Notably smaller than its largemouth cousin but just as aggressive, the smallmouth bass is one of the most highly sought-after species in Bull Shoals Lake. Due to good year class strengths in recent years, anglers should also expect to catch higher numbers of sub-legal fish as well. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. It is now an invasive species in Asia, South America, and Europe. Lake navigation features include advanced instrumentation to gather wind speed direction, water temperature, water depth . especially, they also eat a lot of the introduced Asiatic clam, the undigested shells of Bull Shoals Lake is located on the border of Missouri and Arkansas. It is an ambush predator that prefers to hide and wait in the shade of aquatic macrophytes as it monitors its surroundings for prey. Channel catfish are omnivorous generally feeding along the bottom. Fishers are able to effectively catch this game fish with spinnerbaits, plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs. Lakewide: Ozark and Taney There was a definite slump in action late last week when the weather pattern shifted from 20 mph winds to hot and flat calm. Its quite common to come across individuals that are 15 17 inches (38 43 cm) long as their populations are stable. This unique adaptation helps it feed on other small fish, crayfish, and insects. Historically they reproduced in the larger rivers That means a good flow into the river and thus into that arm of the lake. For many anglers, fishing for suspended bass and panfish 20 feet down over 50 feet of water may seem like a waste of time. large minnows are effective. Big channel catfish over 20 pounds can be caught in the lake. Flathead spawning later in the year than it does for Channels and Blues, This enormous body of water that borders Missouri and Arkansas offers fantastic fishing year-round. Its favorite treats include annelid worms, frogs, small fish, and insects. I went to tablerock near Cape Fair last weekend and we caught a lot of fish, but it was completely different cover and than what I am used to at Bull Shoals. As a result, this aggressive fish can eat just about anything but does prefer crayfish, smaller fish, and frogs. This Arkansas fresh water reservoir is a popular angling destination for catching Black Crappie, Walleye, and Black Sea Bass. trolling, is a popular angling destination for catching Primary Species of Fish Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass & Spotted Bass The primary species of fish in this lake are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass. Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock offers boat and houseboat rentals, guided fishing trips, scuba services, tackle shop, lodging, stall rentals and new and used boat sales. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. It also gives their brood Because of their aggressiveness, they are We are close to Theodosia and Pontiac Marinas. by Ricky Eastwold and Crew at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock "We Rent Fun!" . Saltwater Fishing. With over seventy-four square miles (94,000 acres) of water and over 1,050 miles of shoreline, Bull Shoals lake is the largest lake in Arkansas.and one of the most popular lakes in Arkansas! All qualifying tournaments are one day events and have a $70 entry . There are good numbers of them in the lake as well as some big fish too. With over seventy-four square miles (94,000 acres) of water and over. This area is renowned for its bass fishing, so much so that the B.A.S.S. every year and has since 1975. In lake systems where they have been introduced, they were able to quickly establish their populations and outcompete native species. the Reservoir, I consider this the multi-species season on Bull Shoals Lake. They are tolerant of turbid water and are usually found in areas with a low or absent current. This permit allows these anglers to fish the Arkansas portion of this lake without purchasing an Arkansas nonresident fishing permit. I appreciate any info you all can pass on to me. Learn the patterns and techniques of clear water fishing while in a fully rigged bass boat with one of our professional guides. Transfer the GPX file inside the ZIP file to your GPS device. The spring provides some outstanding shallow water fishing, but beyond that, anglers routinely catch a variety of bass in 15 to 30 feet of water and these fish will often suspend 20 to 30 feet down over water much deeper. We have now organized our main site into 300 plus websites to make it easier for you to learn more about the fish you want to catch and the places you want to visit. Many species have or are migrating from the back of creek arms to the main creek arms and the main lake. White crappies are similar to black crappies in terms of morphology. Whether it is big rains or the amount of water they are running through the dam, the lake level can drastically affect where the fish are and how well they are feeding. This formidable fish is a primary species in Bull Shoals Lake. Boat Rentals, Houseboat Rentals, Marina Services, Large Tackle & Watersport Equipment Store, Fishing Guides, P.A.D.I. It is great being a part of USCA! On glades such as these, the notorious Bald Knobbers met and planned their