Mareshah Taber, Broker-Agent           Lauren Stehle, Agent

Frank Talbert, Agent          Doreen Gimlen, Agent

Email us:   ozarkcountyrealty@gmail.com

 NORTH FORK RIVER

 The North Fork River is a 78 mile long, spring-fed, crystal clear river running through Douglas and Ozark Counties to Norfork Lake near the Arkansas border.  The river flows past hardwood covered banks and beautiful tall rock bluffs.  Sometimes, you can see Bald Eagles sitting on limbs overhanging the river, scouting for a meal of trout.

 For the canoeist, the steady flow of the river, the rapids, small rock ledge drops and waves make the river fun and exciting.  Though exciting, the river is very manageable for less experienced boaters.  Some of the ledge drops can be thrilling, but there are few hazards.  There is easy portage if you should feel the need.

 Nine major springs feed the North Fork.  Two of the largest are Big Springs and Blue Spring.  Combined, they discharge about 18 million gallons of crystal clear water a day into the river.  This helps give the river a steady flow year 'round that the canoeists like and the cold, clear water that the trout love.

 North Fork River is a world class trout stream containing Rainbows and Browns.  The Rainbows are now native.  Stocking Rainbows stopped in 1964.  The Browns are still stocked annually in the lower reaches of the river.  This is truly "big trout" water.  20 inch fish are very common and it's not too rare that a 10+ pound Brown is taken.

 There are private camps, fishing guides and outfitters that offer canoe rentals with drop off and pick up service.  Two publicly maintained camp grounds with canoe launch access are at Hammond Camp, Highway 14 near Devils Backbone, and at Patrick Bridge.

Fishing regulations on the North Fork River:

 Permits: A trout permit, in addition to the  prescribed fishing permit, is required to possess and transport trout. If you are not keeping trout you do not need the additional trout stamp.

 Blue Ribbon Trout Area (Rainbow Spring to Patrick Bridge) Fishing regulations include an 18-inch minimum length limit on all trout, and a daily limit of one trout. Fishing will be restricted to flies and artificial lures only. Gigging of non-game fish will not be permitted. 

 Red Ribbon Trout Area (Patrick Bridge to Norfork Lake) There is a 15-inch minimum length limit on trout from these streams, and a daily limit of two trout. Gigging of non-game fish will be permitted.

Check the Missouri Department of Conservation website for any changes to these regulations.