seems a little stained, the lake turnover is now done. Midges are the order of the day; Zebras Poison Tungs, WD40s and the like have all been performing well. We have also had good reports on Y2Ks and egg patterns plus the usual San Juan worms. But even more interesting, especially for dry fly anglers, was the report today of serious surface activity in the afternoons. Try Parachute Adams and standard Adams patterns in sizes 20 and 22. If the hatch isn't on when you are there, make sure you have a healthy dose of Davy's Sow bugs and a handful of McLellan's Scuds.<br />
Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381) said the water is low with very little generation. Trout fishing has been outstanding on nightcrawlers. Fly fishing is good on olive/black woolly buggers and sow bugs.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Lake: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 1113.56 feet MSL.<br />
JT's Crappie Guide Service said bass have been hitting jigging spoons and hard jerk baits along wind blown banks from midlake and south in 20-35 feet of water. They have also been hitting jig-and-pig combos along chunk rock banks with timber. Crappie have been hit-or-miss with the best fishing on warm, sunny days. Try using minnows or Shineee Hineee jigs around brush and pole timber along bluff lines and channel ledges.<br />
The best places to fish are the War Eagle creek arm, Monte Ne and Edens Bluff. White bass have been around main lake points and humps near the main channel. Quarter-ounce jigging spoons lowered down to the school have worked best. The best places to find whites have been around Point 12, Edens Bluff and the Horseshoe Bend areas. Striped bass have been anywhere from up in the rivers to Prairie Creek. Try umbrella rigs with white grubs. Catfish are near bluff lines and can be caught with liver or nightcrawlers. Hickory Creek is a good spot to look for catfish. Bream are also along steep bluff walls near timber. Crickets or worms fished 15-30 feet will be productive.<br />
Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said not many anglers are available for a report.<br />
Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said fishing has been slow with few anglers in the area.<br />
Sugarloaf Lake: Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Spring River: Mark Crawford at Mark's Fly Shop said the water is a little murky downstream, but fishing has been good with deeper-water fishing techniques. Caddis and mayflies have been very effective.<br />
Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the water conditions are normal and fishing has been slow with few anglers in the area.<br />
Lake Frierson: Lake Frierson State Park said few anglers are on the water.<br />
Eleven Point River: Woody's Canoe Rental and Campground (870-892-9732) said water conditions are normal. Walleye are hitting jigs.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Chicot: Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said water conditions are normal. Bream fishing is good on wax worms and crickets. Crappie are biting well on minnows and jigs. Bass can be caught on topwater lures. Catfishing is good on any bait.<br />
Grand Lake: Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said water conditions are normal. Crappie are fair trolling.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Millwood Lake: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 256.37 feet MSL.<br />
Millwood Lake Guide Service said the main lake and Little River's water surface temperature are ranging from 45 to 50 degrees, depdning on location and time of day. The lake level on Millwood is about 2.9 feet below normal and falling, at 256.32 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is approx 6-8 inches visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility are about 5-6 inches because of recent high winds. Current in Little River and discharge at the dam was decreased to 2,418 CFS as of Monday to maintain the pool drawdown. Navigation required caution because of the recent winter pool reduction, revealing logjams and stumps previously inundated at normal pool. Closed or unusable boat ramps on Millwood during winter pool drawdown are both ramps at Paraloma and both at Cottenshed; both ramps closed at Beards Bluff because of reduced winter pool. Use extreme caution in navigation; many of the boat lanes during winter pool drawdown are now only 3-10 inches in overall depth. Bass are fair to good on Texas-rigged Hog Assassins, large ¾-ounce Rat-L-Traps, various crankbaits and jigs. We are drawing some good reactions from good-sized keeper bass on jigs using a Texas craw color with watermelon or green pumpkin chunk trailers. Dead sticking Twitch Assassins in crystal shad. salt n' pepper Silver Phantom and Salty Rat Tails in motor-oil red flake, purple smoke and kiwi are also working well on a light wire hook for a slow fall. No report on white bass. Crappie fishing is good in mid-mornings on shiners or smoke grubs on light wire jigheads. Good channel catfish have been caught using cut bait, chicken liver and hot dogs on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river in 10 to 15 feet of water.<br />
Lake Columbia: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said water conditions are normal. A few bream have been caught on worms. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs.<br />
Lake Erling: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs. Catfishing is fair on liver.<br />
White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park said fishing is picking up. Bream and crappie are biting pretty well on minnows. Bass are hitting artificial baits. Catfish are slow.<br />
Lake Greeson: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 542.0 feet MSL.<br />
Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips Guide Service said the water temperature is the upper 40s and lower 50s. Crappie fishing is good but scattered. Most crappie have been caught on jigs and minnows 15-22 feet deep in 20-32 feet of water on bamboo and hardwood brushpiles. The stripers and white bass are schooling up the river and into the backs of the major creek arms chasing huge schools of shad. For a daily report with pictures of fish caught, visit http://www.familyfishingtrips.com/PhotosCurrent.htm<br />
Lakeside Grocery (870-398-5304) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows and jigs.<br />
Little Missouri River: Jeff Guerin of Little Missouri Fly Fishing said fishing has been slow and the weather has made for some uncomfortable fishing, especially without neoprene waders.<br />
DeGray Lake: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 400.1 feet MSL.<br />
DeGray One Stop (501-865-3511) said few anglers are on the water.
WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Dardanelle: Murphy's Sporting Goods (479-883-3200) said the water is a little dingy and at a normal level. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Bass are biting well on jigs and spinnerbaits.<br />
Blue Mountain Lake: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 384.30 feet MSL.<br />
CNC's End of the Line (479-947-2398) had no report.<br />
Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows and jigs. Black bass are biting well on crankbaits. Stripers can be caught below the generators on minnows and jigs. Catfish are biting well below the dam.<br />
Lake Ouachita: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation was 571.7 feet MSL.<br />
Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service had no report this week.<br />
Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service,, reports that the water temperature is holding in the mid 40s below the dam. Rainbow trout fishing is good, with many of the fish already in the 14-inch range. January is when trout stocking begins. Fly fishermen are consistently catching limits of trout by casting woolly buggers, micro jigs and San Juan worms in areas of current. Egg patterns are also working well when the fish ignore basic fly presentations. Boaters are catching trout throwing Roostertails, Super Dupers and Lil' Cleos, with the best results occurring while the turbines are turning. Bank fishermen make quick work of catching a limit of trout by using nightcrawlers and redworms floated under a bobber. Corn and wax worms are working, as well as Powerbait fished on the bottom. Striper and hybrid action is fair, with most fishing taking place below the dam in the channels. Large gizzard shad fished under a balloon rig have taken fish in the 10- to 14-pound range.<br />
Diamond Head Marina (501-262-2272) said the water is clear and 4 feet low.<br />
Lake Hamilton: Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service had no report this week.<br />
Lake Hinkle: Bill's Bait Shop (479-637-4719) said water conditions are normal. Crappie are fair in deep water on minnows.<br />
Lake Atkins: Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said water conditions are normal. Bream fishing is excellent around the banks on crickets. Crappie fishing is good in deep water on minnows. Catfish are biting well on large minnows.<br />
Lake Nimrod: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 342.33 feet MSL.<br />
Bait N' More (479-272-4025) had no report.
SOUTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS<br />
No report this week.
EAST ARKANSAS
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): River City Sporting Goods (870-534-8303) said the water is murky and a little high. Bream fishing is good on wax worms and crickets. Crappie are biting well on minnows and jigs. Bass fishing is fair on plastic worms. Catfishing is very good on nightcrawlers and liver.<br />
White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is clear and very low. Bass fishing is fair on plastic worms, Flukes and Senkos.<br />
Maddox Bay: Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) had no report.<br />
Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said few anglers have been on the water. No report.<br />
Horseshoe Lake: Local angler Clyde Gregory said the water is clear and low. Bream are biting on wax worms. Crappie fishing is good trolling in about 12 feet of water. Catfish are fair on minnows.<br />
Island 40 Chute: Daily's Boat Dock (870-739-3478) had no report.
