Arkansas Headwaters

Spring runoff has run its course and the Arkansas River is settling into its mid-summer flow. The river is currently tracking below the long-term average. This time of year produces some of the best and most exciting fishing of the year due to the trout being very hungry after working through the high water and receiving very little fishing pressure. Streamers, large stonefly/attractor dries, hoppers, and stonefly nymphs all work very well in these conditions. In addition, we are seeing hatches of yellow sallies, pale morning duns, and caddis. Fishing the right water is more important than choosing the right fly. Most of the trout will be in the transitional water between the shoreline and the seam line. Approach this narrow band of water like a small stream, using short casts and big flies. Fish the edges during the low light periods of early morning and late evening. (Courtesy of ArkAnglers) Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Blue Lake

Water levels are remaining high and the high water boat ramp is usable. Anglers are having luck catching saugeye and crappie. Fishing for catfish has slowed down recently.

Clear Creek Reservoir

Trout angling at Clear Creek Reservoir from a boat remains fair and fishing continues to remain slow from shore. Anglers targeting trout are experiencing the most success in the morning hours. Anglers are catching mostly 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout from shore and boat. Some anglers reported landing 18 to 25 inch rainbow trout near the dam.  Woolly buggers and blue damsels have been performing well for fly anglers. Trout fishing from a boat has been less productive at depths greater than 20 feet. Trolling dry flies, Needlefish lures, and pink Tasmanian Devil lures produced a high catch rate of trout for boat anglers. Boat anglers also caught trout at the eastern part of the reservoir with worms. Evening has been the best time to fish for tiger muskie. Some anglers reported tiger muskie following Rapalas up to the boat but not taking the lure. A boat angler landed a 42 inch tiger musky on a crankbait Sunday afternoon. The reservoir is closed to motorized watercrafts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The current boating hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lake Henry

The boat ramp is now open. Anglers are catching a few largemouth bass and catfish on various lures. Fishing for wiper has slowed down recently.

Lake Pueblo

The water temperature is currently around 72 degrees.  Fishing has been good. Try fishing for walleye in deeper water now that the water temperature has gone up. Lindy rigs, grubs, and live bait are producing for walleye. Bass fishing has been consistent for anglers using soft plastics, spinner baits, and crank baits. Early mornings and late evenings will produce better results than midday fishing. We have not received many reports on the trout, wiper, and catfish fishing. Anticline Pond has been producing a lot of trout.  Boaters are reminded that the boat ramps are open and summer hours are from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Lake Pueblo State Park

North Gateway Park

Anglers are having luck catching rainbow trout in the 10 to 18 inch range and some cutthroat trout averaging 18 inches in length. The trout are biting on various baits and smaller lures. The bass and crappie are biting on hard and soft baits and the crappie being caught are averaging 6 to 8 inches in length. All three ponds are very full due to the Arkansas River running high right now.