NOTE: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has changed limits for the Bull Shoals Tailwater between the Bull Shoals Dam and the Norfork Access, effective Feb. 1: Now, anglers may keep two rainbow trout daily, no longer than 14 inches; all other trout caught must be released immediately. Below Norfork Access to Arkansas Highway 58 (at Guion), anglers may keep two trout of any species, only one may be longer than 14 inches. Brook trout must be at least 14 inches to keep; brown, cutthroat and tiger trout must be 23 inches long to keep.
Cotter, Arkansas (updated 3-26-2026) -- Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Visit the White River in Arkansas Ozark country and take some time to slow down and enjoy spring break like a kid.”
They report that Bull Shoals Dam is continuing slow releases from the lake with a daily norm of around one generator, about 3,300 cfs. Lake level is 656.08 feet msl.
“Keep your bait closer to the bottom and expect the bite nearer the bank. This week the rainbows have been turning to lemon-lime-colored baits; chartreuse might be close enough. That’s the entomology for both fly- and spin-fishers. The old faithful baits — red-gold Thomas Buoyant Spoon and rainbow Rapalas — were causing a splash this past week as well as rainbow-colored Rooster Tails with yellow skirts.
“The browns kept us busy this week, too. Find some really nice sculpins and you’ll attract some really nice browns. They’ve been moving downriver since the end of the spawn and are a little more scattered than earlier in the year. Chances are good for a trophy brown in lots of new places.
“Whatever form your fishing takes, bring it to the river and enjoy Arkansas, The Natural State.”
Calico Rock area
(updated 3-26-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “For most of the week we saw water levels varying between 3.5 and 6 feet except for Monday and Tuesday, where we saw water stay under 4 feet. In the morning before the rising water arrives, we are doing well fishing quarter-ounce Thomas Colorado Spoons in nickel/gold. The bite is good if you stay just ahead of the rising water. Once the rise passes, there is a lull in fishing for about an hour before the trout start biting again.
With the higher water, drift-fishing with silver inline spinners with Uncommon Bait UV neo-pink eggs with shrimp or corn worked well. We have seen some success drift-fishing with sculpins. Sculpins are on the bigger rainbow and brown trout favorite meal list. Using sculpins we have seen several 3-plus-pound rainbows to include one topping out over 5 pounds and also several brown trout over 20 inches, with a few over 25 inches.
