Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report
December 18, 2025
Jim Harris
(https://www.agfc.com/en/news/author/jim-harris/)
Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine
A Cabot angler named Elijah (no last name provided) landed a nice brown trout this week while stripping streamers in the Little Red River with guide Mike Winkler. The Flatliner Fly was “the ticket,” Mike said, adding that it was one of the coldest days they’d experienced of late. Read more of Mike’s report from the Little Red River below.
Through February, Fishing Reports will run every two weeks (along with no reports on Christmas and New Year’s Day). In between published reports, contact the reporter listed for the lake or stream you plan to fish for the most up-to-date information. The reports will include the most recent information reported to the AGFC from the particular body of water, but email Fishing Report newsletters will only be sent out every other Thursday through February.
Arkansas River and White River levels are available at: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lzk
For real-time information on stream flow in Arkansas from the U.S. Geological Survey, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/rt
For water-quality statistics (including temperature) in many Arkansas streams and lakes, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ar/nwis/current/?type=quality
Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: https://join.fishbrain.com/agfc-page
Quick links to regions:
- Central Arkansas
- North Arkansas
- Northwest Arkansas
- Northeast Arkansas
- Southeast Arkansas
- Southwest Arkansas
- South-Central Arkansas
- West-Central Arkansas
- East Arkansas
Central Arkansas
Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir (under renovation) and Nursery Pond
(updated 12-18-2025) AGFC staff in Mayflower note that while Lake Conway is drawn down for renovation, the Lake Conway Nursery Pond is open for fishing in the immediate area, with bream and trout being reported among catches of late. The 70-acre pond has been stocked by the AGFC with mature bass, crappie, catfish and bream as well as rainbow trout for the cold weather months.
Lake Conway renovation is proceeding on schedule with demolition of the old dam and plans in place for the new dam and weir. Read more here (https://www.agfc.com/news/dam-olition-begins-at-lake-conway/) . Also, biologists in the AGFC’s Mayflower regional office note that they’ve heard reports of crappie biting very well from the bank and fishing piers in area lakes, particularly Lake Overcup and Harris Brake Lake. Also, don’t ignore the possibility of a good crappie bite this time of year at Lake Atkins, near Russellville.
Little Red River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website (https://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/pages/data/tabular/htm/greersf.htm) or by calling (501) 362-5150). Also check the Southwestern Power Administration website (https://www.energy.gov/swpa/generation-schedules) to see forecast generation schedule.
(updated 12-18-2025) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips (http://littleredflyfishingtrips.com/) (501-507-3688) said, “I want to start off by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This will be my last fishing report for 2025. I truly hope everyone who reads this has a blessed New Year and finds plenty of time to get out on the water and go fishing.
“The generation schedule has been all over the board lately, thanks to the up-and-down weather we’ve had here in Arkansas. On the colder days, you’ll usually see Southwestern Power Administration running more water due to increased power demand. When temperatures warm up, demand drops and so do the releases from Greers Ferry Dam. This past week we’ve seen anywhere from 2-5 hours of generation, typically two units, with most releases starting around 7 a.m. With warmer weather in the forecast, my guess is we’ll see little to no generation on those warmer days. As always, keep an eye on the USACE Little Rock app before heading out.
“As for the fishing, the bite has been solid. With steady releases over the past few weeks, the river has been fishing well both wading and from the boat. If you’re wade-fishing in the mornings, start farther downstream and work your way back upstream as the water rises.
“The brown trout spawn is in full swing, so please be mindful of where you wade. Avoid stepping on cleared gravel redds (the spawning beds), and take extra care when handling spawning fish.
“The hot flies under an indicator are egg patterns (apricot and orange), midge patterns and soft hackles.
“Streamer fishing has also been very productive during generation. If you’re in the boat and pounding the banks, some top producers have been Double Deceivers, Flatliners and sculpin patterns.
“If you’re looking to get on the river or plan a trip for the new year, feel free to reach out.”
Greers Ferry Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time lake level and outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website (https://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/pages/data/tabular/htm/greersf.htm) .
(updated 12-18-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (https://www.fishnstuff.com/) (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said largemouth and spotted bass are biting well. You’ll find them biting in 10-15 feet of water on chunk rock banks. Anglers are catching them on half-ounce football jigs, SPRO Rock Crawler in a 50 or 55 size. They’re also catching them off the ends of points on rock piles by LiveScoping with jerkbaits or minnows.
