June 12,2021 Norfork Lake Scuba Diving Report by Scuba Steve from Blackburns Resort and Boat Rental.

The lake level is 572.55 and is high again this year but the conditions are different. The visibility is good down to the new thermocline which is at 22-feet and that is where the bait fish are located. The spearfishing season opens on Tuesday June 15th so now is the time to get your gear ready and not wait until the day you go. Your air tanks need a visual inspection every year before being filled and a hydro inspection every five years. The hydro takes several days and the annual a day or two depending on how busy they are. I talked to my friend Patton from Scuba Doo Dive shop this morning and he went diving yesterday and things were better than in the last several years. He also said they were very busy at the dive shop with the covid issue being nearly gone at least for the people smart enough to be vaccinated. I got my shots several months ago and have put that issue behind me and am anxious to get back to normal. Most of the brush piles that hold walleye, catfish and crappie (these are all I hunt for) are too deep now but the fish will be at or near the 22-ft. thermocline.The problem is that it also where the old shoreline is and a lot of brush and cover. Look for rocky points with no brush first and just around them. The fish mentioned above do not like cold water but like to be near it. There will not be much diving from the bank with the high water so if you need a dive pontoon come stay at Blackburns and we have several for rent at the best prices on the lake along with the best prices on cabins and are 1/2 mile from the Scuba Doo dive shop. It looks to be a good year so far. Come on down. We will not charge you too much. All you need is an Arkansas fishing license to go spearfishing and the limit is 1/2 the limit for fishermen. Black Bass cannot be taken.