Fishing in Select Lakes of the Ozark Mountains

Some of the best fishing that Arkansas has to offer is in North Central Arkansas not far from the Missouri border. There are the White and North Fork Rivers that respectively come off Bull Shoals Lake and Norfolk Lake.

The clear water of the White River makes for excellent walleye fishing and is a true trout haven. The White holds many state records as well as world records. The tail water from the White River’s Beaver Dam makes an ideal habitat for trout.

The White River begins as a fast moving mountain stream and grows into a wide, meandering waterway. It contains 8 dams, 6 of which are in Arkansas and 2 in Missouri. The largest of these dams is the Bull Shoals Dam. The lake used to be a warm water fishing haven but after the advent of the Bull Shoals Dam it’s now a cold water habitat for trout.

The North Fork River flows from the Norfolk Dam and is a five-mile long world-class trout stream. It is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Many anglers choose to wade the waters of the North Fork while others enjoy using their jon boats. Record-breaking trophy trout have been taken from the peaceful North Fork River.

Bull Shoals Lake is the largest of the “twin lakes”. It was created by damming the White River and has been called the Caribbean of the Midwest due to its crystal clear blue waters. Not only can you fish for crappie, walleye, bass, trout and various other sport fish, you can also enjoy skiing, scuba diving, wakeboarding and boating. Bull Shoals is a pristine, majestic lake that offers a vacationing paradise that is second to none.

Norfolk Lake is also a deep blue haven for fishermen and outdoorsmen alike. It touts crystal clear waters and 501 miles of beautiful shoreline. Norfolk Lake has become a favored location for scuba divers and spear fishing. It is nationally known for its lunker bass and stripers. You can also fish for walleye, crappie and catfish. It is also another of those paradise vacations found only in Arkansas.

Local resorts and amenities include: Angels Retreat Guesthouse and Campground, Riley’s Station Outfitter and Hide-Away, Ashley’s River Retreat Riverfront Vacation Home, Brass Door Motel and Restaurant, Cane Island Lodge and Fly Fishing, Riverside Retreat, Sportsman’s Resort, Creekside Cabins, Stonecreek Ranch Resort, and many others.