Cotter, Arkansas Information and Events

06/13/2026

Formerly known as the Arkansas Backyard Ultra Championship, we present you the Cotter Bridge Ultra. A one of a kind event that blends our previous format with a unique concept. This is a great event for the family. There's fishing, swimming, a rope swing, and playground at the venue. This course is a 2.08 mile out then back. It is a mostly flat, soft surface, 8 to 10 feet wide, mostly fine gravel. It follows the White River. There are no turns or opportunities to get lost. It is scenic and a fantastic event whether you want to race or just enjoy some training miles with a good community of people. Good luck to all the runners!

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Remember the prizes at Cotter Trout Festival, some of us remember, then there those of us that have had it on their minds since the day that their name got called as the “Winner” of the “Ultimate Cotter Experience Gift Basket”!

Barrett Betts had the winning ticket and brought Family and Friends over from Tennessee to take part in all the glory that Cotter has to offer.

It seems that they had two ¾ days of Spin Fishing and two ¾ days of Fly Fishing.

Due to my limited information I ain’t really sure how the Spin Fishing went. They went out with one of Cotter Trout Dock Guides, so I am sure they did very well and had a Great time! Miss Debbie has some really good folks that work with the Dock.

What I do know about is the two days they spent learning to Fly Fish with Natural State Fly Shop Guide, Jerry Mcquay.

Per, Jerry all of them took to the Fly Rod quickly and the “ketching” was on! The way he told the story to me the Ladies flat out-caught the Guys. Jerry did say that all four of them are quick learners, but we all know that Jerry is a Great Casting Teacher. Once he got them to setting the hook the “Net-Work” started. After he told me a couple of the numbers, the best part of the story came out. Many of the Locals have seen a Very Large Dark Colored Brown Trout somewhere around Cotter. So many folks have seen this fish that it has a Local Name, it is being called “Blackie” due to it’s dark coloration and it’s size is a legend around here. We all know how Guide measurements get tossed around but it seems everyone agrees that “Blackie” is a genuine Hawg of a Brown Trout! Well one of the Ladies hooked the Lifetime Fish but had never fought a “Biggun” on a Fly Rod and just did what she thought was the right thing. Fly Rods are designed for the tip of the Rod to take the punishment, but she couldn’t hear Jerry trying to coach her, bet she was just plain excited. Sadly “Blackie” got off after all the folks had a glimpse of its size.

They came by Your Fly Shop for a photo with their Favorite Fly Guide afterwards. Wanna bet on whether they will be back … odds are pretty good that it will be soon!

You may know that we have had a couple good rains and the Summer Heat is moving in. That combination is going to start showing up in the Generation Schedule.

Beaver Lake is at 1123.36 (Top of Power Pool is 1121.43). Their Generators are down for Maintenance so they will open a Gate or three for a day here and there. Beaver is forecasted to crest on June 16th at 1123.9.

Table Rock Lake is at 918.7 (Top of Power Pool is 917.0). Constant Generation has been going for a couple days. Generation has been ranging from 2,800cfs to 9,500cfs. Table Rock is forecasted to crest on June 10th.

Bull Shoals Lake is at 661.30 (Top of Power Pool is 662.0). We have had lots of Minimum Flow over the past month but expect that to end with the amount of water and the High Temperatures. The Generation Forecast for tomorrow (Wednesday June 10th) shows slightly over a half generator to be most of the day with an afternoon 4 hour bump up to 3 generators. Bull Shoals is forecasted to crest on June 13th at 662.0.

Norfork Lake is at 556.17 (Top of Power Pool is 556.75). Again, there have been many days of Minimum Flow but Lake Level and High Temperatures will somewhat affect what the Corps will do for a while. Tomorrow they are forecasted to have Minimum Flow until 2:00pm then one generator for 6 hours. Norfork is forecasted to crest without getting into Flood Pool on June 12th at 556.4.

One thing that I wanted to leave to the end of this report is for those that read the entire rambling. Jerry told me that during their morning and early afternoon the river looked like someone had busted a Down Pillow …. The Sulphur’s are ON!

Better Git Out There even if just to witness one of the best hatches we have!

06/09/2026

There is something sacred about watching a friend pour her heart into a place she loves.

Today, we celebrate Missy Bogard—Cotter resident, fly-fishing guide, artist, and a cherished friend of our community. Many know Missy from her days on the river, sharing her passion for fly fishing with anglers from near and far, or from welcoming visitors through the doors of Diamond State Fly Co. But when she steps away from the water, her creativity finds another current to follow.

As she brings her artwork to life here at Catch & Release, we are reminded that the same spirit that guides her on the river flows through her brush. Her work reflects a deep love for this place, for the outdoors, and for the people who call the Trout Capital of the USA home.

We are profoundly grateful for the gifts Missy shares with our town—not only her talent, but her generosity, kindness, and commitment to inspiring others. As a female artist and guide, she leads by example, showing young creatives and outdoor enthusiasts alike that there is room to follow both passion and purpose.

May her work encourage others to create boldly, explore freely, and find beauty in the waters, landscapes, and communities that shape us.

Thank you, Missy, for sharing your vision with us and for helping tell the story of Cotter through your art. We are honored to call you our friend and grateful to welcome your work into the heart of our community.