Central Arkansas Lake Conway
Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the water is low and is clearing. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. Crappie are biting well on pink and silver minnows, white Crappie Stingers and white/chartreuse jigs. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits and black/purple worms. Catfishing is fair on trotline minnows.
Dan at Gold Creek Marina (501-607-0590) had no report.
Little Red River
Lindsey’s Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is low and clear. Trout are biting well on wax worms floated with a marshmallow and on Rapala Countdown lures.
Greers Ferry
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 456.61 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 461 MSL).
Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water level is falling. The hybrids and whites are spread out, but some are beginning to move upriver. Hair jigs with a grub, swimbaits, jerk baits, roadrunners and in-line spinners are working well. Bass are biting well on jerk baits, crankbaits and jigs fished around shallow woody cover. Slow-rolled spinnerbaits and football head jigs are working well in deeper water. Crappie are biting up the rivers, and are being caught by trolling jigs and small crankbaits. Crappie are also being caught suspended around pole timber and brush piles in 15 to 25 feet of water in the main lake. No report on catfish or bream. A few walleye are starting to show up in the rivers. The best bite is on jig heads tipped with a minnow and long, shad-imitating crankbaits.
Cody S. Smith of www.fishgreersferry.com said Greers Ferry is rising slightly from recent rains. Water surface temperatures are in the upper 40s and are topping out around 54 degrees in some locations. Although the water has a heavy stain in the creeks and rivers, fish are willing to bite. White bass are making their way up most of the creeks and rivers and providing some good action. Small crankbaits grubs and spinners are getting good bites in the morning and at midday. The walleye bite should come back around when the water starts to clear toward the end of the week.
Harris Brake Lake
Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) had no report.
Lake Overcup
Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the lake is still low and fishing is slow.
Brewer Lake
Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the lake is 6 to 8 feet low and fishing is slow.
Lake Maumelle
Jolly Roger’s Marina said the water has come up about 7 inches, but is still 8.7 feet below the spillway. The water temperature is 52 degrees. Largemouth bass are biting well on crankbaits, jigs and CC spoons fished 10 to 20 feet deep in the mid-section of the lake. Spotted bass are biting well on grubs and jighead worms in 12 to 20 feet of water around artificial structures. White bass are excellent and have begun moving to the west end of the lake. On warmer days, they’re moving toward the bank at chimney. The spring run should begin in the next week, and some rain may kick it off. Crappie are excellent on small jigs and small pink minnows fished around structure in 18 feet of water. Catfishing is slow on cut shad and prepared bait.
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had no report.
Lake Valencia
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had no report.
Sunset Lake
Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is stained and at normal level. Crappie are fair on 2-inch chartreuse grubs fished in brush about 8 feet deep. Bass are biting well on gold/black/orange jerk baits and 6-inch green pumpkin lizards. Catfishing is slow.
Saline River Access in Benton
Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is muddy and high. No report.
Arkansas River at Morrilton
Charley’s Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said few anglers are on the river because of the weather. Spotted bass were biting fairly well around rocky areas on black/blue jigs. The water temperature is still around 52 degrees. Catfishing is good in deep holes below dams 9 and 10 on whole shad. No report on any other species.
Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had no report.
Arkansas River (Little Rock Pool)
Vince Miller from Fish ’N Stuff had no report.
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had no report.
McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the river below Terry Lock and Dam is stained and low. Crappie are fair on minnows in the backwater areas around 4 to 5 feet deep. No report on any other species.
Clear Lake
McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is low and stained. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are biting well on minnows and tube jigs. No report on bass or catfish.
Peckerwood Lake
Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is dingy and still 4 to 5 feet low. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are biting well on minnows. No report on any other species.
Lake Pickthorne
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had no report.
North Arkansas White River
Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said the water is clear and at normal levels. Drifting white Power Bait has worked well, as have jerk baits, jigs and sculpin imitations. Fly anglers are catching some good brown trout on woolly buggers, sculpin patterns, scuds and midges.
Randy Oliver at www.randyoliverguide.com (901-832-1903) had no report.
Guide Davy Wotton said extended periods of low water provided great wade fishing opportunities during the last two weeks. More than a day or so of zero generation makes life difficult for those who wish to drift fish. The Bull Shoals Trophy Management Zone has been producing some nice fish on midges, sow bugs, scuds, soft hackles and streamers. When we see generated water levels (lower flow rates to 5,000 cfs) the above range of flies will serve well with the addition of San Juan, prism and dynamite worms set up as two fly rigs where legal. If the generations are above 5,000 cfs, opt for at least one fly with high-vis, here you might include eggs. Streamer fishing may well be a good option during high flows, it is the time that browns are hungry and looking for larger food source and bait fish will be on the menu. If we do see any evidence of shad then white flies will be on the cards, streamers, jigs are good choices.
Jim Brentlinger at Linger’s Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said recent rains have muddied the water quite a bit. In muddy water, you can catch fish on the bottom with Power Bait or worms, but there hasn’t been much action on artificial lures. Head to Rim Shoals, Buffalo City or Wildcat Shoals, as the water is very clear and the fish are biting excellently. White River Zig Jigs are all you need in most any color and you will be happy with the results.
Buffalo River
Just Fishing Guides said water levels are as follows: Highway 7 Access – 5.05 feet and 194 cfs; Highway 65 Access – 6.25 feet and 1,440 cfs; Highway 14 Access – 4.75 feet and 1230 cfs. Water temperatures have ranged from a low of 47 degrees to a high of 54 degrees. Fishing is slow to moderate. Fish slowly to stay on the bottom. Best bets for flies will be patterns that hug the bottom, such as crawdad and darter/sculpin imitations. Patterns like the Clouser madtom, darter and minnow, crazy dads and creek crawlers and sparkle grubs should work well.
Crooked Creek
Just Fishing Guides said water levels are 11.96 feet, 0.3 feet under the low-water bridge at Kelly's Access and 129 cfs. This level is great for fishing and floating. Water temperatures are in the upper 40s to mid 50s. The warmer weather this week should get the smallmouth active. Good baits are going to be the ones that hug the bottom. Be sure to fish slow and deep.
Bull Shoals Lake
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 648.30 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 654 MSL).
Mike Worley’s Guide Service said the water temperature has been up and down all over the lake. Snow runoff with cold rain brought the lake level up about one foot this week but brought the water temperature down, with main channel areas in the mid 40s. Bass have been biting suspending jerk baits when you can find some warmer water; look in creek arms and larger coves that face south. Some anglers have been having luck swimming grubs on 1/8- to 1/4-oz. jig heads about halfway back in the creeks with water flowing in. A few walleye have been caught along with the bass, and walleye fishing should improve greatly in the next few weeks.
