Weekly Fishing Report

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Keith Stephens (501) 223-6342, e-mail: kastephens@agfc.state.ar.us 

This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for March 30, 2005. If there is a body of water you would like to see included in this report, please call or e-mail us with information on possible sources for that lake or river.

Fishing Tip: If you are fly-fishing wet flies and your leader will not sink, try rubbing the leader with mud. This usually will cause your leader to sink properly.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS:

Lake Conway: Bates Field and Stream said fish have been biting in the Gold Creek area. Crappie are biting on minnows fished 3- to 5-feet deep near the edge of the creek channels, but they are starting to move toward the flats. Bream are biting on wax worms, worms and bream jigs fished on the bottom. Bass are biting on the upper end on chartreuse-and-white spinner baits, and Zoom soft plastics in junebug color. Catfish are biting on yo-yos fished on the bottom.

Little Red River: Lindsey's Rainbow Resort said there have been two generators running almost nonstop. Trout fishing is good either float fishing or trolling with large artificials, such as silver-and-black Rat-L-Traps, Rattling Rogues and Countdown Rapalas.

Greers Ferry: Local fishing guide Tommy Cauley said the major feeder creeks that empty into the lake came up quite a bit because of the rain. The middle fork rose 6 feet and the south fork rose 4½ feet. The lake temperature has ranged from the high 40s to the low 60s. The black bass have been somewhat scattered, but a few are being taken in the run-ins on small crankbaits. Some fish can be taken on main lake points or secondary points with a crankbait. Throw both sizes of Wiggle Warts. The largemouths and Kentucky bass will bite a jig in the creek bends of the major feeder creeks. Smallmouth bass can be caught with a Carolina rig fished anywhere from 6-inches to 40-feet deep depending on the time of day and the weather. The walleye river spawn is ending and they have been hard, especially with the off-colored water coming into the lake. After the lake clears up, the post-spawn walleye bite will be fair. The fish that spawn on the main lake will get active and try to spawn in the next two or three weeks if the lake conditions are steady. The crappie bite is off but will improve in the bushes by the weekend. Try using jigs and minnows around the brush. A lot of the bream have moved into shallow water and will bite when the water clears some. To catch bream, use nightcrawlers, wax worms, small grasshoppers and crickets. Catfishing is good now and should last all year. They will bite just about anything. Trotlines fished on points and baited with dog food should work well on the blue cats, and jugs set with 14- to 17-foot leaders and baited with live bream should work well for flatheads anywhere in deep channels, the narrows or creek mouths. Bait Master said the lake is muddy and high. Bream fishing is fair from 12- to 15-feet deep using red worms or crickets near the bank. Crappie fishing is good from 10- to 15-feet deep using small minnows or small white jigs near brush piles. Bass fishing is good from 4- to 15-feet deep using spinner baits, crankbaits or top-water lures. Whites and hybrids are biting on small minnows and small jigs in the river arms. Walleye fishing is good from 1- to 3-feet deep on live bait at night off the shoals in the river arms.

Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing said the lake clarity is good, and the lake level is dropping. Crappie fishing is good from 2- to 4-feet deep using minnows and pearl- or white-colored jigs off the banks or in the brush piles. White bass fishing is fair on the bank using spinner baits.

Lake Overcup: Lakeview Landing said fishing has been slow. The lake is very high but clear. Some bream have been taken on worms and crickets. The crappie are still deep and waiting for the water temperature to come up. Some nice bass were taken during a tournament held on Saturday. Also, a nice catfish was taken while trotlining with chicken liver.

Little Maumelle River: River Valley Bait said the river clarity is poor, and the river is high. Catfishing is good using nightcrawlers, chicken liver or hot dogs on the bottom.

Lake Maumelle: Jolly Roger’s Marina said black bass fishing is good. These fish

are in their spring patterns and are located among the weeds about 8-feet deep. The north side of the lake has been the best. Largemouths are hitting dark-colored crankbaits and floating worms. Kentucky bass fishing is good. Kentuckies are moving out of their winter pattern and are being caught from 10- to 15-feet deep on the channel edges. They are hitting 3-inch pumpkin grubs and CC Spoons. White bass fishing is excellent. The whites are at the west end for the lake and are making their spring run. Some whites are being caught on both sides of the bridge. Last weekend’s rain should push them into their spring run up the creek this week. Roostertails, CC Spoons, 3-inch white grubs and Rogues with orange belles are all working. Catfishing is fair in deeper water (20 to 28 feet) using large minnows and prepared baits. Crappie fishing is fair. Crappie have been in about 15 feet of water and are being caught on small 1/32-ounce jigs and crappie minnows. Bream fishing is fair using crickets and worms about 30-feet deep.

