Arkabutla LAKE WATER LEVELS
Real-time Arkabutla Lake levels, Arkabutla Spillway water flow information:
MVK Reservoir Report (Corps of Engineers) Click Here
Arkabutla lake fishing reports
This is a digest of MDWFP Fishing Reports Posted weekly here. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks currently only displays the current report. Consider these archived reports our way of saying thanks for stopping by.
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Grenada Lake Reports Can Be Found Here
Sardis Lake Fishing Reports Can Be Found Here
Arkabutla Lake Fishing Reports Can Be Found Here
Enid Lake Fishing Reports Can Be Found Here
Arkabutla - 9/5/2023 2:18:05 PM
Fish Some folks are bank or kayak fishing for fish concentrated in creek and river pools. Catfish have been biting near Hwy 51. Use baits and lures appropriate for your target fish (ex. soft plastics for bass, jigs for crappie, natural baits for catfish).
All fishing regulations remain in effect. It is a good time to take pictures or waypoints of bottom cover or habitat for when the lake refills. A drone would work well now for this activity. Be very careful around steep, muddy banks or soft bottomed areas. COE rangers are writing tickets in the Gravel Pit because the banks have become so unstable. Some fish should survive in the main lake' sloughs, and in deeper holes in creek and river channels. Like the 2012 drought, isolated pools (Duck Hole, Mud Hole, etc.) may dry up. Fish kills were reported when water levels got very low in June.
The extended drawdown will allow vegetation to colonize exposed areas, providing habitat, cover, and food for fish and aquatic invertebrates when re-flooded. Flooded vegetation also settles sediment out of the water.
Arkabutla - 4/25/2023 2:21:10 PM
Rainfall runoff raised the lake about 2 feet since last Tuesday's report.
Bass will look for the clearest water possible. Male bass should be in the backs of coves; don’t overlook recently flooded gravel roads or 4-wheeler trails through recently flooded new vegetation. Unless they are spawning, females will be holding on cover at the nearest deeper water to those coves. Fish bank cover or deeper cover (brush tops, stake beds, timber, etc.) in coves with soft plastics (including frogs), buzzbaits, or spinnerbaits. Channels and secondary points in coves may also hold bass.
Few shallow water reports. Fish that are yet to spawn will spawn 3 ft or shallower with the water rising. Best luck has been fishing jigs and/or minnows 5 - 8 ft deep in flooded timber for suspended fish. Use bigger baits and/or fish deeper to target larger crappie. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
No bream reports. Fish redworms or waxworms under a bobber in any cover (riprap, rocks, brush tops, stake beds, etc.).
Catfishing has been improving. Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river or creeks if there is any rainfall runoff. Otherwise, fish various natural baits over main lake flats.
Most white bass have moved back to the lake; some spawners will be in the river and creeks. Cast jigs or small crankbaits in the river and creeks over a sandy bottom or over hard-bottomed, sandy main lake points. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
Prepare for a cool, rainy week. No matter what the Tuesday fishing report says, always check the links in the "Water Level" section for the lake's current level and if it's rising or falling. A big rain can change conditions quickly. The water level here is rarely stable; adjust to current conditions like the fish do. Except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Crappie start to spawn when average daily water temperature at “fish depth” is about 58, peak at about 65, and end at about 75 F. Timing and duration of the spawn depends on temperature and water level trends, weather fronts, and moon phases. Fish will spawn shallower in rising water, deeper in falling water. Bigger females usually spawn first. Males of any size can be caught throughout the spawn. Males will stay on the nest until eggs hatch and fry swim up (4 - 7 days) even if the water rises or falls (unless the nest gets too shallow). Males of both Black and White Crappie get darker during the spawn; females do not change color. Historically, crappie spawn on the flood control reservoirs from the last week of March until about the first week of May, but it may shift earlier, later, or be split into two or more peaks due to weather and water fluctuations.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 10/18/2022 3:05:46 PM
Largemouth Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day. Fish off main lake points or on the edges of the river and creeks near cover (brush tops, stake beds, stumps, rocks, etc.) 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Trolling major creek mouths has been best lately with the water falling. Jigging using active sonar has also been effective. Fish standing timber or other cover with jigs and/or minnows 3 – 8 ft deep. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in any cover (rocks, brush tops, stake beds, etc.).
Catfish Fish in the river or creeks or over shallow flats 4 – 6 ft deep with various natural baits with the water falling. Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river and creeks if there is any rainfall runoff.
White Bass Cast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
Near record cold temperatures may turn the fish off temporarily, but temperatures should return to normal by the weekend.
Fall drawdown is underway. Fish will be moving via the river and creeks to the main lake. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 10/11/2022 1:10:44 PM
Largemouth Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day. Fish off main lake points or on the edges of the river and creeks near cover (brush tops, stake beds, stumps, rocks, etc.) 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Trolling major creek mouths has been best lately with the water falling. Jigging using active sonar has also been effective. Fish standing timber or other cover with jigs and/or minnows 3 – 8 ft deep. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.BreamFish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in any cover (rocks, brush tops, stake beds, etc.).