Bull Shoals Tailwater
Just Fishing Guides said generation has been occurring during the day, starting at 6 a.m. and running eight to 10 hours before shutting down overnight. This pattern allows some wade fishing downstream around Cotter and Rim Shoals in the morning through early afternoon. Scuds, sow bugs, caddis larva/pupae, pheasant tails, copper johns, midges, San Juan worms and streamers are all working at various times during the day.
Lake Norfork
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 543.13 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool: Sept.-April - 552 MSL, April-Sept. - 554 MSL).
STR Outfitters had no report.
Guide Steve Olomon said the water temperature is in the mid to upper 40s. Bass are hitting Wiggle Warts and suspending jerk baits around 10 to 15 feet deep, and the deeper fish are hitting jigs. Look in coves and creeks for baitfish. Some of the coves are loaded with baitfish. If you mark deep fish, drop a jigging spoon.
Highway 101 Grocery and Bait said fishing is good. With air temperatures in the 60-70 degree range and water temperatures on the rise around 56 degrees, the fish are on the move. Striped bass are being caught 10-20 feet deep on shiners and in the mornings and evenings on stick baits fished along the water's edge. There were some 20 pounders reeled in this weekend and a monster 38 pounder using shiners. Crappie fishing is good around 4-10 feet deep on shiners and 1/32-oz. jigs. Walleye fishing is picking up on live bait in shallow water. Bass fishing has been good on ¼-oz. jigheads with 3-inch grubs. White bass and catfish have been slow. Bluegill fishing is fair using pieces of nightcrawler.
Norfork Tailwater
Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the water is clear and generation has been extremely low. You can catch quite a few fish, but you will have to negotiate a large amount of boats that are there due to the muddy water on the White.
Randy Oliver at www.randyoliverguide.com (901-832-1903) said nice size rainbow trout are hitting nightcrawlers blown up with air fished off bottom about 6 to 8 inches.
Charlie’s Rainbow Trout Resort had no report.
Just Fishing Guides said no generation last week meant unlimited wade fishing. Midges in black and gray are producing best around Quarry Park. Scuds and sow bugs are working well in the middle section down to McClellands. Add olive caddis larva/pupae and blue wing olive patterns from McClellands to the mouth of the river. Small to medium streamers in olive, black, gray, white and yellow are viable anywhere as well.
Northwest Arkansas Beaver Lake
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,111.73 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 1,120 MSL).
Bailey’s Beaver Lake Guide Service (479-366-8664) said striper fishing has been slow, but it’s improving. It is time to start checking the flats on sunny days. Water temperatures climbing slowly, and walleye spawning will begin soon. The white bass should make their runs up the creek arms right after the walleye. By mid-march the spawning runs should be gaining momentum. The best approach is free lines or balloons with 3- or 4-inch baits in the backs of coves. Stripers can also be taken with no. 9 Rapala originals or Husky Jerks and/or Rattling Rogues flat-line trolled; use planer boards to spread your lines and cover shallow water near the bank as you troll. Move Rapalas at a speed of about 1.5-2 mph. On the mid- and lower sections of the lake, check out the following areas: The mouth of Indian creek; the mouth of Big Clifty; Rocky Branch in the cove for Larue boat ramp and check the Van Hollow, Rambo and Fords creek arms. In the upper section of the lake, look in the back of Prairie Creek and the flats off the islands; pay close attention to the flats next to the main river channel. There’s been some fish activity in Coose Hollow as well. Large schools of shad are in the back of Blackburn Creek and Monte-Ne, and anglers are doing well on free-lined shad. Start looking for fish activity to pick up in Hickory Creek and the White River/War Eagle junction as the water warms. Walleye should start moving into position to begin spawning and will be staging near the inlets. Most walleye will be about 10-20 feet deep off points and mid-stream humps. Three-way rigs fished with crawlers or Rapalas are producing well. Use a 14-inch dropper to your sinker and a 4-foot leader to your bait. If you are familiar with lead core or wire lines then now is the time to use them in conjunction with a Rapala or Rogue. Chartreuse/orange color variations for your crawler harnesses and Rapalas in natural blue or black back combos are producing. Troll crawlers and Rapalas at about 1/4 to 1/2 mph, moving just fast enough to keep your lure from hanging up. Pull the lure forward in 2-3 foot sweeps as you go, the bite will occur on the drop back. Try drifting jigs baited with minnows, bounced along the bottom with a slow lift and drop, move very slowly, slipping down current or try back trolling. Remember to use the lightest jig possible while still maintaining bottom contact. You can also slowly drift Rapala Shad Raps across shallow flats in the river.
JT’s Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass have been biting well in the afternoons on chartreuse/white double willow blade spinnerbaits around timber and lay down trees. In the mornings, try a watermelon or green pumpkin jig dressed with a craw chunk around docks and timber along sloping chunk rock banks. Crappie fishing continues to be best in the afternoon using a Bobby Garland Baby Shad under a cork 3 to 5 feet around pole timber, lay downs and brush close to creek channels. For cloudy or cool days, try fishing a tube jig or Shineee Hineee jig tipped with a minnow just off the bottom near brush on ledges in 15 to 25 feet of water. The best area has been the White River upstream from War Eagle Marina. White bass have begun showing up half way up both river arms on warm afternoons. They have been biting chartreuse Shineee Hineees, small Rat-L-Traps and curly tailed grubs. Fish have been holding on flats with timber close to the channel. Catfishing has been slow; try liver from the bank at the 412 or 12 bridge areas.
Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) had no report.
Beaver Tailwater
Just Fishing Guides said plenty of low water has allowed excellent fishing for wading anglers. Midge fishing continues to be the more consistent method for both numbers and size of fish. Scuds, sow bugs and small olive streamers are producing well.
Kings River
Just Fishing Guides said water levels are 4.43 feet and 863 cfs at the Grandview bridge. Water temperatures have been averaging in the low 50s. Best bets for flies will be patterns that hug the bottom, such as crawdad and darter/sculpin imitations. Patterns like the Clouser madtom, darter and minnow, crazy dads and creek crawlers and sparkle grubs should work well. In the lower river, walleye and white bass should begin to stage for the spawn. Minnows and crawdads will be the best baits.
Lake Fayetteville
Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said the water is dingy and high. Bass are fair on soft-plastic lures. No report on any other species.
Lake Sequoyah
Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the water is dingy to clear and the surface temperature is 48 degrees. No report.
