NWA Fishing Report

BEAVER LAKE

Walleye anglers are looking forward to the spawning run up the White and War Eagle river tributaries.

Jon Conklin, fishing guide, said recent rain made the river water slightly warmer than the lake water flowing into the reservoir. That should help get the walleye run started. Look for walleye this week around Point 12, then farther up the tributaries in late February and March. A jig and minnow combination is the best way to catch them right now.

Good wintertime lures for black bass include jerk baits, jig and pigs, crank baits and Alabama rigs. Try for crappie 10 to 20 feet deep with minnows or jigs around standing timber, brush piles and over gravel flats.

BEAVER TAILWATER

Austin Kennedy, fishing guide recommends fishing for trout with prepared baits such as Berkley Power Bait, Power Eggs or Pautzke Fire Bait. Small spoons or small jigs may also work.

Walleye are starting to show up in the White River arm of Table Rock Lake. Pautzke Fire Minnows and Fire Tubes are good walleye baits. Fish the Fire Minnows on a 1/16th ounce jig head.

Power generation at Beaver Dam has been minimal, but may take place on chilly mornings and also in the evening. This creates higher water and swifter flow.

LAKE FAYETTEVILLE

Angela Perea at Lake Fayetteville Marina recommends fishing for black bass with plastic worms. Minnows or jigs are always good for crappie.

LAKE SEQUOYAH

Angler Mike McBride said fishing has finally improved. Crappie are starting to bite minnows or jigs in deep water around the old White River bridge and the one-lane road bridge that crosses the lake. Try soft plastic lures for black bass. Fish for catfish with any catfish bait close to the old White River bridge.

BELLA VISTA

Hook, Line and Sinker in Bella Vista recommends fishing for trout at Lake Brittany with white or yellow Power Eggs. Try for black bass with jig and pigs or jerk baits.

Please note that fishing in Bella Vista is open only to POA members and their guests.

SWEPCO LAKE

Kenny Stroud in Siloam Springs recommends using any soft plastic lure for black bass. Big swim baits or square-billed crank baits are worth a try.

EASTERN OKLAHOMA

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation reports fair fishing at Lake Tenkiller for black bass with crank baits, jig and pigs or plastic worms along points or rock. Crappie are biting fair on minnows or jigs around docks or brush on the main lake. Fishing is slow for catfish.

TABLE ROCK LAKE

Pete Wenners at Pete’s Professional Guide Service said black bass fishing is slow, but the bass that bite are quality fish of 3 to 5 pounds.

Work jerk baits or crank baits along bluff ends. Finesse jigs with a small crawdad trailer are good for smallmouth bass along points or gravel and rock banks. Fish 12 to 18 feet deep.