Norfork Lake, Arkansas: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Norfork Lake is one of the Baxter County waters in Arkansas. It sits at 548 feet above sea level. At 29.4 sq miles you are fishing a fraction of it whatever you do. Bays run back a long way, and the fish move between them with the season. Across our Arkansas listings, few waters are bigger. For supplies, Mountain Home is 8.4 miles out. Midway is 13 miles and Gassville 15 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Norfork Lake

  The books put it at 192 ft. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. County-wide records name striped bass, longear sunfish and rainbow trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Anyone new to Norfork Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 79°F in July and bottoms out near 35°F in January. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. The season on Norfork Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  This sits on public land, so access is generally straightforward. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. For a change of water, Gardner Lake is 10 miles distant. For Norfork Lake in particular, ask before you travel.