Cotter, Arkansas -- Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “We have been treated to some mercurial weather this October, and with those changes in temperature come changes in water releases from Bull Shoals Dam: minimum flow during the morning hours, rising to three to four units (9,000 to 12,000 cfs) late in the day, due mostly to power demands with the colder weather. Bull Shoals Lake is 6 feet below power pool and still dropping.

“The brown bite has been less than terrific with the onset of the annual spawn, but we’re still seeing some action with sculpin. Be careful not to disturb the spawning beds (the redds) if you motor through those areas around Rim Shoals or on either side of the catch-and-release area.

“There’s been a whole lot of excitement regarding the average size of our rainbows. Every day we hear about numerous 17-inch rainbows measured and returned to the river to gain more girth and length. They’ve been feisty and paying most attention to orange baits. PowerBait orange eggs are the running favorite for two weeks, paired with a bead of shrimp or alone. Lures with orange bellies were favored, too. However, the jig anglers found most success with brown or brown/orange-colored jigs, one-sixteenth- or one-eighth-ounce, depending on water depth.

“This October has been spectacular for warm, shirtsleeve days, but the morning chill feels like autumn is finally here. We’ve been promised more sunshine and temperate days to continue for a while. Come visit Cotter; catch your share of rainbows and enjoy the beauty of our Natural State.”

Calico Rock Area

(updated 10-22-2026) Dave McCulley, owner of Jenkins Fishing Service in Calico Rock, said, “With cooler weather, we are seeing lower water conditions. The mornings have been chilly with afternoon temperatures in the mid- to upper 70s.

Sunday through Tuesday the water levels were between 2-3 feet. Wednesday morning, we saw lower water in the morning with water rising midday and cresting around 4 feet.

We continue to have success throwing quarter-ounce spoons, Rapala Countdowns CD5 in brown trout and rainbow trout colors, and Dynamic HD Trout in ghost brown.

“Drift-fishing continues to work well with Uncommon Bait UV eggs and shrimp. Neo Pink and Blue eggs seemed to work the best.

“The same lures we have been using for trout have also resulted in both smallmouth and largemouth bass being caught. The bass fishing this fall has been good with the bass moving into the river to feed during the low water.”