The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has delayed its seasonal catfish stocking activities due to prolonged summer heat and low water levels caused by persistent drought. Maurice Jackson, coordinator for the AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program (FCFP), said the unusual conditions have forced adjustments to the program’s schedule, which typically prepares fishing ponds statewide for fall derbies and community outings earlier in September.
“We’ve never had to wait this late to move our last round of catfish or skip locations due to drought since I joined the program in 2015,” Jackson explained. Catfish, as cold-blooded creatures, experience increased metabolic rates in warmer water. The resulting water quality challenges can lead to disease or mortality if not carefully managed.
According to Jackson, nighttime temperatures in the 60s and daytime highs in the 80s are necessary for safe stocking. However, Arkansas has yet to see consistent temperatures in that range, with surface water temperatures remaining around 90 degrees in many areas. Forecasts suggest a shift to cooler weather could begin by next week, though accuracy remains uncertain.
The drought is compounding the issue. “About 10% of our stocking locations are currently too low to receive fish,” Jackson said. The deficit in water levels has persisted despite hopes for September rainfall, and conditions could worsen as October and November are typically among the driest months in Arkansas. The U.S. Drought Monitor predicts minimal significant rain for the region in the coming weeks.
Despite the setbacks, the AGFC expects water temperatures to naturally cool as the days shorten heading into winter. Jackson encouraged residents to monitor the FCFP page on the AGFC website for updates and stocking schedules.
The low water levels have also impacted fishing on local waterways. In the Cotter area, Cotter Trout Dock reported Wednesday that Bull Shoals Lake is approximately five feet below its desired power pool level, with fluctuating flow rates from minimum levels overnight to about 1,000 cubic feet per second during afternoons. Fishing conditions have responded to these patterns, with trout favoring sculpin and shad baits as the spawn season approaches.
In Calico Rock, Jenkins Fishing Services owner Dave McCulley noted variable dam water releases, with depths ranging from three to seven feet over the past week. Drift fishing with UV eggs tipped with raw shrimp has seen success during higher water conditions, while artificial lures such as Rapalas and spoons have been effective in low water levels. The AGFC’s Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery stocked 3,000 rainbow trout in the area this week, with additional stockings at Norfork, Reds Landing, and Chessmond Ferry.
At Bull Shoals Lake, fishing guide Del Colvin said surface temperatures remain around 85 degrees, and a thermocline sits at about 32 feet. Fishing has slowed due to high heat and changing conditions. Anglers targeting bass are focusing on early mornings and shaded areas, using a combination of topwater lures, drop-shots, and jigs. For walleye, guides recommended targeting 32-40 feet depths, depending on conditions, with live crawlers, spoons, and trolling rigs proving effective.
Norfork Lake reports remain sparse, though crappie fishing has seen little change in recent weeks, with fish located on brush in 20-30 feet of water and responding well to minnows.
For updates on water flow and stocking activities, residents are encouraged to visit the Army Corps of Engineers’ Little Rock office website and the AGFC’s online resources.