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Lake
Taneycomo
Lake Taneycomo
was created in 1913 when the White River was impounded by the
completion of the "Power Site" Dam, at White River Mile Marker 506.8
near Forsyth, Missouri. Unlike the
Table Rock and
Bull Shoals Dams and Lakes, which are owned by the U. S. Army
Corps of Engineers, the Power Site Dam is privately owned by Empire
Electric Company. This company holds a license to continue operating
the Dam and its hydroelectric plant until 2022.
 From 1913 until 1958 it was a "warm water" lake. The completion of
Table Rock Dam in 1958, 22 miles upstream at White River Mile 528.8,
created a physical southern boundary for the Lake which now consists
of over 2,080 surface acres. Virtually overnight, a "cold water"
fishery was created because of the temperature of water coming
through the "generators" of Table Rock Dam as its water is used for
the generation of power. To take advantage of this change the
Missouri Department of Conservation constructed the "Shepherd of the
Hills Trout Hatchery" at the foot of the Dam. Today Lake Taneycomo
is one of the best trout fisheries in the nation. A State Record
Brown Trout was caught in the Summer of 1994.
When power is not being generated Lake Taneycomo has the
characteristics of both a river and a lake for anglers to enjoy. The
shallow colder water, at Lake Taneycomo Mile Marker 22, located
adjacent to the Junction of State Highways 165 and 265 near the
Table Rock Dam, averages 48 degrees F, resembles a river and permits
wading and bank fishing for trout. The average temperature of the
water gets warmer and the depth of the Lake deepens to depths in
excess of 50 feet near Lake Taneycomo Mile Marker 1 and the Power
Site Dam in Forsyth. When Table Rock Dam is generating power its
current is very strong throughout its whole length, its water
temperature drops, and for all practical purposes it becomes a very
deep, cold, fast running river. Exactly how deep, cold, and fast
depends on how many generators are being used to generate
electricity at Table Rock Dam.
Fish Species:
Lake Taneycomo
contains several species of game and pan fish including:
Dominate
Species:
Rainbow and German Brown Trout
Secondary
Species:
Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill
Area Fishing Techniques:
Below the Table Rock
Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek:
This
area is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation as a fly
fishing and artificial lure only area. In addition there is a slot
limit on trout that are harvested in this area.
The majority of anglers in this area are fly fisherman, without
current from the generators at the Table Rock dam the upper portion
of Taneycomo fishes like a large trout stream; pools, riffles and
wood cover are all important areas to fish. Productive fly patterns
can change for day to day or even hour to hour so be sure to check
the reports before you go.
 The
most reliable patterns will be scuds, sow bugs and other nymphs most
of the time, but productive colors will change. Despite the amount
of fishing pressure this area receives it remains a quality fishery
due to daily stocking by the Department of Conservation with trout
from the Shepard of the Hills Hatchery located below the Table Rock
dam.
Trout Fishing from Fall Creek to Powersite dam:
From Fall Creek on down stream the majority of anglers will fish
live and prepared baits. While fly fishing still takes place, the
majority of fishermen utilize a “Taneycomo Drift Rig” with live
night crawlers, red worms or assorted colors of Berkley power bait
eggs and nuggets on casting or spinning equipment. Boating anglers
will run up stream a few miles from their launching point and then
control the drift back against the current making casts to deeper
pools and wood cover along the banks. Productive lures in this area
include; twitch baits like Rapalas and Lucky Craft pointers, small
spinners like Rooster Tails, Mepps, Super Dupers and Panther Martins
or small crankbaits such as Norman Crappie Crankbaits or Yozuri Snap
Beads. The “Taneycomo Drift Rig” will also work as you drift down
the lake, simply cast and allow the rig to bounce the bottom. This
portion of the lake also holds all of the public and private trout
docks. Most anglers fishing from the docks will fish on the bottom
or with a float around the dock with either live or prepared baits.
Bass Fishing on
Taneycomo:
One
of the best kept secrets in the Ozarks is the bass fishing on Lake
Taneycomo. While bass have been caught above the Downtown Branson
area most bass fishing takes place in the lower end of the lake from
Bull Creek near Rockaway Beach to the Powersite dam. Most of the
fish are caught on either the abundant wood cover that dots the
shoreline or on the ledge rock that marks the channel swing areas of
the lake. Unlike the warm water lakes on either end of Taneycomo,
the colder water keeps bass more active throughout the year.
 With
this in mind Lake Taneycomo bass will chase reaction baits like
spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and crankbaits for a greater portion of the
year. Big bass seem to show up every year on Taneycomo, with several
bass over five pounds being caught with regularity and a few over
eight pounds becoming more and more prevalent. Big fish tend to be
caught in the cooler months on the deeper drops close to ledge banks
with Jewel Eakins’ Jig and Craw combos and football or spider jigs
accounting for many each year.
Lake Taneycomo offers
exciting fishing action year round for anglers of all skill levels.
From the most seasoned fly fisherman to the youngster just starting
out Guide Fishing Branson and Focused Fishing Guide Professional
Service will ensure a memorable Trout fishing experience.
Call to day and Book
that Trip of a lifetime! |
