2008

July 30, 2008

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Randy Zellers (501) 223-6406, e-mail: rdzellers@agfc.state.ar.us
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This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for July 30, 2008. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please call or e-mail us with information on possible sources for that lake or river.

Fishing Tip: Although it may seem strange, wearing a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and lightweight pants during the summer can keep you out on the water longer when the sun is beating down. The extra coverage gives protection from sunburns and keeps your skin out of the heat of direct light.

Arkansas River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Tuesday the Arkansas River stages are:

Trimble Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 13): Headwater – 391.49 feet, Tailwater – 379.25 feet, Flow – 66,524 cubic feet per second
Ozark Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 12): Headwater – 371.78 feet, Tailwater – 344.83 feet
Dardanelle Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 10): Headwater – 337.53 feet, Tailwater – 291.52 feet
Ormond Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 9): Headwater – 285.99 feet, Tailwater – 271.46 feet
Toad Suck Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 8): Headwater – 258.61 feet, Tailwater – 265.93 feet
Murray Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 7): Headwater – 248.62 feet, Tailwater – 232.11 feet, Flow – 54,047 cubic feet per second
Terry Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 6): Headwater – 230.35 feet, Tailwater – 217.45 feet, Flow – 69,044 cubic feet per second
Sanders Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 4): Headwater – 195.47 feet, Tailwater – 185.55 feet
Hardin Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 3): Headwater – 181.75 feet, Tailwater – 171.60 feet
Mills Dam (Dam 2): Headwater – 162.88 feet, Tailwater – 137.51 feet, Flow – 64,390 cubic feet per second

White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Tuesday the White River stages are:
9.6 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage – 19 feet)
10.4 feet at Batesville (flood stage – 15 feet)
12.8 feet at Newport (flood stage – 26 feet)
25.1 feet at Augusta (flood stage – 26 feet)
14.9 feet at Georgetown (flood stage – 21 feet)
23.5 feet at Clarendon (flood stage – 26 feet)

Statewide Family and Community Fishing Program Report: Channel catfish have been stocked in all program ponds and are biting well on worms, liver, hot dogs, bait shrimp and paste baits. Channel catfish are being caught with more success in early mornings and late evenings because of warmer weather. Bream are still biting well on crickets, wax worms and redworms in shallow water and near brushy cover. For more information on catfish stockings, call toll free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).

CENTRAL ARKANSAS:
Lake Conway: Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the water is clear and low. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing is fair on minnows. Bass are fair on plastic frogs. Catfishing is good on live bait.

Dan at Gold Creek Landing (501-607-0590) said bream are bedding near the banks and are biting well on crickets and redworms. Bass are doing well early and late in the day off pads and edges of creek channels on frogs, buzzbaits and crankbaits. Crappie are slow, but a few have been caught deep in the lake. Catfish are good on trotlines.

Palarm Creek: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said catfishing is excellent on limb lines and trotlines with shad or cut bait.

Little Red River: Lindsey’s Resort (501-302-3139) said water conditions are normal with 2 units running around the clock. Trout fishing has been very good drift fishing on the bottom with white or chartreuse Power Eggs, pink Power Worms, red worms and Carolina rigs.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Power House is still generating around the clock with both generators, but there should be a reduction to 12 hour generation schedules if the weather holds. Aquatic insect hatches have been few and far between in the high water. Our daily midge hatches are occurring but blue winged olives and sulphur mayflies are scarce. This time last year, we had low water and tons of bugs. Blue wings, pale morning duns and sulphur mayflies along with midges were abundant. If you try to fly fish in high water, you will need to get your fly down to the streambed with plenty of leader length and weight using a strike indicator large enough to float it all. The best fly has been the San Juan worm in sizes 12-16 in orange, cerise, worm brown or red. Bait and spin casting fishermen are in their element in high water.

Greers Ferry: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 466.04 feet MSL.

Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water is still falling and is close to normal pool. Hybrid and white bass fishing continues to be hit-or-miss. Stay on the move looking for baitfish with your electronics and keep your bait wet. Bass fishing is fair and should improve once the water stabilizes. Fish main lake points and small secondary points with football head jigs, Carolina-rigged lizards and Texas-rigged worms. There’s also a small topwater bite early and late in the day along the same places. Bream fishing is fair around docks on crickets and worms. Crappie are so-so, with most fish being taken on a jig tipped with a minnow and set at 15 to 20 feet deep over pole timber in 60 feet of water. Walleye are slow. Catfishing is good all over the lake, even on artificial baits. Liver, cut bait and live bait are all working well.

