The Only Premier Fly Fishing Lodge on the North Fork of the White River
Location
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- Attraction
- 12 miles to rental
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- Attraction
- 14 miles to rental
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- Restaurant
- 18 miles to rental
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K T's Smokehouse BBQ and Catering
- Restaurant
- 29 miles to rental
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Gregg Farm Services Incorporated
- Restaurant
- 33 miles to rental
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El Chico Cafe
- Restaurant
- 29 miles to rental
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Chili's
- Restaurant
- 14 miles to rental
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Subway Sandwiches & Salads
- Restaurant
- 13 miles to rental
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Sean's Restaurant & Catering
- Restaurant
- 13 miles to rental
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PJ's
- Restaurant
- 7.5 miles to rental
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Norfork Cafe
- Restaurant
- 0.9 miles to rental
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Fish Hatchery Cir
- Attraction
- 3.7 miles to rental
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Harps Market
- Attraction
- 13 miles to rental
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Car: Necessary
Dry Run Creek offers a solution to parents wanting their kids to enjoy an exciting initial fishing experience. This scenic, 1/2-mile creek flows past Norfork National Trout Hatchery to its junction with the North Fork River. Until 1988, it had been closed for 30 years to all fishing. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission decided closure of the stream was unnecessary and opened it as a catch-and-release, single-hook, artificial-lure fishery for kids under 16. Dry Run is anything but a dry fishing experience -- it teems with trout.
Big Creek Golf & Country Club (Rated Five Star by Golf Digest) sprawls over nearly 200 acres of rolling Ozark terrain featuring four lakes and Big Creek itself. White sand bunkers, lush zoysia fairways and L-93 bent grass greens provide a perfect setting for a memorable test of golf. A wide array of hole layouts makes Big Creek challenging, yet enjoyable for all. Five sets of tee boxes ranging from 5,068 yards up to 7,320 yards, along with large greens, ensure that Big Creek is a course that will always offer both challenge and pleasure to golfers of every ability.
Norfork National Fish Hatchery is a cold water hatchery primarily for the production of trout to restock the tailwaters below Norfork, Bull Shoals and other dams. In addition, Norfork National Fish Hatchery also provides trout to reservoirs and in cooperation with state game and fish agencies distributes fish throughout Arkansas and other nearby states. Norfork National Fish Hatchery was established to raise trout for restocking areas impacted by construction of dams, primarily in the tailwaters of Norfork and Bull Shoals. The hatchery is responsible for raising three kinds of trout: rainbow, brown and cutthroat.
Jacob Wolf House.
The two-story log structure known as the Jacob Wolf House stands on a hillside overlooking the juncture of the White and North Fork Rivers in the present-day town of Norfork (Baxter County). It was constructed in 1829 as the first permanent courthouse for Izard County in Arkansas Territory and is the oldest public structure in Arkansas.
Before permanent Anglo-American settlement occurred, the juncture of the White and North Fork rivers was the site of early fur-trading activities. From 1819 to 1828, numerous villages of Shawnee and Delaware Indians were located nearby. Trade with these Indian tribes prompted Jacob Wolf to establish his homestead at the mouth of the North Fork River in 1824. In 1825, he was granted a license to operate ferries across both rivers. Wolf, of German ancestry, had arrived in the area in 1820. He was a merchant, builder of log structures, carpenter, and blacksmith.
Blanchard Springs Caverns.
is the jewel in the Ozark National Forest Crown. Dubbed by Life Magazine as 'one of the most extraordinary finds of the century' this living cave is constantly in the process of formation. Two paved, lighted trails, one of which is handicapped accessible with assistance, are open to visitors of all ages. Led by knowledgeable Forest Service Guides, the tour winds through water-carved passages, including an underground river and the world's largest flowstone. The Wild Cave Tour is available by special arrangement for more adventuresome explorers.
