Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Archives - Page 2 of 2

High scores highlight archery regional tournaments

February 12, 2020

By RANDY ZELLERS/AGFC ASSISTANT CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS

Arkansas National Archery in the Schools tournament

LITTLE ROCK – Impressive team and individual scores highlighted a Saturday of statewide regional competition of the Arkansas National Archery in the Schools Program, sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Two teams from each of 12 regional events across three age groups qualified for the ANASP State Tournament, which will be held at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs March 6-7. In addition, 12 more at-large teams were selected from each of the three divisions and will compete in Hot Springs.

The elementary and middle school divisions have Friday, March 6, to themselves in Hot Springs, while the senior division will determine its state champion Saturday, March 7. Admission to the event for spectators is free, but the school whose supporters bring the most canned food items will win cash for their team to purchase equipment and other team items. The prize has been donated by the AGFC Commissioners. The canned food drive at the State Tournament is being held to support Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

“There were some really high scores from across the state,” Curtis Gray, the AGFC’s coordinator of ANASP, said of the regional tournaments. “All of the tournaments went off without a hitch and we are now marching towards the State Tournament.”

A total of 3,731 girls and boys competed across the state in the three age groupings. Region 4, staged in Cave City, drew a high of 433 competitors.

“There were really good attendance at all of the regionals across the state with the exceptional weather we had this past weekend,” Gray said. “All of the schools are reporting that they were able to raise more than sufficient funds to support their archery programs and other student organizations on their respective campuses through hosting these tournaments.”

The most excitement among the Senior Division teams may have come at Harrison in Region 2, where Alpena’s boys and girls ran up a weekend best 3,341 points to win over Bergman, which had 3,284 points – enough to win most other regions. Valley Springs missed out on the top two spots by ending 12 points shy of Bergman, but Valley Springs landed an at-large berth with its score of 3,272. In another senior regional thriller, Valley View won Region 4 in Cave City by a mere 7 points over Greene County Tech, 3,239-3,232.

Team scores were determined by totaling the top four girls team member scores, the top four boys team member scores and up to four other boys or girls scores for the team.

Other Senior Division region winners and runner-ups, and their points, were: 1–Arkansas Arts Academy (3,063), Bentonville (2,959); 3–Batesville Pioneers (3,191), Hillcrest (3,002); 5–Charleston (3,077), Waldron (3,064); 6 –VHS Eagles (3,090), Pangburn (2,987); 7–Bryant Hornets (3,301), Oden Timberwolves (2,959); 8–Cabot (3,320), Homeschoolers on Target (3,009); 9–Acorn Tigers (3,257), Murfreesboro Rattlers (3,154); 10–Glen Rose (3,115), Robin’s Hoodlums (3,056); 11–El Dorado Wildcats (3,245), Taylor (3,109); 12–Hamburg (2,933), Drew Central (2,715).

Brady Webb of Acorn scored a 295 with 25 bulls-eyes to lead all senior boys scoring on Saturday. Kaleb Tramel of Pottsville and Jacob Jones of Greene County Tech both totaled 292 at their respective regionals, with Tramel getting one more bulls-eye, 23-22.

Emilee Evers of Bergman amassed 293 points, including 23 bulls-eyes, to lead all senior girls scoring. Allie Strother of Oden amassed 292 points, including 23 bulls-eyes, and Emma Everett of Cabot totaled 290 points with 21 bulls-eyes.

Middle school regional winners were: Washington Junior High, Bergman, Batesville, Greene County Tech, Charleston, Pangburn, Bryant, Des Arc, Eagle Eye Archery, Murfreesboro Rattlers, Glen Rose, El Dorado Barton and Hamburg. Finishing in second in their regions were: Woodland Junior High, Alpena, Hillcrest, Valley View, Pottsville, Patriots Archery, Bryant Blue, Cabot North, Wickes, Region 10 Straight Shooters, Washington Middle and Blue Steel.

Hill Farm Elementary of Bryant, which has dominated the Elementary Division at the ANASP State Tournament, cruised on to Hot Springs again in winning Region 7 in Mt. Ida. Other elementary qualifiers for the State Tournament were Bentonville Old High Elementary, Arkansas Arts Academy, Bergman, Omaha, Eagle Mountain Magnet, Southside Batesville Southerners, Valley View Intermediate, Cross County Archers, Charleston, Pottsville Apaches, Hornet Archery, Davis Elementary Knocked and Loaded, PFE Archers, Carlisle, Murfreesboro Rattlers Archery, Vandervoort Sharp Shooters, Glen Rose, Mockingjays, Taylor, Emerson, Hamburg and Monticello Blue Steel.

At-large Elementary Division qualifiers (and points in the regional) were Greene County Tech (2,751), Valley Springs (2,725), Sulphur Rock (2,676), Cedar Ridge (2,657), Collegeville (2,656), Hillcrest (2,608), Searcy County (2,602), Salem (2,576), Maynard (2,557), Springhill (2,465), Parker’s Chapel (2,415) and Jasper (2,401).

Middle school at-large qualifiers were Valley Springs (3,131), Omaha (3,105), Maumelle (3,096), Taylor (3,076), Emerson (3,027), Cabot Junior South (3,024), Acorn (3,014), Southside (2,987), Cross County (2,985), Waldron (2921), Carlisle (2,908) and Searcy County (2,889).

Senior High Division teams earning an at-large berth were Valley Springs (3,272), De Queen (3,139), Pottsville (3,042), Brookland (3,000), Omaha (2,997), Southside (2,987), Cross County (2,965), Perryville (2,958) Jasper (2,955), Blevins (2,952), Fordyce (2,951) and Little Rock Christian Academy (2,947).

Central Arkansas Fishing Report

February 12, 2020

By ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

NOTICE: AGFC employees and contractors using airboats conducted foliar applications of EPA-approved herbicide – which will cause no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life such as fish – to treat alligatorweed on Lake Conway last year. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with water from Lake Conway through March 1, 2020. For more information, please contact the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at (877) 470-3309.

(updated 2-12-2020) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the lake is stained normally and the water level is normal. No surface temperature was reported. Bream are biting well on redworms and waxworms. Crappie are also good, and they’re being found in the shallows. Look around Willamena Cove, Palarm and in Adams Lake. Use minnows or jigs. Black bass are good. Anglers are having best success with white spinnerbaits, white crankbaits and white chatterbaits. Catfishing is good using cut shad or nightcrawlers.

