NWA Fishing Report

Beaver Lake

Striped bass fishing is good in the Hickory Creek area.

Mike Whitehouse at Hickory Creek Marina reports anglers are reeling in some big stripers up to 38 pounds. Brood minnows or shad are the best baits. Jigging spoons are the top lure.

The Hickory Creek area, Point 12 and the White and War Eagle tributaries are good places to fish.

Crappie are biting well on minnows or jigs worked 20 feet deep around brush.

James Whittle at Hook, Line and Sinker in Rogers said an Alabama rig is the best lure for black bass. Crawdad-colored crank baits or jig and pigs are also working.

Crappie are biting minnows or jigs 15 feet deep on the south half of the lake. They can also be caught on the north end in deeper water.

Beaver tailwater

Natalie Howe at Beaver Dam Store said trout fishing is good with chartreuse Power Bait tipped with a waxworm. The best lures are countdown Rapalas, small spoons and small jigs. Fly fishermen report success with nymphs or midges.

Lakes Fayetteville, Sequoyah

Both lakes are closed until Jan. 15.

Bella Vista

Hook, Line and Sinker in Bella Vista said trout at Lake Brittany are biting Power Bait or small spoons. Try for bluegill at any Bella Vista lake with worms 10 to 15 feet deep.

Swepco Lake

Kenny Stroud in Siloam Springs said black bass fishing is good with any soft plastic lure fished two to 20 feet deep. Crank baits or swim baits may also work.

Eastern Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation reports fair fishing for catfish and crappie at Fort Gibson Lake. Use minnows or tube jigs for crappie. Go with live shad for catfish and fish the main lake.

Table Rock Lake

Fishing guide Pete Wenners said black bass are biting jigging spoons early. The best technique is to find schools of shad with a depth finder. Then jig the spoon vertically 35 to 40 feet deep, but as deep as 70 feet, over the tops of trees.

Rapala ice fishing jigs or small swim baits are also good for vertical jigging. Bluff ends and channel swings are good places to try. Jerk baits may also work for shallower fish closer to shore.