Norfork River Float Trip with Tailwater Fishing Co

James D
Response rate: 
11%
Response time:
3 hours
Our full day guided fishing trips on the Norfork River are designed to help you get the most out of your Arkansas fishing experience. Our knowledgeable guides will take you to the prime spots for casting a line and show you the tricks you need to know to be successful on this river. Our familiarity with local waters means we know where to go to get the best trout action, and we can help you enjoy your day to the fullest.
 
What is Included:
Lunch
Drinks & Snacks
Flies
Tackle
Rates
Per
Capacity
Dates
Duration
Price
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1
 angler
Daily8 hours
$
400
Availability
Fishing Waters
The name Norfork is a condensed idiom of North Fork and refers to the North Fork of the White River. This 110 mile river starts near Mountain Grove, Missouri, and flows south through ... moreMark Twain National Forest, but the most exciting section is the last five miles before it empties into the White.

In the depressed years of the late 1930’s, officials in the state of Arkansas lobbied hard for federal assistance in an effort to create a miniature version of the Tennessee Valley Authority. They succeeded with the 1940’s construction of a dam on the Norkfolk River and the creation of Norfolk Lake. Anglers can be grateful for an unintended consequence - the prized tailwaters below the lake.

This section of river benefits from cold water releases from the dam that provide ideal trout habitat. For anglers the result is nothing less than spectacular. In 1988 a 38.9 ounce German brown was caught, the second largest ever recorded worldwide. Also pulled from this tailwater - a brook weighing over 5 pounds that still holds the Arkansas record.

Although it’s possible to wade in certain sections, public access is limited through the middle of this section; most prefer to float and fish the whole run. Fish are abundant, stocked by the Norfork Hatchery near Quarry Park; the river is home to browns, rainbows, cutthroat and brook. On average, trout range from 12-14 inches but 20 inchers are quite common. Spirited anglers compete in what’s known as “the slam,” or catching all four species on the same day.

Before booking a trip, keep in mind that water levels are subject to change, access for wading is limited, and the middle third is strictly catch and release.
Destination
 (1)
Near the heart of the Ozark National Forest, Cotter is the self-proclaimed Trout Capital USA, a distinction it deserves. Set on a bend in the White River and considered by many to ... morebe among the finest trout fisheries in the country, it is a small town as steeped in history as it is in fish. Surrounded by natural beauty, a thirty minute drive from Cotter will get you to the Norfolk River, short hand for the North Fork of the White, which is also ranked as one of the best trophy trout rivers in the lower 48. Within 2 hours it’s possible to reach the famous, blue-ribbon Little Red River, a 100 mile long tributary of the White.

Initially settled by Native Americans, the early 1800’s nearby discovery of gold and other minerals put the Cherokee in conflict with ambitious entrepreneurs. Andrew Jackson’s 1835 Treaty of Echota forcibly moved tribal members west of the Mississippi via the now infamous Trail of Tears. By the late 1890’s, Cotter had become the central distribution point for sending mining products by steamboat to other cities in the region and by 1905, it’s permanent population had reached 600.

Ironically, its current population of about 1000 is not much greater, but the City’s focus is quite different. Today Cotter is known for its scenic location on the high bluffs of the White River and its commitment to sportsmen and tourists. No other area in the country can come close to Cotter’s record setting trout catches or champion fly fishing status. The town’s proximity to wilderness and the state’s highest mountain, Mt. Magazine, make it a natural draw for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you are traveling with family members or friends who do not share your desire to fish, there are many other things to do. These include:

The 165 mile long Highlands Trail as well as Pedestal Rock and Alum Bridge Cove Natural Bridge Trail

Kayakers and canoeists can enjoy the upper Buffalo River, designated a National Scenic River and National Wild River

Mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, and camping, as well as other outdoor sports, are widely available.

Folk music at festivals in Mountain View Ark.; Country music in Branson, Mo.

There are many ways to reach Cotter, including:

Fly into Little Rock’s Clinton National Airport and drive approx. 3 hours.

Fly into Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (Fayetteville) and drive 2 ½ hours

Fly into Jonesboro Municipal Airport and drive approx. 2 ½ hours

Fly into the Branson, Missouri Airport and drive approx. 1 ½ hours

Fly into Memphis, Tennessee International Airport and drive approx. 4 hours
Outfitter
 (5)
We are one of the only guide services in our area that offers both fly and spin fishing trips for our clients. Our guide trips consist of float fishing in one of our fully equipped ... morecomfortable Supreme riverboats.

If you would like to wade-fish during your trip, you will need to bring your own waders. We also recommend sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for protection and comfort.

For safety, we do not fish in potentially dangerous water or weather conditions. Since we fish on tailwater fisheries, there are scheduled and unscheduled water releases through the dam that can cause high water conditions on the river. If either of these unsafe conditions results in a cancellation, we will be happy to reschedule your trip.

We generally practice catch-and-release, however if you would like to keep your limit of trout for a meal, we would be more than happy to filet them for you.
Guides:
Type:
Fishing
Payment
Cancellation Policy
Standard
  • Cancellations made 14 days before will be fully refunded.
  • Cancellations made 7 days before will be refunded 50% of the amount paid.
  • Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Payment directly with Norfork River Float Trip with Tailwater Fishing Co.
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Outfitter Review
While other fishermen on the banks were reeling in wet bait, we made a day out of catching over 70 trout! By far the best guided trip I’ve ever been on and I can’t wait to book another one!
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James put us on the fish right away… Sixty in two hours to be exact! It was lots of fun, I would love to do it again!
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Outfitter Review
James was very knowledgeable and helpful on our trip. He knew just the right way to set up our rods to get the fish to hit. He was so helpful and I’d recommend his service to anyone wishing to have a fun time and great memories
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Outfitter Review
While the fishing was excellent, James’ hospitality and helpfulness is what made my trip one I will never forget.
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Outfitter Review
I have been fortunate to experience fantastic guides across the country in both salt and fresh water. James has pure talent and a passion for his craft. He is exactly what one should look for when searching for a guide.
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