Cotter, Arkansas -- Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said the lakes in the White River watershed are pretty full and are being attentively managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Bull Shoals Lake is hovering at 681.91 feet msl.

“Soon we’ll begin the slow and steady release of lake waters into the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, so get out your weighted line, heavier sinkers and big, gutsy stick baits because they’ll be your ticket to successful trout catching. At this time however, releases from the dam remain low for most of the day, averaging one unit (3,300 cfs) with large spurts in the late afternoon for a few hours. That means the White River below Bull Shoals is relatively shallow and may be wadable in some spots during morning hours.

“This week we continued trolling with the blue and silver spoons (Cleos or the hammered Thomas Buoyants); the rainbows haven’t turned away from them yet. They’re also biting at just about any worm, especially when a bubblegum pink worm is used in conjunction with shrimp. Don’t discount the live ones — red wigglers and Canadian nightcrawlers — for catching great rainbows. Jiggin’ jigs is a great fun way to catch a bundle — they tell me it’s the D2s with orange heads, any color skirt.

“The best brown bite here in the Cotter area has been with slimy sculpins. The best ones are the blue gummers, as the old-timers call them — turquoise-colored bellies. Look for them under rocks while the water is low and generation slow.

“School will be out soon. Bring your kids or grandkids to the river and let them learn about The Natural State of things. We can help; come see us or visit here for more information. See you at the river.”

River was having a big time on the White River with her dad, Bobby, when she reeled in this impressive brown trout all by herself this week while fishing out of Cotter Trout Dock. Her dad said she can add her White River Catch and Release pin (awarded for releasing a trophy trout) to her deer and turkey pins. "River is an accomplished outdoorswoman already!" the folks at Cotter Trout Dock tell us.

Calico Rock Area

(updated 5-15-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Water conditions have been great this last week with water levels as low as just under 5 feet to about 6.5 feet with mostly clear water. I believe we will continue to see similar water conditions until the lower White River water drops to a sufficient level. Once that happens, I expect we will see a return of higher water, but fishing should remain good.

“Drift fishing with Uncommon Boat UV eggs tipped with shrimp or worms is good, and with the lower water, artificial lures have been very effective. We are seeing success with Thompson Colorado quarter-ounce spoons in nickel/gold and Rapala Countdown CD7s in both rainbow trout and brown trout colors along with Dynamic J Spec lures in Glimmer Trout, Brown Trout and Holofoil Silver.

This week, the AGFC stocking raft stocked about 4,800 rainbow trout between Calico Rock and Sylamore Creek. Additionally, there was a stocking of rainbow trout at the Mt. Olive boat ramp.