water temp in river fed lakes ?

Pretty new to fishing around central Arkansas. guys that fish lakes or oxbows that are fed by rivers white, cache etc.. do ya'll struggle with finding fish early in the year or is it better to fish them later into march-April vs going to man made lake this weekend for example when the air temp is going to warm up, just curious because moving from Tennessee to Arkansas I have experienced some different(humbling) experiences when fishing in February down here. any tips would be greatly appreciated for this jig pole fisherman

Manmade lakes might be a better chance.

For me it depends on the river level and what the river is doing. If the water is stable or slightly falling, I have no problem catching fish with the cold water. No if the river is in the lake, that's a different deal. Shallow water warms quickly.

i think manmade lakes are a little more reliable and consistent this time of year, fluctuating water levels and cold water makes findind a good bite tough in the river fed lakes and oxbows

Like previously stated depends on what the river is doing. Jan and Feb so far on the White riverhas been very unstable. The water has been crashing out. Let it stablize and plenty of fish are taken on little red and white

thanks