| Trout Fishing on the North Fork River is open ALL YEAR, and our lodges or cabins are relaxing and cozy no matter
what the weather is like. |
The North
Fork River is ranked in the Top 100 trout streams of the US. |
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| Missouri Trout Fishing and the North Fork |
| While
trout are not native to Missouri, Rainbow trout were introduced in Missouri waters in 1882
and are restricted to a few areas of the Ozarks. The North
Fork of the White River not only sustains trout, but is one of the few waters in the
Ozarks that supports a naturally reproducing population of wild Rainbow trout. Fly fishing
enthusiasts from all over not only enjoy the fishing, but also the landscape.
The prime conditions of the North Fork River also produce trophy
size trout, of both Rainbow and annually stocked Brown trout. |
The North
Fork River has both Wild Trout and Special Trout Management areas (formerly the
Championship Trout Management Area). The North Fork is a
limestone bottomed river, fed by multiple cold springs. Because it's somewhat off the
beaten path of other Ozark rivers, the North Fork may be sometimes enjoyed in complete
serenity.
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| The
North Fork River can be divided into 3 differing sections. The upper part of the river
sports excellent Smallmouth, Sunfish, and Rock Bass (Goggle-eye) fishing. This area
starts at the source, within the Mark Twain National Forest, and goes to Rainbow Springs
where the habitat of the river changes. |
The
upper section of the North Fork is located predominately in the Devil's Backbone region of
Mark Twain National Forest and features warmer water than the rest of the North Fork. This
area has several public access points including Topaz, Hebron, and Twin Bridges. Fish are
commonly taken by fly fishing and spin fishing. |
| When you come around a bend in the river and the size of the North Fork
suddenly doubles, you are almost at Rainbow Springs. Stick your hand in the water and see
how much colder it is. Rainbow Springs [AKA Double Springs]
dumps an average of 82 million gallons of 56-59 degree water into the North Fork River
daily, with a recorded high of 150 million gallons in a day! This effectively doubles the
size of the river.
You are entering the
Area! |
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| The Missouri Wild Trout Management Area |
| Between
Rainbow Springs and Blair Bridge is the Missouri Wild Trout Management Area of the North
Fork River. This area has not been stocked with Rainbow trout since 1964
and features excellent fly fishing for wild rainbow trout . In
1995 the stocking of Brown trout was stopped in this 5.9 mile stretch of the river
designated as Wild Trout area.
This lack of habitat competition, along with the protective
regulations, have allowed the Rainbow trout population to steadily improve in both size
and amounts. |
Many
huge Brown trout wander upstream from the Special Trout Management Area and may also be
caught in the Wild Trout Area. While 80% of the trout in this area are native rainbows,
when it comes to trout over 18" in length about 80% are Brown trout. Because most of this portion of the North Fork is privately owned, the best
method to fish the Wild Trout Area is by canoe, or as a guest of the River of Life Farm.
For catching wild trout, the North Fork is a true gem of the
Ozarks. |
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| Special trout fishing regulations apply within the Wild Trout Management
Area. These regulations include a limit of one trout per day, that must measure 18"
or greater. This one trout limit is for either a Rainbow or Brown trout, not both. |
Only
flies and artificial lures may be used. Soft plastic baits, natural and scented baits are
specifically prohibited.
These strict harvest regulations
ensure there are quality trout for everyone!
Our guests
have exclusive entry to over one mile of private river bank for wade fishing access. And
all this within the Missouri Wild Trout Management Area. What a setting for an awesome fly
fishing experience! |
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Fly
fishing is the norm for success in this section of the North Fork River. Dry flies and
nymphs fished in the current seams and drop-offs are local favorites. A trout stamp is required for harvesting a trout anywhere in the state of
Missouri.
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| The Missouri Special Trout Management Area |
| From
Blair Bridge to where the North Fork River becomes Lake Norfork, is designated as a
Missouri Special Trout Management Area. This area features championship wild rainbows and
huge Brown trout. Yearly, the Missouri Dept. of Conservation
stocks thousands of Brown trout per mile in the Special waters between Blair bridge
and Norfork Lake. |
Once
again special regulations apply. The daily limit is three trout, which must measure 15
inches or longer. Artificial and natural baits are allowed.
Explore
the North Fork River with a guide, by canoe, or wade the "Miracle
Mile" of Wild Trout Management Area. An exclusive for River of Life guests! |
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Trout Fishing at the River of Life
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North Fork Trout Catching Tips |
Trout Tackle Recommendations
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Monthly Fishing Reports |
