You'll be under the wings of an experienced and well-versed guide, Cody Willis who will put you on fish while giving you a top-tier service. Angling the outstanding waters of The White and North Fork River with Cody will definitely blow your mind. He is all about hooking up trophy trout and offers a variety of packages that can be tailored to every angler's needs that you will surely enjoy. If you want to introduce your kids to the joys of fishing, then you'd definitely love all the family-friendly trips he provides. Cody is also a strong advocate of "Catch and Release" when it comes to Big Trout. He believes that these fish species should be returned to their homes so others or the next generations can appreciate the thrill of reeling in a big one. Everything you need to have a successful day on the waters will be provided - Sit back, relax and have a great time! Explore the bountiful waters of Arkansas the right way with a local born guide where memories will never fade and you'll definitely keep coming back for more!

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Southern Adventures Guide Service is a premier fishing charter company in Cotter, Arkansas. They specialize in providing excellent fishing experiences on the White River, and their services are kid-friendly. If you’re planning a family vacation and want your kids to try something new, Southern Adventures Guide Service is the perfect choice

A fisherman holding a rainbow trout in Cotter, Arkansas

Kid Friendly Fishing Charter in 2023

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout fishing in Lake superior 2023!

Lake Superior is an angler's paradise, with its clear waters and abundance of fish. One of the most sought-after species in the lake is the Rainbow Trout.

Kid Friendly Charter

Brown Trout

White River Fishing Report

Grab the opportunity to get out of your house and into nature, while testing your fishing skills against some of the toughest fish around. Catch Brown and Rainbow Trout in our shallow creeks, bask in the winter sun, and enjoy fresh-caught dinner at the end of the day. Book your trip now!

A 13-inch sea trout caught while fishing in AR

Photograph of a Sea Trout fishing catch in Cotter

Sea Trout measuring 25 inches caught in AR

Sea Trout measuring 24 inches caught in Cotter

A large sea trout caught while fishing in AR

A Rainbow Trout measuring 21 inches caught in Arkansas while fishing

Fishing on the infamous white river for Trophy Trout 

Secure your spot and make arrangements with Cody today!

Southern Adventures Guide Service in Cotter, AR offers family-friendly fishing trips designed for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Targeting Trophy brown trout, rainbow,brook and cutthroat trout. Each trip is led by an experienced local guide who knows the river inside and out. Whether you're teaching your kids to fish or chasing a personal best, you'll enjoy a safe, fun, and productive day on the water. With expert guidance, quality gear provided, and access to some of the most productive stretches of the White River, you're set up for success from the start. Southern Adventures Guide Service is committed to creating a relaxed, educational, and rewarding experience for every guest. Book your fishing trip today and make lasting memories on Arkansas’ legendary trout waters.

Gift a fishing charter! Give the gift of fishing with Southern Adventure's Guide Service and Captain Cody Willis for an unforgettable experiece in Cotter AR!

Purchase A Southern Adventure's Guide Service Gift Card today!

Easily change trip dates, times, or trip type by contacting Southern Adventures Guide Service from your receipt or right from our website! We look forward to fishing with you!

Purchase an E-Gift card and your loved one will apply that unique confirmation code to the booking at checkout from www.whiteriverguidedfishing.com

Southern Adventure's Guide Service The Ultimate Fishing Charter Experience from Cotter AR

Fish with Cody willis

Captain Cody Willis was born and raised in Mountain Home, Arkansas, just minutes from some of the best fishing waters in the state. His love for the outdoors started young, spending nearly every summer weekend on local rivers and lakes with his family. For Cody, fishing wasn’t just a weekend hobby—it was a way of life. The peaceful rhythm of casting a line, the calm of being surrounded by water, and the chance of catching something memorable made every trip meaningful. Over time, the lake became more than a place to fish—it became where he learned patience, appreciation for nature, and the joy of sharing time with others. Cody’s deep respect for the White River and surrounding areas only grew stronger as he got older. Surrounded by miles of scenic shoreline and dense wilderness, he became fascinated not just with fishing, but with the environments that supported it. He learned the value of observation, perseverance, and adaptability on the water—skills that shaped his approach as both an angler and a guide. It was always clear to him that his future would involve helping others experience the same joy he found in fishing these incredible local waters. That vision turned into reality with the founding of Southern Adventures Guide Service. Cody recognized a need in the community—not just for fishing trips, but for meaningful access to the outdoors in a way that’s safe, welcoming, and truly educational. His goal wasn’t to be just another guide—it was to create a reliable, trusted experience where guests of all ages could enjoy fishing, connect with nature, and build skills they’d carry with them long after the trip. He takes pride in helping people fish with confidence, and he approaches each outing as a chance to share what makes these rivers and lakes so special. <h2>The Boat</h2>Cody runs trips aboard a 2015 Topwater boat, recently restored in 2022 for improved performance and comfort. Powered by a reliable 40hp Yamaha engine, the boat reaches cruising speeds of up to 31 knots and is ideal for navigating both calm backwaters and wider river stretches. It comfortably fits up to three anglers, making it a great option for solo trips, pairs, or small groups. With its smooth handling and upgraded features, guests can expect a relaxed, steady ride that keeps the focus where it belongs—on fishing and enjoying the day.

