Sports
White River fishing report
By Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
Jan 13, 2026
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White River

Cotter, Arkansas -- (updated 1-8-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Bull Shoals Lake is still below power pool elevation (sitting at 655.48 feet msl); expect low generation (one to three units) most of each day. However, the Army Corps of Engineers may increase releases when winter weather ramps up the need for power, so always keep an eye on releases for safe wading. We’ve experienced some cold mornings, but the daytime temperatures have been unusually warm. Plus, we’re on the upside of short, winter days — meaning more sunlight every day, and more time catching fish.

“With the significant weather fluctuations we’ve experienced, you’ll be most successful baiting your No. 6 or No. 8 trout hook with a mashup of shrimp and scented PowerBait. The browns have responded well to sculpins, river minnows — especially red fin minnows if you can find them — and shad. Lunker brown fishing is just around the corner with the official end of the spawn, so unpack those Rapala Countdowns (or floaters for really low water levels): gold/black, silver/black or the rainbow pattern.

“Trout fishing tip of the day: Keep a taut line, leave your rod alone as much as possible and refrain from reeling except to keep the line tight — until you get a bite. Listen to, and take advice from, your guide, even if it differs from the way you may have caught fish in the past. They want you to be successful and to catch fish!

“Happy New Year! Enjoy the great outdoors in The Natural State of Arkansas in 2026.” 

Calico Rock Area

(updated 1-8-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “We hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. The mild weather and low river conditions have made for pleasant fishing. With the low and clear water, quarter-ounce Colorado spoons in nickel/gold worked well, resulting in some nice limits of rainbows and also some nice 20-inch-plus brown trout.  Fly-fishing with the low and clear water conditions are also in some nice trout. Other methods that have been effective are using jigs (try different ones until finding what the trout like that day), Rapala Countdowns (again, try different ones) and Little Cleo in gold, gold/fire stripe and silver (on cloudy days).

There is potential of storms moving through the area Thursday and Friday. The forecast isn’t showing a lot of rain, so hopefully the river won’t become muddy. “If you are in the Little Rock area this weekend, swing by the Marine Expo at the Statehouse Convention Center and stop by our booth.”