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The read · AGFC + your signals

Cotter Area (updated 6-25-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “We have a remedy for these hot, humid June days: a slow, peaceful float on the cold, refreshing, clear water of the White River beside Cotter. Maybe a little wade-fishing during the morning hours when the river is low and layers of mist — it will make you forget the numbing heat of summer. While you’re at it, you can catch a whole bunch of trout. What a gift!” 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.”

🏆 What they're throwing · Rainbow Trout

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