Catfish Fish in the river or creeks or over shallow flats 4 – 6 ft deep with various natural baits with the water falling. Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river and creeks if there is any rainfall runoff.
White Bass Cast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
Fall drawdown is underway. Fish will be moving via the river and creeks to the main lake. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Arkabutla - 10/4/2022 4:48:14 PM
Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day or at night. Fish off main lake points or on the edges of the river and creeks near cover (brush tops, stake beds, stumps, rocks, etc.) 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Trolling has been best lately with the water falling. Jigging using active sonar has also been effective. Fish standing timber or other cover with jigs and/or minnows 6 – 10 ft deep over deeper water. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in any cover (rocks, brush tops, stake beds, etc.).CatfishFish in the river or creeks or over shallow flats 4 – 6 ft deep with various natural baits with the water falling. Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river and creeks if there is any rainfall runoff.
White Bass Cast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
Fall weather will dominate until a dry front brings cooler temperatures by the weekend, which may turn the fish off temporarily. Fall drawdown is underway. Fish will be moving via the river and creeks to the main lake. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 9/20/2022 3:37:53 PM
Largemouth Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day or at night. Fish off main lake points or on the edges of the river and creeks near cover (brush tops, stake beds, stumps, rocks, etc.) 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Trolling has been best lately with the water falling. Jigging using active sonar has also been effective. Fish standing timber or other cover with jigs and/or minnows 6 – 10 ft deep over deeper water. Pulling crankbaits has not been as productive. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in any cover (rocks, brush tops, stake, beds, etc.).
Catfish Fish in the river or creeks or over shallow flats 4 – 6 ft deep with various natural baits with the water falling. Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river and creeks if there is any rainfall runoff.
White Bass Cast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
Fall starts this week, but it will feel like summer. Fall drawdown is underway. Fish will be moving via the river and creeks to the main lake. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
MDWFP fall 2021 sampling (electrofishing) found lots of chunky 2 - 5 lb bass, as well as hand-sized bream and a lot of 2 - 20+ lb catfish. There were good numbers of crappie, but they were holding deeper than bass/bream; most were smaller fish less than 3 years old, but some larger fish were present. The February 2021 freeze severely reduced threadfin shad numbers, but gizzard shad were happy to make up the difference with lots of 3 to 6-inch young fish.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 9/13/2022 3:43:19 PM
Largemouth Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day or at night. Fish main lake points or edges of the river and creeks near cover (brush tops, stake beds, stumps, rocks, etc.) 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Trolling success has picked up with the water falling. Jigging using active sonar has also been effective. Fish standing timber or other cover with jigs and/or minnows 6 – 10 ft deep over deeper water. Pulling crankbaits has not been as productive. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in any cover (rocks, brush tops, stake, beds, etc.).
Catfish Fish in the river or creeks or over shallow flats 4 – 6 ft deep with various natural baits with the water falling. Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river and creeks if there is any rainfall runoff.White BassCast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
A cold front this past weekend may slow fishing temporarily. Fall drawdown is underway. Fish will be moving via the river and creeks to the main lake. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
MDWFP fall 2021 sampling (electrofishing) found lots of chunky 2 - 5 lb bass, as well as hand-sized bream and a lot of 2 - 20+ lb catfish. There were good numbers of crappie, but they were holding deeper than bass/bream; most were smaller fish less than 3 years old, but some larger fish were present. The February 2021 freeze severely reduced threadfin shad numbers, but gizzard shad were happy to make up the difference with lots of 3 to 6-inch young fish.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 9/6/2022 3:42:48 PM
Largemouth Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day or at night. Fish main lake points or other cover (brush tops, stake beds, rocks) 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Best luck has been using active sonar to find fish. Fish standing timber or other cover with jigs and/or minnows 7 – 12 ft deep in 10 – 15 ft of water in the upper end or in open water. Most techniques are working (jigging, drifting or trolling minnows and/or jigs), but pulling crankbaits has not been as productive. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in any cover (rocks, brush tops, stake, beds, etc.). With a full moon the 10th, some fish may be spawning.
Catfish Most reports that catfishing is slow are coming from those fishing in deeper water. Those fishing shallow have been doing better. Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river and creeks if there is any rainfall runoff. Otherwise, fish natural baits on lines, jugs (noodles), or drift with rod-and-reel 4 - 6 ft deep over main lake flats.
White Bass Cast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
Fall drawdown is underway. Fish will be moving via the river and creeks to the main lake. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
MDWFP fall 2021 sampling (electrofishing) found lots of chunky 2 - 5 lb bass, as well as hand-sized bream and a lot of 2 - 20+ lb catfish. There were good numbers of crappie, but they were holding deeper than bass/bream; most were smaller fish less than 3 years old, but some larger fish were present. The February 2021 freeze severely reduced threadfin shad numbers, but gizzard shad were happy to make up the difference with lots of 3 to 6-inch young fish.
Arkabutla - 8/30/2022 3:03:14 PM
Largemouth Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day or at night. Fish main lake points or other cover (brush tops, stake beds, rocks) 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Best luck has been using active sonar to find fish. Fish standing timber or other cover with jigs and/or minnows 7 – 12 ft deep in 10 – 15 ft of water in the upper end or in open water. Most techniques are working (jigging, drifting or trolling minnows and/or jigs), but pulling crankbaits has not been as productive. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in any cover (rocks, brush tops, stake, beds, etc.).
