Norfork Lake Fishing Report

Norfork Lake striped bass fishing is on fire. The fish have schooled up and are in the main lake. Over the last two days I have caught and released over 30 striped & hybrid bass. (all in the 5 - 15 pound range)The fish are in their typical August pattern. Find then in 70 feet of water to 150+ feet of water. Most of them are suspended down 50 - 80 feet deep, some a little shallower and some even deeper. I caught one yesterday 100feet down. I have mainly been vertical jigging with a spoon, but live bait, as well as trolling lures are also working well. To vertical jig at these deep depths, you will need to know how many seconds it takes for your bait to free fall down to 60 feet of water. This will be different for each rod and reel.What I have done in the past is sit my boat in 60 feet of water then I drop the bait straight down. I count 1001, 1002, ect. until it hits the bottom. Repeat this several times, but always keep your counting speed the same. Now when you'er out in 150 ft of water you can get to 60 feet by counting the number of seconds it took during your trials. The other method is to drop it to the bottom and reel up to your depth. A typical bait caster is 1.5 feet per crank and a spinning reel is approx. 2 feet per crank. Remember that each rod and reel combo will be different. For me the best striped bass bite has been from point 2 down to the dam. The lake is cooler than normal and the oxygen level is good at all depths for stripers. Most fish can be released and will swim away, but if they don't you need to keep it and have it for supper. Striped bass are really good eating as long as you clean them properly.

 

If you are a striped bass fisherman  or someone just wanting to catch a striped bass this is the time to come. Give us a call and we can get you set up with a cabin, a guide if desired or I will let you know the locations where I have been catching fish so you can try it on your own. Our phone number is 870-492-5113.

 

The lake level is falling approximately 4 inches per day and currently sits at 560.85. The surface water temperature is currently around 83 degrees. The main lake is clear and the creeks and coves are clearing. The Corps is generating most of the day with all generators.

 

Happy fishing and see you on the lake.

 

Tom Reynolds of STR Outfitters with a double on. 8/23/13
870-421-1541

Paul with a 15 pounder 8/22/13

Ron with a 13 pounder 8/22/13