Catch Fish by Fishing: [fishingtheusaandcanada] Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for March 12

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

March 12, 2008 Edition

This is the

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

March 12, 2008 Edition

This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's fishing report for March 12. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please call or e-mail us with information on possible sources for that lake or river.

Fishing Tip: Here's a tip from bass fishing legend Larry Nixon to make the most out of early spring days on the water:

Flipping a jig-and-pig is an excellent way to catch fish during prespawn, but pay attention to the water level. If the water is rising, the fish will scatter out in the shallows and it may take a lot of searching to connect with the fish. But if the water is falling, look for isolated brush and timber near deep water on points and creek turns and you can really work them over flipping a jig.

This tip and many others are available on "Locating Spring Season Bass with Larry Nixon" DVD available at Bass Pro Shops. For more great tips, visit the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Library.

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

Trimble Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 13): Headwater – 390.59 feet, Tailwater – 380.87 feet, Flow – 76,402 cubic feet per second

Ozark Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 12): Headwater – 371.71 feet, Tailwater – 348.16 feet

Dardanelle Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 10): Headwater – 337.54 feet, Tailwater – 297.95 feet

Ormond Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 9): Headwater – 285.19 feet, Tailwater – 278.76 feet, Flow – 103,597 cubic feet per second

Toad Suck Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 8): Headwater – 266.11 feet, Tailwater – 265.49 feet

Murray Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 7): NO READING AVAILABLE

Terry Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 6): Headwater – 230.57 feet, Tailwater – 224.43 feet, Flow – 135,113 cubic feet per second

Sanders Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 4): Headwater – 194.89 feet, Tailwater – 192.01 feet

Hardin Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam 3): Headwater – 181.22 feet, Tailwater – 180.14 feet

Mills Dam (Dam 2): Headwater – 160.85 feet, Tailwater – 145.51 feet, Flow – 133,133 cubic feet per second

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

11.3 feet at Calico Rock (flood stage – 19 feet)
11.6 feet at Batesville (flood stage – 15 feet)
22.5 feet at Newport (flood stage – 26 feet)
32 feet at Augusta (flood stage – 26 feet)
20.7 feet at Georgetown (flood stage – 21 feet)
26.4 feet at Clarendon (flood stage – 26 feet)

Statewide Family and Community Fishing Report: Trout fishing continues to be good on Power Bait, marshmallows and corn. Fishing in Rock Creek is good on white spinners and Trout Magnets. Bream have started to pick up in some park ponds on worms. Catfish will be stocked beginning early April. For more information on stockings, call toll-free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Conway: Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets and wax worms. Crappie are fair on orange and chartreuse jigs and on yo-yos baited with minnows. A few bass have been caught in shallow water on bass jigs and soft-plastic baits.

Little Red River:Lindsey's Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is in good condition with steady generation. Trout are biting well on spoons, crankbaits and Rapalas.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said the Greers Ferry Power House turned on both generators March 5 and cracked open the flood gates. The Little Red River is not so little right now. In certain areas along the stream, there are waves and white caps. Fishing on the Little Red is not only difficult but very dangerous. The purpose of these water releases is to lower the lake level back to top power pool

Although a few caddis flies are buzzing around, midges are still the predominant bugs on the river. The dry flies that are working, especially during a hatch, include midges (size 22; cream or black), Adams (size 18-20) and caddis (size 18-20; tan). Sub-surface flies to try include sowbug (size 14-16; peacock, UV tan or UV gray), zebra midge (size 16-22; red, black or chartreuse), red butt emerger (size 14-16), pheasant tail (size 16), copper john (size 16; red, green or copper) and woolly bugger (size 10-12; olive or black).

Greers Ferry: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 464.33 feet MSL.

Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said the snow and runoff have the kept the fishing tricky all week. Walleye should be moving back into their spawning areas with the peak of the spawn this weekend. Fish jighead minnows and grubs slowly along spawning flats. Bass are beginning to bite well on jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and Wiggle Warts. White bass and hybrids will be moving upriver in the next week and will be easy targets on grubs, spoons and in-line spinners fished slowly around brush. Catfishing is slow, but a few have been caught on nightcrawlers.

Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said the water is high and murky. Crappie are fair around the banks on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on plastic baits. Catfish are biting well on trotlines with large minnows.

Lake Overcup: Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said catfish are the best thing going on crawfish and nightcrawlers.

Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the water is dingy and high. Bream are fair on wax worms and redworms. Crappie fishing is picking up on minnows and jigs. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits and soft-plastic worms. Catfishing is good on nightcrawlers and large minnows.

Brewer Lake: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the water is high and stained. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is good on nightcrawlers and large minnows.

Lake Maumelle: Jolly Rogers Marina said the water is 1.4 feet above the spillway. The spring white bass run has begun. White bass are excellent, with limits being taken every day. The best bite has been on Rattling Rogues, Sassy Shads, white Vibric Rooster Tails and 3-inch paddle-tail grubs on both sides of the West Highway 10 Bridge in shallow water. The black bass are biting well and are moving into shallow water. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are working well along points close to deep water and jigs are taking some good fish on the deep end of those same points. Crappie are moving shallow and biting fairly well on minnows and red/white jigs.

Sunset Lake: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is high. Fishing is slow for all species because of the weather.

Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill's Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is high and muddy. Fishing is poor for all species.

Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley's Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said catfish are beginning to move to jetty points and the backside of jetties again. The best catfish bite is on whole shad. Black bass are biting well on spinnerbaits. White bass and stripers are being caught consistently on live shad. Crappie are fair on minnows in 3 to 6 feet of water. No report on bream.

Arkansas River in Little Rock: Vince Miller from Fish 'N Stuff said the water is high with strong current. Bass are biting fairly well in the backwater areas.

Crappie are biting well on pink minnows and red/chartreuse jigs in Palarm Creek and Big Maumelle Creek. Catfishing is good on limb lines, cut bait and trotlines in Palarm Creek. .

Little Maumelle River: River Valley Bait (501-868-3279) said the water is clear and low. Crappie fishing is good in 2-8 feet of water on minnows and jigs. Yo-yos are working as well. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits. Catfishing is good on live and prepared bait.

Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie are fair on yo-yos baited with minnows. Catfish are good on yo-yos, trot lines and limb lines baited with cut bait and chicken hearts.

Murray Lock and Dam: Hatchet Jack's Sport Shop said crappie are fair on slip-cork rigs and minnows. Catfish are good on shad.

Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is muddy and high. Crappie are fair in 5-6 feet of water.

Peckerwood Lake: Herman's Landing (870-241-3731) said the water is murky and high. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs.

NORTH ARKANSAS

White River: John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said with the existing lake water levels, expect heavy generation and little or no wading on both rivers. With higher water conditions you will need to employ different techniques. The fish will be in different areas. In low water, they tend to congregate in the main channel. In high water, they will be closer to the shore and around weed beds and sunken islands. The best flies for this type of fishing will be brightly colored San Juan worms. The best colors are red, hot fluorescent pink, cerise and fire orange. One fly that has been particularly effective lately is the Y2K bug. Be sure and weight them heavily so they get down to the bottom. A larger strike indicator will also be needed to support the added weight. Please avoid dragging chains during high water. They can get caught and sink the boat before you have a chance to free them. Also avoid anchoring in heavy water as this could also result in sinking. Life jackets are a must when boating in the current. Last week, during the low water, the action moved downstream a bit. The Narrows was a real hot spot. There were several reports of 100-fish days with some really nice fish caught. The hot flies were olive woolly buggers, worm brown San Juan worms and olive scuds. The big news was the first sighting of the rhyancophilia caddis. The best flies for this, our most important hatch of the year, are the green butt soft hackle when they are emerging and the elk hair caddis in size 14 when they have hatched. Anglers also have done well fishing Rim Shoals. The most productive flies in this section have been Y2Ks, zebra midges in brown with copper wire and copper beads, olive scuds (size 16) and worm brown San Juan worms. Another hot spot has been Buffalo Shoals. Anglers have been walking up the tracks from Buffalo City or boating up. This area is holding a lot of trout. Good flies in this area are Y2Ks, olive scuds, zebra midges and olive woolly buggers. The caddis were also seen here last week.

Sportsman's White River Resort said water conditions are normal with heavy generation. Trout fishing has been very good on Rapalas, stick baits, Power Bait, and spoons. The current in dangerously high, so please use caution and wear your life jacket at all times.

