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Fishing / Bass Fishing
Looking for largemouth and small mouth bass fishing? If you are looking for a place to vacation that has great Arkansas bass fishing, lots of bass fishing tournaments and a touch of Paradise, we invite you to visit the Ozarks. Tucked between the mountains there are two Corps of Engineer lakes that are crystal clear and full of fish. They are the Norfork Lake in Baxter County and Bull Shoals Lake in Marion County.
Norfork sits at 554 feet above sea level and is a 22,000 acre impoundment with excellent crappie, striper, largemouth bass and small mouth bass fishing. Bull Shoals Lake is an impoundment of the White River. It is 83 miles long, has 1,123 miles of shoreline, 45,440 acres at normal pool and sits 654.23 feet above sea level.
Bull Shoals Lake is a significant fishery with a national reputation. This lake has it all - Blue Gill, Walleye, Catfish, Crappie, spotted (Kentucky) bass, White Bass, largemouth, small mouth bass fishing. Whatever your pleasure is you can find it here, including excellent bass fishing tournaments.
To be fished effectively, clear water dictates that light line must be used. Bull Shoals Lake has a green stain to it, which is brought on by the spring pollen off the trees; therefore moss green monofilament is the color of line that disappears in the water. Bass lures can be handled on 6 to 12 pound test line, walleye baits on 6 to 8 pound test line, crappie and white bass baits on 4 to 6 pound test line. This is not a lake with aquatic vegetation, so heavy tackle is not needed. Even during high water, anglers need to keep the boat far enough away from the bank so they don't "spook" the fish. Local experts tend to prefer natural colors in lure selection (shad or crawdad) due to water clarity.
Spring Arkansas bass fishing (April through June): During this period the lake starts to warm up and when it reaches 52 degrees the walleye move into the creek arms to spawn and the bass start to put on the feed bag and position themselves in transition areas in the creeks and coves. Once the lake temperature reaches the upper 50's the Smallmouth bass move onto gravel banks and sandstone ledges to spawn. Tube baits, Sinko's and jig and pigs will definitely get you a sore arm from a whole lot of action.
When the lake temperature reaches 60 to 62 degrees, the largemouth and spotted (Kentucky) bass will move up to spawn. The largemouth will move to the back of the creeks and the spotted (Kentucky) bass will move up onto chunk rock banks. Jig and pigs, Flukes, Sinko's and lizards are key baits for both species. After spawn, you can pound the banks with top water baits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits and have a blast.
Summer Arkansas bass fishing (July through September): Largemouth bass can be found anywhere from the shallows to depths in excess of 40 feet. They tend to form small schools and relate to flat areas of ledges, old roadways or deep stumps. Most feeding occurs early or late in the day. Surface lures (Zara Spooks, Chug Bugs, Pop R's, etc.) work well on calm mornings if bass are feeding on shad. Smallmouth and spotted (Kentucky) bass can be found on points composed of pea gravel and chunk rock. The banks and points that "stair-step" into deep water seem to be more attractive to the fish. Spinnerbaits and crank baits work well on cloudy days. Spider jigs, grubs and Sinko's fished on a Mojo rig work well if the wind is down.
Fall Arkansas Bass Fishing (October and November): This is a time for transition for most species as they move from summer to winter holding areas. Active moving fish means a superb bite. Almost any technique you wish to use will catch largemouth, Smallmouth and spotted (Kentucky) bass. Buzzbaits in the mornings are a blast and crank baits on windy days can be exciting, but it is hard not to throw a spinnerbait and get the pole jerked out of your hand. The fall pattern will continue until the lake temperature drops below 60 degrees, then it is time to slow down as reaction baits will shut off.
Winter Arkansas Bass Fishing (December through March): Some people say that winter is a tough time to catch bass. That can be argued against. The bass will school up with the shad in the warmest water they can find and with a little graphing they are easy to spot. Football jigs fished along the bottom through the schools will produce some great action. Another technique that is used is spooning vertically and ripping the spoon through the shad. This technique will trigger the largemouth and spotted (Kentucky) bass under the shad and you might even catch a walleye or two.
This is just a short outline on what Bull Shoals Lake has to offer.
Article written by Rick Culver (Ranger Pro Staff and owner of Wilderness Trail)

Promise Land Resort & RV Sites
323 Cr 107
Mountain Home, AR 72653
Toll-Free: (888) 495-2929
Phone: (870) 431-5576
Email: getaway@promiselandresort.com
Web Site: http://www.promiselandresort.com
Nine housekeeping cabins with a picture window lake view and 3 RV spots with lake view & full hook-ups. Pool, Recreation Room/Sunroom (Great for Large Families) with fireplace, Horseshoe Pit and More. Honeymoon/Anniversary cabin with Jacuzzi. DSL wireless internet WiFi. Walk to the lake, we are the last resort on our road. Year round resort, weekly and monthly winter rates. Location/Directions: Bull Shoals Lake, 9 1/2 miles off of Highway 5. Go north of Midway 5 1/2 miles to promise land road turn at the promise land area sign. Follow the Promise Land Resort Signs to our front door.
