Little Rock, Arkansas

What's biting

• Largemouth Bass

  Where: Shallow coves and weed edges of Lake Maumelle and Beaver Lake; backwater sloughs along the Arkansas River near Locks 2 and 3.

  Early fall is prime time—water is still warm (29°C) but fish are feeding hard before the turnover. Work topwater early and late; switch to soft plastics (4–5 inch worms, craws) in 1–2 m of water around structure. Crawdads and shad are abundant forage.

  Caution: Weed mats can be thick; use weedless rigs to avoid snagging.

• Catfish (Channel & Flathead)

  Where: Deep holes and current breaks along the Arkansas River main channel; tailrace areas below dams; Lake Maumelle deeper structure.

  September heat keeps catfish active. Fish live baitfish (shad, bluegill) or cut bait at dusk and night; focus on 4–6 m depths. Flatheads prefer live bluegill or small shad; channels take chicken liver, stink baits, or prepared dip baits.

  Caution: Flatheads are aggressive—use heavy tackle and expect hard runs.

• Crappie (Black & White)

  Where: Brush piles and fallen timber in Lake Maumelle; deeper creek channels and submerged structure in Beaver Lake.

  Early fall crappie are transitioning to deeper water (2–4 m). Vertical jigging with 1/16–1/8 oz jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics is deadly; live shiners under a bobber also work well in shallower cover.

  Caution: Crappie can be selective; match jig color to water clarity.

• Bluegill & Sunfish

  Where: Shallow bays, dock pilings, and weed edges throughout Lake Maumelle and smaller ponds; creek mouths in Beaver Lake.

  Panfish remain shallow and aggressive in early fall. Small poppers, dry flies, or live crickets and waxworms on light spinning tackle yield fast action. Early morning (before 09:00) and late afternoon are best.

  Caution: None—excellent for children and beginners.

• Walleye

  Where: Beaver Lake main lake structure, rocky points, and deeper flats (3–6 m); tailrace areas with current.

  Walleye are present but less abundant than in northern reservoirs. Fish live shiners or small shad on jigs; low-light periods (dawn, dusk, overcast) are most productive. Trolling crankbaits along structure also works.

  Caution: Walleye are nocturnal in warm water—fish early morning or after sunset.