Branson Area Lakes

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 don’t 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.

Information regarding lake levels is available at www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil.

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.

Quick Facts

• 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.

Fishing Table Rock Lake

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.

For a map of Table Rock Lake, obtain a printed map from the Corps of Engineers or visit their Web site (PDF file) 

“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

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 coldwater 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.

Quick Facts

• 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

Fishing Lake Taneycomo

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 guide to help make the most of your Lake Taneycomo fishing experience.

The Taneycomo lakefront in historic downtown Branson is home to the Branson Landing, which includes shopping, dining, lake excursions, boat rentals, all along a 1-mile lighted boardwalk.

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.

Quick Facts

• 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

Fishing Bull Shoals Lake
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.