Cotter, Arkansas -- Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “The Arkansas Ozarks haven’t missed out on the heat wave that’s moving across the country, but we have the gem of the White River to cool us down. The trout love that very cold water and the anglers love the cool mist that lowers the air temperature by about 15 degrees.

“Catching rainbows has seldom been easier than it’s been the last few weeks. The pattern from the dam is changing as the lake finally comes down from near floodstage with lower flows (about 13,000 cfs) in the morning, and a full five or six units during the late afternoon hours. Current lake level: 685.83 feet msl.”

“The rainbow catches were lured in mainly with sunrise or orange PowerBait tipped with shrimp on a size 8 Aberdeen or bait holder hook. Silver blades on an orange or brown Rooster Tail, or a silver Vibrax Blue Fox with an orange or bubblegum pink bell, will bring in a good share. Another winner this week was the bronze Colorado spoon, one-quarter ounce.

“The bigger browns have been looking for sculpins and minnows. Keep your eye on the tip of your rod for a little tremor and watch that brown snatch your bait. Play it slow and carefully, no rapid movements, and you’ll be able to net it for a picture.

“Come on over and join us as we stay cool angling for a fat, energetic rainbow on the White.”

Calico Rock Area

(updated 7-24-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “This week we are starting to see more fluctuations in water level. Norfork Dam continues to run both generators plus the siphon. Bull Shoals Dam generation has begun to vary, and as a result, we are seeing fluctuating water levels. The past few days, we have seen water levels below 9 feet to over 10 feet, dropping in the mornings and starting to rise again in the afternoon. The fluctuations in water levels have stirred up the resulting “trashy” water with moss in the water.

“Fishing has been better in the morning using silver inline spinners with UV Uncommon Bait Eggs and tipping the hook with shrimp or worms. Deeper diving lures have been partially effective.

“Weather is hot, take precautions like carrying extra water, sunscreen, a good hat and cooling towel to dip in the water.”

This week the AGFC used the stocking raft to stock 4,800 rainbows between Calico Rock and Sylamore Creek.