Cotter, Arkansas -- April ended on a high note for trout fishers in Cotter. The catch has been especially good this past week for browns. Most were not officially "trophies" but there were many that fell just an inch or two short of the 24" required to earn a catch-and-release pin. The bait of choice was, again, sculpins but sometimes a few crawdads were added to the mix and helped bring a brown to the boat.
The water level over the past few days has been pretty steady at just about a one unit (3,300 cfs) to three units (9,000 cfs) so anglers were able to drift for trout or find their favorite fishing hole and drop a line there. The lake level is rising--667.63 mls at this time--so expect an increase in generation some time soon.
You can hook your share of rainbows with a pink worm, sometimes tipped with white PowerBait. A rise in the water level due to increases in generation washes worms (red wigglers mostly) into the river, so baiting your hook with a real worm will add to your creel, too. Tie on something with lots of gold flash if using stick baits (Berkley Hit Stick gold/black), and spoons and spinners with blue and sliver blades have also proven successful.
The low water times have also been great for our fly fishers with many wading opportunities opening up. Can't miss with a silver/red midge. The river level can change fast so keep an eye on the water level if wade fishing. We've been battling some strong winds the last week or two, but don't give in. I think it's just nature trying to push winter out of the way. Looks like the area is in for some moderate temperatures and some welcome sunshine, but don't stow the rain gear quite yet. Whatever the weather, we'll catch some trout. See you there.