Branson Lakes & Fishing
Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo & Bull Shoals

The Branson MO Lakes and Fishing Area's 3 main lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake abound with fishing, boating and water activities. In the novel Shepherd of the Hills, author Harold Bell Wright wrote, "When God looked upon the work of his hands and called it good, he was sure alookin' at this here Ozark Country" and he was right. Long before the Branson shows, fishing the White River was the biggest name in town. We recommend Captain Joe's Branson, Missouri Guide Service to assist you with all of your fishing and boating needs.

With the growth and development of the area came the building of the dams to tame the White River in 1958. The 350 foot high Table Rock Lake Dam creates Table Rock Lake, an anglers and boaters paradise. At the base of the Table Rock Lake Dam is the Missouri Department of Conversation's Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. The dam discharges cold water from the bottom of the lake which flows into Lake Taneycomo, the #1 trout fishing lake in the United States. Downstream the Power Site Dam creates Bull Shoals Lake which offers some of the finest and most varied fresh water fishing in the world. The lake's reputation is well justified by the many opportunities to fish for many species, ranging from trout to pan fish to walleye. Coming soon? Check out the current Branson area lake levels.

Table Rock Lake is famous as an all around recreation lake and a paradise for boaters, scuba divers, campers and fishermen alike. The lake is a water-sports playground with 80 degree water in the summer. It is perfect for skiing, parasailing, swimming, boating, kayaking & canoeing - anything in or on the crystal clear Table Rock Lake waters. There are also many beautiful, scenic hiking trails and caves on the banks that residents and visitors love to explore. Scattered near the lakeshore are many picnic sites.

The lake boasts an abundance of large & smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, white bass, catfish, bullhead, carp, paddlefish and bluegill. Table Rock Lake is acclaimed as one of the best bass fishing lakes in this hemisphere. As a result, Table Rock Lake is the home of several nationally known bass angling tournaments.

The Army Corp of Engineers and private full service marinas operate on Table Rock Lake at various locations to provide service and convenience to boaters and other water fun seekers. Over 100 resorts from rustic to luxurious are on Table Rock Lake as well as campgrounds that provide visitors with numerous water-related activities. For those visitors who do not want to operate a boat but still wanting to experience the beauty of the area from the water, there are boat cruises and rides that operate on Table Rock Lake.

The State Park Marina's clean, modern facility offers the most water sports activities in the Midwest. They have everything on the water including boat rentals, wave runners, parasails, scuba diving, bass fishing and daily cruises on the Spirit of America, a 48 ft. sailing catamaran. The marina store is fully stocked with everything you need to have fun on and in the water.

For those who want to explore the scenic beauty of Table Rock Lake, you have many options. The Showboat Branson Belle offers a fantastic meal, show and sightseeing on its daily cruises. You can take an excursion on the Spirit of America, a 48-foot sailing catamaran and, if you wish, help crew the boat. For those who want to cruise the lake on their own terms houseboats, paddleboats, pontoon boats and fishing boats are available to rent.

Lake Taneycomo was created in 1913 by the completion of the "Power Site" Dam near Forsyth, Missouri. Lake Taneycomo is 22 miles long, the #1 trout fishing lake in the United States. The trophy area runs for about 3 miles from Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek where only flies and artificial bait may be used. Below Fall Creek the popular method of fishing is with salmon eggs fished near the bottom. Lake Taneycomo contains several species of game and pan fish including rainbow & German brown trout, cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and bluegill.

Lake Taneycomo's clear cold waters provide a year round fishing experience that is exciting as well as varied. When power is not being generated Lake Taneycomo has the characteristics of both a river and a lake for anglers to enjoy. When Table Rock Dam is generating power its current is very strong throughout its whole length.

In additional to wading and boat fishing, shore fishing is available at the many trout docks located along the lake. Easy access to the Lake is also provided along the lake front in down town Branson. Other accesses are the city park, the north end of the Branson City Campgrounds in downtown Branson, and near Table Rock Dam at the Fish Hatchery park.

Lake Taneycomo sightseeing tours and dining cruises depart daily from Branson Landing. The Branson Branson Lake Queen is a replica of the old time grand paddlewheel riverboats. A guide will explain facts and trivia about the Branson waterfront and local points of interest. The luxury yacht, Branson Landing Princess, is lined with windows and has climate controlled entertainment decks with spectacular views.

Bull Shoals Lake is a paradise with water that is very clean and clear. Almost 1,000 miles of pristine shoreline is open to visitors from all over the nation who come to fish, scuba dive, houseboat, water ski, wake board, camp, and relax.  Bull Shoals Lake offers some of the finest and most varied fresh water fishing anywhere. Bull Shoals enjoys wide recognition as a prime fishery, holding several Arkansas and Missouri state records for cutthroat and rainbow trout.

The lake provides excellent fishing all year long, seldom freezes, and has no closed season. In the spring of the year the upper end of the lake is known for its fabulous white bass and walleye fishing. The best large mouth bass fishing is in the spring and fall of the year and excellent large mouth and spotted bass fishing is available all year. Night fishing for stripers, walleyes, and trout is very popular. Floating down the river in an Ozark johnboat and fishing is an experience found nowhere else.

Marinas on Bull Shoals Lake have boats and motors for rent, supplies for sale, and guides for hire. The Corps of Engineers provides launching areas and ramps for those who bring their own boats. Water sports such as swimming and skiing are popular on Bull Shoals Lake, as is cruising the hundreds of miles of lake arms and coves by motorboat or sailboat. Scuba divers come to Bull Shoals from many states to enjoy their sport in the clear, blue water.

Current Lake Levels