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.

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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.

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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.

     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. 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!

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