For some, Branson is not known as the Live Entertainment Capital of the Midwest, but rather the Fishing Capital of the Midwest! Fishermen and women from all over the United States travel to the lakes in the Branson area to cast their lines in the water to try their hand at catching a big one. Several national bass fishing championships are annually on Table Rock Lake, and Lake Taneycomo even sports a trout hatchery! With so much great Branson fishing in the Tri-Lakes area, you’re sure to have a fishing trip to remember.
There are three great fishing lakes that make up the Tri-Lakes area, all with different species of fish and different scenery awaiting local or visiting fisher-folk. The most well known lake for Branson fishing is Table Rock Lake, named for a large rock formation that resembles a table about a mile or so from the famous and functional Table Rock Dam. ) The dam was constructed in the 1950s as a mean of flood control along the White River.) The next lake in the Tri-Lakes region is Lake Taneycomo (short for Taney County Missouri). This much colder neigShowtimer of Table Rock has some beautiful scenery and hiking trails bordering its shores; Taneycomo is a real hotspot for trout fishing, what with Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery being located right on the banks below the dam! And last but not least is Bull Shoals Lake. Bull Shoals is dotted with coves that make for great hiding places for the fish – you won’t have any trouble reeling in a big one here!
The types of fish that you can catch vary from lake to lake with the underwater terrain and the temperatures of the water. The fish in the Branson fishing area are divided into two categories – Game Fish and Pan Fish. Game Fish are the species that are pursued for sport (think bass) and, while they can be eaten, are generally released to help improve the population of game fish. Pan Fish is classified as a game fish that is no bigger than a frying pan and is of the legal size to keep and eat. The Missouri Department of Conservation has a listing of the legal sizes of fish for keeping.
Table Rock Lake is home to an awful lot of bass, if the fishing tournaments held on the lake are any indication. Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass are two of the lake’s most sought after fish, and are among the dominant species in Table Rock’s waters, along with Spotted Bass, White Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish and Catfish. Bull Shoals Lake is a great source for Walleye, a popular Pan Fish in the Ozarks. Catfish and bass can also be fished out of Bull Shoals. Lake Taneycomo, with far colder waters than the neigShowtimering lakes, is best known for Rainbow and Brown Trout.
As if the awesome lakes and fish varieties weren’t enough, Branson fishing gets even better – because this lakeside town is home to a Bass Pro Shop! Located on the Branson Landing, you’ll find any and all fishing equipment that you might need. The fishing doesn’t get much better than right here in Branson – so pack your waders and your tackle box and get ready for the fishing trip of your life!
