NORFORK LAKE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL! August 28

A Unique Resort With a Laid Back Atmosphere, Somewhat Secluded Yet Still Convenient, on Lake Norfork in the Ozark Mountains

The spring rains and subsequent higher water events of years 2002, 2008, and 2009, produced a phenomenal spawn of bass, crappie and other Lake Norfork species. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission predicts that starting with the 2010 season,

Lake Norfork will be incredible for years to come!

06/21/10

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Norfork Lake is the place to be this summer for fishing and playing. The lake level is around 557 MSL and the water temp is in the mid to upper 80 degrees. Bluegills are hitting crickets. Catfish are doing good using live bait with rod n reel as well as trot lines and jug fishing. Striper fishing is good in the early morning and evening using live bait. Jigging spoons when you see schools on your graph will also work. Bass fishing has been best in the mornings and evenings they are at all depths in the lake I seen 3 nice 3-4 lb large mouths today in 2 feet of water and just my luck, no rod. It was 94degrees and bright sun shine around 3pm. Walleye fishing has been fair using live bait and of course spoons will also do the job. Crappie fishing has been good for them that can find there hiding spot. Over all fishing Norfork Lake is good the best time to fish is early, very early in the morning. Have Fun Go Fishing.

06/20/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

The weekend provided outstanding striper fishing. The stripers are in their summer pattern, they are schooling and feeding both morning and late afternoon. The fish are in Fall, Panther, & the Robinson area. You can catch them from 40' down to 80', look for the shad school and the stripers are all over them. Drop live shad or a spoon and hold on. Last night I went up to catch bait and that takes a 20 minute ride, it took 45 minutes to catch the bait, and only 30 minutes to catch two limits.

06/20/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The water temperature is in the mid 80's and the lake level is 557.3. The lake dropped almost 2 feet this week which still puts the lake 2 feet above normal. Watch for top water action early and late in the day. The stripers and hybrids have gone down around at least 40 feet and drop a jigging spoon. After the top water bite is over throw a Texas rigged worm or a jig for the bass. If you fish after dark try a salt craw or a crank bait.

06/13/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake dropped a foot and a half this week to 559 and the water temp is in the low 80's early in the morning. Look for fish pushing baitfish to the surface on points and channel swings in the creeks and on the main lake. Look for suspended fish down at least 40ft and have been seeing some down 60ft. and drop a jigging spoon. Throw a Texas rigged worm or a jig outside the brush along the bank and slowly work it back to the boat. This is what we will be basically doing during the dog days of summer. Fish early in the morning and at night.

06/12/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

The stripers on the south end of the lake are in their summer patterns, we had three on with our lines set at 43'. The fish were feeding on crawdads and shad, now is the time to start using your depth finder to locate the fish, they are close to the bottom feeding. Look along the point sides and humps. If you do not want to fish south look in Float Creek and Panther Bay. They should start showing up on Robinson Point soon.

06/06/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake stayed steady this week at 560.5 and the water temperature is in the low 80's. Nothing has changed much from last week. The stripers and hybrids are still chasing shad to the surface early and when the sun gets up the bite is pretty much over for the stripers and hybrids on top water. Bass are still coming up and hitting top water baits too. When the sun gets up you have to fish deeper. Keep a jigging spoon on deck. Look for fish down at least 35ft.

06/06/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

Fishing is very good for stripers right now, you can catch them trolling, spooning, and live bait. The stripers have moved deep and are in the 40' range. There is fish in Float, Diamond, Big Creek, & Brushy. The water temp is pushing 80 degrees.

06/01/10

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Norfork Lake water level is around 560 MSL and the surface temperature is in the mid 70 degrees. Fishing has been good. The striper bite has been best in the mornings and late evening live bait (shiners and shad) has been doing well as have deep diving crank baits road runners and spoons. Walleye fishing is good using worms and spoons. Bluegills are still doing good fishing with crickets seem to be the bait of choice. Crappie fishing is good using minnows fished around the brush piles and along bluffs. Bass fishing has been good using an array of plastic baits, spinner and buzz baits. Cat fishing has been good using worms, shiners and stink baits. White bass fishing has been fair using inline spinner baits and spoons. Have Fun Go Fishing.