Crappie are being caught in about 20 feet of water on the tops of brushpiles by throwing a 1.8-ounce white jighead. The crappie anglers also are throwing a threadfin shad-color plastic (like a Bobby Garland Baby Shad).
Harris Brake Lake
(updated 12-18-2025) Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort (https://harrislakeresort.com/) (501-889-2745) said anglers had a great fishing week, especially over the weekend, as decent-sized crappie were caught both out on the lake from boats as well as anglers along the banks.
Boating anglers were catching crappie near the bottom, about 7 feet with the lake low right now. From the bank, crappie could be caught about 5 feet off the shoreline and in about 1-2 feet. Minnows were working best, but jigs also were working.
The water is clear. Bing says she can see the bottom of the lake from the dock. Water from Harris Brake Lake is used for the nearby WMA for waterfowl habitat.
She heard of the occasional bass being caught, but not many. One angler caught a bass at the dock.
“There are lots of shad around the bank right now,” she said. “You can see all the shad from the dock. Lots of birds are out because of the shad, too. Pelicans, seagulls, lots of birds.”
Follow more from Harris Brake Lake Resort on its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1834274846867066/user/100063626107326) .
Lake Overcup
(updated 12-18-2025) John “Catfish” Banks at Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) (https://www.facebook.com/catfishbanks1962/) off Arkansas Highway 9 (501-354-9007) had no new reports from the lake. In his most recent report, however, he said the water level is about normal and clarity is good. Bass were still chasing shad and being caught on plastic worms and spinnerbaits. Bream were being caught with crickets and redworms.
Catfish were doing well on nightcrawlers and bass minnows. Crappie were being caught in 10-12 feet of water about 6 feet down.
Lake Maumelle
(updated 12-18-2025) WestRock Landing in Roland (501-658-5598) says the water is hovering around 48-50 degrees and the lake level is 7.13 feet below normal pool. The back launch ramp is open and accessible, but they highly recommend users have four-wheel drive to deal with the ramp.
Black bass are fair. Largemouths are reportedly being caught deep to 15-20 feet. Jigs, an Alabama rig and crankbaits are recommended. Spotted bass (aka Kentucky bass) are mixed in with the largemouths in 15-20 feet. Drop-shot, Carolina rigs, jigs and cranks seem to work best.
Crappie are fair, though some anglers said they were having good results. Some reports have them roaming around the channel, and they can be found off of brushpiles anywhere from 20-30 feet deep. Try jigs and minnows.
No reports for white bass, bream or catfish. White bass should react to Twister Tails and cranks, bream might take a jig or worm, and catfish typically can be caught on Lake Maumelle using bream, chicken liver and worms.
Arkansas River at Morrilton
For the real-time water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam and Morrilton stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website (https://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WMReports/currentconditions.html) .
Little Maumelle River
(update 12-18-2025) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the crappie are doing really well.
Water is normal, clear: good, clear green condition. Crappie are about 8-9 feet deep. Catch them on jigs and minnows. Bobby Garland jigs and tube jigs have been successful in primarily shad colors. The water is full of baitfish now, he said.
Bass are also fairly deep, catching them on deep-running crankbaits. Bream-colored cranks will work best — “chartreuses, oranges and things like that, bright colors,” Ray said.
Nothing reported on catfish or bream.
Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)
For the real-time water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website (https://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WMReports/currentconditions.html) .
Arkansas River (Little Rock Area Pools)
For the real-time water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam and David D. Terry Lock and Dam, as well as the Little Rock pool stage level, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website (https://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WMReports/currentconditions.html) .
(updated 12-18-2025) Fish ’N Stuff (https://www.fishnstuff.com/) (501-834-5733) said catfish (channels and blues) are biting mainly just off the dam side on the edge of the current using cut shad or nightcrawlers, and using a 5- or 6-ounce bank sinker.
Peckerwood Lake
(updated 12-18-2025) Donna Mulherin at Herman’s Landing (501-626-6899) said Peckerwood is closed to fishing until the end of waterfowl season while it serves as a waterfowl rest area for migrating birds. The lake will reopen for fishing Feb. 9.
