Norfork getaway

 Took a Long weekend trip over to Norfork Arkansas this past week. Took my Mom who is visiting from AZ and my youngest daughter Rissa. 

We took our time cruising over Thursday and stopped and did a little junk shopping in Alpena. We then had a belated Mothers Day dinner at PJ’s White River Lodge. We ate out on the deck overlooking the beautiful White River. We had reservations for 7pm which made it just the right time to eat outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The food here is unbelievable!  Such a hidden gem in the middle of no where. I highly recommend it. Make a reservation online and enjoy some 5 star type dining.  Yes, it’s 5 star quality in the middle no where and you don’t need to wear a jacket. 

Friday we rented a boat for half a day at Gene’s Trout Dock. It was such a nice morning for fishing or just being out. The fishing wasn’t that great, but we did manage to catch enough for a nice dinner that evening. I was teaching my Mom the maribou jigging technique which she enjoyed and caught several with. I did manage to get a little fly fishing in off the front of the boat. They took a Rootbeer and Ruby Midge along with a Sunday Special. 

Saturday we decided to participate in the kids fishing derby at the Norfork dam. There were probably 300 kids and their families fishing.  It is really a great event. Hosted by The Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery.  Read more about them online. They really do a great job.  They had trophies for three age divisions and every kid got a door gift ranging from fishing poles to frisbees. Rissa got fourth place. She had 2 get off the line 5 ft from shore. Had she got those in she would have been tied for second. So close. It’s always about the ones that got away at every age. 

They ended up generating out of Norfork Sunday morning so I didn’t get a chance to get any serious fly fishing in this trip. I was locked and loaded for battle, but it will have to wait. 

Overall it was a great and relaxing time. Glad I got to take my Mom and daughter over to the Norfork area and show them around.

Happy Fishing and Stay Trout Tough!

Erik-