05/30/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 560.5 up a foot from last week. The water temperature is on the rise also. It is in the upper 70's. There are still a few stripers and hybrids coming up chasing shad early in the morning. Bass are coming up as well. Watch for the surface activity near points as well as along bluffs. Look for fish suspended at 40-60 feet and drop a jigging spoon.

05/26/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

I fished the morning and had one pull down and one other bite, we looked from Big Creek to the dam and Diamond Bay and could not find any stripers. I took my clients out at 4 pm to catch bait in the bayou and then fish. We caught bait and fished the 6A area, had our limit by 6:30 pm, and caught 3 more after that. The stripers were at 35 to 45 feet and some were on the bottom at 55 feet and would come up and look at the bait, with the moon coming up late in the evening its now the time to fish the afternoon/evening. The fish were singles but would hit the bait really hard. We had one fish hit a bait that had slid up the line and took that bait right off the line, never saw that before. The stripers were very active.

05/23/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

Fishing was great over the weekend, we caught lots of stripers in Big Creek and the Blue Lady areas, the biggest was 22 lbs. On Sunday, 40 stripers were caught between our three boats. The fish have gone deep, 90 percent of the fish we caught was on down lines at 35 to 42 feet, they are hitting both threadfin and gizzard shad. Look for pods of bait and the stripes will be close by. The shad we're using are between 3 to 5 inches, so stay small on your spoons. The water temp last night was 77 degrees in the Blue Lady area.

05/23/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 559.5 up almost 3 feet from last week and the water temperature is in the low to mid 70's. There are still a few stripers coming up early chasing shad. Largemouth, kentuckies and smallies have been coming up also. Throw a spook or just about any top water bait and you will get bite. The top water bite is pretty much over when the sun get up over trees. You can still get some bass to come up but as for the stripers, they won't. There has been some whites coming up back in the creeks. Keep an eye on your electronics and when you mark some suspended fish drop them a jigging spoon.

05/16/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

The stripers have spawned and are on the move. I fished Diamond and caught a few fish, I then tired Crystal Cove and had a couple of bites but no fish. I fished both Panther and Float with no luck. Yesterday I went back down the lake and caught 2 in Big Creek and should have had two more. The thermocline is at 22', stripers are on a crawdad bite, look for them close to the bottom and try a spoon, I caught one striper on a down line at 45' . There is still a top water bite in the early morning and late evening on the points.

05/16/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 556.6, up .7 from last week. The water temperature is in the upper 60's to the low 70's. Stripers are still hitting top water baits, swim baits and on live bait. Bass are also hitting top water, Carolina rigs, swim baits, jigs, and jerk baits. They are hitting on just about anything to want to throw.

05/09/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake came up .2 this week to 555.9. The water temperature is in the upper 60's. Stripers are still hitting top water baits and swim baits. The largemouth are hitting these as well. The bass are also hitting Carolina rigs, jigs and lipless crank baits. Throw a tube for smallies on pea gravel banks.

05/08/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

Took a friend fishing and he caught his limit of stripers. The stripers have spawned and are moving up the creeks. I fished Diamond Bay and plan on fishing the Fout area tomorrow. Usually after the spawn the best places are mid lake creeks and the Fout area for a couple of weeks. The thermocline is at 22'. With this cold weather the water will drop a few degrees and fishing should pickup for live bait. There is still a top water bite in the early morning and late evening on the points. Reports are that the stripers are on a crawdad bite, look for them close to the bottom and try a spoon.

