Seeking advice for first time trip to Norfork tailwater

[Ill Trout Bum]

I would like to plan a trip to fish the Norfork tailwaters between mid-October to early November. Having never been there, I have quite a few questions that I am hoping you experienced anglers will be kind enough to answer for me. I am seeking advice on the following:

1) What can I generally expect as far as flows for that time of year? What is wading like during this time, any issues?

2) Where can I find detailed maps to show access points? Any recommendations for a good starting point?

3) What flies are most productive during this time of year?

4) Where is the nearest available lodging? Any personal recommendations for a nice place to stay and eat would be greatly appreciated.

5) Is there a local fly shop in the area?

I am looking forward to trying what will be a totally new area for me. Thank you in advance for any information that may be helpful in this quest.

Scott

[Troutnut69]

The Norfork is one of the true gems for fishing in the area. If you hit it right (weather and generation can be fickle mistresses) you definitely won't be dissapointed in the fishing opportunities provided.

Here's the best I can do on answering those questions...

1)There is no good answer for this question. Predicting flows that far out is almost as difficult as predicting the weather that far out! With no generation wading is easy but once generation starts you need to keep a very close eye on water levels.

2)The access at the dam and then the lower access at Ackermann (handicap access) are the only two public accesses I'm aware of.

3)Small streamers , nymphs such as the Copper John..Shop Vac..GBHE...SJ Worm..Midges (zebra , copperhead, miracle are a few of my favorites)

4)I'm a camper so that's what I'm usually doing. If you want a nice rental cabin with all of the amenities check out Blue Heron Campground. It's actually on the White River in Cotter but still a short drive to the Norfork and you won't find a cleaner place owned by nicer people.

5) Dally's in Cotter or Two Rivers Flyshop in the town of Norfork. Steve or Dom either one are great guys who will be able to help you with any fishing questions or gear needs you might have.

http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

[Ill Trout Bum]

Thank you very much for the information. It will be extremely helpful

[Clay Goforth]

Troutnut basically nailed it.

I would add two things: The Norfork Trout Dock, at the convergence of the Norfork and White has great cabins. Talk to Mike. If the Norfork is not generating, you can wade quite a bit right at the mouth and reach some really great fish there too. Or if you want to make it up to the dam, it is a 5 minute car ride.

The second thing is that, in higher water, some of the resorts/docks provide a river shuttle service and will run you to an area that is wadeable and safe and then come pick you up.

The Blue Heron is a fantastic place to stay too. The owner is an awesome guy and they take really great care of the place. Only issue is that if the Norfork is your primary destination, it is about 30-40 minutes drive time over to the access points.

[Nighthawk]

If you have a fly rod, try a harvester midge 15" under an indicator. My best fly year in and year out on the Norfork, White and Taneycomo. Just dead drift and watch the indicator. If I'm not mistaken, Blue Ribbon Fly Shop had reopened in Mtn. Home, also. Plenty of good places to stay in Mtn. Home, Comfort Inn being my favorite.

[Mac's Orphan]

Troutnut69 has the lowdown...

Since Mac;s closed, those are the only two public access points on this short stretch of the river.

The fishing can be awesome, but expect crowds. If you enjoy night fishing, when the sun goes down, you can basically have the river to yourself. A lot of BIG browns can be caught at night - they come out of the deep holes and cruise around - don't be afraid to use a 4X or 3X. I'm not a nymph fisherman and have always fished streamers. I've been into some great fish at night, but never landed one. Used to fish a pattern called an "Arky" during the daylight hours in the riffles and switch to another streamer (Olive Darter or Silvertail Darter) for the slower water.

If they turn on the generators - get out immediately. Watch for drift (leaves, limbs, etc) coming down the river in an unusual amount. That's a good indication that somethings up. I used to watch the rocks as well to see if they are disappearing.

Since Mac's closed and they built the resort, I haven't been back. It just got to commercialized for my taste, so started going to other places.

If you're interested in a guide, I'd recommend a friend of mine, John Gulley. He's as good as they come and is an Orvis endorsed guide. He can get you into trout even with the generators on.

Good luck and hope you have a great time.

Mike H

EDIT - Let me add this.

My son and I use pontoon boats (like the one in my avatar) - park a truck DS and float the rivers.

Not a "lengthy" float on the Norfork, but you can find a few spots to wade fish, even when the generators are running - as long as it's not more than 2 units.

That said, prepare to literally fly down the river if you're in the current.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I think there are only two units at Norfork.

Pete

[Mac's Orphan]

Hey Pete,

Yeah - I believe you are right. I was also thinking of Bull Shoals Dam, which IIRC has 8 units total.

Thanks for the correction.

Mike