101
Ways To Enjoy Lake Norfork
One of America's cleanest, clearest lakes offers 550 miles
of shoreline. Learn a few simple principles of enjoying this amazing body of water and
your water recreation pleasure will double!
The Basics - A Secluded Cove, Or Active Main
Channel?
Lake Norfork is versatile in that you can find plenty of secluded waters, or you can join
in on large groups of other boaters. Then too, it is normal for a group of friends and
families to gather in a secluded cove together for a day of boating, water-skiing, and
just plain goofing off. If you want privacy, you'll need to know how to find a secluded
cove. If you want to be around more activity, you'll need to stay near the main lake
channels.
There Aren't Many Buildings
Because the land surrounding Lake Norfork is owned by the Federal Government through the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, private land ownership along the lake shoreline is not
possible. The Corps owns from the water's edge (which rises and falls) to a certain
elevation above sea level. Their property line is not a function of a certain number of
feet above the high water mark. As a result, you will see very few buildings of any kind
when out on the lake. Where you do see house they will be up on the ridge tops quite a
distance from the water in most cases.
Don't Get Lost - Get A Map And Watch For
Point Numbers
Regardless of what you choose, make sure you have a good lake map! The terrain can be your
friend or your foe. While the hills and ridges create thousands of locations offering
private coves, they also can make navigation difficult. It is very easy to get lost if you
don't pay attention to the point markers and follow your map. Point markers?
The Army Corps of Engineers has painted black and white signs which are
placed on prominent points of land sticking out into the main lake channels. These large
signs, called point markers, have big numbers on them called point numbers. As you boat
about, keep an eye out for these point markers. Once you identify the marker, find it on
your map, then note which direction you are going. Is the point marker to your left or to
your right? That is all you need to do to avoid getting lost. Stop for a few minutes if
you have to, and figure it out. You will be glad you did. Once you have identified a few
point markers, you'll not have to worry about getting lost.
Using common sense, like wearing life jackets,
ensures a much safer vacation!
Safety & Boating Regulations
When you rent any watercraft from 101 Boat Dock rest assured that it meets all safety
regulation requirements. We instruct all persons renting our craft on its proper and safe
operation. However, we also recommend reading the brief manuals provided on proper and
legal boating regulations. Lake Norfork is patrolled by various law enforcement agencies
who do ticket boat operators for improper operation. Common sense and respect for other
boaters goes a long way toward compliance!
Seasons
Lake Norfork is generally warm enough to swim in from late May until late September.
Houseboating is very beautiful in spring and fall. Spring weather tends to be raw and cool
until mid to late April with several sunny days mixed in between. Best spring weather is
early to mid May. Best fall weather is all of October and the first two weeks in November.
Fall foliage typically peaks around the last few days of October and the first few days of
November. Warm weather typically starts at the end of May and lasts through mid September.
While January and February can be very cold, temperatures rarely fall below freezing
during the day. If you want some very exciting big fish action, come fish for stripers in
mid winter.
Houseboating
All who have enjoyed Lake Norfork by various means claim that houseboating is the best
adventure the lake has to offer. For all practical purposes, the houseboat is a floating
hotel suite. Houseboats have kitchens, bathrooms, electricity, and most of the
conveniences of home. The best way to enjoy a houseboat is to take it up a remote cove and
anchor there. Depending on the model of houseboat, you may beach it instead.
The houseboat is a means of placing your lodging right where you want it.
By mooring in a remote cove you will have an unparalleled level of privacy. From your
houseboat you can swim, dine on the deck during sunsets and moonrises, fish, and relax in
peace and quiet. You can move each day, or stay in one spot. However, houseboats are not
fast so if you plan on traveling several miles be prepared to take some time. If you want
a nice peaceful cruise up the lake with all the comforts of home, you can't beat a
houseboat!
Smooth water is almost always found in coves
Water-skiing, Wake-boarding, Knee-boarding,
Tubing
On most days Lake Norfork is mostly calm. Waves and chop are not at all like what you find
on large, open-water lakes. Wind swells are an extreme rarity. When they do occur they
seldom, if ever, exceed a foot in height. Yet even on the roughest days you'll find a cove
or creek arm that has smooth water. In fact, most days on Lake Norfork offer glass-smooth
water or a slightly ripped surface. If you want boat wakes to jump all you need do is head
away from the coves toward the main lake channel. When you rent a ski boat from 101 Dock
we will be glad to give suggestions on the places to ski or tube based on your desires.
Great scenery and great fishing
Fishing
Fishing is good all year on Lake Norfork. The slowest periods are from July through mid
September, the fastest are from January through May. The main thing to know about fishing
the clear calm Lake Norfork waters is that you cannot, in most cases, use large line.
Unlike murky lakes, fish are spooked by larger lines. Fish with a light green 6 pound test
line. Night fishing is popular in June, July, and August. Top water action occurs mostly
in the early morning hours and in the evening, and after dark. 101 Boat dock offers a
complete line of fishing watercraft. When you arrive tell us what species of fish you wish
to catch and we'll do our best to assist. We carry live baits and tackle that the fish are
hitting, so chances are good you'll succeed.
Pontoon, secluded cove, ski boat, and swimming
Pontoon Cruises
For just plain relaxation and lake cruising, you can't beat a pontoon boat. If your desire
is to have an on-board picnic with a group of friends and family, to fish a little, swim,
and just enjoy the scenery, take out a 101 pontoon boat. Bring all the food, air
mattresses, and comforts you want. The idea is not to blast about the lake at lip-curling
speeds, but to cruse along at about 20 mph and enjoy. Find a cove, anchor, and swim, fish,
and picnic. If you want to really have a fun day, rent both a pontoon and a ski boat. Use
the pontoon as your "base" for picnicking and still fishing, then use the ski
boat for tubing and water skiing. This is especially fun for families with active
youngsters who get bored just "sitting around"!
Scuba & Spear Fishing
Because of its clear water, Lake Norfork is a popular scuba destination. Very large
catfish make spearfishing a challenge as well. 101 Boat Dock has certified scuba tank
refilling facilities.
Private cove, houseboat, and ski boat
The All-In-One Lake Norfork Adventure
What is the ultimate way to enjoy Lake Norfork? Well, that depends on what you consider
the best way to enjoy the water. Assuming that you want the full range of water skiing,
tubing, cruising, scuba diving, and fishing, and assuming you want to do all the above for
more than a day, take out a houseboat and a second boat. Your second boat can tow
behind the houseboat, and can be a bass boat, deck boat, or ski boat.
Find a nice cove and moor the houseboat. Then water ski, fish, and dive
from the second boat. Use your second boat to explore for a new cove to bring the
houseboat to if you want to move around a little. For those who want to fully enjoy the
lake with action-filled days and nights on the lake the combination of a houseboat and a
smaller, faster boat cannot be beat! At 101 Boat Dock we can put together a full equipment
package for you. Just let us know you want the Ultimate Lake Norfork Adventure and we'll
do it!
Back to top |