Shiloh Marina said all fishing has been slow.

Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said the water is high with a 90 degree surface temperature. Bream are picking up on crickets and worms. Bass are biting well at night on top-water lures. Catfishing is good at night and liver and cut bait.

Lake Beaverfork: The City of Conway Parks and Recreation Department said the water is murky and at normal level with a surface temperature in the high 80’s. Crappie are biting well on jigs and minnows. Catfishing are fair on liver and nightcrawlers.

Lake Overcup: Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said water conditions are normal. Catfishing is good on shad and nightcrawlers.

Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature at 95 degrees. All species are slow.

Brewer Lake: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said all species are slow.

Sunset Lake: Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is low and all species have been slow.

Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is murky and low. Bream are fair on crickets. Bass are fair on top-water lures.

Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley’s Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said the flows keep dropping and the water is starting to clear up. Bream are biting well around rocks on crickets. Late in the afternoon, black rooster tails seem to working good too. Some white bass have been schooling early on shad colored crankbaits. Black bass are biting well on blue and black Jig & Pigs near drop-offs. Catifsh are biting well early with whole shad. Stripers are good in the evening at Lock 9 on live shad.

Arkansas River in Little Rock: Vince Miller from Fish ‘N Stuff said water conditions are almost back to normal. Bass fishing has been fair around rocky points on jigs and shallow running crankbaits.

Little Maumelle River: Josh Jeffers at Pinnacle Mountain State Park (501-868-5806) said the water level is receding and the surface temperature ranges from 85 to 90. The water visibility and clarity is low. Bream are biting fair on crickets and worms. Crappie are biting slow on shiners and black/chartreuse 1/8-oz. crappie jigs. Bass are fair, and are being caught on small top-water baits and frogs (early in the mornings and late in the afternoons), Texas-rigged creature baits are working well around thick grass and vegetation in the heat of the day, and small crankbaits and jigs are producing good fish around ledges and drops. Catfish are biting fair on nightcrawlers and different types of stink bait around ledges and drops.

Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said bream are biting well in pad beds on crickets and wax worms. Bass are biting well early and late on top-water stick baits and 6 inch black core worms. Catfish are fair on cut bait.

Lake Valencia: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said catfish are doing well on chicken hearts and nightcrawlers.

Big Maumelle River: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said bream fishing is good on crickets and wax worms. Bass are fair on black or red 6 inch worms. Catfishing is excellent on cut bait and chicken hearts.

Fourche La Fave River: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are good on jigs and brown craw worms. Catfishing is excellent on cut bait and chicken hearts.

Lake Maumelle: Jolly Roger’s Marina said the fish are deep due to the hot weather. White bass are schooling around Jim’s Island and in front of the old Jolly Rogers cove. A CC spoon cast into the schools is working well. Black bass are good despite the heat. It is still taking 7 to 9 pounds to win the Tuesday or Friday tournaments. The Blacks and Kentuckys are about 20 to 25 feet deep hitting on drop shot, jigging or using plastics. Bream are hitting crickets in about 15 feet of water. Catfish are good in about 15 to 20 feet of water using prepared bait.

Murray Lock and Dam: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said catfish are the best thing going on shad and rice slicks.

Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is muddy and low. Bream are fair on crickets. Bass fishing is fair on dark crankbaits. Catfishing is good on any bait.

Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said all fishing is slow.

Peckerwood Lake: Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is clear and dropping. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and jigs. Catfishing is good on any bait.

NORTH ARKANSAS:
White River: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the water flows on the White have been consistently high. Overall, the fishing has been excellent on the White River. It has at times been spectacular, particularly at the Catch-and-release section at Bull Shoals Dam and the adjacent state park. The hot flies have been San Juan worms (in tan, orange and red), and brightly colored marabou jigs. Jigs have the added advantage of riding hook point up which makes them virtually weedless. Another hot spot was Rim Shoals. Here again the most action was encountered using brightly colored San Juan worms and eggs. Those fishing just outside the catch-and-release sections had good results by using black zebra midges and copper johns as droppers. The best fishing has occurred in the Red Bud area. The hot fly there has been brightly colored marabou jigs.

Sportsman’s White River Resort said water conditions are normal with 8 generators still running. Trout fishing has been excellent on red or pink 3 inch power worms, buoyant spoons, Little Cleos, woolly buggers and San Juan worms.