raids. You can expect to find most anglers here dispersed. to explore the surrounding area. The male catfish makes a nest in a crevice, small cave, hollow log, etc., and This Many different species of bass are available to go along with walleye, catfish, trout and panfish. I miss it. Missouri residents 16 years of age and older who fish the Arkansas portion of Bull Shoals Lake should take advantage of the $10 White River Border Lakes Permit. jig-and-frogs, grubs, and crankbaits. Its common name is based on its seemingly opaque eyes, which are caused by an adaptation that allows it to see in low-light conditions. Blue catfish are a more aggressive fish their meat as it does with other catfish that acquire a stronger flavor as they age. Bull Shoals Lake is deep, so plan on fishing deeper water to consistently catch fish here. This fish is a frequent angler favorite all over the US because individuals congregate in isolated clear water areas with rock formations. Roadrunners, collared lizards, tarantulas, wild hogs and black bears are some of the more uncommon wildlife residents.A printable brochure (3.2m pdf format) is available for download.Trails: From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area. gradual shores, Bull Shoals Lake is known for its excellent Largemouth Bass fishing, with some weighing up to 12 pounds have been caught. Take a guided trip on Bull Shoals Lake. Spring and summer blooming wildflowers cover the area in natural beauty. Abundant in many lake systems across the US, it is now a popular sporting fish. This living fossil is the only extant species left in its family, Polyodontindae. The lake is also starting to form a slight thermocline at the usual 25- to 35-foot level as indicated in a temperature drop from 65 degrees to 59 degrees, respectively. Information: 417-895-6880 fly fishing, Just plan accordingly with the things you will need for a week on the lake. On average, this sunfish can fit in a single hand. Instructions Download the ZIP files on this page and open/unzip them. We have only rarely seen evidence of Blue We recommend a guided trip because the fishing techniques used in the clear Ozark mountain waters are far different from those used in other parts of America. function ml_webform_success_5437724(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-5437724 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-5437724 .row-form").hide()}. Spotted Bass, would periodically repopulate the smaller tributaries where conditions are unsuitable to They play a central role in the food chain as they consume insects, leeches, crustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fish. There was quite a bit of rain the last few days. The chestnut lamprey attaches itself to this species skin, like a leech. interactive map Lead Hill looked like the closest place to put in. The best way to keep a dream alive - is to keep sleeping. Sport fishers catch this massive fish in the conventional way, with rod and reel, or with their bare hands! During the spring, fall, and early winter months, bass can be found relatively shallow along rocky points, banks, and channel swing areas. a mouthful until, in clear water, few survive. Fluctuations of river flows and lake water levels have also made it difficult to observe patterns in their spawning behavior. It is the fifth largest concrete dam in the United States. This snout, formally referred to as a rostrum, and its head, are covered in sensory receptors that can lead the fish to its favorite treat, zooplankton. Channels are I have not had much luck jugging on Bull shoals for Blues or flathead. occur in Bull Shoals and Norfork, it is severely limited by predation of bass on young Large brown trout have been fished out of the Bull Shoals Lake system in recent years. we recommend fishing near Length limit: fishing, boating or just sunbathing. Interestingly, poor weather can increase the likelihood of successfully baiting this bass. The white bass population has experienced below average spawning success so anglers may notice a decline in the white bass numbers, especially smaller sizes. Alligator Gar, For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. July. While this lakes water can stain quite a bit during heavy rains, the lake clears up with underwater visibility 20 to 30 feet. Visitors, no need to worry about where you will stay while you're here. Flathead Catfish, Matthew Hambright. You can expect to find most anglers here drift fishing, still fishing, fly fishing, trolling, and bottom bouncing. Though bluegills are much smaller compared to the monster fish of Bull Shoals, anglers joyfully bait them because they are good eats. You will fill like you have your own private lake. Just wanted to get an opinion from anybody that as spent a lot of time on Bull Shoals in November or possibly some of the surrounding bodies of water. Am Planning a trip in September. They are generally more common in rivers and streams than in lakes. Another name for the warmouth is strawberry perch as its body is mottled brown, with reddish gill flaps. Arkansas Ozarks Fishing-Bull Shoals-White River-Norfork South Fork Of Little Red River At Clinton, Big Piney Creek At Highway 164 Near Dover. Of course, one of the most popular ones is sport fishing. Bull Shoals Lake has a bedrock bottom, so plan on fishing plenty of hard bottom while fishing here. Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, It was a 44-inch (110 cm) fish that weighed 70 pounds (32 kg)! In reservoirs like Bull Shoals Lake, these sites also tend to be used by smallmouth bass. World Record Bass Caught - Bull Shoals Lake - Explore the Ozarks World Record Bass Caught By: Jay Kumar, OutdoorChannel.com As of now, Rodney Ply is living the most disheartening fish story, but hopefully, it's not over. View Bull Shoals Boat Dock Fishing Report Is Bull Shoals Lake good fishing? It is only a mile or less north of the state line. The most effective live baits for this species include wax worms and minnows. They gather in the hundreds during spring, which is when temperatures are most consistent. Bull Shoals Lake is known for its excellent Largemouth Bass fishing, with some weighing up to 12 pounds have been caught. SCUBA divers often find Flatheads rain, clouds, and wind) result in better fishing success. They mainly eat shad. Anglers do report some nice catches of striped bass, walleye and catfish. They are able to tolerate much cooler temperatures and even go into a semi-hibernation state. Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered. Walleye: Fair Fishing Techniques You can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking or just relaxing around the lake. The many tributaries associated with the lake support this species complex life cycle and ensure that fished populations are replenished each year. Bull Shoals Lake is known for its clear, deep waters. Crankbaits, jigs, plastic worms, and spinner baits are common lures to use here for bass. Piney Run Reservoir - Located in Sykesville, Carroll County Fish species . If you're headed out to the Reservoir, we recommend fishing near cliffs and steep shore banks, gradual . The meat of this species is reputedly one of the most delicious of all Arkansas game fish. Dawn and dusk are prime times for fishing walleye as they tend to be more active during darker hours of the day. The walleye occurs in large numbers in Bull Shoals Lake, where even 18 20 inch (46 50 cm) specimens can be caught legally. Located along the Glade Top Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, this day use area is situated on one of the Ozark glades. Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Walleyes are hitting exceptionally well on overcast days and dusk on offerings presented in the 12- to 35-foot level on the main lake bluffs and points. Bull Shoals Lake is also home to this prehistoric fish! Largemouth Bass, It is easily identified by its iridescent blue to purple coloration and dark-shaded bands. The rest of the year, black crappies tend to school in open water and up to 40 feet (12 meters) below the surface. If it's Pontiac, you would be about 10 miles north of Pot Shoals. Bull Shoals Lake has a ton of fish attractors and there is even a map of them, so you can find them easier. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and plastic worms catch the majority of the black bass species. I've spent a lot of time on it since the late 60's and still haven't been everywhere. that line class for many years. White Bass, Using lighter line is key to getting more bites in clear water, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is out. Also, the spring-time white bass spawning runs can be difficult to pattern if the lake level fluctuates and river flows change frequently. Bull Shoals Lake has a surface area of 183 km2 (45,150 acres). Walleye and sauger: minimum 18" To spawn in spring, the male spotted bass builds a nesting site where the female can safely deposit her eggs. Closer to dusk and dawn, they prefer to stay in open water. Just looking for information about how good of a population of big blues there are in Bull Shoals. Fishing Tackle Me and my fishing partner have had a bad year this year, The water has been down here and we haven't been able to get to our normal holes. Many state fishing records have been set at Bull Shoals Lake, included are the Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, Striped Bass, and the still standing Largemouth Bass at 13lb. To catch cats in the Bull you need a depth finder. Channel catfish reproduction. Bull Shoals Lake is an incredible fishing destination located in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. The fall colors offer a breathtaking display only nature can provide. Anglers can identify largemouth and spotted bass by using differences in the jaw bone length, cheek scale size, connectivity of the spinous and soft dorsal fin, and absence/presence of a tongue patch. JavaScript is disabled. The darkness makes it easier to get bites as well since the water is so clear. Lake-Buffalo-North Fork. Anglers in the lake are allowed to fish up to 5 trout per day. Beaver Creek, River Run, and K-Dock accesses are in Taney County and located off Highways O, 76, and K, respectively. Our catfish section is huge with information on the best live baits, lures, where to catch them and how to catch them. fresh water Shad-patterned flies and jigs are the bait of choice. Take a look at our lodging pages, and find the perfect vacation spot for a peaceful getaway overlooking our little piece of Heaven on earth, Bull Shoals Lake. White crappies have vertical stripes instead of spots along the length of their bodies. In this environment, jigs and craw rigs are quite effective at luring them. fisherman. These are ideal fishing areas for bass as they tend to be shallower. Beautiful, quiet coves are abundant, and the fish are too! Brown Trout, Nothing messes up a good fishing trip like engine troubles. Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report | January 20th 2022 | Del Colvin Watch on BULL SHOALS LAKE FISHING REPORT Del Colvin I'm passionate about bass fishing and passing the skills and knowledge needed to keep catching those fish. This species is one of the most abundant of all catfish in US waters. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. Channel cats exceeding 20 pounds and Blues exceeding 60 Fishing for them can be quite challenging, but they do tend to follow bait fish over a considerable distance. Check out the map above to view nearby river levels, or head to the A 60 pound Blue catfish caught on 8-pound test line was a world record for Eastern red cedar and oak trees are interspersed with open glades supporting native tall prairie grasses. New for 2023. Black Bass: Good JUGS!! Detailed Lake Information: Type of Lake: Hilland. Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Contact | About, List of Bull Shoals Lake Fish Species 2021 [Updated], 1) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), 4) Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), 5) Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus), 8) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), 9) Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), 12) American paddlefish (Polydon spathula), 15) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), 16) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), to produce hydroelectric power and prevent flooding, projects that can help sustain game fish communities, increase the likelihood of successfully baiting this bass, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, entering into the Bull Shoals-White River State Park, world record holder was fished in Alabama, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, How to Plant & Grow Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis), Do Goldfish Eat Tadpoles & Frogspawn? The areas that have large schools of shad will usually be the spots that hold good numbers of bass and other fish too. Some fish over 60 pounds are possible here. Another key part of the food chain, the black crappie is a popular game fish in reservoirs. It has also been introduced in several water systems as a means to control pest fish. Listed below are some of the most economically important fish species in the lake system. A subspecies with distinctly golden coloration was stocked, in the thousands, into the Bull Shoals Lake system. Channel catfish is also rich in vitamins and minerals and has a fairly low concentration of methyl-mercury compared to other predatory freshwater fish. There are a lot of catfish in Bull Shoals Lake. Largemouth bass are making a showing on the main lake near shoulders of cuts at 12 to 18 feet. The state record was fished in the lake in 1969 and was a sturdy specimen that weighed 7 pounds and 5 ounces (3.3 kg). This gives it an advantage as it can feed at night and on smaller fish that are unable to see as adeptly. For this reason, it has the potential to become invasive. Populations of many subspecies have become threatened or extinct due to habitat loss. Many anglers will fish the bottom when targeting rocky points, however, in the summer and fall months, you can find a lot of fish suspended just off the points in deeper water just away from the points. The Bull Shoals dam and associated lake-river system are just one of many that have facilitated river-based spawning events. Restrictions. For table quality they are generally considered In 1996 Diane Lacefield of Mountain Home speargunned a 68 In streams Channels inhabit the deeper pools. Fishing reports i have seen lately say the baitfish are moving toward the river, which i think would be west. Fishing Tackle He knows the tricks and patience it takes to catch big fish. These close cousins tend to hybridize into sturdy fish that are commonly known as wipers, whiterock bass, or Cherokee bass. Blue Catfish, Because this lake is so deep, most anglers just choose to stay right along the shoreline and they do just fine for a variety of different fish. Currently, anglers may keep only one bass larger than 21 inches. Plenty of big fish on the fish finder at 5 - 15 feet, but nothing wated our bluegill. It has a pronounced jaw and large eyes that are surrounded by distinct purple to red streaks. Bull Shoals can be confusing. With a length of 688 m (2,257 feet), it managed to bring about the creation of the Bull Shoals Lake. There are lots of good places but Pot Shoals is a good place. It is also one of the most popular fishing destinations in the state, attracting anglers from all over the country. wont abandon their nests and the fry are most vulnerable. On average, this species lives for just 4 6 years in the wild. Black Bass (largemouth, spotted, smallmouth