Arkansas Fishing Report 7-08-10

[Saltwater Fishing]

July 7, 2010 Edition

Central Arkansas

Lake Conway

Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the water is at normal level and stained. Bream are biting excellently on worms and crickets. Bass are fair early and late on buzzbaits and Carolina-rigged worms. Catfishing is fair on trotlines baited with bream and trotline minnows. Poll fishing for catfish is fair with chicken liver and nightcrawlers. Crappie are slow.

Little Red River

Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the river is clear and at normal level. There has been one generator running late in the afternoon. Fishing has been fair to good with wax worms, Power Bait, nightcrawlers and jigs.

Greers Ferry

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 460.80 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 461 MSL).

(Updated 6/30/2010) Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said bass are still biting well between shallow and deep water. Top-water baits are working early and late. Small crankbaits and plastics are catching shallower fish while football heads, worms, Carolina rigs and deep-diving crankbaits are working for deeper fish. Crappie will bite on jigs and minnows suspended 15 to 20 feet deep around pole timber. Walleye are slow. Try jigs tipped with crawlers and fish them around gravel flats, points and humps in 15 to 27 feet of water. Catfishing is good all over the lake using any bait. Whites and hybrids are schooling all over the lake, and they are biting on top-water baits, Rinky Dinks and in-line spinners. If there is generation, the bottom bite will be good.

Cody S. Smith of www.fishgreersferry.com said the lake is a foot below normal and falling due to lack of rain. The surface temperature of the water has been in the mid 80s during the past week. White and hybrid fishing has been fantastic. Catches between 20 to 100 fish have become normal, with a lot of surfacing and feeding activity. Spoons, spinnerbaits and minnow-imitating baits are bringing in nice fish. Largemouths are biting best on big plastics and jigs fished in 16 to 34 feet of water around deep brush and abrupt drops. Kentucky bass have been schooling, both early and late, with whites and hybrids. Small spinnerbaits, top-water lures and flukes have all be producing catches. For more information about Greers Ferry Lake, go to www.fishgreersferry.com.

Shiloh Marina (501-825-6237) said crappie and walleye have been biting well on shiners at night. There has been a good bite reported between 1 and 2 a.m. Other than that, there have not been many fishermen on the water due to all the boaters.

Harris Brake Lake

Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) had no report.

Greer's Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) said bream, catfish and bass are all biting great. Crickets, worms, minnows, dough bait and bait nibbles are working well.

Lake Overcup

Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said bream are biting well on crickets and redworms fished around the banks. Catfish are good on noodles and trotlines using live bream and cut bait. Crappie are slow, but some have been hitting jigs in deep water that are fished 8 to 12 feet deep. Bass are slow, but some can be caught by fishing plastics around structure.

Brewer Lake

Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said crappie are biting well on minnows and White Crappie Stingers fished over brush piles. Bass are good on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms fished around the bank. Catfishing is good with live bream and cut shad.

Lake Maumelle

Jolly Roger's Marina said the water is 14 inches below the spillway and the surface temperature is 90 degrees. Black bass are biting well on floating worms, jerk baits and spinnerbaits fished in 4 to 12 feet of water around the edges of grass and off the points in the afternoon. White bass are biting well on small crappie jigs, Rooster tails and minnows in the North Shore area of the lake. Crappie are biting well on 1/32-ounce jigs, minnows and shad-colored grubs in 15 to 20 feet of water. Bream are biting excellently on crickets and redworms fished in 15 to 20 feet of water. Catfishing is excellent on trotlines baited with cut shad, bream and chicken livers. Saugeye are biting well on small crappie jigs, crankbaits and minnows trolled around the points in the morning and late afternoon.

Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop (501-758-4958) said bream have been biting well in 16 to 18 feet of water on a split shot with a cricket. Bass are biting well early and late on crankbaits and black/blue bass jigs fished on main lake points. On a cloudy day, Rattling Rouges with a black back and orange belly have been producing bass. Catfishing has been excellent on trotlines baited with bream and cut shad.

JB's Guide Service had no report.

Lake Valencia

Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop (501-758-4958) said catfishing is excellent on nightcrawlers and chicken hearts. There was no report on bream, crappie or bass.

