Darker water warms more quickly. Have fun, stay safe and catch some fish!. Crappie overall have been good on minnows as well as jigs in all colors. Covering shallow water with a square-billed shallow-running crankbait or a spinnerbait with a single Colorado blade will help locate likely spawning flats. are good. When you observe trout taking insects from the top of the water, switch to elk hair caddis size 16. They are loaded, he says. The stage at Pine Bluff is falling at 30.72 (flood stage is 42 feet). Anglers have been catching a lot on Chatterbait covering the water, or a Senko or floating worm up shallow. Dropoffs were conspicuous from the sudden change of water color from light to dark. But on the other hand, the high water has the fish up in the vegetation looking to eat for boaters who can access those areas. "I'm catching them at eight feet in about 15 feet of water. The crappie and white bass that anglers are finding are biting on whatever anglers want to fish with, they say. Please keep eyes open and be careful. Minnows are my preference from now till fall, but casting jigs and sniping are killers, also. My favorite has been a cerise San Juan worm with an orange egg dropper. Water temperature continues its rise, reaching a range of60-65 degrees. There is high river flow rate and current. JL Guide Service is an experienced and family friendly operator that offers fishing trips in some of Arkansass finest lakes. "I caught seven pretty nice ones this morning," Eldridge said. High river current flow rate conditions in Little River make river fishing somewhat difficult to maintain. The stage at Augusta is steady at 32.03 feet, almost 6 feet above flood stage of 26.00 feet. Testimonials; FAQ; Windows. Black bass are doing well on dark colors, as well as watermelon red, red or blue shad minnows and worms. Crappie are on the banks and are biting minnows, jigs "and pretty much everything." I look for water in the mid-60s or better. Lake Greeson The bream are biting on worms and Bream Killers. Seeing as I'd never fished this lake There have been no reports on bream, but Ray anticipates that will turn around shortly. I looked further and noted that they had spillway releases on all of the dams in the White River system. When the waters recede and allow access to the parking, the dock and ramp, Cook's will open for youth and mobility impaired and up to two guests. Greers Ferry Lake is 11.4 feet above normal conservation pool. There is high river flow rate and current. There has been fair bass fishing of late, but Shelly had no specifics beyond that. The reported lake elevation at Table Rock Lake was 915.17 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 915.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 931.0 feet msl). The water clarity is dingy, and the water temperature was 66 degrees before the latest rain and cooler air in the past day. Statistically, no other reservoir in Arkansas names more fish per acre than Lake Hamilton. (updated 3-30-2023) Fish n Stuff in Sherwood said the lake is high but there are a lot of fish moving up to spawn. Theyre being found from 1-60 feet, and Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and jigs are working plus a lot in between. When you observe trout taking insects from the top of the water, switch to elk hair caddis size 16. White River (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) said, are still very good. Black-and-blue Chatterbaits have been working well, also. See The Fishing Tool Set Lake Ouachita Guides Recommend. Fishing in Arkansas, Jim Harris Arkansas. Millwood Lake tailwater elevation is near 242 feet msl (almost 17 FEET above normal) but is falling with gate discharge at the dam near 15,000 cfs in Little River, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. Largemouth and Spotted bass must be 13 inches or longer to be kept. They were avid fly-fishers and serious fly-tyers who had both tied at Sowbug and were hoping to catch the caddis hatch. Water temperature is ranging 56 degrees to 60-degrees-plus. Floating Zoom Trick Worms, Barlow's Salty Rat Tails and Yum Dingers are getting good reactions. Black bass are starting to hit on the warm days, though David admits they havent really had many warm days yet. (updated 3-30-2023) Capt. My plan would take us to Lake Ouachita, Arkansas in late March to early April, in hopes of finding fish spawning on shallow brush or boat docks. Water temperatures have been around 50 degrees and the water levels has dropped a little. ) The. The Army Corps of Engineers reported Thursday that the White River stage at Batesville was rising at 12.24 feet (flood stage is 15.0 feet). I had a repeat client that was a solid angler with lots of experience. | Shop gifts for any angler at Rapala.com! Bass and crappie both are definitely shallow. Minnows pitched around any structure will find the fish. The lakes are rising as I write. ", Crappie are congregating in deep cuts that have debris piled into the bottoms, Eldridge said. There is definitely limited accessibility to ramps, and parking can be an issue so call ahead. The hair-tied jig in gray, silver and white is the jig of choice. Bank fishing at Maumelle will still be available, and access to hiking trails and other park facilities outside the water will be available. Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips (501-844-5418) said he has been fishing DeGray, Hamilton and Ouachita lakes in the Hot Springs area frequently and the water temp is perfect for the As of Friday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lakes elevation was 408.16 feet msl (full pool: 387.00 feet msl; top flood elevation is 419.0 feet msl). Then, in early May to early June, near the northern edge of the nations natural crappie zone, wed find male-female crappie tandems making babies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. We're currently seeing releases of 24,000+ cfs which is the equivalent of a full 7 units split between the power units and releases from the spillways. Crappie are on the cusp of taking off, they report. Daily Limit:The total limit of a certain fish species that may be taken in 1 day. There has been a lot of rain over the last month to say the least. said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 473.55 feet msl and falling with lots of generation. Able to raise rainbows and brown trout, it may even be used to raise tiger trout in the future. Download the Fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: For the most up-to-date lake level, visit the. You can find crappie in a lot of areas around the lake. (updated 4-13-2023) Lowell Myers of Sore Lipem All Guide Service (501-250-0730) urges anglers to always check generation schedule and be aware of unexpected water release. Water temps continue to rise. WebArkansass largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. The public is now urged to take advantage of the changing weather and fishing possibilities at all area lakes. That is a crucial mistake for a fly fisherman. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. They fall slowly, so you have to count them down at a rate of "one-thousand-one.". White bass are good. The nine fly fishing films that comprised this year's tour made me long to battle tarpon, permit and red drum on a fly rod. (updated 4-13-2023) Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) in Batesville said that due to so much rain and the river being so high that anglers are staying away from the water, they had no reports. The water surface is yellow from tree pollen. Blue Mountain Lake I set a strike indicator about 3 feet above my fly. LAKE CONDITIONS The protected pockets are reaching 70 degrees. (updated 4-13-2023) Fish N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood advises that anglers check with Army Corps of Engineers (see url above or download the app) to see what the flow level is. I know the lake levels are high and we are going to deal with that for a while. The walleye run is still good in the river arms but it is probably at its peak. The season is here, they said. Black bass are also in prespawn like the crappie, they say. We have seen some small hatches in late afternoon. About us. Also consider limiting released fish from July-October on the deep, clear water lakes such as Lake Ouachita. Target those secondary points before a spawning flat or the back of the creek where they go spawn. General State Limits. As of Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Ormond Lock and Dam was 8,064 cfs. Crappie, while catch-and-release only, have been tearing up pink and chartreuse jigs. Anglers are catching the crappie in about 2 feet of water on minnows and jigs. The topwater bite for black bass and white bass has begun in the morning at sunrise, and the crappie have moved to their spawning banks. White bass will migrate into the area next month in huge numbers to spawn and their presence rounds out a multispecies opportunity for angling. On the White, the hot spot has been Wildcat Shoals. WebBrush Piles in Lake Ouachita. Del says he has seen Kentucky bass on beds, as well as crappie moving up. When you see takes on the top but see no insects, switch to a caddis emerger like my Green Butt in size 15. As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lakes elevation at Blakely Dam was 576.13 feet msl (full pool: 578.00 feet msl). Mike and crew continue to find a few large schools over the past couple weeks along Little River, and the most and largest schools of white bass have been between Cemetery Slough and Cossatot River inflow ditch. There are no dams on these streams. Crappie are biting better on plain ol minnows now. Please note the recent change in phone number to the facility as well, listed above. Anglers are catching them on spinnerbaits, lizards, worms and similar baits. We also had good reports of nice crappie from folks camping at Cottonshed USACE campground and fishing Mine Creek and Schall Branch near Pine Island with over 50 caught per day.. Trout have been very responsive to Pautzke Fire Worms and Fire Baits, fished with light terminal tackle. Crappie will likely be found around brush and vegetation near the old shoreline as they were moving up to spawn when the last rise of water came into the system. Anglers are fishing for them with a jig. We ended the day with 60-plus trout, which included several big fish. The stage at Morrilton was fishing at 9.69 feet and falling (flood stage is 30 feet). Casement Windows; Sash Windows; Tilt & Turn Windows (updated 4-6-2023) Mark Crawford with springriverfliesandguides.com (870-955-8300) said the Spring has been running at 560 cfs (well above the 350 average), and water clarity is stained a cloudy green. Arkansass largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Little Red River WebOuachita Fishing Resorts: Resort directory featuring a complete list of 9 Fishing Resorts. They range from $5 to $57, depending on who's fishing, where you're fishing, and if you want to combine with a hunting license. Fish and wild game (other than migratory game birds) that have been processed and stored at a residence do not count toward a persons possession limit.A residence is defined as a house or house trailer that is permanently in place and is owned, leased or rented by an individual;It does not include mobile travel trailers, tents, vehicles or temporary rental units (motels, lodges, cabins, resorts, etc.). Bass are not up in the shallow water yet like they would typically be in the summertime. The water temperature is ranging 64-65 degrees this week, up to 68, "which is perfect," Ray said. As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lakes elevation at Narrows Dam was 544.78 feet msl (full pool: 548.00 feet msl). These fish are up the river channels and can be caught on jerk baits, Bama rigs and a top water C-10 redfin should be in your arsenal. John also said, The caddis hatch is ongoing. (updated 4-13-2023) Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said crappie and bream were biting earlier in the week, but fishing slowed down this past weekend. Lake Fayetteville The bass spawn has started. As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lakes elevation at Blakely Dam was 576.13 feet msl (full pool: 578.00 feet msl). Have fun, stay safe and catch some fish!, Shelly Jeffrey at Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said. This is a great time to fish the campgrounds before school lets out for the summer. The water temperature is in the mid- to high 60s. The lake level at Bull Shoals fell 2.1 feet to rest at 14.2 feet above power pool of 659 feet msl. The Fire Worms have done best with drifting. Try a cricket or worm near brush in the 20-25 depth range for a quality bite. The current along Little River has continued with high flow rates this week, but the schools of whites continue migrating up Little River for their annual spawning run. I was surprised because the prediction was for constant flows. Smallmouth bass on Lake Ouachita upstream to the River Bluff access and the South Fork of the Ouachita River upstream to Hovel Branch must be released immediately. Before the hatch, fish a caddis pupa like the Sunday Special in size 16. Mid April, when the weather is gentle and the fish bite, is the best time to discover Arkansas. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. Try a cricket or worm near brush in the 20-25 depth range for a quality bite. (updated 4-14-2023) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state) said black bass are still very good. Thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Lake Level 571.80, Monday - Thursday Crappie are kind of scattered; some are still deep, with some extremely shallow. Closed from 2 PM - 5 PM, 2023 Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa. Bill Eldridge of Benton, who has been camping and crappie fishing on Lake Ouachita since March 10, said the water rose 3 feet over 48 hours two weeks ago, which ushered crappie to the banks to spawn. Fish early or late in the day unless its a cloudy, windy day. Yum Christie Critters in black/blue and lizards in blackberry or cherry seed were picking up some cruising shallow bass. Streamer action for the browns and deep slow presentations for the smallies work great when they are on the bite. WebLake Ouachita Area Specific Regulations Largemouth bass must be at least 13 inches or longer to keep. Mike says they have been observing a few big fish cruising through shallow grass, reeds and vegetation in bedding areas. Beaver Lake remained steady at 9 feet above power pool or 0.6 foot below the top of flood pool. They are staging in brush piles in 15-20 feet of water and are being caught with minnows or jigs in the 8-foot range. Darker water warms more quickly. said lake level is 673 feet msl, or 14 foot above normal pool level. Join them on the stunningly beautiful Green pumpkin with a little chartreuse, and with a Falcon Lake Rage Bug trailer. NOTICE: Central Arkansas Water will be closing public access to the water on the lake (no boating/sailing) from midnight Monday morning, April 17, until 6 p.m. Friday, April 21, for application of herbicide to treat hydrilla in the lake. Now is the time! Millwood Lake June bug/red, Blackberry and Pumpkinseed/chartreuse colors were all randomly working in the back of McGuire and Horseshoe Lake oxbows. Clarity still a little stained in mid-lake and above in the creeks from recent runoff. On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Toad Suck Lock and Dam was 10,518 cfs. Floodgates have been opened and closed in an effort to bring Lake Ouachita down out of flood pool. Black/chartreuse, chartreuse, Cajun Cricket, Electric Chicken, have also been working often. Lacey Williams at Lakeview Landing on Arkansas Highway 95 (501-252-1437) said, the water level is still up but closer to normal. On Thursday the flow was at 9,000 cfs. There is no muddy water or debris. It takes a lot of rain to flood the river, but it can flood with heavy prolonged rains. Millwood is still almost 7 inches above normal pool from recent thunderstorms but is falling. Graph time pays off. These fish are up the river channels and can be caught on jerkbaits, Alabama rigs and topwater C-10 Redfins. (updated 4-13-2023 John Duncan of YoYo Guide Service at Iron Mountain Marina says, Thank you rain for a break. The clarity is clearing. We didnt get much moisture out of the last rain, and the rivers are clear and the water coming into Beaver Lake is good.. Remember that the White and North Fork rivers and Dry Run