Mountain River Fly Shop said generation continues on the White, but it’s nice to see some progress being made on drawing down the lake. Guides and their clients are reveling in the conditions. We keep getting reports of “fat and sassy” browns and rainbows being caught, with the average fish size increasing every month. These fish are fighting with some strength after being toned up in the White River treadmill. San Juan’s and Dynamite Worms, with or without an attractor egg leading the way, has been the fly of choice. Bigger scuds and sowbugs have had their followers and have caught some nice fish. The Midge bite has been up and down but White Tail Super Midges, Cadion Midges and Clint’s Tungsten Black Midge have caught fish. The streamer brigade are doing well, one of our mates Ken Richards telling us on a day out on big black woollies, on a bright sunny day no less, whacking trout through the middle of the river.

Ken Richards with www.justfishinguides.com says the high water has not put off the fishing. Some of the best trout fishing is going on right now. Fly fishing with streamers and sink-tip lines have brought many large browns to hand. Black weighted streamers sizes 4 to 8 of various types; woolly buggers, matukas, leeches, etc. have been working when pounding the banks. Short stout leaders are best. Several browns in the 5 to 6 pound range have been caught from the Dam area down to Buffalo City.

Kings River: Ken Richards with www.justfishinguides.com says the fishing has slowed in the middle of the day for smallmouth since the really hot days have arrived. Fly fishing with medium white poppers have brought up several nice fish in the 16 inch range. They must be fished actively. Spin fishermen are having luck with Carolina and Texas rigged 4 inch lizards in green pumkinseed and watermelon. Smaller lures and flies have been racking up large numbers of sunfish.

Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 689.71 feet MSL.

Lake Norfork: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 574.74 feet MSL.

101 Grocery and Bait said fishing has been fair. The early morning has been the best time of day to be fishing. Top-water fishing is still good until about 8 a.m. After that, you will need to fish deep. Bluegill fishing is very good using worms and crickets fished around 20-30 feet deep. Striper fishing has been fair. A few are being caught on small live bait. Mid-lake and toward the dam have been the better areas to fish for stripers. They are hanging in 40 feet of water and deeper. Walleye fishing has slowed, but a few are being caught on live bait. Try fishing around the thermocline (18-25 feet deep). Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing are fair. The bass are still being caught around the trees and along the bluffs. Crappie fishing is slow. White bass fishing is fair. White in-line spinners are still the choice lure. Catfish are still hitting live bait on limb lines.

Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said all fishing is slow.

Norfork Tailwater: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the Norfork has been spectacular on low water. Anglers reported great success with black zebra nymphs, olive scuds, and black Norfork bead heads all in size 18. Other good flies were olive woolly buggers, partridge and orange soft hackles, and worm brown San Juan worms. The top producer was the green butt soft hackle. There have been some sparse sulphur hatches in mid morning and this was the key to success. In the afternoon, on higher water, fishing slows a bit. Use conventional high-water techniques, and if you are not fishing a catch-and-release area consider using a dropper tied to the lead flies. Dry Run Creek has been a local hot spot. This is a great place for you to while away the summer with your children or grand children. It is also a great place to beat the heat.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,128.74 feet MSL.

JT’s Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass have been on the small side, but they continue to bite. Best places have been off main lake points and humps early and late in the day. Finesse tactics have worked best. A buzzbait or a spinnerbait has worked when fished along the flooded cover at dawn and at dusk. Crappie are suspended 15 to 25 feet under shaded docks, bluff walls, standing timber and in open water on flats. Minnows, tubes and shineee hineee jigs have been effective. Small crankbaits have worked on the flats from Hickory Creek south into the rivers. White bass are scattered but can be found at night along deep bluff walls. Fish minnows under lights 10 to 30 feet deep. Stripers have been found on the downstream end of the lake in deep water. Try trolling an umbrella rig 30 to 40 feet deep. Catfish again have been biting well all over the lake. Liver, goldfish, worms or stink bait have all worked well. Bluegill are taking crickets and worms 4 feet deep around rocks and docks.

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is murky and high. Bream fishing is fair on crickets. Crappie are biting well around docks on minnows. Bass fishing is good early on top-water lures and crankbaits. They are also good at night on plastics, jigs and spoons. Catfish are fair jug fishing with cut bait.

Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said all fishing is slow.

Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said water conditions are normal. Fishing has been slow due to few anglers, but a few crappie have been caught on road runners.

Sugarloaf Lake: Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) said the water is clear and low. All fishing has been slow.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Charles: Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said the water level is normal and the temperature ranges from 70 to 72 degrees. The water clarity is about 10 inches. Bream are biting on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow on minnows, jigs, and worms. Bass are slow on spinners and crankbaits. Catfish are fair on carp minnows.

Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature in the high 80’s. Bream have been excellent on crickets and beetle spins. A few crappie are being caught deep on jigs and minnows. Bass are biting well early and late on top-water lures and crankbaits. Catfishing is excellent on stink bait, shrimp, liver and shad.

Lake Frierson: Lake Frierson State Park said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets. Catfish are being caught on worms and nightcrawlers.

SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Monticello: Greg Gulledge with Basshunters Custom Crankbaits said Lake Monticello is finally settling into the summer pattern. Hot weather has put the bass on drops in 10 to 22 feet of water. Nice bass have been caught this week, including a 9 lb. 3 oz. toad on Fishboy plastic worms and tubes. There are schoolers to be caught if you are lucky enough to be in range of them before they go back down. Topwaters and crankbaits have been catching the schoolers. The frog fishing has been very spotty with a few nice bass being taken on the Spro Bronze Eye Frog.

Lake Chicot: Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said the water is murky and low. All fishing has been slow.

Grand Lake: Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said all fishing is slow.

SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Millwood Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 259.28 feet MSL.

Millwood Lake Guide Service says largemouth bass remain best early and late in the day or during periods of lowest light and heat. Fishing is tough from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The current if Little River has decreased from last week and the Millwood is at normal level and falling. Topwater toads and plugs, Bass Assassin shads, 10-inch to 12-inch worms, and swim baits, all continue working well for bass. The water clarity along the main lake and also in Little River improved this week. Some high density, broken vegetation and floating mats remain in Little River. Corps of Engineers crews have replaced many damaged or missing river buoys in Little River in the clear cut main lake area and up the river. The main lake and Little River’s water surface temp range from about 85 to 91 degrees, depending on location and time of day. White bass remain nomadic and sporadic. The white bass bite is full on or full off, between White Cliffs and Cemetary Slough, along Little River using Little Cleos, Little Georges, Roostertails and Rocket Shads in white, red and chrome colors. Best depth zones run 12 to 18 inches. Times best last week continue from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The crappie bite has improved slightly. The most consistent bite remains on live shiners, smoke grubs on light wire jig heads and Mizmo tubes. Blues and channel cats continue to hit well on trotlines and can be found in current in Little River. Cut shad, Catfish Charlie, cottonseed mill cake, and chicken hearts and livers have been working well. Try yo-yo’s hung from cypress trees in about 10 feet of water near current. Bream continue to bite well along the banks on crickets and red worms around docks and cypress trees. With the mayfly hatch dwindling down, bream and redears can still be caught under a single cypress or willow tree on ultra light or spin cast tackle on smoke colored tubes, jigs, crickets, red worms, and also on white and chartreuse-colored popping bugs.

Cossatot River: Davy Ashcraft at Cossatot River State Park (870-385-2201) said USGA states that the water level is 1.83 feet, with the surface temperatures ranging from 75 to 80 degrees. With the ever increasing heat and lack of water, algae is beginning to grow rapidly all over the river, causing the fish to be less aggressive. Early and late in the day are the best times to try your hand at the fish in the river. Bream are biting great on worms and crickets in 3 feet of water. The smallmouth bass are biting well early and late on green pumpkinseed finesse worms and crawdad crankbaits around structure in the deeper pools at 4 to 5 feet of water, small dark colored grubs are doing well too. Catfish are hit and miss; most are being caught at night on nightcrawlers.

Lake Columbia: Steve’s Marine (870-234-2222) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfishing is good on nightcrawlers.

Lake Erling: Steve’s Marine (870-234-2222) said the water is clear and low. Bream fishing is good on crickets and red worms. Crappie are fair on shiners. Bass are fair on artificial baits. Catfishing is good on nightcrawlers.

White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park said the water level is dropping from lack of rain. The water is clear and the water temperature is high. Most fishing is slow. Bream are hitting on crickets. Bass are in the deeper, cooler water hitting artificial baits. Catfish are slow on jugs and trotlines.

Lake Greeson: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 544.66 feet MSL.

Darryl Morris at Family Fishing Trips said the water surface temperature is 92 degrees. Stripers are being caught early in deep water near the dam. Bream are biting well on crickets fished 8 to 12 feet deep over brush in 15 to 18 feet of water. All other species are fair early in the morning and poor during the day.

Lakeside Grocery said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature at 93 degrees. All fishing has been slow.

DeGray Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 405.90 feet MSL.

