White River trout fishing near Cotter, Arkansas is trout fishing at its very
best. The clear cold waters of the White River produce trophy rainbow trout,
brown trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout that attract fishermen from all
over the world. Whether you're an accomplished fly fisherman, spin caster
or novice, you'll have the time of your life!
When you've caught (and maybe released) your limit of rainbow trout, you'll
want to stroll around Cotter's historic downtown area, see the restored
buildings, and shop for antiques or a special gift.
Nationally Recognized Trout Fishing
Trout fishing near Cotter has been a major influence in recent national
recognition of nearby Mountain and the Twin Lakes area.
The Wall Street Journal March 3, 2005, described retirement opportunities
and highlighted fishing:
"This part of Arkansas is known as the trout capital of the world because of
the quality and quantity of trout pulled from local rivers that run cold along
nearly sheer limestone cliffs, vistas that often resemble scenery from the
movie "A River Runs Through It." As such, Mountain Home and the
surrounding region lure retirees keen on fly-fishing gin-clear streams and
rivers, or those eager to reel fish from boats for bass, walleye, crappie and
other species in lakes 200 feet deep. Fishing tourism largely propels the
regional economy. Fishing resorts, fly-fishing schools and fishing shops are
abundant. The area also is a big draw for businessmen from Dallas, in
particular, seeking a close getaway for a few days of casting for brown,
rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout."
More recently, In their Feb 2008 issue, Field and Stream advises readers:
"You can also catch big trout with flies in the White or Norfork (North Fork)
Rivers. It's fair to say that these tailwaters - part of a 170-mile network of
coldwater streams - are some of the world's best trout fisheries. The
Norfork served up the former world-record brown trout (38 pounds 9
ounces) in 1988; the White has stretches that hold hundreds of
5-plus-pound brown trout per mile."
Outdoor Life Magazine (April 2008 issue) also listed "whopper trout" in the
nearby White River as a major appeal.
Historic Railroad Town
Cotter was built in the early years of the 20th century, a railroad boomtown
which soon became the largest town in North Arkansas.
Big Spring Park, on the banks of the White River, is the site of the
Anglin-Tinnon Railroad Workers' Memorial, an impressive array of displays
to honor the men who worked on the White River Route of the St. Louis,
Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad, which later became the Missouri
Pacific.
A two-mile walking trail begins at the park and follows the White River
upstream to the site of Denton Ferry, a part of the Trail of Tears. You can
also go downstream, across the walking bridge to the "island" where
another trail is partially complete. Plans are being made to continue the trail
for another mile and a half.
Certainly the most visible special attraction in town is the R. M. Ruthven
Rainbow Arch Bridge, probably the largest of its type still standing.
Renovation of the bridge by the Arkansas Highway Department began in
March of 2002 and was finished in the fall of 2004. For five years running,
the City of Cotter has been awarded the prestigious Tree City USA award
presented by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the National
Association of State Foresters.
Read more about Cotter's special attractions and see a slide show or two
here on our Web site, then come visit us in person. Plan your next vacation
with us! We think you'll love our beautiful site on the banks of the White
River, and we hope you'll want to come back to Cotter, again!
For more information, you can contact the Cotter Area Chamber of
Commerce at:
PO Box 489
Cotter, AR 72626
Phone: 870-321-1243
E-mail: office@cotterarkansas.com
Welcome to Cotter Arkansas,
Trout Capital, USA
Check out our Featured Business After Hours
McDonald's
on Hwy 62
Gassville, AR
March 15th
5:00pm to 6:30pm
Shawnee-Supreme
Invitational Trout
Tournament March 10, 2012 Click here for all the details! Click here to download
entry forms, rules and
details.
White River
Railroad Reunion,
April 14th, 2012
Big Spring Park, call
Cotter Chamber of
Commerce for
all the details-
870-321-1243
Cotter City Wide
Yard Sale April 14th, 2012 Contact Cotter City
Hall for all the details
870-435-6326
The Great Cotter
Trout Festival May 4 & 5, 2012
Big Spring Park Click here for all
the details, Click here for
Vendor Agreement
Trout Capital
News is now on-line or
you can download a
copy right here!
Recurring
Meetings
Cotter Lion's Club 2nd Monday-6 pm
Cotter VFW
Palette Art League
Artist Walk 2nd Friday
6pm - 8pm
Cotter Planning
Commission
meetings 3rd Thursday
7:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall
Contact: Schuyler
Brower 870-321-3600
Cotter Saturday Club 3rd Saturday
VFW Monthly
Meeting 3rd Saturday
2:00 pm
Cotter Chamber of
Commerce
Monthly Meeting 3rd Tuesday of
the month
8:00 a.m. at the VFW
Hall in Cotter
(across from the
Cotter High School on
hyw 62)
City Council Meeting 4th Thursday
6:30 pm at City Hall
For more information,
on any upcoming event
call
the chamber at
870-321-1243 or visit
our Community
Calendar with all
events and meetings
listed for the year.