Little Red River

(updated 2-12-2020) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said, “I am tired of the rain! I am hearing that said a lot lately and I agree. A little sunshine would be a welcome sight. The lake is still almost 3 feet high with generation round-the-clock. The release continues to be slightly less than two full units. The flow changes during the day due to regulating the electrical grid. This will continue unless heavy rain causes flooding problems downstream. It will be best to check the daily forecast before planning a fishing trip.”
Greg says large nymphs, micro-jigs and streamers are the best bets on the higher water. The river was a little stained Wednesday morning but fishable. Heavy rain was expected Wednesday afternoon. “Please stay safe if on the river during the generation. Higher water with increased flows requires more attention to remain safe on the water.”
Greg adds about his free fly-fishing classes and ongoing registration: “This is your chance to learn to fly-fish or expand your knowledge of fly-fishing for free. We are having a great response to the class this year, so be sure to call and register. I am happy to say the free fly-fishing class will again be offered by First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs with the first class on Thursday, Feb. 20, beginning at 7 pm. The class will meet each Thursday for four consecutive weeks. Adults and older youths interested in learning to fly-fish or expand their knowledge of fly-fishing are welcome. Please call me at 501-690-9166 for additional information or to register for the class.”

(updated 2-12-2020) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-230-0730) said the Little Red River is receiving 24 hours of generation. The Greers Ferry Lake level is above normal seasonal pool due to recent rains, so longer periods of generation to lower the lake level are expected. If you choose to fish these conditions, you will want to use long leaders and weight. The key for both fly-fishing and Trout Magnet fishing during heavy generation is the ability to get and maintain a good presentation of the fly or Trout Magnet. Working shoreline with streamers is also an effective fly-fishing method during high-water conditions. Also for fly-fishing during high-water conditions, Lowell recommends San Juan worms, micro-jigs, egg patterns and streamers. Hot pink, cotton candy and white bodies on chartreuse jigheads are recommended for Trout Magnet spin fishing. Be safe while enjoying the river. Always check before heading to the Little Red River by calling the Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District water data system (501-362-5150) for Greers Ferry Dam water release information or check the Army Corps of Engineers website for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website to see forecasted generation schedule.

Greers Ferry Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 465.03 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.54 feet msl).

(updated 2-12-2020) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake was at 464.89 feet msl on Tuesday, 2.85 feet above normal pool for this time of year of 462.04 feet msl and coming up more with the rain and forecasts of rain. “All species are in their wintertime haunts, even with the warm weather we have had – just the angle of sun and it’s time for them to move somewhat deeper following the shad, etc.,” Tommy says. Crappie can still be caught trolling or jigging in 18-35 feet of water. The river-spawning walleye will make another push uplake and further upriver to do their thing, and main lake walleye will bite in the lake deeper (28-40 feet) on jighead minnows and crankbaits trolled. Black bass can be caught dragging something – Alabama rigs or crankbaits, as well as hair jigs or spoons in real shallow water out to 60 feet. No reports on bream. Hybrid bass and white bass will eat spoons, inline spinners, E_Bar City Spinnerbaits, hair jigs, swimbaits and Alabama rigs in 30-60 feet. No reports on catfish.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 2-12-2020) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says the water appears a little murky but is at a normal level. Anglers have been trying crappie fishing but the results have been poor. Catfish will bite the best of any fish now. There have been good reports. Try using chicken liver soaked in garlic and using bream, along with hot dogs also soaked in garlic. Nightcrawlers will draw in the cats, too. Nothing reported on bass or bream.

Lake Overcup

NOTICE: AGFC employees and contractors using airboats will be conducting foliar applications of EPA-approved herbicide – which will cause no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life such as fish – to treat alligatorweed on Lake Overcup last year. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with water from Lake Overcup through March 1, 2020. For more information, please contact the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at (877) 470-3309.

(updated 2-12-2020) Johnny “Catfish” Banks of Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park (501-354-9007) said lake water level is high and muddy still. Surface temperature is around 47 degrees. Crappie are being caught on yo-yos at night (between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.). Catfish are being caught on jugs and yo-yos with minnows and shad. Johnny said, “Really hasn’t been a lot of people fishing. Hopefully it will be getting better soon.” Visit Johnny’s Facebook page (Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park) for any latest updates and photos.

Brewer Lake

(updated 2-12-2020) David Hall, owner of Dad’s Bait Shop (501-977-0303), said Brewer is clear and is at a high level, while the fish appear to be down deep. Crappie are at about 20 feet depth but the bite is good. A tri-color crappie tube has been the bait to use, along with minnows and jigs. Catfishing is good fishing on the bottom, as well, though you’ll find them more shallow if you’re fishing on the spillway. Chicken liver is their preference this week. No reports on bream or black bass. David took over ownership of this location last year and reminds everyone that all bait and, now, groceries are available at Dad’s Bait Shop.

Lake Maumelle

(updated 2-5-2020) Westrock Landing (501-658-5598) on Highway 10 near Roland said water temperature is in the mid-40s. Largemouth bass are fair. Some can be found shallow around 8-12 feet biting a variety of lures. Try using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, drop-shots and swimbaits. Kentucky bass are slow. Some reports of them being found in 10-15 feet of water outside the grass line at dusk and dawn. They can also be found in 18-22 feet off drops and rocky banks. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair. Reports of them being found scattered in the river channel around 20-24 feet. Some can still be found scattered mixed in with the whites. Try using jigs and minnows. Bream are slow, no reports this week. Give a try, though, using crickets and worms. Catfish are slow. Best to use chicken liver and crayfish.

Sunset Lake

(updated 2-12-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said crappie fishing has been fair with pink minnows, No. 6 minnows and Bobby Garland Jigs in Monkey Milk and Ghost colors at night and early in the mornings. Bass have been hitting No. 6 and No. 12 minnows as well as jigs and crankbaits. Catfish are biting nightcrawlers and bait shrimp fished on the bottom. Bream fishing has been slow but some have been hitting crickets and worms.

Bishop Park Ponds

(updated 2-12-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said crappie and bass have been biting No. 6 and No. 12 minnows. Catfish have been caught recently on minnows, nightcrawlers and bait shrimp. Bream fishing has been slow, but crickets or redworms will catch a few.

