Trophy stripers being landed at Beaver Lake

Reports from Northwest Arkansas show fish are biting this winter

By Jim Harris Arkansas Wildlife Editor

Carlin Stewart of Fayetteville (right) and Travis Cantrell from Harrison took advantage of a good striper bite taking place on Beaver Lake in recent days. Both anglers were guided by Jon Conklin of FishOn Guide Service and a regular contributor to the AGFC's Weekly Fishing Report, along with guide Chris Kellar of One On Guides. Conklin said he's been teaming up and mentoring Kellar of late as they take anglers out on some exciting excursions, whether for striper or other targets on Beaver Lake.

Conklin says Beaver has had an influx of fresh water with a fair amount of mud and debris of late, and he urges boaters to be on the lookout for big floaters. Striper fishing has been fair to good from Horseshoe Bend up to the islands at Prairie Creek, he said, and most of the catches are trophy size like those pictured here.

Crappie have been fair, catfish have been good and walleye are staging, so it's time to hit the flats and points near Point 12, he said.

With the inclement weather of late, fishing is hit and miss around the state. Some favorite spots, like Millwood Lake and the tailwater of Carpenter Dam, have water issues that may make things hazardous for a few days. Lake Ouachita is on the rise as well. But some spots like Lake Conway and Lake Charles have plenty of crappie biting and are at lower-thannormal levels despite recent rain. Check out some of the other regional reports below

Northwest Arkansas Fishing Reports

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— Jon Conklin with FishOn Guide Service (479-233-3474) said “Well, it's a new year and I am hoping for a great 2022.

The lake had some influx of fresh water with a fair amount of mud and debris. The mud goes from Neils Bluff on the White to Piney Creek and from Piney Creek up to Camp War Eagle on the War Eagle arm. Lots of big floaters, so be careful. Stripers are fair to good from Horseshoe Bend up to the islands at Prairie Creek. On that note the fish we are catching are real trophy size right now. We have put numerous 20-plus fish in the boat this week.

Crappie are fair in and around brush in 15-25 feet of water.

Jigs and minnows are working. Look from Hickory Creek down to Horseshoe Bend as that is where the water is not muddy. Catfish have been good on shad in 45 feet of water. Walleye are staging; time to hit the flats and points near Point 12.

Water is at 45 degrees, give or take where you are located.

Check out Jon’s Facebook page at FishOn Guides Goshen Arkansas for updated reports as conditions change quickly this time of the year.

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said stripers are good on topwater baits early in the day and late in the evening, as well as on brood minnows. Anglers report they are catching good-size fish.

No reports on bream. The crappie bite is good; use minnows or jigs and work the brush piles for best results.

Black bass are fair; anglers are having best luck using spoons, Alabama rigs and jerkbaits. No reports on catfish. The lake clarity is muddy and the surface water temperature is ranging 46-48 degrees. Water level is normal.

• Beaver Tailwater — Guide Austin Kennedy (479-2440039) says, “Well, I hope you all had a happy holiday. As for fishing, the trout bite has been decent in the tailwater.

Most have been caught with Pautzke bait products, fished with light terminal tackle.

However, spoons and small jerkbaits have produced nice numbers, too. Most of the fish have been caught between Spider Creek and Parker Bottoms. When the Army Corps of Engineers has water flowing, drift-fishing is the way to go. I would also work the spoons a little more.

“Here in a few weeks the walleye should start making their yearly run up the river. I will have better locations once I start looking for them. Follow my fishing Facebook page (Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service) for further updates between reports. Of course, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and message me. Hope yall stay warm! Get out there and catch some fish!”

Photo courtesy of Jon Conklin