Northeast Arkansas Lake Charles
Lake Charles State Park said crappie have started to bite on live bait. There have been several reports of bass being caught on crankbaits. The water temperature ranges from the upper 40s to the low 50s. Slow down your presentation for better results on bass and crappie.
Lake Poinsett
Lake Poinsett State Park said Lake Poinsett is still very low. Some bass have been caught lately, but the fishing is slow.
Crown Lake
Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the water is muddy and at normal level. Crappie are slow. Bass are biting well on grubs and jigs. No report on catfish or bream.
Lake Frierson
Lake Frierson State Park said the water is low and muddy, but rising. Bass are fair on soft-plastics. No report on any other species.
Spring River
Mark Crawford with Spring River Flies and Guides said last week’s rain brought up river levels some. The water is clear and looking great. Many caddis flies are hatching out – mainly tan colors but also some black caddis. A small hackle fly has been working well to imitate the hatches. Mayfly emergers in yellow have been the hot color of the week. Fishing can be slower on nice sunny days. That is when the best fishing can be found on riffles and shoals. Overcast days have been most productive. Always try to get away from the pressured areas during the weekends and find places the trout are not spooked. Float trips have been very productive.
Spring River Fly Shop said despite the recent winds, trout fishing has been very good. The rain helped turn some fish on, and the anglers that braved the weather were rewarded. Y2K's, woolly mammoths and mad guy olives worked very well for fly anglers, while bait anglers had their best success on shrimp and salmon eggs.
Southeast Arkansas Lake Chicot
Lake Chicot State Park bream fishing has been fair on crickets. Crappie fishing has been good on minnows. Catfish are biting well on crickets and cold worms. Bass are biting slowly on black plastic worms.
Cane Creek Lake
Cane Creek State Park said crappie fishing is starting to pick up in the trees. Minnows are the best choice. Bass also are starting to come on strong, with minnows and worms being the most popular bait.
Lake Monticello
Fishing guide Greg Gulledge (870-723-3928) of MonticelloBigBass.com said the water surface temperature is on the way up. Even on cooler, cloudy days, we have temperatures in the low- to mid-50s in the coves. Some bass are being caught on soft plastics, crankbaits and jerk baits. Lake Monticello is on the verge of turning on. Be careful on the lake. The lake is down and boaters are keeping Mac at Harrison Fiberglass Repair busy. There are stumps just under the water that are usually several feet under the water.
Southwest Arkansas Millwood Lake
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 259.83 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 259.2 MSL).
Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the winter drawdown on Millwood ended and the lake level continues to rise. Millwood is now 7 inches above normal pool with reduced current in Little River of 245 CFS. Surface temperatures continue rising, and range from 55 to 65 degrees, depending on location and time of day. Visibility ranges from 12 to 15 inches in the river, depending on location. The bass bite continues improving dramatically with the warmer days. The bass bite continues to be best during heat of the day. Bass continue to prowl spawning areas, and are being caught on jigs, Rat-L-Traps, lizards and gitzits. Bass up to 9 pounds each, full of roe, are staging. It’s just a matter of days before the spawn is in full swing. Bass are roaming the backs of creeks, and searching shallow flats off creek channels for bed-making areas on warm afternoons. The best Rat-L-Trap colors are brown/orange crawfish, red chrome, red shad, Toledo gold and orange shad. Jigs in junebug, black/purple, black/blue or Texas craw are working for heavy egg-laden females. Magnum lizards in blackberry, junebug or chartreuse/pumpkin continue working for male and female bass. White bass continue roaming Little River, and were good in numbers, over the past week. Whites remain in the immediate vicinities of White Cliffs, McGuire and Arkansas Highway 71 Bridge. These schools are eager to hit Bomber Fat Free Shads, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Gay Blades, Cordell CC Spoons, grubs on lead head jigs, Little Georges and white/red Rooster Tails. The crappie bite is good to very good with reduced current in Little River, and better clarity. Vertically jigging tiny jigs, grubs and Rooster Tails over and in planted brush tops along Little River above White Cliffs Campground is working well. Many catfish have been caught lately on trotlines and tight lines fished in Little River. Blue catfish are being caught on cut shad, Catfish Charlie and chicken livers in 15 to 18 feet of water around outer break lines in Little River.
Lake Columbia
Steve’s Outdoor Sports (870-234-2222) said the water is low. Bream are fair on crickets and red wigglers. Crappie are fair on minnows, with most of the anglers using small minnows. Bass are fair on minnows as well. A few catfish have been caught by bream anglers on red wigglers.
Lake Erling
Steve’s Outdoor Sports (870-234-2222) said the water is low. Bream are fair on crickets and red wigglers. Crappie are fair on minnows, with most of the anglers using small minnows. Bass are fair on minnows as well. A few catfish have been caught by bream anglers on red wigglers.
Lake Greeson
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 541.49 MSL (Flood pool - 548 MSL).
Lakeside Grocery and Bait (870-398-5304) said the water is clear and low. The surface temperature is 49 degrees. Crappie are fair on minnows in 4 to 6 feet of water. Bass are fair on crankbaits and soft plastics in 5 to 15 feet of water. Walleye are fair toward the river on minnows and nightcrawlers dragged along the bottom.
For more information on crappie fishing at Lake Greeson, visit Jerry Blake’s website, www.actionfishingtrips.com/tripreports.htm.
Lake Greeson Tailwater (Little Missouri River)
Jeff Guerin of www.littlemissouriflyfishing.com had no report.
Cossatot River
Cossatot River State Park had no report.
DeGray Lake
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 396.18 feet MSL (Flood pool - 408 MSL).
Due to the low water, boaters should use extreme caution when navigating DeGray. Many unmarked islands and humps are just under the surface, which can cause serious damage and harm if struck.
Local angler George Graves said surface water temperature is in the mid-50s. The water is clear from the dam to Point 14 and stained from Point 14 to Point Cedar. Bass fishing is fair with the fish moving shallower with the warmer weather. However the fish are still on the main lake points and ledges in 8 to 20 feet of water. The best fishing is on a medium-diving crankbait or Rat-L-Trap along rocky bluffs on the sunny side of the lake. Also try a Texas- or Carolina-rigged worm on long sloping points with some rock or wood cover. A few good catches have been reported coming from the standing timber on main lake points taken on dark-colored jigs. The best area for bass has been from Point 14 to Cox Creek. Another good bet is the edge of the old creek channel in Big Hill Creek. Crappie fishing has been good with some nice catches reported. The fish are still on main lake attractors at 15 to 20 feet. Use a 1/32- or 1/16-ounce jig head and a 2-inch Tennessee shad grub. Try a chartreuse jig head if the water is discolored. Fish the jig over the thickest part of the brush about 10 to 13 feet down. Adding a crappie nibble or minnow to the jig will greatly improve your catch. Try between Lenox Marcos and Point Cedar; the Shouse Ford area also has been very good. Bream are moving into the attractors along with the crappies. Fish for bream like you would for crappies, but use a no. 8 hook with a split shot about a foot above the hook and fish just above the brush with either crickets or red worms. No reports on hybrids.