Saline River Access in Benton

(updated 2-12-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) says off-and-on rain has made it hard to catch the river just right but when it’s right the fishing is good. Brooder minnows will get you bites from smallmouth, Kentucky and largemouth bass, as well as walleye. Crawdad-colored crankbaits will work, too. Crappie fishing can be good with No. 6 minnows or your favorite crappie jigs. Catfish will bite best at night on minnows, nightcrawlers or goldfish. Bream fishing is fair with crickets or redworms.
As far as hot spots elsewhere go, Lisa says she’s still hearing about Lake Hamilton; the crappie have been doing well on pink crappie minnows and No. 4 crappie minnows. And the walleye on the Saline River was good “but the river has went up and it’s fixing to do a lot of raining this week, so it’s going to be getting that much higher and mess it up.”

Lake Norrell

(updated 2-12-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said crappie have been biting fair for some using No. 6 minnows and Bobby Garland Baby Shad Jigs. Bass fishing has been fair with minnows, crankbaits and jigs fished on bottom. Catfish have been biting fair on minnows, night crawlers and stink baits with blood added. Bream are biting slow and customers tell us red worms are the only thing they can get them to bite lately.

Lake Winona

(updated 2-12-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) says catfish have been biting at dusk for a couple of anglers using minnows and nightcrawlers. Bass are hitting live minnows, plastic worms and lizards and jigs. Crappie fishing has been fair with jigs and No. 12 minnows. Bream have been biting fair on crickets and redworms. “We’ve had a couple of reports of walleye being caught in the lake and below the spillway on brooder minnows.”

Donation offers scholarship to top shot at Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program

February 5, 2020

By RANDY ZELLERS/AGFC ASSISTANT CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS

LITTLE ROCK — Student athletes considering participating in this year’s Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program have a new reason to sign up and build their shotgunning skills: the chance to claim a $1,250 scholarship as top gun in the Champion of Champions shoot that will be held in conjunction with the program’s state championship event.

The additional scholarship opportunity is possible thanks to the Homebuilders Association of Greater Little Rock. In November, they signed a five-year agreement to donate $2,500 each year to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation to support the scholarship. The remaining portion of the donation will be held in an annuity to continue funding the scholarship in the future.

AYSSP is a competitive trap shooting program created by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in 2007 for any student in grades 6-12. Teams practice on their own beginning in February, and then compete in regional tournaments held each weekend from the end of April through May. Teams and individuals who qualify through regionals advance to the annual state championship.

Jimmy Self, AYSSP coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, says the contract will renew at the end of its five-year term unless either party opts to cancel it at that time, so the donation may very well support young shooters’ college goals for the foreseeable future.

“We’ve always been able to provide a scholarship to the top teams in the senior division at the state championship, but this will be the first time we can offer the top overall shooter a scholarship as well,” Self said.

According to Self, before this donation it was entirely possible for the best shooter in the whole program to get a trophy and a pat on the back, but no scholarship like the top overall team. In some cases, individual shooters have come to the state championship’s “Champion of Champions” competition from teams that didn’t even show up to the final weekend’s shoot.

“Usually the top shooter is on a qualifying team, but there are cases when the entire team could not make it to the competition day,” Self said. “We hope the added incentive helps motivate some of our young outdoors-oriented students to take up the sport and compete.”

Visit www.agfc.com/ayssp for more information on the program.

Rabbits, squirrels offer last-chance hunting opportunity

February 5, 2020

By RANDY ZELLERS/AGFC ASSISTANT CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS

LITTLE ROCK – Duck season is over, and turkey season is still months away, but hunters looking for one more way to stay in the woods still can find plenty of excitement in small game hunting. Both rabbit and squirrel seasons remain open until 30 minutes after sunset, Feb. 29.

Squirrels and rabbits are still abundant throughout most of Arkansas, and February hunting can prove some of the most predictable for the hunter who goes it alone or with a friend. Nearly all of the leaves and vines have dropped to the ground, making it easier for the hunter to find his target.

Hunters after squirrels should keep an eye on both the ground and the treetops, as most bushytails will be busy seeking the acorns and hickory nuts they stashed during fall. Contrary to popular opinion, squirrels don’t necessarily remember the exact locations they buried their foodstuffs. Instead, they tend to stick to a few areas where they bury or hide their treasure. During winter, they use their keen sense of smell to find acorns and nuts that they and other squirrels have hidden. This frantic scratching and searching gives hunters the ability to hear and see the motion long before the squirrels see them.

Instead of focusing on a few hickory or acorn trees and sitting, late-season hunters are better off staying on the move, quietly slipping through the woods until they cross paths with a squirrel. An accurate .22 rimfire rifle will anchor the animal from long distances as long as the shooter is up to the task.

Finding rabbits at the tail-end of the season is a bit different. Rabbits will stay put in whatever brushy cover they can find along the edges of fields and ditches. Ditch banks are traditionally a place for rabbit seeking, and here there is a chance for swamp rabbits as well as cottontails. Swampers tend to be a good bit larger than the more numerous cottontails.

With most of the tall grasses dead and trampled down, fewer patches of dense cover will be left for the rabbit to hide. Hunters should walk from brush pile to brush pile, giving each a good kick to flush out any cottontails or swamp rabbits lurking underneath. The shot will come quickly, so hunters should get ready before each brushpile and watch in all directions for the little brown dart that may streak to the next available cover at any given moment. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun with 6 shot and an improved cylinder choke offers plenty of power to punch through light brush, but still has a wide enough pattern to give the hunter a little leeway when his or her shot is slightly off.

Nearly all Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife management areas are open for rabbit and squirrel hunting, and so are some of the national wildlife refuges in the state. Visit www.agfc.com/wheretohunt to locate a WMA near you and begin your search for the last game of this hunting season.

Weekly Fishing Report for central Arkansas

February 7, 2020

By ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

(updated 2-5-2020) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the lake continues to maintain its normal Lake Conway stained and is back to a normal level as of Tuesday morning. Bream are good on redworms, crickets and artificial baits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Black bass are good using spinnerbaits, crankbaits and white chatterbaits. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers, dough bait and big minnows.