Catfish Most reports that catfishing is slow are coming from those fishing in deeper water. Those fishing shallow have been doing better. Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river and creeks if there is any rainfall runoff. Otherwise, fish natural baits on lines, jugs (noodles), or drift with rod-and-reel 4 - 6 ft deep over main lake flats.
White BassCast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
Fall drawdown starts this week. Fish will be moving via the river and creeks to the main lake. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
MDWFP fall 2021 sampling (electrofishing) found lots of chunky 2 - 5 lb bass, as well as hand-sized bream and a lot of 2 - 20+ lb catfish. There were good numbers of crappie, but they were holding deeper than bass/bream; most were smaller fish less than 3 years old, but some larger fish were present. The February 2021 freeze severely reduced threadfin shad numbers, but gizzard shad were happy to make up the difference with lots of 3 to 6-inch young fish.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 8/16/2022 3:21:23 PM
Largemouth Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day or at night. Fish main lake points or other cover (brush tops, stake beds, rocks) 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Best luck has been by using active sonar to find fish. Fish standing timber or other cover with jigs and/or minnows 7 – 12 ft deep in 10 – 15 ft of water in the upper end or in open water. Most techniques are working (jigging, drifting or trolling minnows and/or jigs), but pulling crankbaits has not been as productive. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in any cover (rocks, brush tops, stake, beds, etc.).
Catfish Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river and creeks if there is any rainfall runoff. Fish natural baits on lines, jugs (noodles), or drift with rod-and-reel over main lake flats.
White Bass Cast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
Water levels are falling slowly. Fish have moved to open water. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
MDWFP fall 2021 sampling (electrofishing) found lots of chunky 2 - 5 lb bass, as well as hand-sized bream and a lot of 2 - 20+ lb catfish. There were good numbers of crappie, but they were holding deeper than bass/bream; most were smaller fish less than 3 years old, but some larger fish were present. The February 2021 freeze severely reduced threadfin shad numbers, but gizzard shad were happy to make up the difference with lots of 3 to 6-inch young fish.
Arkabutla Fishing Report- 8/16/2022 3:21:23 PM
Largemouth Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day or at night. Fish main lake points or other cover (brush tops, stake beds, rocks) 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Best luck has been by using active sonar to find fish. Fish standing timber or other cover with jigs and/or minnows 7 – 12 ft deep in 10 – 15 ft of water in the upper end or in open water. Most techniques are working (jigging, drifting or trolling minnows and/or jigs), but pulling crankbaits has not been as productive. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in any cover (rocks, brush tops, stake, beds, etc.).
Catfish Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river and creeks if there is any rainfall runoff. Fish natural baits on lines, jugs (noodles), or drift with rod-and-reel over main lake flats.
White Bass Cast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
Water levels are falling slowly. Fish have moved to open water. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
MDWFP fall 2021 sampling (electrofishing) found lots of chunky 2 - 5 lb bass, as well as hand-sized bream and a lot of 2 - 20+ lb catfish. There were good numbers of crappie, but they were holding deeper than bass/bream; most were smaller fish less than 3 years old, but some larger fish were present. The February 2021 freeze severely reduced threadfin shad numbers, but gizzard shad were happy to make up the difference with lots of 3 to 6-inch young fish.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 8/2/2022 1:44:02 PM
Largemouth Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day or at night. Fish main lake points or other cover (brush tops, stake beds, rocks) 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Fish live or dead standing timber with jigs and/or minnows 5 – 10 ft deep in 10 – 12 ft of water in the upper end or in open water. Most techniques are working (jigging, drifting or trolling minnows and/or jigs or crankbaits), but advanced electronics have the advantage in open water. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in any cover (rocks, brush tops, stake, beds, etc.).
Catfish Fish worms or stinkbaits in the river and creeks as long as rainfall runoff lasts. Fish natural baits on lines, jugs (noodles), or drift with rod-and-reel over main lake flats.
White Bass Cast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
Spillway gates were reopened after the tunnel inspection. The water rose slightly after recent rains. Fish have moved to open water. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
MDWFP fall 2021 sampling (electrofishing) found lots of chunky 2 - 5 lb bass, as well as hand-sized bream and a lot of 2 - 20+ lb catfish. There were good numbers of crappie, but they were holding deeper than bass/bream; most were smaller fish less than 3 years old, but some larger fish were present. The February 2021 freeze severely reduced threadfin shad numbers, but gizzard shad were happy to make up the difference with lots of 3 to 6-inch young fish.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 6/21/2022 2:21:26 PM
Largemouth Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day or at night. Fish main lake points or behind the “island” midday in flooded vegetation or other cover 4 to 8 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie Fishing has improved with the water falling. Fish the edges of flooded shoreline vegetation with jigs and/or minnows 5 – 6 ft deep in 10 – 12 ft of water around the points or in open water. Most techniques are working now (jigging, trolling jigs or crankbaits, etc.). Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 3 - 6 ft under a bobber in flooded cover.