Mountain River Fly Shop said the generation schedule was all over the place last week, but if caught the low water, the fishing was very good. There even were reports of caddis on the water and some dry fly action at Buffalo Shoals and the Narrows. Then came the rain and snow, which has a bunch of run-off coming down Crooked Creek and the Buffalo, clouding the water downstream. The river to White Hole is clear and fishing well. Definitely time to fish the upper portion of the river. The amount of water in the lower river may limit generation to one to three units, great fishing water. The fishing might not have been red hot but it was certainly steady. Black and silver midges proved effective early, scud patterns and red midges did well during the afternoon. There have also been good reports from brown and olive woolly buggers.

Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 660.59 feet MSL.

Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock (870-445-4424) said the water temperature is in the mid-40s around the lake. Fish are still in their winter patterns. Bass are biting fairly well on crankbaits and soft plastics in 10 to 15 feet of water. Kentucky bass are biting fairly well on live nightcrawlers and spoons in 35 to 60 feet of water. A deep suspending Rogue or X-Rap will take a few bass in 10 to 25 feet of water around channel swings in the backs of creeks.

Lake Norfork: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 555.48 feet MSL.

Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) said the water is stained and 4 feet high with temperature in the mid 40s. Bass are fair on jerk baits and jigs.

101 Grocery and Bait said the water temperature varies from the upper 40s to the low 40s. There is still some debris in the coves and upper part of the lake. The water is beginning to clear up. Striper fishing has been slow. Crappie fishing as been slow. Walleye fishing has been slow. Bass fishing has been slow. White Bass fishing has been slow. We're seeing a pattern here.

Norfork Tailwater: Gene's Trout Dock (870-499-5381) said water conditions are normal with heavy generation. Trout are biting very well on a Power Egg and nightcrawler combination. Fly-fisherman are doing well on olive and black wooly buggers.

Mountain River Fly Shop said the tailwater looked extremely different in the wake of the heavy rains. The boat ramp at the confluence of the White River was stacked with downed trees, branches and other debris. It took a few days to remove the all the rubbish, but the Norfork has cleared and is fishing well again. Midges have been very strong, with black/silver, red and brown the most likely colors whether you are fishing Davys super midges, standard zebras or your own patterns. Camel midges have been very effective as well. Another good bet is a San Juan worm, dark scud pattern, or sowbug.

John Berry of Berry Brothers Guides said few anglers have taken advantage of the good fishing on the high water days. The hot bite has been on Y2Ks and San Juan worms. The fishing in the Catch and Release area has been a bit slower and has been mostly midges. Try brown zebra midges with copper wire and copper bead and Dan's turkey tail emergers. Dry Run Creek fished particularly well last week. The hot action was on Y2Ks and egg patterns. Also try olive woolly buggers, San Juan worms or sowbugs fished below a large strike indicator.

Table Rock Lake: Phillip Stone of Stone's Guide Service said bass fishing on Table Rock is picking up. Big Cedar cove and Long Creek are producing some Kentuckies and a few largemouth in deep water. Water temps are still holding in the upper 40's and the fish still seem to be in a winter pattern. Concentrate on bluff banks near the tops of submerged trees in 25-35 feet of water. Smoke-colored grubs on a 1/4oz. jighead are working well when swum over the tops of the trees. Crappie are also holding in the same trees and banks.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Beaver Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 1,121.87 feet MSL.

JT's Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass have been biting spinnerbaits along laydowns and timber and crayfish-colored crankbaits along chunk rock banks on sunny days. Crappie fishing has been best in the afternoon on sunny days. Either river arm has been productive along brush or pole timber. Work red/chartreuse Southern Pro Little Hustler's 3 to 10 feet down. Stripers have been anywhere from Monte-Ne upstream into the rivers. Live brood minnows and shad have worked best 10 to 25 feet down. White bass have been caught in good numbers near the Highway 45 Bridge. Another hot spot has been the Sidewalk Hole. Fish anything that resembles a minnow. Catfish have been biting well in the evenings from the bank with cut shad or liver.

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said water is murky and high. Crappie are fair in deep water on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on jerk baits and crankbaits.

Lake SWEPCO: JT's Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass fishing has been best early and late on live minnows fished under a float near the banks around cover. White flukes have worked well when fished near the surface.

Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) said water conditions are normal with temperatures in the high 40s. A few crappie have been caught on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on crankbaits. Catfish are fair on worms, liver and minnows.

Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the water is clear and high. Crappie are fair on minnows and tube jigs. Bass are fair in 4-8 feet of water on buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. Catfish are fair in 8-12 feet of water on shad and livers.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Crown Lake : Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the water is clear and a little high. A few crappie have been caught on minnows.

Spring River : Mark's Fly Shop reported that the water is still in very poor condition. The only pattern that is working well is a snail pattern worked under the surface.

SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS

Lake Chicot : Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said the water is high and murky. Bream are biting well on wax worms. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bass are good on spinnerbaits. Catfish are biting well on live and prepared bait.

SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS

Millwood Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 259.48 feet MSL.

Millwood Lake Guide Service said main lake and Little River surface temperature is 47 to 52 degrees, depending on location and time of day. Main lake clarity and visibility is at 3-5 inches with 3-5-inch visibility in Little River because of rising water and wind. Current is 17,322 cubic feet per second. The south park at Cottonshed is closed due to recent storm damage. The drawdown is over. Largemouth Bass are fair to good, with the best bites remaining during the heat of the day. Best bet over the last few weeks has been Texas-rigged Hog Assassins, 10-inch worms, ¾-ounce size Rat-L-Traps and jigs. Spinnerbaits are beginning to pick up a few good keepers as well. Schools of White bass are still holding in very deep washouts in the river (18-23 feet), and hitting vertically jigged spoons and live shiners, over the past few weeks up Little River, between White Cliffs and the Highway 71 Bridge. The crappie bite improved late last week, and then all the rain, snow and influx of muddy water completely shut down the bite. Channel catfish are excellent on cottonseed meal cakes, cut bait and chicken liver suspended from trotlines and yo-yos along the river in 8 to 12 feet of water.

Lake Columbia: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said water conditions are normal. A few bream have been caught on redworms and crickets. Crappie are biting well on shiners.

Lake Erling: Steve's Marine (870-234-2222) said water conditions are normal. Crappie are fair on orange shiners. Catfish are good on shiners.

White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park said fishing continues to get better. Crappie and bream are excellent on jigs. Catfishing is good on minnows. Bass are biting well on soft-plastics.

Lake Greeson: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 548.65 feet MSL.

Lakeside Grocery said the water is murky and high. Crappie are fair on tube jigs.

Darryl Morris from Family Fishing Trips said the water level is higher than normal and stained. The water temperature is slowly rising, but will fluctuate from weather conditions. Crappie are scattered, moving between staging areas in the morning to spawning cover by afternoon. As the surface temperature rises through the 50s, the crappie will stack up in both areas. When it reaches the 60s in the shallows, they'll be spawning. Don't be surprised if you catch a nice largemouth or spotted bass in the same places as the crappie.

Little Missouri River: Jeff Guerin of Little Missouri Fly Fishing said fishing has been picking up with some great action coming on Long Creeks and A-and-W emergers stripped across the current.

DeGray Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 408.66 feet MSL.

DeGray One Stop (501-865-3511) said the water is high and murky. Bream are fair in 20-25 feet on nightcrawlers and redworms. Crappie are fair around brush piles on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair in 12-20 feet of water on crankbaits. Whites are biting well on spoons and Rooster Tails.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Dardanelle: Murphy's Sporting Goods (479-229-3200) said the water is muddy and high. Black bass are biting well on jigs and crankbaits.

Bill's Bait and Tackle (479-754-6354) said the water is high with fast current. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are biting on minnows and jigs. A few bass have been caught in 3-5 feet of water on spinnerbaits, jigs and crankbaits. Catfish are fair on shad and punch bait.

Blue Mountain Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 404.30 feet MSL.

CNC's End of the Line (479-947-2398) said the water is muddy and high. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are biting well on chicken liver and large minnows.

Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said the water is muddy and high. Crappie are fair on minnows. Largemouth bass are biting well on spinnerbaits and jigs. Catfish are fair on shad.

Lake Ouachita: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation was 579.27 feet MSL.

Dave Lindhag of Striped Bass Adventures said the water temperature has been 47.9 in open water and slowly rising. As the mud recedes in South Fork and from Point 19 to Mud Creek, a few stripers have been found on brood minnows and shad (mostly brood minnows) sinkered down with a 1-or 2-ounce weight. In the Avant area, the fishing has been slow except on larger shad. The fish have been down 25 to 30 feet, and some good ones have been taken free-lining. Some random breaking fish are hitting, but it's all been black bass and white bass, no stripers. Picnic Point and around Hamburger and Hot Dog Islands are producing some fish, but most are in the 7- to 14-pound range.