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 - 391.50 feet, Tailwater - 373.29 feet, Flow - 25,960 cubic feet per second<br />
Ozark Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 12): Headwater - 371.81 feet, Tailwater - 339.70 feet, Flow - 29,100 cubic feet per second<br />
Dardanelle Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 10): Headwater - 337.59 feet, Tailwater - 287.24 feet<br />
Ormond Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 9): Headwater - 287.58 feet, Tailwater - 264.90 feet, Flow - 6,290 cubic feet per second<br />
Toad Suck Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 8): Headwater - 265.13 feet, Tailwater - 249.81 feet<br />
Murray Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 7): Headwater - 249.22 feet, Tailwater - 231.48 feet, Flow - 7,920 cubic feet per second<br />
Terry Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 6): Headwater - 230.92 feet, Tailwater - 212.94 feet, Flow - 9,982 cubic feet per second<br />
Sanders Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 4): Headwater - 196.06 feet, Tailwater - 183.19 feet<br />
Hardin Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 3): Headwater - 182.47 feet, Tailwater - 163.41 feet<br />
Mills Dam (Dam 2): Headwater - 162.29 feet, Tailwater - 125.14 feet, Flow - 16,160 cubic feet per second<br />
White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Wednesday the White River stages are:<br />
3.24 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage - 19 feet)<br />
6.26 feet at Batesville (flood stage - 15 feet)<br />
3.42 feet at Newport (flood stage - 26 feet)<br />
16.05 feet at Augusta (flood stage - 26 feet)<br />
6.01 feet at Georgetown (flood stage - 21 feet)<br />
16.72 feet at Clarendon (flood stage - 26 feet)<br />
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report: Despite the cold weather, trout fishing has been excellent in the ponds on chartreuse Powerbait, GULP crawlers and 1/8 ounce, white Roostertails. Rock Creek was stocked earlier this week, and trout are hitting Trout Magnets, spoons and nymph patterns. For more information on trout stockings, call 1-866-540-FISH (3474).
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Conway: Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) the water is clear and a little low. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs.<br />
Little Red River: Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is clear and high with 1-2 generators running all day. Trout are biting well on artificial baits such as red or gold buoyant spoons and Countdown Rapalas.<br />
Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry powerhouse has been releasing water every day all day long. They are continually operating one generator and occasionally ramping up the second unit. The plan is to continue Greers Ferry water releases until the percentage of lake volume equals that of Table Rock Lake, then they intend to reduce releases at Greers Ferry and begin releases at Table Rock. The temperature of the water driving the turbines has been 48 degrees. Midges are hatching all along the Little Red every day, and trout are feeding on them. Dry fly midges in cream or black (sizes 22-24), sulphurs (sizes 16-18) and Adams (sizes 18-20) are patterns of choice. Below the surface, zebra midges (sizes 16-22, red, black or copper), sow bugs (sizes 14-16, peacock, UV tan or light gray) and woolly buggers (sizes 10-12, olive or black) are catching fish=2E<br />
Greers Ferry: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 459.19 MSL.<br />
Shiloh Marina (501-825-6237) had no report this week.<br />
Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service had no report this week.<br />
Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows and jigs around brush. Catfishing is fair on large minnows and stinkbait.<br />
Lake Overcup: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie fishing is fair on white jigs. Catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers and shad.<br />
Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said water conditions are normal. Crappie is the best thing going right now on minnows and jigs.<br />
Brewer Lake: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007 said water conditions are normal. Bream fishing is good on crickets. Catfishing is fair on nightcrawlers and shad.<br />
Sunset Lake: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is good in brush on 2-inch grubs in 12 to 15 feet of water. A few bass have been caught in 12 to 15 feet of water on bass jigs.<br />
Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is clear and a little high. Crappie fishing is fair on 2-inch pink or chartreuse grubs. Bass fishing is excellent on green crankbaits. Smallmouth bass are biting well on jigs in deep holes. Walleye are biting well in deep water on live bait.<br />
Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley's Hidden Harbor had no report this week.<br />
Arkansas River in Little Rock: Vince Miller from Fish "˜N Stuff said fishing is slow.<br />
Little Maumelle River: River Valley Bait (501-868-3279) said the water is a little dingy and at normal level. Crappie fishing is good in covered areas on crappie minnows and assorted jigs. Bass fishing is fair on spinnerbaits and topwater lures. Catfishing is fair using any bait on the bottom.<br />
Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is good on minnows. Catfishing is good using shad and cut bait on trotlines.<br />
Big Maumelle Creek: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is fair on pink minnows and slip-cork rigs. Catfishing is good on cut bait using trot lines.<br />
Lake Maumelle: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is good on the creek channel in 25 feet of water.<br />
Murray Lock and Dam: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie fishing is fair on live minnows and slip-cork rigs. Catfishing is good on cut shad.<br />
Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said water conditions are normal. All fishing has been slow.<br />
Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said water conditions are normal. A few bream are being caught in 10 feet of water on worms. Crappie fishing is good in 5 feet of water on pink minnows.
