Food available for purchase Every thing else is free.... Read More »

On June 14th, 2017, The Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery in conjunction with the Norfork National Fish Hatchery is please to announce the Grand Opening of the Visitor’s Center located within the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. The Visitor’s Center has been open to educate all visitors about the production/raising of trout and now has a new retail store for all kinds of nov... Read More »

The kids had a great time again, thanks to YOU and all our sponsors for the Kids Fishing Derby! Check out the entire photo gallery here - http://norforkhatcheryfriends.org/photo/view/17... Read More »

By Leon AlexanderDry Run Creek located at the Norfork NFH is getting national attention in the Trout Unlimited “Trout” magazine.  The editor of “Trout” magazine, Kirk Deeter, had requested an article from Dave Whitlock on DRC.  After some discussions, it was decided that Kirk or his assistant editor would write the article but in order to have the full impact he s... Read More »

Dry Run Creek Cleanup“Urgent Request”By Leon AlexanderDry Run Creek is going to be featured in a national magazine, Trout Unlimited’s “Trout” magazine.  The editors of “Trout” are scheduled to visit the Norfork NFH on June 11 to see the magic of Dry Run Creek first hand.  In order to make the best impression possible the FNNFH are working on some... Read More »

Musings from Michael Jirka OK, some of you have been wondering why there have been no updates on work at the hatchery and no DO reports from me.  THE TRUTH IS …. I have been a lackey, sitting in my easy chair, watching TV and living the care free life for the last 4 months.  I have upgraded some equipment that will make it easier to get better results during this lull.  LULL,... Read More »

From time to time, the Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery make amendments to the By-Laws of our organization. Minor changes were voted on and approved at the May 25, 2016 General Membership Meeting, and are noted <click here>.... Read More »

Kids Fishing DerbyThe Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery is a tax exempt 501 © 3 organization that advocates and pursues funding from the Federal Senate and House judiciary committees.Funding for the Federal and State Hatcheries insures the current and future existence of our countries largest trout fishing hatchery, “Norfork National Fish Hatchery”.This hatchery, with ... Read More »

Presidents MessageSubmitted by Leon AlexanderWelcome to 2016 and to a new and exciting year for your Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery (FNNFH) and our Norfork NFH.  Needless to say, this will be a year of changes.  To start with, I will be stepping down as your President.  I have held this position for the past 5 years and as your Vice President for the previous 4 years.... Read More »

Annual General Membership Meeting Meet us at El Chico's Restaurant in Mountain Home for our Annual General Membership Meeting on March 25, 2016. Time 5 O'clock P.M. to 8:00 PM The Friends of the Norfork NFH will hold their Annual General Membership Meeting on March 25, 2016 at El Chico’s Restaurant.  Our speaker this year will be the Deputy Assistant Director of Fisheries, Jeff Under... Read More »

Fellow Board Members & Members of the Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery, I just received the following email from Richard Christian regarding the approval of the 2016 Omnibus Bill for the DOI.  Richard asked me to share this with you. Please take a few minutes to read the attached document as it applies to the DOI FY2016 Budget.  Of special note is that the Bill includes ... Read More »

The Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery in conjunction with the Norfork National Fish Hatchery are pleased to announce that the fifth annual “Hatchery Outdoor Adventure” will be held Saturday, September 12th, at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Hatchery Outdoor Adventure is intended to introduce kids (and adults) to the enjoyment of the outdoors... Read More »

Press ReleaseFor Immediate Release as of June 11, 2015Contact:      Leon Alexander        PO Box 117        Norfork, AR 72658        Phone:  870-499-3167Subject: Congressman Rick Crawford introduces “National Mitigation Fisheries Coordination Act” HR 2235   ... Read More »

The Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery, in conjunction with the Norfork National Fish Hatchery, kicked off the Kids Fishing Derby on June 13th, 2015 at the Quarry Park just at the base of the Norfork Dam on the North Fork River. About 200 kids, plus their parents, showed up for a fun filled morning of catching Rainbow and Brown Trout. Kids ranging from 2 – 15 years of age, were pl... Read More »

We have more kids visiting, and need your help again!!!On April 29, 2015 there will be 74 fourth graders from Hackler Intermediate School at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. This will be for their annual field trip. The field trip interacts with Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs (HOFNOD) week. The activities go from 9am to 1pm and consist of fishing Dry Run Creek, Web of Life, Fish Identification,... Read More »