Arkansas River: Charley’s Hidden Harbor near Oppelo said the rain has put a stain in the water at the creek mouths. The flow from Lock No. 9 is 40,000 cubic feet per second with headwater at 285.59 feet and tailwater of 268.28 feet. Catfishing is strong below Lock No. 10 or No. 9; these fish are biting on whole shad. Catfish are also biting on worms where the muddy water meets the clear water. Black bass are biting on the backside of the jetties from 5- to 8-feet deep on firetiger-colored crankbaits. White bass are biting on Hawg Traps and Rapalas in firetiger around the creek mouths. Crappie are biting fair on minnows 4- to 8-feet deep in the creeks. Kentucky bass fishing is strong 4- to 10-feet deep over rocks; try using an Arbogast Mud Bug in crawfish colors.

Arkansas River (Little Rock area): Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said crappie fishing is good using minnows and jigs in the feeder creeks. Catfishing is good using shad.

Murray Lock and Dam: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said white bass are being picked up using Twistertails and spoons. Stripers are biting on chartreuse Twistertails. Catfish are also being picked up.

Pickthorne Lake: Outdoor Super Store said the lake is muddy. Fishing has slowed down because of the cold weather but should pick up again as the temperature rises. Crappie fishing is fair about 2-feet deep using minnows near the edge of the lake. Bass fishing is fair from 4- to 5-feet deep using crankbaits or Carolina rigs. Bream fishing and catfishing are both poor.

NORTH ARKANSAS:

White River: McLellan’s Fly Shop said the cold weather over Easter weekend slowed things down, but the warm temperatures predicted for this week should get the white bass running. There are still reports of large females and small males being taken. The best flies have been: Crazy Dad in Olive, Pumpkin and Orange (size 8), Jiggy in Olive and Shad-color (size 6), Hot Head Jiggy in White, Tan, Chartreuse and Firetiger (size 6), Cap’n Tim in Olive (size 4) and CFB in chartreuse (size 6).

North Fork River: McLellan’s Fly Shop said generation has been cut back significantly, providing plenty of wading opportunities. During low water, concentrate your nymph fishing on the faster runs and riffles. During high-water conditions, streamer fishing has been excellent from a boat. The best flies have been: McLellan’s Hunchback Scud Tan, Olive and Gray (sizes 14 and 16), Flashback Scud Tan, Olive and Gray (sizes 12 to 16), McLellan’s Woven Sow Bug (sizes 14 and 16), Graphic Caddis Tan and Olive (sizes 14 to 18), Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph (sizes 16 to 20), Beadhead Hare’s Ear Nymph (sizes 14 to 18), Mercury Brassie (sizes 18 and 20), Rojo Midge (size 22), Mercury Blood Midge (sizes 20 and 22), Red Jujubee Midge (sizes 20 and 22), Johnny Flash (sizes 20 to 24), Mercury Black Beauty (sizes 20 and 22), Gray Mercury Midge

(sizes 20 and 22), Black Wooly Sculpin (size 4), Articulated Zoo Cougar (size 4) and Swimming Jimmy (size 4).

Bull Shoals Lake: Wilderness Trail said the lake temperature has been in the 48.5 to 49.5 range. However, with the cold rain over the weekend, the temperature will probably drop a degree or two before the upcoming weekend. The lake level is holding very close to normal pool, at 654.07 feet. White bass are staying deeper in the backs of the creeks. You can graph them and catch a few on spoons or ¼-ounce Roadrunners. Watch for them to move towards the banks once the temperatures jump into the 70s this week. Crappie remain slow and are holding on the deep side of the crappie cribs or brush piles. Crappie minnows fished on a small slip bobber worked the best this week. Largemouth bass continue to roam the banks and shallows; they are returning to deep water or secondary points to feed. Suspending Rogues, Wiggle Warts, Lucky Craft 78DD Pointers and slow-rolled spinner baits are key lures. Smallmouth bass are also roaming, but they are being found near pea gravel banks. Reaction baits are also working well on them. Kentucky bass have pulled off the banks and moved back out with the shad and onto chunk rock points. Work the northern channel swings or secondary points in the creek entrances with spoons, grubs and crankbaits. If the weather is warm this week, the Kentuckies will move with the shad into the pockets and cuts. Walleye are still waiting for the lake temperature to move into the 50s so they can move into their spawning areas. Walleye are holding in 32 to 40 feet of water, outside of feeding flats, main lake points and creek arm secondary points. The bite has been slow for the past two weeks, but a few are still being caught at night up on chunk rock points with Clown Rogues. Lead Hill Boat Dock said the lake is clearing up and is at normal pool. Crappie fishing is good 15- to 18-feet deep using live minnows. The smaller crappie are being picked up from 5- to 8-feet deep. Largemouth bass and black bass are biting well about 20-feet deep.

