Calico Rock, Arkansas (updated 7-18-2024) -- Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We saw ‘normal’ water levels during the week with depths as much as 8 feet or more and dropping to around 4 feet. Fishing was steady drift-fishing with Uncommon Baits UV eggs and corn with or without sliver inline spinners. On Sunday we saw depths fewer than 3 feet most of the day. Fishing was amazing using artificial lures such as quarter-ounce spoons in nickel and/or gold, Rapala Countdowns CD5 in silver or anything with a blade that provides a flash.
The storms Tuesday night/Wednesday morning caused the river to flood. As of 4:30 p.m., the river at Calico Rock was at 17.6 feet and still rising, while Norfork has crested. Hopefully by Saturday the river will be clear enough to fish.
We did receive a stocking of more than 1,000 rainbows at the Calico Rock boat ramp and another 1,000-plus just upriver at the Chessmond Ferry boat ramp.