Northeast Arkansas Fishing Report

Northeast Arkansas Fishing Report

From the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Lake Poinsett

(updated 12-292018) Ome Coleman at Lake Poinsett State Park said, “Is this really December? With temperatures in the 50s, it is a good time to go fishing. Do we have minnows? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes.' Lake Poinsett State Park is here to supply your fishing needs. It is a good time to buy that angler in your life a new fishing pole and other supplies for his or her tackle box.” While Lake Poinsett is closed to anglers until 2020 for extensive repairs, there are other lakes in the immediate area to check out, including Lake Charles and Lake Hogue.

Also, the AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program is stocking the pond at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Crown Lake

(updated 12-29-2018) Boxhound Marina (870670-4496) had no report.

Spring River

(updated 12-22-2018) Mark Crawford with Spring River Flies and Guides.com (870-9558300) said water levels are running at 275 cfs (350 average) and water clarity has been clear. The river is low and clear. Y2Ks have been the hot fly for numbers the last week with a few big fish biting. The big fish fly of the week has been the White Lightning. It is a big white fly tied on a size 6 jig hook. Mimics a big bait fish. For spin-fishing it’s hot pink Trout Magnets all the way. On the tough days, pull the float off and bounce the Trout Magnet off the bottom in the deeper pools. The trout will hit it as it swings out. Lots of fun!

(updated 12-27-2018) John Berry of Berry Brothers Guide Service in Cotter (870-435-2169) said the Spring River is navigable.

This is a great place to wade fish, when they are running water on the White and Norfork Rivers. Canoe season is over. Be sure to wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive Woolly Buggers with a bit of flash (size 10), cerise and hot pink San Juan worms (size 10) and Y2Ks (size 10).

White River

(updated 12-29-2018) Triangle Sports (870-7937122) said it had no report this week. The water is running high and muddy and no one is fishing. The water is up 10-12 feet there. Call for any change in conditions in coming days.