Norfork Lake arkansas near Mountain Home in the Ozarks Mountains Region Fishing Report and Lake Condition by Scuba Steve from Blackburns Resort and Boat Rental.

The lake level is 547.67 and has dropped 6-inches in the last 24-hours with both generators running continuously. The White River at Newport is 7.61 feet and rising quickly. This is as low as the lake needs to get for the winter. The only way it can get too low is if they let out too much water. The spring fed creeks,Including Bryant Creek, and the Norfork River can provide enought water to supply drinking water needs without dropping the lake. They can stop the lake from dropping anytime they want to. If it gets too low it is intensional not from being dry. The surface water temperature was 41-degrees last evening with sleet and snow going directly into it and will drop more as the snow melts into the lake. The shad will get lethargic at about 38-degrees and start to die in the mid 30's. If this happens the fishing will get very good and very easy. Scuba Steve does not want this to happen. He likes a big population of bait fish. It usually happens when ice forms on the shoreline and that has not happened yet. The water is clearing and the lake is in good condition. Do not let your main dock get on dry land. If it does and it gets windy it will damage the dock. Move out as needed no matter what. It is to melt some on Wednesday but mostly remain well below normal ambient temperatures. At least January is about over and we avoided the ice storm that has devestated Nashville and Northern Mississippi. We went through that in 2009 and it is not fun. We have lots of friends there and wish them well. Everything is fine here. Think spring and call Debbie at 870-492-5115 for a reservation for your spring fishing trip and family summer vacation. Blackburns Resort and Boat Rental continues to have the best place with the best prices on both cabins and boat rentals in the Ozarks. There will be no price increases for 2026. Compare.