Little Red River

(updated 2-5-2020) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-230-0730) said heavy generation schedule is expected on the Little Red River due to recent rains. For fly fishing, we recommend san juan worms, micro jigs, egg pattern and streamers during high water conditions. Hot pink, cotton candy and white colored bodies on chartreuse jig heads are recommended for Trout Magnet spin fishing. Be safe while enjoying the river. Always check before heading to the Little Red River by calling the Corps of Engineers Little Rock District water data system (501-362-5150) for Greers Ferry Dam water release information or check the Army Corps of Engineers website for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website to see forecasted generation schedule.

(updated 2-5-2020) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said that after four days of 12-hour, two-unit generation, it is now two units at a reduced rate running 24 hours from Greers Ferry Lake dam. The flow will fluctuate slightly during the day due to the fact that they are regulating the electrical grid with Greers Ferry. This will probably continue through this weekend and, depending on the amount of rainfall, most of next week. With the rainfall and colder temperatures, one should check each day before planning your fishing trip. The lake is still about 2 feet above normal and rising. Please stay safe if you’re on the river during the generation. Higher water with increased flows requires more attention to remain safe on the water.
Notice: Greg’s free fly-fishing class will again be offered at First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs this year. The first class will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. The class will consist of four consecutive Thursday nights at the same time each Thursday. There is no charge for this class but you need to call and register so we can know how many persons will be attending. This class is for beginners and anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of fly-fishing. Please call 501-690-9166 to register for the class. “If I’m on the river, please leave a message and I will return your call,” Greg says.

Greers Ferry Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 464.36 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.54 feet msl).

(updated 2-5-2020) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 464.16 feet msl, 2.12 feet above normal pool for this time of year of 462.04 feet msl and coming up more with the rain and forecasts rain. All species are in their wintertime haunts; even with the warm weather we have had, just angle of sun and time for them to move somewhat deeper following the shad, etc. Crappie can still be caught trolling or jigging in 18-35 feet of water. With walleye, the river spawners will make another push uplake and further upriver to do their thing, and lake fish will bite in lake deeper 28-40 feet on jighead minnows, and crankbaits trolled. Black bass can be caught dragging something, Alabama rigs, or crankbaits as well as hair jigs or spoons in real shallow out to 60 feet. No report on bream. Hybrid and white bass will eat spoons, inline spinners, E_Bar City Spinbaits, hair jigs, swimbaits and Alabama rigs in 30-60 feet. No report on catfish.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 2-5-2020) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says fishing picked up a little in the past week. The water as of Tuesday was a little murky but at a normal level. Crappie fishing is poor, and there have been no bass reports. But anglers report catching big white bass. The results have been good, but no lures were mentioned. Catfishing is good with chicken liver or nightcrawlers.

Lake Overcup

(updated 1-29-2020) Johnny “Catfish” Banks of Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park (501-354-9007) had no report. Visit Johnny’s Facebook page (Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park) for any latest updates and photos.

Brewer Lake

(updated 2-5-2020) David Hall, owner of Dad’s Bait Shop (501-977-0303), said water is high and the surface temperature Tuesday morning was 58 degrees. Crappie are good on No. 6 minnows and pink minnows, along with tri-color crappie tubes and Bobby Garland Baby Shad. Black bass are good on minnows and Tequila Sunrise worms. Catfish are good. The bites are on the bottom using chicken liver and black salties. David says all bait and, now, groceries are available at Dad’s Bait Shop.

Lake Maumelle

Sunset Lake

(updated 2-5-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said crappie have been doing well early in the mornings off of pink crappie minnows and size 4 crappie minnows . Fish around the dock and also closer to the little island out there. Bass have been biting on the brooder minnows and also small jigs like beetle spins and spinnerbaits (black at night and white and pink during the day). With the warmer temperatures the bream have been going after the crickets and redworms pretty well. Catfish are being caught off of nightcrawlers and No. 12 bass minnows. You can find the regulations for this lake in the new AGFC Fishing Guidebook on page 70 at the top of the page (which we have if you need one!).

Bishop Park Ponds

(updated 2-5-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said crappie are being caught on No. 6 crappie minnows. Catfish doing good on No. 12 bass minnows, nightcrawlers and cut bait. Bass are fair on brooder minnows and No. 12 bass minnows. Bream being taken on crickets as well as on redworms and brown Rock Hoppers .

Saline River Access in Benton

(updated 2-5-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) says with the access to the river under the I-30 bridge past Sunset Lake being closed due to the construction, it has made it hard for some to get up to the spillway. For now putting in at Lyle Park access and going down to it would be an option. Catfish have been doing pretty well there at the spillway with minnows on the bottom. If you want the walleye, use the brooders just with a small split shot and let them go; don’t fish them on bottom unless you want a catfish. “A couple of guys have done good on the walleye there with brooders. Some getting a few and others getting almost their limit.”
Lisa adds “My husband went early Sunday morning. He caught four walleye, missed three others, then caught a nice Kentucky. He said once it got sunlight the fish cut off, he didn’t have another bite. Which is 6 per person. You can find the regulations for the river in the new AGFC Fishing Guidebook on page 78 at the top of the page.”
Crappie are doing well on No. 6 crappie minnows and pink crappie minnows. Bass have been doing well off of brooder minnows too.

Some of Lisa’s customers indicate to her that Lake Hamilton crappie are doing well on the brush using the pink crappie minnows.

Lake Norrell

(updated 2-5-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said she’s heard good reports of some slab crappie being caught up in the coves using No. 6 crappie minnows and pink crappie minnows. Black bass are being caught around the docks with No. 12 bass minnows and brooder minnows as well as spinnerbaits and Zing Tails – Firetiger color has been good. Catfish are good on cut bait, goldfish and nightcrawlers. As few bream are being caught off of crickets fishing on bottom.

Lake Winona

(updated 2-5-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) says catfish are doing fair on bait shrimp, nightcrawlers and goldfish. Crappie are good on No. 6 crappie minnows and No. 12 bass minnows. A few walleye have been caught off of brooder minnows & bass minnows. Bream are fair on crickets. Black bass have been caught off of minnows as well, lots of small bass.

Weekly Fishing Report: Central Arkansas

January 29, 2020

By ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

(updated 1-29-2020) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the lake remains at its normal Lake Conway stained and has dropped of late, now at low level. Bream are good on redworms, crickets, jigs and nightcrawlers. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Black bass are good using spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers, dough bait and minnows.