DeGray One Stop (501-865-3511) had no report.

Charles at Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina said largemouth bass are biting fairly well on redbug and cherryseed colored worms fished on the deep side of moss points. Some fish are schooling very early and late and can be caught on Zara Spooks, Rooster Tails and Tiny Torpedoes. Kentucky bass are slow on live crawfish fished 20 to 26 feet deep on points and dropoffs. Hybrids are biting well on live shad, topwaters and jigging spoons in 35 to 45 feet of water. The best areas have been around the dam and Caddo Bend. Crappie are slow, but a few are being caught on Tennessee Shad grubs and live minnows fished slowly around moss points with brush piles set 18 to 22 feet deep. Catfish are biting well on trotlines and jugs baited with minnows or cut shad. Bream are biting well on crickets and nightcrawlers fished 10 to 20 feet deep near points.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Dardanelle: Eric Pratt at Lake Dardanelle State Park said river flow is expected to fall to around 35,000 CFS by mid-week. The small craft advisory has been lifted and this Friday, Saturday and Sunday fishermen are going to be hitting the Arkansas River in search of monster largemouth bass for a chance to win $100,000 in the Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza. With air temperatures pushing 100 degrees and water temperature at 86 degrees, fishing for most species has become challenging. Bass can be caught in about 12-15 feet of water on humps and points on crankbaits and Texas-rigged plastic worms. Early morning fishing is good with top-water baits such as frogs and buzz baits. Bream are doing well in the first few hours of the morning on crickets and worms. Catfishing seems to be doing well at night on cut shad, nightcrawlers and artificial baits.

Bill’s Bait and Tackle (479-754-6354) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets and nightcrawlers. Bass are fair in deep water on crankbaits and worms. Catfish are biting well on stink bait.

Blue Mountain Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 386.41 feet MSL.

Booneville Bait (479-675-9038) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair around the spillway on crickets. Crappie are being caught on minnows. Catfish are fair on worms.

Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said the water is clearing up and starting to slow down. Bream are fair on nightcrawlers and crickets. A few crappie have been caught deep on minnows and jigs. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing is good on liver, nightcrawlers and cut shad.

Lake Ouachita: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 575.24 feet MSL.

Larry Hurley from Poorman’s Guide Service said the bite has actually been pretty good with good breaking action in the mornings and bass and stripers running together chasing shad. Topwaters have produced, but the best bite has been on shallow-running crankbaits and jigging spoons. After the morning bite is over, fish a 10-inch worm on a 3/8-oz. weight and target the outside edge of the grass in 25 feet of water.

Mountain Harbor Resort said the water is clear and ranges from 86 to 90 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged worms and shakey head worms. Drop-shot rigs are also working fairly well around river channel drops near brush. Walleye are biting well on spoons fished over brush on main lake points. Some quality fish are also being taken on bottom bouncers rigged with a spinner rig and crawler harness. Stripers are biting well on live shad or trotline minnows. Bream are biting very well on crickets and worms in 18 to 25 feet of water. Crappie are biting fairly well over grass and brush in 20 to 30 feet of water. Catfishing is good on cut bait and live bait hung from jugs and trotlines.

Trader Bill’s said the hot weather has moved everything to the deep edge of the moss. Some good bass are being caught on Texas-rigged 10-inch worms, large brush hogs and jigs pitched to the deep weed edge but it’s slow. Frogs will work once the grass tops out. If you find some matted grass, try fishing a swimbait along its edge or pitching a heavy jig such as an Oldham’s grass jig to punch through the surface to reach fish below.

Lake Hamilton: Larry Hurley from Poorman’s Guide Service said bass fishing is very good at night using 10-inch Berkley worms with small weights 12 to 18 feet deep.

Trader Bill’s said white bass, Kentuckies and largemouths can be caught early in the morning on live bass minnows tailhooked and freelined in front of Stokes, Williams and Hot Springs creeks and Scully Basin. Night fishing with Zara Puppies and dark-colored soft-plastics is good during the first 2 hours of the evening and again after midnight.

Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that the extreme summer heat has limited the anglers at Carpenter Dam. Most of the fishing has taken place in the early morning hours or right before nightfall. Rainbow trout continue to be very slow with some fish being caught on nightcrawlers and Power Bait near the dam. The limited numbers of trout in the tailrace make fishing very difficult and getting consistent bites is out of the question. Restocking will begin again in November. Striper and hybrid activity has been hit-or-miss as the threadfin shad schools move in and out of the tailrace. Fishermen need to monitor the movements of the baitfish as their presence will dictate whether or not the striper and hybrid bass will be in the immediate area. Carpenter Dam can be alive with schooling fish one day and no fish at all the next. Large brood and gizzard shad fished under a balloon rig will target the larger fish, but casting Super Spooks and C-10 Redfins has taken many 10- to 12-pound fish. Soft plastic presentations from 6 to 9 inches long are excellent for enticing fish to strike when they refuse hard-sided baits.