West-Central Arkansas Lake Nimrod
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 345.06 feet MSL.
Greer’s Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) had no report.
Lake Hinkle
Bill’s Bait Shop (479-637-7419) said the water is low and clear. Crappie are fair on minnows fished from the bank. Bass are biting well on minnows. No report on any other species.
Lake Dardanelle
Regina Olson at Spadra Marina said fishing has been great. Catfishermen are reporting limits on many trips using cut shad. Whole shad was popular a couple of weeks ago, but now we are starting to see more cut shad used, as well as livers. Largemouth bass have been biting very well on blue and silver jerk baits and shallow-diving crankbaits. Crappie are biting best in mornings and late afternoons. Crappie minnows are in high demand right now.
Blue Mountain Lake
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 384.82 feet MSL.
Teresa at CD’s Quick Stop (479-947-2178) said the store is open and anglers are coming to the lake, but there haven’t been many reports coming in yet.
Lake Ouachita
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 570.36 MSL (Flood pool - 578 MSL).
Larry Hurley from Poorman’s Guide Service had no report.
Trader Bill’s Outdoor Sports said the water temperature is in the low 40s. The lake level is very low and the water is clear. Bass are being caught on jerk baits fished very slowly. Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits and crankbaits are working over grass. Slow your retrieve and cover water until you find a grass bed, then fish the lure through the bed slowly. Crappie are biting on jigs and minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water.
Mountain Harbor Resort said the water is clearing and the surface temperature ranges form 46 to 50 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin, peanut butter and jelly or black/blue football jigs fished 15 to 25 feet deep. Jerk baits and red Rat-L-Traps fished over main lake points and humps are getting good results as well. Walleye are fair on spoons fished around brush 20 to 25 feet deep. Walleye are beginning to stage in the rivers for their spawning run. Stripers are biting well on live bait, soft plastic grubs and white or gray hair jigs. There have been some good reports on jerk baits fished near timber this week as well. Crappie are biting very well near brush in water 15 to 20 feet deep on minnows or Tennessee shad or rainbow trout-colored crappie grubs. Catfish are fair jug lines and trotlines baited with live bait.
Lake Hamilton
Entergy reports that the water level on Lake Hamilton will begin to rise March 5 and fill to normal pool by March 13.
Trader Bill’s Outdoor Sports said the water temperature is in the low 40s and the water color is clear. The lake is still down 3 feet. Bass are being caught on slow-moving lures, like jigs and jerk baits. Also try a spoon in the guts of creeks in 20 to 30 feet of water. With this week’s warm weather, try a crawfish-colored crankbait on points at the mouths of short feeder creeks. Crappie are being caught in 10 to 12 feet of water on jigs or minnows fished very slowly under floats.
Darryl Morris at Family Fishing Trips had no report.
Lake Catherine
Entergy reports that the water level on Lake Catherine will begin to rise March 5 and fill to normal pool by March 13.
Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, said water temperature below Carpenter Dam is 43 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Rainbow trout fishing remains hot with guided trips catching and releasing 50 to 100 trout on a regular basis. Bank fishermen are wasting little time catching a quality limit of rainbows using wax worms or redworms under a bobber or floated just off the bottom with a marshmallow. Fly fishermen casting micro-jigs in white or gray or egg patterns in orange with a strike indicator have done very well. Woolly buggers and San Juan worms are also proven trout flies that have taken limits of fish consistently the past several weeks. Spin fishermen casting Countdown Rapalas in black/silver or gold have caught fish at will when the turbines are running. Rooster Tails in brown or white will also draw strikes around visible structure. Walleye are present all over the tailrace and have been caught in good numbers by angler's trolling the main channel at night. Small crankbaits that imitate shad or crawfish work best as the spawn is well underway. Carolina rigs used with nightcrawlers or live minnows will give fishermen the best chance to catch walleye in the shallow water. Striper action remains spotty with some fish being taken below the bridge on balloon rigs with brood shad. With lake levels soon to rise, more striper activity will occur closer to the dam. Crappie will move into the tailrace in mid - March to spawn along with huge numbers of white bass.
Rick Sawyer at Dozhier’s Rainbow Landing (501-262-2825) said trout fishing is excellent. Many walleye are being caught below the bridge at night, as well.
Lake Atkins
Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said fishing is starting to pick up. Small bass are schooling, and will hit any bait that hits the water. Crappie are starting to bite on minnows and jigs. White bass are running and people are catching some nice fish from 1 to 3 pounds. Limits of bream are being caught on small jigs and redworms. Catfish are biting well on trotlines, yo-yos and on bottom with live bait. The water temperature is up to 51 degrees and the lake is up about a foot. The water is clear along the bank and cloudy out deeper.
South-Central Arkansas Moro Bay
Moro Bay State Park at the junction of the Ouachita River, Raymond Lake and Moro Bay had no report.
Ouachita River Oxbows
Jaret Rushing said fishing picked up a little this weekend. Some of the shallower waters on the Ouachita River Oxbows started warming up and anglers were catching male bass on ¼-oz. spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Some good crappie have been caught on yo-yos baited with minnows in 3 to 4 feet of water.
Tri-County Lake
Jaret Rushing said hardly any anglers are on Tri-County Lake. The bass should be moving into the shallower waters and getting ready for spawn. One thing to remember on these bass is that it is unlikely to find one on the bed in the murkier water. The best bet to catch a big one is to use a lizard or brush hog on a Carolina rig to drag across possible bedding areas.
East Arkansas Arkansas River at Pine Bluff
The Tackle Box (870-534-1498) had no report.
White River
Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is high and muddy. Crappie are fair on minnows. Walleye are fair on live bait. No report on any other species.
Maddox Bay
Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said the water is low and stained. Bream are fair. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is fair with yo-yos baited with live bait.
Island 40 Chute
Daily’s Boat Dock (870-739-3478) said the water is high and is murky and clear. No anglers are on the water with the high water conditions.
Horseshoe Lake
Local angler Clyde Gregory said the water is clear and at normal levels. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs fished around the piers. No report on any other species.
Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the water is low and is clearing. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. Crappie are biting well on pink and silver minnows, white Crappie Stingers and white/chartreuse jigs. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits and black/purple worms. Catfishing is fair on trotline minnows.
Dan at Gold Creek Marina (501-607-0590) had no report.
Little Red River
Lindsey’s Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is low and clear. Trout are biting well on wax worms floated with a marshmallow and on Rapala Countdown lures.
Greers Ferry
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 456.61 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 461 MSL).
Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water level is falling. The hybrids and whites are spread out, but some are beginning to move upriver. Hair jigs with a grub, swimbaits, jerk baits, roadrunners and in-line spinners are working well. Bass are biting well on jerk baits, crankbaits and jigs fished around shallow woody cover. Slow-rolled spinnerbaits and football head jigs are working well in deeper water. Crappie are biting up the rivers, and are being caught by trolling jigs and small crankbaits. Crappie are also being caught suspended around pole timber and brush piles in 15 to 25 feet of water in the main lake. No report on catfish or bream. A few walleye are starting to show up in the rivers. The best bite is on jig heads tipped with a minnow and long, shad-imitating crankbaits.
Cody S. Smith of www.fishgreersferry.com said Greers Ferry is rising slightly from recent rains. Water surface temperatures are in the upper 40s and are topping out around 54 degrees in some locations. Although the water has a heavy stain in the creeks and rivers, fish are willing to bite. White bass are making their way up most of the creeks and rivers and providing some good action. Small crankbaits grubs and spinners are getting good bites in the morning and at midday. The walleye bite should come back around when the water starts to clear toward the end of the week.
Harris Brake Lake
Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) had no report.
Lake Overcup
Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the lake is still low and fishing is slow.
Brewer Lake
Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the lake is 6 to 8 feet low and fishing is slow.
Lake Maumelle
Jolly Roger’s Marina said the water has come up about 7 inches, but is still 8.7 feet below the spillway. The water temperature is 52 degrees. Largemouth bass are biting well on crankbaits, jigs and CC spoons fished 10 to 20 feet deep in the mid-section of the lake. Spotted bass are biting well on grubs and jighead worms in 12 to 20 feet of water around artificial structures. White bass are excellent and have begun moving to the west end of the lake. On warmer days, they’re moving toward the bank at chimney. The spring run should begin in the next week, and some rain may kick it off. Crappie are excellent on small jigs and small pink minnows fished around structure in 18 feet of water. Catfishing is slow on cut shad and prepared bait.
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had no report.
Lake Valencia
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had no report.
Sunset Lake
Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is stained and at normal level. Crappie are fair on 2-inch chartreuse grubs fished in brush about 8 feet deep. Bass are biting well on gold/black/orange jerk baits and 6-inch green pumpkin lizards. Catfishing is slow.
Saline River Access in Benton
Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is muddy and high. No report.
Arkansas River at Morrilton
Charley’s Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said few anglers are on the river because of the weather. Spotted bass were biting fairly well around rocky areas on black/blue jigs. The water temperature is still around 52 degrees. Catfishing is good in deep holes below dams 9 and 10 on whole shad. No report on any other species.
Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had no report.
Arkansas River (Little Rock Pool)
Vince Miller from Fish ’N Stuff had no report.
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had no report.
McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the river below Terry Lock and Dam is stained and low. Crappie are fair on minnows in the backwater areas around 4 to 5 feet deep. No report on any other species.
Clear Lake
McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is low and stained. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are biting well on minnows and tube jigs. No report on bass or catfish.
Peckerwood Lake
Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is dingy and still 4 to 5 feet low. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are biting well on minnows. No report on any other species.
Lake Pickthorne
Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop (501-758-4958) had no report.
North Arkansas White River
Sportsman’s White River Resort (870-453-2424) said the water is clear and at normal levels. Drifting white Power Bait has worked well, as have jerk baits, jigs and sculpin imitations. Fly anglers are catching some good brown trout on woolly buggers, sculpin patterns, scuds and midges.
Randy Oliver at www.randyoliverguide.com (901-832-1903) had no report.
Guide Davy Wotton said extended periods of low water provided great wade fishing opportunities during the last two weeks. More than a day or so of zero generation makes life difficult for those who wish to drift fish. The Bull Shoals Trophy Management Zone has been producing some nice fish on midges, sow bugs, scuds, soft hackles and streamers. When we see generated water levels (lower flow rates to 5,000 cfs) the above range of flies will serve well with the addition of San Juan, prism and dynamite worms set up as two fly rigs where legal. If the generations are above 5,000 cfs, opt for at least one fly with high-vis, here you might include eggs. Streamer fishing may well be a good option during high flows, it is the time that browns are hungry and looking for larger food source and bait fish will be on the menu. If we do see any evidence of shad then white flies will be on the cards, streamers, jigs are good choices.
Jim Brentlinger at Linger’s Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said recent rains have muddied the water quite a bit. In muddy water, you can catch fish on the bottom with Power Bait or worms, but there hasn’t been much action on artificial lures. Head to Rim Shoals, Buffalo City or Wildcat Shoals, as the water is very clear and the fish are biting excellently. White River Zig Jigs are all you need in most any color and you will be happy with the results.
Buffalo River
Just Fishing Guides said water levels are as follows: Highway 7 Access – 5.05 feet and 194 cfs; Highway 65 Access – 6.25 feet and 1,440 cfs; Highway 14 Access – 4.75 feet and 1230 cfs. Water temperatures have ranged from a low of 47 degrees to a high of 54 degrees. Fishing is slow to moderate. Fish slowly to stay on the bottom. Best bets for flies will be patterns that hug the bottom, such as crawdad and darter/sculpin imitations. Patterns like the Clouser madtom, darter and minnow, crazy dads and creek crawlers and sparkle grubs should work well.
Crooked Creek
Just Fishing Guides said water levels are 11.96 feet, 0.3 feet under the low-water bridge at Kelly's Access and 129 cfs. This level is great for fishing and floating. Water temperatures are in the upper 40s to mid 50s. The warmer weather this week should get the smallmouth active. Good baits are going to be the ones that hug the bottom. Be sure to fish slow and deep.
Bull Shoals Lake
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 648.30 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 654 MSL).
Mike Worley’s Guide Service said the water temperature has been up and down all over the lake. Snow runoff with cold rain brought the lake level up about one foot this week but brought the water temperature down, with main channel areas in the mid 40s. Bass have been biting suspending jerk baits when you can find some warmer water; look in creek arms and larger coves that face south. Some anglers have been having luck swimming grubs on 1/8- to 1/4-oz. jig heads about halfway back in the creeks with water flowing in. A few walleye have been caught along with the bass, and walleye fishing should improve greatly in the next few weeks.
