The town of Cotter, Arkansas, doesn’t slow down when winter sets in. Instead, this small community on the banks of the White River stays active, living up to its nickname—“The Trout Capital of the USA.” Even in the coldest months, anglers arrive in search of trophy rainbow and brown trout.
Prime Time for Trophy Trout
For those looking to land a monster trout, winter is an opportune time. The lower fishing pressure and scarcity of food in the river contribute to some of the biggest catches of the year. Brown trout spawn in the winter, and their discarded eggs draw in hungry rainbows and other browns.
Donald Cranor, a lifelong Cotter resident and expert fishing guide, has been fishing the White River since childhood. He now operates Cranor’s White River Lodge and specializes in helping clients hook impressive trout, especially during the colder months.
The Key to Winter Success
Cranor takes advantage of the brown trout spawning season by targeting areas just downstream of their redds—gravel nests where they lay eggs. He uses a specialized bead rig that mimics drifting trout eggs. The setup includes:
- A 6-foot, 10-inch G. Loomis drop-shot spinning rod (medium-light action, extra-fast sensitivity)
- Shimano Stradic 1000 spinning reel
- 10-pound PowerPro braid with an 8- to 10-pound Sunline fluorocarbon leader
- A No. 6 VMC bait hook paired with an orange-matte or peach-colored bead
- A bell sinker (1/8- to 3/8-ounce) adjusted for the current
Cranor finds that the best results often occur around the full moon in January when brown trout are actively spawning. If bead fishing isn’t producing, he switches to jerkbaits such as the Booyah Flash Point or the Rebel Tracdown Minnow. Other anglers in the area use live bait like sculpins, minnows, and threadfin shad—especially when winter shad kills from Bull Shoals Lake send an influx of baitfish into the river. Fly anglers also see success using egg and bead patterns.
Navigating White River’s Winter Waters
The White River’s conditions fluctuate due to the hydropower operations at Bull Shoals Dam, roughly 15 miles upstream. Water flow and temperature can change throughout the day based on power generation needs, but the cold weather often brings consistent generation.
Despite varying conditions, the White River has a reputation for producing massive trout. Arkansas’ state-record rainbow trout (19 pounds, 1 ounce) was caught here in 1981, and large brown trout continue to be landed annually. Cranor’s Facebook page frequently showcases clients proudly holding and releasing trophy trout.
A Destination for Legendary Anglers
Even fishing legend Bill Dance has experienced the White River’s winter magic firsthand. During a televised fishing trip guided by Cranor, Dance caught and released a 12.25-pound rainbow trout on a Rebel Tracdown Minnow. Since then, he has returned multiple times to target the White’s famed trout.
Catch-and-Release and Winter Safety
Many White River guides, including Cranor, advocate for catch-and-release practices to preserve the fishery’s trophy trout population. They also stress the importance of dressing appropriately for winter fishing—insulated clothing, waterproof boots, gloves, and headgear help ensure comfort and safety in freezing temperatures.
For anglers willing to brave the cold, the White River in winter offers some of the best trout fishing opportunities in the country. With fewer crowds, active fish, and the potential for a trophy catch, it’s no wonder that Cotter, Arkansas, remains a year-round hotspot for serious trout anglers.
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
