The rainbow catch has been exceptional. Orange eggs (Berkley or XFactor), in conjunction with shrimp, will pick up the pace as will a live and kickin’ red wiggler worm.
The brown trout bite is getting just a little tricky as nature takes its course and they move into their spawning pattern; more patience is required to get their attention. Softshell crawdads are a favorite until the season for crawdads draws to an end soon. The Rapala Countdowns are working their magic, too. Try the CD7 rainbow or silver/black first. You’ll be best served by shiny, flashy baits and lots of jiggle to get them to answer your call during the spawning months.

Keep your midges tied on if you’re casting flies: ruby midges and others (black/silver, copper/black), and copper Johns were a hit over the last week or two. Egg patterns, peach or soft yellow, tied to a No. 12 or 14 hook, have also served well.

October has brought a lot of anglers to the Arkansas Ozarks and our natural resources remain strong. The rainbows have been healthy and brightly colored … and growing! Join us on the White at Cotter. The river will capture your heart.

Calico Rock Area

(updated 10-9-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We continue to see rising water levels in the morning, then cresting late morning and dropping throughout the afternoon. Fishing has been consistent with plenty of smaller trout being caught and few 14-inch-plus trout being caught. In the morning, better fishing has been downriver and, in the afternoon, better fishing has been upriver. Thompson Colorado quarter-ounce spoons in nickel/gold are working well. We are also seeing success with Rapala Countdown CD7 in rainbow trout.

“If your arm gets tired casting and retrieving lures, try a silver inline spinner with a No. 2 hook with two Uncommon Bait UV eggs and tipped with shrimp. I’m aware of one stocking at Red’s Landing but haven’t seen or heard of any around Calico Rock.”