Bull Shoals Tailwater
Just Fishing Guides said generation has been occurring during the day, starting at 6 a.m. and running eight to 10 hours before shutting down overnight. This pattern allows some wade fishing downstream around Cotter and Rim Shoals in the morning through early afternoon. Scuds, sow bugs, caddis larva/pupae, pheasant tails, copper johns, midges, San Juan worms and streamers are all working at various times during the day.
Lake Norfork
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 543.13 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool: Sept.-April - 552 MSL, April-Sept. - 554 MSL).
STR Outfitters had no report.
Guide Steve Olomon said the water temperature is in the mid to upper 40s. Bass are hitting Wiggle Warts and suspending jerk baits around 10 to 15 feet deep, and the deeper fish are hitting jigs. Look in coves and creeks for baitfish. Some of the coves are loaded with baitfish. If you mark deep fish, drop a jigging spoon.
Highway 101 Grocery and Bait said fishing is good. With air temperatures in the 60-70 degree range and water temperatures on the rise around 56 degrees, the fish are on the move. Striped bass are being caught 10-20 feet deep on shiners and in the mornings and evenings on stick baits fished along the water's edge. There were some 20 pounders reeled in this weekend and a monster 38 pounder using shiners. Crappie fishing is good around 4-10 feet deep on shiners and 1/32-oz. jigs. Walleye fishing is picking up on live bait in shallow water. Bass fishing has been good on ¼-oz. jigheads with 3-inch grubs. White bass and catfish have been slow. Bluegill fishing is fair using pieces of nightcrawler.
Norfork Tailwater
Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the water is clear and generation has been extremely low. You can catch quite a few fish, but you will have to negotiate a large amount of boats that are there due to the muddy water on the White.
Randy Oliver at www.randyoliverguide.com (901-832-1903) said nice size rainbow trout are hitting nightcrawlers blown up with air fished off bottom about 6 to 8 inches.
Charlie’s Rainbow Trout Resort had no report.
Just Fishing Guides said no generation last week meant unlimited wade fishing. Midges in black and gray are producing best around Quarry Park. Scuds and sow bugs are working well in the middle section down to McClellands. Add olive caddis larva/pupae and blue wing olive patterns from McClellands to the mouth of the river. Small to medium streamers in olive, black, gray, white and yellow are viable anywhere as well.
Northwest Arkansas Beaver Lake
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,111.73 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 1,120 MSL).
Bailey’s Beaver Lake Guide Service (479-366-8664) said striper fishing has been slow, but it’s improving. It is time to start checking the flats on sunny days. Water temperatures climbing slowly, and walleye spawning will begin soon. The white bass should make their runs up the creek arms right after the walleye. By mid-march the spawning runs should be gaining momentum. The best approach is free lines or balloons with 3- or 4-inch baits in the backs of coves. Stripers can also be taken with no. 9 Rapala originals or Husky Jerks and/or Rattling Rogues flat-line trolled; use planer boards to spread your lines and cover shallow water near the bank as you troll. Move Rapalas at a speed of about 1.5-2 mph. On the mid- and lower sections of the lake, check out the following areas: The mouth of Indian creek; the mouth of Big Clifty; Rocky Branch in the cove for Larue boat ramp and check the Van Hollow, Rambo and Fords creek arms. In the upper section of the lake, look in the back of Prairie Creek and the flats off the islands; pay close attention to the flats next to the main river channel. There’s been some fish activity in Coose Hollow as well. Large schools of shad are in the back of Blackburn Creek and Monte-Ne, and anglers are doing well on free-lined shad. Start looking for fish activity to pick up in Hickory Creek and the White River/War Eagle junction as the water warms. Walleye should start moving into position to begin spawning and will be staging near the inlets. Most walleye will be about 10-20 feet deep off points and mid-stream humps. Three-way rigs fished with crawlers or Rapalas are producing well. Use a 14-inch dropper to your sinker and a 4-foot leader to your bait. If you are familiar with lead core or wire lines then now is the time to use them in conjunction with a Rapala or Rogue. Chartreuse/orange color variations for your crawler harnesses and Rapalas in natural blue or black back combos are producing. Troll crawlers and Rapalas at about 1/4 to 1/2 mph, moving just fast enough to keep your lure from hanging up. Pull the lure forward in 2-3 foot sweeps as you go, the bite will occur on the drop back. Try drifting jigs baited with minnows, bounced along the bottom with a slow lift and drop, move very slowly, slipping down current or try back trolling. Remember to use the lightest jig possible while still maintaining bottom contact. You can also slowly drift Rapala Shad Raps across shallow flats in the river.
JT’s Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass have been biting well in the afternoons on chartreuse/white double willow blade spinnerbaits around timber and lay down trees. In the mornings, try a watermelon or green pumpkin jig dressed with a craw chunk around docks and timber along sloping chunk rock banks. Crappie fishing continues to be best in the afternoon using a Bobby Garland Baby Shad under a cork 3 to 5 feet around pole timber, lay downs and brush close to creek channels. For cloudy or cool days, try fishing a tube jig or Shineee Hineee jig tipped with a minnow just off the bottom near brush on ledges in 15 to 25 feet of water. The best area has been the White River upstream from War Eagle Marina. White bass have begun showing up half way up both river arms on warm afternoons. They have been biting chartreuse Shineee Hineees, small Rat-L-Traps and curly tailed grubs. Fish have been holding on flats with timber close to the channel. Catfishing has been slow; try liver from the bank at the 412 or 12 bridge areas.
Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) had no report.
Beaver Tailwater
Just Fishing Guides said plenty of low water has allowed excellent fishing for wading anglers. Midge fishing continues to be the more consistent method for both numbers and size of fish. Scuds, sow bugs and small olive streamers are producing well.
Kings River
Just Fishing Guides said water levels are 4.43 feet and 863 cfs at the Grandview bridge. Water temperatures have been averaging in the low 50s. Best bets for flies will be patterns that hug the bottom, such as crawdad and darter/sculpin imitations. Patterns like the Clouser madtom, darter and minnow, crazy dads and creek crawlers and sparkle grubs should work well. In the lower river, walleye and white bass should begin to stage for the spawn. Minnows and crawdads will be the best baits.
Lake Fayetteville
Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said the water is dingy and high. Bass are fair on soft-plastic lures. No report on any other species.
Lake Sequoyah
Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the water is dingy to clear and the surface temperature is 48 degrees. No report.