Catfish Grabbling season started May 1 and runs through July 15. Some fish have been showing up in boxes. Otherwise, fish natural bait on lines or jugs (noodles) over main lake flats. Channel cats should hit worms fished under a bobber fished over riprap.
White Bass Cast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
The water level has fallen enough that fish are being forced to move out of shoreline trees and bushes, so fishing has improved. Expect continued improvement as the water level falls. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
MDWFP fall 2021 sampling (electrofishing) found lots of chunky 2 - 5 lb bass, as well as hand-sized bream and a lot of 2 - 20+ lb catfish. There were good numbers of crappie, but they were holding deeper than bass/bream; most were smaller fish less than 3 years old, but some larger fish were present. The February 2021 freeze severely reduced threadfin shad numbers, but gizzard shad were happy to make up the difference with lots of 3 to 6-inch young fish.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 5/24/2022 4:28:16 PM
Bass Fish shallow (topwaters, spinnerbaits) early and late in the day. Fish secondary and main lake points midday in flooded vegetation or other cover 4 to 7 ft deep using weedless soft plastics, bladed jigs, or spinnerbaits.
Crappie The rise slowed things down. Best luck has been using advanced electronics. Either drift or troll jigs and/or minnows 5 – 6 ft deep in 10 – 12 ft of water around the points or along flooded shoreline vegetation. Jigging has been producing in similar areas and depths. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream Fish crickets or redworms 2 - 4 ft under a bobber in flooded cover.
Catfish Grabbling season started May 1 and runs through July 15. Some fish have started showing up in boxes lately. Fish various natural baits in the river and creeks as long as there is rainfall runoff. Otherwise, fish trotlines over main lake flats. Channel cats should hit worms under a bobber fished over riprap.
White Bass Cast jigs or small crankbaits over sandy main lake points early AM or late PM. There are a few yellow bass in the lake. Neither white nor yellow bass have any size or number limits.
The water level rose late last week due to heavy local rains, causing fishing to drop off some. This week should be cool and wet. Check water level trends; except for catfish, fishing is usually better on a slow fall than a fast rise. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
MDWFP fall 2021 sampling (electrofishing) found lots of chunky 2 - 5 lb bass, as well as hand-sized bream and a lot of 2 - 20+ lb catfish. There were good numbers of crappie, but they were holding deeper than bass/bream; most were smaller fish less than 3 years old, but some larger fish were present. The February 2021 freeze severely reduced threadfin shad numbers, but gizzard shad were happy to make up the difference with lots of 3 to 6-inch young fish.
The Arkabutla spillway had one gate open 1.25 ft (535 cfs) Tuesday. Spillway fishing is best when some water is being released, but not too much. For crappie, fish jigs and/or minnows under a bobber out of the current, like in Elbow Creek, or right along the rocks. Catfishing is best in eddies on natural baits fished near the bottom. White bass will be in the current where you can drift a 2-jig rig just off bottom (watch the rocks!) or fish small crankbaits or tailspinner lures. For largemouths, fish any cover or right along the rocks with crankbaits or soft plastics. Spillway gate openings, flow rates, and spillway water elevations can be obtained at http://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/docs/bullet.txt or http://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/resrep.htm (click on 24-hour change for picture explanation of gate flow, spillway flow, etc.).
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 11/23/2021 9:40:45 AM
Crappie Best luck has been jigging 4 - 8 ft deep in remaining flooded timber or other cover (stake beds, etc.) using advanced electronics. Cover is getting scarce. Otherwise, troll/drift with jigs and/or minnows in similar depths (or deeper) in the main lake and creek mouths. A lot of short fish are being caught; use bigger baits and fish deeper to target larger crappie. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bass Fish jerkbaits, crankbaits, and/or soft plastics 2 - 6 ft deep on main lake points (rocks or wood are a plus) or on any cover on river and creek channel edges where the water is in the channels or up to 4 ft over the banks.
Bream Few reports, but bream are using the same areas as bass.
Catfish Fish natural baits in tributaries as fish head to the main lake. Otherwise, fish rod-and-reel, lines, or jugs (noodles) over main lake flats.
White Bass Fish jigs or small crankbaits over sandy, main lake points. Hernando Point to the Cane Creek arm is a good area. There are a few Yellow Bass in the lake. Neither White nor Yellow Bass have any size or number limits.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 9/21/2021 3:06:32 PM
Largemouth bass: Fish topwaters over main lake points very early and late in the day (or at night). Flip, pitch, or cast jigs, crankbaits, and/or soft plastics 6 - 12 ft deep on the same points midday. Fish any cover on river and creek channel edges where the water is in the channels or up to 4 ft over the banks.
Crappie: Best luck has been jigging in remaining flooded timber or other cover (stake beds, etc.) for suspended fish using advanced electronics. Otherwise, either troll/drift with jigs and/or minnows or pull or push crankbaits 8 – 12 ft deep in the main lake. A lot of short fish are being caught; use bigger baits and fish deeper to target larger crappie. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Catfish: Catfishing has picked up recently. Fish natural baits in tributaries as long as rainfall runoff lasts. Otherwise, fish lines or jugs (noodles) in the main lake.
