Norfork Dam

AGFC Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report · Nov 5, 2026

Cotter Area — (updated 10-29-2026) Cotter Trout Dock (870-435-6525) said, “Daily water releases from Bull Shoals Dam into the teeming White River tailwater have been steady throughout the last week: minimum flow during the early morning followed by higher generation (up to four units, or 12,000 cfs) in the late afternoon for a few hours. Bull Shoals Lake is 6 feet below the seasonal power pool of 659 feet msl elevation, currently sitting at 652.77 feet msl. “Can an angler really get tired of catching fish? Some folks have been heard to say their casting arms are worn out from reeling in so many rainbows. Imagine that! But that’s been the case here on the White River in our breathtakingly beautiful Arkansas Ozarks. “If you prefer bait, the guides have found shrimp and yellow, orange or sunrise PowerBait draws in the rainbows. For a little more challenge, anglers have been casting spinners. Under an overcast, cloudy sky, work a Rooster Tail with a gold blade, pink body or a gold Blue Fox. But when the sun comes out, put the artificial baits away and return to the scented or live baits. “The brown bite remains fickle; your best bet is to get your hands on fresh river minnows or varied sizes of sculpins and dangle them near the bottom. “It’s easy to see all that we have to be thankful for as we look around the hills and waterways here in the Ozarks. Respect the gifts we’ve been given and enjoy all The Natural State has to offer.”