Norfork Lake fishing and lake conditions by Scuba Steve from Blackburns Resort and Boat rental (click here for comments)

The lake level is 562.60 and still rising with no generation for 24-hours. It is getting dry here and I am irrigating the garden. It has not rained for a week and they will not even let enough water out to keep up with the normal river inflow. They are still running Table Rock though to protect Branson and the landing which is below normal now. The rules of dam management need to be reviewed. They have had ample time to drop these lakes. The level at Newport was down to 8-feet this winter. Hold and hope. The rules of how to calculate the percentage of how full the lakes are has changed for some reason to keep it below 50%. The government should not be allowed to manage anything. Somebody surely needs some slectricity somewhere. The lake itself is in excellent condition and warming. It is creeping into the 60's and the gizzard shad should start spawning soon and then the threadfin and then the topwater bite will begin in the mornings just when the sun comes up. Time to get those spooks and spittin image lures tuned up.  Walleye are in their spring places about 20-ft. deep and several were caught yesterday. White bass, crappie, smaller bass, walleye and catfish are all being caught everyday. Fishing is overall fair but getting better. Blackburns still has cabins for $53/day and a free stall for your boat. All cabins have covered porches and no duplexes. No extra charge for trolling motors on pontoons and you do not have to go elsewhere to launch your boat. Best place, best price. If you are staying at a place where you are nearly the only customer, you are paying too much. Call 870-492-5115.