Lake Willastein

Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop (501-758-4958) said bream are biting well on crickets and wax worms. Bass are good, early and late, on red shad plastic worms. Catfishing is excellent with nightcrawlers and chicken hearts. Crappie are slow.

Sunset Lake

Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is at its normal level and clear. Bream are biting well on crickets. Bass are fair on white/chartreuse spinnerbaits. Catfishing has been good on chicken livers. Crappie are slow.

Saline River Access in Benton

Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the river is low and clear. Bream are biting well on 1/16-ounce yellow and black Rooster Tails. Bass fishing is excellent on small, white buzzbaits and popping baits. Catfish and crappie are slow.

Petit Jean State Park

Greer's Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) said bream are biting well on crickets, crappie jigs and bait nibbles.

Arkansas River at Morrilton

Charley's Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said fishing on the river is getting good. Black bass are biting very well on watermelon colored crawfish-imitations thrown near the bank. The best technique is to move along the bank and not stay in one spot. Catfishing is excellent, early and late, using whole shad fished inside of the jetties in 4 to 11 feet of water. White bass are schooling early and late, and are biting excellently. Throw a Fat Rap crankbait; most hits will be on the way to the top. The hot spots have been Point Remove Creek across from Petit Jean Mountain and Copper Gap. Bream are biting excellently on crickets fished near sand banks.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)

Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop (501-758-4958) said on Maumelle River, catfishing is excellent on jugs or trotlines baited with cut bait and chicken hearts. There was no report on bream, crappie or bass. On Little Maumelle River, bream are biting well on crickets, wax worms and redworms fished around pad fields. Bass are fair, early and late, on propeller baits and white/chartreuse willowleaf spinnerbaits. Catfishing is good on jugs or trotlines baited with cut bait and chicken hearts. Crappie are slow. On Palarm Creek, bream are biting well on wax worms and crickets. Bass are fair on black plastic worms with a chartreuse tail and black/chartreuse bass jigs. Catfishing is good with chicken hearts and cut bait.

Arkansas River (Little Rock Pool)

Vince Miller from Fish 'N Stuff said bream are fair to good on crickets. Bass are biting well around the straight rock banks on crankbaits and brush hogs. Junebug and black/red have been good colors. Catfishing is fair to good with chicken liver, nightcrawlers, shad and cut shad. Crappie are slow.

Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop (501-758-4958) said at Murray Lock and Dam, catfishing is excellent with skip jack and bream. White bass, stripers and crappie are all slow. On the main channel, catfishing is excellent on trotlines baited with cut shad and rice slicks. Bass are biting well around the jetties on 6A Bomber crankbaits, buzzbaits fished on jetties with grass and black/red flake tubes.

McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is back to normal. Bass have been biting well on Spro Bronze Eye Frogs and popping frogs. Catfishing has been excellent with nightcrawlers and skip jack. There was no report on crappie or bream.

Clear Lake

McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is clear and at normal level. Bream have been biting well on crickets and redworms fished in deep water. There have not been any reports on crappie, bass or catfish.

Peckerwood Lake

Herman's Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is low and clear. Bass have been biting well on various lures. Catfishing has been good with worms, crickets and chicken livers. Bream and crappie have been slow.

Lake Pickthorne

Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop (501-758-4958) said bream are biting well in the middle of the lake on crickets and wax worms fished around the stumps. Bass are fair early and late. Catfishing is good in the levee ditch on chicken hearts and nightcrawlers. Crappie are slow.


http://www.agfc.com/fishing/fishing-reports.aspx

[Saltwater Fishing]

North Arkansas

White River

Sportsman's White River Resort (870-453-2424) said the river is low, and there has been generation for about three hours in the afternoon. Overall fishing has been excellent. The low water has allowed great wading, and more fly fishermen to hit the water. Rainbows have been biting excellent on Power Bait and various small lures. Browns are a little more difficult to catch now because they can see you coming with the low water conditions.

Cotter Trout Dock said generation has been low, which has provided great wade opportunities. The fishing between Wildcat Shoals and Buffalo City has been fantastic. There are many methods to catch fish on the White. Yellow and white Power Bait, shrimp, worms, gold and copper spoons have all been successful. Little Cleos and Colorado Spoons are recommended, especially a pearl/red Cleo. Shore fishing with Power bait and worms has been very good.

