The clear waters of
Norfork Lake make it one of the best for spear fishing. It has good
visibility and large numbers of big fish. I personally fish for
walleye, crappie, catfish and white bass and go diving as much as
possible. Surface water temperatures range from the mid 70's in early
June to near 90 in August. The temperatures drop significantly just
below the thermocline which can run from 20-40 feet. I wear a
wetsuit to protect myself from brush and hooks, not because it is
cold. Fish usually gather on and around structure so it is very
important to know where the brush piles are located. Since the
structure was removed from the river bed before flooding, I get a
permit to cut cedar trees from the Corps of Engineers and put in my
own brush every winter to attract fish. The Corps also does this and
marks them with a blue sign on the shore. If they are placed at the
correct depth, fish will be around and in the trees.
It is very easy to
get the diving fever when you see the size of the fish in Norfork
Lake. A 9-lb. walleye gives me the same sensation as seeing a
12-point buck during hunting season, maybe more. You have peace and
quiet, no phones and computers and cannot get interrupted until you
come up. When I get my work done during the day you had better look
quickly or I will be gone diving. It has been said that I have a
tank a day habit and get ornery if I cannot go. After 15 years my
zeal has not decreased. I cannot think of a better sport for the
whole family.
The
Norfork Lake Chamber of Commerce
would like you to be aware of the following:
The spear fishing
season
on Norfork Lake begins June 15th and runs through the
following March 15th
Spear fishing limits
are ½ of the daily top water limits.
All species except
Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass are allowed to be taken.
Norfork
Lake hosts a spear fishing tournament the first Saturday after the
season opens. Call for your favorite chamber member details.
Several
marinas
and
dive shopsrent out scuba diving
gear, offer instruction and certification, as well as spear guns for
fishing.
Spear fishing is not
legal in the Missouri waters of Norfork Lake.
June to near 90 in August. The temperatures drop significantly just
below the thermocline which can run from 20-40 feet. I wear a
wetsuit to protect myself from brush and hooks, not because it is
cold. Fish usually gather on and around structure so it is very
important to know where the brush piles are located. Since the
structure was removed from the river bed before flooding, I get a
permit to cut cedar trees from the Corps of Engineers and put in my
own brush every winter to attract fish. The Corps also does this and
marks them with a blue sign on the shore. If they are placed at the
correct depth, fish will be around and in the trees.
12-point buck during hunting season, maybe more. You have peace and
quiet, no phones and computers and cannot get interrupted until you
come up. When I get my work done during the day you had better look
quickly or I will be gone diving. It has been said that I have a
tank a day habit and get ornery if I cannot go. After 15 years my
zeal has not decreased. I cannot think of a better sport for the
whole family.
