Guide To Fishing At Norfork Lake

AKA: Norfork Reservoir

Heavy forest and cliff rock walls surround Norfork Lake, a 22,000-acre lake located in the extreme north part of the state, just east of Mountain Home. With an abundance of coves, points and fingers, this lake has over 500 miles of shoreline, giving a wide variety of fish species a great residence.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Norfork Lake, located in north-central Arkansas, is a renowned fishing destination known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant fish populations. This 22,000-acre reservoir offers anglers a diverse range of fish species and a tranquil setting for fishing enthusiasts.

One of the most popular fish species in Norfork Lake is striped bass. The lake is well-known for its exceptional striped bass fishery, with the potential to catch trophy-sized fish. Anglers can target striped bass using a variety of techniques, including trolling with large diving plugs, live bait fishing, or casting topwater lures. Spring and fall are prime seasons for striped bass fishing, as the fish are more active and tend to congregate near points, creek channels, and main lake structures.

Norfork Lake is also home to a thriving population of largemouth bass. Anglers can enjoy excellent bass fishing opportunities, particularly around submerged structure, weed beds, and points. Spring and early summer are popular seasons for bass fishing, as the fish move closer to the shorelines to spawn. Anglers can use techniques such as flipping jigs, casting soft plastics, or working topwater lures to entice these powerful gamefish.

Crappie fishing is another popular pursuit in Norfork Lake. The lake is home to black crappie and white crappie, providing anglers with ample opportunities to catch these delicious panfish. Spring and fall are productive seasons for crappie fishing, as the fish move into shallower areas to spawn or feed. Anglers can target crappie around submerged timber, brush piles, and bridge pilings using jigs, minnows, or small crankbaits.

Boating is a popular activity on Norfork Lake, with several boat ramps and marinas available for easy access to the water. Anglers can explore the lake's scenic shoreline, navigate its coves, and find their favorite fishing spots.

Camping facilities are also available near Norfork Lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience. Campgrounds with amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities can be found in the vicinity, providing a perfect setting for anglers to relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

Norfork Lake in Arkansas offers exceptional fishing experiences, with its diverse fish populations, quality striped bass and bass fisheries, and opportunities for crappie angling. Combined with its boating amenities and camping facilities, Norfork Lake provides anglers and outdoor enthusiasts with a memorable fishing retreat in the heart of north-central Arkansas.

Bass, crappie, walleye, bream and catfish draw a lot of attention from local anglers. Big striped bass also swim in these waters, along with hybrid wipers and sunfish. Cranfield Recreation Area has a handicapped-accessible fishing pier. Marinas, rental boats, restaurants, convenience stores, bait, campgrounds, RV hookups and boat launch ramps are all conveniently located around the lake. Due to the excellent bass fishing, numerous fishing tournaments are held here throughout the year.

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Norfork Lake in Arkansas.

Primary fish species residing in Norfork Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Norfork Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Buzzard Roost Boat Dock
Rentals: Pontoon boats
870-492-5346

Fout Boat Dock
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
870 467-5341

Hand Cove Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoons
870 488-5367

Jordan Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
870 499-7348

Panther Bay Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
870 492-5151

Teal Point Resort
Rentals: Bass boats, jon boats and pontoon boats
870 492-5145

Tracy Ferry Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
870 491-5335

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Buzzard Roost Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Buzzard Roost Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Cranfield Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Cranfield Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Gamaliel Landing Park Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, west side, off Fout Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Henderson Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off US Highway 62, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Panther Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Panther Bay Loop, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Red Bank Boat Ramp
Located in the northern end of the lake, east side, off Red Bank Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Woods Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, north side, off County Road 156, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.