NOTICE: The AGFC reminds landowners adjacent to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir and Lake Overcup to not irrigate for lawns or gardens with water from these lakes until October. Both lakes were treated in early June with herbicides to control the invasive aquatic vegetation. Multiple applications per year are necessary for effective control of alligatorweed, and being unable to irrigate during this time is another unfortunate effect of this nonnative invasive aquatic plant species. Without controlling it, alligatorweed can infest lakes, restricting access to boathouses, boat ramps and fishing locations, and choke out native vegetation and fish populations. For more information, call the AGFC Fisheries Office in Mayflower at 833-338-3636.
(updated 7-6-2023) Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said nothing much has h changed in the fishing since last week. It’s hot and slow. Black bass have been the only species that anglers have been consistently catching of late. Fish for bass in the shaded areas, the grass, under trees. Anglers have been noted throwing under trees and docks for responses. Try creature baits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and frogs have been throwing real well of late. Also try a walking-style bait for a reaction bite, as well as a curly tail worm in 7.5 inches or smaller. Colors being favored lately are June bug, black, black/blue or any other muddy water colors.
Bream are the same as they’ve been, and we just finished a full moon spawning period. They are biting in maybe a foot to 2 feet deep. Find some cover, like around lily pads, and they may be there. Use redworms or crickets. And the same word on catfish. The cats have been caught in good numbers on trotlines and for the pole-fishing anglers. Try black goldfish, trotline minnows, nightcrawlers, frozen shad, skipjack, regular shad, chicken livers and shrimp.
Bates reported last week that the bite was so-so around the dam – water has not started being let out as the AGFC prepares to drain the lake for renovation. Also near the Highway 89 bridge, some anglers were catching a few bass. Crappie anglers have headed elsewhere for a consistent bite.
Little Red River
For the Army Corps of Engineers’ real-time outflow report from Greers Ferry Dam, visit the Corps’ Little Rock office website or by calling (501) 362-5150). Also check the Southwestern Power Administration website (swpa.gov) to see forecast generation schedule.
(updated 7-6-2023) Fish ’N Stuff (501-834-5733) in Sherwood said the flow has come in the afternoons for anywhere from 3-6 hours, so the trout fishing has been best early and late. Midday has been hard when it’s really hot. In those prime times, though, the Rapala No. 5 Countdown is working well as well as maribou jigs in olive color. Also, a Trout Magnet in pink, white or gold is getting good responses. Anglers have been targeting areas below the shoals with deeper pools for most of the fish.
(updated 6-29-2023) Lowell Myers of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service (501-250-0730) said the Little Red River is in a summertime water release pattern with daily afternoon generation. If you plan to fish the Trout Magnet, consider using red, pink and white-colored bodies on chartreuse jigheads. For fly-fishing, consider San Juan Worm, Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail and Midge. Always check the generation schedule and be aware of unexpected water releases. Check before heading to the Little Red River for Greers Ferry Dam water release by downloading the USACE Little Rock app, Army 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.
(updated 6-29-2023) Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips/Little Red River Fly Guides (501-507-3688) said the Southwestern Power Administration has been running a fairly consistent generation schedule all week, usually running two units starting at 3 p.m. and running until 7 p.m. on weekdays. The weekend generation schedule has usually been starting at 3 p.m. and running just an hour in the afternoon. Always check the Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock app before heading out.
With the daytime temperatures being in the 90s and heat index in the 100s, try not to overplay the fish and return them quickly to the water. The bite has been good first thing in the morning before the temperature starts to rise, and in the evening as it cools down.
Try fishing the deep holes around the moss beds and the oxygenated shoals. Pheasant Tails and Hare's Ears along with Midges and pink San Juan Worms have all been producing.
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