White River water levels below Bull Shoals Dam have continued to be little arbitrary for the past week; one to two units (3,000-6,000 cfs) in the morning around Cotter, then rising several feet with releases from the dam of 12,000-14,000 cfs during late afternoon and early evening. Bull Shoals Lake is rising slowly, currently at 665.20 msl.

“Low water means finding the deepest spots with the coldest water. When you do, get ready for plenty of angling action. Orange and black jigs have proven successful on the lower water; swim them mid-depth with a small tug now and again. Always turn to a live worm as the water rises.

“It’s fun to watch the rainbows follow the spinners — try a three-sixteenth-ounce Blue Fox Spinner with a red bell or the bleeding frog Rooster Tail. We found that bleeding frog pattern in a Thomas Buoyant Spoon and worked it for several catches. Yellow and sunrise PowerBait are bringing in the rainbows with or without a morsel of shrimp added to the mix.

“Come on over, get out of the house and enjoy the cool of the river in the beautiful Natural State and the Arkansas Ozarks.”

Calico Rock Area

(updated 6-25-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “Before the rains last weekend, fishing was consistent using silver inline spinners, Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp. Some guides have reported limited success using artificial lures, but the fish that were caught were nicer 18-inch or larger rainbows and browns.

“The rains on Sunday caused flash flooding on the Buffalo River, resulting in muddy water arriving at Calico Rock on Tuesday night. It looks like we can expect rain over the next few days, but luckily the predictions on how much rain the Buffalo River Valley will receive have gone down. Both Norfork Lake and Bull Shoals Lake are above the power pool level and they continue to release water through generation. Hopefully this water will help flush out the muddy water.”