Bass providing excitement for all

West- Central Arkansas Fishing Reports

Arkanas Wildlife Editor Lake Hamilton at Hot Springs seems to be most known for being a skiing and party barge getaway for many Arkansans and visitors, but there are some nice bass swimming in it, too, and ready to be caught. Jake Young (top right) made his first-ever bass catch a special one at Lake Hamilton. The 8-year-old, who lives in Harrison, took this nice bass a couple of weeks ago. Nancy Godsey, or 'Nana' to young Jake, sent us the photo and also told us, 'Not sure who was more excited, Jake or his Nana.'

Greeson Marine in Hot Springs provides us with regular fishing reports from Lake Hamilton, and this week they note that with water temps in the mid-80s (with the exception of the river channel), the bass have been 'doing pretty well lately!' They say largemouths are biting in the early morning and evening, and continuing to do well into the night.

Dragging or dropping big black worms and lizards in shaded areas will get strikes. And don't forget the topwater lures. Just make sure, with whatever bait, to hit those shaded areas that are holding bass all day long, they say.

We were thinking we also could maybe reach out to Jake and see what his tricks are. He seems to have figured it out quickly.

Lots of good reports have surfaced this week from the west-central part of the state. Check them out below:

• Lake Catherine — Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, reports that water temperature below the dam is 64 degrees with clear conditions in the tailrace.

Entergy has scheduled an 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. generation pattern that has included an open floodgate at times below Carpenter Dam, which has created a dangerous flow. Boaters are cautioned to remain a safe distance from the dam during this time. Rainbow trout fishing is very slow with the majority of fish either caught or migrated away from the dam.

Months of the trout season were lost due to flooding, much like last year.

Typically the trout season is now over on Lake Catherine, and this year is no exception. While the white bass spawn is over, good numbers of fish remain in the tailrace and are feeding on shad. The size is running small but these fish are actively feeding and are being caught on jigs, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and live minnows. Walleye are also present from the bridge to the dam and being taken on the same presentations. The hot weather draws these fish to the tailrace to feed on shad and crayfish.

The hot summer weather has drawn big numbers of freshwater drum into the tailrace. These fish range from 2 pounds to 20 pounds and larger. These fish feed on shad and crawfish and are also caught on nightcrawlers. The strikes are hard and fast and bank anglers are cautioned not to leave rods unattended.

Expensive tackle is easily jerked into the lake by actively feeding drum.

Little topwater action has been observed around the dam this week, which normally marks the feeding patterns of big stripers that migrate in and out of the area to rest and feed.

Hybrid bass often accompany these predator fish and both species can be hooked by casting Super Spooks and weightless jigs in a rainbow trout color.

Flow discharges can change rapidly and anyone navigating the Carpenter Dam tailrace is urged to stay alert and always wear a life jacket when on the water.

• Lake Dardanelle — Jason Baumgartner, park aquarist at Lake Dardanelle State Park (479-890-7495), said that with less rainfall and slower river flow, the water has cleared up near the surface and visibility reaches a few feet. Surface temperature is 88 degrees.

As of Tuesday the Army Corps of Engineers last reported river flow at Ozark Lock and Dam was at 18,000 cfs. The Ozark tailwater was near 338 feet msl. River flow at Dardanelle Lock and Dam has been near 8,000 cfs Tuesday morning.

Dardanelle tailwater level has moved between 4 and 5 feet. The pool elevation near the State Park has held in recent days and is near 337 feet msl. River flow at both Ozark and Dardanelle has been fairly stagnant at times and most, if not all, of the flow has been through the powerhouses, which have been generating most days. As for fishing, no fishing tournaments were held at the State Park this past weekend.

Lake Dardanelle State Park continues to comply with State and Federal guidelines and directives for social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID- 19. The status of our facilities continues to be evaluated. In accordance with the governor’s directive, tournament officials are required to submit an event plan and permit application to the Arkansas Department of Health prior to their event. Tournament officials are also required to present their ADH permit and event plan to Lake Dardanelle State Park and agree to tournament regulations regarding COVID-19.

For details or questions contact our visitor center at (479) 967-5516.

A persistent high-pressure system settled over Arkansas this past week with very little upper level flow in atmosphere to move any weather fronts.

The region experienced mostly clear skies with

Continued on Page 15 sunshine, heat and humidity. According to the National Weather Service, a couple of factors in play for the upcoming weather forecast. Currently, a frontal boundary has been stalled over southern Missouri. The upper level jet stream over Canada is expected to create ridging over the western U.S. and flow from the northwest toward Arkansas. This will interact with that stalled frontal boundary to bring increased rain chances to the area Wednesday through Friday with possible rainfall amounts ranging 2-4 inches.

“Be safe while on the river and take time to put a line the water!” he said.

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fishing boats in Hot Springs, reports Lake Hamilton’s temperatures in the mid-80s in most parts of the lake with exception to the river channel. Bass have been doing pretty well lately! Largemouths are biting in the early morning and evening and even doing well at night.

Dragging or dropping big black worms and lizards in shaded areas are getting strikes. With that said don’t forget about topwater!

Shaded areas hold bass all day long. Spotted bass (God love ’em!) are hungry all the time and will eagerly take drop-shot rigs, Ned rigs and wacky rigs all day long on main points, piers and under boat docks.

Colors are simple green, watermelon seed and black and blue. Spots can also be caught on topwater baits when they do their feeding frenzy throughout the day.

Crappie are hit or miss lately. Skipping or shooting shaded boat docks in the 10-15 foot range has been working if you are patient enough to find the dock that they have congregated on! Shad imitations and minnows are the go-to here.

Catfish are good everywhere and easily caught after dark anywhere in the 20-foot-depth range near or in current. “My favorite is cheddar cheese hunks. The less expensive the better!

Just throw it out on a weighted line and enjoy the evening tight lining. Good luck, and Go Greeson!

• Lake Nimrod — Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) says the water is clear and surface temperature is 91 degrees. Water level is normal. Bream are good. They are in 3-5 feet depth on the points. Use worms or crickets. The crappie bite continues to be excellent. They are being caught 6-8 feet deep away from brush. Any jigs in white/chartreuse or blue/white colors will lead to success, and minnows are also working. Black bass are good. Topwater baits, worms, June bugs and War Eagle Buzzbaits in chartreuse, black and white colors are the way to go.

Catfishing is good on limblines or jugs set 6-feet deep and by noodling.

• Lake Ouachita — Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out of state) reports that black bass are slow to fair. Big Texas-rigged worms and jighead worms are working best. Try red bug, plum or blood line colors. Walleye are good.

Spoons and bottom bouncers with small spinners tipped with a crawler are working best. Stripers are good. They’re being caught on live bait on the east part of the lake. Bream are still good with crickets or worms in 15-25 feet of water. Crappie are slow.

Try a small jig or minnow near brush in 15-25 feet of water. Catfish are good and being caught on trotlines and jugs. Cut bait and live bait are working best.

Water temperature is ranging 80-85 degrees and the clarity is clear. The lake level earlier this week was 575.07 feet msl. Call the Mountain Harbor fishing guides (Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717, or Chris Darby, 870-867-7822) for more information.