latest norfork fishing report

LATEST NORFORK LAKE FISHING REPORT

2/11/19

40 degrees and raining, wind 4 mph

Current lake water temperature = approx 46 degrees

Fishing is "pretty good." The white bass bite has been "better-than-pretty-good."  Try hitting the flats in 40-50 feet of water. Striped bass and hybrids -- jig with a spoon. Stripers -- 40-50' deep flats/outside deep channels...use umbrella rig trolling or spoon jigging.  Large-mouth bass has been "very good." They're 30-40' down to the bottom. In brush. Try deep diving crank baits.  Crappie bite has been "alright."  30' of water, in brush piles, best result using crappie minnows.

Lake level is 556.03 and rising, with more rain in the forecast.

P.S.  The combined daily limit for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass is six. Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 15 inches long to keep, and spotted bass must be at least 12 inches. There is no closed season for bass fishing on Norfork Lake, but bass caught from spawning beds in spring should be immediately released to allow them to complete their reproductive cycle.

In general:

Lake Temp of 38-42 degrees:  Bass will be 20-35 feet, shallower (10-15 feet) if murky.  Target points, channel drops and ledges. Bass may suspend near drop-offs in 7-10 feet of water.  Best fishing approach:  Fish slowly with a 3/4 oz jig & pig making repeated casts to cover, or tight line a leadhead grub or spoon.

Lake Temp of 42-44 degrees:  Some bass will move up to the breakline and sit or suspend near cover. This initial movement is typically only a few feet shallower -- if bass were at 30 feet, try 25 feet.  Best fishing approach:  Stay with the jig & pig or grub in the same spots. If bottom bumping doesn't work, try swimming the lure just off the bottom.

Lake Temp 44-48 degrees:  More bass will move to the first breakline. Around 46 degrees, a few big females may begin staying on objects along migration routes leading to shallow spawning areas.  Best fishing approach: Work a jig progressively shallower on steep points until you contact fish. Try jigs and suspending jerk baits around isolated stumps and creek channels, accessing shallower bays.

Lake Temp 48-55 degrees: Many bass are staging now on drops adjacent to spawning areas and isolated cover along migration routes. A few big bass may spawn around 55 degrees.  Best fishing approach: Use more active lures as water warms -- big bladed spinner baits and small crank baits in murky water, suspending jerk baits in clear water. Scan shallow bays for early spawners, and use floating worms and tube baits if you see any. 

That's all folks!  Good luck, and have fun!  :)