Norfork River
Below Norfork Dam
N Arkansas, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 07057370. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Norfork is running high at 3340 cfs — well above the typical 150-800 cfs summer range, likely from recent generation. This elevated flow will push trout to slower edges and back eddies, making wade fishing challenging but not impossible. Early sulphurs are showing according to Dally's intel, plus the usual scud and midge opportunities. Focus on deeper runs with weighted nymphs until flows drop, then evening dry fly fishing should be excellent as water temps stay trout-friendly in the mid-50s despite air temps climbing toward 94°F by Saturday.
- Flow: 3340 cfs — well above typical 150-800 cfs range. Fish slower edges and back eddies until generation subsides.
- Hatches: Early sulphurs emerging per Dally's report. Scuds and midges reliable subsurface. Evening caddis activity likely.
- Water Temp: Cold dam release keeps water trout-friendly mid-50s despite air temps reaching 94°F Saturday.
- Best Window: Evenings for dry fly action. Midday nymphing in deeper slots with weighted patterns during high water.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak Mar–Nov
The Norfork River below Norfork Dam in north-central Arkansas is a major Ozark tailwater — cold releases support trophy brown and rainbow trout in clear, productive water. The river is narrower and more wadeable than the nearby White River. The Otter Creek to Lake Norfork stretch produces the most consistent fishing. Midges, sowbugs, and small streamers dominate the year-round fly box. Brown trout exceeding 30 inches are caught annually.
The Norfork tailwater holds the world record brown trout for many years — a 38-pound, 9-ounce fish landed by Rip Collins in 1992 that stood as the world record until 2009.
January Outlook
The Norfork River is Arkansas's other world-class tailwater — smaller than the White but equally productive. Scuds and midges year-round.
Productive Patterns
- Scud
- Sowbug
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
Tips
The Norfork below Norfork Dam is small enough to wade but requires awareness of generation schedules. The scud-based food supply produces fat, healthy rainbow and brown trout.
Water Notes
Regulated 150–1,200 cfs. Water 48–54°F year-round. Small tailwater with excellent fish densities.
February Outlook
February on the Norfork River — the small-scale counterpart to the White River with exceptional scud and midge fishing year-round. This intimate tailwater is more wade-accessible than the White and produces excellent winter fishing with less boat pressure.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud (olive)
- Sowbug
- RS2
Tips
The Norfork is the Ozarks' sleeper tailwater in winter. The small size makes it more intimate and wade-friendly. The section from the dam to the White River confluence (about 4 miles) is the prime reach. Check Army Corps generation schedules — the Norfork fluctuates quickly with power generation.
Water Notes
100–900 cfs. Water 48–54°F. Year-round tailwater. More wade-friendly than the White River in winter.
March Outlook
March on the Norfork. Spring arrives in the Ozarks and the first caddis and midge dry fly activity begins on warm afternoons. The small tailwater is a delight in early spring — more intimate and accessible than the massive White River.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis (small)
- Midge Dry
- Scud
- Soft Hackle Wet
Tips
March sees the beginning of dry fly season on the Norfork. The smaller scale of this river means fish are closer and presentations must be precise — 5X–6X tippet in the clear water. The section near the dam and the Section 14 area are the most productive in early spring.
Water Notes
150–800 cfs. Water 48–54°F. Spring building. Early hatches beginning on mild afternoons.
April Outlook
April is the Norfork's spring awakening — Hendrickson and Caddis hatches produce reliable dry fly fishing. This small, intimate tailwater shines in spring when the fish are actively rising and the Ozarks are green.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson #14
- Elk Hair Caddis
- BWO Sparkle Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April is excellent on the Norfork. The Hendrickson hatch is reliable in afternoon on mild days. The river is narrow enough to wade across in many sections — unlike the White River — which makes precise presentations possible. Fish 5X tippet in the clear tailwater.
Water Notes
200–900 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Excellent spring tailwater conditions. Wade-friendly and productive.
May Outlook
Spring fishing on the Norfork with emerging PMD and Caddis hatches. Excellent conditions as the season warms.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Scud
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Norfork is more wade-friendly than the White River and produces excellent dry fly fishing in May. The section from the dam to the confluence with the White is the most productive.
Water Notes
200–800 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Good spring conditions.
