Lake Norfork -End of March fishing Trip - South Lake

[Jeff Polys]

My dad and I have a fishing trip planned at the end of March in Salesville Arkansas. We are going to trout fish Lake Norfork Tailwater and also attempt fishing Lake norfork for crappie, walleye, and trot lines for Catfish. 

Any tips for fishing the South portion of the lake during late March? 

How far a run is it by boat from Quarry Marina to Calamity beach. I've read that a lot of walleyes will move up lake during spawn. 

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[Jeff Polys]

94 views and no tips? I plan on locating structure for crappie. Setting lines in big creek off the main channel. Possibly set some lines close to the structure. For Walleye, I have worm rigs, I plan to crappie fish and cast out my worm rigs. Possibly troll the worm rigs with lindy weights. Since the lake is deep and structure is limited, I really plan on using the MDC website to locate man made structure for fish. Hoping to have time to trout fish norfork tailwater in the am and hit norfork lake all day and night. 

I have been reading past reports from that time and the end of March should be finicky. I guess ill bring the whole fridge, stove and throw everything  I have at them. I will be in town for 4 days and will have jet boats and props with pretty decent technology. 

How does that sound? 

[Quillback]

Not a lot of Norfork fishers here, so you may not get much in way of response.  Seems a bit early in the year for the trot lines, not that I'm an expert on trot lining, so it will be interesting to hear how you do.

[nomolites]

I have fished that area in warm months but not that early in the year.  There should be catchable fish but Norfork likes to make you work a bit; I would definitely be prospecting in wind blown pockets and banks....find the shad and game fish won’t be too far away.  I would start farther back in Big Creek looking for baitfish.  Maybe have a few size spoons tied on for sure, grubs, and bottom bouncers for walleye.  If the shad are shallow in open water I would troll cranks with a couple out on planers...be open to whatever you find.  There could be warmer colored up water back there that can be good near the transition to clear.  For crappie trolling/strollingin those areas may be the best bet, but on that lake you best be prepared and have the drag very light - you never know and there are lots of hybrids and stripers about.

Mike

[nomolites]

I would also add that there is a full moon 03/31 and there could be a night bite for walleye and stripers in the dam area...again wind blown banks with a mix of rock.

Mike

[Jeff Polys]

Thank you! I am hoping spring starts a little earlier in Arkansas than MO. The past few years, the only issue I see is the mix of weather that comes through those parts. I've read extensively on fishing reports and several outfitters tips/techniques. Our plan is to fish trout in norfork tailwater, but norfork striper and walleye make a 1 mile drive seem worth it. We fish alot of crappie and catfish around the St. Louis area and have had some pretty good luck. I plan on vertical jigging brush piles and man made structure. Blue catfish usually feed off of the main channel, if we can find the bait (back of big creek, thank you!) we should be able to locate the catfish. Hoping for good weather and tight lines, thanks again! 

 

[Bushbeater]

We used to make an annual pilgrimage to Tecumseh late March or early April. Whites and Walleye were the target and some seasons it was terrific. If you get a chance head up lake.

[Riverwhy]

Stripers should be in the middle to back of Big Creek during your trip.  I would even expect a few on top early in the mornings.  There are walleye there towards the back but as earlier replies indicated the real walleye action is as far north as you can get your boat in late march.

[Jeff Polys]

Thank you. How far a run is it by boat from the South side of the lake to the North?  It sounds like if we stay on the southside of the lake, big creek will be our best bet for any fish. Crappie, walleye and Striper. Blue Catfish might also be following shad, so it could be a hot spot. I want to go where the action is. So how far of a boat ride is it from one side of the lake to the other. We have 150hp all the way to 30hp. Plus a few jet boats. 

Thank you, 

JP

[nomolites]

If you want to fish Udall or Tecumseh area you would be better off trailering...38 miles from Quarry to Udall and a couple more up to Tecumseh.  Agree if you want walleye that would be the best bet, some hybrids and stripers may run up for a false spawn too depending on weather.

Mike