combined): 10 Smallmouth Bass (including hybrids of smallmouth and other bass): 4 Length limit in Ozark Zone is 12 inches long; otherwise, length limit is 10 inches long. reservoir Along with inflows from and outflows into the White River, this freshwater system has been designated as a state park that offers a wealth of activities all year round. From late spring through summer, anglers report good fishing at night on Bull Shoals Lake. Bull Shoals Lake is a short drive from Branson, and like Table Rock, is in both Missouri and Arkansas. Around the corner from Lake Norfork Dam and the White River, in the Arkansas Ozarks, Quarry Marina offers the finest in boat rentals : bass and fishing boats , Aloha pontoon boats , ski boats , and other watersports equipment. Although natural reproduction of Channel catfish does This stunning species is a frequent favorite due to its fantastic colors and nutritional composition. **Go to the ParkCache listings to find all 53 caches. As indicated by its common name, this fish appears to have red slashes just underneath its jawline, making it appear as though its throat has been cut! For boat permits and information call 410-795-6150. Black bass, white bass, crappie, and other species flourish. Any help would be great. MOYAK Mondays 7!! Staying up to date on the current fishing reports can greatly improve your chances to doing well on a fishing trip to Bull Shoals Lake. Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. Bull Shoals is virtually an untapped Walleye fishery. entices a female in, spawns with her, then runs her off. Crappie: Good Thats the reason the speargunning season on Flatheads does not open until July Some of the creek arms will be much better in the spring as fish move into the shallows to spawn and then again in the fall as bait fish move into the creeks. After the spawning season in spring, smallmouth bass tend to move into the lakes main water column, where they remain suspended. The property DIRECTLY borders the "Take Line" at Bull Shoals Lake. Freshwater Fishing Crappie fishing can be very good at times during this time of the year as well. By then the lake will have turned over and the week you are going to be here most folks will be in the deer woods as that is when modern gun season kicks off. In the Swan Creek Arm above U.S. Highway 160: Taney ratio of any freshwater fish in America. There are a lot of catfish in Bull Shoals Lake. This effort was done as a means to increase trout dispersal and support fishing demands. It's located in Arkansas, United States. Blue Catfish, perched in the crotches of sunken trees or lying immobile on rock ledges. drift fishing, The area is popular for reunions and weddings. However, Bull Shoals Lake is so deep that most of these creek arms will have plenty of deep water which will also hold fish in the summer and winter months too. Anglers target a variety of fish along the rocky shorelines throughout the lake. The spring is the best time to find fish shallower along the shorelines and off the ponts. the normal period of protection given by the male. Fishing Rigs The tapetum lucidum is highly reflective, causing light to bounce back through the fishs retina. Fourteen were brown trout, the rest rainbows on day 1. 15, so theyll have a chance to spawn and get through the brooding period when they In the late spring, summer, and fall, minnows and nightcrawlers rigged on bottom-bouncers, and crankbaits slowly trolled along flats and points at or just above the depth of the thermocline catch good numbers of fish. Ultimate Fishing Site is the largest fishing tips and tourism website on the net. Wakeboarding, skiing, and tubing are perfect on Bull Shoals Lake, with low boating traffic and wide channels. John Jamison. It is an opportunistic feeder that favors all types of plants and animals, including smaller fish. North Fork White River (Norfork Tailwater), Spavinaw Creek (Benton County) west of Arkansas Highway 59 - minimum length 16 inches, daily limit of 2. In turn, they are favored by many large game fish and waterfowl. It's a Regular size geocache, with difficulty of 2.5, terrain of 1.5. 14oz. When searching the creek arms to find fish, you may have to search for certain water temperatures, shoreline cover or schooling baitfish to find the better bite on each particular day. Bull Shoals is a great lake and don't let 1 short trip form an opinion. Bull Shoals Dam was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1951. Water Level (Range): normal Crappies are doing well over brush piles at 25 to 35 foot depths in creek arms near major creek arms and the main lake, as well as secondary points in creek arms. I've spent a lot of time on it since the late 60's and still haven't been everywhere. As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lakes elevation at 661.18 feet msl (normal conservation pool 654 msl). In the summer and fall, it is a little more predictable as the better bite will usually be in deeper water out on the main lake as well in some of the creek arms too. In 2016, Debra, an Illinois native and New Orleans transplant, purchased her family home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals Lake. 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