Little Red River

(updated 1-29-2020) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-230-0730) said Wednesday the Little Red River is receiving 24 hours of generation. The Greers Ferry Lake level is above normal seasonal pool due to recent rains, so longer periods of generation to lower the lake level are expected. If you choose to fish these conditions, you will want to use long leaders and weight. Key for both fly-fishing and Trout Magnet fishing during heavy generation is the ability to get and maintain a good presentation of the fly or Trout Magnet. Working the bank with streamers is also an effective fly-fishing method during high water conditions. For fly-fishing, Lowell recommends San Juan worms, micro-jigs, egg pattern and streamers during high-water conditions. Hot pink, cotton candy and white bodies on chartreuse jigheads are recommended for Trout Magnet spin fishing. Be safe while enjoying the river. Always check before heading to the Little Red River by calling the Corps of Engineers Little Rock District water data system (501-362-5150) for Greers Ferry Dam water release information or check the Army Corps of Engineers website for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website to see forecasted generation schedule.

(updated 1-29-2020) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said the river is clear with two units running at a reduced amount round-the-clock. The flow is between 3,400 and 4,100 cfs, this amounts to approximately one-unit generation 24/7. “I have been informed that this will be the pattern through at least Monday, at which time they will probably go back to the two full-unit generation for 12-hour periods. Fishing has been limited with rainbows taking micro-jigs, large hare’s ear nymphs and sowbugs.
“Please stay safe, if on the river during the generation. Higher water with increased flows requires more attention to remain safe on the water.”
Notice: Greg’s free fly-fishing class will again be offered at First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs this year. The first class will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. The class will consist of four consecutive Thursday nights at the same time each Thursday. There is no charge for this class but you need to call and register so we can know how many persons will be attending. This class is for beginners and anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of fly-fishing. Please call 501-690-9166 to register for the class. “If I’m on the river, please leave a message and I will return your call,” Greg says.

Greers Ferry Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 464.67 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.54 feet msl).

(updated 1-29-2020) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 464.42 feet msl. It’s 2.38 feet above normal pool of 462.04 feet msl and falling just a little as they generate – but if they stop it, just back up some. “Looks like if the weather holds, a lot of early spawning will take place with all species, but as in this part of Arkansas we will have a lot of changes from now through May and I bet they will not be all warm changes,” Tommy said. Crappie are eating well with lots of fish being caught if you want to get out there, either straight up and down or troll for them in 15-30 feet of water over deeper water. Black bass are scattered from the bank out to 60 feet and all in-between and can be caught with a lot of different methods, it’s a good time of year to hone a certain technique you usually don’t catch them on and learn it. Walleye will be stopping more to feed now they have done some traveling and feel better – try rogues, crankbaits trolled or thrown at night, or fish with a jighead minnow, grub or swimbait. No report on bream. “Catfish are still eating, I am told, but no report.” Hybrid and white bass are chewing as well in 25-60 feet of water on spoons, swimbaits, grubs, hair jigs, inline spinners and the new E-Bar City rig.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 1-29-2020) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) says the only fishing they’ve heard about is the good catfish bite. Use worms. The lake is a little murky but is at a normal level. No other reports.

Lake Overcup

Brewer Lake

(updated 1-29-2020) David Hall, owner of Dad’s Bait Shop (501-977-0303), had no report.

AGFC hears 2019 elk, bear harvest reports

January 17, 2020

By RANDY ZELLERS/AGFC Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’s bear and elk harvests showed slight declines during the 2019 season, but biologists with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said much of the decrease could be attributed to last year’s extremely productive hard mast crop during presentations to Commissioners at today’s regularly scheduled meeting.

According to Myron Means, the AGFC Large Carnivore Program biologist, hunters harvested 432 black bears in Arkansas during 2019.

“Considering the mast crop that we had available across the state, it was actually a pretty good harvest for bears,” Means said. “I didn’t expect it to be quite that high.”

Baited sites and food plots do not have the same appeal to deer, bear, elk and other game species when acorns and other natural foods are abundant in the woods. Animals can find all the food they need without moving long distances, making them much more challenging to hunt. Last year’s bumper crop is likely responsible for decreases in harvest for many species.

The majority, 293 bears total, were harvested with archery equipment, while 57 bears were harvested with muzzleloaders and 82 bears were taken using modern guns.

“That’s nothing new,” Means said. “Most of our bears are taken over bait on private land, and archery hunters get those bears on bait while they are still in pre-hibernation.”

Means says Arkansas bears are still at a stable to slowly expanding population and recommendations going into the 2020 regulations cycle will be to increase the quota of bears allowed in Bear Zone 1 to 500 animals.

Commissioner J.D. Neeley of Camden asked when hunters could expect to see an open bear zone in southwest and south-central Arkansas. Each year more hunters in those areas are reporting bears on their deer leases. Means explained that a current study at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is in its last year of field research to establish a population baseline on bears in those regions of the state and regulations would be based on those findings. The UAM study is being funded by a Wildlife Restoration Program grant through taxes placed on firearms and ammunition sales.

“They hope to have us a final report in 2021,” Means said. “2022 would be the next regulations cycle to set season dates and quotas.”

Means stressed that if the zones were opened, it would start with a very conservative quota to protect the population from overharvest.

Wes Wright, the AGFC Elk Program coordinator, also gave a summary of the Arkansas elk season. According to Wright, hunters checked 47 elk during two managed hunts in north Arkansas in 2019. The harvest showed a substantial decline in harvest from the 2018 season, specifically in the private land portion of the hunt.

“Last year we had a record harvest of 67 elk, but we had just started a new method for the private land permit system that increased participation on that end,” Wright said. “This year was more in line with historic harvest numbers.”

Despite talk from some hunters about seeing relatively few elk on public land last year, public land harvest numbers remained steady. The total public land harvest actually increased 12 percent, and the overall public land hunter success rate was 63 percent, which is in line with most seasons.

“Again, the heavy mast crop likely dispersed elk and kept them closer to the woods where they are harder to find and harder to hunt,” Wright said.

Wright said only one of the 47 animals harvested was positive for chronic wasting disease, and it was the only CWD-positive elk from the last 114 taken by hunters. A handful of elk that were removed from the herd outside of the season have shown up positive for the disease, but overall only 22 elk have been found that were positive for the disease since it was first spotted in Arkansas in 2016.