On April 23, 2015 The Norfork National Fish Hatchery will have some special visitors!  There will be 54 first graders from Flippin Elementary School at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery visiting on their annual field trip.The field trip is affiliated  with the Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs (HOFNOD) week.  The activities go from 9am to 1pm and consist of fishing Dry Run Creek, We... Read More »

The Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery is a tax exempt 501 © 3 organization that advocates and pursues funding from the Federal Senate and House judiciary committees. Funding for the Federal and State Hatcheries insures the current and future existence of our countries largest trout fishing hatchery, “Norfork National Fish Hatchery”. This hatchery, with 16 exterior race... Read More »

Press Release For Immediate Release as of March 19, 2015 Contact:        Leon Alexander, PO Box 117, Norfork, AR 72658                     Phone: 870-499-3167 Subject:          Congressman Rick Crawford to speak to the General... Read More »

Hello, everyone! We have had a change of venue for the April 3rd general membership meeting with congressmen Rick Crawford. The new location is El Chico's restaurant on Charles Blackburn Drive in Mountain Home. The time is the same, 6 o'clock p.m. to 7 o'clock p.m. social hour and dinner. 7 o'clock p.m. the meeting will start. $15 at the door. Come join us and talk to Congressman Crawford and lea... Read More »

Members! We are pleased to announce our keynote speaker for the Annual Membership Meeting of the Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery will be Congressman Rick Crawford! Please join us and get the opportunity to speak with Congressman Crawford yourselves regarding the fight for a long-term funding solution for all mitigation hatcheries. Details are as follows: 2015 Annual Membership Me... Read More »

TU chapters across the country conduct numerous educational programs ranging from one-day casting or fly tying clinics to overnight summer camps. In 1995, Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley chapter started the Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp under the guidance of the late Dr. John R. "Jack" Beck and the late Enoch S. "Inky" Moore. The award winning camp has served as a model for the g... Read More »

Water Quality in the Buffalo River WatershedASUMH Student Stream Team and Friends of the Rivers Co-hosts Buffalo River Water Quality program •    Thursday, March 12;  Program begins at 5:00 p.m.  •    Lite refreshments and Sign In – 4:00•    McMullin Lecture Hall in Dryer Hall. Aquatic Ecologist, Faron Usery, with the Nati... Read More »

A Celebration of Fly FishingMarch 26, 27, & 28Demonstrations by 100+ Expert Tyers, Seminars, Tying & Casting InstructionDrawings, & AuctionsThe Sowbug Roundup is a three day fly tying and fly fishing show that is held every March in Mountain Home Arkansas. 2015 will be the 18th year that the North Arkansas Fly Fishers (NAFF) have put on the Sowbug Roundup. The first Sowbug had 20 tyers... Read More »

Come join us for Norfork Pioneer Days! Parade - Saturday @ 10:00 AMMusic, Crafts, and ContestsFood and A Taste of Old-Fashioned Family Fun Come help us celebrate our historical heritage! for more information - http://cityofnorfork.org/pioneer-days/... Read More »

Norfork NFH Funding Update By Leon Alexander On February 9, 2015 I was privileged to travel to Washington DC on behalf of our Friends of the Norfork NFH to attend the National Fisheries Friends Partnership (NFFP) Annual Meeting held at the USFWS Headquarters in Falls Church, VA for a two day meeting with the Directors of the USFWS.  In attendance were Dave Hoskins, Director Fish and Aquatic... Read More »

The Cotter Trout Festival is always a sure bet when it comes to fun, food, appealing music and entertainment.   The Festival is held in Big Spring Park and allows an opportunity for Cotter citizens and the surrounding region to come and enjoy a fun filled day along the White River.   This year’s Community wide festival Kicks Off Friday evening with music, mingling and a meal.... Read More »

On behalf of the Friends, we want to thank the North Arkansas Fly Fishers for their generous donation of $1500 for the Aerator building at the Hatchery!  The money will go to cover various hardware items to complete the changes.  As the project progresses, we will bring you more information on this and other ongoing improvements at the Hatchery.  For more information on the North Ar... Read More »

Exciting news, everyone! It's been a long time coming, and on behalf of the Friends, we can think of no one more deserving than our very own Jon Casey of the appointment as Project Leader of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery! The following announcement by Allan Brown, Assistant Regional Director, is as follows: "I am pleased to announce the selection of Jon Casey as the Project Leader of the N... Read More »

USFWS Region 4 Announces selection of Assistant Regional Director of Fisheries The Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery are pleased to announce that the USFWS Region 4 has selected Allan Brown to fill the position of Assistant Regional Director of Fisheries (ARD) for the Southeast Region.  Allan comes to this position with 30 years of experience in fisheries culture and management,... Read More »

