Trout, Walleye and Stripers on Beaver
September 20, 2026
Eureka Springs
1 photo
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Trip Summary
Trip Summary
Trout bite is starting to ? up for the Fall!
The trout bite continues to be somewhat inconsistent, with anglers having to stay mobile and work multiple areas to find active fish. Pautzke Fire Bait has been producing, along with ¼-ounce spoons and Flicker Shads. Trout numbers remain lower than normal due to the continued decrease in stocking, so anglers should not be afraid to move if an area isn't producing. Changing colors and presentations can also make a difference once fish are located.
With very little rainfall recently, the river is beginning to get quite low. Anglers operating boats should use extra caution, particularly when navigating shallow shoals, gravel bars and areas with exposed or near-surface structure. Lower water can also concentrate fish into deeper runs, holes and areas with more current, making those locations worth additional attention.
Walleye continue to be caught between Beaver Town and Holiday Island. Slower presentations have been the most productive, with soft plastics continuing to account for fish. Focus on deeper holes, current seams, transitions and areas where moving water meets slower water. Working baits slowly and keeping them near the bottom has been a better approach than fishing aggressively.
Overall, anglers willing to cover water, adjust presentations and pay attention to changing depth and current are still finding fish throughout the Beaver Tailwaters.
Beaver Lake: 1,113.99' | Water Temp: 79.3°F – 85.8°F
Stripers have been feeding heavily throughout the day, with major bite windows at sunrise and right before sunset, alongside steady minor activity in between.
With water temperatures remaining warm, most fish are holding in deep water from the Hwy 12 bridge down to the Beaver Lake Dam. Key spots to scan include deep coves, main-lake and secondary points, channel swings, bluffs, humps, and island drop-offs.
Trolling live shad, minnows, or bream—ranging from slow drifting to faster trolling speeds—remains highly productive. Deep-diving chrome lures have also been having their days, so keep a few handy in your tackle box.
These stripers are on the move, so graphing with your sonar before setting lines will consistently produce better results. Focus your searches on depths ranging from 40 to 200+ feet of water.
Because of the elevated water temps, catching your limit and calling it a day is still the best practice to keep stress off the fish and ensure survival.