Norfork River Spin/Bait Fishing Trip with Cotter Trout Dock

$
185
-
$
335
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 3 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 1 day
Reza A
Response rate: 
1%
Response time:
1 hour
What is Included:
Lunch
Drinks & Snacks
Flies
Tackle
Rates
Per
Capacity
Dates
Duration
Price
Boat
1 - 1
 anglers
Daily1 day
$
255
Boat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily1 day
$
275
Boat
1 - 3
 anglers
Daily1 day
$
335
Boat
1 - 1
 anglers
Daily4 hours
$
185
Boat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily4 hours
$
200
Boat
1 - 3
 anglers
Daily4 hours
$
245
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
A Cotter Trout Dock guided trout fishing float trip means you'll drift down the White River, North Fork River or the Buffalo River in north-central Arkansas at a comfortable pace to ... morefish as you watch scenery and wildlife. On the White River and North Fork River, we fish mainly for Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. On the Buffalo River, it is mainly Smallmouth Bass.

We think you will find a guided Arkansas trout fishing trip is one of the best bargains around.

Some people; new to trout fishing, believe that "trout fishing" means that you have to fish with fly fishing gear. Most of the "locals" here and most of our guests do not use fly fishing gear; they use spinning or spincasting rods/reels. No experience required!

Fly fishing is a wonderful sport and we take out many fly-fishers, but it is not the only way to fish for trout. Fly fishing is becoming more and more popular over the years; around here as elsewhere.

Your guide can do everything for you, including casting, or he can just get you there and let you catch the trout. Or anything in between these two extremes. Just depends on your experience, etc. Either way, stories and laughs will be provided.

And if you choose, you may also enjoy a great White River, Arkansas trout fishing tradition; the shore lunch.

In addition to our regular " day trips" we do "camp" trips. Our "camp" trips are more accurately "fish and then camp" trips. Our trout fishing and camping float trip is a truly therapeutic adventure. When the trout fishing day is over you'll camp on our private 15 acre wooded island. You'll enjoy a tasty steak dinner cooked over oak coals, then relax with your friends around the campfire until retiring to your tent to sleep on a comfortable cot. In the morning you'll watch our cooks prepare your breakfast over the campfire as you sip hot coffee.

Over the last 54 years we've heard thousands of happy customers claim that our White River Arkansas Ozarks float trips are unforgettable fun and relaxation.Those who have never fished in their lives come away amazed at the fun they had, and how much they relaxed in such a short time. And the seasoned fishers make the same claim.
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 Spin/Bait Fishing Trip with Cotter Trout Dock.
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