A school of late season smallmouth bass in the North Fork

I was able to photograph these 3 two year old bass just below the ROLF cabins. They were chasing and eating crawfish. Picture taken November 6th, 2008.

Longear Sunfish on Spawning Bed

This photo is near the bank downstream from ROLF. Also, not the Smallmouth bass swimming away; also, several very large creek chubs.

Fishes found in the North Fork - Walleye

The walleye is found in the lakes and impoundments of Missouri, including the lake Norfork, however they are not listed as an inhabitant of the North Fork River. Perhaps they are no longer found but I did catch 2-3 in the summer of 1965 below Blair Bridge. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - White Crappie

Possibly found below Dawt Mill Dam close to the still water of Lake Norfork especially in the spring. I caught one there in June 1965. It would be rare to non-existent in the balance of the North Fork unless spilled into the river from a farm lake with a ruptured dam or overflowing spillway. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Common Shiner

Common throughout the North Fork. Can be seen as a series of flashes underwater when they are working together in a large schooling a riffle or shoal. The the school is large enough (thousands of minnows) they sparkle. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

FIshes found in the North Fork - Spotted Bass

Common in the lower reaches of the North Fork. It is a smaller bass and like came to the river from the Lake Norfork impoundment. I have caught a couple below ROLF. Also, called Kentucky Bass in some areas. Unfortunately, it will compete with our native river basses. Looks like a Largemouth Bass when upon closer inspection it has a more silvery coloring and teeth on it's tongue. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

FIshes found in the North Fork - Red-bellied Dace

Common is all small creeks and spring branches in Ozark County and, of course, at ROLF too. There must be permanent flow of cool, clear water and a gravelly or sandy bottom; like in River of Life Spring Branch. (Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Smallmouth Bass

The most abundant perch in the North Fork. One of America's favorite gamefish. A gamey fighter. Please release all these fish unharmed when caught. Spawn in May in Missouri. No quite as plentiful for a few miles below Rainbow Springs due to the water temperature. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Slender Madtom

The Slender Madtom is a small catfish and in found in the North Fork along the entire length. Te reach a length of 3-5 inches and are usually blackish in color. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Redear Sunfish

Inhabitant of the North Fork of the White River at ROFL, especially up in the headwaters, but in not as common and the Longear Sunfish. The Redear reaches a larger size than the Longear sunfish. Has a bright red ear on it's gill plates. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Ozark Minnow

Common the the North Fork. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Golden Throat Darter

Found in the slow-moving riffles in the North Fork, where the bottom is gravel and rock and the water cold and clear. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Longnose gar

This is a large fish I have seen many times between Twin Bridges and Rainbow Springs, sometimes up to a three feet or longer in length. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Rock Bass

Also known a goggle-eye. Very common in the North Fork, especially above Rainbow spring where the water is a little warmer. Are easily caught with crawfish fished in the late evening. Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation.

Fishes found in the North Fork - Northern Hogsucker

Common in the North Fork of the White. I always see them when floating. Can reach 15 incles in length. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Longear Sunfish

Abundant in the North Fork of the White. Rarely exceeds 7 inches in length. Sometimes startling colorful. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Large Mouth Bass

Inhabits, but is not common, in the North Fork of the White. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Hornyhead Chub

Quite common in the North Fork of the White. Often caught by fly fisherman fishing for trout. Can attain a size of 12 inches. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Green Side Darter

Plentiful in the North Fork River. (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).

Fishes found in the North Fork - Green Sunfish

(also called Black Perch) Found through the North Fork watershed but not real common. Prefers shady banks with logs. Is known as a hard striker, then gives up and is reeled in on it's side. Most are small to about 7" but there are a few individuals up to 10". (Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation).