Bull Shoals Tailwater - Cotter Access
UTM 15 541053E 4013637N (NAD83/WGS84)
(Eighteen miles below Bull Shoals Dam on Baxter County or east side)
The Cotter Access is a block south of the east end of the old Hwy 62 downtown Cotter bridge in the Cotter City Park. The unique concrete arch suspension bridge was reconditioned in 2005, and the boat ramp at the access was rebuilt and the parking lot improved in 2005-2006. Good wade fishing is possible between the old bridge and upstream to the new Highway 412 bridge. This is only possible for wade anglers at dead low flows and involves a hike. Access to the area between the bridges is possible via a boat anytime. A trail that begins in the city park follows the river upstream. Access from the trail is limited but possible. Most who are familiar with the river conditions wade across the river at the boat launch and walk upstream on Bayless Island and then cross to the west side of the river and continue on upstream to the shoals. This is not advised if you are not familiar with the generation trends and times of flows, as it is possible to get caught in rising water. The area has received some habitat improvement and provides good fishing at different water levels.
Wade access is also good down river of the boat ramp and through the private access at Roundhouse Shoal Fishing Service. Public access to Roundhouse Shoal is available off the road further downstream.