Norfork Lake Fishing Report

The weather has been fantastic the last couple of days. The sun has been out and that is warming the lake. That's a good thing! The nights are still a bit on the cool side, but if you dress for it you can still fish any time of day.

Ed just had a dynamite day yesterday. He caught almost all species of fish in the lake. He caught Walleye, Crappie, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Smallmouth Bass. Most of the Crappie, White Bass and a few Largemouth Bass were caught back in Pigeon Creek. He was using several different baits, small grub with a twister tail with a 1/8 oz jig head, a small paddle tail minnow with a 1/8 jig head, a #7 Rapala and a hard jerk bait. He caught white bass after white bass in shallow water with the occasional crappie attacking his bait. He fished Pigeon from around noon to 4pm. After he left Pigeon Creek he decided to check out the rock bluff that I have been fishing. He found the right location and boated 6 walleye and several really nice bass. The walleye all measured 17 1/2 inches with milk pouring out of them. I guess the spawn for walleye is on or very very close. Ed does practice catch and release fishing. After the photo op these bass were released at my dock for another angler to tangle with.

I am getting reports that stripers are being caught all over the lake early in the day mainly on live bait (shiners and shad) but some on jerk baits, at the Red Bank area, Bennett's area and down by the dam. I have heard the night bite for stripers is on and they are being caught on suspending rogues. I haven't found the right location yet, but I will.

I hope to get out on the lake this afternoon, but the work around the resort must come first, even though I need to fish often to be able to help our fishing guests. At least this is what I tell Linda.

The Norfork Lake surface water temp ranged from 47 - 49 degrees. The lake level is holding fairly steady at 551.9. The main lake is clear and most creeks and coves are starting to clear.

Happy fishing and see you on the lake.