Guide Davy Wotton said the low water levels have provided good wade fishing. Wet fly, soft hackle and nymph fishing have brought in a number of rainbows, browns and cuthroats. The sulphur hatch is over. They best time for dry fly fishing is in the early morning or late evening. Fishing at lower depths and in faster water with nymphs, streamers and soft hackles is best when the sun is still overhead. Bull Shoals Dam continues to produce large rainbow trout. Midge pupae, midge emergers, sow bugs and scuds are working well, along with fishing soft hackles early and late. The top flies for this week are black and red white tail and prism midges, blood midge, GRHE, PTN, sow bugs and gray scuds, dynamite and San Juan worms, and olive and tan woolly buggers. The algae is beginning to disappear on the river and overall the White is in good condition.

White River (From Buffalo City to Red's Landing)

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said there has been very little generation over the last week. The White River is about as low as it will get, and fish are biting like crazy. Ginger, olive or black 1/16-ounce White River Zig Jig or a No. 2 or 3 Blue Fox spinner in gold, sliver or copper have been the most popular baits.

Buffalo River

Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said the river is getting very low, so if you are floating, be prepared to drag. Fly fishing has been very good with crawdad and minnow patterns. Spin fishermen have had the best luck with 4-inch lizards in green pumpkin and watermelon/red, and Beetle Spins with black/chartreuse grubs.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guides said the water is low and lightly stained. Smallmouths are active and biting on Clouser minnows or crawfish patterns.

Crooked Creek

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guides said the water is lower and lightly stained. Smallmouths are active and biting on clouser minnows or crawfish patterns.

Bull Shoals Lake

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 656.53 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 654 MSL).

Mike Worley's Guide Service and Al Denninger said the bite on lower Bull Shoals has been very good. The lake level has been dropping for the past few weeks which had an affect on the larger fish. Walleye and bass are still being caught in shallow water along the banks. If you want keeper fish, move away from the bank and target suspended fish in larger coves, deeper creeks and on the main lake points. These fish can be found 20 to 40 feet deep in anywhere from 30 to 100 feet of water. The most productive big fish lure has been the 800 Reef Runner in any shade of white. Large Hot N Tot's in firetiger and gold, have also been producing nice fish. Most fish were caught with slow spinner rigs or whole crawlers on Wally Pop-type lures fished in 20 to 25 feet of water. Some crappie, catfish and Kentucky bass were also caught using this pattern. Kentucky bass have been biting crawfish and crawlers on the main lake points in 30 to 40 feet of water.

Bull Shoals Tailwater

Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said water releases slowed during the holiday, and the lake is getting closer to normal pool. Sulfurs are working well throughout the river. Summer time releases should be normal, with high water in the afternoon.

Lake Norfork

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 554.18 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool: Sept.-April - 552 MSL, April-Sept. - 554 MSL).

(Updated 6/23/2010) 101 Grocery and Bait said the water temperature is in the mid to upper 80s. Bream are biting well on crickets. Catfish are hitting live bait on rod and reel as well as trotlines and jugs. Stripers are biting on live bait early and late. Bass are biting best in the morning and evening at all depths. Walleye fishing is fair using live bait and spoons. Crappie are good for those who know their hiding spot. The best time to fish overall is very early in the morning, and then use the rest of the day to play on the lake.

(Updated 6/23/2010) Guide Steve Olomon said the water temperature is in the mid 80s. There has been top-water action early and late. When the top-water bite is over, a Texas rigged worm or jig with catch a bass. Stripers and hybrids are about 40 feet deep so try a jigging spoon for a bite. If you fish after dark, try a salt craw or crankbait.

(Updated 6/23/2010) Guide Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters said there was great striper fishing over the weekend. They are in their summer pattern, schooling and feeding in the morning and late afternoon. They are biting on live shad or a spoon fished in 40 to 80 feet of water in the Fall, Panther and Robinson areas.