North Arkansas
Emergency Trout Regulations have been put in place! Read more: www.agfc.com/TroutRegsNews
The proclamation calls for catch-and-release of all trout in the 45 miles of tailwater below Bull Shoals Dam to the White River’s confluence with the North Fork River (specifically to the boat ramp at Norfork Access), as well as catch-and-release only on the entirety of the Norfork Dam tailwater. The trout waters below the White River-North Fork River confluence, from the Norfork Access boat ramp to the Highway 58 bridge at Guion, will have a two-trout-only limit with normal length and daily limits (only one trout over 14 inches).Tackle restrictions for the regular Bull Shoals and Rim Shoals catch-and-release areas on the White and the usual Norfork catch-and-release area still apply (artificial tackle only, and barbless hooks).
White River Cotter Area
(updated 12-18-2025) Cotter Trout Dock (http://www.cottertroutdock.com/) (870-435-6525) said, “Looks like we’ll be fishing in short sleeves on Christmas Day. After a cold snap, December continues to be very mild with Christmas just a little over a week away. Releases from Bull Shoals Dam are at minimum flow or less (700 cfs) with an occasional burst bringing the river level
to 9,000-12,000 cfs for an hour or two. The lake has been holding steady around 654 feet msl, more than 4 feet below power pool.
“Kids will be looking for Christmas vacation adventures, and there is none better than catching trout on the White River. Any orange-scented egg bait and shrimp are reliable baits to provide a lot of action and help them catch some rainbows. Come on over and tie on your favorite baits; catch some trout and rejoice in the season.
“Mild daytime temperatures for the next week mean a good time to pick up your rod and reel and get outside. When you see a rise in the water, reach for the wiggly worms. Wading opportunities abound during early morning hours here in Cotter, when we have seen very low water. The browns have given some attention to sculpins and minnows, even in the middle of their annual spawn.
“Rule of thumb: Gold spinners and spoons will work best when the sky is clear and sunny; change to silver-colored baits when fishing under overcast skies.
“The Trout Capital USA, Cotter, Arkansas, is lit up for Christmas like never before. Visit the park after sunset and see how the city has decorated Big Spring Park. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.”
Calico Rock Area
(updated 12-18-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service (http://jenkinsfishingandmotel.com/) in Calico Rock, said, “We have seen water levels vary from under 3 feet to over 6 feet. With the colder temperatures, we are seeing more demand for electricity, resulting in more generation from the dam at peak hours. Drift-fishing has been effective using inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipping the hook with shrimp.
“We are also seeing a lot of success throwing artificial lures such as quarter-ounce spoons, 1/16-ounce jigs or lures such as Rapala Countdowns (CD5 or CD7) in rainbow trout or brown trout colors. We are seeing some nice brown trout and smallmouth bass being caught.
“We did receive one stocking of over 800 rainbows from the AGFC’s Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery. Additionally, the Norfork National Fish Hatchery has been posting updates on their progress on returning to full operations. Updates include that they have hatched new rainbows, received over 300,000 brown trout eggs and received rainbow trout from other hatcheries.
Bull Shoals Lake
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Bull Shoals Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website. (https://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/pages/data/tabular/htm/bulsdam.htm)
(updated 12-18-2025) Fishing guide Del Colvin at Bull Shoals Lake (https://www.facebook.com/delcolvinfishing.ar/) (815-592-4302), delcolvinfishing.com (http://delcolvinfishing.com/) , said Wednesday that the lake level is 654 feet msl. Water temperature is slowly dropping and is at 54 degrees, give or take. Bass fishing is good. The winter patterns are taking shape. Power fishermen: a Wiggle Wart and SPRO Rock Crawler patterns are happening. Steeper, 45-degree rock and ledges, transition banks, chunk rock ledges in the wind — covering water with wind/clouds. Use a spinnerbait if there’s big wind and clouds. If it’s flat and the sun comes out, get off the bank and try a minnow on secondaries with trees and brushpiles close to shad. The Megabass Jerkbait is working around dying shad near the surface. There are always fish to be caught on a jig, like a Jewel ⅝-ounce jig out deep (30-35 feet). Try green pumpkin with orange or PB