NORTH ARKANSAS
White River: Mountain River Fly Shop had no report this week.<br />
Angler's White River Resort said the water conditions are normal. Trout fishing has been pretty good on Powerbait and crankbaits.<br />
Bull Shoals Lake: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 651.26 feet MSL.<br />
Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock (870-445-4424) had no report this week.<br />
Lake Norfork: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 547.53 feet MSL.<br />
Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair in shallow water on minnows and jigs. Bass fishing is fair on crankbaits and jigs.<br />
101 Grocery & Bait (870-467-5223) said water level is normal and clear with a temperature in the low 40's. Striper fishing has been fair in 40 to 50 feet of water. Crappie fishing has been fair on small minnows around brush piles.<br />
Norfork Tailwater: Mountain River Fly Shop said it seems like more and more people have been hitting Norfork the past week, and with good reason. Fishing has been good, and though the water seems a little stained, the lake turnover is now done. Midges are the order of the day; Zebras Poison Tungs, WD40s and the like have all been performing well. We have also had good reports on Y2Ks and egg patterns plus the usual San Juan worms. But even more interesting, especially for dry fly anglers, was the report today of serious surface activity in the afternoons. Try Parachute Adams and standard Adams patterns in sizes 20 and 22. If the hatch isn't on when you are there, make sure you have a healthy dose of Davy's Sow bugs and a handful of McLellan's Scuds.<br />
Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381) said the water is low with very little generation. Trout fishing has been outstanding on nightcrawlers. Fly fishing is good on olive/black woolly buggers and sow bugs.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Lake: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 1113.56 feet MSL.<br />
JT's Crappie Guide Service said bass have been hitting jigging spoons and hard jerk baits along wind blown banks from midlake and south in 20-35 feet of water. They have also been hitting jig-and-pig combos along chunk rock banks with timber. Crappie have been hit-or-miss with the best fishing on warm, sunny days. Try using minnows or Shineee Hineee jigs around brush and pole timber along bluff lines and channel ledges.<br />
The best places to fish are the War Eagle creek arm, Monte Ne and Edens Bluff. White bass have been around main lake points and humps near the main channel. Quarter-ounce jigging spoons lowered down to the school have worked best. The best places to find whites have been around Point 12, Edens Bluff and the Horseshoe Bend areas. Striped bass have been anywhere from up in the rivers to Prairie Creek. Try umbrella rigs with white grubs. Catfish are near bluff lines and can be caught with liver or nightcrawlers. Hickory Creek is a good spot to look for catfish. Bream are also along steep bluff walls near timber. Crickets or worms fished 15-30 feet will be productive.<br />
Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said not many anglers are available for a report.<br />
Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said fishing has been slow with few anglers in the area.<br />
Sugarloaf Lake: Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Spring River: Mark Crawford at Mark's Fly Shop said the water is a little murky downstream, but fishing has been good with deeper-water fishing techniques. Caddis and mayflies have been very effective.<br />
Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the water conditions are normal and fishing has been slow with few anglers in the area.<br />
Lake Frierson: Lake Frierson State Park said few anglers are on the water.<br />
Eleven Point River: Woody's Canoe Rental and Campground (870-892-9732) said water conditions are normal. Walleye are hitting jigs.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Chicot: Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said water conditions are normal. Bream fishing is good on wax worms and crickets. Crappie are biting well on minnows and jigs. Bass can be caught on topwater lures. Catfishing is good on any bait.<br />
Grand Lake: Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said water conditions are normal. Crappie are fair trolling.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Millwood Lake: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 256.37 feet MSL.<br />
Millwood Lake Guide Service said the main lake and Little River's water surface temperature are ranging from 45 to 50 degrees, depdning on location and time of day. The lake level on Millwood is about 2.9 feet below normal and falling, at 256.32 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is approx 6-8 inches visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility are about 5-6 inches because of recent high winds. Current in Little River and discharge at the dam was decreased to 2,418 CFS as of Monday to maintain the pool drawdown. Navigation required caution because of the recent winter pool reduction, revealing logjams and stumps previously inundated at normal pool. Closed or unusable boat ramps on Millwood during winter pool drawdown are both ramps at Paraloma and both at Cottenshed; both ramps closed at Beards Bluff because of reduced winter pool. Use extreme caution in navigation; many of the boat lanes during winter pool drawdown are now only 3-10 inches in overall depth. Bass are fair to good on Texas-rigged Hog Assassins, large ¾-ounce Rat-L-Traps, various crankbaits and jigs. We are drawing some good reactions from good-sized keeper bass on jigs using a Texas craw color with watermelon or green pumpkin chunk trailers. Dead sticking Twitch Assassins in crystal shad. salt n' pepper Silver Phantom and Salty Rat Tails in motor-oil red flake, purple smoke and kiwi are also working well on a light wire hook for a slow fall. No report on white bass. Crappie fishing is good in mid-mornings on shiners or smoke grubs on light wire jigheads. Good channel catfish have been caught using cut bait, chicken liver and hot dogs on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river in 10 to 15 feet of water.<br />