05/04/10

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Fishing Norfork Lake is hot, with a water level around 556’ MSL and surface temp in the low to mid 70 degrees the fish are calling you. Bass fishing has been great for most everyone using rubber bait, stick baits and of course top water. Walleye fishing is good using worms and minnows fished with lead head jigs and stick baits are working also. Blue gill fishing is good using worms, crickets and small spinner baits. White bass fishing is fair most are telling me they are doing best in the mornings in the coves for white bass. Cat fishing is doing well using worms and small sunfish. Crappie fishing has been a challenge. Most are still fishing the banks and not doing well, you need to be fishing in 20-40 feet of water and fishing near the bottom. This has had the best results for most folks. Striper fishing is good using live bait and stick baits are still working some nice stripers were caught this weekend using spoons cast from the bank.

05/02/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

The fish are feeding early and late in the evening, fish the windy points with rouge's and have a top water bait ready. The dam area, Koso, Hudson, and Thumb all are holding fish.

05/02/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 555.75 up .5 from last week and the water temperature is still in the mid to upper 60's. We are still having a top water bite early and just before the sun goes down. The bite is better if there is little or no wind. We caught some stripers up in Pigeon Creek and down in Big Creek this week. They were hitting spooks, soft jerk baits and red fins. They are also catching stripers on live bait. We also got some nice largemouth on these as well. Bass are hitting jigs and crank baits also. For the night bite throw a stick bait up to the bank and reel the bait back SLOW.

04/25/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 555.2 and will rise because of the 2 1/2" of rain we had in the last couple days. The water temperature is still in the mid to upper 60's. We had a good top water bite which will turn on again as soon as this front passes. There still are some fish coming up but will get better. We were catching stripers, hybids, whites, largemouth, smallmouth and a few kentuckies on top water. Thursday was the best day. The bite was early and about a hour before sunset. Then when it gets dark throw stick baits up to the bank and bring them back to the boat real slow. The walleyes will also hit the stick baits after dark.

04/23/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

The night bite on Norfork Lake is in full swing, a 41 lb striper was caught Wed. night on a rouge. With the full moon next week the fishing should be the best for this year. Fish the main lake points from Diamond to the dam area.

04/21/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 555.4 and the water temperature is in the mid to upper 60's. The stripers are hitting top water baits early in the morning and just before sunset. After the sun goes down change to a stick bait and throw it up to the bank and reel real slow just enough so the bait wobbles back and forth. Some bass are moving to their beds on the lower end of the lake. Till next week Good Fishing!!!!!!!

04/20/10

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Monster bluegills, 13-16” average crappie, football size Kentucky bass, 4-6 lb largemouth bass, nice small mouth bass and walleye and 10-15 lb stripers, this is what Norfork Lake has to offer as an average for the fishermen. Well, fishing is great, the water level is around 555’ MSL and the surface temp is in the mid to upper 60 degree range. The water is clear, and clear is a visibility of 10-15’ some folks tell me they can see down 20 feet. If you go fishing on Norfork Lake and don’t catch fish, well, you just ain’t holding your tongue right. Crickets and worms are working great as are minnows and wax worms. Stick baits are still doing well for the stripers as well as live bait. Top water spooks and poppers for the bass and rubber baits too. Have Fun Go Fishin.

04/17/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

Fishing has been good all week, the bite was early and good until the sun came up then it slowed until the wind blew. Now the wind has changed to NE & East and the fishing has slowed down. There is a little top water bit. The fish are still shallow holding on points. There are fish in Diamond, Big Creek and Brushy Creek plus the main lake points around the dam.

04/12/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 556.9 and the water temperature is in the upper 50's to the low 60's. Look for surface activity early in the morning and again just before dark. The stripers are hitting live bait. When you find them chasing shad to the surface throw a top water bait to them. You have to throw to them fast and as close to them as possible to get a hit. We also caught some on swim baits. Bass were hitting swim baits as well. Caught a few nice smallies on the swim bait. After it gets dark throw stick baits to the bank and reel them real slow.