Norfork Lake
About Norfork Lake:
Renowned for its clean, clear water, Lake Norfork is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Ozarks. The Norfork reservoir is formed by a large concrete dam across the North Fork River four miles upstream from where the North Fork runs into the White River at the little City of Norfork, Arkansas. The dam, built for both flood control and hydro-electric generation, was completed on June 2, 1944. It also serves as a bridge across the river gorge. Two turbine generators contribute to the southwestern power grid.
Recreation Seasons:
Norfork lake has over 550 miles of shoreline and 22,000 surface acres. Boating, sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, and swimming are popular from mid May through mid September. Fall weather is shirt-sleeve comfortable through October with fall foliage usually occurring the last week of the month. Fishing is good through the winter. Spring wild flowers begin blooming in early March, and trees are leafed out by May 10 most years. The cooler months of April, May, September, and October offer excellent fishing, hiking, and exploring.
Lake & River Fishing:
Norfork Lakeoffers great fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, stripers, hybrid bass, crappie, bream, walleye, and catfish. Fishermen are active here throughout the year as there is no closed fishing season on Norfork and the mild winters do not freeze the lake. Several fishing guide services savvy to the ways of the lake's sport fish populations operate on Norfork. Lodging facility owners are also quite good at fishing and will share fishing strategies with their guests.
Manager info
Year Purchased: 2001
About: Liz and Jim 'retired' early and came back 'home' to the Ozarks. They needed something to keep me busy, so they decided to by property on the North Fork River and remodel it into something that would allow for comfortably entertaining guests and relatives. They purchased the Bed and Breakfast next to the Lodge and now use it as our residence. The White and North Fork Rivers are famous for trout and Jim loves to fish for them. It does not matter if it is fly fishing or spin fishing, in a boat or wading, Jim likes it all. When he tires from trout fishing, you can find him at Norfork Lake where he fishes for everything and uses every method. Jim is a Captain (6 pack 50 ton) in the U.S.Coast Guard and still makes it 'out to sea' several times a year. However, his favorite trip is fly fishing for Northern Pike in upper - upper Manitoba. When he is not fishing, he is hunting here in Arkansas, or he is working on his restoration of Alfa Romeo sports cars. He rescently sold the Alfas and went the American Muscle Car route. How about a nostalgic '67 Plymouth Sport Satellite, totally restored, scary fast 440 cu. in. 4 speed. At the age of 70, if you feel young, show it. He actually finds some time to do a little work around the Resort. Liz loves to hate going to town. Running this business, as she does, requires 4 or 5 trips to Mountain Home each week. Her favorite hobby is scrap booking. She even arranges 3 or 4 scrap-booking 'bee' weekends at the Lodge every year. Both Liz and Jim love this business. But, if it wasn't for the great family and company functions, the job would not be as challenging. Both use their vast corporate experience to orchestrate outings and reunions. Their job is to make you want come back and that is why they have an eighty percent rebooking rate. Hope to see you at the Lodge and Resort soon.
Why Norfork, AR, USA:
Location, Location, Location The North Fork River is ever changing. Some of the best Trout fishing in the World. Home of the once Brown Trout record of 38.6 lbs. the Arkansas Game and Fish has indicated that several 40 - 50 pounders are in these waters. This is what many come for, but not all.
You will not find a more organized, immaculate and relaxing Lodge on the White and North Fork River system. The expertise of the staff at the Lodge at River Ridge Inn is experienced in knowing what it takes to coordinate large outings, while not sacrificing the individual needs of our guests. What other Lodge offers its own Fly Fishing Academy. If this is a sport you want to learn or to become more proficient at, then it is the only option you will want to consider. The instructors that work out of River Ridge Inn are extremely proficient at what they do. But, the first measurement of success is if you had fun while doing it. Fun comes first. You'll catch fish with other guides, but will you have fun doing it?
