Multiple marinas and boat rental options are conveniently located around the lake. These successful recruitment years will provide good fishing opportunities now and in future years. Local Weather & Lake Level InformationThis shows both View Bull Shoals Boat Dock Fishing Report, ADVERTISE ON EXPLORE THE OZARKS DIRECTORIES. There are many resorts, cabins, and campgrounds to choose from on Bull Shoals Lake. In the spring, you have a variety of bass and other fish that move into the creek arms to get ready to spawn, but lake levels and water clarity can change quickly here in the spring. He knows the tricks and patience it takes to catch big fish. It spawns in these rivers and often hybridizes with rainbow trout. Explore more, impact less with Snoflo. Using lighter line is key to getting more bites in clear water, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is out. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Fishing Tackle This is great news for the lakes larger carnivores as they are less likely to have trouble coming across many viable food sources. It gets so hot down here in the summer that for many anglers, fishing at night is more enjoyable for the lower air temperatures. Lakewide: Ozark and Taney Daily limit: Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these three species Crappie: 15 fish Length limit: Black bass: minimum 15" on largemouth and smallmouth bass; minimum 12" on spotted bass Crappie: 10" minimum . I've had a lot of luck jug fishing about half-way back in Music creek. mussels in the stomachs of Blue catfish on the Arkansas River. While this lakes water can stain quite a bit during heavy rains, the lake clears up with underwater visibility 20 to 30 feet. They are able to tolerate much cooler temperatures and even go into a semi-hibernation state. 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. 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. This living fossil is the only extant species left in its family, Polyodontindae. It is now
Boat Rentals, Houseboat Rentals, Marina Services, Large Tackle & Watersport Equipment Store, Fishing Guides, P.A.D.I. 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. Anglers wanting fish to eat are encouraged to harvest spotted bass greater than 12 inches. Channel cats exceeding 20 pounds and Blues exceeding 60
It, too, is nationally known for its excellent bass fishing. The Pontiac, Spring Creek, and Theodsia Accesses are in Ozark County and located off of Highways W, HH, and 160, respectively. entices a female in, spawns with her, then runs her off. Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, 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()}. The main lake points and shorelines are good spots to target a variety of bass and other fish too. Redbud and dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple put on vivid fall colors. Lake-Buffalo-North Fork. Austin Lake GPX 967.00 B They are differentiated from one another based on their pigmentation. Large males are often found defending their nests, which are usually associated with fallen logs and debris. 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. Special, area-specific regulations can be found here. Bowfin, This unique adaptation helps it feed on other small fish, crayfish, and insects. Black bass, white bass, crappie, and other species flourish. 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. Best Fishing Trips Ken Minsky of Ken Minksys Loch Leven Guide Service said Bull Shoals is fishing well with mid-lake temperatures in the mid-70s, up several degrees from just a week ago. Both Channel and Blue are found everywhere in the lakes. Bull Shoals is the closest lake on the map and was wondering if it would be possible to catch blue catfish out of there. 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. Unlike the smallmouth bass, the spotted one does not have vertical stripes along its sides. Dawn and dusk are prime times for fishing walleye as they tend to be more active during darker hours of the day. Anglers do report some nice catches of striped bass, walleye and catfish. 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. From Powersite Dam to Highway 76: Taney Prohibited Methods: Trotlines, throwlines and limb lines. The primary species of fish in this lake are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass. Hope you catch a lot of fish the remainder of the year. Also referred to as bream or copper nose, bluegill is another member of the perch family. Annual Prospects Report Fishing spots and depth contours layers are available in most Lake maps. 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. The best time to search for them is when water temperatures reach an average of 56F (13C) in spring. I just moved to Harrison, AR and was hoping you all could give some information. At this fully furnished, fully equipped kitchen, 2-bedrooms cabin (first room queen bed),(second room queen bed and bunkbeds), sleeps-6, 1-bath cabin in Cedarcreek, MO. This species is one of the most abundant of all catfish in US waters. eggs, and defend the young aggressively. Black Bass: Fair Warmouth. Best Fishing Trips Due to its pale coloration, its other common names are silver bass or sand bass. At times, finding schooling fish over deep water is the only way to consistently catch a lot of fish with quality fish too. Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community. Because of the lake's history of inconsistent spawning success, anglers catching smallmouth and largemouth bass are encouraged to practice catch-and-release in order to help maintain the bass population. Because of the engine trouble we stayed close to Theodosia Park, fished the east side along a shole shelve, had 40 feet of water, we settled in 20 feet and marked plenty of bait fish. Artificial fishing habitats have considerably increased their numbers in recent years. Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report & Lake Conditions by Ricky Eastwold and Crew at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock "We Rent Fun!" Boat Rentals, Houseboat Rentals, Marina Services, Large Tackle & Watersport Equipment Store, Fishing Guides, P.A.D.I. There was a definite slump in action late last week when the weather pattern shifted from 20 mph winds to hot and flat calm. They play a central role in the food chain as they consume insects, leeches, crustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fish. Welcome to BullShoals.com, your source for all things related to Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks. Also, the spring-time white bass spawning runs can be difficult to pattern if the lake level fluctuates and river flows change frequently. Key attractions along the trail include Long Creek Falls, panoramic views of the Ozarks countryside, and a variety of native communities including open limestone glades and mixed forests.Rating: More Difficult to Most Difficult with steep terrain, stream crossings, sparsely marked trail, and elevations from 600 to 1200 feet.Length: 32 milesBest Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring.Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in.Restrictions: Foot and Horse only.Safety: No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find. I would get a map if you try that distance. 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. They
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! After the spawning season in spring, smallmouth bass tend to move into the lakes main water column, where they remain suspended. Bull Shoals can be confusing. The areas that have large schools of shad will usually be the spots that hold good numbers of bass and other fish too. I would have gotten to you sooner but my computer went down. Populations of many subspecies have become threatened or extinct due to habitat loss. black bass fair on top water baits and soft plastics. Walleye numbers are very good and anglers should see a high percentage of legal-size fish in the 18-20 inch range in 2023. It is an ambush predator that prefers to hide and wait in the shade of aquatic macrophytes as it monitors its surroundings for prey. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. Flatheads can be taken on live bait and lures of all types, especially
Due to their nutritious and tasty meat, channel catfish are a popular aquaculture species. Eastern red cedar and oak trees are interspersed with open glades supporting native tall prairie grasses. Nothing messes up a good fishing trip like engine troubles. This species doesn't have the growth potential of the other black bass and fish over 15 inches are rare. Walleye: Fair Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered. Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report | January 20th 2022 | Del Colvin. Bluegill, As with the Channel and Blue catfishes, the males prepare the nest, constantly fan the
Communicate warnings, disperse advice, and share. It is also known as the spoonbill or spoon-billed cat due to its paddle-shaped snout. For many anglers, fishing for suspended bass and panfish 20 feet down over 50 feet of water may seem like a waste of time. Channel cats exceeding 20 pounds and Blues exceeding 60 pounds are occasionally caught. Warm summer weather can present more challenges to anglers as this tough species will venture into deeper, cooler pools that can reach depths of 50 feet (15 m) or more. Crappie: 10" minimum, On the lake and its tributaries: Ozark, Taney, Christian, and Douglas It also gives their brood
Unlike other sunfish, this one is able to thrive in polluted, oxygen-poor waters. Information: 417-895-6880 Music Creek is in Arkansas and about an 8 or 9 mile run down the main lake. Good Luck! We were shocked to have such a strong bite with such low water flow. lakes are trotlines and floating fishing devices. is a popular angling destination for catching Bull Shoals is virtually an untapped Walleye fishery. Had engine trouble which set us back a couple hours. Bull Shoals Lake is known for its excellent Largemouth Bass fishing, with some weighing up to 12 pounds have been caught. The place is huge. Rainbow trout is an anadromous species that must venture into the ocean to spawn in the final years of its life. Channel Catfish, Flathead catfish pulled out of river systems close to Bull Shoals Lake can easily exceed a weight of 50 pounds (22.7 kg). If you're headed out to Size does not make a perceptible difference in the flavor of
Alligator Gar, Another name for the warmouth is strawberry perch as its body is mottled brown, with reddish gill flaps. Spring is the best time to fish for this species because they move to the shallows to spawn. Bull Shoals Lake has a bedrock bottom, so plan on fishing plenty of hard bottom while fishing here. Now formally its own species, it is distinguished by lines of dark-colored spots, which appear as rows just underneath the lateral line on each side of the fishs body. This striped bass and its hybrids are regularly stocked in freshwater systems around the US as they are popular with sport fishers. Keeping up with the current fishing reports and being able to adapt and find new spots is key to having success here. Restrictions. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! If they catch individuals that are above 14 inches (35 cm) in length, they are allowed to keep just one. There are a lot of other species of fish in this lake. Naturally occurring populations have been considerably reduced from their range, so they are protected by state and federal laws. Within this site you will find all the information you will need about Bass fishing tournaments in Pennsylvania and Maryland, offering draw tournaments for weekend anglers (individual competition for boaters and non-boaters) on the Tidal Delaware River and the Susquehanna Flats. Read more about us here. The striped bass is an elegantly streamlined fish distinguished by its horizontally-oriented lateral stripes. Big channel catfish over 20 pounds can be caught in the lake. They are generally more common in rivers and streams than in lakes. I would head up the arm toward the 160 bridge. Bull Shoals is a great lake and don't let 1 short trip form an opinion. This fascinating fish can live for as long as 30 years, making it one of the most long-lived freshwater species in North America. Welcome to BullShoals.com, your source for all things related to Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks. Black Crappie, and Black Sea Bass. Anglers target a variety of fish along the rocky shorelines throughout the lake. Blue Catfish, And my boat is a 1448 Lowe w a 15hp honda, I am wondering if i should just spend the night north of potiac. jig-and-frogs, grubs, and crankbaits. The rest of the year, black crappies tend to school in open water and up to 40 feet (12 meters) below the surface. The rest of the year, larger bluegills tend to remain in deeper waters. pounds are occasionally caught. . The male catfish makes a nest in a crevice, small cave, hollow log, etc., and
Welcome to BullShoals.com, your source for all things related to Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks. 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. Check out the map above to view nearby river levels, or head to the We once
every year and has since 1975. These creek arms hold fish year round. Just 100 grams of its meat can contain 95 calories. 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. (which are now dominated by the cold tailwaters of several large Corps dams) and the young
This formidable fish is a primary species in Bull Shoals Lake. Just plan accordingly with the things you will need for a week on the lake. Black Bass: Good It favors cool, clean lakes that are associated with well-oxygenated tributaries leading up to shallow rivers. You can expect to find most anglers here Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. This effort was done as a means to increase trout dispersal and support fishing demands. The most effective means of fishing for Channel and Blue catfish in the
You just never know what the next bite will be. Channel catfish reproduction. Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! On day one the men caught over 100 trout including a dozen +/- 20". If it's Pontiac, you would be about 10 miles north of Pot Shoals. An attractive species of the sunfish family, the longear sunfish has visually appealing blue-green bars along the sides of its body. It is large enough to accommodate creatures that are twice the bass size. Channel catfish are omnivorous generally feeding along the bottom. Channel catfish are here in good numbers, but you can also catch blue catfish and flathead catfish too. Look for vapor lights 1 mile up south bay across from pt 16. Watch on. Water Level (Range): high Water Type: clear fishing, boating or just sunbathing. This lake has a lot of main lake points. New for 2023. Pontiac is on the Little North Fork River arm. February - June is the best time to target these great fishing and great eating fish. This John. 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. Record catches on Bull Shoals include a 13-pound, 14-ounce largemouth bass; a 65-pound, 2-ounce striped bass; and a 21-pound, 1-ounce walleye. Spring and summer blooming wildflowers cover the area in natural beauty. Even smaller-sized white bass are not as common in the lake as they used to be. Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass & Spotted Bass. Flathead spawning later in the year than it does for Channels and Blues,
Detailed Lake Information: Type of Lake: Hilland. Today, this lake supports a complex ecosystem surrounded by a sprawling community of water-dependent industries and diverse terrestrial wildlife. The walleye occurs in large numbers in Bull Shoals Lake, where even 18 20 inch (46 50 cm) specimens can be caught legally. Fishers are able to effectively catch this game fish with spinnerbaits, plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs. Blue Catfish, Closer to dusk and dawn, they prefer to stay in open water. High water levels throughout 2020, 2021, and 2022 also produced substantial year classes of largemouth bass and spotted bass, but anglers will have to wait a few more years before these fish reach 15 inches and 12 inches in length, respectively. noticed several which were full of persimmons. fresh water Its main color is silvery-white, with a darker dorsal region similar to that of white bass. Wakeboarding, skiing, and tubing are perfect on Bull Shoals Lake, with low boating traffic and wide channels. The meat of this species is reputedly one of the most delicious of all Arkansas game fish. Channel & Blue Catfish Arkansas Game & Fish stocks tens of thousands catchable size ( 1/2 to 1.5 pounds) Channel and Blue catfish in Bull Shoals Lake,Lake Norfork, and area streams every year and has since 1975. This tough species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around the lake. Bull Shoals Lake has an active fisheries sector that heavily relies on spawning success to drive fish population growth. If you are running from point to point, dont rule out these areas. Most of the time the cats I catch on the lake during the day time are in 30 to 50 ft of water with some as deep as 70 to 90 ft down. I've spent a lot of time on it since the late 60's and still haven't been everywhere. 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Goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the current fishing reports being.