Fishing

Norfork Lake is an outstanding fishery, drawing fishing enthusiasts from across the country and hosting tournaments for several species of fish. The lake is well known among anglers for the striped bass it yields. The cold water of the North Fork River, downstream of Norfork Dam, is a world-class stream. The Arkansas record brook trout and a previous world record brown trout were taken from the river. The Norfork National Fish Hatchery is located below the dam and produces trout for stocking in the North Fork and other suitable waters in Arkansas and contiguous states.

Hunting

The public land around Norfork provides the hunter with good opportunities for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit and quail. Migratory birds and waterfowl such as doves, ducks and geese are also found here. Some areas are cooperatively managed with state and volunteer organizations to provide maximum benefits for both game and non-game wildlife.

Hunting is prohibited in developed parks. Park boundaries are marked with orange bands around trees and signs located along roadways. These areas are indicated in red on the lake map

Missouri law requires any hunter born after January 1^st, 1967 to complete a hunter safety education course before they can obtain a Missouri hunting license.

   Boating
Location of Marinas on the lake

Norfork, with 22,000 surface acres of turquoise water to explore, has ample room for boaters, skiers, and fishermen to enjoy their activities. Twenty-four launch ramps provide access to all areas of the lake. Some ramps require a day use fee including Robinson Point, Cranfield, Quarry, Jordan, Henderson, Panther Bay, Bidwell Point, and Gamaliel. At these ramps, users may pay a $3 daily fee or purchase a $30 annual pass. Free launching ramps are located at Pigeon Creek, Calamity Beach, Tecumseh, Udall, Red Bank, Talbert, Woods Point, Hand Cove, Bridges Creek, Tracy, and Georges Cove, Buzzard Roost. Fuel, supplies, and services are available at 10 marinas operated by private concessionaires. No boats may enter within 100 yards of the dam, either upstream (lake) or downstream (river).

Boaters should remember to:
- Learn and follow small craft navigation rules;
- Obey Arkansas and Missouri state boating laws;
- Make sure their boat is seaworthy;
- Keep the boatload at a minimum;
- Have a personal floatation device on board for each passenger;
- Avoid standing in a boat;
- Watch for obstructions when approaching the shore;
- Slow down when approaching small boats, docks or skiers

Camping

Corps of Engineers managed campgrounds are located at Robinson Point, Cranfield, Quarry, Jordan, Henderson, Panther Bay, Bidwell Point, and Gamaliel Parks and offer campers facilities such as sites having electrical (some with 50 amp) and water hookups, basic tent sites, flush toilets, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Seasons generally run from April through October and vary from park to park. Campsite reservations may be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service.

Four primitive camping areas offering a more rustic camping experience have been designated at Norfork Lake, Jordan Island, Jordan Cove, Calamity Beach, and Curley Point.

Tecumseh

Description: Campground is along the North Fork River and the upper reaches of the lake. The area is popular for canoeing.

Location: Adjacent to U.S. Highway 160 at Tecumseh, MO.

Facilities: 7 sites with no hookups, vault toilets, drinking water, and launching ramp.

Fees: Basic $9, No Electric.

Open: April 1 - September 30.

 

Recreation Activities

Park areas offer campsites, playgrounds, hiking trails, group picnic shelters, designated swimming areas, and boat-launching ramps. Over 350 miles of shoreline provides opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and relaxation. Fees are charged for the use of some facilities. Concessionaire-operated marinas provide boat and motor rental, fuel and other related supplies and services. The area has a wide range of accommodations and services for visitors. More detailed information on lodging, restaurants and other recreational opportunities can be obtained from the Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce. Please remember whatever your recreational interest -- play it safe at the lake.

Park Faciities click here

 

 

Norfork Lake  
Management Lands

Norfork Lake Management Lands - map

Driving Directions

Norfork Lake is about 20 miles southwest of West Plains, and can be reached from routes O, T, or Highway 160.

Highlights

This area contains almost forest along with cropland, wetlands and glades. Facilities,/features: boat ramp, boat rental, boat dock, improved camping, picnic area, and Norfork Lake (1,000 acres).

General Information

Region: Ozark

Counties: Ozark

For more information call: 417-256-7161

Status: Leased

Additional Information: Facilities are owned and maintained by the Corps of Engineers.

Activities

Activity (Activity Explanations)	Comments (Population Definition)
Bird Watching
Canoeing
Fishing - Bass	Good population.
Fishing - Catfish	Good population.
Fishing - Crappie	Good population.
Fishing - Other	Good population. walleye
Fishing - Sunfish	Good population.
Hunting-Deer	Good population.
Hunting-Dove	Fair population.
Hunting-Quail	Fair population.
Hunting-Rabbit	Fair population.
Hunting-Squirrel	Good population.
Hunting-Turkey	Good population.
Hunting-Waterfowl	Fair population.

 

Conservation Department Facilities

Facility Item	Name	Count	Comments
Boat Ramp - Lake - Concrete		4
Dock - Boat/Courtesy		1
Parking Lot		6	Gravel lots

 

Features

Feature Item	Name	Count	Size	Comments
Fishless Pond		12	3.00 acres
Spring		6	6.00 # gallons per day
Stream - Permanent		5	3.00 miles	Liner Creek, Lick Creek, Bryant Creek, Bridges Creek, North Fork River

 

Land Cover Types

Land Type	Acres	Comments
Wetland	630.00
Forest and Woodland	1852.00
Glade	508.00
Lakes/Ponds	901.00
Crop Land	970.00
Total Area Acres:	4861.00