Meet Your Friendly Guide Cody of Southern Adventures Guide Service & His 20 ft. TopWater Boat

Experience premium trout fishing on Arkansas's White River. 4-hour guided river trip with Southern Adventures. Book now!

Fly Cast Fun

Elite White River 4-Hour Trout Fishing Adventure

Join Southern Adventures for expert-guided White River trout fishing. Book your Arkansas adventure.

White River Hooks

Top-Rated White River 8-Hour Trout Fishing Trip

Book a top-rated full-day family trout fishing trip on Arkansas' White River. All gear provided, perfect for beginners!

Family Trout Day

Family-Friendly White River Trout Adventure

Book a 2-day guided trout fishing trip on White River. Camp overnight, fish prime spots. All gear included. Reserve now!

River Trout Camp

Expert-Guided White River Trout Fishing Camp

Master trout fishing basics on White River's productive waters. 8-hour guided river trip with gear included.

Trout Basics

Beginner White River Trout Fishing Full Day Trip

Anglers of all ages and skill levels,

Get In Touch With Cody Willis

Good To Know 1. What types of fishing trips does Southern Adventure's Guide Service offer in Cotter, AR?Southern Adventure's Guide Service in Cotter, AR, offers a variety of fishing trips including guided trout fishing on the White River, smallmouth bass trips on the Buffalo River, and multi-day fishing adventures tailored to client preferences. 2. How can I book a fishing trip with Southern Adventure's Guide Service in Cotter, AR?Booking a fishing trip with Southern Adventure's Guide Service is easy. You can visit their website to check availability and book online, or contact Cody Willis directly via phone or email to discuss trip options and availability. 3. What should I bring on a fishing charter with Southern Adventure's Guide Service?For your fishing charter with Southern Adventure's Guide Service, it's recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, appropriate clothing (layers are best), a hat, snacks, and drinks (non-alcoholic). They provide all necessary fishing gear and tackle. 4. When is the best time of year to fish for trout with Southern Adventure's Guide Service on the White River?The best time to fish for trout with Southern Adventure's Guide Service on the White River is typically during the spring and fall seasons. However, trout fishing is good year-round due to the consistent cold water releases from Bull Shoals Dam. 5. Are fishing trips with Southern Adventure's Guide Service suitable for beginners?Yes, Southern Adventure's Guide Service welcomes beginners and experienced anglers alike. Cody Willis ensures a personalized experience, providing instruction and guidance to help beginners learn the basics of fishing. 6. What is the duration of a typical fishing charter with Southern Adventure's Guide Service?A typical fishing charter with Southern Adventure's Guide Service usually lasts 4 to 8 hours, depending on the package chosen and the preferences of the clients. They also offer full-day and half-day options to accommodate different schedules. 7. Does Southern Adventure's Guide Service provide cleaning and packaging services for caught fish?Yes, Southern Adventure's Guide Service offers cleaning and packaging services for the fish you catch during your trip. This ensures that you can take your fresh catch home ready to cook and enjoy. 8. How experienced are the guides at Southern Adventure's Guide Service?Cody Willis and the guides at Southern Adventure's Guide Service are highly experienced and knowledgeable about fishing in the Cotter, AR area. They have years of experience fishing the White River and Buffalo River, and know the best techniques for successful trips. 9. What sets Southern Adventure's Guide Service apart from other fishing charters in Cotter, AR?Southern Adventure's Guide Service stands out due to their commitment to customer satisfaction, personalized service, and extensive knowledge of local fishing spots. Cody Willis ensures that every trip is memorable and tailored to meet the clients' expectations. 10. Are there any special offers or discounts available for booking multiple trips with Southern Adventure's Guide Service?Yes, Southern Adventure's Guide Service occasionally offers special deals and discounts for booking multiple fishing trips. It's recommended to check their website or contact Cody Willis directly for the latest offers.

Deposit: A 20% deposit is required for all online bookingsBalance is due in cash or credit card on the day of the trip.

Tips: Tips are greatly appreciated for a job well done

Guest Cancellation: &nbsp;In the event that you need to request a cancellation, you must do so 14 days before your charter date in order to receive a refund for your deposit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Guide Cancellation: In the rare event that your guide must cancel due to inclement weather, equipment issues or health, you will have the option to reschedule for a future date or cancel and receive your deposit back in full.

Payment Reminders

Best Boat

Great For Novices

Great For Top Anglers

Great Guide

Good with Kids

Best Spots

Silhouette of angler fishing with rod at sunset over calm water

Silhouettes of anglers fishing from rocky shoreline during sunset over calm water

Majestic snow-capped mountain peaks rising behind dense evergreen forest with calm reflective water in foreground during golden hour lighting

Mountain peaks with orange alpenglow reflected in calm water surrounded by evergreen forest

Angler holding freshly caught black drum fish on boat with ocean backdrop

Angler holding large black drum fish on boat with ocean and blue sky in background

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