Norfork Tailwater

Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the fish are not biting as well as they are in the White River, but most of the same fishing tactics will work. Zig jigs and Blue Fox spinners will be your best bet for catching fish.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guides said that over the past week there has been light rain, moderate wind and much cooler temperatures. There has been heavy generation of the Norfork with several periods of no generation. All the lakes are near power pool which has provided lower flows. During times of higher flow, fishing brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns has been producing nice catches. Red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise have been good colors for worms while peach and orange are good for egg patterns. The most successful tactic has been fishing droppers, rig a San Juan worm or egg like normal then tie a 20 inch 5X tippet to the bend of the hook and tie a small nymph on the tag end. Suplhur hatches are still coming up. Before the hatch, fish copper Johns or pheasant tail nymphs under an indicator. After you observe fish feeding on adult insects, switch to sulphur parachutes. Roundhouse Shoals and Wildcat Shoals have been hot spots for this catch. During times of high generation algae has become a problem. It has cleared out on the Norfork but still remains a problem on the White, but above the Bull Shoals Dam has remained clear. At Dry Run Creek, the most productive flies have been sowbugs and worm brown San Juan worms. Be sure to use at least a 4X tippet and carry a big net.

Charlie's Rainbow Trout Resort said the fishing has been good to excellent. The best bite has been from 7 p.m. until dark. The morning bite is fair to good. There has been some generation in the afternoons, but the best fishing has been at times of no generation, morning or evening. There has been a lot of wading at the Hay Field area. Fisherman Paul Storm reported catching several limits of fish on half a nightcrawler and small trout worms. There is a lot of moss on the river bottom so be prepared.


http://www.agfc.com/fishing/fishing-reports.aspx

[Saltwater Fishing]

Northwest Arkansas
Beaver Lake

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 1,120.99 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 1,120 MSL).

Bailey's Beaver Lake Guide Service (479-366-8664) said stripers have moved back to the lower section of the lake and are feeding actively. They are in their big summer school and most are being caught 25 to 40 feet deep. They are staying mainly around steep breaks where they have quick access to deeper water. They bite best on live gizzard shad, and the best spots for catching stripers are Rocky Branch, Point 5, Indian Creek and Lost Bridge. Night fishing on Beaver Lake is still producing nice catches. Try fishing minnows under lights around Rocky Branch and Point 5. This has produced stripers, catfish, crappie and some walleye. Bombers and Redfins are best for catching stripers at night, along with umbrellas. Stay along the bluffs and tree lines to get a catch. The morning bite has been over by 8 a.m., but you could still get some hits if it is an overcast day. For daily Beaver Lake levels and flow data go to Bailey's website and click on the Daily Beaver Lake Level and Flow info link.

(Updated 6/30/2010) JT's Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass are biting well on top-water lures fished in the morning and evening around visible cover and steep banks. During the day, try a Carolina rig around the main lake points or humps, and a Texas rigged lizard around the shade of the bluffs. Crappie have been biting excellently in the morning on minnows under a float 15 to 20 feet deep. Fish this around timber or brush in the mouth of small coves. Crappie are also are biting on chartreuse or yellow/white tube jigs worked from the bottom up. White bass are schooling in the evening and are biting on shad-imitation lures. Night fishing for whites has been good along bluff lines between Point 4 and Rocky Branch. Fishing minnows under lights at 10 to 20 feet will produce a catch. Catfishing has been good just after dark all over the lake with nightcrawlers or liver. Bream are biting well along the bluffs and around docks on crickets fished in 5 to 15 feet of water.

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is at normal level and clear. Crappie are biting well in 12 to 15 feet of water. They are scattered over the lake, and fishing minnows under lights has been the best method. White bass are also biting well on minnows fished under lights at night. Spoons have also taken a few whites during the day. The Highway 12 bridge area has provided the best whites. Bass fishing has been good on top-water lures early in the morning. During the day, shaky heads and small worms have been producing. Later in the afternoon try fishing larger plastics and dark spinnerbaits around the rocky points to ensure a catch. Walleye have been fair on Beaver Lake. There have been small walleye caught on deep diving crankbaits, minnows and spoons fished on the flats.

Beaver Tailwater

Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said the lake is near normal pool so releases have slowed down. The usual techniques have been working for fly fishermen. Midges in olive and gray and small olive or black woolly buggers are the best. San Juan worms in worm brown and red have also been producing fish.

