Lake waters flow through the nooks, crannies, hills and valleys of Branson’s outdoors. Being surrounded by three area lakes, the opportunities to cast a line and catch some fish are endless.
An overview of Branson’s fishing scene
Each of the Branson lakes are unique in nature, offering slightly different experiences:
Table Rock Lake, a large reservoir on the southwest side of Branson, is perhaps the most popular of the three Branson lakes. The lake was formed in 1958 after the completion of the Table Rock Dam, which releases cool water from the bottom of Table Rock Lake into Lake Taneycomo during the dam’s power generation.
Table Rock Lake contains a variety of fish, including various kinds of bass, bluegill, paddlefish and more. If you decide to enjoy a day of fishing at Table Rock Lake, you may catch various kinds of black bass such as largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass.
Lake Taneycomo is a river-like lake that runs through the midst of Branson (and along downtown). The cool water released into Lake Taneycomo through Table Rock Dam creates a thriving environment for trout — something Lake Taneycomo is certainly not in short supply of!
Every year, Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, located beside Table Rock Dam, raises more than one million rainbow and brown trout. Once the trout are raised, most of them are released right into Taneycomo. Keep in mind that there are special restrictions for the approximate 1.5 mile stretch from Table Rock Dam to Fall Creek. This stretch of Taneycomo is known as “trophy area.”
While trout make up a good portion of Taneycomo, the fishing opportunities don’t end there — it’s also home to largemouth bass! Smallmouth bass and white bass may also be caught below the dam under the right conditions in the spring.
Bull Shoals Lake is Branson’s third area lake. This lake is manmade, runs from southwest Missouri to northwest Arkansas and provides ample opportunities for bass fishing. Visit Bull Shoals Lake for more than 16,000 acres of fishable water as well as a good chance to catch different kinds of bass.
For more information on the area lakes:
Lake Taneycomo: fishing.mdc.mo.gov/reports/table-rock-lake
Table Rock Lake: fishing.mdc.mo.gov/reports/lake-taneycomo
Bull Shoals Lake: fishing.mdc.mo.gov/reports/bull-shoals-lake
Before you go
We know that you’re probably excited to get out there to fish during your stay in Branson! Before heading to fish, take time to look into fishing permits. Chances are, you will need one. These can be bought online.
Learn more about fishing permits: huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/permits.
Recommended fishing-friendly accommodations: Trout Hollow Lodge
Trout Hollow Lodge offers affordable accommodations as well as a full service marina. The lodge, newly renovated and under new ownership, is located on Lake Taneycomo near College of the Ozarks and is open year-round. The marina offers a variety of fishing opportunities — you may rent a boat, pontoon or stall, or simply enjoy fishing from the 305 foot dock.
Trophy area is about a mile up-lake from the lodge. Also nearby is State Park Marina on Table Rock Lake.
For more information, visit www.trouthollow.com or call 417-334-2332.
Recommended fishing guide: Big League Fishing
Grab a fishing guide for your time on Branson’s waters! David Buchek, owner of Big League Fishing in Branson, formerly played and coached for the Springfield Cardinals.
Buchek grew up fishing with his father, Jerry Buchek. The two also shared a love for baseball. In fact, Jerry Buchek was the number one draft pick in 1959 as well as the infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1964 World Series, which the Cardinals won.
Buchek was with the Springfield Cardinals until he realized he had been forsaking his true passion — fishing. Since Buchek had spent many years perfecting his technique, he decided to become a fishing guide with the aim to educate and to foster a love within others for the sport.
Please note that you may arrange a trip with Buchek through Trout Hollow Lodge. To do so, please contact the lodge for more information.
For more information on Big League Fishing or to contact Big League Fishing directly, visit www.bigleaguefishing.com or call 772-634-7744.