White Bass: Fish jigs or small crankbaits over sandy, main lake points early and late in the day. Hernando Point to the Cane Creek arm is a good area. There are a few Yellow Bass in the lake. Neither White nor Yellow Bass have any size or number limits.
Other
Recent rains have put the drawdown on pause; expect it to resume later this week. Fall weather should arrive midweek; it may turn the fish off a couple of days, but they will likely move shallower. As the water level nears 220 ft, shoreline cover will become scarce. Fish will follow deeper water (river, creeks, ditches, etc.) toward the main lake. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Short crappie this spring were either 2-year-old fish (big 2019 spawn) averaging about 8 - 9 inches or 3 year-old-fish (2018 spawn) averaging just under 12 inches. 2018 crappie should grow to legal size mid-summer through fall. It may not seem like they're growing because many will be harvested as soon as they're legal.
Arkabutla Spillway
The spillway had two gates open 1.5 ft each (1060 cfs) Tuesday AM. Expect the gates to open up more later this week. Spillway fishing is best when some water is being released, but not too much. Spillway gate openings, flow rates, and spillway water elevations can be obtained at http://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/docs/bullet.txt or http://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/resrep.htm (click on 24 hour change for picture explanation of gate flow, spillway flow, etc.). Fish for catfish with natural baits (crickets are good here) near the bottom; a slip cork minimizes hooking rocks. For crappie, fish along the rocks with jigs and/or minnows under a bobber. For largemouths, fish any cover or along the rocks in the spillway with crankbaits, soft plastics, or bladed jigs.
Decomposing vegetation, low oxygen in deeper water, and a bottom outlet from the lake above result in releasing hydrogen sulfide gas (“rotten egg gas”) into the spillway.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 8/31/2021 3:10:53 PM
Bass: Fish topwaters in cover on points very early and late in the day (or at night). Flip, pitch, or cast jigs, crankbaits, and/or soft plastics 6 - 12 ft deep on the same points midday. Some good catches of 2 - 4 lb bass have been made lately.
Crappie: Heat and harvest have slowed the crappie bite some lately. Best luck has been jigging in flooded trees and bushes (shade) using advanced electronics. Otherwise, either troll/drift with jigs and/or minnows or pull or push crankbaits 8 – 12 ft deep in the main lake. The water level is getting closer to the 224 – 222 ft sweet spot. A lot of short fish are being caught; use bigger baits and fish deeper to target larger crappie. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Catfish: Fish natural baits in tributaries as long as rainfall runoff lasts. Otherwise, fish lines or jugs (noodles) in the main lake.
Bream: Few reports.
White Bass: Fish jigs or small crankbaits over sandy, main lake points early and late in the day. Hernando Point to the Cane Creek arm is a good area. There are a few Yellow Bass in the lake. Neither White nor Yellow Bass have any size or number limits.
Hurricane Ida's rainfall had little impact here; fall drawdown continues. Fish will follow deeper water (river, creeks, ditches, etc.) toward the main lake. A cool front this week may temporarily turn the fish off, but it will make fishing more bearable. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Short crappie this spring were either 2-year-old fish (big 2019 spawn) averaging about 8 - 9 inches or 3 year-old-fish (2018 spawn) averaging just under 12 inches. 2018 crappie should grow to legal size mid-summer through fall. It may not seem like they're growing because many will be harvested as soon as they're legal.
MDWFP completed fall sampling (electrofishing) in October 2020. Extremely chunky bass were on rip-rap, brush tops, and other cover in shallow water. Bream were in similar areas. Most crappie were deeper than bass and bream. Blue and channel catfish were most abundant in shallow channels (3 - 5 ft deep). Shad were abundant.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 6/29/2021 3:08:53 PM
Expect a lot of holiday boating traffic this week. Have a safe Fourth of July weekend!
Bass: Fish frogs or other topwaters in cover on points very early and late in the day. Flip, pitch, or cast jigs and/or soft plastics deeper in shoreline cover on the same points midday.
Crappie: A few limits have been reported lately, but those are exceptions, not the rule. Either troll/drift with jigs and/or minnows, pull or push crankbaits, or jig using advanced electronics 8 – 12 ft deep in the main lake. Fishing should be better when the water is drawn back down out of the cover (about 224 – 222 ft). A lot of short fish are being caught; use bigger baits and fish deeper to target larger crappie. Replace treble hooks with single hooks and/or pinch down the barbs to make releasing short fish faster and less damaging; it does no good to release dead fish.
Bream: Few reports lately.
Catfish: Fish lines or jugs (noodles) at night in the main lake for eating-size fish. Fish various natural baits in the river and creeks if there is rainfall runoff. Channel cats have moved shallow around the rocks and rip-rap; fish natural baits under a bobber. No grabbling reports.
White bass: Fish jigs or small crankbaits over sandy, main lake points. Hernando Point to the Cane Creek arm is a good area. There are a few Yellow Bass in the lake. Neither White nor Yellow Bass have any size or number limits.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 6/15/2021 5:16:31 PM
The water level rose 5.6 ft due to heavy rains since last week's report. Expect reduced boating access at certain ramps and lots of flooded vegetation.