Diamond Head Marina said water conditions are normal with water temperature in the high 80’s. Bream are biting well around drop-offs on crickets. Crappie are fair in deep water on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair around shore lines on plastic worms. A few walleye have been caught on minnows.

Lake Hinkle: Bill’s Bait Shop (479-637-4719) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. A few crappie have been caught deep on minnows. Bass fishing is good on top-water lures and crankbaits. Catfishing is good on worms, liver and shad.

Lake Atkins: Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said the water is clearing up and at normal level. Bream are biting well in deep water on crickets and worms. Catfishing is excellent on crickets and large minnows.

SOUTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Moro Bay: Moro Bay State Park said the Ouachita River remains at summer normal which is 65ft above sea level. Bream are being caught on crickets and worms in the lake and in the bay. Even bank fishermen are catching bream in the park on crickets. Experienced crappie fishermen are catching some crappie on shiners and jigs in the bay but most fishermen aren’t catching any crappie. Small bass (less and 1 ½ pounds) have been caught on plastic worms, buzz baits, and small crank baits near cypress trees in the bay. One fisherman reported catching some good catfish on jugs in the lake. Several fishermen reported doing well tight lining with bream in the main river channel.
EAST ARKANSAS:
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): The Tackle Box (870-534-1498) said the water is muddy and at normal level. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing is good on minnows and black or chartreuse jigs. Bass are excellent on crankbaits, plastic worms and buzzbaits. Catfish are picking up on worms and cut bait.

White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the water is clear and high. Bass are biting well on soft plastics and crankbaits. Early in the morning they are biting well on top-water lures and buzzbaits.

Maddox Bay: Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said water conditions are normal. A few bream have been caught on worms.

Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said all fishing is slow.

Horseshoe Lake: Local angler Clyde Gregory said bream are biting well around lily pads on crickets and redworms. Crappie are fair near piers on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair around lily pads on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is excellent on worms and chicken liver.

Island 40 Chute: Daily’s Boat Dock (870-739-3478) said the water is murky and low. A few crappie have been caught on jigs. Catifsh are fair on chicken liver and worms.

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Arkansas Weekly Fishing Report - 7/2/2008

July 2, 2008

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Randy Zellers (501) 223-6406, e-mail: rdzellers@agfc.state.ar.us

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This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for July 2, 2008. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please call or e-mail us with information on possible sources for that lake or river.

Fishing Tip: Summer boat traffic can become a nightmare at the ramp, especially on holidays. Please be courteous out at the ramps and remember that other people may be waiting to launch or load their boat, too. By preparing and loading your boat while you’re waiting in line to launch, you’ll save time, so everyone can enjoy the water instead of waiting at the ramp.

Arkansas River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Tuesday the Arkansas River stages are:

Trimble Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 13): Headwater – 389.37 feet, Tailwater – 385.95 feet, Flow – 118,550 cubic feet per second
Ozark Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 12): Headwater – 371.43 feet, Tailwater – 352.26 feet
Dardanelle Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 10): Headwater – 337.78 feet, Tailwater – 301.92 feet
Ormond Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 9): Headwater – 285.46 feet, Tailwater – 282.17 feet
Toad Suck Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 8): Headwater – 268.15 feet, Tailwater – 265.92 feet
Murray Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 7): Headwater – 247.69 feet, Tailwater – 239.41 feet, Flow – 155,269 cubic feet per second
Terry Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 6): Headwater – 230.80 feet, Tailwater – 225.92 feet, Flow – 162,808 cubic feet per second
Sanders Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 4): Headwater – 195.05 feet, Tailwater – 193.40 feet
Hardin Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 3): Headwater – 182.59 feet, Tailwater – 181.30 feet
Mills Dam (Dam 2): Headwater – 161.68 feet, Tailwater – 147.68 feet, Flow – 145,481 cubic feet per second

White River Levels: According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as of Tuesday the White River stages are:

9 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage – 19 feet)
10.4 feet at Batesville (flood stage – 15 feet)
14.7 feet at Newport (flood stage – 26 feet)
26.7 feet at Augusta (flood stage – 26 feet)
16 feet at Georgetown (flood stage – 21 feet)
23.5 feet at Clarendon (flood stage – 26 feet)

CENTRAL ARKANSAS:

Lake Conway: Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said water conditions are normal. A few bream have been caught on crickets and worms. Bass are biting well on spinning toads. Catfishing is good on trotlines with blood bait, cut bait and stinkbait.

