Lake Taneycomo
| Lake Taneycomo is yet another one of Missouri’s finest attractions when it comes to outdoor entertainment, trout fishing in particular. Located just minutes from one of the nation’s hottest tourist spots, Branson, it is never at a loss for people. Yet it never ceases to amaze how many people travel to Branson to enjoy the sights and surroundings without ever taking advantage of the golden opportunity for extraordinary trout fishing in such proximity at Lake Taneycomo. |
| When it was first created in the early 1900’s, Lake Taneycomo was a warm water lake fed by the waters of the White River and contained downstream by the Power Site Dam in Forsyth, MO. However in 1958, the Table Rock Dam was completed which altered the water source to Lake Taneycomo, causing it to be fed by the crisp cool tailwaters of Table Rock Lake as a result of the Dam generators producing power. The “Shepherd of the Hills” Trout Hatchery was then created with the aid of the Missouri Conservation Department, shaping a blissful fishing refuge for area trout anglers for many years to come at Lake Taneycomo. |
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| While Taneycomo is technically considered a lake, it is quite similar in nature to that of a river with its windy narrow flow of water. It is further downstream towards the Power Site Dam where the waters tend to get much deeper and the banks wider. That said, the changing dynamics along the 20+ mile lake create opportunities for catching trout in a variety of different ways. |
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Wading is optimal for the first few miles of stretch just down from the Table Rock Dam where the fish are released, while the generators are not running. Fishing from the banks is also feasible. As you get further downstream, there are some trout docks that can be fished from as well. Often however, the best chance for optimal success farther down the river involves having a boat and being able to get in the right position where the most trout are residing.
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| The upper half of Taneycomo contains two different areas designated for specific types of fishing. The artificial lure and fly-only area contains some of the biggest lunkers you will find anywhere, both brown and rainbow. The restrictions for keeping trout in this area are a bit more stringent and for good reason. The rest of Lake Taneycomo has no length restrictions for rainbow and anglers can use any type of bait under state wide regulations. |
Given its close proximity to Branson, there are no shortage of options when it comes to accommodations. Whatever your preference you are sure to find it in or around Lake Taneycomo. There are condos, cottages, bed and breakfast inns, hotels, cabins in addition to campsites and rv parks, many of which come with beautiful views of the lake. There are also all kinds of outdoor activities readily available before or after your fishing expedition – hiking, walking or biking the many trails or if you prefer to stay on the water, rent a boat or wave runner or even try scuba diving.
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- Getting to Lake Taneycomo from St. Louis is simple although it may take 3-1/2 to 4 hours. Just take I-44 West all the way to Springfield, Missouri. From there you will take 65 south for 45 miles past Branson where you will take a right on 165 which takes you directly to Table Rock State Park and the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery.
- From Kansas City, you will take I-435 S to US-71 South and take that for about 27 miles where you will catch 7 South. Stay on that for about 123 miles (it turns into 13 after about 40 miles) and take I-44 East for about 5 miles where you will catch 65 south. Take that for 45 miles past Branson where you will take a right on 165, which takes you directly to Table Rock State Park and the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery.
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