Norfork Lake Tailwater
Background
Norfork Dam is located on the North Fork of the White River in Baxter County, Arkansas. The dam was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the purposes of flood control and hydroelectric power generation and was the first project to be constructed on the White River system. Construction of the dam was completed in 1944. Initial operations from these projects created coldwater habitat that was unsuitable for native fish species. The possibility of establishing a trout fishery was investigated with the experimental stocking of 600 fingerling rainbow trout in 1948. Brown trout were introduced in 1949 and by the early 1950’s the Norfork was becoming known throughout the areas for its trout fishing. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission currently manages trout fisheries in the North Fork of the White River from Norfork Dam to its confluence with the White River. Four species of trout are currently stocked into Norfork Tailwater. These are rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout.
Water Level Information
Corps of Engineers Website
Current Generation Conditions
(870) 431-5311
Management Plan
In 2007, the AGFC Trout Management Program began the process of developing a comprehensive management plan for both the Norfork and Bull Shoals Tailwaters. The purpose of this plan is to establish specific goals and objectives, which will guide the future management of the trout fisheries in these waters. Central to the plan development process was an intensive public involvement effort used to help insure that the desires and expectations of the angling public were embodied in plan goals. The management strategies outlined in this plan will be implemented over the next 5 years. In 2013, this plan will be revisited to determine if management objectives were met and to insure that plan goals are still in line with public values and interests.
Bull Shoals and Norfork Tailwaters Management Plan
Reports
Creel Survey Report