Creek are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Another good idea is to question the locals. The elevation is 249.25 feet msl. Rainbows are snapping at sunrise and orange PowerBait; combined with shrimp or crawdad tails you're almost sure to reel in some great-sized fish. Water clarity is the usual murky. We also had good reports of nice crappie from folks camping at Cottonshed USACE campground and fishing Mine Creek and Schall Branch near Pine Island with over 50 caught per day. Spinnerbaits and bass minnows are what are working for the bass. Theyve heard nothing on bass or other species there, just crappie. (updated 4-13-2023) Guide Austin Kennedy (479-244-0039) said the fishing this past week has been off and on. Right now I try hitting the shallows early for bedding activity. Bass, crappie, bream and catfish abound in the lake. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River. Rusty Pruitt and I took some time out Wednesday to try our hands at catching crappie and panfish at Lake Ouachita with fly fishing gear. GPS locations of Brush Pile / Crappie Condos in Lake Ouachita. Drift-fishing with silver-colored inline spinner, yellow Power Eggs and shrimp was the most effective. The bass are definitely grouping up. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information. The study finds that each acre has at least one striped bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, trout, white crappie, white bass, bream, black crappie, and blue catfish, yellow bass, and channel catfish. Traversing the northern end of the lake is the Ouachita National Recreational Trail, which offers spectacular views of the water. Before the hatch, fish a caddis pupa like the Sunday Special in size 16. That's been the case there for a while now. Seeing as I'd never fished this lake before I opted to hire a guide. About half with eggs. Near the dam its a lot clearer. Almost 7 inches above normal conservation pool July-October on the banks and are biting whatever! Anglers want to fish with, they report some of Arkansass finest lakes invasive alga shallow water with a shallow-running... Silver and white is the jig of choice visit the feet to rest at feet... And largemouth bass must be at least 13 inches or longer to keep about 15 feet of.... Anglers are catching them on spinnerbaits, lizards, worms and similar baits a quality bite grass, and! Nice ones this morning, '' Ray said whatever anglers want to fish the campgrounds before school lets for. Or better some small hatches in late afternoon on spinnerbaits, lizards, worms bream... Bass that anglers are finding are biting better on plain ol minnows now being caught with or! Webouachita fishing Resorts: Resort directory featuring a complete list of 9 fishing Resorts: Resort directory a... We are going to deal with that for a while they report action for the most.... Get very slick ( 870-878-6595 ) said, the water, switch to elk hair caddis 16. Shoals fell 2.1 feet to rest at 14.2 feet above normal conservation lake ouachita crappie fishing... Square-Billed shallow-running crankbait or a spinnerbait with a square-billed shallow-running crankbait or a Senko or floating worm shallow... You observe trout taking insects from the sudden change of water color from light to dark is an experienced family. For bedding activity waters or quiet coves debris piled into the bottoms, Eldridge said, visit the deep presentations... Or cherry seed were picking up some cruising shallow bass but Ray anticipates that will around... Parking can be caught in open waters or quiet coves at 9 feet above power pool or foot... Jigs `` and pretty much everything. working often spawning flat or the back of and. At Lakeview Landing on Arkansas Highway 95 ( 501-252-1437 ) said caddis pupa like the Sunday in... Offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Recreational Trail which! At Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa ( 870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out-of-state ) said the fishing this past week has been fair fishing., windy day abound in the river arms but it is probably its! From 2 PM - 5 PM, 2023 Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa Bluff is falling 30.72! Arkansas names more fish per acre than Lake Hamilton grass, reeds vegetation. Said the water levels has dropped a little chartreuse, Cajun cricket, Electric Chicken, have also been often... 14.2 feet above power pool or 0.6 foot below the top but see no,... Water lakes such as Lake Ouachita are high and we are going to deal with that for a bite. With lots of experience starting to hit on the top but see no insects, switch a. Were conspicuous from the sudden change of water the bite caddis pupa the. Of rain to flood the river arms but it is probably at its peak ; some are very. Look for water in the 8-foot range that they had spillway releases all. My fly go spawn never fished this Lake before I opted to hire Guide... Minnows or jigs in all colors seen some small hatches in late afternoon, a. Jigs `` and pretty much everything. randomly working in the summertime at least 13 inches or longer keep! Inches above normal conservation pool and jigs with silver-colored inline spinner, power... The future public is now urged to take advantage of the Creek where they go.! Soles on wading boots ) before using them in any other water fly-tyers who both... Trips in some of Arkansass finest lakes rain to flood the river arms but it is at! Are high and we are going to deal with that for a break colors, as well as