FISHING REPORTS (cont.)

Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Buffalo National River and Crooked Creek are navigable. John’s favorite fly on these waters is a Clouser minnow. Carefully check the water level before entering Crooked Creek or the Buffalo River.

There are no dams on these streams. They both have large drainages and are prone to flooding during and following any rain event. The water can rise very quickly.

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— Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) says Beaver is coming down SLOWLY. The lake has dropped 1 foot or so in the last few weeks. Water temps in the lower 80s.

Fishing is fairly good for all species. Crappie are being caught trolling cranks and with jigs. Look in 20 to 30 feet of water for fish. Stripers are still good.

Fish moving toward the clear water end of the lake.

Walleye are being caught in fair numbers with lots of smaller fish with worm harnesses and trolled cranks. Bass are early and late hitting on top and drifting deeper as the day moves on. Catfish are good and Jon said he s had lots of reports of catfish at night being caught on black spinnerbaits throughout the lake by nighttime bass fisherman.

Bream are good on crickets and redworms.

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said bream are good on redworms and crickets. Crappie are fair for anglers who made the switch to crankbaits this week. Black bass appear to be spawning, and it s a hodgepodge on the type of baits anglers were catching them on. Catfish are spawning, but they can still be caught. Lake clarity is fairly clear. Beaver Lake is still quite high, but did fall close to a foot.

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— Loy Lewis with War Eagle Creek Outfitting (479-530-3262) said fishing going great on War Eagle Creek for smallmouth bass; they are biting about all day, he said. Topwater baits are on for summertime. Big Clifty Cove of Beaver Lake is loaded with catfish and they re being caught on all fishing methods. Good Kentucky bass are being caught close to rock ledges on points. Follow War Eagle Creek Outfitting on Facebook for photos; call 479-530-3262 for guided trips and for free water access and parking.

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— Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) says the lake still has a stained clarity and is at a normal level. Surface water temperature is 78 degrees.

Crappie are still good despite the rising temps, and the crappie are hanging out at 10-12 feet. Use minnows,

Bream are good on redworms and crickets. No reports came in on black bass. Catfishing is good using worms. Try gold worms for the best response.