Northwest Arkansas Fishing Report: Beaver Lake Stripers Active in Late October

Northwest Arkansas fishing update based on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission report published 22 October 2026.

Beaver Lake anglers are seeing signs of the autumn transition, with striped bass remaining the strongest reported opportunity while other species respond to cooling water and seasonal lake turnover.

Striped bass remain the highlight

According to guide Jon Conklin’s update published by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on 22 October, striped bass fishing remained good from the Prairie Creek area toward Beaver Dam. The fish are expected to shift location as the water cools further, so anglers should use the report as a dated snapshot rather than a live forecast.

Crappie and white bass

Crappie fishing was described as fair, with fish mainly holding near brush in roughly 15 to 20 feet of water. White bass were beginning to school around Point 12 and the Camp War Eagle area, with some spotted bass mixed into the activity. Lake turnover was affecting walleye fishing.

Water levels and conditions

On 22 October, Beaver Lake was reported at 1,112.27 feet above mean sea level, with water temperatures ranging from the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit depending on location. Those readings can change with rainfall, dam operations and weather.

Beaver tailwater trout

For the tailwater below Beaver Dam, the official report carried an earlier 8 October update describing low water and fair trout fishing. Anglers were advised to search deeper holes and current seams using lighter line and natural presentations. Because that tailwater information is older than the lake update, check current flow and access conditions before fishing.

Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report, 22 October 2026.