Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Lou of Hummingbird Hideaway Resort 870-492-5113

Fishing on Norfork Lake has remained consistent over the last couple of weeks. The best bite on the lake has been for striped and hybrid bass. Walleye and white bass are not far behind.

Our fishing guests over the last week have had a great time catching and getting great fights from Norfork Lake's striped bass. I, however fished this morning with a couple of guests and the bite was way off. We found a lot of fish in 65 - 75 feet of water. Most were laying on the bottom. We managed to land 2 nice hybrids and a very nice walleye, and  had a handful of other bites which we missed. Very slow morning compared to the last 3 days. The best location to find striped bass is near the dam off of points and on the large flats. Large schools of fish are cruising the area and when you get on them you will typically get a fish. Live bait (gizzard shad, threadfin shad and large shiners) is working the best.  Vertical jigging with a spoon is also generating some nice fish. As I have stated in the past, if this year is typical to prior years the striped bass will start their north bound migration during the second half of September.

Walleye have been showing up consistently in  60 - 70 feet of water with most found on the bottom. Live bait has been picking up some nice 22 - 26 inch long fish. Spoons are also catching some nice walleye, as is trolling with down riggers or using inline weights to get the bait down to 50 - 60 feet of water.

White bass are still coming up all over the lake at different times of day. I have found schools of whites erupting while fishing for striped bass in the dam area. They are also coming up in the late afternoons in the Cranfield area and all the way up to the Red Bank area. The best places I have found for whites are large flats. Look in 25 - 35 feet of water and if you find bait you will find the whites. Jigging a spoon has worked for me when I find these fish on the flats. Early mornings and late afternoon have been the best times to find this species either on top or down deeper.

The Norfork Lake surface water temperature was 83.5 degrees this morning and as normal will rise slightly during the sunny part of the day. The lake level is holding fairly stable and currently sits at 552.08. The main lake is clear with some creeks and coves stained.

Happy fishing and see you on the lake.