November 21, 2025 | Beaver Tailwater Fishing Report

The leaves are leaving and fall is beginning to transition into winter here in Northwest Arkansas. We're still on a good run of comfortable weather for fishing for now. The next week looks to have crisp mornings in the low and mid 30's, but warming up into the 50's. If you aren't a big fan of cold weather fishing like I am, the next few weeks look pretty good to get out on the water.

Want to get this report in your inbox each week? Sign up here!

---

Beaver Tailwater Levels & Conditions

Beaver Lake currently sits at 1119.72 feet, a slight rise reflective of the rain we got yesterday. The tailwater level is holding right around 916.25 feet with Dissolved Oxygen averaging right around the 7 ppm number and water temps in the low 50's. The generation schedule has been very predictable....which is to say there hasn't been any. I expect that as long as our dissolved oxygen stays good this will continue until we either get a substantial amount of rain or a big cold front that puts some more demand on the power grid. I haven't been on the water since yesterday's rain, but it should still be clear above Parker Bend, and I would expect a little color in the lower end of the river below Spider Creek.

Navigation on the river is starting to change, and I watched two individuals tear up props last week. If you are out on the water, don't assume that because you motored over it earlier this year you can now. One of the boats was following me, but he wasn't aware that I run a jet outboard and need way less water than he did for his prop. All that to say...be aware that the river has been on a slow drop all summer. Be safe and keep your eyes peeled for gravel bars that were submerged earlier in the year.

Click here to see the predicted generation schedule.

---

What's Working

I'm finding success with all sorts of flies right now, and the fishing has been consistently good. The egg bite is good right now, and will remain to be for another couple months. The lower water we've seen means that most of my flies are all downsized a bit in the size 16 - 20 range and I'm seeing alot of success on midges and small perdigons. I'm typically fishing flashier flies on bright days and duller flies on cloudy days.

The micro jig is always a producer either under and indicator or stripped. I'm fishing olives in the upper part of the river with more clear water, and black in the lower part where there is a bit of stain. White has been hit or miss, but when it's on....there's nothing better.

Small streamers in the 1"- 3" range are working great for me right now, particularly in the lower part of the river where we strip them in and around open pockets in the moss beds.

Check out the store portion of our website for flies, and if you need something you don't see there...don't hesitate to reach out! I can make it happen.