Norfork Lake Stripers

These two young men had a great time fishing Norfork Lake last evening. They are some of our guests from the St. Louis area. The bite started around 6PM and lasted until about 9PM. They ended up landing these 4 striped bass and lost 3 others. The largest was 10 pounds with the others around 8 pounds. They had a fantastic time. They were fishing with gizzard shad which was caught for them by one of the fishing guides. If you would like to fish with live shad I can arrange for someone to catch the shad for you and if you don't have a shad tank I may be able to find one for you to rent. The striped bass are deep, the fish in the photo, as well as, fish being caught by the guides are on the bottom at 45 - 80 foot depths. We are in our normal summer pattern.

My boat is out of commission since my trolling motor is at the trolling motor doctor's office waiting on parts. Hopefully I will get it back sometime this week. I'm itching to get back to walleye fishing and to start a little crappie fishing. My catfish trotline is still producing a couple of 5 - 10 pound catfish each time I bait it up. Bass fishing has been improving as long as you find the deep pockets where they hide. You will find them in 30 - 40 feet of water on main lake points just off the bluff lines. Also look for big rocks in this same depth as the rocks will be holding the walleye.

The Norfork Lake level is 552.7 and dropping slowly. The main lake is clear with coves and creeks off color. Water temperature is in the low to mid 80's early and rising during the warm days.

Fishing is a lot of fun in the summer months. You might have some difficulty finding the fish, but once you do you will have a blast. Just being on the lake is a pleasure in itself.

Until next time happy fishing and see you on the water.