Bass: High water scattered bass back into the bushes. Fish frogs or other topwaters near cover early and late in the day. Flip or pitch jigs deeper in shoreline cover in the main lake midday.
Crappie: Very few reports lately with fish scattered in shoreline cover; fish jigs and/or minnows. Fishing should be better when the water is drawn back down out of the cover (about 224 – 222 ft).
Few reports lately on bream.
Catfish: Fish various natural baits in the river and creeks as long as there is rainfall runoff. Then, fish recently flooded flats. Channel cats have moved shallow around the rocks and rip-rap; fish natural baits under a bobber. Few grabbling reports. If you had boxes out before the rise, you will need scuba gear to find and run them.
Fishing had improved until last week's rise. Expect the fish to hide in the flooded bushes until the lake is pulled down to about 226 ft. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Short crappie being caught now are either 2-year-old fish (big 2019 spawn) averaging about 8 - 9 inches or 3 year-old-fish (2018 spawn) averaging just under 12 inches. 2018 crappie should grow to legal size mid-summer through fall. It may not seem like they're growing because many will be harvested as soon as they're legal.
MDWFP completed fall sampling (electrofishing) in October 2020. Extremely chunky bass were on rip-rap, brush tops, and other cover in shallow water. Bream were in similar areas. Most crappie were deeper than bass and bream. Blue and channel catfish were most abundant in shallow channels (3 - 5 ft deep). Shad were abundant.
The spillway had all gates closed (0 cfs) Tuesday due to last week's rainfall. Expect the gates to be very slowly opened up this week. Spillway fishing is best when some water is being released, but not too much. Spillway gate openings, flow rates, and spillway water elevations can be obtained at http://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/docs/bullet.txt or http://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/resrep.htm (click on 24 hour change for picture explanation of gate flow, spillway flow, etc.). When flow resumes, fish for catfish with natural baits (crickets are good here) near the bottom; a slip bobber minimizes hooking rocks. Fish shad-imitating jigs or small crankbaits for White Bass in current. For crappie, fish slower areas such as Elbow Creek or along the rocks with jigs and/or minnows under a bobber. For largemouths, fish any cover or along the rocks in the spillway with crankbaits, soft plastics, or bladed jigs.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 6/8/2021 3:25:58 PM
Largemouth Bass: Fish spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, or bladed jigs near any shallow cover for reaction bites. Keep a soft plastic bait rigged to follow up missed strikes. Fish are scattered.
Crappie: Before the water started rising, fishing was improving for folks trolling crankbaits or jigs and/or minnows just above the bottom in the upper lake area near Hickahala Creek. Fishing should be better when the water is drawn back down out of the cover (about 224 – 222 ft).
Bream are in the same areas as bass; fish redworms or crickets 2 - 4 ft deep under a bobber and over a firm bottom (sand, gravel, or packed dirt – including flooded roads and 4-wheeler trails).
Catfish: Fish various natural baits in the river and creeks as long as there is rainfall runoff this week. Channel cats have moved shallow around the rocks and rip-rap; fish natural baits under a bobber. Other catfish are more focused on spawning than eating. Grabbling season started May 1; fish should be moving into the boxes, but still few reports, likely due to high water providing natural spawning habitat.
Fish jigs or small crankbaits over sandy, main lake points. Hernando Point to the Cane Creek arm is a good area. There are a few Yellow Bass in the lake. Neither White nor Yellow Bass have any size or number limits.
Fishing had improved until it started raining and rising again. How much it rises will depend on this week's rainfall. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Short crappie being caught now are either 2-year-old fish (big 2019 spawn) averaging about 8 - 9 inches or 3 year-old-fish (2018 spawn) averaging just under 12 inches. 2018 crappie should grow to legal size mid-summer through fall. It may not seem like they're growing because many will be harvested as soon as they're legal.
MDWFP completed fall sampling (electrofishing) in October 2020. Extremely chunky bass were on rip-rap, brush tops, and other cover in shallow water. Bream were in similar areas. Most crappie were deeper than bass and bream. Blue and channel catfish were most abundant in shallow channels (3 - 5 ft deep). Shad were abundant.
When flow resumes, fish for catfish with natural baits (crickets are good here) near the bottom; a slip bobber minimizes hooking rocks. Fish shad-imitating jigs or small crankbaits for White Bass in current. For crappie, fish slower areas such as Elbow Creek or along the rocks with jigs and/or minnows under a bobber. For largemouths, fish any cover or along the rocks in the spillway with crankbaits, soft plastics, or bladed jigs.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 6/1/2021 5:41:55 PM
Largemouth Bass are still shallow in flooded vegetation. They should remain there until the water gets too warm or is drawn down. Fish spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, or bladed jigs near any cover for reaction bites. Keep a soft plastic bait rigged to follow up missed strikes.
Crappie Fishing is improving slowly with the water falling out of flooded vegetation. Jigging inside or trolling outside flooded vegetation is producing mostly short fish. Fish jigs and/or minnows 4 – 12 ft deep. Fishing should be better when the water is drawn down out of the cover (about 224 – 222 ft).
Bream are in the same areas as bass; fish redworms or crickets 2 - 4 ft deep under a bobber and over a firm bottom (sand, gravel, or packed dirt – including flooded roads and 4-wheeler trails).
Channel cats have moved shallow around the rocks and rip-rap; fish natural baits under a bobber. Other catfish are more focused on spawning than eating. Fish various natural baits in the river and creeks if we get rainfall runoff this week. Otherwise, fish rod-and-reel, noodles (jugs), or trotlines over main lake flats. Grabbling season started May 1; fish should be moving into the boxes, but still few reports, likely due to high water providing natural spawning habitat.
Fish jigs or small crankbaits over sandy, main lake points. Hernando Point to the Cane Creek arm is a good area. There are a few Yellow Bass in the lake. Neither White nor Yellow Bass have any size or number limits.
The lake is falling; its future trend will depend on this week's rainfall. Fishing is improving with the water dropping. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Short crappie being caught now are either 2-year-old fish (big 2019 spawn) averaging about 8 - 9 inches or 3 year-old-fish (2018 spawn) averaging just under 12 inches. 2018 crappie should grow to legal size mid-summer through fall. It may not seem like they're growing because many will be harvested as soon as they're legal.
MDWFP completed fall sampling (electrofishing) in October 2020. Extremely chunky bass were on rip-rap, brush tops, and other cover in shallow water. Bream were in similar areas. Most crappie were deeper than bass and bream. Blue and channel catfish were most abundant in shallow channels (3 - 5 ft deep). Shad were abundant.
The spillway had two gates open 2.5 ft each (1865 cfs) Tuesday. Spillway fishing is best when some water is being released, but not too much. Fish for catfish with natural baits (crickets are good here) near the bottom; a slip bobber minimizes hooking rocks. Fish shad-imitating jigs or small crankbaits for White Bass in current. For crappie, fish slower areas such as Elbow Creek or along the rocks with jigs and/or minnows under a bobber. For largemouths, fish any cover or along the rocks in the spillway with crankbaits, soft plastics, or bladed jigs.
Arkabutla Fishing Report - 5/11/2021 3:36:35 PM
Largemouth Bass are still shallow in the backs of creeks, coves, and flooded vegetation. They should remain there until the water gets too warm or is drawn down. Fish spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, or bladed jigs near any cover for reaction bites. Keep a soft plastic bait rigged to follow up a missed strike.
Crappie: Fish are scattered in high water and flooded vegetation. Jigging inside or trolling outside flooded vegetation is producing mostly short fish. Fish jigs and/or minnows 3 – 8 ft deep. Fishing should improve when the water is drawn down out of the cover (about 224 – 222 ft).
Bream are in the same areas as bass. Fish redworms or crickets 2 - 4 ft deep under a bobber. Look for bedding fish over a firm bottom (sand, gravel, or packed dirt – including flooded roads and 4-wheeler trails).
Catfishing has been good, especially for Blue Catfish (white river cats or white humpbacks) about 2 – 3 pounds. Fish worms or stink baits in the river, creeks, and ditches in rainfall runoff. Otherwise, fish various natural baits on rod-and-reel, noodles (jugs), or trotlines over flooded flats. Grabbling season started May 1, but water temperatures are a little cool for catfish spawning – no reports yet.
White bass: Fish are moving back down the river and creeks to the main lake. Fish jigs or small crankbaits over a sand bottom. There are a few Yellow Bass in the lake. Neither White nor Yellow Bass have any size or number limits.
The spillway had two gates open 2.0 ft each (1500 cfs) Tuesday. Spillway fishing is best when some water is being released, but not too much.
Fish shad-imitating jigs or small crankbaits for White Bass in current. For crappie, fish slower areas such as Elbow Creek or along the rocks with jigs and/or minnows under a bobber. Most spillway crappie are running fairly small. For largemouths, fish any cover or along the rocks in the spillway with crankbaits, soft plastics, or bladed jigs. Fish for catfish with natural baits near the bottom.
Arkabutla - 4/27/2021 3:41:14 PM
Largemouth Bass are spawning in the backs of creeks, smaller coves, and flooded gravel roads and 4-wheeler trails. Other bass may be moving in (pre-spawn) or out (post-spawn) of similar areas. Fish soft plastics, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, or bladed jigs near any cover.
About the best recent report for keeper crappie was wading and catching scattered males, but that is dwindling. Fish are scattered in high water and flooded vegetation. Jigging inside or trolling outside flooded vegetation is producing mostly short fish. Be patient and wait for the water to pull fish back out of cover. Fish jigs and/or minnows 3 – 8 ft deep.
Bream are in the same areas as bass. Fish redworms or crickets under a bobber.
Catfishing has been improving. Fish worms or stink baits in the river and creeks if there is rainfall runoff. Otherwise, fish various natural baits on rod-and-reel, noodles (jugs), or trotlines over flooded flats. Grabbling season starts May 1, but water temperatures are a little cool for catfish spawning.
Fish are moving back down the river and creeks to the main lake. Fish jigs or small crankbaits over a sand bottom. There are a few Yellow Bass in the lake. Neither White nor Yellow Bass have any size or number limits.
