There are a lot of Big Smallmouth Bass in Norfork Lake and Darrel Binkley knows how to catch them. 
The lake level is 556.16 and has risen 1/2 inch in the last 24-hours with no generation for three days and spillway gates open to an equivalent of 1/3rd of a generator continuously. The top of the power pool has now been raised to 556.75 for some reason so do not expect it to go down much. They have been trying to keep it right at the power pool where the power company has control of the generation. They do not have control of the spillway gates and the Corps of Engineers can do with them as they please but will start regulating the White River at Newport to 12-feet on Wednesday. They are running Bull shoals heavily and it is right at their power pool. The lake overall is in great condition and at a good level but the top of the power pool is too close to high water. There start to be problems at just over 560 with water going over some roads. We have been very fortunate to have avoided the heavy rains and severe weather so far this spring. The level was 554.68 and the surface water temperature was 67-degrees on this date last year. It is 69 now on the main lake and warmer in the creeks. The water is very clear on the main lake and stained a little green in the creeks but at a good color for fishing. I am catching some walleye and bigger largemouth bass on main lake points in about 14-18 ft. of water with a spawned out crappie now and again. Most crappie are in the creeks. I am about ready to start catfishing. When the main lake water gets to about 72-degrees the fishing will get about as good as it is going to get. The next event will be when the summer thermocline forms at 14-16 feet and most of the fish are spawned and move to main lake primary and secondary points. I am disappointed in the top-water bite so far. Come on down and take advantage of staying at the best place with the best price that is closest to Mountain Home, dining and shopping and a free stall for your boat at our dock comes free with the cabin rental of two days or more. Compare prices and give Debbie a call at 870-492-5115 for a reservation before you are forced top pay much more elsewhere. Blackburns is the first resort to fill up but we still have a couple of cabins open for Memorial Day. We especially welcome Veterans and Police and the Thin Blue Line Flag flies proudly along with Old Glory over Blackburns Resort and Boat Rental. Scuba Steve is a Veteran but does not require as much Policing as he used to for some reason.