Red's Guide Service
3746 Hwy 62 E
Mountain Home, AR 72653
Phone: (870) 492-4342
Email: redvs@suddenlink.net
Web Site: http://www.redsguidesvc.com
Red is one of the senior guide services on Lake Norfork with 15 years of experience. These years have been spent fishing for striped and hybrid bass. I dedicate all my time to being a good year-around striper guide. Striper fishing on Lake Norfork is a constantly changing pattern that requires full time efforts. Full time efforts are rewarded with more and bigger fish caught. Location/Directions: Red specializes in Striped and Hybrid Bass on Lake Norfork in north central Arkansas near Bull Shoals and Mountain Home
Rocky Hollow Lodge & Cottages
1306 Lake Street
P.O. Box 313
Bull Shoals, AR 72619
Toll-Free: (800) 887-6259
Phone: (870) 445-4400
Email: rocky@southshore.com
Web Site: http://www.rockyhollowlodge.com
Come to the Ozarks and relax in the comfort of a spacious three-bedroom lodge, or choose one of six unique Ozark style cabins just steps from Bull Shoals Lake. The Lodge has a large dining area, a big screen TV and fireplace. Cottages are two bedrooms with a full bath, full kitchen and dining/living area with cable color TV. While secluded, we are centrally located in Bull Shoals.
Location/Directions: Take Hwy 178 into Bull Shoals, turn north (towards the lake) on Mockingbird Lane, go four blocks, ending at Lake Street. Turn left, proceed 100 feet, where you'll see our sign on the right, so turn right onto our paved driveway, then follow down to the Rocky Hollow Lodge Office, the first building on your right.
125 Marina
321 Marina Drive
Peel, AR 72688
Phone: (870) 436-5390
Email: brotherf@yahoo.com
Web Site: http://www.125marina.com
Rent the Myacht or one of 7 other themed houseboats along with wakeboards, skis, fishing boats, dive equipment and just about anything else to have fun with on Bull Shoals lake while getting your fuel, your scuba tanks filled, or just rent a boat slip at the 125 Marina
Black Oak Resort
P.O. Box 100
Oakland, AR 72661-0100
Phone: (870) 431-8363
Email: vacation@blackoakresort.com
Web Site: http://www.blackoakresort.com
Relax amid the clear blue waters of Bull Shoals Lake in spacious one-of-a-kind cabins:
King Beds, Whirlpool Tubs, Fireplaces, Skylights, Full Kitchens, Central Heat/Air, Wood Decks.
Boat Dock, Bass Boat, Pontoon rentals, Guide Service.
Swimming Pool and Whirlpool.
Non-Smoking rooms upon request. Pets Welcome. Visit our website to subscribe to our
e-newsletter!
Location/Directions: Located on Bull Shoals Lake, about 22 miles northwest of Mountain Home.
From Mountain Home, Take Hwy 62B west to Hwy 5. Take Hwy 5 North approximately 14
miles to Hwy 202. Take Hwy 202 west approximately 8 miles. Black Oak Resort is on the
right. You can't miss it.
For directions from your home to ours, please call us (870) 431-8363, and we will be happy to
provide assistance.
Blackburns Resort
734 C.R. 989
Mountain Home, Ar 72653
Toll-Free: (800) 635-0526
Phone: (870) 492-5115
Email: blackburnsresort@centurytel.net
Web Site: http://www.blackburnsresort.com
Blackburns Resort has the ability to handle high water with no diminished services. We are in a sheltered cove and very near good fishing and boating. Child and pet friendly. Blackburns is your fishing, diving and family headquarters. Save $ towards high gas prices. Best value. Location/Directions: Located 4 miles east of Mountain Home just off Highway 412/62 east on County Road 989. Turn at Chuck's Outlet 1/2 mile
Blue Lady Resort
149 CR 820
Lake Norfork, AR 72537
Phone: (870) 467-5115
Fax: (870) 467-2356
Email: vacation@blueladyresort.com
Web Site: http://www.blueladyresort.com
Panoramic views of Lake Norfork - Newly renovated in 2006! The resort sits on a bluff overlooking beautiful Norfork Lake and the Ozark Mountains . Easy access to private, lighted boat dock with attached 25'x40' swim deck and 15’ x 20’ fishing decks. 1 – 3 bedrooms with full kitchens, BBQs, and FREE boat slip with your rental Location/Directions: Blue Lady Resort is 10.6 miles from the Wall Mart gas station to our office door.
Take Hwy. 412/62 East to Hwy. 101. Turn left towards Gamaliel. The resort is 4.6 miles from this point. You’ll pass Panther Bay before you cross the 101 Bridge. Then you’ll go 4.3 miles on 101, passing 101 Grocery on the right and the Trading Post and Rock House Liquor on the left before you get to County Road 804.
Bull Mountain Resort
2224 Central Blvd.
Bull Shoals, AR 72619
Toll-Free: (800) 530-5647
Phone: (870) 445-5971
Fax: (870) 445-5972
Email: bullmtn@southshore.com
Web Site: http://bullmountain-resort.com
Bull Mountain Resort is a five acre family resort, situated in a park-like setting. We have nine, very nice housekeeping cottages, four units are two bedroom log cabins. The resort has a pool, play area and horseshoe pits. Each cottage has a grill, picnic table and outside electrical hook-up. Location/Directions: Bull Mountain Resort is conveniently located between the White River and Bull Shoals Lake. We are within a couple of minutes from both, just one mile from a full service marina. There are restaurants, groceries, lake and river boat rentals and golf all within a couple of miles.
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