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

The lake level is 567.87 and has dropped 1/2 inch in the last 24-hours with generation about 1/2 the time. We received heavy rain after midnight and the level has been rising slowly since then. They always quit generating when it rains to maximize the effects.   I received over 2-inches locally and the creeks run hard. They are calmed down now and they are just starting to generate again. At a rate of 2-inches/day drop we should drop about 3-1/2 feet by Labor Day weekend and be at 564 which is still 10-feet above where it should be this time of year but not bad.  They have had ample time to drop the lake but refuse to do so. The overall condition of the lake is good for swimming and boating. Fishing is only fair for bass, stripers, catfish and bluegill. A few scattered schools of crappie are showing up. I am seeing almost no white bass while diving.  I do not know where they have gone but they are not showing up with the deep walleye and stripers. The lake is stained and the visibility is not the best but that is not uncommon for August. It will get better as the water cools but do not look for that to happen anytime soon with very hot weather coming next week. Day use areas for swimming, launching and parking are getting a little bit better but are not good. Most Resorts have full services. If you have a desperate need for sand we have a large pile by our big swimming pool.   When you ask for openings always ask 1: Is this a duplex? 2: Do you have ample parking for my vehicle and boat trailer? 3: Do you have a pool and how big is it? 4: Do you have covered porches? 5: Do you charge for the first boat stall at your dock? 6: Do you have trolling motors on pontoons and are they free? Do you have a dock and how big is it? How far are you from town? This will prevent any big surprises when you arrive.