Kings River

Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said the river is getting low and fly fishing has been excellent. Clouser patterns have pulled in a good number of fish. Black/purple, black/blue, Ozark shiner and crawdad colors have been working the best. The Electric Chicken Clouser and Pine Squirrel zonker flies in olive and brown have also been working. Sunfish have been biting on popping bugs. A few smallmouths have been caught on big, black woolly buggers with rubber legs. Spin fishing has been good with Beetle Spins and 4-inch Zoom lizards in green pumpkin seed. The small lures seem to be working best for spin fishermen.

Lake Fayetteville

Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said the water level is normal and the clarity is good. Bluegill are biting well on crickets fished in 5 to 12 feet of water. Largemouths are biting on a variety of artificial lures fished in deep and shallow water. Catfishing is fair with chicken livers and nightcrawlers. Crappie are slow.

Lake Sequoyah

Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the water is at normal level and in good condition. The surface temperature is around 85 degrees. Bream are fair to good on worms. Crappie are still biting on minnows. Bass are biting well on plugs and buzzbaits. Catfishing has been slow.


http://www.agfc.com/fishing/fishing-reports.aspx

[Saltwater Fishing]

Northeast Arkansas
Lake Poinsett

(Updated 6/30/2010) Lake Poinsett State Park said catfish and bream have been biting well on Lake Poinsett. Many anglers have been fishing at night for catfish using live bait or livers.

Crown Lake

(Updated 6/30/2010) Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the water is clear and at normal level. Bream are biting well on crickets and redworms. Bass are biting well early and late on top-water lures. Catfishing is good with chicken liver and nightcrawlers. Crappie are slow.

Lake Frierson

Lake Frierson State Park said the water is muddy, and at normal level. Bream are biting well on crickets and nightcrawlers. Catfishing is good on stink bait and nightcrawlers. Crappie and bass are slow.

Spring River

Mark Crawford at Spring River Fly Shop said the river has been running low and clear. The low water has made great pocket water conditions. Rainbow trout have been hugging the bottom of the river. Go-go nymphs and minnow patterns have been producing well. When fishing, fish the green areas of the water. This is a sign of deeper water and will most likely hold more fish. Check out Mark's Blog for daily updates on river conditions and what they might be biting.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guides said the water is low and clear. There have been many boaters on the river. To avoid them, try fishing at Lassiter Access. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers that have a bit of flash, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs. Be careful wading over the slick rocks.


http://www.agfc.com/fishing/fishing-reports.aspx

[Saltwater Fishing]

Lake Chicot

Lake Chicot State Park had no report.

Cane Creek Lake

Cane Creek State Park said bream are biting excellently on crickets and worms fished around lily pads in about 18 inches of water. Bass are biting on top-water buzzbaits and soft plastic lures.

Lake Monticello

Fishing guide Greg Gulledge (870-723-3928) of MonticelloBigBass.com said bass are in their summer pattern for the most part. Texas- and Carolina-rigged big worms and dark-colored Lock Tails are still getting bites. The deep cranking bite is beginning to pick up and has already brought in a few nice bass. There have also been some bass caught on Spooks and Gillmore Jumpers. There is wet weather predicted for the next few days which could lower the surface temperature of the water and scatter the bass. Overall, bass fishing has been good on Lake Monticello.


http://www.agfc.com/fishing/fishing-reports.aspx

[Saltwater Fishing]

Moro Bay

Moro Bay State Park at the junction of the Ouachita River, Raymond Lake and Moro Bay said the Ouachita River is only a few feet higher than normal and is falling slowly. Bream fishing is the best it's been in the last several years. Most anglers have reported catching from 50 to 100 big bream on crickets in the bay. Some are also catching bream in the lake. Catfish have been hitting shad and bream on trotlines in the bay as well. Crappie and bass fishing have been slow.

Ouachita River Oxbows

There is no report this week because the heat has kept anglers off the water.

Tri-County Lake


http://www.agfc.com/fishing/fishing-reports.aspx

[Saltwater Fishing]

Southwest Arkansas
Millwood Lake

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 259.44 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 259.2 MSL).