Northeast Arkansas Lake Charles
Lake Charles State Park said crappie have started to bite on live bait. There have been several reports of bass being caught on crankbaits. The water temperature ranges from the upper 40s to the low 50s. Slow down your presentation for better results on bass and crappie.
Lake Poinsett
Lake Poinsett State Park said Lake Poinsett is still very low. Some bass have been caught lately, but the fishing is slow.
Crown Lake
Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the water is muddy and at normal level. Crappie are slow. Bass are biting well on grubs and jigs. No report on catfish or bream.
Lake Frierson
Lake Frierson State Park said the water is low and muddy, but rising. Bass are fair on soft-plastics. No report on any other species.
Spring River
Mark Crawford with Spring River Flies and Guides said last week’s rain brought up river levels some. The water is clear and looking great. Many caddis flies are hatching out – mainly tan colors but also some black caddis. A small hackle fly has been working well to imitate the hatches. Mayfly emergers in yellow have been the hot color of the week. Fishing can be slower on nice sunny days. That is when the best fishing can be found on riffles and shoals. Overcast days have been most productive. Always try to get away from the pressured areas during the weekends and find places the trout are not spooked. Float trips have been very productive.
Spring River Fly Shop said despite the recent winds, trout fishing has been very good. The rain helped turn some fish on, and the anglers that braved the weather were rewarded. Y2K's, woolly mammoths and mad guy olives worked very well for fly anglers, while bait anglers had their best success on shrimp and salmon eggs.
Southeast Arkansas Lake Chicot
Lake Chicot State Park bream fishing has been fair on crickets. Crappie fishing has been good on minnows. Catfish are biting well on crickets and cold worms. Bass are biting slowly on black plastic worms.
Cane Creek Lake
Cane Creek State Park said crappie fishing is starting to pick up in the trees. Minnows are the best choice. Bass also are starting to come on strong, with minnows and worms being the most popular bait.
Lake Monticello
Fishing guide Greg Gulledge (870-723-3928) of MonticelloBigBass.com said the water surface temperature is on the way up. Even on cooler, cloudy days, we have temperatures in the low- to mid-50s in the coves. Some bass are being caught on soft plastics, crankbaits and jerk baits. Lake Monticello is on the verge of turning on. Be careful on the lake. The lake is down and boaters are keeping Mac at Harrison Fiberglass Repair busy. There are stumps just under the water that are usually several feet under the water.
Southwest Arkansas Millwood Lake
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 259.83 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 259.2 MSL).
Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said the winter drawdown on Millwood ended and the lake level continues to rise. Millwood is now 7 inches above normal pool with reduced current in Little River of 245 CFS. Surface temperatures continue rising, and range from 55 to 65 degrees, depending on location and time of day. Visibility ranges from 12 to 15 inches in the river, depending on location. The bass bite continues improving dramatically with the warmer days. The bass bite continues to be best during heat of the day. Bass continue to prowl spawning areas, and are being caught on jigs, Rat-L-Traps, lizards and gitzits. Bass up to 9 pounds each, full of roe, are staging. It’s just a matter of days before the spawn is in full swing. Bass are roaming the backs of creeks, and searching shallow flats off creek channels for bed-making areas on warm afternoons. The best Rat-L-Trap colors are brown/orange crawfish, red chrome, red shad, Toledo gold and orange shad. Jigs in junebug, black/purple, black/blue or Texas craw are working for heavy egg-laden females. Magnum lizards in blackberry, junebug or chartreuse/pumpkin continue working for male and female bass. White bass continue roaming Little River, and were good in numbers, over the past week. Whites remain in the immediate vicinities of White Cliffs, McGuire and Arkansas Highway 71 Bridge. These schools are eager to hit Bomber Fat Free Shads, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Gay Blades, Cordell CC Spoons, grubs on lead head jigs, Little Georges and white/red Rooster Tails. The crappie bite is good to very good with reduced current in Little River, and better clarity. Vertically jigging tiny jigs, grubs and Rooster Tails over and in planted brush tops along Little River above White Cliffs Campground is working well. Many catfish have been caught lately on trotlines and tight lines fished in Little River. Blue catfish are being caught on cut shad, Catfish Charlie and chicken livers in 15 to 18 feet of water around outer break lines in Little River.
Lake Columbia
Steve’s Outdoor Sports (870-234-2222) said the water is low. Bream are fair on crickets and red wigglers. Crappie are fair on minnows, with most of the anglers using small minnows. Bass are fair on minnows as well. A few catfish have been caught by bream anglers on red wigglers.
Lake Erling
Steve’s Outdoor Sports (870-234-2222) said the water is low. Bream are fair on crickets and red wigglers. Crappie are fair on minnows, with most of the anglers using small minnows. Bass are fair on minnows as well. A few catfish have been caught by bream anglers on red wigglers.
Lake Greeson
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 541.49 MSL (Flood pool - 548 MSL).
Lakeside Grocery and Bait (870-398-5304) said the water is clear and low. The surface temperature is 49 degrees. Crappie are fair on minnows in 4 to 6 feet of water. Bass are fair on crankbaits and soft plastics in 5 to 15 feet of water. Walleye are fair toward the river on minnows and nightcrawlers dragged along the bottom.
For more information on crappie fishing at Lake Greeson, visit Jerry Blake’s website, www.actionfishingtrips.com/tripreports.htm.
Lake Greeson Tailwater (Little Missouri River)
Jeff Guerin of www.littlemissouriflyfishing.com had no report.
Cossatot River
Cossatot River State Park had no report.
DeGray Lake
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 396.18 feet MSL (Flood pool - 408 MSL).
Due to the low water, boaters should use extreme caution when navigating DeGray. Many unmarked islands and humps are just under the surface, which can cause serious damage and harm if struck.
Local angler George Graves said surface water temperature is in the mid-50s. The water is clear from the dam to Point 14 and stained from Point 14 to Point Cedar. Bass fishing is fair with the fish moving shallower with the warmer weather. However the fish are still on the main lake points and ledges in 8 to 20 feet of water. The best fishing is on a medium-diving crankbait or Rat-L-Trap along rocky bluffs on the sunny side of the lake. Also try a Texas- or Carolina-rigged worm on long sloping points with some rock or wood cover. A few good catches have been reported coming from the standing timber on main lake points taken on dark-colored jigs. The best area for bass has been from Point 14 to Cox Creek. Another good bet is the edge of the old creek channel in Big Hill Creek. Crappie fishing has been good with some nice catches reported. The fish are still on main lake attractors at 15 to 20 feet. Use a 1/32- or 1/16-ounce jig head and a 2-inch Tennessee shad grub. Try a chartreuse jig head if the water is discolored. Fish the jig over the thickest part of the brush about 10 to 13 feet down. Adding a crappie nibble or minnow to the jig will greatly improve your catch. Try between Lenox Marcos and Point Cedar; the Shouse Ford area also has been very good. Bream are moving into the attractors along with the crappies. Fish for bream like you would for crappies, but use a no. 8 hook with a split shot about a foot above the hook and fish just above the brush with either crickets or red worms. No reports on hybrids.