Lake Ouachita State Park reports that the water is cloudy and still high. Crappie fishing is good around drop-offs on Kalin's Tennessee Shad jigs. Stripers are biting well on gray flukes, spoons, crankbaits and minnows. Bass fishing has been fair on finesse worms and spinnerbaits with some top-water action in the mornings. Anglers are catching walleyes at night off rocky points on crankbaits. Bream and catfish are slow.

Mountain Harbor Resort said the water is clear and the surface temperature is 42 to 48 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair to good and can be caught on Deep Little N's and lipless crankbaits fished around main-lake points and secondary points. Walleye are fair and being caught on spoons fished over humps and main-lake points with brush. Jerkbaits have been effective in areas where the fish are staging to spawn. Stripers are biting well on live brood minnows and gizzard shad. Smoke- or pearl-colored grubs are working well on the stripers, too. Crappie are biting very well over grass and brush. Try large moss flats and brush in water 15- to 25-feet deep. Minnows and crappie grubs are working best. Arkansas shad and white are the best colors.

Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said bass fishing has been hit-and-miss with groups of fish scattered around the outside edge of the grass and deep trees. A Norman DD22 crankbait fished over the outside edge allowed to barely tick the tips of the grass is producing some good fish, as is a jig fished along the outside weed line. A Carolina rig is also taking a few.

Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch'em All Guide Service, reports that the heavy rain and snowfall has created muddy water conditions below the dam. Heavy generation has been the norm as Entergy is working to bring Lake Ouachita out of flood pool. March 8 marked the start of the refilling of both lakes Hamilton and Catherine. This process will be complete on March 15. Rainbow trout fishing continues to be fantastic with guided trips catching limits of fish at will. Many trout are in the 13- to 16-inch range and make wonderful table fare. Fly-anglers are still able to wade to areas that hold good numbers of trout and are landing quality fish by casting streamers and egg patterns. These techniques are more visible in the dingy water and are also a perfect match for the forage the trout are feeding on. Bank fishermen are doing well using corn floated under a bobber. Nightcrawlers and wax worms combined with a marshmallow floater are also deadly techniques for trout. Boaters are more able to navigate the area now and are having success by trolling small crankbaits in the channels. Casting Rooster Tails and Little Cleo's in the current has been the most effective method of catching fish while the turbines are turning. Walleye fishing has been slowed considerably by the muddy water and heavy boat pressure. Trollers should use brightly colored crankbaits that run shallow. Live bait rigs should also have flashy spinners that can be seen in muddy water. Nightcrawlers and bass minnows are a good choice when using spinner rigs. Striper action will pick up considerably this month with warmer weather on the way. These fish cruise the tailrace looking for trout and threadfin shad and feed heavily on top. C-10 Redfins and Super Spooks will entice these predators to show themselves as well as brood minnows and gizzard shad fished under a balloon.

Diamond Head Marina reported that the water is murky and high. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Walleye are fair on minnows. Trout are biting well on Power Bait.

Lake Hamilton: Larry Hurley from Poorman's Guide Service said fishing has been good on crayfish-colored crankbaits and chartreuse shad Lucky Craft Pointers fished along wind-blown points with brush and around boat docks.

Lake Hinkle: Bill's Bait Shop (479-637-4719) had no report because of weather.

Lake Atkins: Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said the water is clear and high. Bream fishing is excellent on worms and crickets. Crappie are biting well around the docks on minnows and jigs. Catfishing is excellent on worms, shad, and liver.

SOUTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Moro Bay: Moro Bay State Park said the water is clear and dropping. Crappie can be caught around docks in the bay on minnows and jigs.

EAST ARKANSAS

Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): River City Sporting Goods (870-534-8303) said the water is muddy and high. Bream are biting well on redworms, wax worms and crickets. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on flukes. Catfish are biting well on frozen shad and liver.

White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said water is clear and low. Bass are fair on plastic worms and hula grubs.

Maddox Bay: Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said the water is murky and high.

Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said water is high and all species are slow.

Horseshoe Lake: Local angler Clyde Gregory said water conditions are normal, but fishing has slowed because of the fresh water coming in. Crappie are fair around piers on minnows. Catfish are biting on the bottoms on cut bait.

. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please call or e-mail us with information on possible sources for that lake or river.