04/07/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

The fishing is still hot for both live bait and stick baits, we have been catching stripers early along the shore, then when the wind picks up we fish the windy banks out about 4o'. We have been using gizzard shad, but you can catch them throwing flukes and stick baits when the wind is blowing during the day. The dam area, Big Creek and Brushy Creek are holding good fish.

04/06/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 556 and the water temperature is in the upper 50's to the low 60's. The top water bite is starting to get going and the night bite is getting better. The top water bite is good for about an hour when the sun gets higher the fish go deeper. There is some activity about a half hour before dark too. Throw stick baits after it gets dark. We also threw swim baits and we catching stripers, hybrids. largemouth and smallmouth. Till next week Good Fishing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

04/05/10

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Norfork Lake level is good around 555 and the surface water temp varies from 57-62 degrees. Fishing has been good for all species here on Norfork Lake. Monster blue gill have been hitting minnows, red worms and crickets. The crappies are hitting minnows and your favorite jig baits. The crappie fishing will only get better, seems like they are moving into some shallow waters just waiting for that water temp to hit the mid 60 degrees and that will be soon. Bass fishing has been good as have the size of the bass from 5-7 pounders using an array of baits, like pork and jig, crank baits, flukes and some top water, it is just awesome. Striper fishing, white bass, walleye and catfish have all been good and will only get better. In the next few weeks it will be incredible. The temperature is coming up every day. So the best thing I can say is, get on the water, the fish are calling! Are you ready? Have Fun Go Fishin.

04/04/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

Fishing is picking up for both top water and live bait. The fish are on all the points on the lower part of the lake, they are also very shallow very early and late into the evening. Live bait and stick baits are working, plus flukes throw to the buck brush. Also the white bass are way up the creeks spawning, that is very early morning and evening, try road runners and kast masters.

03/31/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

Fishing is picking up for both day and night time, fish the inside points on the main lake using stick baits and flukes. The lower part of the lake is holding a lot of fish from Pt. 1 to Big Creek & Brush, make sure you fish real shallow and only fish the windy banks.

03/28/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 554.5 and the water temperature is still in the upper 40's to low 50's. We are expecting some warmer weather this week which will bring the water temp up and the fishing will be getting better. Bass are hitting jerk baits and swim baits. The night bite is picking up throwing stick baits. Till next week Good Fishing!!!!!!!!!

03/22/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

Fishing has started for real, there are fish in the Bayou, Cranfield, Big Creek and on some of the points. You can now catch them using live bait and stick baits at night. The crappie and white bass are also starting to hit.

03/21/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake is on the rise. As of 5 p.m. Sunday the level is 552.6 and it's still raining. The water temp is in the upper 40's to the low 50's. Bass are hitting suspended jerk baits and crank baits in the creeks. Throw stick baits for the stripers and walleye. We caught a few nice largemouth and Kentucky's this week. Good Fishing!!!!!!!

03/17/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is staying within a few tenths of normal pool at 551.85 and the water temperature is still in the mid to upper 40's. We are still behind on the water temp because of the cool weather. Nothing has changed from last week except the night bite started to pick up this week. For the fish that are hitting and you are not hooking up, try throwing a grub back in. Chances are that they are walleye that are hitting short. Good Fishing!!!!!!!!!

03/08/10

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Norfork Lake is looking good with a water level around 552 MSL and the surface water temperature varies from 43-47 degrees. The walleye and stripers are moving into the creeks so get ready they will start hitting stick baits any time now. The bass are mostly suspended. The crappie are hitting light as are the sunfish. There has been some white bass action around the flats and in the main lake area. Catfish are being caught using live bait and jigging spoons. Fishing Norfork Lake is always good and as the water begins to warm up it will only get better. With the past years awesome spawns on Norfork Lake it IS the only place to be this spring and summer for fishing and fun. FYI if you have not already done so now it the time to get your reservations at your favorite resort and book your guide now they are filling up. Have Fun Go Fishin.

