The Water

To understand why Norfork Lake is an incredible fishing experience you first need to understand the lake itself. Lake Norfork was the first lake to be created on the White River system between 1941-1944. It has 550 miles of completely uncommercialized shoreline, the lake has a varying water level that fills the basin up to 30,700 surface acres of pristine water within its 40 mile length. The Norfork Reservoir is formed by a large concrete dam across the North Fork River 4 miles upstream from where the North Fork runs into the White River at the small city of Norfork, AR. The dam was built for both flood control and hydro-electric generation. All of the land surrounding Norfork Lake is the property of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, builders of Norfork Dam and powerhouse. The pristine shoreline is all natural Ozark forest. This body of water is unrivaled natural beauty and it stands out among the Ozarks. Norfork Lake is not very crowded because there are no major metropolitan population centers within close proximity. It’s secluded from the commercialism plaguing many other Ozark lakes. We have small, hometowns, nice people and unspoiled miles and miles of natural beauty. Since the lake is not nearly as crowded as others it’s a perfect location for fisherman and nature enthusiasts. The lake is a vast expanse of openness with hundreds of secluded coves to fish.

The Ozark Mountains are old enough that much of the topsoil has eroded, leaving bare rock and gravel for rainwater to filter through. This natural filtration combined with no other lakes or major rivers empty into Norfork Lake makes its waters incredibly clear. You’ll easily see 30 feet into the pristine water but remember the fish can see you too! That’s the challenge that Norfork offers. Because the lake isn’t murky, lower pound test line is commonly used so the fish can’t see it. Just imagine hooking up with a 15 pound striper using 8 pound test line. That’s the way we do it! It’s more than fun! It’s an extraordinary experience.

There are numerous benefits to fishing Norfork Lake. The mosquitos won’t bother you here! There are none. And every season is a good season to striper fish and take in the breathtaking views. We have mild winters with water that doesn’t freeze and fishing season is 365-days a year. It’s an excellent fish dinner too! The peace and beauty provides a stress free, relaxing day and you also get good exercises reeling in the monsters. Last but not least, striper provides white meat with a mild flavor and a medium texture. It is extremely versatile in that it can be pan-seared, baked, grilled, steamed, poached, roasted, broiled, sauteed and deep fried.

We call Norfork Lake our Hidden Treasure. We love introducing visitors and locals alike to Lake Norfork and striper fishing. The smiles on their face say it all and so does the shock when they hook up with that first striper! Priceless.

The White River in the Arkansas Ozarks is a world famous fishing destination for trout. The White River is a 722-mile river that flows through the U.S. states of Arkansas and Missouri. Originating in the Boston Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, flowing southeast to its mouth at the Mississippi River. Since the White River flows out of Bull Shoals Lake, the depth of the river and the speed of its current depends on how much water is being released from Bull Shoals Dam. The Corps of Engineers determines how much water to release into the river based on flood control and electric power demand. The water level in the White River can drop or rise as much as 10 feet in one hour at any time of the day depending on how many electric power generators the Corps is running. It’s essential to use a guide who is educated and knowledgeable on the power and generators the Corps is or is not running at any given time. Rising Water Guide Service is skilled at this.

We fish for rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout on the White River and there’s plenty of each. The river is stocked by the AGFC Commission. Trout fishing can be done either with a spinning reel setup or fly fishing rod. With a spinning reel setup an ultra-light or light action 6’-7’ long rod is used with 4-6 pound test line. Fly fishing uses an artificial fly attached to a 4 to 6 pound fly rod about 7’ long and 4-6 pound test line. If you haven’t trout fished before don’t worry if you’re not familiar with a spinning rod and reel. We provide all equipment and they are not difficult to use and we are excellent teachers.

There are several Catch & Release areas on the White River. These are areas designed to promote fishing with only barbless artificial lures. The AGFC prohibits bait-fishing in these areas. Certain areas can be closed to fishing November 1st to January 31st due to Brown Trout spawning.

Most days limits of trout are caught. You choose if you’ll keep them to eat or release them when outside the Catch & Release areas. One thing is for sure though, you’ll enjoy a fun, stress free time with abundant wildlife and fabulous scenery!