2350 Green Mountain Dr
Branson Fishing
The Branson/Lakes Area is so known because of its three pristine
lakes: Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals. Water sports
enthusiasts can swim, water ski, wakeboard, tube, boat, sail, scuba
dive, jet ski, parasail, kayak, and of course, fish. The lakes'
waters never freeze, welcoming visitors' activities year round. All
three lakes offer camping and RV parks, and easy access to the water
at a number of public marinas and boat docks/launch areas. Several
commercial marinas offer fishing guide service and a wide range of
boat rentals including ski boats, pontoon boats, bass boats and wave
runners. Many of the resorts on the three lakes offer guide service,
outfitters, rental boats and private dock facilities for visitors'
boats as well.
Bull Shoals Lake
Bull Shoals begins where Taneycomo ends and flows eastwardly from
Forsyth into Arkansas. Bull Shoals Dam, the fifth largest concrete dam
in the United States, is located approximately 7 miles north of Cotter,
Arkansas. The lake's shoreline has gone relatively undeveloped and
features steep bluffs and rock ledges. The lake has many areas within 20
feet of the shoreline measuring 50 feet deep or more. Its crystal clear
water makes the lake an ideal spot for scuba divers and swimmers. Light
tackle and light line are the best choice for anglers. Bull Shoals also
offers a variety of public access points and a selection of quaint
fishing lodges that offer privacy and a chance to explore Ozark Mountain
scenery at its finest.
45,440 to 71,240 (approx.) acres of surface area depending on the water
level 740+ miles of shoreline
Bull Shoals Dam was created in 1951 The dam is 2,256 feet long and 256
feet high
Bull Shoals Lake is popular for its white, large mouth and spotted bass.
It is a popular tournament lake and has a reputation for producing
lunker fish of several varieties, including stripers that weigh in at
more than 50 pounds. Record catches on this lake include a 5-pound,
5-ounce white bass, a 13-pound 14-ounce largemouth bass and a 21-pound,
1-ounce walleye. Crappie, bream and catfish of all sizes can be found in
Bull Shoals.
Lake Taneycomo
Accessible from historic downtown Branson and at multiple points east
including the communities of Rockaway Beach, Forsyth and Powersite and
south of Hwy. 76 in Hollister and the Fall Creek area, Lake Taneycomo
was formed with the completion of Powersite Dam in 1913. It was
originally a section of the White River, and although Taneycomo is now
technically a lake, it retains the look and feel of a river. When the
Table Rock Dam was completed at Taneycomo's headwaters in 1958, the
nature of the lake changed. Taneycomo's water now comes from the bottom
of Table Rock Lake, making it a cold water lake. The cold, clear water,
stocked annually with approximately 750,000 10-12" rainbow trout, makes
Taneycomo a world-class trout fishing lake.
Resorts, campgrounds & RV parks and full-service marinas and outfitters
offer canoeing, kayaking, fishing boats, motors, guides, tackle, and
pontoons for relaxing and fun-filled lake activities.
2,000+ (approx.) acres of surface area depending on the water level
40+ miles of shoreline
58 degrees - average water temperature
750,000 + rainbow and brown trout stocked annually
"Lake Taneycomo is one of the best, if not the very best, of all trout
streams in the U.S." - Harold D. Eastman in "Trout Fishing on Lake
Taneycomo," 1987.
The uppermost portion of the lake is reserved for artificial lures only
such as tiny jigs and crankbaits. These headwaters are also ideal for
fly fishing with flies that imitate the freshwater shrimp and other
natural bait that the trout feed upon.
The locals say that the best way to catch trout is by drifting salmon
eggs or angleworms. Affix the eggs or worms to a small hook and cast
into holes with an ultra light rod and reel. This method used from a
drifting boat or from a dock will yield a nice stringer of trout.
Lower Lake Taneycomo harbors a well-kept secret. The downstream area
closer to Forsyth offers considerably warmer water and many other
species of fish, making Taneycomo a versatile and challenging
destination for anglers who are aware of its changing character from one
end to the other.
Many area resorts and marinas can hook you up with an experienced
fishing guide to help make the most of your Lake Taneycomo fishing
experience.
Table Rock Lake
Accessible from multiple public and privately owned locations just
minutes to the west of Branson, Table Rock Lake has been delighting
visitors and residents alike since it was formed by the damming of the
White River in 1958. While visitors can find dozens of places to stay
and play along the banks of Table Rock Lake, the area's commercial
developments have placed a high priority on preserving the scenic beauty
of the natural shoreline, bluffs, forests and wildlife that inhabit the
shoreline.
43,000 to 52,300 (approx.) acres of surface area depending on the water
level
750+ miles of shoreline
Table Rock Dam and Powerhouse was completed in 1959.
The dam is 6,423 feet long and 252 feet high.
Table Rock is nationally recognized as a top bass fishing lake. Large
numbers of largemouth, smallmouth, Kentucky spotted bass and white bass
thrive in its diverse underwater structure and immense forage base.
Bass, crappie and large bluegill are caught in abundance. Catfish of all
sizes also roam the lake bottom. Many area resorts and marinas can hook
you up with an experienced fishing guide to help make the most of your
Table Rock Lake fishing experience. If you enjoy tournament fishing,
there are hundreds of regional and local tournaments held on Table Rock
Lake each year including a major B.A.S.S. tournament.