Sports
White River fishing report
By Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
Nov 16, 2025
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Cotter, Arkansas -- Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said fishing for trout continues to be a primary draw to the White River even though some outdoors lovers are in the woods hunting instead of on the river fishing — that leaves more for those of us catching trout. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is maintaining a catch-and-release-only policy for the tailwater below Bull Shoals Dam to the confluence with the North Fork River until next February. Give us a call if you have questions, or check the agfc.com website for details. The Bull Shoals Lake tailwater continues to offer all-day action for anglers and the catch continues to satisfy our anglers.

Bull Shoals Lake is over 5 feet below the power pool and dropping; generation from the dam is now averaging minimum flow with quick pulses of up to three units for a couple of hours on some days. It’s the right time of year to switch to orange, white and/or sunrise colors for your egg pattern flies or PowerBait. With the lower flows you’ll want to keep your bait in the main channel and as deep as possible without snagging. Remember to watch out for, and be courteous to, fellow anglers, be they in a boat, on the shore or wading nearer the action in the river.

The brown bite remains spawn-season fickle; your best bet is to get your hands on fresh river minnows or varied sizes of sculpins and dangle them near the bottom.

You’ll enjoy your fishing adventures much more if you come prepared for Arkansas weather extremes. This past week we experienced a few mornings with temperatures near freezing, but this upcoming week looks great with mild lows and afternoon temps reaching the 70s.

Autumn colors are popping up all around us and we’ve been treated to some perfect fall days. Whatever the weather, we know we’re blessed to be here in The Natural State and always look forward to meeting fellow trout lovers.

Calico Rock Area

(updated 11-13-2025) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said he’s had no change this week in the conditions or the fishing. They’ve continued to see low water around 3.5 feet and rising to around 5 feet. Artificial lures will work, such as quarter-ounce spoons and Rapala CD7 in brown trout or rainbow trout colors. Drift-fishing with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp also have resulted in consistent fishing.