Successful catches this week started with mid-action spinners (Vibrax Blue Foxes were a hit, sliver with a blue blade or standard gold) and spoons (always start with the red-gold Thomas Buoyant). If you prefer bait, the guides are first using redworms; second, shrimp with orange or sunrise egg patterns. Pink-scented worms attracted a fair share of rainbows; they’re healthy, good-sized rainbows with a lot of color, red cheeks and bright pink stripes.

The browns are not immune to bait now, even leading into the spawn season. Drift a sculpin and you’ll get more attention. Be careful not to disturb the spawning beds (the redds) if you motor through spawning areas around Rim Shoals and downriver from the designated catch-and-release section at the dam.

“We’re being treated with a taste of winter for a few days now after a week of unseasonably warm weather. Expect more seasonable temps this weekend and into next week — colder nights but warming days, more conducive to spending time outdoors. Check the nighttime low temperature rather than the daytime highs. We look forward to seeing you and sharing fishing stories.”

Calico Rock Area

(updated 10-30-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Over the last week we have seen depths as low as 3.5 feet and as high as 6 feet.  On Monday and Tuesday, the low was 3.5 feet and high was 4 feet.  During the lower water levels, artificial lures proved to be very effective. Thompson Colorado quarter-ounce spoons in nickel/gold and gold/copper worked well, along with the Rapala Countdown CD7 in brown trout color. We saw some nice 15-inch-plus rainbows with the largest being a beautiful 27-inch 7.25-pound hooked jaw male.

“Additionally, we saw several nice 20-inch-plus brown trout being caught. In addition to the trout biting, we are seeing a lot of smallmouth bass being caught using the same lures. Fall is here with the cool mornings so dress in layers.”