West-Central Arkansas Lake Nimrod
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 345.06 feet MSL.
Greer’s Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) had no report.
Lake Hinkle
Bill’s Bait Shop (479-637-7419) said the water is low and clear. Crappie are fair on minnows fished from the bank. Bass are biting well on minnows. No report on any other species.
Lake Dardanelle
Regina Olson at Spadra Marina said fishing has been great. Catfishermen are reporting limits on many trips using cut shad. Whole shad was popular a couple of weeks ago, but now we are starting to see more cut shad used, as well as livers. Largemouth bass have been biting very well on blue and silver jerk baits and shallow-diving crankbaits. Crappie are biting best in mornings and late afternoons. Crappie minnows are in high demand right now.
Blue Mountain Lake
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 384.82 feet MSL.
Teresa at CD’s Quick Stop (479-947-2178) said the store is open and anglers are coming to the lake, but there haven’t been many reports coming in yet.
Lake Ouachita
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 570.36 MSL (Flood pool - 578 MSL).
Larry Hurley from Poorman’s Guide Service had no report.
Trader Bill’s Outdoor Sports said the water temperature is in the low 40s. The lake level is very low and the water is clear. Bass are being caught on jerk baits fished very slowly. Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits and crankbaits are working over grass. Slow your retrieve and cover water until you find a grass bed, then fish the lure through the bed slowly. Crappie are biting on jigs and minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water.
Mountain Harbor Resort said the water is clearing and the surface temperature ranges form 46 to 50 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin, peanut butter and jelly or black/blue football jigs fished 15 to 25 feet deep. Jerk baits and red Rat-L-Traps fished over main lake points and humps are getting good results as well. Walleye are fair on spoons fished around brush 20 to 25 feet deep. Walleye are beginning to stage in the rivers for their spawning run. Stripers are biting well on live bait, soft plastic grubs and white or gray hair jigs. There have been some good reports on jerk baits fished near timber this week as well. Crappie are biting very well near brush in water 15 to 20 feet deep on minnows or Tennessee shad or rainbow trout-colored crappie grubs. Catfish are fair jug lines and trotlines baited with live bait.
Lake Hamilton
Entergy reports that the water level on Lake Hamilton will begin to rise March 5 and fill to normal pool by March 13.
Trader Bill’s Outdoor Sports said the water temperature is in the low 40s and the water color is clear. The lake is still down 3 feet. Bass are being caught on slow-moving lures, like jigs and jerk baits. Also try a spoon in the guts of creeks in 20 to 30 feet of water. With this week’s warm weather, try a crawfish-colored crankbait on points at the mouths of short feeder creeks. Crappie are being caught in 10 to 12 feet of water on jigs or minnows fished very slowly under floats.
Darryl Morris at Family Fishing Trips had no report.
Lake Catherine
Entergy reports that the water level on Lake Catherine will begin to rise March 5 and fill to normal pool by March 13.
Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, said water temperature below Carpenter Dam is 43 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace. Rainbow trout fishing remains hot with guided trips catching and releasing 50 to 100 trout on a regular basis. Bank fishermen are wasting little time catching a quality limit of rainbows using wax worms or redworms under a bobber or floated just off the bottom with a marshmallow. Fly fishermen casting micro-jigs in white or gray or egg patterns in orange with a strike indicator have done very well. Woolly buggers and San Juan worms are also proven trout flies that have taken limits of fish consistently the past several weeks. Spin fishermen casting Countdown Rapalas in black/silver or gold have caught fish at will when the turbines are running. Rooster Tails in brown or white will also draw strikes around visible structure. Walleye are present all over the tailrace and have been caught in good numbers by angler's trolling the main channel at night. Small crankbaits that imitate shad or crawfish work best as the spawn is well underway. Carolina rigs used with nightcrawlers or live minnows will give fishermen the best chance to catch walleye in the shallow water. Striper action remains spotty with some fish being taken below the bridge on balloon rigs with brood shad. With lake levels soon to rise, more striper activity will occur closer to the dam. Crappie will move into the tailrace in mid - March to spawn along with huge numbers of white bass.
Rick Sawyer at Dozhier’s Rainbow Landing (501-262-2825) said trout fishing is excellent. Many walleye are being caught below the bridge at night, as well.
Lake Atkins
Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said fishing is starting to pick up. Small bass are schooling, and will hit any bait that hits the water. Crappie are starting to bite on minnows and jigs. White bass are running and people are catching some nice fish from 1 to 3 pounds. Limits of bream are being caught on small jigs and redworms. Catfish are biting well on trotlines, yo-yos and on bottom with live bait. The water temperature is up to 51 degrees and the lake is up about a foot. The water is clear along the bank and cloudy out deeper.
South-Central Arkansas Moro Bay
Moro Bay State Park at the junction of the Ouachita River, Raymond Lake and Moro Bay had no report.
Ouachita River Oxbows
Jaret Rushing said fishing picked up a little this weekend. Some of the shallower waters on the Ouachita River Oxbows started warming up and anglers were catching male bass on ¼-oz. spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Some good crappie have been caught on yo-yos baited with minnows in 3 to 4 feet of water.
Tri-County Lake
Jaret Rushing said hardly any anglers are on Tri-County Lake. The bass should be moving into the shallower waters and getting ready for spawn. One thing to remember on these bass is that it is unlikely to find one on the bed in the murkier water. The best bet to catch a big one is to use a lizard or brush hog on a Carolina rig to drag across possible bedding areas.
East Arkansas Arkansas River at Pine Bluff
The Tackle Box (870-534-1498) had no report.
White River
Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is high and muddy. Crappie are fair on minnows. Walleye are fair on live bait. No report on any other species.
Maddox Bay
Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said the water is low and stained. Bream are fair. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is fair with yo-yos baited with live bait.
Island 40 Chute
Daily’s Boat Dock (870-739-3478) said the water is high and is murky and clear. No anglers are on the water with the high water conditions.
Horseshoe Lake
Local angler Clyde Gregory said the water is clear and at normal levels. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs fished around the piers. No report on any other species.