Mike Siefert at Millwood Lake Guide Service said there was a 4-foot drawdown scheduled for Monday. Use caution when navigating during the drawdown because stumps will begin to surface. The main lake and Little River's surface temperatures range between 84 and 87 degrees depending on location and time of day. Largemouth bass have been biting best from daybreak to 10 a.m. Upriver, largemouths are in summer pattern and have been biting shallow both early and late. Fishing buzzbaits, Cordell Crazy Shads, Spit'n Images, Yum BuzzFrogs, Twitch Assassins and Bass Assassin Shads around vegetation have been producing nice fish. Salt and pepper silver phantom and gold pepper shiner colors have been working well. During the drawdown, the bass will move deeper. Carolina-rigged lizards, Southern Pro 4-inch magnum tubes and Power Worms in blue fleck will begin to produce. On the points of Little River, Rat-L-Traps in Millwood Magic, firetiger, and Cajun craw colors are working well. Pondweed grass, creek channel mouths, standing timber and stumps will hold nice fish. Adding rattles to your jigs will bring sound attraction in stained water. The best water clarity has been found upriver. Swimbaits are beginning to produce catches around drop offs and stumps. White bass are in large schools and breaking top-water in the early morning in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbows. Crappie are fair to good on live shiners, jigs, smoke grubs and vertical jigging tiny Beetle Spins over planted brush in 12 to 16 feet of water. White/red or Catalpa have been the best colors. The bite is usually over by 9 a.m. Bream are still biting excellently on crickets, redworms and grubs fished around Millwood State Park, boat docks and off Jack's Isle. Blues and channel cats are biting best on chicken livers, Catfish Charlie, and red nightcrawlers. Yo-yo's hung from cypress trees over 9 to 15 feet deep have produced in the back of Mud Lake.

White Oak Lake

Local angler John Tilley is out of town so there is no new report for White Oak Lake.

Lake Columbia

Steve's Outdoor Sports (870-234-2222) said the water is at normal level. Bream are biting well on crickets. Bass fishing has been good with various lures. Catfishing is fair. There was no report on crappie.

Lake Erling

Steve's Outdoor Sports (870-234-2222) said the water is low. Bream are biting well on worms and crickets. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfishing has been good on just about anything. There was not a report on bass, although bass fishermen have been on the water.

Lake Greeson

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation was 546.44 MSL (Flood pool - 548 MSL).

Lakeside Grocery and Bait (870-398-5304) said the water is clear and dropping, and has been cooler than normal. Bream are biting well on crickets fished in 8 to 10 feet of water. Bass are biting well on plastic worms and jigs fished in 12 to 18 feet of water. Catfishing is slow but trotlines baited with chicken liver and bream have produced a few. Crappie, walleye, whites and stripers are all slow.

Cossatot River

Cossatot River State Park said the water level is at 2.09 feet, and the water temperature is cooler due to some rain. Some rock bass and smallmouths have been biting on purple and green tubes. There haven't been many bites which could be due to a falling barometer. Fishing with soft plastic lures and letting them fall then working them slowly is the best way to hook a fish. For smallmouths, live minnows and crawdads are always a successful bait.

DeGray Lake

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation was 405.28 feet MSL (Flood pool - 408 MSL).

Local angler George Graves said the lake is clear throughout and the surface temperature stays in the mid to upper 80s. Crappie are fair, however some can be found on the attractors in 20 to 25 feet of water. Use a 2-inch grub or tube on a 1/16-ounce jig head and fish the attractors in the main lake. The best colors are Tennessee shad and Arkansas shad. Most bites are early in the morning, with some even before sunrise. Bass are breaking water early in the morning and biting on top-water lures and swimbaits. A Texas- or Carolina-rigged worm fished off the main lake points in 10 to 30 feet of water has also produced catches. Bass can be caught anywhere on the lake, but the best area has been mid lake. Night fishing has also picked up, and the best method has been working worms slowly down steep points. The best time for night fishing is between midnight and daylight. Hybrids are now in their summer pattern and biting well. Fish a heavy jigging spoon, like a chartreuse spoon, off the deep points in 40 to 100 feet of water. The best areas for hybrids have been Iron Mountain, DeRoche Ridge, State Park Marina, the mouth of Brushy Creek and the islands across from the State Park Lodge. The bite has been over by 7:30 a.m., so be sure to hit the water early. Bream are biting well on crickets and redworms fished in 8 to 20 feet of water. They are being caught all over the lake, but sand beds and coves with cover are popular places for bream to congregate.


http://www.agfc.com/fishing/fishing-reports.aspx

[Saltwater Fishing]

West-Central Arkansas
Lake Nimrod

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation was 337.74 feet MSL.