June Outlook
Summer on the Norfork tailwater. The cold dam release maintains excellent trout temperatures while the Ozarks heat up around it. Caddis and evening midge activity continue through June.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- PMD Sparkle Dun
Tips
June is excellent on the Norfork. The cold tailwater provides thermal refuge in Ozark summer heat. The small scale of this river means you can wade to the best positions — an advantage over the boat-dominated White River. Fish evenings for the best dry fly activity.
Water Notes
150–800 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Cold tailwater thermal refuge in summer heat. Wade fishing excellent.
July Outlook
July on the Norfork tailwater. The scud and midge food supply sustains excellent fishing through the Ozark summer heat. This small, wading-accessible river is one of the best summer options in the Mid-South region.
Productive Patterns
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- Sowbug
- Elk Hair Caddis (evening)
Tips
The Norfork is exceptional in July for a Mid-South tailwater. Wade the section from the dam down through the first mile for the coldest, most concentrated fish. Evening caddis hatches remain productive. Check generation schedule — wade fishing is only possible during low generation periods.
Water Notes
100–900 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Cold tailwater in summer. Check generation schedule before wading — flows change rapidly.
August Outlook
August on the Norfork. Year-round scud and midge fishing continues in this intimate Ozark tailwater. Cooler than the surrounding region and fishable all day during low generation periods.
Productive Patterns
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- Sowbug
- Soft Hackle Wet
Tips
August on the Norfork is productive when generation flows are low. The dam section produces best fish. Wade fishing during power generation is hazardous — check Army Corps schedule. The scud population here produces consistently heavy fish despite the river's small size.
Water Notes
100–800 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Year-round tailwater. Generation schedule critical for safe wading.
September Outlook
Excellent fall fishing on the Norfork. Less pressure than summer with consistent midge and dry fly activity.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Scud
- BWO
- RS2
Tips
The Norfork in fall is excellent. The consistent tailwater conditions continue year-round with reliable scud and midge fishing.
Water Notes
150–600 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Good fall tailwater conditions.
October Outlook
October on the Norfork tailwater. Pre-spawn rainbow and brown trout are aggressive and the fall BWO hatch provides reliable dry fly opportunities. One of the Ozarks' finest October tailwater fisheries.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Scud (olive)
- Streamer
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
October is outstanding on the Norfork. BWO hatches are reliable on overcast afternoons. Pre-spawn fish are aggressive and the cooler temperatures make all-day fishing comfortable. The small scale of this river makes precise presentations critical — 5X–6X tippet in clear fall water.
Water Notes
150–700 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Excellent fall tailwater conditions. BWO hatches reliable in October.
November Outlook
November late-season on the Norfork. Post-spawn fish feeding aggressively. Scud and midge nymphing continues producing through late fall in this year-round Ozark tailwater.
Productive Patterns
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- Sowbug
- Soft Hackle Wet
Tips
November fishing on the Norfork is excellent and underrated. Post-spawn fish feed aggressively to rebuild condition. The consistent tailwater temperatures mean November fishing is nearly identical to April in terms of fish activity. A quiet, productive month on one of Arkansas's best kept secrets.
Water Notes
150–800 cfs. Water 48–54°F. Year-round tailwater — excellent November conditions.
December Outlook
December on the Norfork completes the year-round tailwater cycle. The scud and midge fishery that drives this river continues regardless of season. Cold Ozark winter, cold reservoir water, and consistent rainbow and brown trout fishing twelve months a year.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- Sowbug
- RS2
Tips
The Norfork is excellent in December for those willing to brave Ozark winter temperatures. The tailwater keeps fish active year-round. Check generation schedules and wade only during low-flow periods. The dam section directly below Norfork Dam produces the most concentrated fish in winter.
Water Notes
100–700 cfs. Water 48–54°F year-round. Year-round tailwater. Fishing consistent all winter.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Scud Gammarus spp. |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Mountain Home, AR is the primary base. Wade access at multiple state and Corps of Engineers sites. Arkansas fishing license required. Generation schedule from Norfork Dam is critical — check before wading.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Steve Dally Outfitters
- Ozark Fly Fisher Journal
- Flys and Guides
Regulations & License
Fishing in Arkansas requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Arkansas fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
About Current
Norfork River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Norfork River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.