Pictured is Bill Hiddle from Oklahoma, with this awesome 23½ in. Brown trout, caught with guide Austin of Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service.
Fishing conditions on the Beaver tailwaters have improved this week, with trout action picking up compared to the past several weeks. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has backed off on water generation, creating much more favorable conditions for anglers. It also appears the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has recently stocked fish, which has helped increase catch rates throughout the river.
Most trout are being caught on Pautzke Fire Bait fished on light terminal tackle, along with anglers drifting soft plastics through deeper runs and current seams. Slower water has allowed anglers to fish more methodically, and those taking their time are seeing better success. Early mornings and low-light periods have been especially productive, with fish holding along current seams, deeper holes, and the edges of gravel bars.
The walleye bite continues to be consistent for anglers targeting them.mMost fish are being caught by pulling hard crankbaits through deeper pools and along current breaks. Covering water has been the key, as the fish continue to move throughout the system. A few quality fish are being caught each day by anglers willing to stay mobile and adjust their trolling speed to match the current.
Water temperatures have remained stable around 50°, providing excellent conditions for both trout and walleye. Water clarity has been good, allowing anglers to effectively fish both natural and brightly colored presentations. As always, generation schedules can change, so checking the daily release schedule before heading out is recommended.
Overall, fishing is trending in the right direction. Trout numbers are improving, walleye continue to provide a solid opportunity, and if these stable conditions continue, we expect the Beaver tailwaters to keep getting better over the coming weeks. Tight lines!
Austin Kennedy, Busch Mountain Fishing Guide Service
Beaver Lake Striper Fishing Report
Elevation: 1124.29 ft. water. Temp: 85.4°F – 88.7°F
The striper bite is currently good to great most days, with only an occasional fair day mixed in.
Best Baits: Live shad, minnows, and bream.
Artificials: Jigging spoons and bucktail jigs are producing well when paired with LiveScope.
Location & Patterns
Fish are holding tight to schools of shad. Keep a close eye on your electronics and use your graphs to target the stripers sitting just below the bait balls.
Timing Tip: The moon phase is shifting, which is altering the peak bite times. However, the midday slump remains consistent—expect a tougher bite between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
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Juan Granados, Hooked on Fishing