Water levels should improve with several fronts moving into the state
LITTLE ROCK – The National Weather Service in Little Rock says there will be several rounds of weather affecting Arkansas over the next week. This should be good news for Arkansas waterfowl hunters.
On Jan. 10, a cold front will make its way across the state. Thunderstorms are likely to develop in association with the front.
Heavy rain is more likely to be the big weather story. Through Jan. 10, northwest and west central Arkansas should see 1/2 to 1-inch amounts as the most common. Elsewhere, totals of 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches are more likely. .
Another cold front should affect Arkansas from Jan. 12 into Jan. 13. At this point, it looks as though rainfall amounts of 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches will be seen in western Arkansas, with 1 1/2 to 3 inch totals elsewhere (largest amounts close to the Mississippi River).
After this cold front moves through, colder air will overspread Arkansas. During the first part of next week, the National Weather Service will be keeping a close eye on additional weather systems that would bring moisture into Arkansas. If moisture does arrive, temperatures will be cold enough for some wintry precipitation in the state.
| Northeast Arkansas |
| Area | Impoundment | Habitat | Water Levels | Weather | Comments |
| Dave Donaldson Black River WMA View Current Gauge Readings | Upper Island GTR
Lower Island GTR Upper Reyno GTR Lower Reyno GTR Winchester GTR |
Good to above average mast production
Good to above average mast production Good to above average mast production Good to above average mast production Good to above average mast production |
269.55 msl. Target level is 269.5 msl. 100% flooded.
268.0 msl. Target level is 268.0. 100% flooded. 267.2 msl. Target level is 267.5. 90% flooded. 266.3 msl. Target level is 267.0. 90% flooded. 263.5 msl. Target level is 265 msl. 100% flooded. |
View current weather conditions and forecast for Delaplaine, Arkansas |
Waterfowl hunters should be aware of remnant ice storm damage in the GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area.
Please keep boats off the levees so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats blocking access will be moved.
Unattended trailers are not to be left overnight on parking areas.
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| Area | Impoundment | Habitat | Water Levels | Weather | Comments |
| Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA | Adam’s Brake GTR
Rainey Brake GTR Phase III Moist-soil Unit Charles Crisp Moist-soil Unit Ward Field Moist-soil Unit River Field Moist-soil Unit |
Fair mast crop
Fair mast crop Good moist-soil vegetation and volunteer millet production Good millet production Poor wetland vegetation Good wetland vegetation |
100%
100% 100% 0% 100% 0% |
View current weather conditions and forecast for Lynn, Arkansas |
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| Area | Impoundment | Habitat | Water Levels | Weather | Comments |
| St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA |
Hunt Area
Snowden WRA Payneway WRA |
Fair mast production
Fair stand of beneficial wetland plants in the borrow areas. Fair stand of beneficial wetland plants in Units C and D, and in the borrow areas. |
Water levels in huntable areas are dependent on St. Francis River flows. The water level at Oak Donnick is 209.01 feet, and about 85% of the huntable area is flooded.
0% 0% |
View current weather conditions and forecast for Trumann, Arkansas | Area Info and Map
St. Francis Lake is being drawn down to make emergency repairs to an eroded area near the dam. Access to the lake may be obtained by the Siphons Boat Ramp. Waterfowl hunters should be aware of low water levels along the river channel and the lake area. Please exercise caution when accessing the area.
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| Area | Impoundment | Habitat | Water Levels | Weather | Comments |
| Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA |
South Oliver GTR
Thompson Tract GTR Lake Hogue WRA |
Good acorn production
Good acorn production A small amount of beneficial wetland plants along the east side of the lake |
20% flooded, with most water within the natural sloughs
75% flooded Normal |
View current weather conditions and forecast for Weiner, Arkansas | Area Info and Map
Boaters should use caution while using the Thompson Tract boat run.
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| Area | Impoundment | Habitat | Water Levels | Weather | Comments |
| Big Lake WMA |
North Woods GTR
South Woods GTR Simmons Field |
Good mast production
Good mast production A fair amount of millet and sedge is present. Seed production is fair. |
The Bois d’Arc gauge is currently at 234.6 msl. Target water level is 235.5 msl. The area is 70% flooded.
The 7-Mile gauge is currently at 234.2 msl. Target water is 234.5. The area is 100% flooded. 100% |
View current weather conditions and forecast for Manila, Arkansas | Area Info and Map
When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manilla (upstream of the Big Lake north-end control structure) reads 17.5 feet, water is beginning to come over the north levee degrade on Big Lake WMA. When the Ditch 81 Extension gauge reads 18.0 feet or higher, the water level on the WMA will rise quickly and hunters should exercise caution while on the area. Be aware of underwater logs in boat runs and hangers in trees.
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