Arkansas Fishing Report: Lake Conway, Little Red River, and Local Water Updates

Arkansas anglers are finding prime fall fishing opportunities as cooler weather settles in, with hot spots including the Lake Conway Nursery Pond and the Little Red River, even as major lakes like Conway and Harris Brake face low water levels and renovations.

As the relentless Arkansas heat finally gives way to the crisp embrace of fall, a familiar rhythm returns to the state’s waterways. Anglers are dusting off their rods, checking generation schedules, and heading out for some of the best fishing of the year. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s latest weekly report, a vital resource for anyone looking to wet a line, paints a picture of a state in transition—some lakes are being drawn down for major projects, while others are offering up fantastic catches in the cooling water.

The Little Red River: A Fly Fisher’s Autumn Paradise

For many, the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam is the crown jewel of Arkansas trout fishing, and the fall season is proving why. Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips, a voice with decades of experience on these waters, captures the moment perfectly.

Trout Fishing—Little Red River—Arkansas!

Mike Winkler of Little Red River Fly Fishing Trips said, “Finally, fall has arrived here in Arkansas! Daytime temperatures have been in the 70s and 80s, with nighttime lows in the 50s and 60s. If I were fishing on foot, I’d start around JFK Park or Swinging Bridge access. We’ve also been having some good late-afternoon and evening fishing. Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather while we’ve got it!”

The story on the Little Red is one of schedule and strategy. With power demand dropping as temperatures moderate, the Southwestern Power Administration has settled into a predictable pattern, usually running two units for two to four hours in the late afternoon. This consistency is a game-changer. Anglers can check the Southwestern Power Administration website for the forecast generation schedule, and Winkler stresses the importance of using the USACE Little Rock app for real-time water release data before heading out.

Southwestern power administration swpa map of hydroelectric dams and transmission lines

The predictable flows have created ideal wadeable conditions. Winkler recommends starting at JFK Park or Swinging Bridge for foot fishing, noting both areas receive heavy stockings. For those in boats, he’s focusing on deeper sections, particularly around moss beds and in steady current. The bite has been best in the morning, with the tail end of overnight generation still moving water, and again in the late afternoon when midges are hatching. The most effective flies right now are San Juan Worms, egg patterns, and midge patterns—a testament to the river’s healthy ecosystem and the fish’s keen senses.

Lake Conway’s Renovation Creates a Unique Opportunity

Just down the road, the story at Lake Conway is one of patience and anticipation. The massive reservoir is currently drawn down for a significant renovation project, a process that is proceeding on schedule. This means the main lake is off-limits, but the AGFC has a clever solution in place: the Lake Conway Nursery Pond.

In God fishing caught a Green Sunfish Bream in Middle Fork Little Red River by Leslie Arkansas

This 70-acre pond, typically used for raising fish, has been opened to the public and is now a family-friendly fishing destination. The AGFC has stocked it with mature bass, crappie, catfish, and bream to give anglers something to target. As the weather cools, the pond is expected to fish even better. For the dedicated trout angler, there’s an added bonus: rainbow trout are stocked for the cold weather months. The AGFC staff in Mayflower have noted that the pond is already seeing good use, with anglers successfully catching bream and smaller bass. This temporary fishery provides a vital outlet while one of Arkansas’s most famous lakes is being rebuilt. The gates on the new dam will close on Dec. 2, allowing the lake to begin its slow refilling process.

Low Water Challenges at Other Lakes

Not every Arkansas lake is as accommodating as the Nursery Pond. A common theme across several reports is low water, creating both challenges and unique opportunities. At Harris Brake Lake, the situation is particularly stark. Bing Watkins at Harris Brake Lake Resort said, “You can see some bass moving around, chasing shad near the shoreline,” Bing said. “It’s still way too low. Trolling motors would be best now. Nobody has talked about catfish in quite a while, she said.”

Arkansas Trout Paradise | Dr. Keith Currie on the Legendary Little Red River

Brewer Lake is facing similar low-water issues. The AGFC confirms that while the south ramp is still usable, launch conditions require extreme caution.

Competitive Anglers Find Fish in Low Water

Even with low water levels, competitive anglers are finding ways to put fish in the boat. The Arkansas Crappie Trail held a tournament on Lake Overcup on Oct. 24, and the results show the fish are there, if you can find them. Lamar Bunting and Gene Neumeier won with a five-fish limit weighing 9.12 pounds, with their biggest fish at 2.37 pounds. The Big Crappie of the tournament, a 2.75-pounder, was caught by Donnie Barnhart.

Trout Fishing the Little Red River, AR

Meanwhile, on the Little Maumelle River, Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina is reporting some excellent fishing. The water is at a normal level, and the crappie are actively biting in 3-6 feet of water around trees, primarily on jigs. Ray Hudson at River Valley Marina said, “The crappie are biting again. Soft plastics and crankbaits are the best bets to catch them. They’re still biting in 2-3 feet of water.”

The fall fishing season in Arkansas is a story of adaptation and opportunity. From the controlled flows of the Little Red to the unique, temporary offerings at the Lake Conway Nursery Pond, anglers who pay attention to conditions and can adapt their tactics are being rewarded.

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