Wow!  What an excellent adventure we all had Sept 6th at the 4th annual Hatchery Outdoor Adventure.  Our mission was to move at least 500 kids from their couches to our Dry Run Creek so they realize the treasure and beauty the outdoors offers.  And boy did they show up!  540 kids with parents came and enjoyed fishing the creek and the raceways with experienced fishermen, they ... Read More »

The Hatchery Octoberfest for 2014 has been cancelled due to unforseen circumstances...  see you next year!... Read More »

Press ReleaseContact:      Jay Chafin        PO Box 117        Norfork, AR 72658        Phone:  479-461-9040Subject:    2014 Norfork NFH “Hatchery Outdoor Adventure”The Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery in conjunction with the Norfork National Fi... Read More »

Youtube video of Rep. Rick Crawford discussing hatchery issues with USFWS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7AAmqjxfCs&list=UULKAkVl4BHRK73lmDiIgPYg&app=desktop... Read More »

On June 7th, 2014, the Friends of the North Fork National Fish Hatchery has once again successfully completed the 2014 Kids Fishing Derby. This event was held at the Quarry Park, just below the Norfork Dam, on the North Fork River. About 206 kids ranging from 2 years of age to 15 years old came and fished for trout in the North Fork River. The Norfork National Fish Hatchery personnel loaded the ri... Read More »

Mohave Valley Daily NewsThe Daily News staff | Posted: Thursday, July 31, 2014 12:18 am  WASHINGTON — The Fish Hatchery Protection Act earned approval by the House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday and heads to the full House for consideration.The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., is designed to restore and preserve propagation fish hatcheries and propagation pr... Read More »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 25, 2014  FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Jonah Shumate jonah.shumate@mail.house.gov 202-225-4076 Crawford: No Consideration Given of Economic Impact to Hatchery Closures UnacceptableWashington, D.C. – Yesterday, Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-1) questioned U.S. Fish & Wildlife officials whether they considered economic impacts, such as the number of jobs a... Read More »

The Friends of the Norfork NFH were presented with the USFWS Region 4 “Friends Group of the Year “award in Atlanta, GA on Oct. 30, 2011.  This is a very prestigious award based on accomplishments by the group.  Among the accomplishments credited by the USFWS were the Kids Fishing Derby, Oktoberfest, The Hatchery Outdoor Adventure and other numerous outreach activities and pro... Read More »

The 2013 Hatchery Outdoor Adventure (HOA) was a rousing success again this year.  Over 450 kids enjoyed painting, archery, fishing, building, gardening, food and target shooting this past Saturday in the 3rd annual HOA, held at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery.     The fun filled day was a great experience for all of those involved and big thank you goes out to all of those that... Read More »

Join us at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery Saturday September 7th (9:00 am to 2:00 pm) for the Annual Kids Hatchery Outdoor Adventure (HOA).  Guaranteed to be a good time for the whole family.   Designed to get kids outside and learning more about the great outdoors, the HOA is free and has lots of activities for everyone from Japanese Fish Painting and archery to fly casting and comp... Read More »

Mark your calendars this Saturday, June 8th, as the Annual Kids Fishing Derby is being held at the Norfork Lake Dam. Registration begins at 8:00 AM and fishing starts at 9:00 AM. Join us for a great time with food, fun and fish waiting to be had. Anyone who would like to volunteer to be a fish marshal is welcome.      CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2013 ANNUAL KIDS FISHING DERBY VIDEO HERE... Read More »

Each year the board and all general membership congregates at El Chico in Mountain Home for some great food and fun.   As each year passes, the General Membership of the Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery, holds an election for new board members while also getting the opportunity for the friends group to share with the community the status of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. &n... Read More »

Come join The Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery at the annual Sow Bug Round Up held at the Baxter County Fairgrounds this Thursday March 14th - Saturday March 16th.   Come watch some of the best fly tyers in the nation and catch up on all of the new fly fishing gear available for 2013.   ... Read More »

Dry Run Creek Ribbon Cutting April 10, 2010 Young and mobility impaired anglers had already been fishing Dry Run Creek for weeks when the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held. But it was pleasant spring day for the all who attended.     There were dignitaries from the Baxter County government, from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quali... Read More »

Saturday, March 13, was pretty chilly and gloomy. But that did not deter the crowd that turned out at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery for the opening of the new boardwalk and fishing platforms. The ceremony was brief. A few words from Davy Wotton, former President of the Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery, and from Ken Boyles, recently retired manager of the hatchery.  And s... Read More »