“We have had less than 1 percent incidence rate of hunters taking an elk and it being positive for CWD over the past 2 years,” Wright said.

Wright said he plans to propose a slight reduction in the harvest goals next year to compensate for the previous three years of record harvest and additional mortality from CWD sampling to increase numbers of elk on available habitat in north Arkansas.

The Commission voted to continue granting one elk tag each to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and Arkansas Wildlife Federation to help those organizations’ efforts in raising funding for and awareness of elk conservation in Arkansas. According to Mark Hutchings, AGFC assistant chief of wildlife management, the permits have garnered more than $750,000 for elk management in Arkansas since these grants began.

In other business, the Commission:

Approved a funds advance for a cooperative federal grant awarded to the AGFC and Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission totaling $967,590 to the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission to add 1,108 acres to Longview Saline Natural Area Wildlife Management Area for protection of three endangered species.
Approved AGFC Director Pat Fitts to disclaim interest over a 10-acre parcel of land near Petit Jean WMA to which the AGFC holds no title.
Recognized AGFC Cpl. Ryan Nast of Batesville as Arkansas’s 2019 National Wild Turkey Federation Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
Recognized Matt Horton, AGFC fisheries habitat biologist from the Mayflower Office, as the 2019 Mike Freeze Fisheries Biologist of the Year.
Recognized Jordan Lindaman from the Rogers Field Office as the 2019 Fisheries Division Technical Employee of the Year.
Recognized 13 employees representing 280 years of service to the natural resources of Arkansas.
Approved the removal of outdated and obsolete inventory with a total original cost of $262,404 and a net book value of $15,944.

Central Arkansas Fishing Report

January 22, 2020

By ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

(updated 1-22-2020) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the lake is normal Lake Conway stained and at a normal level. Bream are good and are biting redworms and crickets, along with hair jigs and nightcrawlers. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Black bass are good; use plastic worms, chatterbaits and bass minnows. Catfish are good on worms, dough bait, minnows and nightcrawlers.

Little Red River

(updated 1-22-2020) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said the river is clear with two units running each day for 12 hours. This should continue for the next several days since the lake is still about 2½ feet above normal. For the last few days the generation has been split into two periods – one starting at 5 a.m. for 6 hours ending at 11 a.m. and beginning again at 5 p.m. for another 6 hours. This provides a small window at the dam in the early afternoon for wade-fishing and drift-fishing is available by staying ahead of the morning generation. “The cold weather has been keeping most anglers off the river, including me, so my report on how the fish are biting isn’t going to happen today. If you are in the mood for cold fishing, they are probably still taking sowbugs, large nymphs and micro-jigs.

“Please stay safe if on the river during the generation. Higher water with increased flows requires more attention to remain safe on the water.”
Notice: The free fly-fishing class will again be offered in Heber Springs this year. The first class will be at 7 pm on Thursday, Feb. 20. The class will consist of four consecutive Thursday nights at the same time each Thursday. There is no charge for this class but you need to call and register so we can know how many persons will be attending. This class is for beginners and anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of fly-fishing. Please call 501-690-9166 to register for the class. “If I’m on the river, please leave a message and I will return your call,” Greg says.

(updated 1-15-2020) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-230-0730) said the Little Red River is receiving 24 hours of generation daily. The Greers Ferry Lake level is above normal seasonal pool due to recent rains, so longer periods of generation to lower the lake level are expected. If you choose to fish these conditions, you will want to use long leaders and weight. Key for both fly-fishing and Trout Magnet fishing during heavy generation is the ability to get and maintain a good presentation of the fly or Trout Magnet. Working shoreline with streamers is also an effective fly-fishing method during high-water conditions. For fly-fishing, Lowell recommends San Juan worms, micro-jigs, egg patterns and streamers during high-water conditions. Hot pink, cotton candy and white bodies on chartreuse jigheads are recommended for Trout Magnet spin fishing. Be safe while enjoying the river. Always check before heading to the Little Red River by calling the Corps of Engineers Little Rock District water data system (501-362-5150) for Greers Ferry Dam water release information or check the Army Corps of Engineers website for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website to see forecasted generation schedule.

Greers Ferry Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 464.67 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.54 feet msl).

(updated 1-22-2020) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry Lake is at 464.90 feet msl, 2.86 feet above normal pool of 462.04 for this time of year. Black bass are still eating well on some moving baits and some dragging baits and all in between – pick your poison, and target 6-15 feet depth. Crappie are still eating, for sure, moving a little day to day; try 15-40 feet, trolling or jig fishing straight up and down. No reports on catfish. Walleye are scattering and moving with conditions and the conditions to come. Crankbaits, jighead minnows and rogues are working as well in 15-40 feet depth. Hybrid and white bass are eating off and on all day all over lake and rivers. Spoons, inline spinners and swimbaits are working, and now E Bar City Special is catching some good fish at 25-60 feet depth. No report on bream.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 1-22-2020) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) reported the water clarity is a little dingy and the water level is low. Stumps are visibly sticking out, indicating the water is a little low. Catfishing has been fair on worms. Otherwise, no other fishing reports came in the past week.

Lake Overcup

(updated 1-8-2020) Johnny “Catfish” Banks of Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park (501-354-9007) said the water level is high by about 2 feet and clarity is good. The surface temperature is around 48 degrees. Bream are slow but still catching some on redworms. Bass are doing good around brush tops and structure, but just a few people are fishing lately. Catfish are being caught on jugs and yo-yos with bass minnows and crappie minnows. Crappie are being caught on yo-yos at night lately, catching a few early morning and late evening. Everything has been slow but should start picking up. Visit Johnny’s Facebook page (Overcup Bait Shop and R.V. Park) for any latest updates and photos.

Brewer Lake

(updated 1-22-2020) David Hall, owner of Dad’s Bait Shop (501-977-0303), had no report.

Game and Fish stock more than 9.3 million fish in 2019 in Arkansas waters

January 14, 2020

By RANDY ZELLERS/AGFC

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Game and Fish Commission hatcheries produced and stocked more than 9.3 million fish during 2019 to improve fishing conditions for Arkansas anglers in 2019.

Tommy Laird, AGFC Assistant Chief of Fisheries who coordinates the efforts of four warmwater hatcheries and one coldwater hatchery operated by the agency, says last year was a typical production year despite some setbacks caused by flooding in spring.

