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

The lake level is 553.06 and rising a bit with no generation for two days. The Corps of Engineers does not like Norfork lake. Fishing is not the best right now with crappie scarce and red meat fish as well. A few small stripers are being caught and some white bass but not very many. Bass fishing is better but also not the best. You have to fish hard and long to catch 3 or 4 keepers a day. I would not drive a long way for a fishing trip right now. The main lake is not clearing very much and is still a tea colored brown. Blackburns creek is clearing a bit and some fish have moved in there. The river from red Bank is very brown with some debris and is moving this way slowly. I did not go further north than that. There is no generation forming any current and it is just hanging from there to the 101 bridge. It should have dropped out by now after two weeks since the heavy rain. Fishing is best in Fall Creek, Panther creek, Float Creek, Diamond Bay and Shoal Creek. A few crappie are being caught shallow over brush in 25-ft. but not very many. If you are staying at a place where you are nearly the only customer you are paying too much. Check out Blackburn's Prices. The stripers usually go to the bank later this month to simulate a spawn at night but I cannot guarantee anything this year. The full moon is the 31st and that will be your best chance.  The lake is at a very good level and shad are everywhere.