Lake Columbia: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said water conditions are normal. A few bream have been caught on worms. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs.<br />
Lake Erling: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs. Catfishing is fair on liver.<br />
White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park said fishing is picking up. Bream and crappie are biting pretty well on minnows. Bass are hitting artificial baits. Catfish are slow.<br />
Lake Greeson: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 542.0 feet MSL.<br />
Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips Guide Service said the water temperature is the upper 40s and lower 50s. Crappie fishing is good but scattered. Most crappie have been caught on jigs and minnows 15-22 feet deep in 20-32 feet of water on bamboo and hardwood brushpiles. The stripers and white bass are schooling up the river and into the backs of the major creek arms chasing huge schools of shad. For a daily report with pictures of fish caught, visit http://www.familyfishingtrips.com/PhotosCurrent.htm<br />
Lakeside Grocery (870-398-5304) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows and jigs.<br />
Little Missouri River: Jeff Guerin of Little Missouri Fly Fishing said fishing has been slow and the weather has made for some uncomfortable fishing, especially without neoprene waders.<br />
DeGray Lake: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 400.1 feet MSL.<br />
DeGray One Stop (501-865-3511) said few anglers are on the water.
WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Dardanelle: Murphy's Sporting Goods (479-883-3200) said the water is a little dingy and at a normal level. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Bass are biting well on jigs and spinnerbaits.<br />
Blue Mountain Lake: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 384.30 feet MSL.<br />
CNC's End of the Line (479-947-2398) had no report.<br />
Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows and jigs. Black bass are biting well on crankbaits. Stripers can be caught below the generators on minnows and jigs. Catfish are biting well below the dam.<br />
Lake Ouachita: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation was 571.7 feet MSL.<br />
Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service had no report this week.<br />
Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service,, reports that the water temperature is holding in the mid 40s below the dam. Rainbow trout fishing is good, with many of the fish already in the 14-inch range. January is when trout stocking begins. Fly fishermen are consistently catching limits of trout by casting woolly buggers, micro jigs and San Juan worms in areas of current. Egg patterns are also working well when the fish ignore basic fly presentations. Boaters are catching trout throwing Roostertails, Super Dupers and Lil' Cleos, with the best results occurring while the turbines are turning. Bank fishermen make quick work of catching a limit of trout by using nightcrawlers and redworms floated under a bobber. Corn and wax worms are working, as well as Powerbait fished on the bottom. Striper and hybrid action is fair, with most fishing taking place below the dam in the channels. Large gizzard shad fished under a balloon rig have taken fish in the 10- to 14-pound range.<br />
Diamond Head Marina (501-262-2272) said the water is clear and 4 feet low.<br />
Lake Hamilton: Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service had no report this week.<br />
Lake Hinkle: Bill's Bait Shop (479-637-4719) said water conditions are normal. Crappie are fair in deep water on minnows.<br />
Lake Atkins: Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said water conditions are normal. Bream fishing is excellent around the banks on crickets. Crappie fishing is good in deep water on minnows. Catfish are biting well on large minnows.<br />
Lake Nimrod: As of Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 342.33 feet MSL.<br />
Bait N' More (479-272-4025) had no report.
SOUTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS<br />
No report this week.
EAST ARKANSAS
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): River City Sporting Goods (870-534-8303) said the water is murky and a little high. Bream fishing is good on wax worms and crickets. Crappie are biting well on minnows and jigs. Bass fishing is fair on plastic worms. Catfishing is very good on nightcrawlers and liver.<br />
White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is clear and very low. Bass fishing is fair on plastic worms, Flukes and Senkos.<br />
Maddox Bay: Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) had no report.<br />
Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said few anglers have been on the water. No report.<br />
Horseshoe Lake: Local angler Clyde Gregory said the water is clear and low. Bream are biting on wax worms. Crappie fishing is good trolling in about 12 feet of water. Catfish are fair on minnows.<br />
Island 40 Chute: Daily's Boat Dock (870-739-3478) had no report.