“The flooding we saw in some parts of the state eliminated the contribution from some of the nursery ponds on some lakes,” Laird said. “But in high-water years, boosts to natural reproduction from the thousands of acres of additional spawning habitat can often outweigh the shot-in-the-arm our nursery ponds may give, so that’s not entirely a bad thing. In a lake with abundant habitat and stable water levels, Mother Nature can produce many more fish than our hatchery system.”

Fluctuating temperatures also played havoc on the hatcheries’ abilities to get certain species to spawn.

“Our Florida bass broodstock did not get good spawns last year, and we were worried about meeting our production goal,” Laird said. “We did get some younger bass to spawn late and stocked our growing ponds at lower densities than usual. To our surprise, we saw much higher than normal survival rates of those fish as they grew in the ponds.”

Laird explained that only 40 to 50 percent of Florida largemouth fry that go into a hatchery pond actually make it to fingerling size. The rest are typically eaten by larger fry from the same spawn. However, with the lower stocking rate, the hatcheries saw survival rates of 60 percent and higher, which allowed them to surpass their stocking goal of 1.4 million Florida largemouth bass stocked in the state.

“It was a good learning experience and may play into future hatchery management as we move forward with our Florida bass program,” Laird said. “We are increasing production of this species, and this lesson may pay off in the long run.”

Strictly looking at the numbers, threadfin shad made up the largest amount of fish stocked in Arkansas last year, and stockings of forage species have been well received by anglers throughout the state. However, there’s more to the stockings than overall numbers. The sizes at which the fish are stocked play a key role in the survival and contribution that stocking may play in a lake or river.

Laird says channel catfish and rainbow trout likely represent the best survival rate, as most of them are near 10- to 12 inches when they are released for fishing derbies and seasonal fisheries to get anglers hooked.

“These two species can be fed commercial feed and raised to larger sizes,” Laird said. “They’re also good choices for introducing a new angler to the sport with inexpensive gear.”

Stocking is only part of fisheries management, but it often is the first solution that comes to mind for anglers.

“We have to use our resources wisely and concentrate our efforts where they have the best chances of success,” said AGFC Fisheries Chief Ben Batten. “Simply throwing more fish into a lake with a habitat problem won’t create a great fishery, but stocking can play a key role in some waters that have issues with inconsistent reproduction.”

Batten points to one study in 2004 where 17 percent of fish found in the backwater areas of the Pine Bluff pool of the Arkansas River were identified as having previously been stocked. This is probably a best-case scenario on a year when natural reproduction was not very successful due to high river flows.

“Those results are not typical,” Batten said. “But they do show that stocking can be beneficial on the Arkansas River in years when prolonged high flows through spring and summer reduce the spawning success and survival of native spawned fish.”

Number of fish stocked per species in Arkansas during 2019:

Florida Largemouth Bass	1,526,869
Northern Largemouth Bass	648,834
Smallmouth Bass	24,338
Striped Bass	660,415
Hybrid Striped Bass	84,200
Bluegill	98,051
Redear Sunfish	126,715
Channel Catfish	567,526
Flathead Catfish	13,431
Threadfin Shad	2,936,206
White Crappie	7,150
Black Crappie	197,097
Walleye	338,354
Saugeye	124,861
Golden Shiners	205,340
Grass Carp	28,619
Fathead Minnows	185,000
Brook Trout	32,695
Cutthroat Trout	98,786
Brown Trout	95,951
Rainbow Trout	1,497,992
Total	9,498,430

Fishing Report: Central Arkansas

January 15, 2020

By ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

NOTICE: AGFC employees and contractors using airboats conducted foliar applications of EPA-approved herbicide – which will cause no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life such as fish – to treat alligatorweed on Lake Conway in 2019. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with water from Lake Conway through March 1, 2020. For more information, please contact the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at (877) 470-3309.

(updated 1-15-2020) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the lake is muddy and is a little low. Bream are fair; use redworms. Crappie are good using small minnows and small jigs. No reports on black bass. Catfish are good using nightcrawlers.

Little Red River

(updated 1-15-2020) Greg Seaton of littleredflyfishingtrips.com (501-690-9166) said Greers Ferry Lake remains 3 feet above normal and the generation is scheduled for two generators running 24/7 starting Wednesday. This will probably continue for two to three days. At this time, it will go back to the two-units-for-12-hours schedule because the White River at Georgetown will be near flood stage. When there is a window to drift-fish ahead of the rising water, sowbugs, micro-jigs and large nymphs will be good fly choices.
“It has been a while since we have seen this amount of generation so please exercise caution if you are on the river,” Greg says. “Watch for underwater obstacles as well as docks and tree limbs. Do not approach docks and trees from the upstream side since this amount of current can capsize a boat or other watercraft.
Notice: Greg’s free fly-fishing class will again be offered at First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs for the eight year. The first class will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. The class will consist of four consecutive Thursday nights at the same time each Thursday. There is no charge for this class but you need to call and register so we can know how many persons will be attending. This class is for beginners and anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of fly-fishing. Please call 501-690-9166 to register for the class. “If I’m on the river, please leave a message and I will return your call,” Greg says.

(updated 1-15-2020) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-230-0730) said the Little Red River is receiving 24 hours of generation daily. The Greers Ferry Lake level is above normal seasonal pool due to recent rains, so longer periods of generation to lower the lake level are expected. If you choose to fish these conditions, you will want to use long leaders and weight. Key for both fly-fishing and Trout Magnet fishing during heavy generation is the ability to get and maintain a good presentation of the fly or Trout Magnet. Working shoreline with streamers is also an effective fly-fishing method during high-water conditions. For fly-fishing, Lowell recommends San Juan worms, micro-jigs, egg patterns and streamers during high-water conditions. Hot pink, cotton candy and white bodies on chartreuse jigheads are recommended for Trout Magnet spin fishing. Be safe while enjoying the river. Always check before heading to the Little Red River by calling the Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District water data system (501.362.5150) for Greers Ferry Dam water release information or check the Corps of Engineers website (swl-wc.usace.army.mil) for real-time water release and the Southwestern Power Administration website (swpa.gov) to see forecasted generation schedule.

Greers Ferry Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 465.37 feet msl (normal conservation pool: 462.54 feet msl).

