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Fishing for sport? With family? There’s a pole and a boat in Branson just for you.
Branson is known for shows and entertainment, but the other aspect of life that puts Branson on the map is its fishing. Table Rock Lake is just a short distance from Branson, while trout-rich Lake Taneycomo runs right through town. Here’s what you need to get started.
Trout on Taneycomo
If you’re a seasoned fly fisherman with your own gear and tackle, but don’t know where to fish, River Run Outfitters should be your first stop. River Run Outfitters offers wading and drift boat-guided trips. Half-day trips for two are $255. A full day costs $345. The full day trip includes gear (waders, rod, reels, line, leaders, and flies,) along with beverages and lunch. Halfday trips include gear, beverages and a light snack. The crew at RRO recommends having an assortment of “go-to” flies sure to catch fish: woolly buggers in black and olive, copper dun midges, and cracklebacks in holographic and pumpkin. Also, if you forget something at home or don’t want to drag your tackle across six states, RRO rents fly rods, reels, and fly line for $25 a day and waders for $15 a day. If you’re not into fly-fishing and want a family experience, try Lilley’s Landing Resort and Marina. Lilley’s offers guided fishing trips for fly or spin-cast fishing: Two people, half-day, is $225; full-day trips cost $325. For spin-cast fishing, Lilley’s crew recommends bringing a six-foot rod with a two-pound line. Marabou jigs in olive, brown, black, or ginger are good baits. If you are a traditionalist, live bait such as salmon eggs, night crawlers, and minnows work well in certain sections. Lilley’s resort offers one-bedroom units starting at $59 a night all the way up to four-bedroom units that start at $209 a night. Parties of six or more can rent condos starting a $189 a night.
Bass on Table Rock Lake
Scenic Table Rock Lake offers great opportunities to catch largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. Local guides like Captain Don House love fishing in the fall. Captain House offers two-person, half-day fishing trips for $250 and full-day fishing trips for $350. All fishing gear and tackle are included. There are lots of places to stay on and near Table Rock, but not all cater to fishermen: Lakeside Resort and General Store does. Each of Lakeside’s cabins have a theme and come in different sizes and occupancies. Rates vary, but $100 a night is what to expect. Remember: Fishing in the Show-Me State requires a Missouri Fishing Permit. Missouri Resident fishing permits are $12, non-residents are $42. An additional “trout stamp” must be purchased when fishing Lake Taneycomo. Check with an outfitter or the Missouri Department of Conservation (mdc.mo.gov) for more information.
