Norfork Lake Chamber of Commerce - Resorts, Fishing, Outdoor Activities

Norfork Lake Chamber of Commerce

UNSPOILED, UNCROWDED, UNFORGETABLE NORFORK LAKE

E-mail: info@norforklakechamber.com

During the cooler weather, October through April, the crappie fishing really picks up. They move into shallows in the many brush piles that have been added to the lake for fish cover. We find that when adding our own brush piles, the crappie move in almost immediately. On any given day, people are surprised by the size of the crappies caught on Lake Norfork. It is common for these fish to be in the 12 to 15 inch size. You can catch them around boat dock on a regular basis in this same size range.

You will find that perhaps you do not always catch these fish in great numbers, but you will catch the biggest crappie that most people have ever seen. Whether you are fishing with a guide and catch larger number of crappie, or if you prefer to do it on your own, the size of our crappie will astonish you. Use very small tube jigs for crappie. The trick is finding how deep the crappie are. Once you find that, you can concentrate on the right color and can usually catch quite a few. Keep trying different depths and different colors, and it will not be long before you find the right combination.

If the fishing slows, move to another brush pile, then go back later to the first and try again. Norfork water is very clear so be quiet and calm. Crappie spook easily and will not bite after a few are caught in one brush pile. By moving and fishing another pile it gives them time to settle down and return to the brush. As with other fish, the color jig varies with the weather conditions. Another basic favorite is using live minnows on a very light slip bobber.

To locate brush piles look for the blue and white signs along the shoreline. The piles are usually from 50 to 150 feet long, and far enough out in the water so that they remain submerged during low water periods. The signs are usually about equal to mid-pile.

When planning fall, winter, and spring fishing trips keep Lake Norfork in mind. Walleye, crappie, bass, and striper fishing is especially good in the cooler months.