The Norfork River, Arkansas

Norfork River, Arkansas

The Norfork River in north central Arkansas is one of the best tail water trout fisheries in the central US. The best area for fly fishing is the entire 4.7 mile stretch below the Norfork Lake which runs into the White River. The White is also tail water from the Bull Shoals Lake which extends way up into Missouri. It is also an excellent fishery and subject of another article another day.

As stated, the short stretch directly below the Norfork dam is a very exciting area to fish. There are plenty of rainbows, browns and cutthroat trout in the ten to fifteen inch range. The water temperature stays fairly consistent year round, but water flows are unpredictable and vary on a day to day basis. Regardless of season, flow releases are always variable and can change the fishing in an instance. At least two German Brown trout over thirty pounds have been caught at the mouth of the Norfork where it empties into the White.

There are only three public accesses to the river of which I am aware. One is at the confluence of the White and Norfork rivers-described in the directions below. The other is the handicap area accessible by feeder road on the north side of the river and about half way to the dam. This is the where wading access to the trophy, catch and release area begins. The only other area of public access is at the dam. There was a public launch there at the state park, but unfortunately it sort of got washed away in recent flooding. All three access points are maintained, and well, by the Arkansas Parks Department.

I have personally fished this river for over 25 years. The most productive fishing is by using nymphs and a little weight. Most of the locals cast downstream, allow a little swing and generally let their fly just sit there. This method is productive, but I catch more on a dead drift. Water is usually clear and you do not necessarily have to fish the bottom. A fairly long leader is a must here.

When water is low, except in the fly fish only section of the river (single hook/barb less/catch and release), I generally fish a tandem rig with a size 8-14 gold ribbed hare’s ear, brown or grey scud or sparrow forward and size 20-22 zebra or pheasant tail trailer. These match local aquatics very well and are extremely effective. Locals like to drift in a boat when water is high and use glow bugs of a variety of colors. This does work, but I personally like San Juan worms and hare's ears again in the 8-14 size. Occasionally, a large streamer like a black or olive wooly bugger can be very effective when the water is really running cast directly into the bank and stripped ferociously a couple of times before a recast. In high water make sure you weight heavily; the visibility decreases and you need to get the fly down near the fish at the bottom. Do not quit fishing as soon as the water is turned on. Just change flies as soon as you notice the water rise and change techniques a little. The first thirty minutes after the water starts to come is usually very exciting and frequently produces very large (18”- 20”+) fish. If you are looking for good quality, inexpensive flies go to Big-Y-Flies . Their flies start at only 49 cents.

There are some very knowledgeable guides and services on the river. Recently I fished with Wayne Reed. Wayne has a cabin on the banks of the Norfork and knows the river quite well. He is a contractor from Little Rock, AR and does a little guiding on the side. He is also very knowledgeable and will teach you everything you need to know about this river. Wayne welcomes beginners. Click here (IdahoAngler@live.com) and I'll send to you his email address. Contact him and I'm sure, with a little notice, he will take you fly fishing. Tell him the Idaho Angler who currently lives in Missouri sent you.

Other guides and services abound and are friendly, courteous and knowledge-able. Ask for Kendra at Woodsman’s Sports Shop or Cecil at Rose's Trout Dock. Both are long time friends and I have fished with both for many years. Again tell them Dr. Jack sent you. All guides are very inexpensive compared to other areas of the country, so tip them well. You will have a great time and catch some good fish.

Currently, the central US is mostly under water due to record rainfalls. So, as you can imagine the reservoirs are all running massive amounts of water in order to prevent flooding and control water flows. Still, the fishing on the White is quite good and well worth the trip. The water is a little murky though. So take a friend or make real brownie points and take your wife. Don’t tell them though that they are only there to run the boat while you fish.

DIRECTIONS FROM SELECT CITIES TO MOUNTAIN HOME, AR

Dallas, TX - I-30 north to Little Rock, AR, then take I-40 to Conway, AR. At Conway take U.S. 65 to Marshall, AR then take Hwy. 27 east to Harriet, AR. At Harriet, take Hwy. 14 north to Yellville, AR. At Yellville, turn right on Hwy. 62/412. Follow 62/412 through Flippin, and Gassville to Mountain Home.

Tulsa, OK - U.S. Hwy. 33 to Siloam Springs, AR. Go east on Hwy. 68 to Alpena, AR, then take U.S. Hwy 62/412 through Harrison and go about 50 miles to Mountain Home.

Kansas City, MO - U.S. 71 south to Harrisonville. Take Hwy. 7 to Clinton. At Clinton, take Hwy. 13 to Springfield, MO, and U.S. 60 to Mansfield, MO. At Mansfield take Hwy. 5 south to Mountain Home.

St. Louis, MO - I-44 to Rolla, MO. At Rolla, take U.S. 63 to West Plains, MO. At West Plains, take U.S. 160 to Caulfield, MO. At Caulfield take a left onto U.S. Hwy. 101 to U.S. Hwy. 62/412 and turn right and follow 62/412 to Mountain Home.

HOW TO GET TO THE NORFORK RIVER FROM MOUNTAIN HOME

The river itself is located 15 miles south of Mountain Home, Arkansas in the small town of Norfork. Simply take Highway 5 South from Mountain Home to Norfork. Once you cross over the river, take your next right past Woodsman's Sports Shop and Store. Go down the hill, over the RR track and you are there. Stop at the store and they will give you directions to anything. If you want, they will supply you with a guide and boat too for a lot less than what you will pay in other places in the U.S.at you will pay in other places in the U.S.