Norfork Lake

• Lake Information
• Fishing Guide Services
• Bait, Tackle & Marine Repair
• Lodgng & Marinas
• Restaurants & Convenience

About Norfork Lake

Norfork Dam is located on the North Fork River, at river mile 4.8, four miles northeast of Norfork, Arkansas. There are 1,806 square miles of drainage above the dam. Norfork is one of four multiple-purpose projects constructed in the upper White River Basin for control of floods and generation of hydroelectric power. The project also offers excellent recreational opportunities.

The Dam

Construction of the dam was initiated in the spring of 1941 and was completed three years later, while construction of the powerhouse and switchyard was completed October 1949. Commercial generation was begun in 1944. Be aware of hazardous water conditions near the dam. Below the dam, listen for a warning horn or siren signaling a discharge of water and watch for conditions that may signal rising water. Observe warning signs and buoys, and stay out of restricted areas. Overall construction cost of dam and powerhouse was approximately $ 28,600,000.

The Lake

Norfork Lake covers 32,000 acres with over 500 miles of shoreline of public lands for fishing, swimming, boating, scuba, hiking, mountain biking, and nature-based activities. Norfork Lake water is clean, clear, and fresh. A constant flow of rainfall water drains into Norfork after filtering through the expansive hardwood and limestone watershed surrounding the lake. The water flows into Norfork Lake via hundreds of small creeks, and the North Fork River.

Recreation

Whether you enjoy boating, skiing, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, or even scuba diving Norfolk Lake has an activity for you. Support facilities are located in 16 parks operated by the Corps of Engineers, Arkansas State Parks, local governments and a marina. These parks include 19 boat ramps, 13 campgrounds, 14 picnic areas, 10 marinas, 9 designated swim areas, and hundreds of miles of undeveloped shoreline. The park areas offer campsites, playgrounds, hiking trails, group picnic areas, designated swimming areas, and boat-launching ramps. Over 350 miles of shoreline provides opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and relaxation. Fees are charged for the use of some facilities. Concessionaire-operated marinas provide boat and motor rental, fuel and other related supplies and services. The area has a wide range of accommodations and services for visitors. More detailed information on lodging, restaurants and other recreational opportunities can be obtained from the Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce.

Lake Level, Moon Phase and Weather
Last updated: Unknown		Data Provided by WeatherBug.
Lake Level 550.5	CURRENT MOON moon phase	Today High: 85 Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph in the morning...increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.	Monday High: 89 Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph in the morning...increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Fishing Report

Normal Pool Elevation 555

Norfork Lake Fishing Report 09/01/2010

101 Grocery and Bait said the temperature is beginning to cool and the water temperature is in the 80s. The lake level has been good, and visibility is fair. Bluegills are hitting crickets and worms. Crappie fishing has been slow. Bass are deep (30-40 feet). White bass are in 20 to 40 feet of water and hitting jigging spoons well. Stripers are 40-70 feet deep and are hitting live bait and spoons. Walleye fishing is fair using nightcrawlers fished 25-35 feet around main channel points. Walleye and Striper fishing is good for the ones fishing up in the river toward Udall and Tecumseh areas. Catfish are hitting worms. The best time to fish is early morning.

Guide Steve Olomon said the water temperature is in the mid 80s. Watch for bass coming up early and just before dark. Look for fish suspended 30-60 feet deep and get your bait to their depth. The stripers are holding the deepest.

Guide Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters said evening fishing is very good right now, if you want to catch a big fish this is the week to be fishing. The moon phase has the stripers getting very active at about 7 p.m.; they are moving into 40 feet of water to feed. The fishing will last until full dark. You can catch stripers in Diamond, George's, Shoal, and all around the dam area. In the morning you will find them in 40 to 50 feet of water, as the sun comes up the fish move to deeper water and are feeding heavily on shad. Position your shad or spoon, above the fish and hold on.

Norfork Tailwater

Ken Richards at Just Fishing Guides said there's been no generation all morning until 2 p.m. Scud and sow bug patterns seem to be the best patterns. Look for fish rolling on the bottom and drift your flies down to them. Humpback scud (gray or olive), BH Simple Sow or a Ray Charles sow bug are reliable patterns to fish. There is some midge activity early and late in the day. Try small dries like a Parachute Adams or Griffith's Gnat or emergers like a Yong's Special or RS2 just below the surface, sizes 18-22. Terrestrials (hoppers, ants and beetles) and small streamers including wooly buggers, sparrows and 56ers are other patterns to try.