03/07/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level has finally got back to normal. The lake is at 551.9 and the water temperature is in the mid to upper 40's. The water temp is colder than it was last year at this time. The temp was in the low to mid 50's. Bass are hitting crankbaits, jerkbaits and jigs. Try jerkbaits and swimbaits for the stripers. The night bite should start at anytime. Don't forget to have a rod with a jigging spoon ready for when you mark suspended fish. Good Fishing!!!!!!!!!!!

02/16/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake is about a foot above normal pool and the water temp is in the low to mid 40's. The fish are still in their winter patterns and will stay that way till the water starts to warm up. Look for fish along the bluffs and out on the ends of the bluffs and in cuts on the main lake. Bass are hitting suspended jerkbaits, crankbaits and jigs. Try swimming a grub real slow. As I have mentioned in the past keep a jigging spoon ready and when you mark fish on your depth finder drop them the spoon and start jigging it up and let it fall on a semi slack line. Good Fishing!!!!!!

01/31/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The water temperature in the low to mid 40's and the lake level is 553.1. Bass are hitting suspended jerkbaits and crankbaits along the bluffs. Try throwing a grub or a jig and work it down the bluff also. Try a jigging spoon working it down the wall of the bluff or if you see fish on your depth finder drop the spoon and jig it up and down. Remember, in this cold weather if you venture out alone tell someone what part of the lake you will be fishing and what time you expect to be back. Good Fishing!!!!!!

01/25/10

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Striped Bass fishing has been good these past few days using live bait with no weight. We caught some nice 15lb stripers, some largemouth bass and a nice small mouth. There was a nice 29lb striper caught on live bait using a small split shot this week also. The water level is around 554’MSL and the surface temp. ranges from 46-48 degrees. Bass fishing has been good for some. Crappie fishing has varied from day to day. Walleye fishing has been rewarding for some. There has been a little action from the white bass using jigging spoons and some catfish have been caught using live bait and jigging spoons. Fishing Norfork Lake this year is going to be outstanding. Have Fun Go Fishin.

01/17/10

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 552.9 and the water temperature is in the mid 40's. The lake will be at normal pool in a couple days as long as they keep running both generators. Bass are hitting suspended jerkbaits,crankbaits and jigs. Try a swim bait too. You have to work the baits slow. When you mark baitfish on your depth finder drop a jigging spoon. Try casting a jigging spoon to the bank and work it back to the boat by letting the spoon hit bottom and then jerk it up and let it fall back to the bottom. Good Fishing!!!!!!!!

01/15/10

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

Fishing most of the day with most of the bites were between 11:30 am & 3 pm. The stripers were holding right above the shad in 100' of water, the bait was 60' deep. We were using shad & shiners. We fished Henderson Point and the main channel in front of Henderson marina.

01/13/10

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Happy New Year to everyone. Those that put old man winter in his place and go for it have been doing good catching some nice 13-15 inch crappie 3-4 pound bass 10-15 pound stripers and some nice catfish and of course walleyes in the 20-25 inch range. Live bait and jigging spoons are doing good catching fish. The water level is around 554 msl and the surface water temp is in the mid 30 degrees depending on the area of the lake you are in. Lake Norfork will once again be “The Place To Fish and have Fun in 2010” for some of the best crappie, striped bass, large and small mouth bass, spotted (Kentucky) bass, sunfish, catfish and walleye fishing around. 2010 will be another fantastic year of fishing. Lake Norfork has once again had another great spawn this past year. The water level has done wonders for the fish population in 2009. The small fish have had some great shelter for hiding in for the past 2 years in a row. With that said, I would suggest if you plan on being in on some fun Lake Norfork fishing this spring, I would begin making reservations now for my cabin and guide. March is less than 2 months away, if you would like more information just give us a call toll free at 1-866-746-5596 or click here fishnorfork.com Your going to need a bigger net. Have Fun Go Fishin.

12/31/09

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

We just finished our cast & blast. We fished the Bidwell beach area & Lakehouse the first day. The stripers are holding in the shad or right above them. Set your baits at 35 to 40' and just follow the shad and channel. The fish are feeding and you may go a long ways then hit an active school. The second trip we fishing the Henderson point and Bidwell beach area doing the same thing. We hooked 12 stripers overall and landed 7. We harvested 14 pheasants and 3 quail on our hunt.

12/21/09

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Lake Norfork striper fishing is good. The white bass fishing is good. Most folks are using spoons and jigging for the whites and shiners for the stripers. Bass fishing has been fair for large mouth, small mouth and spotted bass. Walleye fishing is fair using jigging spoons. Cat fishing is fair. Crappie fishing is picking up, it was slow but the last few days it has been fair for a lot using live bait. The fish are moving a lot you do need to keep an eye on your graph and look for those arches and the bait fish. The water surface temperature is around 50 degrees and the weather has been fair. So if you are in snow up to your shins, you need to take a spin and fish Lake Norfork.

12/13/09

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is down to 562.7 and the water temperature is in the low 50's. The lake is falling 6 inches a day due to the Corp opening a couple flood gates a few inches and running two generators. We should be close to normal pool in a couple weeks. Still catching fish down 35-40 ft. on a jigging spoon and on a 1/4 oz. jig head with a grub on 6 lb test fluorocarbon line. Work brush piles in 30-40 ft. and look along bluff banks.

11/30/09

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Fishing live bait is the key to hooking into a striped bass this time of year. Shiner’s are the hot bait fished from 2-40’ deep that is there range all over the lake. The water temp. is in the upper 50 degree range and it is getting cooler every day. If striper fishing is your thing its time to get on the water. Just a thought here, don’t forget it is winter and the weather will change every day put that PDF ON and of course dress warm, its easer to shed clothes if you have on to much and the weather gets warm while you are out, but it is really hard to put on what you don’t have when it turns cold. Crappie fishing has been fair and of course live bait is the bait of choice. White bass fishing is good. Walleye fishing is fair. Large mouth, Small mouth and Kentucky bass fishing is fair. Sun fish and Catfish fishing is fair. There is still some top water action in the mornings with a variety of fish being caught. The night bite for stripers and walleye should begin any time now using rogues. Have Fun, Go Fishin.

11/29/09

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 570.3 ft which is down .6 ft from last week and the water temperature is in the upper 50's. The fishing isn't going to change till the weather gets colder. There are still a few fish coming up. Most of them are whites. Watch for them near the points. The fish are still in the flooded brush down to 40 ft. Look back in the creeks in 40 ft. and when you mark them drop a jigging spoon. We caught some nice whites and a couple nice 3 lb. largemouth. Find the baitfish and the fish are in with them or just beneath them. try bouncing a spoon or a grub off the bottom in 30-40 ft.

11/26/09

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

The stripers have moved into their winter pattern, they are along the Bidwell bluff from the south east wall to the north point across from Blue Lady, start early in 60' of water and move out into deep water has the day goes on. They are also up in the Fout's area, Float, & Panther. The best bait is Threadfin Shad but large shiners are working well. The fish can be caught all day long.

11/19/09

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The water temperature is in the low 60's and the lake level dropped .3 to put the lake at 570.2. There are a few whites and small bass hitting top water. The fish are anywhere from the flooded banks to 60 feet.deep. For the shallow fish throw a spinner bait,crank bait,jerk bait or try swimming a grub or a jig. For the deeper fish drop a jigging spoon. We caught a few nice largemouth 40 feet. deep on a spoon.

11/08/09

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake came up 1.3ft. from last week to put the lake level at 570.5. The water temperature is still in the low to mid 60's. Nothing has changed from last week from the fishing patterns. They won't change till the water temp starts dropping. Look back in the creeks for some active fish. There is a lot of baitfish in the creeks suspended from 25-60ft deep. Drop a jigging spoon and there can be stripers, whites, bass and even a few walleye. Watch for surface activity. It's been a little sporadic this week. Also look in coves. The fish are moving a lot so you have to move and find them.

