Arkansas Wildlife Fishing Report Archives

Feb. 12, 2020

Lou Gabric found the stripers on Norfork Lake.

Rising Waters Affect
Striper Action at Norfork

Lou Gabric, owner of Hummingbird Hideaway Resort, said Norfork Lake fishing has been an interesting experience this winter. A typical winter pattern for striped bass never materialized, he says. Normally, the bait goes to the deep-water river channel in the main lake and suspends 40-60 feet down and the striped bass hide out within the bait and get active when they get hungry. It appeared that the normal pattern was starting to happen around the beginning of January, but then the lake level changed abruptly and affected the bait. The quick rise in the water level moved a lot of the bait into the creeks closer to the flowing water. With the quick 6-foot rise in the water level, there was a lot of mud drawn into the lake.
Nevertheless, Lou got out Saturday and caught five stripers, keeping three that are shown in the photo. He says fish were only 5-20 feet down in 100-plus feet of water. "I do spend quite a bite of time looking around for striped bass, but when you find them you will have a blast."
Lou's got plenty more in his report from Norfork Lake, plus there are good reports from around the state, despite all this rain we're seeing. Check out this week's Fishing Report.

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Mike Siefert and a young friend caught some nice white bass recently.

Still Catching Fish Amid All the High Water

This is about the time when classic rock radio stations start cueing up John Fogerty's "Who'll Stop the Rain" regularly, and when weather forecasters promise us there's an end in sight. Lakes are on the rise, dams are on round-the-clock release schedules as long as the streams below can handle the water, the Arkansas River is running high and fast, and the opportunities to fish don't seem very prevalent. Look closer. Be safe, of course, but check out some good opportunities out there.
Guide Mike Siefert sent along the photo left of a young angler who joined Siefert in taking in the white bass action at Millwood Lake in southwest Arkansas. The lake has seen a lot of water and changing clarity, but there is some clearer water away from the river's main current. Check out more from Mike and from our other Fishing Report contributors by clicking the link below.

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A tagged trout might just land you a great guided fishing trip on the Little Red River., but the contest is nearing an end.

Family and Community Program Seeks to Hook Anglers With Prizes

The AGFC's Family and Community Fishing Program will conclude its final trout stockings for the 2019-20 winter stocking season this week at ponds throughout Arkansas. This is the last chance to hook into a specially tagged prize-winning rainbow trout before the water warms too much to support these cold-water fish. Each year, the AGFC stocks rainbow trout from the Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery in ponds throughout Arkansas while the water temperature is low enough to support them. The program is part of the AGFC’s continued mission to recruit the next generation of anglers, no matter where they live in The Natural State.
In addition to the enjoyment of catching and eating the stocked fish, anglers have the opportunity to catch specially tagged trout throughout winter to receive special prizes. This year, everyone who catches a tagged trout and returned the tag to the AGFC has been entered in special drawings to win guided trout-fishing trips on the famous Little Red River with Sore Lip ‘em All Guide Service.

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