About our Norfork River Fly Fishing Trips
The Norfork River in Arkansas is a popular destination for fly fishing. With it only stretching a short 5 miles before it joins the White River, the river is considered by many to be the princess of tailwaters. The Norfork River is a tailwater section that is fed from the Norfork Dam. This creates ideal conditions for trout, as well as clear and consistent water flows. The river also has a diverse range of habitats, from fast-moving riffles to deep pools, providing a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
The Norfork is home to river born Bonneville Cutthroat, as well as thousand Spot Cutties making it the place to be if you are looking for Cutthroat Trout. The river is also loaded with huge Brown Trout, Brook Trout and some of the best Rainbow Trout in the state. This short fishery is perfect for a drift boat especially during times of low generation when it is otherwise inaccessible to long boats. The middle of the river is all catch and release as are we.
The river is also known for its scenic beauty, and is often described as a peaceful and serene place to fish. It's often been hailed as the best cutthroat trout fishery in Arkansas! It's a great place for fly fishing and also a great place to take a family trip! If you're interested
Fly Patterns for the Norfork River
When fly fishing on the Norfork River in Arkansas, some popular fly patterns include:
Midges: Zebra midges and Griffith's gnats (sizes 18-24)
Mayflies: Blue-winged olive and the sulphur (sizes 14-18)
Caddisflies: Elk Hair Caddis and the X-Caddis (sizes 12-16)
Streamers: Wooly bugger and the sculpin (sizes 4-8)
Stoneflies: Golden stonefly and the black stonefly (sizes 6-10)
Keep in mind that the best flies to use can vary depending on the time of year, water levels, and other conditions. Also, keep in mind that the ideal size may vary depending on the size of the particular species of fish in the river. It's always best to get this information from a local fly shop, or just call us and we'll let you know what flies will give you the best opportunity for catching fish!
Midges: Zebra midges and Griffith's gnats (sizes 18-24)
Mayflies: Blue-winged olive and the sulphur (sizes 14-18)
Caddisflies: Elk Hair Caddis and the X-Caddis (sizes 12-16)
Streamers: Wooly bugger and the sculpin (sizes 4-8)
Stoneflies: Golden stonefly and the black stonefly (sizes 6-10)
Keep in mind that the best flies to use can vary depending on the time of year, water levels, and other conditions. Also, keep in mind that the ideal size may vary depending on the size of the particular species of fish in the river. It's always best to get this information from a local fly shop, or just call us and we'll let you know what flies will give you the best opportunity for catching fish!
Best Times to fish the Norfork river
Like most of our rivers in Arkansas, the Norfork is a year round fishery. This provides great access for anglers from other regions that aren't so fortunate. Since it's a tailwater section, the water stays a nice 50-60 degrees year round. In order to get the most out of your fishing trip, here are a few guidelines that we have depending on each season.
Spring: Blue-winged Olives are the most prevalent mayfly species and can be found hatching in January and February, as well as in September and October. This period can provide an opportunity for dry fly fishing. Sulphurs are another significant mayfly species that hatch in large quantities during April and May. While the nymphs are the most effective, some trout can also be caught on dry flies that mimic mayflies and midges. The recommended hook size ranges from #20 to #24.
Summer: As the water warms, the trout start moving to cooler areas. Imitations of crawdads, stoneflies and sculpin can be effective at this time. During the summer months, from June to late August, trout can be caught using terrestrial patterns. Like we mentioned above, we during this time we love dry dropper rigs with a terrestrial up top and a nymph dropped off.
Fall: This is by far the best time of year to fish on the Norfork. With spawning season ramping up, those big browns are aggressively chasing baitfish, which makes streamer fishing a blast! This is a huge reason that anglers flock here from all over the USA during this time.
Winter: Winter fishing is always tricky, but it can be a great time to pick up some big fish. The midge is your best bet here, as it's present year round. But, dead drifting streamers through slow riffles and seams can pick up a big lazy fish that's hungry. As always, when fishing streamers, make sure you're using a heavier weight rod for these fish.
Start planning your next fishing trip with us today! No matter the length of time you have to fish with us, we'll be sure to give you the experience of a lifetime! Use the button below to get started now!
Spring: Blue-winged Olives are the most prevalent mayfly species and can be found hatching in January and February, as well as in September and October. This period can provide an opportunity for dry fly fishing. Sulphurs are another significant mayfly species that hatch in large quantities during April and May. While the nymphs are the most effective, some trout can also be caught on dry flies that mimic mayflies and midges. The recommended hook size ranges from #20 to #24.
Summer: As the water warms, the trout start moving to cooler areas. Imitations of crawdads, stoneflies and sculpin can be effective at this time. During the summer months, from June to late August, trout can be caught using terrestrial patterns. Like we mentioned above, we during this time we love dry dropper rigs with a terrestrial up top and a nymph dropped off.
Fall: This is by far the best time of year to fish on the Norfork. With spawning season ramping up, those big browns are aggressively chasing baitfish, which makes streamer fishing a blast! This is a huge reason that anglers flock here from all over the USA during this time.
Winter: Winter fishing is always tricky, but it can be a great time to pick up some big fish. The midge is your best bet here, as it's present year round. But, dead drifting streamers through slow riffles and seams can pick up a big lazy fish that's hungry. As always, when fishing streamers, make sure you're using a heavier weight rod for these fish.
Start planning your next fishing trip with us today! No matter the length of time you have to fish with us, we'll be sure to give you the experience of a lifetime! Use the button below to get started now!
Trips
Trips DO NOT include: Arkansas fishing license or trout stamp.
These will need to be purchased prior to meeting your guide.
All trips DO include: Rods, reels, all terminal tackle and water.
Full Day includes: Sandwiches, chips, and cookies.
Special shore lunches available upon request for an additional charge.
Half day/three quarter days DO NOT include lunch.
.
ALL trips require a $200 deposit.
These will need to be purchased prior to meeting your guide.
All trips DO include: Rods, reels, all terminal tackle and water.
Full Day includes: Sandwiches, chips, and cookies.
Special shore lunches available upon request for an additional charge.
Half day/three quarter days DO NOT include lunch.
.
ALL trips require a $200 deposit.
