Did you know Branson is turning 100 this year? In honor of Branson Missouri’s 100th anniversary, we’re looking back at the history of the town and area. Our first look is at one of Branson’s most prominent features, Lake Taneycomo.
Lake Taneycomo is situated on the White River around the resort town of Branson Missouri. This artificial lake came in to existence in 1913 with the construction of the Powersite Dam just a few miles below Branson on the White River. Initially this was a warm water lake but in the fifties it changed into a cold water lake when Table Rock Dam was constructed just upstream. Now the temperature of the lake remains a consistent 48 degrees Fahrenheit (this can fluctuate some depending on the number of Generators working on Table Rock Lake).
The fresh and low temperature of the water makes this lake and ideal place for Trout breeding. The Missouri Department of Conservation set up a Trout Fish hatchery near the headwaters of Lake Taneycomo. It’s name is “The Shepherd Of The Hills Hatchery”, named after the novel “The Shepherd Of The Hills(1907)”. Free tours are available of this trout hatchery for visitors to see the process for themselves.
Whether you’re fishing on the lake or walking on the Branson Landing riverfront, you’ll appreciate what Lake Taneycomo brings to the Branson Missouri area.