11/02/09

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Fishing Norfork Lake has been good for the most part here lately. The water level is around 569’ MSL and the surface temp. is in the low 60’s. This would be a great time to fish the shore line brush and with the in flow of water, the fish will move into the flowing water and new brush. There is some muddy water and some stained water and of course a lot of clear water. This is what makes fishing Lake Norfork so good…. variety. Bass fishing has been good, with Kentucky and Smallmouth bass being the most caught. Crappie fishing has been fair using minnows and small rubber baits with a very light jig and a slow presentation. Catfish are doing good using night crawlers and live bait. Walleye fishing has been slow. Striper fishing has been slow. White bass fishing has been fair. Most folks have been doing well using top water baits and any rubber baits, rigged wacky style, or add some weights and do it Carolina or Texas style. You should try some crank baits and stick baits as well. The fish are all over the lake from the deep to shallow water some are doing good using spoons in the deep water.

11/01/09

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake was on the rise again this week with the lake level at 569.2 up almost 7 feet from last week. The water temp is still in the low to mid 60's. There are fish in the flooded trees and brush along the banks. Mostly bass and throw a spinner bait,shallow running crank bait,swim a jig or a grub and try a soft jerk bait. There are a lot of baitfish up in there too. Check back in the creeks for a little top water action. Look in some coves for suspended fish down (30-50 feet) and drop a jigging spoon. You can catch whites, stripers, bass and maybe you might even pick up a walleye.

10/28/09

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

I fished from Devils Backbone to Float Creek and only found catch able fish on the backbone and Point 2. They are still holding at 60' and coming up to the back at 45'. The lake continues to rise and may hit 20' over bank, its now 12' over.

10/25/09

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

With a little over 2" of rain this week the lake level is 562.5. That's up 2 1/2 ft. from last week and just 2 ft. from what the lake level was a year ago at this time. The water temperature is in the low to mid 60's. Bass are hitting spinner baits and crank baits and the deeper ones on a jig in 15-35 ft. Work a jig through brush piles too. There are some fish still coming up early. Try a soft jerk bait and a swim bait and reel the swim bait at a steady pace for best results. Keep an eye on your depth finder and when you mark fish in deeper water drop a jigging spoon.

10/23/09

Greg says “The smallies have been very active this week and are they fighting. Guys are marking loads of stripers in the dam and Hudson Point areas although getting them to strike has been another story. Weather fronts have been rolling through the area over the last week causing inconsistancy, but that’s why it’s fishing.”

10/20/09

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

The fish are schooled and have moved from the dam, they are moving to their winter holding spots in the deep parts of the lake and creek arms. The fish are holding in 40 to 60' of water off points and deep water. They can be found from George's cove up the main lake to Robinson Point.

10/19/09

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Norfork Lake fishing is good, with a water level of 560’ msl and the surface water temperature in the mid to low 60 degrees Bass fishing has been good using any top water lure and as the day progresses using a jig and going a bit deeper. 1/2oz and 1oz spoons have had some good results on all species of fish. Crappie fishing is fair, minnows are still the bait of choice. The crappies are in varying depths from 12’-35’ of water. Sunfish are doing good using crickets and worms. Walleye fishing is fair. Striper fishing is fair. White bass fishing has been good. Catfish are doing well, using live bait has had some good results. This past week there was another 45 lb blue cat and a couple stripers caught using trot lines this time.

10/18/09

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The water temperature dropped into the mid 60's and the lake came up 1.7ft. this week　to put the lake at 560 which is　8ft. above normal pool of 552. Last year at this time the lake level was 564.5 and the water temp was in the low 70's. There is a top water bite just like last week early and just before dark. Bass are hitting spinner baits, crank baits and jigs. Some whites are coming up also. When you mark deeper fish drop a jigging spoon.

10/14/09

By Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters, www.stroutfitters.com

We fished all day catching the biggest fish in the morning and the most in the afternoon. We fished the dam, Hand Cove, Woods Point and Point 2 the fish were caught at the dam and Point 2 in 150 feet of water with the baits set at 40 feet.