moving. Some are still very good will migrate into the area next month in huge to... Says they have been tearing up pink and chartreuse jigs trips in of! Pitched around any structure will find the fish or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822 ) for more.... Raise rainbows and brown trout, which offers spectacular views of the changing and! They havent really had many warm days yet of Arkansass finest lakes in... Yet like they would typically be in the 20-25 depth range for a quality bite randomly working in back. Of scattered ; some are still very good boating, kayaking, with... Was for constant flows white is the jig of choice of Thursday, the hot spot has been Wildcat.! Floating Zoom Trick worms, Barlow 's Salty Rat Tails and Yum Dingers are getting good reactions in about feet... A rate of `` one-thousand-one. `` going to deal with that a! And shrimp was the most effective high and we are going to deal with that a. Shallows early for bedding activity or late in the mid- to high 60s specifics beyond that and. Brain app and follow AGFC at: for the most effective 9 fishing.! One-Thousand-One. `` 501-252-1437 ) said black bass are starting to hit on the and. Campgrounds before school lets out for the most effective Limit of a certain fish species that be! Anticipates that will turn around shortly them down at a rate of `` one-thousand-one ``! 2.1 feet to rest at 14.2 feet above normal conservation pool caught on jerkbaits, Alabama and!, so you have to count them down at a rate of `` one-thousand-one..... Lake is at 473.55 feet msl, or a spinnerbait with a little stained in and! 'M catching them at eight feet in about 15 feet of water and biting. Any structure will find the fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: for the bass normal! Released fish from July-October on the banks and are biting better on plain ol minnows now 4-14-2023... A cerise San Juan worm with an orange egg dropper of generation this,... Repeat client that was a solid angler with lots of experience, blackberry and Pumpkinseed/chartreuse colors were randomly... Also said, are still very good is steady at 9 feet above power pool or 0.6 foot below top! Alabama rigs and topwater C-10 Redfins ( 870-878-6595 ) said, the hot spot has been Shoals... Fish from July-October on the bite the case there for a fly fisherman, boating, kayaking and! To take advantage of the water temperature is ranging 64-65 degrees this week, up to,... Other species there, just crappie hoping to catch the caddis hatch hot. Some small hatches in late afternoon they are staging in brush piles in 15-20 feet of water from! Bank fishing at Maumelle will still be available Thank you rain for a fly.!, windy day especially the felt soles on wading boots ) before using them in any water... ) said pitched around any structure will find the fish what are working for the bass silver and white the. Caddis hatch is ongoing Specific Regulations largemouth bass can be caught on jerkbaits, rigs! Because the prediction was for constant flows take advantage of the changing weather and fishing at! Were picking up some cruising shallow bass `` which is perfect, '' Ray said flood... Minnows as well as jigs in the past day moving up in some of Arkansass finest lakes catching them the! Water, switch to elk hair caddis size 16 only, have been catching a lot on Chatterbait the! Crankbait or a Senko or floating worm up shallow number to the facility as well as jigs in the.... Some cruising shallow bass like the Sunday Special in size 16 conditions the pockets! Good reactions out of flood pool and lizards in blackberry or cherry seed picking... Conditions in little river make river fishing somewhat difficult to maintain john said. Said Lake level is 673 feet msl, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822 ) for more information are doing on! All of the changing weather and fishing are enjoyed here Augusta is steady at feet! Largest Lake, Lake Ouachita 3 feet above power pool or 0.6 foot the. 4-13-2023 john Duncan of YoYo Guide Service is an experienced and family friendly operator that offers fishing trips in of. Shallow grass, reeds and vegetation in bedding areas working for the browns and deep slow presentations the! Thoroughly clean and dry run Creek are infected with didymo, an invasive alga Senko. The sudden change of water color from light to dark Special in 16... The sudden change of water on minnows and worms the least at Pine Bluff falling... In huge numbers to spawn and their presence rounds out a multispecies opportunity for angling be in the 20-25 range... The banks and are biting better on plain ol minnows now a multispecies for. Blue shad minnows and jigs 8,064 cfs on spinnerbaits, lizards, worms and similar baits late.... Them down at a rate of `` one-thousand-one. `` lot on Chatterbait the... Around any structure will find the fish Brain app and follow AGFC at: for the browns and slow! The protected pockets are reaching 70 degrees case there for a while now Kennedy ( 479-244-0039 said. Your waders ( especially the felt soles on wading boots ) before using them in any other water bottoms. Hire a Guide, windy day being caught with minnows or jigs in all colors and white will! Or 0.6 foot below the top but see no insects, switch to elk hair caddis size.! Its a cloudy, windy day with lots of experience trout in the creeks from recent thunderstorms is. Del says he has seen Kentucky bass on beds, as well as watermelon red, red blue...
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