Our Fishing Resort
JANUARY 24TH, 2026
NORFORK NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY
As most of you already know, back in the summer months of 2025, the Norfork National Fish Hatchery sustained a devastating trout kill in the raceways of the Hatchery. Approximately 1.3 million trout were killed. Only about 300,000 trout survived. This was caused by many problematic areas. The main cause was that bad water came in from Lake Norfork directly into the Hatchery. This bad water was twofold. One being that the water was warmer than it should have been. Trout needs the water to be approximately 47 - 54 degrees in temperature. Trout is a cold-water game fishery. If the water temperature rises, the trout suffocates and dies. Secondly, the oxygen level in the water was below 6.6 parts per million oxygen and once again caused the trout to die when there was little to no oxygen in the water. Finding blame and who was at fault does not bring back the trout. I am only addressing what happened and what we are going to do about it.
During mid-October 2025, The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission set a legally binding law that the entire North Fork River from the Norfork Dam down to the Confluence of the White River was to be "Catch & Release "only. All trout must be immediately released unharmed back into the river. Normal methods to catching trout (i.e., bait, worms scented material and hooked barbs) can still be utilized except within the already established "Catch & Release" area two miles down from the Norfork Dam.
The same rule applies from the Bull Shoals Dam down to the Confluence of the White River and North Fork River. Past the boat launching ramp adjacent to Norfork Trout Dock on the White River, all anglers can keep a minimum of two Rainbow Trout under 14" inches. All other trout must be released unharmed back into the river.
GREAT NEWS
On January 14th, 2026, The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission had their monthly meeting where it was unanimously approved to allow all anglers (both resident and non-resident) from the Norfork Dam down to the confluence of the White River and Bull Shoal Dam down to the confluence on the White River to catch and keep only 2 Rainbow Trout under 14" inches. All other trout must be released back into the river unharmed.
This is a positive move for all of us and I for one am very happy that this was approved. For any person that had made reservations with us and then cancelled them due to "all of this", please call back and make your reservation with us. "We need your business to stay alive" and we miss you. There is NO problem with the North Fork River. People are catching many trout, the trout are very active, and water quality is great.
Come, fish, and have a trout dinner. If you have any questions, please email me at genes@mtnhome.com. I will respond to all emails. More information can be found on the Arkansas Game & Fish Commissions website https://www.agfc.com/.
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TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
APRIL 8TH, 2024
1353 (1.53 P. M.) HOURS
In an article published last week, Forbes stated Arkansas should be close to the top of the list for viewing the total solar eclipse on April 8. The publication listed Mountain Home as one of the Natural State's best locations as it will be among the places on or near the center line in eclipse's path.
Nearly two-thirds of Arkansas are expected to be in the path of totality. It begins in the southwest portion of the state in the areas of Texarkana and the Ouachita National Forest. The path is set to continue through Hot Springs, Little Rock, Morrilton, the Petit Jean River Valley and Russellville before it goes into the Ozarks and continues into Missouri.
According to the website eclipse2024.org, the start time of the partial phase in Mountain Home is 12:36. Totality will begin at 1:53 and last for three minutes, 11 seconds.
We are the only Resort on the Upper
North Fork River!
- Riverfront cabins require a 3 night minimum stay on the week-ends; (Thursday-Friday-Saturday) OR (Friday-Saturday-Sunday).
- 3 night minimum stay on all cabins during holiday weekends.
- As we get closer to your reservation date (within just a few days), please call to see what cabins are available for a one or two night stay. Sometimes we can get you in a cabin.
Gene's Accommodations
The entire property of Gene's Trout Fishing Resort overlooks the beautiful North Fork River. All the Cabins, Lodges, and Duplexes (CLDs) at Gene's Trout Fishing Resort have heat and air, fully equipped kitchens, and modern bathrooms/showers. Some cabins have bath tubs. All have cooking and eating utensils, automatic drip coffee makers, microwave, stove top (most cabins have ovens), toasters, drinking glasses, and coffee cups. All CLDs are fully equipped with bed and bath linens. This includes sheets, blankets, bed spreads, pillows, bath towels, face towels, and wash cloths. All CLDs have color satellite television. All CLDs have a patio or wooden deck on the outside with a charcoal barbecue grill.
Fishing The North Fork River
The North Fork River flows from the Norfork Dam 4.8 miles to the White River. The White River then travels down the state of Arkansas and flows into the Arkansas River, which then flows to the Mississippi River. The North Fork River holds many state trout records to include a previously held 38.9 lb. German Brown Trout, a 10.2 pound Cutthroat Trout, and a 5 lb. Brook Trout. The North Fork River has Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout. The cold temperatures of the North Fork River range from 47-54 degrees year round as this water comes from 90 feet below Lake Norfork. Swimming in the North Fork River is not encouraged and is very dangerous. The cold water and swift water flows from the Norfork Dam turbines can be very dangerous. DO NOT SWIM THE NORTH FORK RIVER!! There is a swim area on Lake Norfork just 1/4 mile up from our resort (on the other side of the Norfork Dam).
FREE High Speed Fiberoptic Wireless Internet Access
Gene's Resort is proud to offer you FREE High Speed (as of 08-1-17 and enhanced/upgraded on November 25th, 2024) Wireless Internet Access. Bring your own wireless computer, laptop, or notebook and have free wireless access to the internet directly from the quite comfort of your cabin.
Our Merger and Acquisition of Two Resorts
Just a short note to let everyone know that Gene's Trout Fishing Resort has, on January 6th, 2017, acquired and purchased the ownership of the resort next to us on the North Fork River.
Gene's Resort has initiated a complete overhaul, remodeling, power washing/cleaning, staining and beautifying all existing cabins with additional parking lots. New furniture, televisions, many kitchen appliances and kitchenware were replaced and state of the art high speed internet was installed. Sidewalks were constructed to adjoin both resorts. A larger office has been constructed at the first entrance to Gene's Resort and the older office is now a rental Cabin #17.
We are very excited about all these new changes and addition to Gene's Resort. This acquisition enabled Gene's Resort an additional eleven cabins. We now have a total of 31 cabins. The prices of all cabins and bed descriptions, can be found on this website. Just click on RATES.
Please call and make your reservations soon as we expect a great year for 2025. We have had a lot of water this year and the lake levels are now at normal pool level. Both bait and fly fishing should be enjoyed by all. Join us and make this merger a success for years to come.
Game & Fish Licenses
Effective 2017, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission revamped their fishing licensing program and procedures. Gene's Resort will continue to issue Fishing and Hunting Licenses but we do suggest and inform you that you can get on-line and receive your fishing licenses prior to your arrival. Thank-you for your help and understanding. The link to get your fishing licenses is: