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Locals describe Norfork Lake as "unspoiled, uncrowded, and unforgettable." It is an apt description for this beautiful lake hidden in the Ozark highlands. Most of Norfolk Lake's 22,000 acres are in Arkansas, with its northern portion extending into Missouri. With many creek bays, branches, and sandy islands, visitors will be charmed by this recreational gem.
Built as an impoundment of the North Fork of the White River, Norfork Lake was created by the Norfork Dam. Construction on the concrete gravity dam began in 1941 and was completed in 1944. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the dam for flood control, hydroelectric power, and drinking water. The Corps still manages the dam and lake and has been instrumental in limiting development around the shoreline.
Hunting around the lake is very good, and there are over 20,000 acres of public land set aside for hunters, with another 10,000 acres designated as wildlife management areas. In fact, Norfork Lake is one of the few places where it is possible to hunt for turkey and fish for stripers from the same boat. The prime hardwood forest, laced with creeks that surround the lake, provides ideal habitat for a robust turkey population; white tailed deer, waterfowl, and game birds abound.
The lake never freezes, so anglers will find exceptional fishing year round. Healthy populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass, black bass, white bass and stripers, as well as crappie, walleye, and catfish are all found in Norfork Lake, which also hosts several fishing tournaments each year. There are also opportunities for scuba diving and spear fishing. Below the dam, Norfork National Fish Hatchery provides trout for stocking, adding to the superb trout fishing.
Visitors can explore Norfork Lake on the water by sailboat, speed boat, houseboat, canoe or kayak, or on land by hiking one of the many Corps maintained trails. There are plenty of activities to delight the senses on this "unspoiled, uncrowded, and unforgettable" lake.
Norfork Lake: Messaging Forums
Norfolk Lake Sailing (Posted by Lisa Raub [lisaraub])
Norfork Lake Chamber of Commerce (Posted by Jennifer Merritt [jennifer merritt])
US Army Corps of Engineers Norfork Lake (Posted by Jennifer Merritt [jennifer merritt])
This lake was last edited by Jennifer Merritt (jennifer merritt) on 4/6/08.
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