FISHING IN THE OZARKS!
AN AMAZING PERSPECTIVE
Table Rock Lake is known for its clear water and 800+ mile shoreline. It boasts an abundance of crappie, catfish, and bluegill, and is most famous for bass. It is no wonder that Table Rock is considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. So who wouldn’t want to drop their line in the water? Attached is information on marinas for your enjoyment too!
The Die-Hard, High-Intensity Angler:
The Orvis Fly Fishing School is located at Dogwood Canyon which is only 15 minutes from Tall Pines and about 22 minutes from Branson Cedars Cabins. They welcome all skill levels including the most experienced casters. They emphasize casting skills, fly selection, knot tying, leaders, reading water and so on. Not only will you enjoy learning how to fly fish, you will do so in one of the most beautiful parks in the state of MO. This may be the start of a life-long passion! Be sure to make advance reservations! Dogwood Canyon even offers a 2 day Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing School.
The Medium-Intensity, Self-proclaimed Angler:
You want to go fishing and actually come back with some meat for the grill? Hire a fishing guide! Our friend, Bill Babler, lives less than a mile from Tall Pines. He will pick you up and take you to his “secret” water hole. You will be able to impress your family and friends with your ‘Catch of the Day’ for supper. (Advance reservations required, and I don’t mean a day or two.)
Fishing Guide:
- White River Outfitters Call Bill at 417 3327016
The Low-Intensity, Get -the -Line Wet Angler:
So you just want to give fishing a try? I can’t think of a better place than Table Rock Lake. So here are my suggestions:
1. Go to the Twin Isles Gas Station or Walmart You can purchase a fishing license there as well as bait.
2. Hit the lake:
Here are 3 options –
a. Easiest:
From Tall Pines go out of the driveway and make a right. Go to the bottom of the hill to the Old 86 Campground. They charge $5/car load so bring Grandma for a deeper discount! You can fish anywhere along the shoreline. It is a BEAUTIFUL peninsula. Bring your swimsuit as they also have 2 swimming beaches.
b. Just as Easy:
For the cabins at Branson Cedars: Go to route 65 and make a left. Around the Stow-It Storage Units you will see a small road called Lakeshore Drive. Take it down to the lake. Follow that road to the public boat launch. It is FREE! You are welcome to fish anywhere in that area. Really, it is only 5 minutes away.
c. Tastiest choice:
In my opinion, you can’t beat fresh trout on the grill. Head down to the Table Rock Dam (see “Things to do“) and park in the Shepard Hills Fish Hatchery (fly fishing!) parking area just below the dam. Remember that you need a fishing license AND a Trout stamp. (See below) Also, do not attempt to fish when the water is running high through the dam. It will be a waste of your time, energy and trout stamp! Call 866-494-1993 (toll free) for the water generation schedule for the day.
There are also resorts along Taneycomo that allow you to fish from their dock for a nominal fee.
d. You can also fish off of the dock at the Branson Campground located by Branson Landing. Great Trout fishing!
Another fishing guide:
- Branson Fishing Guide Service Call (417) 270-7157 They guide for Rainbow, Brown Trout and Bass, Pan Fish and Seasonal Spoonbill in a Pontoon
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And now . . . . All the rules . . . . and All regulations . . . .
Who needs a permit? (Sheesh. Is nothing free anymore?)
Everyone who fishes must have the appropriate lifetime, annual, or daily fishing permit or qualify for an exemption.
And who doesn’t …
The following do NOT need a lifetime, annual, or daily fishing permit, but they must purchase a daily trout fishing tag or trout permit when or where required:
· Any Missouri resident 65 years of age or older
· Any person (resident or nonresident) 15 years of age or younger. Note: Youngsters fishing without a permit are limited to the following methods: pole and line, gig, bow, crossbow, snaring, grabbing, and snagging.
TROUT FISHING RULES:
On the lake and its tributaries:
Brown trout—20” minimum length limit; the daily limit of 4 trout, combined total of both species, may include only 1 brown trout.
The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.
Within 760 feet below Table Rock Dam: No fishing is allowed.
From the closed zone 760 feet below Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek:
Rainbow trout—12” to 20” protected slot length limit
Pole and line fishing only
Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species.
From the closed zone 760 feet below Table Rock Dam to U.S. Highway 65 bridge:
Fishing permit (unless exempt) and a trout permit are required to fish for any species.
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Public Fishing Areas
1. Branson Landing – Lake Taneycomo Best trout streams in the US Lilleys Landing Marina
2. Scottys Trout Dock – family owned and operated for family fun
3. Shepard Hills Hatchery Fly Fishing – Bird watching and Hiking too! The largest trout rearing facility
Check out Amazing Branson Rentals and the Things to do in the area for more details.
So there you have it!
A local fisherman just nabbed a whopper. This guy pulled a record breaking 140 Lb. Paddlefish out of Table Rock Lake in March. Hmmm. That thing has been swimming in the lake with me?[Now that’s a catch!]
Maybe YOU will be the next Angler on the front page of the Branson Daily News!