Bull Shoals Tailwaters: McLellan’s Fly Shop said generation has been cut nearly in half over the past week; look for wadable water on the weekend. After all of the high water, the trout are used to eating a lot. In the faster riffles and runs, drift a scud, sow bug, mayfly nymph or caddis pupa under a strike indicator and hold on. March is the start of the major caddis season on the White River, so be sure to have plenty of caddis pupa, as well as dries, in your fly box. Pupa patterns like the Z-Wing Caddis and the new Graphic Caddis are some favorites. As for dry fly patterns, it is hard to beat the classic Elk Hair Caddis, but new versions like Rainy’s Foam-Body Elk Hair Caddis and the flashy Pearl-and-Elk are productive new twists on the original. For slower currents, also carry E-Z Caddis, which rides flush in the film. During high water, fly fishing from a boat using large strike indicators and heavy split shot has produced plenty of hook-ups and brought many quality trout to the net, especially in the first mile below Bull Shoals Dam. Shad patterns like White Zonkers and the Arkansas Conehead have been hooking several quality trout when drifted under large strike indicators with heavy split shot. The best flies have been: Zebra and Black/Olive Rubber-leg Copper John (sizes 14 to 18), McLellan’s Woven V-Rib Sowbug (sizes 14 and 16), McLellan’s Hunchback Scud Tan, Olive and Gray (sizes 14 and 16) Graphic Caddis Tan and Olive (sizes 14 to 18), Z-Wing Caddis (sizes 14 and 16), Caddis Larva (sizes 14 and 16), Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14 to 18), E-Z Caddis (sizes 14 to 18), Red Fox Squirrel Nymph (sizes 12 to 16), Rag Sculpin (size 6), Articulated Zoo Cougar (size 4), Swimming Jimmy (size 4) White Zonker (size 6), Arkansas Conehead (size 6), San Juan Worms (size 10), and Micro Eggs (size 14).

Lake Norfork: Cranfield Junction Quik Stop said crappie are biting well 5- to 15-feet deep on live minnows and jigs. Black bass fishing was good using crankbaits, jerkbaits and jigs. Striper fishing was fair using jerkbaits or live baits. White bass fishing was good using swimming minnows in the creek arms. Walleye fishing was good in the rivers using jerkbaits or crawler harnesses.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Beaver Lake: Southtown Sporting Goods said the lake clarity is good, and the lake is just about at normal pool. The lake temperature is at 50 degrees. Crappie fishing is fair from 6- to 15-feet deep using minnows or tube jigs. Black bass are still in pre-spawn mode, and some are biting on crankbaits, jerkbaits, hula grubs and jigs in deep water. White bass fishing is fair. Try using live crawfish, jigs, spinner baits or Rat-L-Traps. Some stripers have been taken from Point 12 to Blue Springs using live shad.

Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock said the lake is clear and at normal pool. The lake temperature is 48 degrees. Bream fishing is fair using worms. Crappie fishing is fair from 10- to 12-feet deep using minnows and jigs near brush piles or stumps. Bass fishing is good 8- to 12-feet deep using Rogues. White bass are biting about 15-feet deep on spoons or grubs. The white bass surface activity has ended.

Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock said the lake conditions are normal, but the rain has slowed the fishing somewhat. Bream are biting well on worms. Crappie fishing is good using minnows and jigs. A few bass are being picked up on spinner baits or jig-and-pig combos.