Just a word about Dry Run Creek. It is for kids under 16 and the severely handicapped. If you take your child to 'the best quarter mile of trout fishing' then be prepared. That child will be spoiled. You would be too if you were all but assured of the largest catch of the day. Big Trout...I mean BIG TROUT. At times it seems as though you could walk across the backs of the trout (Cut Throat, Browns, Brooks and Rainbows). Then there is the Trout Fish Hatchery right next door. This is a great place to take that kid when he or she gets tired of catching fishing. You have heard the saying that if you caught fish on every cast it would not be called fishing, it would be called 'catching'; well, we now know where that came from. Again, when your child gets tired of 'catching' trout, go for a tour of the largest cold water hatchery in America, right next to Dry Run Creek in Norfork, AR and just 5 minutes from the Lodge at River Ridge Inn.
The Unique Benefits at this Lodge:
You can fish for a Norfork Grand Slam....a rainbow, brown, cut throat and brook trout all in one day. In this part of the Ozarks, you wake up in the morning and must decide if you want to hunt or fish. Hunt bear, deer, turkey, squirrel, quail, pheasant, chukkers...and fish for trout, stripers, large mouth, small mouth, hybrids, whites, gar, catfish, brim, walleye, or crappie. Tough choice!
Then there is time to relax. Do it by working out in the large exercise room while you watch or listen to your favorite game or music. Then slip into the sauna for a muscle relaxing experience. You can shower and change in the dressing room, no need to scurry back to your room. Haven't relaxed enough? On the way back, stop off at the Hot Springs hot tub for more muscle therapy. Finish it all off with a drink of your choice at the private dock or pavilion while you watch the beautiful North Fork River flow at your feet.
There are numerous places to lay back and relax at the Lodge. Try the Sunroom, visit the Greenhouse, sit under the shade of a walnut, hickory or oak trees. Stroll among the many flowers and professional landscaping. Find your way onto one of the many Decks where just catching up on reading is as relaxing as it gets. Don't want to miss that 'big game', do it in the lounge area with surround sound and big TV screen. Need to communicate outside of the Inn, use the complimentary WiFi, from your room, the Lodge, one of he cabins or chalets. It covers the entire range of the resort.
There are many ways to leave your troubles, work and hustle bustle behind. Try them here at the River Ridge Lodge and you will see why 80% of our guest return.
Contact us
Links to more information:
- CLICK HERE - River Ridge Inn
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Lodge at River Ridge Inn
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Kids love being on the River. There is so much for them to do and see.
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Float Trout Fishing Trips on the North Fork River can be arranged
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The Fly Fishing Academy at River Ridge Inn has the Best in Class instructors.
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Dry Run Creek is the Jewel of Trout Steams and is ONLY for kids under 16.
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King or Queen beds with premium count linens and pillows in every room
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Sauna, dry or wet, located next to the Workout Area
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Striper Cottage close to Lodge and Hot Tub
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Pavilion overlooking the North Fork River has huge Texas BBQ/Smoker
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Captain Jim fly fishing right off property in a foggy summer morning
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Gardenside Chalet next to Lodge
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North for River Viewed from the top of our Conservation Easement
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Father and Son success on the North Fork. One beautiful brown. Check the smile!
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North Fork in Fall, when colors are changing, is a GREAT time to stay with us.
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Private Instruction at Dry Run Creek will spoil you kids. Awesome fun for all.
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Spacious Lounge and Dining area for large group meetings and outings
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Exercise Room, Sauna, Laundry and Ice Machine with Big Screen TV.
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Day is done and the sun sets over the Ozarks from our property on Goats Bluff.
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Riverside Chalet by the Lodge sits right on the river
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North Fork River Overlook in Leonard B Smith Conservation Easement
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Hot Springs Hot Tub off of Lodge Patio
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Cut Bow Cottage next to Lodge
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2014 snow fall ...everything still..kind of nice
VRBO #420186
This listing was first published here in 2012.
Date last modified - Wednesday, September 21, 2016
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