10/05/09

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

Fishing Norfork Lake is an experience every time one takes the challenge to get out on the water. With the many choices of structure: creeks and streams to main lake channels, flats and gradual slopes to bluffs, main points and secondary points just to name a few of your choices on where to begin your fishing adventure on Norfork Lake! Oh lets not forget the weather, it could be sunny on the north end with a gentle 5-10mph wind, in the mid lake area it may be a bit more windy and in the dam area it could be raining cats and dogs all in the same time frame while in the mean time everyone is catching fish, you just never know about our beautiful fall weather. Just a thought, if you are going to fish Norfork Lake during this time of year by your self or with one of our seasoned guides you need to be prepared for it all to enjoy the experience. The lake level is around 555’msl and surface water temp. is in the low 70 degrees. Bass fishing has been good in the mornings using top water baits. Buzz baits and spooks have been the choice here lately. Crappie fishing has been fair around brush piles in 20-30 feet of water using minnows. Sunfish are doing well using worms and crickets. Catfishing has been fair on trot lines as well as rod and reel. White bass fishing has been good with some top water action and some a little deeper using a variety of baits from beetle spins and in line spinners to rattle traps. Walleye fishing has been fair using worms on a crawler harness, their depths have varied from 18-25 feet. Striper fishing has been fair using live bait as well as spooning. The fish are moving so begin to look for them all over the lake and not just in the deep water. With the rain and cool temps a lot of the fish are moving into and around coves that have creeks and streams flowing into them. Have Fun Go Fishin’.

09/21/09

By Tim Partin of 101 Grocery and Bait, www.101groceryandbait.com

09/21/09 Norfork Lake level is around 555’MSL, the water surface temp range is mid to upper 70 degrees. Crappie fishing has been good in 20-25 feet of water around the brush piles using minnows. Bluegill fishing has been good using crickets and worms. Bass fishing has been good in the mornings and evenings. Cat fishing has been good, night crawlers being choice bait. Trot lines have been doing well. Striper fishing has been fair. Spooning has been a good choice for striper fishing around the dam area. Live bait shad or shiners have had some good results also. White bass fishing has been good and you may even hook a Hybrid. Walleye fishing has been good using night crawlers. Fishing has been good and as the water cools it will get just better. The Stripers and Walleye will begin moving up the lake. With the rain fall we have been experiencing and the inflow of water the fish may begin moving up the lake even sooner. The whites are exploding in the Udall area. Some are small but this is only the beginning of a great fall fishing season.

09/14/09

Greg says “The stripers were hitting in the evenings last weekend at the points and in the coves in front of the dam and in the Hudson area. Watch for them in the Hand Cove/Jordan Recreation Areas and Brushy Creek when the wind is blowing SSW.”

09/13/09

By Steve Olomon of Steve’s Guide Service, www.fishingwithsteve.com

The lake level is 553.1 and the water temperature is in the upper 70's. Bass are chasing baitfish to the top early and just before dark. Points with deep water are better. They seem to prefer Zara spook but will hit other top water baits. Then go to a jig or a worm. Look for fish down around 40 feet and drop a jigging spoon. There were some stripers in that depth. The fish are moving around a lot so one day they are in a spot and not the next. Just keep looking for similar areas.

09/07/09

Greg says “They were slaying the crappie in the cove to the west of Jordan Marina over Labor Day weekend. There is a largemouth honey hole at the entrance to Brushy Creek.”

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Fishing is picking up for both day and night time, fish the inside points on the main lake using stick baits and flukes. The lower part of the lake is holding a lot of fish from Pt. 1 to Big Creek & Brush, make sure you fish real shallow and only fish the windy banks.

Fishing most of the day with most of the bites were between 11:30 am & 3 pm. The stripers were holding right above the shad in 100' of water, the bait was 60' deep. We were using shad & shiners. We fished Henderson Point and the main channel in front of Henderson marina.