Fishing Charters in Arkansas
Browse fishing charters in Arkansas that can help you catch channel catfish.
Gregs Guide Service
Bull Shoals, Arkansas
Greg's white river guide service is a trout fishing guide service in north central Arkansas
The Ozark Fly Guides
Heber Springs, Arkansas
ozarkflyguides, Heber springs
Keeping It Crappie
Dardanelle, Arkansas
Keeping It Crappie Guide Service in Arkansas offers crappie fishing charters on Lake Dardanelle, providing gear, instruction, and a 21’ Skeeter bass boat.
Reel Good Fishing
Alexander, Arkansas
REEL GOOD FISHING|GUIDED FISHING TRIPS ARKANSAS|SHOP OUR FLY SHOP|ARKANSAS FLY FISHING GUIDES
Little Red Trout
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Guided Trout Fishing on The Little Red River Heber Springs Arkansas. Special discounted rates.
Fish Finder Service
Bee Branch, Arkansas
Str Outdoors
Mountain Home, Arkansas
Sean Reynolds for Striper & hybrids fishing on Lake Norfork and Eastern Tennessee
Hot Springs Fishing Charter
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Swinging Bridge Flies
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Swinging Bridge Flies is a fly fishing guide service on the Beaver Tailwater in Northwest Arkansas, offering curated trips and custom tied flies. Come float with us today or check out our store for the flies you need.
Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures
Gassville, Arkansas
Wilkinson Outdoor Adventures fishes top locations on the White River
Beaus Guide Service
We are the best trout fishing guide service on the Little Red River. We provide spin cast and fly fishing guides to individuals, families and corporate outings looking to catch trout in Arkansas.
Arkansas On The Fly
Fly Fishing Guided Trips
Best Time to Catch Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish can be caught year-round in Cotter. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Channel Catfish
Looking for channel catfish near Cotter, Arkansas? The White River and Bull Shoals Lake offer excellent opportunities to hook into some whiskered giants. While the White River is famous for trout, the deeper pools and slower-moving sections hold good populations of catfish. Bull Shoals Lake, with its vast expanse and diverse structure, is another prime location. Summer is arguably the best time to target channel catfish, as they become more active in warmer water. Night fishing is particularly productive. Try fishing with stinkbaits, cut bait, or nightcrawlers near submerged timber, rocky ledges, or creek channels. A local tip: many anglers have success fishing below the Bull Shoals Dam, where the turbulent water creates an ideal feeding environment for catfish. Be aware of strong currents and changing water levels in the river, and always practice safe boating techniques.
How to Catch Channel Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Cotter.
Channel Catfish Fishing Regulations in Arkansas
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
5 per day
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Resident or Non-resident Fishing License
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Arkansas state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Arkansas
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a good bait for catching channel catfish around Cotter?
Channel catfish in Cotter readily take to a variety of baits. Effective options include stink baits, nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and cut bait. Experiment to see what's working best on a given day.
Is there a limit to how many channel catfish I can keep in Arkansas?
Yes, the bag limit for channel catfish in Arkansas is 5 per day. Keep this in mind when fishing near Cotter.
Are there any size restrictions on channel catfish I catch near Cotter?
No, there is no size limit for channel catfish in Arkansas. You can keep any size you catch, as long as you stay within the daily bag limit.
Do I need an Arkansas fishing license to fish for channel catfish?
Yes, a valid Arkansas fishing license is required to fish for channel catfish in the Cotter area. Both residents and non-residents need a license.
More Channel Catfish Fishing in Arkansas
Other Species to Fish in Cotter
Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Cotter?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.