The lake is falling, which pulls fish out of shallow water. Warmer weather is predicted this week; full moon was Monday. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
MDWFP completed fall sampling (electrofishing) in October 2020. Extremely chunky bass were on rip-rap, brush tops, and other cover in shallow water. Bream were in similar areas. Most crappie were deeper than bass and bream. Blue and channel catfish were most abundant in shallow channels (3 - 5 ft deep). Shad were abundant.
The spillway had two gates open 2.0 ft each (1500 cfs) Tuesday. Fish shad-imitating jigs or small crankbaits for White Bass in current. For crappie, fish slower areas such as Elbow Creek or along the rocks with jigs and/or minnows under a bobber. Most spillway crappie are running fairly small. For largemouths, fish any cover or along the rocks in the spillway with crankbaits, soft plastics, or a bladed jig.
Arkabutla - 4/20/2021 4:37:59 PM
Largemouth Bass are spawning in the backs of creeks, smaller coves, and flooded gravel roads and 4-wheeler trails. Other bass may be moving in (pre-spawn) or out (post-spawn) of similar areas. Full moon is April 26. Fish soft plastics, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, or bladed jigs near any cover.
Crappie: Falling water levels have turned off the bite. Fish are spawning or post-spawn. Shallow fish will be scattered in high water and flooded vegetation. Best luck will likely be by wading or using advanced electronics. Fish jigs and/or minnows 3 – 8 ft deep.
Bream are in the same areas as bass. Fish redworms or crickets under a bobber.
Catfish: Fish worms or stink baits in the river and creeks if there is rainfall runoff. Otherwise, fish various natural baits on rod-and-reel, noodles (jugs), or trotlines over flooded flats.
White bass: Fish are starting to move back down the river and creeks to the main lake. Fish jigs or small crankbaits over a sand bottom.
The lake is falling, which pulls fish out of shallow water. Cool weather is predicted mid-week, so fish should not rush through spawning. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Arkabutla - 3/30/2021 4:14:00 PM
Largemouth Bass are moving from major creek coves (secondary points) and up creeks and into flooded vegetation. Fish soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or bladed jigs near any cover.
Crappie: Last weekend’s rise slowed the fishing, especially the shallow bite. Fish are scattered and moving into major creek coves and up creeks and into the bushes as they stage for spawning. Trollers have been picking up fish 5 - 9 ft deep. Jig polers have been fishing 4 – 6 ft deep. Fish jigs and/or minnows.
Bream are in the same areas as bass. Fish redworms under a bobber.
Catfishing will be the best bet under current conditions. Fish worms or stink baits in the river and creeks as long as the rainfall runoff lasts. Otherwise, various natural baits on rod-and-reel, noodles (jugs), or trotlines over newly flooded flats.
The rise and cold fronts will delay their spawning run up the river and creeks (esp. Hickahala Creek). When the runoff subsides, fish jigs or small crankbaits over a sand bottom.
The heavy rain last weekend has the water rising and muddy; more rain and some cold weather is predicted this week. Fishing will be tough until the water level stabilizes, starts to clear, and warms up. Water falling, fish deeper; water rising, fish shallower.
Arkabutla - 3/23/2021 4:11:49 PM
Largemouth Bass are moving from main lake points into major creek coves (secondary points) and up creeks. A recent report found some pound size bass on cover on the edges of creeks. Fish soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or bladed jigs near any cover.
Crappie: Last week’s rise and cold front slowed the fishing, especially the shallow bite, and the wind has been making it tough to fish. Fish are scattered and moving into major creek coves and up creeks as they stage for spawning. Trollers have been picking up fish 4 - 7 ft deep. Jig polers have been fishing 3 – 6 ft deep. Jigs and/or minnows have been used by all.
Bream are in the same areas as bass. Fish redworms under a bobber.
Catfishing has improved lately. Fish various natural baits on rod-and-reel, noodles (jugs), or trotlines over flats or on worms or stink baits in the river and creeks. Expect the river and creek bite to pick up with expected rainfall runoff.
White Bass have started their spawning run up the river and creeks (esp. Hickahala Creek). Fish jigs or small crankbaits. Otherwise, use the same baits over sandy main lake points.
Arkabutla - 3/2/2021 2:39:32 PM
The ice melted and the water level rose 9 ft since last Tuesday's report. Most boat ramps are open.
Largemouth Bass are in the clearest available water on any cover, on main lake points, or tributaries where soft plastics or a bladed jig are best baits.
Crappie: Fish jigs and or minnows by jigging, trolling, or drifting in the main lake, gravel pit, or the mouths of major creeks in or near any cover. Advanced electronics help in finding and catching fish.
Bream are in the same areas as bass. Fish redworms under a bobber.
Catfish: Fish various natural baits on rod-and-reel, noodles (jugs), or trotlines over newly flooded flats or on worms or stink baits in tributaries as long as the rise and runoff lasts.
White bass: No reports yet on White Bass starting their spawning run up the river and creeks. To try, fish jigs or small crankbaits. Otherwise, use the same baits over sandy main lake points.