The North Fork River is a premier trout stream that flows through both Arkansas and Missouri in the heart of the Ozarks. Renowned for its cold, clear waters, this river offers anglers a Western-style fishing experience with diverse fishing opportunities. The river is fed by cold springs that maintain ideal temperatures for trout, particularly in its upper sections. Prior to 2017, the North Fork was considered one of the region's top trout fisheries, though the removal of the Dawt Mill dam has altered some characteristics of the river ecosystem. Despite these changes, the North Fork continues to attract anglers seeking quality trout fishing in a scenic Ozark setting.
Learn what type of fish are at North Fork River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Moxostoma duquesnei
Lepomis macrochirus
Ictalurus punctatus
Pylodictis olivaris
Moxostoma erythrurum
Esox americanus
Lepomis cyanellus
Lepomis megalotis
Lepisosteus osseus
Hypentelium nigricans
Ambloplites constellatus
Lepomis microlophus
Ambloplites rupestris
Moxostoma macrolepidotum
Lepisosteus platostomus
Micropterus punctulatus
Morone saxatilis
Lepomis gulosus
Morone chrysops
Pomoxis annularis
Ameiurus natalis
Learn how to get on North Fork River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Residents of Missouri 65 years old and older are not required to purchase a fishing license. Non -Residents 16 years old and older must purchase a non-resident license. Anglers 15 years old and younger are not required to purchase a license regardless of residency.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
In Missouri, waterways navigable in fact, or with a long history of use, and the capability of commercial and recreational transport are open to the public. The state asserts a public trust doctrine, allowing recreation, streambed access, right to portage and other incidents of navigation, regardless of ownership.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around North Fork River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for North Fork River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish North Fork River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on North Fork River.
North Fork River · Below Norfork Dam · Southwestern Power Administration
Generating tomorrow 4:00 AM CST to 11:00 AM CST, up to 37 MW
Forecast updated today at 4:23 PM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
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