Group Hopes to Improve Striper Fishing By Armando Rios, Baxter Bulletin - 1/25/03 A local group has been formed to address the dwindling striper population at Lake Norfork. Andy Scott said the group is called Stripers for Lake Norfork Association. The dwindling striper population at the lake results in negative consequences to area tourism and local residents, he said. "According to local area guides and residents, this situation has been in a steady decline for the last eight years, with a worsening condition each year," Scott said. "Lake Norfork has been nationally proclaimed for many years as premier striper lake, and our sole intent is to remedy the situation and polish up the 'premiere' part. We must first admit we have a problem before we can attempt to fix the problem." "We are trying to increase the striper stocking, it would be an economic boon to the area for all involved with fishing," Scott said. "We want to get the publicity out and get people involved. The organization held its first public meeting at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. "We already have the OK from the state (Arkansas Game and Fish) and local people who are willing to work with us." "We realize that many factors are at work simultaneously that could create this condition such as fishing pressure, water quality, diseases and forage, however we feel that some action must be taken to attempt to return this lake to a 'premiere' status," he added. "While researching our possibilities, we found the Fish and Game authorities at the state level to be interested and cooperative in working with our locals in increasing the striper count in Lake Norfork. This is all that we ask for and it looks like a win/win situation for all concerned." If the efforts are successful, this project could prove to be a very positive economic stimulus for the whole area, he continued. Scott said they were seeking individuals, businesses and community legislative input regarding goals at the meeting. They also will have a petition presented for those interested in joining. Another meeting will be scheduled in early February with local and state game and fish authorities to present their collective concerns, he said. Hopefully they will see how much more stocking they can get in the lake, he said. "Time is of the essence in order to get some positive results as soon as possible," Scott said. "Our efforts can be quickly summed up: We need fish. The state has fish. Please send fish."
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