Beaver Tailwaters: McLellan’s Fly Shop said generation has been reduced considerably over the past week providing plenty of wading opportunities, especially on the weekend. With all of the high water over the past two months, the trout are fat, healthy and eager to bite. Scuds and sow bugs as well as midge pupa patterns have been the most productive with soft-hackle action starting to heat up as well. Outside of the catch-and-release area, try swinging a team of soft hackles slowly across the current. The best flies have been: McLellan’s Hunchback Scud Gray and Olive (sizes 14 and 16), McLellan’s Woven Sow Bug (sizes 14 and 16), Mercury Brassie (sizes 18 and 20), Rojo Midge (size 22), Mercury Blood Midge (sizes 20 and 22), Red Jujubee Midge (sizes 20 and 22), Johnny Flash (sizes 20 to 24), Mercury Black Beauty (sizes 20 and 22), Gray Mercury Midge (sizes 20 and 22), March Brown Spider (size 14) and Red Ass (size 16).

Kings River: Kings River Outfitters said the river is crystal clear and perfect for floating. Bass fishing has been slow, but some smallmouths and goggle-eyes have been taken in the deep holes using Gitzits, tube jigs and grubs.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

White River: Local fisherman Jeff Moore said the White River at Batesville is on the rise from the recent rains, but fishing continues to get better and better. A recent bass tournament on the river produced some nice stringers of bass, and two five-fish limits that weighed in excess of 14 pounds. Most of the largemouth came from the creek on Hula Grubs and tube baits. There were several fish caught on crankbaits too. Smallmouth fishing between Guion and Boswell Shoals is good on tube baits in dark browns and greens. Trout fishing in the Guion area continues to be good. Drift-fishing is the best method to catch a limit. Spinners with gold or silver blades tipped with corn, worms or Power Eggs are working well. Spoons such as ¼-oz. gold Little Cleos continue to catch fish. Yo-yos continue to catch crappie and catfish from the river eddies, creeks and sloughs. Walleye and sauger fishing continues to be fair between Lock No. 1 and Black River. Small crankbaits fished over the sand and gravel bars are producing fish. Tubes and jigs are catching a few fish from the same areas.

Lake Charles: Powhatan Landing said the lake is stained and at normal pool. Crappie fishing is good using minnows. The crappie are moving into the bank. Bass fishing is fair on plastic worms. However, only small bass are being taken.

Spring River: Local fisherman Gary Salard said there was some good fishing this weekend. Fishermen are catching their limit of trout using brown-and-tan Woolly Buggers. One trout was 18 inches. Fishermen are still catching some nice smallmouth. The fish are moving towards the bedding areas. They are being caught on crawfish-colored crankbaits. Crappie are still doing well for the few anglers that fish for them This is definitely a untapped resource on the upper Spring River, and some real slabs are being caught using white jigs and minnows under overhangs.

SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS

Lake Chicot: Koenig’s Bass Tracker Marine the lake clarity is fair, and the lake level is normal. Crappie fishing is fair using yo-yos.

Grand Lake: Koenig’s Bass Tracker Marine said crappie are biting well from 4- to 5-feet deep on jigs and yo-yos near brush piles. Catfishing is fair using worms on the bottom.

Mississippi River: Koenig’s Bass Tracker Marine said the river is muddy and at 39 feet.

Old Town Lake: Old Town Fish Camp said the lake is stained and about 6-inches above normal pool. A few bream are being taken. Crappie fishing is good from 14- to 16-inches deep either yo-yo fishing or pole fishing with minnows and jigs. Catfish are also biting well from 14- to 16-inches deep on yo-yos baited with minnows.

SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS

Millwood Lake: Millwood Lake Guide Service said the water temperature ranges from 59 to 69 degrees. The lake level is 18 inches above normal, and the lake visibility is 8 inches. The lake elevation is 260.75 feet and rising. The current gate release rate is 11,507 cubic feet per second. Largemouths are excellent on Gitzits, white spinner baits, Smithwick Rouges, Cordell Red Fins, Bandit crankbaits and various red Rat-L-Traps. Many 7- to 9-pound largemouths have been taken, as well as several fish between 10 and 12 pounds. The jig bite has improved for bass this week. We are starting to see some bass on the beds. They are being found in the nearest drop that has a depth of 3 to 6 feet. Black bass remain fair to good in deeper water on Carolina-rigged Zoom Lizards in green pumpkin or pumpkinseed with a chartreuse tail. Power Worms from 10- to 12-inches long in red shad, junebug or blue fleck continue taking keepers along the river drop offs. Along the river, fish around stumps and timber from 8- to 15-feet deep or drag a Carolina rig across the points dumping into the river. Crappie also continue to transition to shallow spawning areas with some beginning to prepare beds. Nice slab catches have been taken on live shiners and jigs from 3- to 6-feet deep along Little River and its oxbows. Longnose gar have been noted cruising in shallow water (1 to 3 feet). Several gar weighing up to 8 pounds have been seen and appear to be considering spawning activities. This is an excellent time for bow fishermen to take some nice gar. White bass continue their annual spawning run up Little River. Whites have been caught around the Cossatot River mouth, on points extending into Little River, in bar pits and up toward the Patterson Shoal areas. The whites have weighed up to 3 and 4 pounds and are hitting Little Cleos, Roostertails, Chuck-N-Spins, Rocket Shads, and Tiny Trap Rat-L-Traps (1/8 ounce). The best colors have been chrome-and-blue or silver-and-white. It is an excellent time to take a kid fishing for the whites. Several fishermen have caught over 50 fish in just a few hours. Blue cats remain good in Little River on trotlines and yo-yos baited with chicken livers. Lines set in outside the river bends seem receive the best results.

Lake Columbia: Steve's Marine said the lake level is normal. Some bream are being taken using red worms. Crappie are biting well near the bridge; try pole fishing with chartreuse-and-gray jigs or medium silver shiners. Bass fishing is good using spinner baits and soft plastics. Bass, as large as 11 pounds, have been taken. Assorted species of catfish have been taken using trotlines baited with goldfish and shiners.

Lake Erling: Steve's Marine said the lake is down some and still falling. Some bream are biting on red worms. Crappie fishing is slow using yo-yos, but some are being picked up pole fishing with red-and-gray jigs or medium-sized silver shiners. Bass fishing is good using assorted baits. A 10-pound bass was taken on a chartreuse spinner bait. Catfishing is really good using cold worms.

White Oak Lake: Charlie’s One Stop said the lake is clear and at normal pool. Bream fishing is fair from 6- to 8-feet deep using worms and crickets over brush piles. Crappie fishing is fair from 6- to 7-feet using minnows or jigs near stumps. Catfishing is fair using trotlines baited with chicken liver or stink bait.

Lake Greeson: Lakeside Grocery, Motel and Bait Shop said the lake is clear and low. Bream fishing is poor using crickets. Crappie fishing is good about 10-feet deep using minnows and jigs near brush piles. Some large crappie have been taken. Bass fishing is fair 2- to 10-feet deep using spinner baits, crankbaits, minnows, worms or lizards in the shallow coves. White bass and Kentucky bass are schooling and breaking on the lake. Try using spoons, Gitzits or top-water lures. Catfishing is good using trotlines or jugs baited with stink bait or nightcrawlers.

DeGray Lake: DeGray One Stop said the lake is stained on the north end, but the center of the lake is clear. Crappie are approaching their beds and are being caught 2- to 6-feet deep using small minnows or jigs in the north to northwest end of the lake in the weeds. Bass are biting 8- to 14-feet deep but are moving into shallow water. For bass, try using spinner baits, top-water lures or jerkbaits over rocky points or moss beds. Hybrids and whites should be coming back into the lake; they are coming off their spawning beds. Catfish are biting well on trotlines set from 20- to 35-feet deep and baited with small bream or bass minnows.

Little Missouri River: Local fly-fishing guide Jeff Guerin said the runs around Low Water have fish stacked up in the deeper pockets since there has been no generation for about two weeks. That's not unusual, actually, for this time of year. They've drawn the lake way down to allow for the "spring rains" to come in. And the power demands in April aren't that extreme as say January or July. So I wouldn't expect to see any generation or very minimal generation for a few weeks. Which makes for awesome dry fly fishing over the next two months. Try an A & W fly in the area. A Bead Belly has also worked well. Fish were rising constantly in the deeper slower water of the runs, but seemed to go in waves. There may be a little lull in surface action every now and then, but it never actually stops. The lake and river are both so stable that the water is getting crystal clear.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Dardanelle: Early Bird Outfitters said the lake is muddy but at normal pool. Bream are biting well from 3- to 6-feet deep on crickets, nightcrawlers or popping bugs. Crappie fishing is good about 4-feet deep using minnows. Bass fishing is good from 1- to 3-feet deep using spinner baits or red crankbaits. Catfishing is good using stink bait, cut bait or nightcralwers in the current breaks.

Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart said the river level has been fluctuating. Bream fishing is fair using worms and crickets in the ponds. A few crappie are being picked up in the river and on the ponds using minnows and jigs. Bass fishing is fair using spinner baits and jigs. A few white bass are being taken with minnows and jigs. Also, a few small catfish are biting on nightcrawlers, minnows and cut bait.

Lake Ouachita: Cross Creek said the lake is clear and at normal pool. From No. 25 Island down the lake is clear, but above this point, the lake is muddy. Crappie fishing is fair from 6- to 8-feet deep. Bass are biting fair. Try fishing from 3- to 4-feet deep with spinner baits or plastic worms on the main lake or in the back creeks. Whites are spawning up in the creeks. Trader Bill’s Sport Shop said the lake clarity ranges from stained to muddy. The lake temperature is in the mid-50s. Crappie are biting well from 6- to 7-feet deep on minnows and jigs fished near brush piles or along the moss line. Bass fishing is good from 5- to 7-feet deep using spinner baits, Rat-L-Traps or a 1/8-ounce leadhead with a green finesse worm. Try fishing for bass near rocky points.

Lake Catherine: Trader Bill’s Sport Shop said the lake is very muddy. Crappie fishing is good from 5- to 6-feet deep using minnows or jigs near brush. Bass are biting well from 5- to 6-feet deep on black-and-chartreuse jigs or crankbaits.

Lake Hamilton: Trader Bill’s Sport Shop said the lake clarity ranges from a mild stain to muddy. Crappie fishing is good from 5- to 6-feet deep using live minnows or jigs near brush piles. Bass fishing is good using spinner baits or Rat-L-Traps on rocky points or on the flats.

Lake Hinkle: Bill's Bait Shop said the lake is clear and at normal pool. Some large crappie have been taken on minnows. Before the cold front, the crappie were trying to move into shallow water. Bass fishing has been really good using minnows. A few catfish have been taken using chicken liver.

Lake Atkins: Lucky Landing said the lake is murky and high. Bream fishing is excellent in shallow water off the bank; try using wax worms or crickets. Crappie fishing is fair from 6- to 8-feet deep using minnows near brush piles. Bass fishing is good in shallow water on black-and-blue jigs near the cypress trees. Catfishing is fair on trotlines or yo-yos baited with small bream.

Lake Nimrod: Lake Nimrod Bait ‘n’ More II said the lake level is 347.43 feet and rising. Crappie fishing is excellent using minnows or jigs in red-and-chartreuse, pink-and-white or black-and-chartreuse. Crappie are moving into brush on the edge of the lake. Catfishing is excellent using worms or yo-yos baited with minnows. Bass fishing is excellent using buzz baits and minnows. Some white bass are being caught. Bream fishing is good using crickets and worms.

SOUTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Felsenthal: Benson’s Grocery and Bait said the lake is high. Bream are biting fair on crickets and shiners. Crappie fishing is good using artificial baits near the bank.

Cox Creek Lake: Sanders Pawn & Bait said the lake is high. Crappie fishing is fair in shallow water using minnows or jigs. Bass fishing is fair in shallow water using plastic worms or shiners close to the bank.

EAST ARKANSAS:

White River Refuge Lakes: Ed's Bait Shop said the lakes are clear. Crappie fishing is fair using yo-yos baited with minnows. Bass fishing is good using minnows.

Maddox Bay: Maddox Bay Landing said catfishing is good using trotlines baited with crawfish and minnows.

Midway Lake: Ed’s Boat Camp said the lake is clear and at normal pool. Bream are biting well on red worms and crickets fished near brush piles or stumps. Crappie fishing is good in shallow water using yo-yos baited with minnows or jigs. Bass fishing is good using top-water lures. Catfishing is fair using minnows.

Horseshoe Lake: Local fisherman Clyde Gregory said the lake is clear and at normal pool. Bream fishing is good from 3- to 4-feet deep using wax worms or red worms. Crappie are biting well about 7-feet deep on minnows and black-and-chartreuse jigs. Bass fishing is good about 6-feet deep using spinner baits near lily pads or stick-ups. Catfishing is good using stink bait or cut shad about 6-feet deep.

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