Dan at Gold Creek Landing said bream are biting well. Bass are biting fairly well on frogs and buzzbaits early. Crappie fishing is slow. Catfish are biting well on live and prepared baits.

Little Red River: Lindsey’s Resort (501-302-3139) said water conditions are normal with two generators running around the clock. Trout fishing has been very good on Shad Raps and spinnerbaits with a glow worm and Power Egg.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Power House has been releasing water continuously. The water is very off-color because of the silt from high lake levels. It’s tough enough fishing in high water but water that is high and clear as coffee is challenging. The water coming through the dam is averaging 51 degrees with 8.0 mg/l of dissolved oxygen (good numbers). Aquatic insect hatches continue with blue winged olive mayflies, sulphur mayflies, pale morning dun mayflies and midges being the primary players. Fishing dry flies in high water is problematic. The best sub-surface fly for our high water is the San Juan worm (#14-#18; worm brown, orange, red or peach). When drift fishing from a boat, you will need 12-15 feet of leader and tippet with enough split shot to get the worm down to the streambed and a large strike indicator to float it all. When the river level drops to a wading level, try a sow bug (#14-#16; UV tan, UV gray or olive), zebra midge (#16-#22; red, black or copper), red butt soft hackle (#14-#18), copper john (#16; red, copper or green), pheasant tail (#16) or woolly bugger (#8-#12; olive, black or copper).

Greers Ferry: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 473.26 feet MSL.

Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the water level is falling steadily. The hybrid and white bass fishing continues to be good. With the great shad spawn we had, we should have an excellent fall bite as well. Right now, bait is the key, find the bait and the fish will be close at some point in the day or even night, try top-water baits, jigging spoons, in-line spinners and even hair jigs. Bream fishing is fair on nightcrawlers and crickets around docks, brush piles and flooded brush. Catfishing is great from 1 foot of water out to 25 feet using an assortment of baits and catching them on limb lines, rod-and-reels and jugs and trotlines. Walleye are there one day and gone the next. If you can stay with them, they can be caught with nightcrawlers and line weights on crankbaits fished on the edges of rocks on drops in 13-23 feet of water. Bass fishing is hit or miss. Try buzzbaits, Right Bite frogs, or Rite Bite Cinko’s Carolina-rigged or Texas-rigged worms, or you can flip and pitch baits to the brush.

Shiloh Marina said the water is high. Fishing has been slow.

Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said the water conditions are normal with a surface temperature at 85 degrees. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on minnows and artificial baits. Catfishing is picking up on worms and liver.

Lake Beaverfork: The City of Conway Parks and Recreation Department said the water is murky and at normal level. Fishing has been pretty slow lately, but some crappie have been caught on minnows.

Lake Overcup: Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie fishing is good in 8 feet of water on minnows. Bass are biting well on minnows, jigs and spinnerbaits. Catfishing is good on crayfish, goldfish and worms.

Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature in the mid 80s. Bream fishing is good around the docks on crickets and worms. Crappie are fair in 10 feet of water on minnows. Bass are fair fishing off the banks on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is good on worms.

Brewer Lake: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature at 85 degrees. Bream are biting well on worms and crickets around the banks. Crappie fishing is very good in 20 foot brush piles on minnows. Bass are fair on buzzbaits. Catfishing is good on worms and stink bait.

Sunset Lake: Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said water conditions are normal. Bream are biting well in 5 to 8 feet of water on crickets. Crappie are fair in 12 to 15 feet of water on plastics. Bass are fair on plastic worms. Catfishing is good in shallow water.

Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass fishing is good on white spinnerbaits and 4-inch pumpkinseed lizards. Catfishing is good on Magic Bait.

Arkansas River in Little Rock: Vince Miller from Fish ‘N Stuff said the water is high and rough. All species are currently slow.

Lake Maumelle: Jolly Roger’s Marina said summer fishing is in full swing, so it’s time to move deeper for all species. Largemouth bass are biting well, but weights have dropped some from spring. Fish 15 to 20 feet deep with jig-and-pig combos, drop shot rigs and spoons. Kentucky bass are mixed with the largemouth. White bass are schooling at the east end of the lake on CC spoons and Spooks. Bream are excellent in 15 feet of water on crickets and worms. Some catfish are being caught by anglers targeting the bream as well. Crappie are fair.

Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said the water is clear and high. Bream are fair in 12 to 14 feet of water on a split shot and cricket.

Fourche La Fave: Bass are fair early and late on jigs and shad-colored crankbaits. Catfishing is good on jugs with live green sunfish and cut bait.

Palarm Creek: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said bass are fair on brown and orange jigs. Catfishing is excellent on limb lines and trotlines with cut bait and stink bait.

Lake Valencia: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said catfishing is good on nightcrawlers and chicken hearts.

Pickthorne Lake: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said bream are biting well at the shallow end of the lake on crickets and worms. Catfishing is good on nightcrawlers and chicken hearts.

Little and Big Maumelle Rivers: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said bream are biting well at the upper end of the creek on crickets and wax worms. Bass are fair early and late on spinnerbaits, flukes and top-water stick baits. Channel catfish are biting well on nightcrawlers, cut bait and chicken hearts.

Murray Lock and Dam: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said stripers are being caught on chartreuse twister tails. Catfishing is excellent snagging and bait fishing on live green sunfish and shad fillets.

Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is very high and dangerous.

Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is clear and high. Bream are fair in 4 to 6 feet of water on crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are biting well on black buzzbaits.

Peckerwood Lake: Herman’s Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is clear and still a bit high and starting to fall. Bream are fair on crickets and wax worms. Crappie are being caught on minnows. Some large bass have been caught on spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Catfishing is good on any bait.

NORTH ARKANSAS:

White River: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said the water flows on the White have been consistently high. Overall, the fishing has been excellent on the White River. It has at times been spectacular, particularly at the Catch-and-release section at Bull Shoals Dam and the adjacent state park. The hot flies have been San Juan worms (in tan, orange and red), and brightly colored marabou jigs. Jigs have the added advantage of riding hook point up which makes them virtually weedless. Another hot spot was Rim Shoals. Here again the most action was encountered using brightly colored San Juan worms and eggs. Those fishing just outside the catch-and-release sections had good results by using black zebra midges and copper johns as droppers. The best fishing has occurred in the Red Bud area. The hot fly there has been brightly colored marabou jigs.

Sportsman’s White River Resort said the water is very high with eight generators still constantly running. Trout fishing has been very good. Jigs and countdown Rapalas seem to be working well. Power Bait and pink or red 3-inch Power Worms are also working. Fly-anglers seem to be having luck on Glo Eggs and San Juan worms.

Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 692.02 feet MSL.

Lake Norfork: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 575.25 feet MSL.

101 Grocery and Bait said the surface water temperature is in the low to mid 80s. Bream fishing is great using crickets, redworms and nightcrawlers. Striper fishing is good using live bait (small shiners or shad). The stripers are also hitting artificial baits fished around 20-30 feet deep. White bass fishing is fair. Try using small in-line spinners. Walleye fishing has been good. Smallmouth bass fishing has been good. Largemouth bass fishing is fair. Catfishing is good. Crappie fishing is slow. They are out there but finding them can be a challenge.

Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said all fishing has been slow.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Beaver Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,128.48 feet MSL.

JT’s Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass have been biting well on Carolina rigs fished on main lake points and humps. Best colors have been watermelon/red and pumpkin seed. Spinnerbaits fished along flooded trees have also been effective. Crappie have once again been biting well in the mid-lake area on Shineee Hineee jigs. Docks, timber, bluffs and floating debris in the backs of deep coves have worked best. The fish have been suspended just off the bottom. White bass and walleye have been picked up at night around Horseshoe Bend along the bluffs. Set out lights and drop minnows down 10 to 30 feet deep. Stripers have been biting around Point Four by trolling umbrella rigs 20 to 30 feet deep. Bluegill have been taking worms and crickets under docks and around rocks. Catfish have been biting well under the 12 bridge from shore using worms or liver.

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is stained and 8 foot high. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie are fair in 15 to 20 feet of water on tube jigs. Bass are biting well on jigs and deep-diving crankbaits. White bass are biting well in the mid-lake area.

Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said water conditions are normal with a surface temperature in the high 70s. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie are fair in 12 to 15 feet of water on minnows. Bass are biting well on plastic worms. Catfish are fair on minnows and chicken liver.

Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the water is clear and about 6 inches above normal level. Bream are biting well around tree tops on crickets and worms. Crappie