(updated 1-15-2020) Tommy Cauley of Fishfinder Guide Service (501-940-1318) said the water level at Greers Ferry lake is at 465.39 feet msl and going up and down a little with generation each day. It is 3.39 feet above normal pool of 462.04 feet msl for this time of year. Overall the catching is good on all species all over lake and in rivers. Black bass can be caught from super shallow, on top, out to 60 feet using a variety of baits, rattle-style baits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits or dragging bait. Crappie are coming in from trolling, and fishing straight up and down with minnows, jigs, crankbaits and Road Runners, all in 15-30 feet of water. No report on bream. Walleye are being caught with jigheads tipped with minnows and on crankbaits, jerkbaits or with grubs in a variety of depths fished straight up and down or trolled. As for catfish, there have been no report since the storms. Hybrid and white bass are eating as well on inline spinners, grubs, hair jigs, spoons and topwater baits in depths ranging from 25 feet out to 60 feet. Stay around shad for best catches on any species.
Tommy also says, “Do not forget about Little Rock Boat show this weekend.” For more information go to dgattractions.com. He’ll be there.

Harris Brake Lake

(updated 1-8-2020) Harris Brake Lake Resort (501-889-2745) reported the water clarity is muddy. The water level is normal. Most fishing has been poor. Crappie can still be caught with minnows in shallow water. Catfishing is poor. No reports on bream or bass.

Lake Overcup

NOTICE: AGFC employees and contractors using airboats conducted foliar applications of EPA-approved herbicide – causing no harm to wildlife, people or aquatic life such as fish – to treat alligatorweed on Lake Overcup last year. By federal law, these herbicides have up to a 120-day irrigation restriction after application. The AGFC asks adjacent landowners to NOT irrigate for lawn or garden use with water from Lake Overcup through March 1, 2020. For more information, please contact the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at (877) 470-3309.

Brewer Lake

(updated 1-15-2020) David Hall, owner of Dad’s Bait Shop (501-977-0303), had no report.

Lake Maumelle

(updated 1-15-2020) Westrock Landing (501-658-5598) on Highway 10 near Roland had no recent reports.

Sunset Lake

(updated 1-15-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said crappie have been biting fair on pink and No. 6 minnows as well as Bobby Garland Baby Shad Jigs in Gumdrop and Monkey Milk colors. Bass have been hitting minnows. Catfish have been slow, but a couple of customers had a good trip this week with No. 12 minnows and nightcrawlers and managed to get a limit of three each. Bream are biting slow.

Bishop Park Ponds

(updated 1-15-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said catfish have been biting nightcrawlers, minnows and bait shrimp. Crappie fishing has been fair for some this week fishing late in the afternoon until dark. The bite has been best on No. 6 minnows for about the last 30-45 minutes of daylight. Bass will hit minnows as well and you’ll pick up a few while crappie fishing. Bream have been biting fair on worms and crickets but mostly small ones are being caught.

Saline River Access in Benton

(updated 1-15-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) says the river has been clear and fishing has been tough lately, but fish have still been caught. Walleye fishing has been fair at night with brooder minnows. Bass have been biting minnows and crawdad-colored baits. Crappie fishing has been good with No. 6 minnows. Catfish have been a little slow but biting best at dusk on live minnows. Bream are plentiful and fun to catch with redworms and crickets. The recent rain raised the river to an unsafe level for a few days. Fishing should be great as soon as it drops to a safe level and is still slightly stained but not muddy.
Lisa also reports that a couple of groups and some individuals have been working hard recently to clean up debris and illegal dumpsites along the Saline River. “We appreciate that. Please, wherever you go, pick up your trash, and a little of someone else’s if you can, and report illegal dumping to the proper authorities. Nothing ruins an outdoor adventure like the sight of ugly trash and litter. Keep it clean and beautiful. Be safe and get out there and fish, hunt or just enjoy nature.”

Lake Norrell

(updated 1-15-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said some customers have been catching a few crappie on No. 6 minnows. They report catching good-sized fish but no big numbers. All they tell us is they are catching them in back in some coves. Bass fishing has been slow. Catfish have been biting fair on minnows, nightcrawlers and bait shrimp around some docks where they’re normally fed. Bream have been slow but a few of the big redear have been biting redworms.

Lake Winona

(updated 1-15-2020) Lisa Spencer at Lisa’s Bait Shop (501-778-6944) said she hasn’t heard many reports from Winona lately “but we have had some going there looking for crappie and walleye.” Winona is a great smaller lake that gets little fishing pressure compared to most area lakes due to its limited access. Those that know the lake do well there.

Arkansas River at Morrilton

(updated 1-15-2020) Charley’s Hidden Harbor at Oppelo (501-354-8080) had no report.

Arkansas River (Cadron Pool)

No report.

Little Maumelle River

(updated 1-15-2020) Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina (501-517-1250) said the water is muddy and level is high. Specifically, he notes that the river is “running red and creeks are muddy, too.” Catfishing is fair. Some people that live near Maumelle are catching some fish, he said. No other reports.

Arkansas River (Maumelle Pool)

(updated 1-15-2020) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) reports that the river is muddy and high. Last week, when conditions were better (dingy and at a normal level), crappie are being caught in fair numbers on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair. Bream, black bass and white bass are poor.

Arkansas River (Little Rock Pool)

(updated 1-15-2020) Fish ‘N’ Stuff (501-834-5733) says the river is muddy and is high. There is a river advisory with an above small craft warning, as current flow on Tuesday early afternoon was 195,000 cfs. No catch reports this week.

(updated 1-15-2020) Zimmerman’s Exxon (501-944-2527) says that the river is running high and is muddy. When conditions were better the previous week in the main pool (dingy and normal level), crappie were fair on minnows and jigs. Catfishing are fair on skipjack. Sauger are everywhere, they reported, and were hitting black and pink jig. White bass were poor. Bream and bass were poor.

(updated 1-15-2020) McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) had no reports. Conditions have been unfavorable for anglers.

Clear Lake (off Arkansas-River-Little Rock Pool)

(updated 1-15-2020) McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said cloudy conditions and high water have turned off the fishing, with poor reports across the board: bream, crappie, bass and catfish all poor.

Peckerwood Lake

(updated 1-15-2020) Herman’s Landing (870241-3731) is closed for hunting season and winter break. It will reopen in February.

White River (Augusta-Des Arc section)

(updated 1-15-2020) Angler William McCoy had no report.