Cotter, Arkansas
26-Jan’226
Fishing Report
White River Trout Fishing (Fishing Thursday-Tuesday 21-28 Jan’26) Cotter, Arkansas 72519
Fish Caught
5 Rainbow trout, 12-14”
Weather
- Very cold in the morning to cold in the afternoon, clear during fishing
- Cut trip short due to major winter storm
| Air Temp | 24 – 34 (very cold to cold) |
| Water Temp | 45-50 (cold) |
| Water Color | Clear |
| Water Visibility (ft.) | 5ft + |
Trip
- About 11 1/2hr drive
Gear
- Alex had top quality Sage rods and reels
Patterns
| Guide | Very Large (Articulated streamers – white) Large streamers 2nd day | |
| G Loomis IMX-Pro Euro nymphing | Euro Nymph Hare’s Ear Jig as dropper w/ pegged egg | |
Guides
- Alex Lafkas (Thu & Fri)
- Chad Johnson (Mon & Tue) – rescheduled for 2027
Outing Overview
Organized by Gary Burns. We fished about a week earlier than last year due to guide availability and reports that large brown trout fishing was better earlier. We previously stayed at Cotter Trout Lodge and chose an Airbnb for this trip.
Day 1 – Wednesday, Jan 21
Drove from Houston to the Airbnb. Smooth trip but nearly 12 hours due to rain.
The house used an unvented propane Mr. Heater in the living room because it was poorly insulated and the wall heater couldn’t keep up with the cold. During the night, I woke with a headache, shut the heater off, and ventilated the room, concerned about possible CO poisoning. Later in the morning I tested the detector and confirmed that it worked for Smoke/CO.
Day 2 – Thursday, Jan 22
Gary and I met guide Alex Lafkas, who specializes in aggressive streamer fishing for trophy browns. He provided high-end gear (Sage R8 Core 8wt rods, Sage reels with 25’ sink tips, Maxima Chameleon leaders, and large articulated streamers).
River conditions were poor – low, clear water with no generation. We fished a half day after Gary realized he forgot his CPAP power cord and needed a replacement. I caught two stocker rainbows on large streamers.
That afternoon, I walked about 10 minutes to the White River catch-and-release section to Euro nymph until dark while Gary got his cord. No fish, but it was good practice after not doing it for a couple of years.
Later, the Airbnb warned us of an incoming winter storm with heavy snow (up to 14–17”) and expected power outages. Given tire conditions, remoteness, and road quality, we decided to leave early to avoid being stranded. We informed Alex we’d fish only a half day Friday.
Day 3 – Friday, Jan 23
Met Alex near the Airbnb. Much colder, 24°F with wind. Rod guides iced up constantly, requiring frequent dunking to clear ice. Despite conditions, Gary caught two fish and I caught three.
We quit fishing at 11:30 a.m., returned to pack, and headed out. About five miles in, a van flagged us down – our tailgate was open and a tote had fallen out near the Cotter turnoff. We turned back but lost time going the wrong direction. After retracing our route for over an hour, we concluded the tote was gone, found by a lucky person at the intersection. Gary contacted the sheriff’s office but…
I lost my wading boots (~$350). Gary lost all his flies, a tying vise, and leader/tippet material – roughly $3,000 total. He took it well, noting that problems solvable with money are the easiest kind.
We left around 1:00 p.m. and arrived home at 11:00 p.m. Heavy rain and construction slowed us, but we avoided ice. Coldest temp observed was 33°F.
Improvements
- Be more proactive with weather, didn’t check for snow or power outages
- Ensure tail gate is secure!!!
- Bring portable CO detector
- Take more pictures
- Learn some quicker knots: Davy
- Footwear for warmer toes
What went well?
- Airbnb in Cotter
- Great Guide & Gear
- Insulated bibs for warmth
- Dressing in multiple layers
- Fishing
Cotter Locations
Euro Nymphinng Location: 36.264017, -92.543469
Day 1 – Whiter River Fishing Guided Fishing: 36.209211, -92.289514
Guide Alex
Gary with rainbow
Mr. Heater
15 Forecast Weather
Cotter Arkansas
END
Glad you boys got back safe and sorta sound.
Thanks for sharing the report. It was great to read and imagine being there when the redbuds bloom as do side trees with white flowers (shaped like crosses). I used to go there regularly and usually fished at the “Handicapped access, and at the Park access”. Those were the days!
You and Gary had one of the best Cotter guides with Chad ? (from Dally’s)!
Thanks for sharing! Takes me back to wonderful memories! Joe Nicklo introduced me to his wife Lynn’s business of sauces , camp-outs on the on the bluff at the Park access, to other TFF outings, and to White River outings many years going forward, mostly with Martin Wier. Joe makes an annual trip to MH for the annual Trout Fest for his hot-glue business, and fishing! Joe used to go there with Shafer, more recently Paul Robertson. Sadly, I cannot make the long trip any more as is the case with many club outings.
Steffek
Wow. Talk about a cluster of a trip! CO poisoning, forgotten CPAP equipment, open tailgate, $3300 of lost gear, cold feet, 24 hrs of driving for 10 hours of fishing! What else could’ve gone wrong! What a story! Too funny!