The names Norfork and North Fork get tossed around interchangeably, but there are some differences. Norfork Dam was named for the nearby town of Norfork, Arkansas. The dam itself is located on the North Fork River. It is not the Norfork River or the North Fork of the White River. In fact, the sign on the Highway 5 bridge is incorrect.
To make matters a little more confusing, the name of a tailwater (the stream below a dam) is typically determined by the name of the dam. So North Fork River below Norfork Dam is Norfork Tailwater.
The 4.8-mile Norfork River runs into the White River at the town of Norfork, Arkansas. Mountain Home, Arkansas, is located 14 miles northwest of Norfork. The White River flows 44 miles from Bull Shoals Dam to its confluence with the North Fork River.
Unlike the other White River system tailwaters, which gradually become warm water fisheries, depending on air temperatures and time of year, the Norfork Tailwater trout habitat has a definite end (its confluence with the White River) 4.8 miles from Norfork Dam. However, the North Fork's boost of cold water is the main factor that extends the trout habitat another 57 miles down the White River to Lock & Dam No. 3 near Guion.
For a quick overview of the Norfork Tailwater, start at the dam and take Highway 177 past Quarry Park and the Norfork National Fish Hatchery to Salesville. Go south on Highway 5 at Salesville. There is a scenic overlook off Highway 5 near Goat Ridge Bluff. Highway 5 then crosses the North Fork River near its confluence with White River at the town of Norfork.