Always well know as a great bass lake, the recent spawns have made bass fishing on Norfork Lake in the Ozark Mountains better than ever.

For 55 years Norfork Lake’s reputation as a lunker bass lake has grown. Whether fishing for Largemouth, Smallmouth or Kentucky Bass, you will find them in numbers and waiting for you at Norfork Lake. 

Many anglers enjoy the spring bite as the bass are typically shallow and the top water activity is heavy throughout the day. Summer is always good too. Most species can be caught by jigging, drop lining, or long lining using live crawdads, worms, or minnows. Spinner, crank and jerk baits are always popular with the fish too. 

And don’t overlook fall. Great water, great weather, and great action. The last few years have produced outstanding bass spawns.

High lake levels in the spring of 2002, 2004, and again in 2008 gave the bass plenty of cover to spawn free of predator fish interference. As a result, Norfork Lake’s bass population increased dramatically.

There is no closed season on Norfork Lake. Fish all year if you wish.  Winter, prior to the spawn, is the favorite for locals. The fish are feeding heavily, especially the larger ones.  There is nothing better than to grill that 3-lb. spotted bass caught in the winter out of these clear clean waters.

During the spring, be sure to watch for the bass chasing shad. When you see them, it’s on!

In summertime, the fish are deeper during the day and come to the bank to feed at night.  This is why night-fishing with a black light is very popular.  Some anglers sight fish by looking for nests after the spawn.  The males are guarding the nests and are very aggressive to anything near them.  Catch and release is recommended during this time. 

The months of May, October, and November offer the best combination of weather and fishing conditions using a mix of top-water spinner and crank bait fishing. 

The 2008 spring rains and subsequent high water event produced a phenomenal spawn of bass and other Norfork Lake species. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission predicts that beginning with the 2009 season, fishing on Norfork Lake will be fantastic for years to come.