Norfork Tailwater


The Norfork Tailwater is the segment of the North Fork River below Norfork Dam in north central Arkansas. Near Salesville, Arkansas, the Norfork Tailwater is about long and stretches from the dam below Lake Norfork to the White River. The Norfork Tailwater is home to brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, as well as other fish. A trout hatchery near Quarry Park keeps the tailwater stocked with trout, while the dam's cold water output provides suitable habitat for these cool-water game fish.

Access

The tailwater can be accessed in a few locations. Access is free below the dam from Highway 177. There are also a few private boat ramps and other properties that can be used to access the river with permission.

2008 flood

In response to the Spring 2008 Midwest floods the Army Corps of Engineers opened the dam floodgates on April 10. The mass of water changed the river's depth in some places, and boaters and waders should use caution.