Greer's Sporting Goods (501-889-2011) said bass, crappie and catfish are all biting great. Crickets, worms, minnows, crappie jigs and bait nibbles have all been working well.

Lake Hinkle

Bill's Bait Shop (479-637-7419) said the water is at normal level and in good condition. Bream are biting well on crickets. Crappie are slow, but if you know how to find them they will still bite on minnows and jigs. Bass are schooling and biting well. Spinnerbaits and top-water lures are producing the most bass. Catfishing is still doing well on trotlines with chicken liver, shiners and perch.

Lake Dardanelle

(Updated 6/30/2010) Regina Olson at Spadra Marina said bass are biting well on top-water lures in the morning and evenings, and crankbaits in the afternoon. Crappie are still biting on live minnows fished 9 to 12 feet deep in about 20 feet of water. Catfishing has been slow. If you are looking for catfish, fishermen have said to get off the banks and hit deep holes. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms.

Blue Mountain Lake

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation was 386.86 feet MSL.

Teresa at CD's Quick Stop (479-947-2178) said the water is high and muddy. Bream are biting well on worms. Crappie are fair on minnows. She has not had many reports on bass, but what she has heard has been good. Catfishing is good with worms and chicken liver.

Lake Ouachita

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation was 500 MSL (Flood pool - 578 MSL).

(Updated 6/30/2010) Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said bass fishing is good with plastic worms and Carolina rigs. Stripers are biting well on the main lake. Trolling live shad and vertical presentations are working well. Fishing with big baits will produce the most catches during the hot, summer days.

Lake Hamilton

Trader Bill's Outdoor Sports had no report.

Lake Catherine

Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, said the water below Carpenter Dam stays around 55 degrees during periods of generation, and rises into the mid 60s when there is no generation. Rainbow fishing is still slow, but a few fish over three pounds have been caught in the late evening on nightcrawlers. Live bait presentations are the best bet for getting strikes from rainbows during this time of year. Floating wax and meal worms off the bottom with a marshmallow, fishing minnows under a bobber or tight lined under a boat all work well. Since there are not many bites, fishermen must be patient when fishing for trout. White bass continue to inhabit the tailrace and can be caught from the bridge to the dam. Most bites have been in the evening from 6 p.m. until dark. Trolling small crankbaits on the main channel has been producing the largest whites. Hybrids have been mixed in with the whites. Rapalas in black and silver and jigs in white or yellow have produced the most bass. The average size of hybrids is now around two pounds. July and August are the time that most big stripers are spotted feeding on the top and chasing shad schools. Big top-water lures, jerkbaits, live gizzard or brood shad under a balloon will ensure strikes from these predator fish. Be sure to have heavy lines and rods when going after these fish.

Lake Atkins

Ken Vinson at Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said the holiday weekend provided great bream and catfishing. The water is a little low but clear. Bream are biting best on crickets. Catfish will bite any bait thrown into the water. Bass are still slow but are beginning to pick up. Running plastics slow and working them 20 to 30 yards from the bank is the best method as of now.

http://www.agfc.com/fishing/fishing-reports.aspx

[Saltwater Fishing]

East Arkansas
Arkansas River at Pine Bluff

The Tackle Box (870-534-1498) said the river is at normal level and muddy. Bream fishing has been excellent with worms and crickets. Crappie fishing is slow, but some have been caught on minnows fished in about 14 feet of water. Bass are biting excellently on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms. Catfishing is excellent on cut bait.

White River

Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) had no report.

Maddox Bay

Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said the water level is normal, but falling. The water clarity is very good. Bream are biting well on worms and crickets. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is good with Sunny's and Doc's stink bait. Crappie are good on minnows.

Island 40 Chute

Daily's Boat Dock (870-739-3478) had no report due to high water. The water should start falling this week.

Horseshoe Lake

Local angler Clyde Gregory said the lake looks beautiful and is at normal level. Bream are biting well on crickets and wax worms fished around cypress trees. Bass are biting on frogs and buzzbaits fished around lily pads. Catfishing is good in deep water with nightcrawlers and cut bait. Crappie are slow.


http://www.agfc.com/fishing/fishing-reports.aspx