The lake level is 556.12 and has risen 1-inch in the last 24-hours with no generation and spillway gates open to an equivalent of 1/3rd generator. The White River at Newport is 14.10 feet and has started to drop.. They are regulating to 14-feet and most of the water is coming from Bull Shoals. The surface water temperature is 69-degrees and will shurely rise with ambient temperatures to get into the 80's with 60's for lows next week. Things are changing quickly now with a lot of things happening. The carp have finished spawning in the back of Blackburns Creek and it was a spectacular sight with hundreds of fish thrashing around for about 2-1/2 days. Several people were there to watch them. The Gizzard Shad have spawned as have the Stripers, White Bass, Walleye and some Largemouth. Crappie are in the process and this can take several weeks. It is quicker if the water level stays constant and there are no big rains. The Threadfin Shad spawn is related to the moon phase and spikes during a full moon which is the 23rd when the water temperature reaches 72-degrees. This is when the top-water bite will be at it's peak for Stripers, White Bass and Bass. Look for areas with cover back in the creeks and deep water close by and where the wind has been blowing into. The Shad are more interested in spawning than feeding on Plankton during this time. It can last from 2-3 weeks.The eggs are sticky and attach to vegetaion, wood, rip rap and especially docks in this area. When a full moon, 72-degree waterand threadfin shad spawn all come together it is as good as the top-water bite gets. It is also an indicator that the Largemouth Bass spawn is about over and you can start fishing main lake points for them again. Some are there now. Be out there before sunrise and have a Spitin Image for Bass and a clear Zara Spook on clear days and learn how to walk the dog. The clear spook sparkles in the sunlight and is the best color. On cloudy days a bone colored one will also work. Practice on it and get proficient. You need a 6-1/2 ft. medium heavy rod. A limber rod will not work. Keep these handy because there can be surfacing fish at any time. If you are good at it you can still call them up from several feet down after they quit surfacing or before they come up. It is a fun time to fish Nofork Lake.Compare prices and give Debbie a call at 870-492-5115 for a reservation. We still have a few cabins and rental boats open for Memorial Day. Come on down and we will not charge you too much. All cabins are individual with no duplexes and all have big covered porches or screened-in porches. A free stall for your boat at our dock comes with the cabin rental of 2-days or more. You do not have to go elsewhere to launch your boat. Best place, best price. Closest to Mountain Home, dining and shopping and Scuba Steve will show you where the brush piles are located because he put them in.
